Closeup Wakefield Jan 2016

I SSUE 5 JANUARY 2016

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MID YORKSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - WAKEFIELD & DISTRICT EDITION

IN ASSOCIATION WITH TOPICUK

FOR BUSINESS

THE BIG INTERVIEW

MARTIN HAIGH LATTITUDE7

Business of the Month CATCH UP WITH THE WINNERS

MY Conference Kirklees GET INVOLVED

Eaton Smith Partner

ADVISES AT SELECT COMMITTEE

PRESS CUTTINGS Let us put you in the news

Tel: 07711 539047 - editor@topicuk.co.uk - www.topicuk.co.uk - Ghost Publishing Ltd - Suite 6 Unity Works Westgate WakeďŹ eld WF1

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WELCOME From all of us at the Chamber may I welcome readers to this winter edition of Close Up for Business.

It doesn’t seem like a year since we produced the winter 2015 edition, but twelve months have indeed elapsed. During that time many disparate world events have created difficult trading conditions not just here in the UK, but for businesses throughout the world.

2015 was a year which started with a degree of optimism and hope for strengthening the UK economy, however, this has now passed by without any real indications of improving business conditions - which are necessary to support strong and sustainable rates of economic growth. But nevertheless, it is in the nature of business to look for positives, in the hope that the New Year will present new opportunities for business development, investment and profitability. This is particularly true of businesses in the Mid Yorkshire region - who over many years have demonstrated tremendous resilience to difficulties and great adaptability to often rapidly-changing circumstances.

Against this background, we stand side by side with our members in facing up to the business challenges during the year ahead. We recognise the great importance of the services we provide as a fully-accredited member of the network, which is represented by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Our expertise, help and support for exporters through MY Export Hub is instrumental in facilitating the movement of their goods and services throughout the world. Our popular networking events help and encourage members to widen their contacts and opportunities to do business with new suppliers and customers. Our MY Conferences do much to promote the exchange of ideas and new business opportunities (the next one is MY Conference Kirklees on 16th

March - see further details in this edition of Close Up). Our Local Business Forums are proving extremely popular, providing members with the opportunity to engage with politicians and other top decision-makers in influencing the business landscape.

Our Policy and Representation team represent our members’ interests at local, regional, and national levels, and together with the BCC press hard for the Government to follow a more business-friendly agenda which will promote economic growth, stimulate employment and investment, and help create wealth.

As ever, we are here to connect, support and represent the interests of our members and the wider local business community.

We do this with determination and enthusiasm – and we strive to ensure that services are always relevant, topical and responsive to changing business conditions and demands.

We wish you well for business in the year ahead and hope you enjoy reading this edition of Close Up. Let’s hope that the next twelve months will prove to be the beginning of a sustainable economic recovery not only in our region but for the whole of the UK. Martin Hathaway, Chief Executive Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

NewsUpdate

TopicUK set to launch fourth edition in London

SUMMARY & CONTENTS

Here at TopicUK we are almost ready to launch our fourth edition, this time in Soho, London. As well as supporting local businesses, the magazine will be a driving force behind the Save Soho campaign started

by Tim Arnold and supported by actors such as Benedict Cumberbatch and Stephen Fry. Hot on the heels of Soho, TopicUK has plans to launch a fifth edition in Leeds.

PICK UP YOUR COPY

06 09 18 WDH ACHIEVES business award

UNIVERSITY

LOCAL HEROES

plans move a step closer

Irish kid's determination

For a full list of where you can pick up your free copy visit our website: www.topicuk.co.uk or call 07711 539047

32 56 60 NEW APPOINTMENT for The Theatre Royal

PIE WINGS its way to history

ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS January -February

 PHOTOGRAPHER - Danny Gartside 07834 705736 www.dannygartside.com - COVER - Cllr.Graham Stoke 4

The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those held by the publishers and therefore no responsibility can be held by the publisher for misinterpretation. Reproduction of this magazine without the express permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Whilst every care is taken in the production of this magazine, the publisher/editor cannot accept any responsibility for errors in articles, advertisements or programme

EDITORS NOTES

which we hope to finalise in the next couple of weeks. And our plans don’t stop there, we are researching a fifth edition for Leeds and the launch of a TopicUK for young entrepreneurs and students.

We are delighted to welcome our new Board Director, Nadio Granata.

Nadio, a talented marketeer, has been working behind the scenes for us for several months and is responsible for the launch of Soho. Nadio will work for TopicUK for a few hours a month on business development, researching other towns to launch TopicUK.

TopicUK EDITOR GILL LAIDLER

CREATIVE DIRECTOR ROB BLACKWELL

LOCAL HEROES EDITOR

THE ARTS MURRAY EDWARDS, THEATRE ROYAL

FASHION KATIE PORTMAN

In December I attended two charity events, the first to support Wakefield Cathedral, enjoying a superb ladies lunch at Cedar Court Hotel, where the special guest was Michael Parr, better known as Ross Barton from Emmerdale.

As you can imagine, this, his first event of this kind, he was quite overwhelmed with the number of ladies in the room, but soon got into his stride with the help of host and compère, Pat Langham.

We’ve had a busy couple of months here at TopicUK, most notably the launch of our third edition covering Barnsley in November.

The event took place at The Oakwell Stadium, home to Barnsley Town Football Club, where we were joined by a large number of businesses who turned out to support us and of course to find out what TopicUK is all about. Renowned Yorkshire Artist Ashley Jackson joined us, as he had featured in the first edition and was our cover ‘star’ being a Barnsley lad! We were also joined by Sir Rodney Walker who has been a tremendous supporter of TopicUK since we launched in 2013.

In January, our attention will turn to London and our launch in Soho. We have a provisional launch date in late January

My second event was the Wakefield Annual Charity Christmas Lunch (WACCL). In it’s third year, the event goes from strength to strength and this year, a fantastic £28k was raised for the young people of Wakefield from Wakefield Theatre Youth Academy and the Burns Unit.

Attention is now turned to the next major event on the Wakefield Calendar, the Wakefield Theatre Gala Dinner in February. So successful last year, the event returns again with a special variety performance at the theatre with dinner at Unity Works. Following this is the Yorkshire Health Charity (formerly WDHCS) Gala Dinner in May, at the Cedar Court Hotel. There are still a few tickets available for both, so anyone wanting to attend, please get in touch.

LEGAL MATTERS RAMSDENS SOLICITORS

BEAUTY & WELLBEING ALEXANDER HOUSE SPA

HEALTH DR ANDREW FURBER

FOOD & RESTAURANT REVIEW KEVIN TRICKETT, WAKEFIELD CIVIC SOCIETY

RECRUITMENT ANDY TURNER, FIRST CHOICE RECRUITMENT

SOCIAL MEDIA SINEAD SOPALA, RAMSDENS SOLICITORS

BANKING JONATHAN ROSTRON, SANTANDER

IT PAUL HEIGHAM, BELLINGHAM IT

EDUCATION DARRYL WIDEMAN SILCOATES SCHOOL

MOTORING JOE WILSON, AUDI WAKEFIELD

MUSIC KATE HONEYMAN, WAKEFIELD MUSIC COLLECTIVE

Gill Laidler

Tel: 07711 539047 - editor@topicuk.co.uk - www.topicuk.co.uk - Ghost Publishing Ltd - Suite 6 Unity Works Westgate Wakefield WF1 1EP schedules. To subscribe to this magazine, submit an article or press release please contact Gill Laidler on: 07711 539047 or email editor@topicuk. co.uk Published by Ghost Publishing Limited. Law pages are written by Ramsdens Solicitors and TopicUK is not responsible for any advice given.

Wakefield Edition January 2016 5

NewsUpdate BUSINESS GROWTH

NEW STORE

NEW APPOINTMENT

BONDHOLDERS

Route One Highways develop its administration team staff into Operational and Commercial roles 8

National retailer, The Works, opens at Trinity Walk Shopping Centre on 19 November.

Theatre Royal Wakefield has appointed Katie Town as Executive Director

Private sector support to promote the Wakefield district has never been stronger

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WDH achieves Europe’s highest business award “We are extremely proud to achieve this award because we are flying the flag for the housing sector, showing what we can achieve with the right support and partnership working.”

"The day-today work of social landlords is vastly underrated.

WDH has been named as one of Europe’s best businesses after winning the EFQM Excellence Award.

EFQM is recognised across Europe as the benchmarking framework for major businesses across the continent and beyond, with organisations being judged and scored against its criteria.

A prestigious judging panel score all entries under several categories including customer service, investing in people and achieving outstanding results.

Those with the top scores are considered to be ‘world class’ and awarded the European Excellence Award. WDH is the

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first UK business to achieve this accolade.

Kevin Dodd, WDH’s Chief Executive, said: “Winning the European Excellence Award and being named as one of Europe’s best businesses is our greatest achievement, and could not fall at a better time given that housing is now so much higher on the political agenda.

“The day-to-day work of social landlords is vastly underrated.

We are about much more than rents and repairs - we are making a positive contribution to the quality of life of millions of people across the UK, and changes to our rents and the Right-to-Buy policy put much of this work in jeopardy.

Marc Amblard, Chief Executive Officer of EFQM, said: “The jury was impressed

by WDH’s long-term plans to improve the lives of their customers and the outstanding results in all performance areas. On top of that, there is a vision that runs through the organisation like a golden thread, supported by an inspirational leadership and passion in the organisation.”

WDH was the only UK business represented in the finals of the EFQM Awards 2015, and the only business representing the housing sector.

WDH’s success this year builds on its previous achievements in the EFQM European Excellence Awards, where it was named a Finalist in 2012 and a prize winner for ‘adding value for customers’ in 2013.

For more information on the work of WDH, visit www.wdh.co.uk.

TopicUK launches third edition in Barnsley Another successful TopicUK launch, this time in Barnsley, as edition number four is planned for Soho, London We are delighted that we have now launched our third edition of TopicUK, this time covering Barnsley and district. This edition comes just six months after our Kirklees / Calderdale launch.

Just like other editions, the new Barnsley TopicUK will help promote Barnsley businesses, encourage collaborative working, share experiences and be very much community focused.

“Barnsley was not originally on our business plan to be the next town to launch, but it was the businesses themselves who asked us to work with them to give them their own magazine and with so much support, it was easy to achieve,” explained TopicUK editor, Gill Laidler.

The launch took place at the Oakwell Stadium, home to Barnsley Town Football Club on 13 November. “We invited around 60 businesses to join us and were delighted when almost everyone turned up, joining us for a welcome drink and canape’s courtesy of Oakwell Stadium. There was a chance for businesses to network before Tim Welton, Partner at Chadwick Lawrence and Topicuk Board Director welcomed guests with a short presentation.

“We only published 1000 copies but stocks of these have almost all been exhausted,” continued Gill. “We would like to thank all the businesses from Barnsley

who supported us, advertised and contributed to this first edition and we are already well underway with the second, out mid January.”

TopicUK was launched in Wakefield in April 2013 and has grown in strength with every issue, thanks to the support of local businesses.

“We started with 44 pages and just 1000 copies and we now publish 6000 copies in the city with up to 80 pages of business news. Kirklees / Calderdale launched in April 2015 and has doubled it’s circulation and increased pagination in just 4 issues,” Gill continued.

So what’s next for TopicUK? “We are talking to a number of local businesses about licensing opportunities for Kirklees / Calderdale and Barnsley and a fourth edition is set to launch in Soho, London early in 2016, also operated under license.

This will enable the TopicUK directors to concentrate on launching in more areas and Leeds is the target for 2016.

“We are also set to create a TopicUK for the younger generations including students from Wakefield College and Backstage Academy and hope to appoint a new junior editor very soon,” concluded Gill.

If anyone is interested in getting involved or in the licensing opportunities that are available, contact us directly on 07711 539047 or email: editor@topicuk.co.uk

Local solicitors appointed directors of Quittance Jeremy Garside and Howard Willis have been appointed as directors of Quittance Personal Injury. Quittance Personal Injury is a national claims management company.

Jeremy Garside is a partner and former managing partner of Chadwick Lawrence and experienced litigator. He has been a practising solicitor in Yorkshire since 1986.

Howard Willis is a partner of Chadwick Lawrence and heads up the personal injury activity at Yorkshire’s Injury Lawyers (YIL).

Howard is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.

The YIL team also comprises Paul Carvis who is a member of the Law Society’s Personal Injury Panel.

Speaking on behalf of Quittance, Mr Garside said “Howard and I are thrilled to have been appointed as directors of Quittance.

Quittance is reshaping the personal injury market by delivering a fairer deal for Claimants. This is a fast growing and exciting company to be working with. Quittance’s growth will help support and create new jobs in Yorkshire.

The changes in the law in 2013 have made it increasingly difficult for firms to compete in the highly regulated personal injury sector.

Hundreds of firms have closed since the changes. In contrast, Quittance has experienced rapid expansion as a result of their fairer approach for Claimants.”

Wakefield Edition January 2016 7

NewsUpdate

Pandora opens at Trinity Walk

Pandora LtoR Store manager Stacey Harrison and Assistant Manager Lauren Kaye Major international jewellery brand, PANDORA, has made a move into a brand new store at Trinity Walk shopping centre in Wakefield city centre.

Danielle Shaw QUENSH Coordinator (right) and Toni Clarke Commercial Assistant (left) carrying out a night safety inspection on two of our schemes.

PANDORA has opened its brand new 1,275 sq ft unit – operated by Yorkshirebased jewellers Hugh Rice under the PANDORA brand name. The new Trinity Walk store will take on six full-time and five part-time staff as part of its team.

Developing talent is key to business growth

PANDORA designs and manufactures hand-finished, contemporary jewellery made from high-quality materials at affordable prices. The global brand is sold in more than 90 countries around the world and the dedicated store at Trinity Walk will be another major attraction for shoppers.

Route One Highways develop its administration team staff into Operational and Commercial roles as a strategic part of the company’s growth and expansion into the highways and rail maintenance markets.

PANDORA franchisee, Paul Rice, MD of Hugh Rice, commented: “Moving into Trinity Walk is an exciting next step for PANDORA as we attract new customers as well as being more accessible to existing loyal customers of the brand.”

Cormac Hamilton, centre manager at Trinity Walk, added: “PANDORA’s stand-alone store is a major new addition to Trinity Walk. They are a leading, respected jewellery brand which will entice even more visitors to the centre, as well as creating more jobs. It’s also great timing as we prepare for the run up to the busy festive season.”

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Danielle Shaw, who is currently studying the last unit of the NEBOSH National Diploma in occupational health and safety, started in administration and accounts and has been mentored in-house by Health, Safety and Environment Manager Dennis Ainge.

Danielle is now working as the company’s QUENSH (Quality Environment Safety and Health) coordinator and has already been instrumental in the introduction and promotion of various health and safety procedures, including the use of mobile

emergency aid stations, which include a specialist burns kit.

Toni Clarke, who also started in the administration department, has progressed to the commercial team and is studying part-time towards an HNC in Civil Engineering. The course has a bias towards estimating and quantity surveying to allow Toni to take a more active and independent role within the commercial team.

Gary Credland, Director at Route One says: “It is important to us that we harness our in-house talent and help our staff maximise their full potential.

Embracing this approach is key to our business growth and succession planning.

Both Danielle and Toni are keen to learn and grow with us – they will be great assets to our business for years to come.”

New store is The Works National retailer, The Works, opens at Trinity Walk Shopping Centre on 19 November.

The latest addition to the current line-up for shoppers now means Trinity Walk is more fully-let than ever before, with only a couple of empty units remaining.

Seven new jobs have been created at the all-round gifts, toys, books and arts & crafts store, which has opened in a 2,387 sq ft unit on Teall Way, leading to the centre’s food and drink square. The Works will now be next to GAME and Trespass, and opposite Clarks and Deichmann.

Shoppers will be spoilt for choice as The Works sell over one million products every week. The company has over 300 stores in the UK. Every year they serve over 24 million customers with a wide range of stock including toys, books, gifts, stationery and arts and crafts all at fantastic value. The Works sell both big brand and own-branded products all at discounted prices.

Kevin Keaney, CEO at The Works, commented: “Moving into Trinity Walk before Christmas was fantastic as we got to experience the busy shopping centre over the festive season. We’ll have a wider product mix in store, bringing in existing customers as well as attracting new ones.”

Cormac Hamilton, centre manager at Trinity Walk, added: “We’re thrilled to have another national retailer like The Works move into the shopping centre.

We are confident that adding The Works to the already great mix of retailers will improve our offer to our customers. It’s also yet another boost for jobs in the city.”

For more information on the centre, please see www.trinitywalk.com

University Centre plans move a step closer...

A brand new £6.25 million Advanced Skills and Innovation Centre (ASICS), which will become the new home of the University Centre at Wakefield College, has been given the go-ahead.

The Centre, based at the College’s City Campus, aims to focus on innovation and enterprise in order to promote economic growth within the community.

Wakefield College Principal, Sam Wright said: “We’re delighted that the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has approved our plans for the Advanced Skills and Innovation Centre. We’re grateful for the tremendous support we’ve had from key stakeholders in making this a reality.

“The new multi-million pound build will also house our University Centre, building on our existing expertise in providing university-level provision in the heart of Wakefield. This exciting new Centre is designed to help bridge the region’s skills gap and give young people and employers higherlevel educational and employment opportunities right on their doorstep.”

Cllr Peter Box, CBE Leader of Wakefield Council said: “Today’s news brings our ambition for an advanced skills and university centre one step closer.

We are now embarking on a new era where our aspirations for higher level education and innovation can be delivered from within the city. Our younger and older people will soon have the opportunity to access, close to home, the learning and training they need to reach their full potential.

“The funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority is real example of devolved power at work. A decision made in the local region by local people to help deliver the specific needs of a local area. Devolution is already working and delivering in West Yorkshire.”

The College has been working in partnership with local businesses, Wakefield Metropolitan District Council, and other key stakeholders on the Advanced Skills and Innovation Centre project. Work on the new project will begin early next year.

Wakefield Edition January 2016 9

NewsUpdate to our ‘asset management’ approach and the use of innovative field-base technology which allows our engineers to provide real-time reporting and photographs.

“Our key priorities are to provide a safe well-managed service which reduces unnecessary costs and minimises potential disruption to train services.”

DrainsAid secure Network Rail contract DrainsAid, the specialist drainage and sewer rehabilitation division of Peter Duffy Ltd, has successfully secured a two year contract with Network Rail for the management of the company’s septic tank assets on the London North West (LNW) route.

Network Rail assets throughout the region, including sites in remote and challenging locations. This service is crucial for the company as without the benefit of mains drainage, septic tank maintenance is critical for the welfare of Network Rail staff working at the sites.

DrainsAid will now assist the railway maintenance specialists with planned and reactive drainage services for

Jason Monaghan, Sales Manager at DrainsAid, said: “We have been selected to provide this important service largely due

Genix Healthcare appoint Ghost Communications Genix Healthcare and Sparkle Dental Labs, have appointed TopicUK sister company Ghost Communications to handle all their design, media and marketing.

Genix Healthcare owns and operates a chain of dental clinics that provide a high standard of NHS dentistry and affordable private dentistry. Their vision is to further expand throughout the UK, keeping the wants and needs of local communities at the forefront of their work. The head office

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team in Leeds, provides vital support and advice on the day to day running of their clinics to ensure a consistently high standard of care to all their patients.

Commenting on the appointment, Director Gill Laidler said: “We are delighted to be working with such a high profile business, who are expanding rapidly throughout the UK and will look forward to creating new designs and branding as well as taking care of all their marketing requirements.”

DrainsAid’s use of the latest mobile fieldbase technology means that the septic tank service is managed much more effectively in comparison to previous methods. The company invests in a lot of innovative industry technology, including the new M-Coating manhole rehabilitation system which alongside the mobile field-base technology has attracted a lot of interest from existing and prospective customers alike.

“It’s crucial to our future success that we keep investing in ground-breaking technology to ensure that we can provide our prestigious client base with marketleading drainage services,” added Jason.

“Engineers are extensively trained on new equipment, and what’s more, all engineers and supervisors involved with our rail industry works have the Personal Track Safety (PTS) training, a safe working practice designed to ensure the safety of railway workers and those who have to work on or near a railway line.”

Why SEO is one of the best and safest inbound marketing investments If your customers research, source or buy your products and services online, SEO should form a key part of any inbound marketing strategy.

Of course a PPC campaign will generate quicker results, but SEO represents a more stable long term investment and ensures that every piece of traffic doesn’t carry a cost, unlike PPC. Also, whilst organic search algorithms work on fairly consistent, predictable and stable rules, with PPC you are totally exposed to both the search engine’s pricing model and your competitor’s activity, and this potential volatility carries risk.

Your website is an asset Once you know your target audience is searching online for your products and services, you can invest in your website with confidence, knowing that a) when it begins to rank on page one it will generate leads, b) you will see a return on your SEO investment and c) that the value of your website as an asset will appreciate. A website that is delivering strong lead or sales results will also make you more attractive to buyers and investors in the future.

Part of the marketing mix By not investing in SEO, you are effectively devaluing every other marketing campaign you implement. SEO should serve to underpin and amplify all other marketing activity, particularly if it is a digital strategy looking to drive traffic to the site. As part of the sales cycle, consumers will move from awareness of the brand, through consideration and hopefully on to make a purchase, but we can’t control this process. However, if we can see that our prospects are clearly using search engines as part of the ‘consideration’ and ‘purchase’ process, we have to ensure we are putting our website in front of that audience, irrespective of when or why it happens.

Cost effective Whilst there are some (albeit few) exceptions, SEO remains an effective way to generate leads and sales, when compared to other marketing strategies. For example, when you compare the cost per call rates and cost per lead rates between SEO and other marketing functions, rarely does it lose. Having said that, an SEO campaign does rely on other marketing activity to drive its own success, in particular brand awareness, social media and PR. Do it yourself Many none-digital marketers view SEO as a technical discipline, but in reality the major search engines algorithms work on very

simple principles and there is a lot which a business can do in house. Take content for example. We continue to see regular examples of where a) a businesses website doesn’t feature all the keywords it wants to rank well for and b) the website isn’t being regularly updated around the subjects they want to be viewed as an authority on.

Two simple functions that can be managed and implemented in house for relatively small cost.

In summary, investing in SEO is a solid medium to long term strategy that will not only deliver a return on your investment, but it will magnify the impact of your other marketing strategies whilst giving you a stable platform for growth.

Jonathan Scott, Sales Director, Northern Media: jonathan@northernmediauk.com

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Wakefield Edition January 2016 11

NewsUpdate Ne ewssUp pda d te

Financial Support Guaranteed ?

OFF THE HOOK-

MAYBE ?

Relief as arts leaders fare better R than expected in budget talks.

By Mu Murray Edwards, Executive Director Theatre Royal Wakefield

Theatre Royal Wakefield, Drury Lane, Wakefield WF1 2TE www.theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk Tel: 01924 211311 mail@theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk 12

TheArts

Many of us grew up to understand that it was the “right to fail”, the ability to try things out in a way that has, over the years, produced some quite remarkable successes...

Well well well – a week is a long time in politics, as they say, and certainly this was the case last week. In September I speculated that maybe, just maybe, George Osborne “gets the arts” and so it has turned out. Despite demands that government departments model the impact of cuts in the region of 25-40% George has finally and publicly recognised the value of the arts.

The chancellor pledged that Arts Council England (ACE) and national museums and galleries would get the same amount of funding in cash terms in 2019-20 as they do today. It was a long way from the dramatic cuts that had been widely feared and Sir Peter Bazalgette, chair of ACE, said: “This is an astonishing settlement for arts and culture. This settlement means we can keep up our efforts to ensure everyone, everywhere in England, benefits from arts council money. We can continue to invest in children and young people, disadvantaged communities and new talent, as well as hundreds of much-loved arts and cultural institutions.”

In his speech Osborne described the arts as “one of the best investments we can make as a nation”.

He said £1bn a year in grants leads to “a quarter of a trillion pounds to the economy – not a bad return”. The chancellor also pledged that the UK’s national museums would remain free to enter and tax credits may be created to help them further.

The elephant in the room is what now happens to local authority funding. George Osborne’s statement is just the beginning, as it is the forthcoming local authority settlements that will determine the fate of the majority of the UK’s arts organisations (including galleries and museums)

– the hundreds of institutions across the country that are already under-resourced and vulnerable.

There was palpable relief at this announcement amongst leaders in the arts sector last week, not least because of the apparent lateness of the Treasury settlement with the DCMS - it was one of the last departments to settle and arts leaders had no idea what to expect.

As I said in September, let’s hope that we can now build on all the work that arts organisations across the country have been undertaking despite the adverse economic climate and the rhetoric that has, until recently, appeared to classify the arts as “something for the rich”! The arts must be available to everyone – it is as much a right as education - and indeed perhaps those looking at revising the education prospectus should bear in mind the chancellor’s words and ensure that arts subjects remain within the national curriculum and not just on the periphery!

In this context it is interesting to speculate on what government funding is for. Many of us grew up to understand that it was the “right to fail”, the ability to try things out in a way that has, over the years, produced some quite remarkable successes. But I fear the days of moral hazards in the arts are gone. In future arts organisations will have to use their often unsuspected fundraising talents to take risks. What government funding there is will be concentrated on leveraging other money from the places where business speak is paramount. The creative industries may be worth £8 billion a year, but without the arts there can be no creative industries.

Wakefield Edition January 2016 13

LegalMatters Each issue Ramsdens Solicitors share with our readers information to keep us all within the law. If you have a legal question, or need to know about a particular subject, email editor@topicuk.co.uk!

86% of people in Yorkshire and the Humber leave life-changing decisions in the hands of strangers Figures just released from an online survey carried out by YouGov Plc show: An alarming number of people in Yorkshire and the Humber are leaving major decisions about housing, assets and care to chance.

Jodie Gajic

86% of people in the Yorkshire and Humber are currently living with no control over important later-life decisions around their housing, assets, health and care.

85% of people in Yorkshire and the Humber want loved ones to make decisions in the event of illness or accident- but only 7% have created a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) to enable this.

People in Yorkshire and the Humber are better at planning for death than later life; 39% of people with a will vs. only 7% with an LPA. Jodie Gajic, Solicitors for the Elderly and members of Ramsdens Solicitors LLP Private Client Team urges the UK to safeguard wishes in the event of accident or illnesses like dementia.

86% of people in the Yorkshire and Humber are currently living with no control over important later-life decisions around their housing, assets, health and care according to a new report by SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly), a national organisation representing legal professionals such as Jodie Gajic from Ramsdens Solicitors LLP specialising in helping people plan for later life.

The report reveals that whilst 39% of people in Yorkshire and the Humber have a will in place to manage their affairs after death, only 7% have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place to safeguard their wishes in the event that they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves, due to accident or illness like dementia.

85% want a family member of friend to make important decisions on their behalf, in the event of illness or an accident. However, few are aware that without an LPA in place, any

individuals affairs, such as their end-of-life wishes and health treatments, can be left in the hands of third party solicitors, social workers, medical doctors, or the British Courts.

Even the minority of people that have taken steps to plan ahead for later life may still be at risk, due to poor quality legal advice or invalid documents. 38% of the people with LPAs in place did not use experts or legal guidance, instead taking a gamble using online resources, non-legal advisors, or off-the-shelf kits.

Jodie Gajic, an SFE Member from Ramsdens Solicitors LLP said: “A Lasting Power of Attorney is an extremely powerful and important document in terms of planning for your affairs pre-death. It is a misconception that your next of kin will be able to manage your affairs for you should you become incapable. Without a Power of Attorney in place, your next of kin does not have any legal authority to make decisions on your behalf�.

SFE is an independent, national organisation or professionals, such as solicitors, barristers, and chartered legal executives, committed to providing the highest quality of legal advice for older vulnerable people, their families and carers.

Ramsdens Private Client team are an accredited member of the Law Society’s Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS). This shows that we follow best practice procedures to meet the highest standards of technical expertise and client service in providing tailored wills and probate advice to consumers.

We are highly recommended by the Legal 500 and we have members of our team who are members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE).

(Continued over)

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for all your legal needs call your local solicitors Ramsdens ZLWK RĴFHV DFURVV :HVW Yorkshire we’re never too far away

#knowyourlawyer #askRamsdens

01924 669510 www.ramsdens.co.uk Wakefield Edition January 2016 15

LegalMatters

The reality of divorce the hard facts Helen Thewlis Head of Family Law

In the latest available statistics provided by the Office for National Statistics, almost half of couples divorcing (48%) had a least one child aged under 16.

It is estimated that one in three children in the UK will experience separation before the age of 16. Each year, figures suggest that there are around 100,000 children under 16 whose parents separate.

Resolution’s 2014 survey of 14-22 year olds uncovered some shocking findings of those who had experienced divorce and separation during childhood Resolution found that: • 19% said they didn’t get the exam results they were hoping for. The majority (65%) say that their GCSE exam results were affected by their parents separation.

• More than 1 in 4 children said that their parents tried to involve them in their dispute.

• Almost 1 in 5 (19%) stated that they completely lost contact with one or more grandparents.

• 1 in 4 said they struggled to complete homework and projects for school.

• 1 in 6 said they started to drink alcohol or drank more alcohol than they had done prior to the break up.

• 1 in 3 said that their parents tried to turn them against the other parent.

• Astonishingly, a quarter of young people said they found out on social media that their parents had a new partner!

Of course, no couple should stay together in an unhappy marriage for the sake of

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their children because, inevitably, the strain and stresses of that unhappy marriage will negatively impact the children involved. That being said, however, the process of the break-up can and should be managed much better by parents.

contact us. At Ramsdens we have a team of family expert lawyers with vast experience of dealing with divorce and separation.

With expertise in child arrangements and financial matters we will endeavour to obtain the best outcome for you.

Parents need to ensure that they reduce the stress of separation upon them as much as possible. This is precisely the reason a children first approach is encouraged by Resolution and its members....#childrenfirst. If you are thinking about divorce, do not hesitate to

We have trained mediators and collaborative lawyers which may present you with alternative to traditional court proceedings. Contact our family team on 08000 147720, email family@ramsdens. co.uk or text LAW to 67777 to arrange a free thirty minute consultation.

Employer must wait reasonable time before dismissing Employers should wait a reasonable time before dismissing an employee on grounds of capability for ill-health absence, or risk a successful unfair dismissal claim, according to a recent ruling.

A disabled employee worked partly from home but the employee’s new manager refused to allow this. The employee was not happy and went absent from work for a period. She was then dismissed on grounds of capability, due to her absence from work for illhealth. One of her claims was for unfair dismissal.

The Employment Tribunal (ET) found she had been unfairly dismissed.

However, on appeal the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) said the ET had failed to consider a vital question, which was central to the issue of whether the dismissal was within the

range of reasonable responses open to an employer, and therefore fair: was it reasonable to expect the employer to have waited longer before dismissing her?

The EAT ordered both parties to submit written statements of their respective positions so that it could then consider this issue, or give further directions.

Gareth Dando, Head of Employment at Ramsdens comments: “Employers should ensure they have waited a reasonable time before dismissing an employee on grounds of capability for ill-health absence, or risk a successful unfair dismissal claim.”

If you or your business need employment advice you can contact Gareth at Gareth.dando@ramsdens,co. uk or call 01484 558060. You can follow our employment team on Twitter @EmployRamsdens.

Beaumont Legal and Richard Kendall team up to support Wakefield Hospice Beaumont Legal Solicitors and Richard Kendall Estate Agent have teamed up to support Wakefield Hospice’s 2016 Wakefield 10K, as the annual “RUN for FUNds” which has officially opened its discounted Early Bird Entry.

With the date for 2016 set for Sunday 3 April, those who sign up before 15 December can now take advantage of discounted entry by visiting the Wakefield 10K website at www.wakefield10k. org.uk or calling 01924 213900.

After 2,200 runners raised more than £55,000 at the 2015 event – enough to fund Wakefield Hospice for an entire week – the 21st running of the Wakefield 10K is expected to be the largest ever for the city.

Danielle Norman, Event Fundraiser for Wakefield Hospice, said: “This year’s event was a great success and the support from Richard Kendall and Beaumont Legal helps us to make sure that more of the entry fees for next year can go towards patient care, which is what the event is all about.”

“We are hoping to make this the biggest Wakefield 10K yet. We’re delighted that Beaumont Legal and Richard Kendall have chosen to support this event and we know with their help this will be a fantastic Wakefield 10K in 2016”.

Claire Kendall, Partner at Richard Kendall said: “Richard Kendall Estate Agent are proud to be once again supporting the Wakefield

Take advantage of discounted entry by visiting the Hospice’s Wakefield 10k RUN for Wakefield FUNds. Each year the event just gets 10K website bigger and we are delighted to be at www. joined this year by Beaumont Legal, wakefield10k. org.uk or as we aim to make the Wakefield calling 10k 2016 run a record year for the 01924 213900.

Hospice and raise as much money as we can for our local charity who are exceptional in the care that they provide for our community.”

Nick Masheder, Managing Partner at Beaumont Legal, commented: “We work closely with the team at Richard Kendall and they encouraged several members of our team to get involved in the Wakefield 10K this year. Everyone who did the run had a fantastic time so, for 2016, we decided we wanted to get on board to help make the event even bigger and better.”

Wakefield Edition January 2016 17

LocalHeroes Inspirational story of author Tom Fitzimons

Determination of an ‘Irish Kid’ Tom Fitzsimons was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1974. Growing up with a love of football and life

Bright and ambitious, in 1986 Tom passed his 11+, which would have meant a grammar school education. Sadly this dream was short lived. The sectarian violence and conflict of the Northern Ireland troubles created a backdrop of unemployment and poverty that resulted in a family move to Wakefield, West Yorkshire. On hearing of the upcoming move to Wakefield Tom rushed for a map book to find out where this place actually was. “Oh it’s near Leeds” he thought.

Tom, although scared of the future, embraced the move. This would be a chance to achieve success away

from a backdrop of violence.

Sadly this was not to be the case.

Being the “Irish kid” in Wakefield in the 1980’s was not a desirable attribute.

In new surroundings with his Irish accent attracting unwanted attention, despite making friends, Tom became shy and withdrawn and in 1988 after the sudden death of his father life began to fall apart. Losing his ambition and energy, at the age of 13 Tom came to the conclusion that life was unfair.

Alcohol was to change all this. Having discovered alcohol on a football trip to Germany Tom quickly realised that alcohol gave him much needed confidence. The more he drank the more confident he became until eventually Tom would rarely be seen without a drink in his hand. This eventually led to a reliance that led to a twenty year addiction. Alcoholism turned this once polite well-mannered little boy into a twenty stone drunk.

Managing to maintain his ability to work throughout his addiction Tom carved out a mildly successful career in the utility industry working for a number of companies at project

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manager level. Although appearances suggested all was well, with the nice salary and the company car behind the scenes Tom’s life was unravelling.

The loss of a job and a financial wakeup call Tom took the difficult steps toward recovery and after several failed attempts at rehab he finally gained sobriety on August 27th 2007. As part of his recovery Tom developed a keen interest in running and quickly got the bug for running long distance and completed several marathons within a few years of recovery.

Having lost over six stone in weight

from San Francisco to New York. He travelled 3170 miles in 100 days. He started ‘Run4Sobriety’ on 20th May and completed it on Coney Island, New York on 27th August 2013, the anniversary of his 6th Year of Sobriety.

Tom is now an international inspirational speaker who has shared his story with schools, business and sports teams across Europe. Tom also works as a personal trainer, coach and mentor to athletes and business leaders in the UK. Tom is also a recently published author.

His new book “It’s not about the beard” tells his story from that difficult day in April 1988 when his father died to arriving in Coney Island New York having finally reached his full potential.

Marathon des Sables 2010 Images Mark Gillett

As part of his recovery Tom developed a keen interest in running and quickly got the bug for running long distance...

Tom decided to help others do the same by retraining as a personal trainer and by 2008 he had set up a small training studio in his back Garden. (The first of several new ventures Tom’s sobriety would lead to).

Tom’s determination to show others how much you could achieve when you recover from addiction was first shown in April 2010 after he completed the Marathon des Sables, also known as “the toughest footrace on earth” running 250km through the Sahara desert. Then, over the summer of 2013 Tom made an epic journey running across the USA coast to coast

Wakefield Edition January 2016 19

DiningOut

It was on the Isle of Capri That I Found Her…

By Kevin Trickett, President of The Wakefield Civic Centre Follow him on twitter @ MrTrickett

Readers will, I am sure, be familiar with the 1934 tango The Isle of Capri (music by Wilhelm Grosz, also known as Hugh Williams, and lyrics by Jimmy Kennedy) that tells of a thwarted romantic liaison.

Paymen Karimi his daughter Natalie andPaymen’s son, Dominik

It was a popular song of the period, made famous by the likes of Al Bowlly and Gracie Fields. Some of you may, like me, have visited the idyllic island (to which Gracie Fields eventually retired to Naples, Sorrento and Mount Vesuvius, it’s a great place to relax and savour the flavour of Italian cuisine.

visit. However, my dining companion and I were warmly greeted by co-owners Paymen Karimi and his daughter Natalie (the third partner in the business is Paymen’s son, Dominik but he was busy cooking in the kitchen when we arrived, although I did meet him later in the evening).

Well, on a cold wintry night in Wakefield, the idea of Capri might seem a long way away – yet it’s somewhat closer than you might think…..

If you’ve not been before, the restaurant is deceiving when you first arrive. Back in the 1950s, this was the site of the Woodcock’s Café run by the Woodcock family for many years. When Paymen acquired the building some twenty years ago it was very neglected and needed a lot of work to get things up and running. As the restaurant has grown in popularity, it has also grown in size with several extensions having been added over the years to create a suite of rooms including an upstairs private function room available for hire, and spaces for private dining. The restaurant now has capacity for 240 diners and employs some 37 staff!

Drive out of Wakefield on the A6 42 towards Huddersfield and, where Coxley Beck meets Smithy Brook at Horbury Bridge, you’ll find the subject of my latest review – the Capri Restaurant and Wine Bar. This very popular restaurant has been recommended to me so many times that I’m almost ashamed to say that this was my first

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We visited on a Monday evening. Now you don’t expect to see many people dining out early in the week but the Capri was surprisingly busy; there were a couple of family birthday celebrations in progress (the restaurant if definitely child friendly), while couples and small groups added to the mix, giving the place a lively and animated feel. The mood is relaxed and informal with the décor adding a touch of class – glitzy chandeliers and smart grey paint.

The menu is typically and reassuringly Italian (Paymen hails from Sardinia after all) and aims to provide “Excellence in classical and innovative Italian cuisine, using exquisite produce, influenced strongly by healthy eating”. It boasts a good selection of traditional pasta and pizza meals as well as house specials featuring chicken, duck, veal, fish or beef dishes. There was also a satisfying range of vegetarian options from which to choose. Prices are very reasonable with starters ranging from just over £4 and mains from just over £6 but be prepared to pay up to £19/£20 for one of the fillet steaks. Wine starts at £12.95 a bottle for the Vino del Casa (also available by the glass).

So, what did we have? Well, we started with Bruschetta Al Pomodoro for me and Insalata Tricolore for my companion.

We followed that with the vegetarian Lasagne and Ravioli respectively and finished off with Panna Cotta and Crème Brûlée. The food could not be faulted. Nicely presented and cooked to perfection with reasonable portions (we came away feeling full but not overloaded). As the driver in this relationship, I had to content myself with a fruit juice but my companion pushed the boat out somewhat and had a glass of the house red, which I’m told was very palatable. We rounded the meal off with coffee as you might expect.

Coffees quaffed, I had a chat with Paymen who showed me around and told me something about the restaurant. As

a separate part of the business, there is a take-away counter and they even run the Capri Home Dining service – where you can have food, freshly cooked from the restaurant, delivered to your home.

In addition to their regular seven-daya-week opening, the restaurant also hosts special tribute nights on the last Tuesday night of the month. These are hugely popular and really need to be booked in advance – Paymen told me he had 180 people booked in for the Music of Motown night due the day after my visit. Ranging from ‘Sinatra to Robbie Williams, Blues Brothers to Cher’, these nights have proven to be a roaring success and customers can expect entertainment and dancing: it’s not unheard of for customers and staff to strut their stuff…..!

It’s obvious that Paymen, Natalie and Dominik have found the recipe for a successful business and it’s one they intend to build on. They recently acquired the Vine Tree pub at Newton Hill. If you’ve driven past there recently, you’ll know it’s undergoing a major refurbishment and extensive building work is underway to create a new extension. This will be Capri 2

(the exact name has still to be decided upon) and is due to open early in 2016. Paymen is very proud of this new venture and talked me though his plans. He’s promised me an invitation to the opening night – so watch out for a review of the new venue very soon!

223 Bridge Road, Wakefield WF4 5QA Telephone: 01924 263090 Email:info@caprirestaurant.co.uk On Facebook: CapriRestaurantwinebar On Twitter: @Capri_wakefield

Open 7 days a week: Mondays: 6:00pm - 10:30pm Tuedays: 6:00pm - 10:30pm Wednesdays: 6:00pm - 10:30pm Thursdays: 6:00pm - 10:30pm Fridays: 6:00pm - 10:30pm Saturdays: 5:30pm - 10:30pm Sundays: 12 noon - 9pm

Wakefield Edition January 2016 21

Recruitment

+

How many of us use ‘Social media’?

The dangers of social media and it’s role in the recruitment process

In August 2015 it was reported that over 2 Billion of us use social media, out of a worldwide population of 7.3 Billion and this number is increasing.

I use Facebook and Twitter personally and for First Choice Recruitment/First Choice Education. LinkedIn sort of falls in the middle, but as Managing Partner, I have access to all. But how many of the people using these networks are aware of the fact that potential recruiters are watching their activity and screening them when they apply for a job.

recruiter undertakes a search they see things that they then cannot ‘unsee’.

Social media is a great way to research candidates and discover anything incriminating about them, but how far is too far and what are the ethical issues of using social media in the recruitment process?

In this survey CareerBuilder found that hiring managers who researched candidates, said that they had found information on social media that caused them not to hire them. This means that about virtually every other company browse your social media profiles to evaluate your character and personality – and some base their hiring decision on what they find.

Valuable

As valuable as it may be, is the use of social media an ethical form of screening for recruiters to use, or are we taking candidate research too far and invading their privacy?

Recruiters may argue that social media is a public platform and that it is your choice to share the content which is available to anyone who searches for it, depending on privacy settings.

Unless a company has a policy on social media screening, then recruiters are not technically doing anything wrong, are they? The problem is that once a

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A survey from Careerbuilder says that 91% of employers use social networking sites to screen prospective candidates. The main ones are Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, with Facebook being the most viewed site.

Decisions Research also shows that there are various stages of the interview process when employers use social media to help them make their decisions. 47% of surveyed employers look after receiving the application, 27% after having an initial conversation and 15% after detailed conversations or interviews with a prospective employee and 4% right before making an offer. So you can see that if employers find anything on

your social media sites after receiving an application from you, you are not going to even get an interview.

CareerBuilder also asked employers why they use social networks to research candidates and 69% said they do it to see if a job seeker presents himself or herself professionally.

Motives About half want to know if the candidate is a good fit for the company culture, and another 45% want to learn more about his or her qualifications. Some cited ‘to see if the candidate is wellrounded, and to ‘look for reasons not to hire the candidate’, as their motives. So, if you are among the 89% of job seekers that use social networking sites (and that can be daily, sometimes or rarely) you will need to be very careful as to what you post.

A third of employers who scan media profiles said they have found content that has caused them not to hire the candidate. The main one for rejecting a candidate is if they are lying about qualifications, followed by the reasons of provocative or inappropriate photos and information posted on his or her profile; 11% said

they chose not to hire someone because of evidence of drinking and/or drug use. Other reasons they decided not to offer a job were around the candidates profile displaying poor communications skills, he or she bad mouthed previous employers or made discriminatory comments relating to race, gender, or religion.

foot’ before we even start our dream job?

Written By Andy Turner

These are my ‘absolute minimum’ social media rules:

First Choice Recruitment @AndyPTurner5 @FirstChoice_UK

•

Read and observe your (new) organisation’s Social Media policy.

Add a sentence to your profile stating that views expressed are your own and not your employer’s.

•

Make full use of privacy settings.

Remember that colleagues, potential and current employers may be checking your posts.

•

Refrain from posting about your employer or your colleagues.

•

Refrain from posting anything confidential or in bad taste.

•

Refrain from posting anything about employment settlement agreements.

•

If you have multiple accounts on one device, ensure you post from the right account (especially after a glass of wine!!)

Professional As mentioned earlier, the main site for research is Facebook, but the main ‘professional’ site is LinkedIn. This is universally accepted as a platform to fact check a candidate’s CV for instance.

Last month my business partner (pictured) Anne Lockwood spoke to 160 year 11 and 12 students at Wakefield Girls High School about the dangers of using social media in general and next month, hopefully, I’ll be listening to a seminar at the Recruitment Expo Conference at Olympia, talking to 50% of employers turning to social media to recruit their work forces, so it’s certainly here to stay and with numbers on social media increasing, how do we make sure we don’t ‘shoot ourselves in the

Wakefield Edition January 2016 23

NewsUpdate

US Brand strengthens UK presence

LegalZoom UK to acquire law firm

LegalZoom Legal Services Ltd (‘LegalZoom UK’), the UK arm of the leading US legal brand, today announced an agreement to acquire Beaumont Legal, an award-winning law firm based in Wakefield, Yorkshire.

The acquisition is expected to be complete by the end of the year subject to regulatory approval.

Recognised as one of UK’s fastest growing legal businesses, Beaumont Legal currently offers a range of legal services to individuals and businesses. In recent years Beaumont Legal has grown to be one of the UK’s leading providers of conveyancing.

LegalZoom UK Chief Executive, Craig Holt, stated “We’re building

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a unique next generation law firm, from the ground up, with a singular, relentless purpose: to best meet the needs of consumers and businesses in the modern era."

This requires the perfect blend of technology, lawyers, and other expertise, and Beaumont Legal are an important piece of that jigsaw.”

Nick Masheder, Managing Partner of Beaumont Legal, revealed the acquisition was a catalyst for the start of a significant recruitment drive at the firm: “This is an unparalleled opportunity to join with the most innovative, well-known legal brand in the world. We’re also looking forward to considerably adding to our existing capabilities with forward-thinking,

innovative individuals who want to be part of something truly special.”

With LegalZoom UK preparing to launch in 2016, Holt added, “We’re meticulously and patiently building something the likes of which has never been seen in the legal market - and remain open to other acquisition opportunities to further that aim. Our consumer and business clients deserve only the very best and we’re going to make sure we take the time to deliver just that.”

Elected to Health Select Committee Andrea Jenkyns MP for Morley and Outwood Every day I feel incredibly honoured to have been chosen to represent the people of Morley and Outwood in Parliament, and I’d like to take this opportunity to update you on my work and look to the year ahead.

Academy receives Active Kids equipment Sainsbury’s Wakefield Trinity Walk customers have helped to donate Active Kids equipment and experiences across Wakefield and colleagues from the store paid a visit recently to St Austin’s Catholic Primary Academy, to present the students and teachers with their new equipment.

In Wakefield, £688,611 of equipment and experience has already been donated and the Academy was a top collecting organisation with a total of 10,551 vouchers.

Store Manager, Sean Higgins presented St Austin’s with a bundle of equipment which included skipping ropes and bean bags.

St Austin’s has been registered with the Active Kids scheme since 2005 and Kevin Flood, Headteacher said: “Customers at Sainsbury’s Trinity walk have been really supportive The Government and ACE have acknowledged the imbalance, but argue that it is because the major national institutions are based

this year and it’s great to be a top collecting organisation.

The scheme has helped us teach the benefits of a healthier more active lifestyle to hundreds of children over the last few years and we’re really looking forward to using the new equipment”. Sean added: “We’ve had a fantastic time at St Austin’s presenting the pupils with their new equipment. It’s brilliant to see the benefits of the scheme and we look forward to working with them in the future.”

As you may be aware, health is a big focus for me. I was thrilled when my colleagues elected me onto the Health Select Committee, and I’ve worked hard to push for common sense measures to help public health, such as opposing the proposed Sugar Tax, and cross-examined senior figures from across the Health Service. I also launched my hand hygiene campaign, Handz, with the support of 40 colleagues, which I’m hoping to take to Europe in the New Year.

November saw the re-launch of the Morley and Outwood Business Association, when I held an event jointly with the China-Britain Business Council and UK Trade and Investment for businesses to find out more about trading with China. The event was a huge success, and I raised it with the Business Secretary in Business Questions in December. The Association will be doing a lot more in future to support local businesses, so do keep an eye on my website for more information.

Finally, my team in the constituency have been working hard helping residents with their queries and problems.

We’ve had some fantastic outcomes, especially around inappropriate development, and I’m incredibly grateful for all their hard work.

Over 43,000 schools, clubs and groups are signed up to benefit from Sainsbury’s Active Kids. This year alone, the scheme has delivered over £11 million worth of equipment. Meanwhile, £160 million* worth of equipment and experiences have been donated to schools, groups and clubs across the UK since it launched in 2005.

TopicUK proud to be working with...

points out that had Londoners won a disproportionate number or comparably who can afford it. The report also of Lottery prizes compared to people in the rest of England, equivalent to

Wakefield Edition January 2016 25

Feature

The Art House begins an exciting new chapter New facilities for artists following major £3m development The Art House celebrates an exciting new chapter as it breathes life into Drury Lane library, following a major £3m development funded by European Regional Development Agency, Wakefield Council and Arts Council England.

The newly extended site in the heart of Wakefield, will provide additional facilities for artists, designers and makers and was formally reopened on 3 December by Cllr Peter Box, Leader of Wakefield Council. Work started on the former library in 2014 and the completed scheme includes additional fully accessible, flexible and affordable workspaces for visual artists living and working in the region alongside a project space and meeting room facilities.

Drury Lane library was designed by Trimmell, Cox & Co of Woldingham, Surrey and built by Bagnall Brothers of Wakefield, following a request by a local Wakefield alderman to American

Laura Slater

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philanthropist Andrew Carnegie whose gift of £8,000 saw the free public library open. Carnegie went on to fund four further public libraries in the Wakefield district. Andrew Carnegie opened Drury Lane library in June 1906 and said during his visit “My thanks will be everlasting if you prove that you receive this benefit in the spirit it is intended.”

Jane Glaister OBE, chair of The Art House said “We are delighted to see the this ambitious development completed and the historic Drury Lane library restored and occupied by a wide range of tenants. Our ambition is to become a nationally recognised organisation that places diverse art and artists at the heart of cultural debate.

Our new space creates a platform to engage with artists and audiences and I look forward to seeing it become a leading creative resource that supports a creative community to develop professionally and artistically.”

To celebrate the reopening of The Art House and the rich industrial heritage of the city, a new collaboration pairs a unique hand-printed wallpaper by designers Laura Slater and Fraser Muggeridge with a selection of objects on loan from Wakefield Museum in an exhibition called ‘Wakefield Industrial and Fine Art, 150 Years’. The installation references the Wakefield Industrial and Fine Art Exhibition of 1865, one of many exhibitions held nationally following the Great Exhibition of 1851 - the first international exhibition of manufactured goods held in the

magnificent Crystal Palace in London’s Hyde Park. This exhibition will remain a backdrop for activities taking place in the Project Space throughout 2016.

Kerry Harker and Ruth Lilley, Interim Directors, said “The reopening of The Art House underlines Wakefield’s unique thriving arts offer and its growing reputation as a creative city to live, work and visit. Through our artistic programme, mentoring and residencies we can build on our founding principles of access and inclusivity by challenging conventional approaches to diversity and the arts - an appropriate way to

mark the International Day of People with Disabilities.”

Visitors to The Art House will be able to see the restored library building including the arts and craft tiles which have been lovingly restored alongside many other original features including parquet flooring, original librarians desk and the much loved weather vane on the exterior of the building.

The Art House is open to the public from 10am to 4pm Tuesday – Thursday, and for special events including the Wakefield Art Walk, advertised online.

The Drury Lane redevelopment has been realised thanks to a £1.3m Arts Council England ‘Large Capital’ grant, £1.2m from the European Regional Development Fund, as well as support from Wakefield Council, which gave a 25-year lease for the building, which became empty in 2012 when the library’s contents were transferred to a new central library at the Wakefield One civic building.

The Art House reopening follows the recent renovation of nearby Unity Hall in 2014 and the redevelopment of Wakefield Westgate train station in 2013.

To find out more about The Art House visit www.the-arthouse.org.uk Images: Jules Lister

Wakefield Edition January 2016 27

InformationTechnology

Ten innovative gadgets for 2016 As 2016 draws ever closer, there is the exciting prospect of a whole new generation of gadgets and gizmos designed to improve various aspects of our work and play. Paul Heigham, Director of Bellingham IT, explores ten innovative new gadgets which have either just arrived or are coming soon. These are in no particular order. user’s glucose levels via iHealth Strips.

It plugs into your smartphone and records the necessary information.

5. Noke Fuz

Adidas Smart Ball

Estelon Extreme

Fuel3D Scanner

The Noke Fuz is a Bluetooth smart-lock which allows you to secure your belongings without needing to carry keys or remember combination codes. Via the app, you even grant others access to the lock.

6. Edyn Garden Sensor

iHealth Align

Noke Fuz

Edyn Garden Sensor

Edyn is a smart gardening system that monitors and tracks environmental conditions to maximize plant health. The system includes the Edyn Garden Sensor, Edyn Water Valve and Edyn App, which review plant soil and make smart recommendations about what to plant, when to water and fertilise.

7. Qualcomm WiPower

Qualcomm WiPower

ZUtA Pocket Printer

Dell Venue 8 7000 Series

Qualcomm are the first company to enable wireless charging for mobile devices with metal cases. WiPower has huge versatility and can be adapted for use around the home, the office as well as in vehicles.

1.Adidas Smart Ball

Sproutling Baby Monitor

This clever football features an integrated sensor that transmits data via Bluetooth Smart. The device records information regarding the impact area of the ball when it’s struck, as well as its subsequent flight speed, trajectory and spin.

8. ZUtA Pocket Printer

2. Estelon Extreme

9. Dell Venue 8 7000 Series

This Extreme loudspeaker from Estelon produces the highest quality sounds which reverberate in such a way that the source of the soundscape cannot be localised by hearing alone.

Not only is Dell’s Venue 8 7000 Series the thinnest tablet in the world (at just 6mm thick), it also comes equipped with the Intel® RealSense™ Depth camera and Dell Gallery.

3. Fuel3D Scanner

10. Sproutling Baby Monitor This baby

A 3D scanner that is both affordable and handheld? It’s here in the shape of this Fuel3D Scanner. It has a multitude of options for high resolution 3D colour and shape capture.

monitor works by sensing, learning and building a pattern of the baby’s sleeping behaviour. It helps the parents identify the optimal sleeping conditions for their child.

4. iHealth Align

With pioneering gadgets like these in the pipeline, there seems to be plenty of tech-innovation and gadget-inspiration to look forward to in 2016.

This device is the world’s most portable mobile glucometer which measures the

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The ZUtA Pocket Printer can be taken anywhere with ease and is able to print from any device on any size of paper. It connects to both PCs and smartphones and has a rechargeable battery.

WakeďŹ eld Edition January 2016 29

Health H

A healthy workforce is an essential part of running a productive business

By Dr Andrew FURBER - WAKEFIELD PUBLIC HEALTH DEPT

Poor workplace health and wellbeing has been shown to have a significant negative impact on the profitability of individual businesses and the wider local and national economy.

The annual economic costs of sickness, absence and unemployment associated with working age ill-health are estimated to be over £100 billion.

This is greater than the current annual budget for the NHS and equivalent to the entire GDP of Portugal.

IN THE WAKEFIELD DISTRICT * 27% of people are smokers.

According to the ASH reckoner, smoking breaks cost businesses in Wakefield £39m per year as a result of lost productivity. * 28.5% of Overweight adults. *29% of adults do not do enough physical activity to stay healthy. *26% of adults binge drink.

Wakefield Council has a Workplace Health Coordinator who offers support with: • Workplace health promotion activities • Developing a healthy workplace culture

Mental health problems, such as stress and depression, costs the UK economy an estimated £70 billion a year or 4.5 per cent of GDP. Sickness absence caused by stress, anxiety or depression have increased from 11.8 million days in 2010 to 15.2 million days in 2013.

• Enabling staff to be more physically active

Levels of obesity are increasing dramatically and, if current trends continue, around 90% of men and 80% of women will be overweight or obese by 2050

• Alcohol awareness

WHAT CAN YOU DO? The Wakefield Workplace Health and Wellbeing Charter has been developed to set out a vision for the creation of healthy and productive workplaces throughout the Wakefield District.

It gives recognition to workplaces that can demonstrate they are working to develop a sustainable culture of health and wellbeing.

It provides practical guidance for employers on how to create, enhance

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and promote your health and wellness programme in your workplace utilising the services and experience of Wakefield Council and its partners.

• Helping staff who want to stop smoking • Promoting healthy eating

• Looking after the mental health of your staff Any public, private and third sector employers in the Wakefield District that can show they are taking steps to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees can apply for the Wakefield Workplace Wellbeing Charter Mark.

To find out more about improving Workplace Health and Wellbeing or to apply for the Charter Mark contact: workplacehealth@wakefield.gov.uk A copy of the Wakefield Workplace Health and Wellbeing Charter is available on line at www.wakefield. gov.uk/workplacehealth.

Associated Waste

Management YORKSHIRE’S LARGEST INDEPENDENT WASTE MANAGEMENT BUSINESS TRADE WASTE AND SKIP/RORO SERVICES ZERO WASTE TO LANDFILL DEDICATED ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

Associated Waste Management Limited, St Bernard’s Mill, Gelderd Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS27 27 7NA Tel: 0845 4567128 Web: www.awm.uk.com Wakefield Edition January 2016 31

NewsUpdate

New appointment for Theatre Royal Wakefield Theatre Royal Wakefield has appointed Katie Town as Executive Director.

Katie has taken over from Murray Edwards who is retiring on 3 January 2016.

Katie’s previous role was General Manager of the learning department at The National Theatre, and she has also worked at the Royal Opera House and been involved in the management of a number of smaller arts organisations.

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Dennis Gillibrand, said: "We are all very grateful to Murray. He has led the theatre for eighteen years and he and his management team have built it up so that it is now recognised as one of the top cultural destinations in the district and beyond.

Katie is not only the ideal person to build on these foundations, she is also extremely experienced in theatre development...

Katie is not only the ideal person to build on these foundations, she is also extremely experienced in theatre development and will therefore be able to explore new and innovative areas of work.”

Executive Director Designate, Katie Town, said: It is a very exciting time to be joining Theatre Royal Wakefield.

The theatre is in a very strong position, achieved by the commitment of the dedicated team of staff and an active group of volunteers. Having celebrated the theatre’s 120th anniversary it is now time to build on this position and take the theatre into its next 120 years.

Creative Director, John Godber said: "Katie’s experience at the National Theatre will help us to make the theatre in Wakefield even stronger. She is the right person at the right time and I welcome her as the John Godber

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Company’s new co-producing partner."

Katie is from Northallerton, North Yorkshire. After gaining a degree in Law at LSE, Katie was called to the bar as a non-practicing barrister. She then decided on a change of career, initially working at the Royal Opera House before studying for a Master of Arts degree in Arts Management and Policy at Birkbeck, University of London. Katie joined the National Theatre six years ago.

She has also been involved in the management of smaller arts organisations including Tavaziva Dance and Candocco Dance Company.

Under Murray’s leadership, attendances have increased to nearly 80,000 in 2014/15 with 28,000 of these being for the annual pantomime.

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AROUND 60 STORES / 1000 PARKING SPACES / DESIGNER RETAILERS / GREAT RESTAURANTS Wakefield Edition January 2016 33

NewsUpdate straight, pearly white smile.

Having undergone tooth straightening with Invisalign and a tooth whitening procedure, Jennifer says she can’t praise St Michael’s Orthodontics enough.

“I was so nervous about going, but the staff at St Michael’s were absolutely brilliant!” says Jennifer, before adding that her initial worries quickly disappeared.

Orthodontist gives Ossett actress a ‘Snow White’ smile A member of Morley Amateur Operatic Society, Jennifer performs two to three shows a year, each in a leading role.

A WAKEFIELD orthodontist was no doubt ‘whistling while she worked’ as she waved her magic wand on an Ossett-based actress to grant her one wish: a glowing, Disney Princess-esque smile.

And as well as her stint as a Disney princess, it’s a hectic time for the Ossettborn actress.

Catherine McCanny, owner of St Michael’s Orthodontics, ensured part-time Snow White impersonator and local actress, Jennifer Riordan, could add a sprinkling of sparkle to her hobby by dazzling theatre fans with her bright, white smile.

Jennifer, a part-time actress and one-time pupil of Ossett High School and Leeds College of Music, visited St

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Michael’s Orthodontics in the hope they could alleviate her apprehension about the procedure.

The 25-year-old actress, who spends her time treading the boards in local theatre, also finds time in her busy schedule to work with the charity, Cash for Kids. Donning a Snow White costume, she meets and greets excitable children, all while flashing her new bright, white smile.

Jennifer, who’s been working with the charity since last year, meeting and greeting kids alongside Santa Claus says her look has been made even more convincing thanks to her

“I had been told that I wouldn’t be able to have my teeth straightened without a head brace.” But thanks to St Michael’s and Invisalign – a procedure which straightens teeth using a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that are custom-made for a patient’s teeth – Jennifer’s dream of a Hollywood smile became a reality.

“The procedure has made such a difference to my life – it’s been a really big thing! My teeth look totally different and I believe Catherine and the team even won an award as a result of my treatment” says Jennifer, who says she was ‘self-conscious’ about her smile before visiting St Michael’s Orthodontics.

Catherine McCanny, at St Michael’s is thrilled Jennifer is so pleased with the result of her treatment, adding: “It was amazing to see the change in Jennifer’s teeth each time she came in for an appointment.

Correcting Jennifer’s teeth with Invisalign was a really challenge, but I got great satisfaction in seeing the result of the treatment and also the change in Jennifer’s self confidence.”

CHAMBER

Close Up

News

EATON SMITH PARTNER ADVISES HOUSE OF COMMONS SELECT COMMITTEE Kate Booth, Partner at Chamber Patron, Eaton Smith, was invited to give evidence at the House of Commons select committee with regard to employment tribunal fees. number of enquiries she has received with potential merits that have not been able to proceed due to the costs involved.

Kate advised that the average family (earning average wages and incurring average household expenditure according to the Office of National Statistics) would need over 3 months to save up enough money to pay the fees for an unfair dismissal or discrimination claim.

Kate attended the House of Commons on 17th November and gave evidence to the select committee which reflects her views that the introduction of fees has not only affected the ability of employees to access justice, but the fees have also affected the volume and quality of cases brought.

In particular, Kate gave evidence of the

Kate comments: “Although the fees were needed to reduce the high volume of nuisance claims that were making employers’ lives a misery, they are too high and have led to a significant drop in claims (from 191,541 in the year April 2012 to March 2013, to 18,500 in the year April 2014 to March 2015). I believe they prevent employees from bringing

genuine claims to enforce their rights.”

“Many employers are trying hard to act legally and fairly in all their dealings with their employees; however they may feel that their competitors are benefitting from not doing so and there is currently little challenge to this.”

Kate joined Eaton Smith in May 2010 where she leads the employment team. She has a significant amount of experience in all areas of employment law. Commenting on her invitation to the House of Commons, Kate said: “I am delighted that my submission to the consultation has prompted this invitation to give evidence at the select committee and it is a privilege to be able to contribute to this process”.

Get involved - MY Conference Kirklees This year sees the return of MY Conference Kirklees on Wednesday 16th March at The John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield.

Building year-on-year the conference, organised by the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, has become a focal point of the local business calendar and 2016’s event promises to be a fantastic day.

discussion starring local leaders across various sectors.

With over 45 exhibition stands, 8 informative speakers and networking opportunities with hundreds of likeminded people, there’s something for everyone on offer.

Rachel Dickie, Events & Membership Executive at the Chamber said: “This year’s conference is shaping up to be a day not to be missed. MY Conference Kirklees is a fantastic opportunity to grow your business, make new contacts and learn from other experienced professionals.

There are many opportunities for local businesses to get involved whether showcasing their business by exhibiting or attending as a delegate.

We are delighted to be joined by a range of excellent local speakers including: Lee Jackson, Steve Philip, Andy Reid, Chris Buckley, Martin Haigh, Jane Bytheway and Mary Holmes. They will be covering a wide range of business topics, sharing their skills and knowledge with delegates.

The conference also includes a panel

For further information please visit www. mycci.co.uk/myconferencekirklees or call 01924 311605. For updates on the conference follow @MYBizConfs on twitter. Confirmed conference partners and sponsors to date include; Brand Yorkshire, John Smith’s Stadium, TopicUK and Kirklees CORE.

Close Up for Business I

Policy

Looking forward to doing business in 2016 The last twelve months have flown by in the business world and 2015 has given way to the New Year. As is often the case, the turn of the year is regarded by many as a watershed when the disappointments and occasional missed opportunities of the past are set aside and replaced with new hopes and aspirations for future business opportunities.

That is certainly how 2015 started - with a degree of optimism and expectation that business would be good and that economic growth would prevail throughout the year.

Well yes, it is true that there was economic growth throughout the year - but only just - and certainly not at any sort of convincing rate which would support truly sustainable economic growth in the UK. And yet, despite the disappointments, there are a number of positives which can be taken from 2015 which can lead us to take a positive view about the business conditions which may arise in 2016.

Despite a number of impediments to world trading conditions which presented themselves throughout the year, we still managed to grow the economy.

business prospects in the year ahead.

We are pleased to record that the joint submission (made in collaboration with eight other Northern Chambers of Commerce) to the Chancellor ahead of his November Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR), had some very positive results.

The nine Chambers of Commerce represent over 16,000 businesses which employ over 1.4m workers across the North of England – roughly that part of the Country which is being referred to as the ‘Northern Powerhouse’.

We pointed out some very significant opportunities which can enable the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ to bring greater prosperity to the UK economy, and the Chancellor responded by awarding £400m to the new ‘Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund’.

Notwithstanding the austerity measures which have been taken to repair the UK’s finances, the Government has been able to provide good levels of public services whilst reducing the structural deficit – and at the same time commit funding to some major infrastructure projects.

We also called for more funding for road and rail infrastructure and Broadband, and the Chancellor announced 50% additional support for Transport Capital Spending [From £40bn to £61bn over the life of the Parliament], as well as an additional £450m for Digital Services.

When these factors are brokered into the equation, 2015 wasn’t such a bad year after all. So let us look forward to doing business in 2016, and give our attention to some of the reasons why we can be cautiously optimistic about

We suggested to the Chancellor that Business Rates are a counter-intuitive tax which impact upon businesses before they have turned over a single penny, and that pending the results of the Business Rates Review (BRR) more

II

should be done to alleviate the burden of this tax on SME businesses.

Again, the Chancellor responded to our various points, and duly extended the small company BRR for a further year. We have urged the Government to ensure that the BRR delivers meaningful improvements for businesses and is reflective of a business’s ability to pay, as well as wider economic circumstances.

Due consideration and support was also given to most of the other points we raised, including additional affordable funding for Business, the Devolution agenda, the ‘Skills Gap’ and Apprenticeship Funding (although we have expressed our reservations about raising the money through The Apprenticeship Levy’, and that it is the quality of the training which matters rather than the absolute number of New Apprenticeships which are undertaken).

In addition to the extra funding streams to promote business directly, the Government has announced plans to build 400,000 new houses by 2020. If these plans proceed as announced, then together with the major road, rail and broadband infrastructure projects there could be the beginning of a significant revival of the UK Construction industry in the year ahead.

This will be good for business because it opens up supply-chains for building products, construction equipment, engineering support and a whole raft of service industry opportunities.

We can have little impact on world events which may come along during 2016 which could affect global markets and the speed of the UK’s economic recovery. But surely the measures taken which are within our control can allow us to look forward to doing business in the year ahead with a positive attitude and a realistic degree of optimism.

Steven Leigh Head of Policy and Representation Call: 07809 658 533 Email: steven.leigh@mycci.co.uk

Member News

New website for AFor Accounting When Chamber member, Afor Accounting, first opened in March 2014 their marketing funds were limited and they operated a very basic website. As the company grew, they soon realised that their website needed to be refreshed.

KC Communications get in ‘The Zone’ Huddersfield Community Trust have appointed Lindleybased Chamber member, KC Communications, to take care of their full marketing, PR and social media requirements for The Zone.

Huddersfield Community Trust is a local registered charity and non-profit organisation that are responsible for community sports and educational activities on behalf of Huddersfield Town Football Club and Huddersfield Giants Rugby League Football Club. Under “The Zone” brand they also deliver a range of other services to the community.

Lisa Hewitt, CEO of Huddersfield Community Trust commented: “From our initial meetings with KC Communications, it was very clear they only had their clients’ interests at heart. The team is extremely enthusiastic, clearly very experienced and incredibly efficient.”

Allison Taylor, Managing Director at AFor Accounting explains: “As most business owners are well aware, an internet presence is vitally important. As our company has grown we realised that our website was no longer meeting our requirements. We therefore critically examined our website and it became obvious that it was beige and boring and in need of an overhaul.”

Allison continued “We met with a local web company for direction and advice, and they provided us with their design proposals. Our new website www.afor.co is now bright and colourful whilst still portraying a professional business approach and representing our business acumen and personality. We feel that it now showcases our business as well as our forward thinking to accountancy and our approach to our customers.”

Katrina Cliffe, Managing Director of KC Communications added: “We are looking forward to firmly cementing The Zone as one of the leading NPO’s in Huddersfield and beyond. The organisation has such a lot to offer the local community.”

Chamber members

CONTACT US WITH YOUR BUSINESS NEWS! marketing@mycci.co.uk

Close Up for Business III

Member News

Are you ‘In Good Company’?

Winter can be a lonely time for older people with the bad weather keeping them indoors.

£

How you can transform your knowledge into money Halifax-based member, Resurgent Growth, has recently launched a new website showing in straightforward terms how innovation can work for your business.

The website www.resurgentgrowth.com, highlights how innovation can help your team find new ways of using or improving available assets to recharge or renew growth potential.

Peter Cowey, Founder and Principle Consultant said: “Frequently top of the business agenda the word innovation is ascribed and quoted widely, perhaps to the point of overuse or even misuse.

It actually is all about new ways of transforming your firm’s knowhow or capability into money.

That’s quite distinct from invention or R&D, which transforms your money into more knowledge. So, to consider the real power of innovation on your 2016 aspirations invest a few minutes on our new website today.”

There are 34,000 older people living alone in Calderdale and Kirklees who may go weeks without having a proper conversation with anyone and 41% nationally say that their TV or pet is now their main form of company.

New charity member, Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees, have launched a new scheme called ‘In Good Company’ to engage the support of local businesses and groups to help them reduce loneliness. They are looking for businesses to donate time

or money to support their services such as befriending which might include home visits and telephone calls for people who are feeling lonely or isolated.

If you are a local company who would like to bring some good company to lonely and isolated older people, Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees would be delighted to hear from you. Please get in touch and ask for Judith Churley on 01484 535 994 or email jchurley@ ageukck.org.uk

Chamber members

CONTACT US WITH YOUR BUSINESS NEWS! marketing@mycci.co.uk

IV

Member News

New appointments for Virtual PA business Chamber member Espirava, a Virtual PA business founded by Marie Wood in 2014, is pleased to announce two new team members.

Firstly, Emma Kennett who has been a PA for a number of years, particularly in Private Equity and Corporate Finance, decided to set up as a Virtual PA after been made redundant.

Emma specialises in social media, blog writing and event organising. Emma was a finalist in PA of the Year 2015 for the Best Organised Event section after organising a charity dinner in March 2015.

Secondly, Jane Mellor who has a wealth of experience as a PA and possesses a BA (Hons) degree in Business Studies together with a CIM Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing.

After working for her last employer for 10 years, Jane took the opportunity to volunteer for redundancy in order to set up as a Virtual PA which she began in 2011.

In addition to providing digital transcription (audio) services, Jane also specialises in diary management, telephone answering, proof reading and minute taking.

Marie Wood, Founder of Espirava Your Virtual PA said: “It’s great to have Emma and Jane on board at this exciting time as we grow our client base and services”

Accountant expands in Barnsley After nearly ten years providing tax and accountancy services to the small business community in Huddersfield, local businessman and Chamber member, Nick Brook has expanded his accountancy practice, TaxAssist Accountants, with the opening of a new office in the Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre (BBIC) on Innovation Way. Nick Brook set up TaxAssist Accountants in Huddersfield in 2006 and is continuing to grow his client list which now sees him and his team of five looking after more than 400 small businesses, ranging from plumbers and builders to vehicle mechanics, engineering companies, retailers and many more businesses in the local area.

In response to growing demand from existing small businesses and new businesses starting up in the area, Nick decided the time was right to expand with a second office opening in Barnsley.

“With the business going from success-to-success in

Huddersfield and a growing small business culture in and around Barnsley, it seemed like the perfect time to lookout for a new conveniently placed office in the town and the BBIC seemed to be the ideal location.” said Nick. “Demand for our services continues to grow and the new second office gives us the opportunity to grow with it.

This new office opening has also given us the opportunity to expand our team and the services we are able to offer. We plan to recruit further staff later this year.”

Close Up for Business V

The Big Interview

Calderdale businessman shares his varied career experiences We caught with Chamber member Martin Haigh of Lattitude7

B

orn in Halifax and living in Calderdale most of his life, Chamber member Martin Haigh now runs the multiaward winning training and development company, Lattitude7, based in Brighouse.

The business provides highly engaging training in personal development, team building, leadership, mentoring, problem solving and ethics & integrity.

Martin began his career as an automotive engineering apprentice with a Rolls-Royce dealership. “I spent five years servicing and repairing RollsRoyce and Bentley cars before studying a four year course in mechanical engineering at Huddersfield University,” Martin explained. “After graduating, I worked as a project engineer at the BBA Group.”

During his time at BBA, Martin continued his studies at Huddersfield on a part time basis, going on to complete a Masters degree equivalent qualification in computing. “I then changed careers, becoming a lecturer in computing at Calderdale College and it was whilst I VI

was there, I wrote a book on computer aided design and manufacturing.” A one-year sabbatical followed so Martin could undertake a doctorate in mechanical engineering and computing at Leeds University, after which he returned to BAA as a principal engineer, before becoming their technical manager. Whilst at BAA Martin enrolled in evening classes to study Japanese to enable the company to differentiate from other suppliers as Nissan, Honda and Toyota were all opening factories in the UK. This demonstrated his commitment to customers during his visits to Japan.

Martin’s next career move was as development director at WABCO, a role that required lots of overseas travel. “The business was changing and needed to improve its workforce engagement so I became group coach for engineering globally.

Based in Germany, this opened up a whole new career path for me, changing my focus from engineering o leadership development, coaching and training.”

Martin developed his passion for helping people so in 2010, he set up his own training and

FACT FILE Favourite food and drink: Spaghetti Bolognese.

Favourite music: Artists who put a lot into their singing, Joe Cocker is a particular favourite, but I also like classical music.

Favourite sport: Running and cycling.

Favourite holiday destination: Santorini (history, culture and relaxation).

Guilty pleasure: Double Decker (the chocolate, not the bus!).

development business. Lattitude7 training programmes are highly interactive and clients are given the opportunity to move out of their comfort zone and try new things.

The team support people with communication and presentation skills and help them improve their interpersonal ability. As a result, clients become more confident, are more positive and more effective in the workplace. “Clients have a lot of fun, which leads to sustainable learning,” Martin explained. “People work smarter, leading to reduced absenteeism and demarcation and their managers can also step back and focus on moving the organisation forward.”

As Martin has worked in multifaceted businesses, he feels he can talk to people about real life experiences, whether he is involved in training NHS managers, solicitors or retailers.

As an NLP and Appreciative Inquiry Practitioner, he also runs Stage Fright, a programme for people who are nervous or self-conscious about speaking in public. He is a GrowthAccelerator coach and is registered to conduct Leadership and Management training.

Martin is keen to support charities and has run a number of marathons, including the London Marathon which he completed in 2 hours 55

Member News

Clients have a lot of fun, which leads to sustainable learning... minutes. In 2013 he was part of a sevenstrong team who cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats, covering 937 miles in nine days to raise £106,000 to fund 23 apprenticeships in Calderdale. This led him to being involved in setting up Working Wonders, which has continued to place young people into apprenticeships, leading to a number of permanent positions. This year, Martin completed the London Triathlon (his 14th) and raised £1,200 for Working Wonders.

“I do pro bono work for schools to help youngsters set up mini-businesses to learn enterprise skills, whilst raising money for charity. I am a governor at Salterhebble J&I School in Halifax and have also worked with Brighouse High School on seminars and careers advice with the Kirklees Youth Enterprise Partnership,” he continued. “I do enjoy teaching enterprise skills as well as life skills to prepare young people for the world of work.”

Married to Melanie, Martin has won several business awards, including the Eaton Smith Business of the Month.

Close Up for Business VII

enta-

Events

WHAT? Enjoy a light breakfast and an opportunity to make some valuable new contacts. Delegates get the chance to introduce their business in a short elevator pitch and then follow-up new business leads. It’s a great way to make new contacts in a friendly, but focused way. You are also welcome to bring your company literature and banner stands.

WHEN?

MORE

First Thursday of the month 09:30–11:00

It’s FREE for members and just £20.00 plus VAT for non-members.

WHERE? Book your place online at www.mycci.co.uk/ events or contact rachel. dickie@mycci.co.uk Tel: 01924 311605 Follow @ MidYorksChamber and #ConnectionsCount on Twitter

We rotate the location within the Mid Yorkshire region:

Thursday 7thJanuary Wakefield Wildcats, The Rapid Solicitors Stadium, Doncaster Road, Wakefield, WF1 5EY

Thursday 4th February The John Smith’s Stadium, Stadium Way, Huddersfield, HD1 6PG

Thursday 3rd March The Imperial Crown Hotel, 42-46 Horton St, Halifax HX1 1QE

WHAT?

WHEN?

MORE

A very informal networking opportunity, come along and make new contacts in a relaxed setting and enjoy a drink on us!

Second Friday of the month 12:30-13:30

No need to book, just turn up!

WHERE?

Follow @MidYorkshireNet and #MYNetworkWakey on Twitter.

Run in partnership with Barclays, CIM, Copiserv, First Choice, Ramsdens Solicitors LLP, Statement and the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

The Hop, Bank Street, Wakefield, WF1 1EH

INFO:

WHAT?

WHEN?

MORE

A fantastic opportunity to network in an informal environment, making some great new contacts for your business.

Third Wednesday of the month 09:00–11:00

No need to book, just turn up!

WHERE?

Run in partnership with CIM, Ramsdens Solicitors LLP, Better Telecoms and The Media Centre.

The Media Centre, Northumberland Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1RL

WHAT? Monthly lunchtime business networking meeting: have a chat, mingle and make some new contacts.

Run in partnership with Barclays, CIM and Ramsdens Solicitors LLP.

VIII

INFO:

WHEN? Every last Friday of the Month 12:30–13:30 WHERE? Harrison Social, 11 Harrison Rd, Halifax, HX1 2AF

INFO:

Follow @MidYorkshireNet and #MYNetworkHud on Twitter.

MORE

INFO:

It is completely free to attend, just turn up and the first drink is on us.

Follow@LastFridayClub on Twitter

Events EVENTS

Local Business Forums WHAT? Enjoy a light breakfast and the opportunity to have your say about pressing business topics which are facing the local business community.

Speakers for this meeting will include a senior member of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Policy team, as well as a representative from the local Council.

MY Conference Kirklees 2016 WHAT? This will be the fourth time the conference is held; celebrating and connecting businesses in Kirklees.

MY Conference Kirklees will be held at The John Smith’s Stadium and promises to be a date for businesses not to be missed.

WHEN? Bi-monthly 08:00 – 10:00 WHERE? We rotate the location within the Mid Yorkshire region, next meeting held: Friday 29th January 08:00-10:00am The John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield, HD1 6PG

INFO:

It’s FREE for members and just £20.00 plus VAT for non-members. Places are limited, book your place online at www.mycci.co.uk/events or contact steven.leigh@mycci.co.uk Tel: 07809 658533

WHEN? Wednesday 16th March 2016, 08:45 - 16:00 WHERE? The John Smith’s Stadium, Stadium Way, Huddersfield, HD1 6PG MORE INFO: See our website for more information and follow @MYBizConfs on Twitter to stay up to date with all the latest news, speakers and exhibitors.

Book your place on any of our events at www.mycci.co.uk/events or speak to the Membership and Events team on 01924 311605/ info@mycci.co.uk

Business Growth Courses in exporting The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in Calderdale has ten nationally accredited core courses in exporting and international trade.Together Events the courses create an export curriculum, In partnership with Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Calderdale Council, we are running a series of FREE monthly events across Calderdale in 2016 to help promote business growth within the region.

For upcoming dates, please visit mycci.co.uk/events.

MORE

The Next Courses Are As Follows:

DOCUMENTARY LETTERS OF CREDIT Wednesday 27th January 9:30 – 16:30 CUSTOMS PROCEDURES & providing invaluable basic exporting skills for DOCUMENTATION small and large companies alike.

Wednesday 10th February 9:30 – 16:30 UNDERSTANDING EXPORTING AND By completing six courses, candidates EXPORT DOCUMENTATION achieve a nationally recognised foundation Wednesday 17th February 9:30-16:30 award in exporting. The courses are suitable INCOTERMS for both experienced and inexperienced Wednesday 9th March 9.30-12.30 exporters. METHODS OF PAYMENT Wednesday 9th March 13:30-16:30 Individual full day courses cost £175 (+VAT) IMPORT PROCEDURES for members and £200 (+VAT) for nonTuesday 12th April 9:30-16:30 members and individual half day courses cost £100 (+VAT) for members and £125 (+VAT) for non-members. Or book six For more information and to book, visit courses (half and full courses) for £850 www.myexporthub.co.uk/events (+VAT) for members and £1000 (+VAT) for non-members to complete the foundation award in exporting. All of the above courses will take place at The John Smith’s Stadium, Stadium Way, Huddersfield, HD1 6PG.

Close Up for Business IX

Business of the

Month

Business of the month winners

The Business of the Month Award is open to firms in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.

Each month a new winner is chosen and all 12 then go through to the annual Business of the Year award.

For your chance to win the Business of the Month award visit www. businessofthemonth. co.uk or contact Eleanor Cummings at Eaton Smith on 01484 821430

Pictured left to right: Chris Lowe, Shopper Anonymous; Luke Rowbotham, Santander; Chris Taylor, Eaton Smith; Amy Wray, Applegate Properties; Laura Simpson, Applegate Properties and Ann Rimmington, Applegate Properties.

Applegate Properties – September Holmfirth-based estate agent, Applegate Properties, launched in January 2010 and at that time was a lettings business.

Business has thrived and following the launch of a residential sales department in 2013, it now offers both lettings and sales.

The judging panel were impressed by the quietly confident nature of the application and the pro-active, progressive attitude of Applegate.

To ensure high standards and to remain fullyinformed in its field, it holds membership of several bodies, some being non-compulsory memberships.

It has embraced technology - not only offering iPad viewings within its Holmfirth office, it has an e-signing system for terms of business, tenancies, brochure sign offs and so on, all with the intention of lessening the burden of paperwork on its clients and it has invested in lettings software to streamline the lettings process.

X

The business has taken and retained an apprentice and holds weekly staff meetings to ensure all opinions and opportunities are considered and sixmonthly training reviews are held to assess staff needs and goals.

Commenting on the award, founder Amy Wray said, “We feel extremely privileged to have won the Business of the Month award, especially as there have been such a high calibre of businesses winning it in the past.

I would like to extend a very big thank you to the amazing team that I work with, they all work very hard to maintain the high levels of standard and service that I set in my initial core values five years ago, which is what I believe sets us apart from other competitors”.

Business of the

Month

Ascensor – October Since 2007, Kirklees-based digital agency, Ascensor, has evolved thanks to an exceptional team and has enjoyed year on year growth since incorporation.

Their clients are based across the UK, present in all sectors and range from start-ups to multimillion pound turnover internationals.

The judging panel were impressed by Ascensor’s detailed application and impressive testimonials highlighting its recent growth, including Ascensor’s investment in an international company to complement its UK team and the acquisition of a Brighouse based web design company.

Ascensor also stood out for its innovation including developing Apps, in particular for

clients’ internal use, to help improve their efficiency.

Andrew Firth, Managing Director, is a keen advocate of employee engagement and reward through performance related benefit schemes and the re-investment of the company’s profits into the business has helped Ascensor become a leading player in the digital sector.

Commenting on the award, Andrew said; “We are over the moon to have won the award for October, it is great recognition for our team’s hard work, and for the excellent growth we are enjoying as a result.”

Pictured left to right: Steven Leigh, MYCCI; Andrew Sugden, Eaton Smith; Lesley Sutton, Revell Ward Ltd; Alison Palmer, Eaton Smith; Andrew Firth, Ascensor; James Landes, Ascensor; Laura Peaker, Ascensor, Sarah Lowther, Ascensor

Close Up for Business XI

Patrons Update

Eaton Smith – Inheritance Tax advice In 1979 Benjamin Franklin said that nothing is certain except “death and taxes”.

At Eaton Smith we help our clients to navigate the complexities of Inheritance Tax liabilities.

The Chancellor, in his last Budget, introduced a new Residential Nil Rate Band which provides an additional allowance against inheritance tax of £175,000 per person, over and above the existing Nil Rate Band allowance of £325,000.

Therefore, an individual would have £500,000 of allowance and a married couple or civil partners, £1 million.

In part this fulfils the Conservative's promise made back in 2007.

The new allowance does not come in until 2017 and then only on a tapered basis at the rate of £100,000 increasing to £175,000 in 2020. To qualify you have to own your own home and leave it in your Will to your children or direct descendants only.

Where your house is sold before 2017 because of downsizing or a move into residential care, then the legislation indicates that you would still qualify for the relief. Your Will therefore needs to be carefully worded and you should seek expert advice. If you would like to discuss your Inheritance Tax liabilities and make sure your Will reflects your wishes, please contact Ben Cooper at 01484 821 409 or bencooper@eatonsmith.co.uk

Wildcats end on a high!

All the staff at Wakefield Trinity are busy getting ready for the new 2016 First Utility Super League.

After a rollercoaster 2015 season which finished on an unbelievable high, with the boys successfully winning the Million Pound Game at Belle Vue in October, the players and staff are eager to see what the 2016 season has to bring.

There are a number of opportunities still available for local businesses in Wakefield

to partner with us here at the Club, for more details feel free to contact us.

The Super League season kicks off at Belle Vue with our first home fixture against the Widnes Vikings on Sunday 7th February, kicking off at 3pm. It would be great to see you all there!

For more details on tickets, contact our retail store in the Ridings Centre on 01924 201 548 or visit our website www.wakefieldwildcats.co.uk

Stadium hosts sleepover On Thursday 21st of April, The John Smith’s Stadium will be playing host to Huddersfield’s 2nd annual #SleepWithSimon, in aid of homeless charity and Stadium charity partner Simon on the Streets.

Simon on the Streets is an independent charity that helps and supports those who are sleeping rough or are in danger of doing so. Sleeping rough is not just a case of not having a home, it stems from many other problems including: drugs, alcohol, childhood problems and social, mental and behavioural issues. #SleepWithSimon is Simon on the Streets’ biggest annual fundraising opportunity, with many sleeping outdoors for one night, come rain or shine, to better understand the XII

problems faced by those who sleep rough.

Having recently become a trustee for the charity, it is now especially important to me that we get as many involved in the sleep out as we possibly can and spread awareness of the charity and all the great things that it does across Huddersfield.

It costs the charity a little over £2,000 per year to intensively support one rough sleeper, which is a considerably more economical option than many government funded services. 98p in every £1 of the charity’s income is spent on its charitable activity, directly supporting its service users.

To get involved in the upcoming event, or simply to donate, please visit www. sleepwithsimon.co.uk/huddersfield

My Export Hub

FREE Foreign exchange health check worth over £250!

Export Chamber members are invited to take advantage of a FREE health check on their currency payments, to identify cost and process savings through the Chamber Foreign Exchange service.

Currency fluctuations can have a significant impact on companies engaged in international trade and hinder ambitions for growth. The Chamber Foreign Exchange service, provided by currency specialists Moneycorp, can help you to protect your business against adverse rate fluctuations and make the most of any positive movements, whilst giving you access to exclusive offers and highly competitive rates of exchange.

Moneycorp has been helping businesses make the most of their international payments since 1979. Moneycorp is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the provision of payment services and handled more than 6.4million transactions in 2014, trading more than £13billion in currencies.

Regional manager for Moneycorp, Barbara Sutton, can review current arrangements, offer rate comparisons and give guidance on how to protect businesses against the risk of currency fluctuations, whether you are an exporter or importer.

Barbara has already helped a number of Chamber members across the region to make great savings, but more importantly helped them to protect profit margins against currency fluctuations with a range of specialised foreign exchange services, market orders, forward contracts and options*. For example, a business could fix an exchange rate for as long as two years in advance of a payment, to protect themselves from currency fluctuations.

Jo Palmer, MY Export Hub manager commented: “This is a fantastic offer

and I would encourage all export members to take advantage of the free assessment of your business’s foreign exchange requirements, as it may save you hundreds or thousands of pounds.”

To arrange a free health check or discuss requirements further, please contact MY Export Hub team on export@mycci.co.uk or call 01484 483660.

*Options products are offered

by Moneycorp Financial Risk Management Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the FCA for the conduct of designated investment business. Foreign exchange options and other derivative products are not suitable for everyone and you should ensure you fully understand the risks involved before purchasing these products.

Close Up for Business XIII

New Members

3D Storage Systems (UK) Ltd

ABS UK Ltd

Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees

www.3dlockers.co.uk Storage Equipment

www.abs-print.co.uk Managed Print Specialists

www.ageuk.org.uk/calderdaleandkirklees Charity

A-Rated Power Flush

Barnes Family Law

Brewood Travel

www.a-ratedpowerush.co.uk Heating Engineer

www.barnesfamilylaw.co.uk Family Law

www.brewoodtravel.com Travel Agency

Consortio Professional Services Ltd

Hathaway Business Services Ltd

Heath Cottage Hotel & Restaurant

www.consortiops.co.uk Accountant and Business Advisors

www.yourrail.co.uk Business to Business Consultancy

www.heathcottage.co.uk Hotel & Restaurant

Imperial Crown Hotel

IMSM Ltd

Lumilow Lighting Limited

www.corushotels.com/halifax Hotel

www.imsm.com/gb/ Management Consultancy

www.lumilow.com Designers, manufacturers and suppliers of energy efficient lighting

Markadis Ltd

Mooncas Ltd

My Move Yorkshire

www.markadis.com Business services

www.mooncas.co.uk Conferences

www.kwuk.com Estate Agent

Parsons & Co

PrintForms Limited

Regus

www.parsonsaccountants.co.uk Business Services

www.printforms.co.uk Print and related services

www.regus.co.uk Flexible Workspace Provider

XIV

New Members

RWE Generation UK Plc

Sarah Dykes (2013) Ltd

Shackletons Ltd

www.rwe.com/gmos Engineering & Maintenance

Health & Safety Advisor

www.shackletonsltd.co.uk Furniture Manufacturer

Steeltek Structural Steel LTD

Synergos Consultancy Ltd

Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events

www.steeltek.co.uk Steel Fabricator

www.synergosconsultancy.co.uk ISO & AEO Specialists

Vandalite Lighting Ltd

Visual Impact Organisation Ltd

Zep UK Ltd

www.vandalite.com Manufacturer (lighting)

www.visualimpact.org.uk Signage Manufacturer

www.zep.co.uk Industrial Maintenance & Repair Chemicals

www.johnsmithsstadium.com Catering, Events & Management Service

If you would like to join these companies in becoming part of the Mid Yorkshire business community, please contact our Membership team on 01924 311 605 or email info@mycci.co.uk to find out more.

Close Up for Business XV

Member Offers

MemberOffers CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP GIVES YOU ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE BUSINESS DISCOUNTS, OFFERS AND FREE PUBLICITY!

What?

A heavily discounted service offered exclusively by members for members. Benefit from free publicity as a host or gain huge savings by utilising our Member Offer of the Month benefits.

Why? We understand that members have a business to run, through hosting a Member Offer of the Month, you can save time on marketing and benefit from free publicity. By using members offers, save money on valuable services for your business.

How? To discuss how your company could take advantage of the Member Offer of the Month and other publicity opportunities:

CONTACT REBECCA ON - 01484 483 678

Current Member Offer of the Month For details on our current Member Offer of the Month, please visit our website www.mycci.co.uk/get-connected/member-offers

Chamber Connect Card ENJOY EXCLUSIVE LONG TERM BUSINESS DISCOUNTS! What?

Why?

How?

Access a range of long term discounted offers, negotiated for your business as part of your membership package. You can also participate by offering your own discounted products and services to fellow members.

Your Connect Card is a value added service that could represent significant savings for your business. By participating as an offer provider you can gain increased brand exposure and create new business opportunities.

Offers are available across a range of categories including Business Travel, IT, Business Services, Cars and Motoring and Lifestyle.

Avanti Corporate Solutions

View current local offers below:

HD Lettings One hour landlord consultation for only £40.00 a 20% discount for Chamber members, ensuring you are up to speed on your requirements and doing everything correctly.

Purple Dog Training Purple Dog is offering Chamber members 20% off all their online training courses.

Wren Sterling Did you know a saving of up to 90% can be achieved by applying the latest lighting technology J.G. Harrison & Sons, are offering all Chamber members a free site and home visit service.

Through their associate, Countrywide Tax & Trust, Clive Barwell, a Registered Trust & Estate Practitioner, are offering a comprehensive willwriting service to fellow Chamber members at a discount of 20%.

Maze

Log into the MY Chamber section of www.mycci.co.uk to redeem and view all Connect Card offers.

Is offering a 20% discount to Chamber members on their consulting and training services.

WakeďŹ eld Edition January 2016 35

FashionUpdate NewsUpdate

Katie Portman is a freelance journalist and an award winning lifestyle and fashion blogger at Pouting in Heels www.poutinginheels.com who will be writing a regular feature for TopicUK. You can follow Katie on our website www.topicuk. co.uk or on Twitter @KateLPortman

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As we go into the New Year, this is the perfect time to make some changes in your life, from everything from your eating habits to your wardrobe.

So if you’ve felt more frump than fabulous this year, then fret not! Here are five simple things you can do to help you look and feel your very best this coming year.

Get Ruthless We’ve all got those pesky items in our wardrobes that we never wear, usually from years gone by or stuff we bought on a quick whim.

But these garments are taking up precious room in your wardrobe and clouding your judgement, so it’s time to ditch them.

Grab some black bags, be ruthless and remove anything that you no longer love, no longer fits or doesn’t make you feel incredible. Life is far too short to wear clothes that make you feel less than your absolute best.

(If in doubt about an item, try it on and observe your posture and facial expressions. When we wear something we love, we tend to stand prouder and generally smile!)

Be Honest What are the parts of your body that you love the most?

We’ve all got areas of our bodies that we don’t particularly like (and that’s OK), but the key is to not worry about those (or think anyone else notices them) and concentrate on the areas that you are happy with. Otherwise known as your best bits.

up a bit and try something new. Fashion is supposed to be fun! So experiment, play around and dare to try things you would never have thought of in a million years. Your findings may just surprise you.

Seek Inspiration If you’ve lost your way with style or your wardrobe no longer suits your life, then there’s only one thing for it it’s time to look around for inspiration. Read some style books, go on Pinterest, visit some fashion blogs and rip out anything you come across in a magazine that takes your fancy or ‘speaks to you’. Finding new ideas is the first step in helping you to discover a new, more stylish, you.

Ask For Help We all struggle with our style from time to time. So if you really are at crisis point and have no idea how to move forward, then call in an expert. There are some brilliant fashion stylists out there, who can come to your home and give you advice and guidance, as well as tips. Or alternatively if it’s something in particular you need, like a new work wardrobe, make sure you take advantage of the great personal shoppers that all major department stores now offer.

So if you’ve got incredible legs, wear short skirts or skinny jeans to show them off. If you’ve got shapely breasts, wear tops and dresses that flatter your shape. Dress for you and own your shape.

And finally, don’t forget to reach out to your closest friends and ask for their opinion. Or better still, make an occasion of it and invite them to your wardrobe revamp party and ask them to help you go through your racks, with some fizz in hand.

Play Around

What could be more fabulous than that?!

If you can’t remember the last time you tried on something different or had a new haircut, it’s time to start experimenting.

It’s very easy to get stuck in a style rut, especially when life is busy, which is why it’s always good to shake things

Wakefield Edition January 2016 37

Wakefield Annual Charity Lunch

Records broken as £28k is raised for charity Wakefield was closed for business on 10 December as the town’s business community, along with guests from across the region, gathered at Cedar Court Hotel for the Wakefield Annual Charity Lunch

Celebrating its third year, WACCL launched the festive season in style, gathering together a veritable who’swho’s list of business leaders and key players behind a host of local companies to raise funds to support young people in the district.

This year’s beneficiaries, Theatre Royal Wakefield’s Performance Academy and MY Burns Club, will share the money raised which was the highest in the event’s history.

The guests at the sold-out lunch, which was jointly compered by Malcolm Lord and Pat Langham, enjoyed an amazing performance by the children from the Theatre Royal and treated to a three course festive meal.

One of the young performers

Attention then turned to the charity auction which featured a variety of highly valued lots including a private lunch hosted by Chris Edwards, CEO of PoundWorld, with the hammer dropping at £3900 for that item alone.

Commenting on this year’s phenomenal success, Ian Taylor, Chair of WACCL, said: “This event was amazing. Business leaders and their guests gave generously in support of our young people. We had fantastic auction and raffle prizes from local companies, business people took time out to support and meet up with colleagues and friends, and we smashed it, raising £28,000 for the two charities”.

Ian added, “This is a team effort combining the talents of fellow trustees Tim Welton and Andy Turner, and the committee. Special mention must also go to Pat Langham, former Headmistress of Wakefield Girls High School, gave us some much needed entertainment along the way and joined Malcolm Lord as MC on the day.”

The two beneficiaries are understandably delighted with the success of WACCL. Theatre Royal Wakefield’s Executive Director, Murray Edwards, said: ”We were

Mc's Malcolm Lord & Pat Langham delighted to be chosen as a beneficiary of the WACCL fundraising efforts, which harnesses the generosity of the Wakefield Business Community. This year’s event was fantastic. It provided our young people with a unique platform to showcase their talents in front of an appreciative audience” Tracy Foster from My Burns Club, which is based at Pinderfields Hospital and supports deserving children throughout Yorkshire, said: “This is a tremendous result. This is almost 50% of the monies we need to support all the events we have

Committee: Tim Welton & Andy Turner

Murray Edwards, Rachel Rowling, Jon Ingham

All images thanks to Amy Charles Photography planned for 2016 and will assist so many children during their rehabilitation process.�

The organisers of WACCL have now set themselves the challenge of improving on this year’s lunch with the date for the 2016 gathering being set for 8 December.

To get involved, people are encouraged to email ian@ waccl.co.uk or to book a table for the Christmas lunch via the website: www.waccl.co.uk

John Hovarth, Ian Taylor, Tracey Foster, Lady Anne & Sir Rodney Walker, Murray Edwards

Feature

A Wakefield business story Kevin Trickett, president of the Wakefield Civic Society continues his investigation into the growth and Wealth of Wakefield City From pre-history to 16th Century No one knows for certain when people first started to live in what we now call Wakefield. There is some evidence of Stone Age activity in the area around Wakefield and a Roman road from Pontefract to Manchester came through Wakefield – fording the River Calder at the bottom of what is now Kirkgate, before branching off to the north and the west, roughly along the lines of the present day Northgate and Ings Road. We do know that the first written record of Wakefield (recorded as Wachfeld) appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 by which time it was already one of the largest manors in the country.

It is thought that the area was first settled by the Angles in the 5th and 6th centuries and that the name Wakefield is derived from the name of a prominent Anglo-Saxon chieftan by the name of Waca (literally meaning Waca’s field). After the Viking invasions of the 9th century, the land under Viking control (known as the Danelaw) was divided into administrative areas called shires. The county shire of York was further divided into three ridings (literally meaning a thirding) and these ridings, were subdivided into wapentakes which took their names from the principal places that were used for village meetings (or moots).

Wakefield was part of the Wapentake of Agbrigg and Morley (which was later split into two). This indicates that the main meeting place of the wapentake in Wakefield was actually at Agbrigg, rather than in what we

40

would regard as today’s city centre.

Following the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William the Conqueror (himself of Viking descent) set about bringing the country under Norman control. It was he who commissioned the creation of the Domesday Book, actually a great survey that would be used by the crown to calculate taxes.

Although not completed until after the king’s death in 1085, the book records the ownership of all lands, buildings, livestock, meadows and woodlands, as well as details of the people whether they be landowners or tenants, free men or slaves.

The Manor of Wakefield was granted by William II to William de Warrenne, created first Earl of Surrey, probably in 1088. The Earl, who died later that year, had supported William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings and had been loyal to the king’s son, William II. Possession of the Manor, and responsibility for its administration, passed down the de Warrenne line and it was they who built Sandal Castle in the 12th century, originally in wood but later consolidated in stone. (They also built another castle at Lowe Hill, now in Wakefield park, but this was abandoned shortly afterwards).

Although the de Warrennes did not spend much time at Sandal castle, they did install Constables to keep the peace (the castle also housed a gaol) and to administer the area on their behalf.

The Manor returned to the control of the crown in 1347 with the death of the seventh Earl of Surrey who had no legitimate heirs but the castle retained its function as an administrative headquarters until Tudor times. However, with the rebuilding in the Moot Hall in upper Kirkgate in the first half of the 16th century (during the reign of Henry VIII) as a place for the Steward of the Manor to live, and the building of a new prison in Wakefield in the 1590s, administrative matters moved away from the castle and into the town centre.

By the early 19th century, the administration of the Manor of Wakefield was in the hands of a

incorporation came the first elected council whose members gradually took on the responsibilities for such things as sanitation, policing, street lighting and planning. The Street Commissioners held their final meeting, in the chamber above the Market Cross, in 1853.

number of groups and individuals, the Constables, Stewards, Ale-Tasters, Pindars, Street Commissioners and a Board of Guardians amongst them, but overall responsibility lay with the Magistracy. Democracy, such as it was, was played out through public meetings to discuss matters of the day. These meetings were held by petition to the Constable and usually took place in the Manorial Moot Hall which stood in upper Kirkgate (a Wakefield Civic Society blue plaque on the front of Boots store records the location). The magistrates met in rooms at the White Hart Hotel (also now demolished) close by until the opening of the new Court House in Wood Street in 1810, while the Street Commissioners, responsible for such things as sanitation and street lighting, met in a chamber

above the Market Cross in Cross Square (near to the Black Rock public house).

The Market Cross was demolished in 1866 to make way for traffic.

The passing of the Municipal Corporations Act in 1835 allowed for the creation of municipal boroughs administered by local elected councillors.

These municipal boroughs, organised along standard lines, replaced the rather ad hoc arrangements for local governance described above that had existed not only in Wakefield but across the country since the middle ages.

Towns had to petition the government for incorporation and Wakefield became a municipal borough in 1848 although the Street Commissioners retained much of their power to begin with. With

The new municipal corporation required premises of their own. In 1854, they purchased a plot of land in Wood Street (where the current Town Hall stands) but did nothing with it to begin with.

Instead, they negotiated with the owner of the former Assembly Rooms on Crown Court (between King Street and Wood Street) to move into his premises as tenants. This building, erected in 1778 and sometimes referred to as the Music Hall, had been used for a variety of purposes and Wakefield’s first newspaper The Wakefield Star, established in 1803, was also published from there. From 1845 to 1858 the Wakefield Church Institution used a part of the building for its library, lectures and evening classes. However, there was a fire in 1858 which gutted the building. Wakefield Corporation paid the building’s owner to rebuild and refurbish it to meet their needs and the new council moved there in 1861, the Church Institution having moved to a new building of their own in Marygate.

It was not long, however, before the Corporation realised they would need somewhere bigger and purpose-built, more suited to the dignity of the Corporation and which could hold its own in comparison to the town halls of neighbouring towns and it was decided to commission new premises for their site in Wood Street. They had by now also acquired the Tammy Hall which at that time extended further along King Street. Part of the building was demolished to allow for a larger Town Hall. A competition was advertised to select a design and this won by London architect Thomas Colcutt.

Building work started in 1877 and the new Town Hall opened in 1880.

Wakefield Edition January 2016 41

NewsUpdate

Town Hall reopens after major refurbishment The iconic Grade 1 listed building has undergone major works to restore it back to its former glory with unique tiled walls uncovered, external stonework cleaned, repaired and restored and ornate artwork on the walls and ceilings revamped and cleaned.

Built in 1877, the building was opened in October 1880 by the then Mayor, W H Lee. It was designed by architect Thomas Edward Collcutt who was responsible for designing The Savoy and the Palace Theatre in London.

The builder William Holdsworth of Bradford was the successful tenderer for the erection of the building to build in Spinkwell stone for £43,700. The architects fees amounted to £3,450.18s.8d. The foundation stone was laid by the Mayor Alderman W H Gill, solicitor in October 1877 during a ceremony and later two neighbouring streets were named after the two majors who respectively Cllr, Graham Stokes laid the foundation stone and opened the building.

Wakefield Town Hall reopened in August 2015, following major refurbishment lasting 22 months and is now available for hire for functions, lunches, dinners and weddings.

For many years previously, there had been plans for such a building during the period when the council was occupying the old Town Hall which is still standing and used as apartments and offices in nearby Crown Court, off Lee Street.

Curiously, the building was rather too large so part of the cellar was let to a local innkeeper from 1882. It was also possible to provide accommodation for the meetings of the new County Council which was first elected in 1889 and which had no proper home of its own until County Hall was opened in 1898.

Today, the Town Hall is now home to Wakefield Register Office which moved from Northgate and from January 2016, will see the permanent transfer of all Wakefield Registration and Celebratory services.

The Town Hall houses two beautifully decorated ceremony rooms and full wedding packages will be on offer for

42

people to host their entire event in one venue. From a simple ceremony, to a sit down four course wedding breakfast and evening receptions and parties as the venue is fully licensed. The Kingswood Suite can accommodate 150 people or 220 with the use of the balcony and 100 people for a sit down wedding breakfast.

The building is also home to 70 council officers and weekly cabinet meetings take place in the Old Court Room along with many other meetings.

The building has four main function / meeting rooms which are hired out by external corporate clients for meetings and events and companies looking to hold training days or team building events can book the popular Old Court Room. The room retains its original features from the judges bench to the public gallery with excellent acoustics in the room. The old restaurant was formerly used as a restaurant and councillors dining room and still retains its oak panelling and ceilings.

As well as weddings, this beautiful building can be hired for a number of events from business meetings to sit down lunches or dinners, with full catering facilities available on site.

If anyone is interested in booking the events and functions team are available on 01924 305830 or email eventsandfunctions@wakefield.gov.uk alternatively visit the website http://www. wakefield.gov.uk/residents/events-andculture/room-hire/venues.

TopicUK would like to thank Cllr Graham Stokes and Tracey Altoft, Communications Officer, for showing us around the building and explaining the many services on offer.

Photography by Danny Gartside 07834 705736. www.dannygartside.com

WakeďŹ eld Edition January 2016 43

Competition

Going Green in the splendour of the Welsh mountains

by Paul Brown - (@pbsportswriter)

Now it’s your chance to visit this fabulous hotel. TopicUK have teamed up with the hotel to offer a two night stay for 2 people.

All you have to do is send us your name and contact details before February 10th and the first to be ‘pulled out of the hat’ after that date will win.

You can email your details to editor@topicuk.co.uk or post to: TopicUK, Suite 6 Unity Works, Westgate, Wakefield WF1 1EP. Good luck! y-Coed, with Go Below, who also give you the chance to try out all 130m of the longest undergound zip line in the world.

Or you can take a trip to the nearby Llechwedd Slate Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog where even children as young as three can go trampolining underground.

The big attraction for us though was the local castles. Our two children love pretending to be knights and hearing scary stories about times of yore.

So they were in their element here learning about the Princes of Gwynedd, whose bloodthirsty history spans 900 years and left its mark on the modern landscape.

Run by the lovely John and Ceilia, it’s one of the most picturesque places you will ever visit, and completely carbon neutral.

Nestled right in Snowdonia National Park near a reservoir, it is just 200m from the local steam railway, and has views that are hard to beat – with all mod cons thrown in.

There are ensuite bedrooms, a nice cosy dining room with a log fire and even a sauna.

But John and Ceilia also bake their own bread and keep ducks, who will provide the eggs for your scrumptious Full English.

Our two kids (three and five) loved getting up in the morning to feed the ducks with the beautiful countryside all around them, and then chomping their way through a hearty breakfast.

Built in 1883 for the local slate mine

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manager, the house now runs on solar power with a biomass boiler fed by wood pellets. It even has two electric charging points for cars. And as a gateway to Mount Snowdon and all the wonders of this part of the world, it’s hard to beat.

If you’re into rambling, John is a qualified guide and can show you around, and he can even take you out on the water because he’s also a qualified canoe and kayak instructor. He used to teach autistic and disabled children too, so you won’t find a more patient host.

But it’s not just ramblers and climbers who come here. City-dwellers visit to get away from it all, twitchers come to spot local Ospreys and Red Kite, and thrill-seekers come for the adventure.

North Wales is becoming one of the UK’s biggest hotpots for Adventure Holidays because of the amount of disused slate mines in the area.

Visitors can go Extreme Caving at Conwy Falls, near the beautiful village of Betws-

If castles are your thing too, you’ll love this part of Wales, which is why the Government have pumped £112,000 into their Princes of Gwynedd scheme through Cadw, their historic environment service.

Criccieth Castle is probably the most spectacular, sitting high on a headland above Tremadog Bay, which also boasts a lovely beach. But even more impressive is Conwy Castle. Built for Edward I in the 13th century and beautifully preserved as a World Heritage Site, it’s well worth a visit. The romantic, windswept ruins of Dolwyddelan Castle are also great for capturing the imagination, and the views of the surrounding countryside are magical.

But wherever you go you can be sure of a warm welcome back at Bryn Elltyd, and you won’t have to worry about your carbon footprint.

Why fly to the Alps when you can go mountain climbing in your own back garden?

YORKSHIRE TELECOMMUNICATIONS LIMITED

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WakeямБeld Edition January 2016 45

Health&Beauty

Posi t ive

Wellbeing New year detox for your mind and body 1. Exercise You don’t have to go to the gym every day to incorporate exercise into your life. Find something that you enjoy doing and make time each week for this - walking with your family at the weekend, dancing, yoga or stretching exercises, walking to the local shops. They’ll all help to get the blood circulating in your body, flush out any toxins and keep your body healthy and fit.

it blocks the energy flowing around you. The New Year is a good time to be more organised and to have a good sort through things and a general tidy up. You’ll feel so much clearer in your mind as well as having a tidy home/workspace.

Top tip: look around where you spend most of your day and spend 15 minutes tidying up and de-cluttering.

4. Drink lots of water 2. Relaxation It’s sometimes difficult to prioritise taking time out for yourself but it’s really important to create balance in your life – and that means finding time for relaxation – whatever that means for you – time with friends, time chilling with family, a spa day, tai chi.

Top tip: find 10 minutes today to relax and notice how much better you feel afterwards.

3. Declutter your home and workspace If your house or workspace is untidy and cluttered, it’s a sign of stress and a source of stress. You can’t find things, everything looks a mess and

About two thirds of your body is water. It’s in your blood, muscles and brain and it’s needed to carry oxygen and nutrients to your cells and organs and to remove wastes. If you don’t drink enough water, your body will try and limit the amount it loses during breathing, perspiration and excretions. Your body will then show signs of dehydration such as pain in your joints and muscles, headaches, dry cough, constipation, dry skin, dark yellow urine. These signs often mean that your body needs more water to help it function properly. Drinking enough water will help you feel more energized (it helps flush out toxins as well as keeping your organs and muscles fit and healthy).

Top tip: try drinking 2 small glasses of water today and see how it makes you feel better.

5. Detox massage Massage has many benefits including general relaxation, improved circulation, reduction of tension and lowering of blood pressure. Massage is great at cleansing the body of wastes and toxic debris, and so is perfect in the New Year after too many indulgences and a stressful build up to Christmas. There’s lots of types of massage to choose from – hot stone, deep tissue, no hands, Swedish massage.

Top tip: a regular massage helps to keep your muscles looser and helps to prevent pains and injury.

Celebrating Corporate Partnerships

“Our long standing relationship with the Theatre Royal Wakefield is one we are particularly proud of.”

Tim Welton, Litigation Partner, Chadwick Lawrence

(Old Court Room, Wakefield Town Hall, Judge, Jon Ingham (TRW) Image by Adam Sencer, hdtwo commercial photograph) Theatre Royal Wakefield’s young pantomime cast members Millie Close, Isla Bowles, Izabel Dalton and Charlotte Carr, were found guilty of bringing festive frivolity to tens of thousands of people this Christmas.

In celebrating their Corporate Partnership with Theatre Royal Wakefield, Chadwick Lawrence’s Phil Brown was only too pleased to lead the prosecution – there was no defence!

Corporate Partners: • • •

Enjoy live performances Engage with Arts and Culture Experience the thrill of an opening night

Contact jon.ingham@theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk

EducationUpdate

Points of View

I recently explained to a prospective parent why I think independent schools are so successful. Undoubtedly, money is a factor, but not in the way the Government sees it.

There are many reasons to send your child to the local state school, not least that your taxes have already paid for it. However, in essence, your child attends because the law says they have to. Your relationship with the school is one of obligation on both sides, driven by bureaucracy and an obsession with the measurable but miserable core that makes up too many children’s education.

You get what you pay for in life In this edition, the Headmaster of Silcoates School, Darryl Wideman, argues that private education is undoubtedly worth paying for, while an Upper Sixth Form student at the school, Rory Ellis, argues that student loans for university tuition are nothing to fear.

We hear regular cries of anguish from politicians about how they can’t understand why independent schools are so successful and about the need to harness the magic ingredients of independence and distribute them throughout the education sector.

The latest misguided obsession is partnerships, with the false assumption that all independent schools are rich while all state schools are poor, and the redistribution of wealth is the way to solve the problem – some irony here, surely, given government policies elsewhere! The relative wealth of the sectors may have some relevance in the South East, but it’s nonsense in West Yorkshire.

When you go to an independent school, you are not a statistic: you are a customer, which immediately gives you a set of rights unobtainable from the state. If you are not happy with the product then it is a free market and you can go elsewhere. Heads of independent schools know this, which is why they will bend over backwards to make sure you

Independent Education for Boys & Girls Aged 3-18

Silcoates School An all-round education with an academic edge

Silcoates School, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield, WF2 0PD 01924 291614 | enquiries@silcoates.org.uk www.silcoates.org.uk | Charity No. 1158796

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...her advice that sticks most in my memory is when she told me always to buy the most expensive shoes I could afford, because once your feet are damaged they never recover are happy and your child is successful.

I have no political ambitions at all, but if I were to be asked for just one policy suggestion for education then I would recommend making everyone pay for it.

This doesn’t have to be a lot of money, but it has to be something substantial enough to force all parents to invest in their children’s futures, because if you are paying for education then your relationship with a school changes.

If you believe some of the usual nonsense touted in areas of the national press, the days of private education are numbered.

Independent school is becoming the preserve of the mega-rich and soon the only people who will be able to afford the fees will be Gulf oil sheiks and Russian oligarchs. More nonsense!

The cost of a private education, certainly in the North of England, actually represents very good value for money at the moment, given the high quality of the product for which you will pay. With careful budgeting, advanced planning to take advantage of low interest rates, and a resolution of purpose, the enormous benefits of a private education are in many ways more affordable than ever before.

My granny was a woman of great wisdom, with an opinion on most things, but her advice that sticks most in my memory is when she told me always to buy the most expensive shoes I could afford, because once your feet are damaged they never recover properly. I cannot think of a better metaphor for private education. A more modern one might be that if you want a Ferrari then of course it’s going to cost you more than a

Daihatsu, but you get what you pay for in life and you can’t afford to play Russian roulette with your children’s futures. If you are asking yourselves whether you can afford to pay for a private education for your children, perhaps you should be asking if you can afford not to.

think it would have made it much easier for people to accept, thereby avoiding the anxiety, and indeed anger, that tuition fees have caused. I just hope that I get the same value for money from my university experience as I’ve got from my school and that the same levels of accountability apply during the next stage of my education.

An Offer You Can’t Refuse In an ideal world, no one would have to pay for university. But the situation is not going to change any time soon, so the focus of my attention at the moment is how best I should fund the annual tuition fees of up to £9,000.

Despite assumptions that students educated in private schools are not attracted by university loans, usually because people think their families are wealthy enough to pay everything up front, a large majority of my contemporaries at Silcoates have never questioned the idea of applying for a loan. While I can sympathise with those who don’t want to use borrowed money, thereby perhaps casting off the uncomfortable idea of repayments with interest, the prospect is not one that deters me.

As a final thought for those who are lucky enough to have the money to fund university education in advance, if you deposit the equivalent value of a student loan in a fixed rate bond, you will gain more money in annual interest rates in the three or four years of study than you would lose in the loan’s interest. This calculation convinces me to invest wisely any funds that might be available, particularly in case of emergency, and to play the system by taking a low interest, long-term loan to see me through my university career.

The interest rate is only 0.9% for those who earn less than £21,000 after graduation, which is hardly the end of the world. It only rises to 3.9% on incomes over £41,000, so it seems hard to imagine this being an intolerable burden, not least given the extended period of time over which the money has to be repaid.

If they had called it the ‘Graduate Tax’ scheme, which is in effect what it is, I

Wakefield Edition January 2016 49

Advertorial

New Year, New Skills for over 2,000 employees The Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has committed over £1 Million to local businesses, enabling over 300 employers to invest in training and upskilling more than 2,000 staff.

Companies in Wakefield and throughout the Leeds City Region that have a budget to put towards training could be eligible for grant funding of between £500 and £50,000 to train their staff through the £13.9 million skills service.

One business taking advantage of the skills service is Pontefract-based firm Advanced Diesel Engineering.

Advanced Diesel Engineering have manufactured and supplied diesel generators, acoustic enclosures, fuel tanks and switchgear containers for over 20 years. Due to a rapid expansion within the organisation it became apparent that in order to make the most efficient use of the new company structure they needed to invest in upskilling their workforce.

They secured a grant from the LEP skills service to train four of their staff in MPI ASNT Level 2 and ASME 6G Pipe Welding.

Kevin Bell, General Manager of Advanced Diesel Engineering explains: “We were keen for members of the team to undertake courses in order to retain existing customers and secure new business. Through the LEP skills service we were able to train four of our staff in MPI and welding at a reduced rate, effectively doubling our training budget.

“Having more highly qualified staff will

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result in us being able to take on more work, as well as increasing customer responsiveness, speeding up the manufacturing process and ultimately increasing turnover and profit.

“The skills service really is an excellent opportunity for employers to make the most of their training budget and invest in staff. Our skills advisor supported us through process, taking care of the application and working with us to pull together a complete training plan for our team. I would definitely encourage other Wakefield businesses to contact the LEP to see how they can benefit” Dan Conboy, Director of Wakefield based digital agency Statement and Employer Representative on the LEP board said: “As an employer representative on the LEP Board, I would strongly urge employers throughout Wakefield and the Leeds City Region to take advantage of this great opportunity to access support and training. Businesses are growing both in terms of staff numbers and diversifying services and in order to succeed it’s important that workforces have the opportunity to develop the right skills.

“I am dedicated to supporting growth focussed organisations to unlock their potential, and through the Skills Service

employers have the chance to do just this by accessing the training, funding and expertise they need to develop their businesses.”

The LEP skills service suppors businesses to identify their training needs, and access advice, support and funding to upskill their workforces based on business growth objectives.

The aim of the funding is to put money in the hands of small and medium sized businesses in the region’s key sectors, enabling them to source the skills solutions they require to develop and grow.

Do you want to find out more about how the LEP skills service could help your business?

Find out more and apply for funding by visiting: www. the-lep.com/skillsservice or contact one of our experienced skills advisors: skills@the-lep.com or 0113 386 1910.

Wining&Dining

Sea bass with avocado, satay and cucumber Welcome to our regular wining and dining feature, where we have teamed up with the Iris Restaurant and Sainsburys Trinity Walk, to bring you a recipe and wine review.

This issue, we bring you a mouth watering starter, a seabass dish created

by Liam Duffy, proprietor and chef at The Iris Restaurant, using only the freshest fish, locally sourced.

Each issue, we ask a member of the business community to make the dish and report back. They also get to sample the two bottles of wines, carefully selected to accompany the dish, donated by Sainsburys Trinity Walk. This issue, we have asked

What you will need...

Crushed avocado • 3 ripe avocados • Zest and juice of 2 limes • ½ bunch coriander • 200ml avocado oil Scoop out the avocado and place in a blender with the rest of the ingredients, pulse until smooth. Place to one side until needed Satay sauce • 100g blanched peanuts • ½ chopped chilli (without seeds) • 1 crushed garlic clove • 1teaspoon chopped fresh ginger • 2 tablespoons soy sauce • 1 tablespoon fish sauce • 150ml water Simmer the ingredients for 10 minutes then blend until smooth, add more water if needed.

Place to one side until needed.

Pickled shallot • 2 banana shallots • 100ml water • 1 tablespoon sugar • 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns • 1 bunch tarragon • 1 pinch salt Slice the shallots into thin rings. Put the rest of the ingredients into a pan and bring to the boil. Pour over the shallot rings and leave to cool.

The Government and ACE have acknowledged the imbalance, but argue that it is because the major national institutions are based

If you would like to take part in the challenge in a future edition, drop us a line at editor@topicuk.co.uk We would also like to take this opportunity to offer our congratulations to Liam and his partner Laura on the birth of their first child, daughter Ava.

Charred cucumber • 1 large cucumber cut into large dice • 100ml olive oil • Salt and pepper • ½ lemon Toss the cucumber in the oil and season. In a hot pan char one side of the cucumber then add a squeeze of lemon juice. Place to one side until needed Seabass • 4 seabass fillets • Salt and pepper • Oil • ½ lemon • 1 spoon of unsalted butter Season both sides of the fish. In a hot pan add a touch of oil. Place the fish skin side down and gently hold it down so the sides don’t curl up, after a minute the fish will stay flat, turn the heat down and cook for around 2 minutes until the fish still has a little translucent colour to it. Flip the fish and add a nob of butter. Turn off the heat and leave to cook. Add a squeeze of lemon juice.

To serve add a spoon of the satay topped with a large spoon of avocado. Place the cucumber around topped with pickled shallots and a small piece of dill, add the fish and serve, enjoy!!

TopicUK proud to be working with...

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Tim Welton, Partner at Chadwick Lawrence to make the dish and let us know next issue how he got on.

or who can afford it. The report also points out that had Londoners won a comparably disproportionate number of Lottery prizes compared to people in the rest of England, equivalent to

The kitchen is not a First Choice for Anne Before I start my review on the fabulous dessert from Iris let me tell you two things… firstly the kitchen is not my natural habitat; my lovely partner Tony does most of the cooking in our house so this was going to be a challenge for me and secondly the recipe takes some time to do so don’t start it an hour before the World Cup Rugby Final is due to start and then keep asking for help and advice!

Oh, and make sure you have an electric whisk otherwise its hard work…and a sugar thermometer and some metal (or silicone) ramekins – I had to borrow mine from Liam at Iris. And finally make the parfait the night before you need it as it has to go into the freezer overnight.

So the parfait – relatively easy to make but then it does take a long, long time for the sugar to melt down in to the lovely caramel, the recipe said be patient but I thought it would never turn but it did eventually. The recipe then says that when you add the first lot of double cream that the caramel will go hard ….and it does …… keep stirring and stirring and stirring and it will eventually go soft and if you end up with a few hard lumps, like I did, then take them out and chuck em!

You then need to add the soaked gelatine leafs and 10 whisked egg yolks. This is where an electric whisk is really handy; I have two hand blenders but no whisk attachment so had to do it by hand. The egg yolks need to be ‘pale, thick and fluffy’ – half way through whisking by hand, by which time I had biceps like the rugby players on the telly, I passed the job over to Tony to finish.

Not a good look for a chap – watching probably the best Rugby Final ever whisking a bowl of eggs!

So Sunday morning and in to the kitchen to make the honeycomb and the lemon curd.

What can I say about the honeycomb!

Mine was a disaster. Make sure you line your tin well with non stick baking

paper prior to starting and make sure you have a deep heavy based pan. All the ingredients go into the mix, apart from the Bicarbonate of Soda, and then you MUST have a sugar thermometer as the temperature has to be 144 – 146 Degrees C before you add in the bicarb.

The temperature shot up to 100 quickly and then was really slow to get to 110, 120, 130 … and then it shot up to 140. I took it off the hob, quickly added the bicarb which then foamed up like some kind of alien in the pan! I then poured this foaming lava into the lined tin but unfortunately it had ‘caught’ and burned so I ended up with a tin of black smoking goo. Smoke alarms going off, windows and doors were flung open to get rid of the smoke and there was only one place for it - the bin! The nice thing though was the house smelled of cinder toffee all day, albeit with a slight burnt tinge.

The Lemon curd came next – nice and easy, everything in one pan and the recipe said whisk until it is about to simmer. How can one tell when something is ‘about to simmer’, to me it’s either simmering or its not! Anyway I gave it my best shot at ‘about to simmer’, poured it in to a bowl and put in the fridge to cool down. 2 hours later it had not ‘set’ so I thought it must not have been ‘about to simmer’ enough so I whacked it in the microwave on low for a minute, put it back in the fridge and hey presto a lovely set lemon curd.

So putting it all together to serve – the parfait was perfectly ‘iced’ – I dipped the ramekins in hot water and then turned them out on to a plate, added a fabulous dollop of lemon curd and here I would

have broken up the honeycomb if it was not already in the bin but I compromised and added a few berries, which actually looked quite good.

All in all a lovely desert, the lovely iced parfait, the tangy lemon curd and I am sure the honeycomb would have been delightful had I not burnt it. It can be made in three separate bits and simply put together at the last minute to serve.

And the best bit was there was plenty of lemon curd left so I put it in a jar and it was delicious on toast on Monday morning.

Thanks to Sainsbury’s who provided a lovely desert wine for us to try. The Winemakers Selection Moscatel de Valencia was perfect for the desert – the bouquet of honey and candied fruit (so it said on the bottle) was suburb particularly with the citrus tang of the lemon cheese.

Wakefield Edition January 2016 53

CharityUpdate

LtoR : Liam Finn, Richard Owen, Reece Lyne, Jon Molloy, Steve Scriven, Andy Yates, Sean Higgins.

Sainsbury’s Trinity Walk raises £300 for Wildcats Community Trust at Christmas Wakefield Wildcats new signing Liam Finn joined Richard Owen, Reece Lyne, Jon Molloy, Andy Yates and club mascot Daddy Cool when they attended Sainsbury’s Trinity Walk last week to raise awareness and crucial funds for The Wildcats Community Trust, the clubs charitable arm and the supermarkets local charity of the year.

Customers got the chance to win a signed ball if they could identify five of the clubs star players signatures.

The Government and ACE have acknowledged the imbalance, but argue that it is because the major national institutions are based

More than £300 was collected over the weekend as players were on hand to sign autographs and pose for photos, while representatives of the trust answered customer questions and raised the profile of the work done in the community, by the club.

This is the final year of the supermarkets charity partnership with the Wildcats Community Trust and so far has raised over £3000.

In June 2016 the supermarket will be electing a new charity partner of the year.

TopicUK proud to be working with...

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Sean Higgins, Store Manager for Sainsbury’s Trinity Walk said: ”We had a wonderful selection of festive activities going on during the lead up to Christmas – all helping to raise vital funds for charity.

Christmas is for sharing and we’re looking forward to helping our local community during this time. We’d like to wish our customers a very Merry Christmas. ” Tracy North, Operational Support, added: “Sainsbury’s customers have always been extremely generous so, we’d like to thank Sainsbury’s Trinity Walk for letting us attend the store to promote the Wildcats Community Trust and raise much needed funds.

or who can afford it. The report also points out that had Londoners won a comparably disproportionate number of Lottery prizes compared to people in the rest of England, equivalent to

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To book a stall please email

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WakeďŹ eld Edition January 2016 55

NewsUpdate

Pie wings its way to victory Yorkshire –born Eric Richmond believed his greatest triumph was being the youngest-ever Lancaster Bomber pilot in World War 2.

But two years after his death a pork pie recipe he devised 70 years ago has won a top award. who hails from West Yorkshire.

The event, in its 27th year, is organised by The Confederation of Yorkshire Butchers Councils. This year for the first time it was thrown open to butchers and individuals across the country and attracted almost 300 entries.

Eric Richmond flew with RAF 100 Squadron

Eric was only 19 when he volunteered to fight for his country. He joined the RAF 100 Squadron stationed in Lincolnshire and flew on many successful missions.

When he left the RAF in 1945 he followed in his father’s footsteps and became a respected butcher with a factory in Ossett and seven shops in Yorkshire, mainly around the Wakefield area. He reared his own cattle and pigs and was so respected in the industry went on to judge at the Royal Smithfield Show, an accolade granted to very few.

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One of the first products his Eric Richmond company made was a small pork pie made to Eric’s secret recipe. The pie is still made at the Ossett factory using locally sourced pork with more than 6,000 sold every week.

The pie has won the Small Pork Pie class at the Great Yorkshire Pork Pie, Sausage and Black Pudding Competition held at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate. It also won the Willis Hall trophy donated by a famous Yorkshireman and pie lover. One of the judges was celebrity chef, Brian Turner ,

Tom and Anne-Marie Martin, who bought the business last year said today the award was a fitting tribute to Eric especially in the 70th anniversary year. “We are thrilled to win this award because it is the first competition we have entered since taking over last August. It proves how Eric wasn’t just a brave pilot who risked his life for his country but was also a great pie maker . He will now go down in history for both,” said Tom. Tom, who has always had a passion for good food, worked in the IT industry until last year when he took redundancy and used the money to buy the Eric Richmond factory from Eric ‘s son Robin who retired.

Another son, Michael runs his own butchers shop on Barnsley Road, Wakefield and is one of Tom and Anne-Marie’s best customers.

The couple have 15 staff and make over 100 different pies and more than 10 varieties

Private sector push to promote district

Tom and Anne Marie Martin of sausage. They supply around 40 independent small shops in Yorkshire.

Tom is in talks with a Super League Rugby Club at the moment to supply pies and he and Anne-Marie are working on attracting more new business over the next 12 months. “ We are absolutely loving it. It is a pleasure to get up in a morning and come to work, and we feel winning this award is a step in the right direction.

The competition was tough and standards high.”

Private sector support to promote the Wakefield district has never been stronger according to the Wakefield First Bondholder Scheme, which has announced more than 30 new members in recent months.

news and to showcase success.”

“Our business community is achieving great things, demonstrating year-onyear growth, winning sector specific awards and unveiling world leading innovation.

The private sector initiative to accelerate the growth of the Wakefield District by branding, marketing and promoting it nationally and internationally, now boasts representation and support from companies of all sizes and from a variety of sectors including manufacturing, professional services, creative and digital as well as cultural and leisure.

We are also welcoming new businesses to the district, which is all supported by the strength of our infrastructure.”

Recently welcomed Bondholders include CBM Logix, Ledgard Jepson, SR Creative, The Hepworth Wakefield and Wakefield Wildcats.

Kelly Smith, the lead for sales and membership at Wakefield Bondholders commented: “Local businesses are very proud of the district, this is demonstrated through their commitment and investment in bondholders. We are seeing great things happen in Wakefield and together we are very excited to share

The Bondholder scheme has also unveiled a refreshed brand. Designed

by Our Agency, the new brand provides a strong identity for the ambitious national and international promotional plans.

To find out more about Wakefield Bondholders, the work that they are doing or for details on how to become a member, contact Kelly Smith on 07901 557737 or email kesmith@wakefield.gov.uk.

So what makes their pie a winner?

According to Tom it is using locally sourced pork, a secret seasoning mix and making their own hot water pastry.

“It’s down to the balance. Fans always comment on how crumbly and delicious the pastry is and the flavour of the meat and jelly.”

He is thrilled to see that baking is back in fashion and more and more men and women are making their own pies at home and using fillings such as rabbit, pheasant and partridge, like in the company’s famous Christmas Game Pies.

Wakefield Edition January 2016 57

MORE 5)"/ " ."5$) Whilst professional Rugby League has been played here at the Post Office Road since 1921 the Big Fella’s Stadium is home to more than Featherstone Rovers Rugby League Football Club.

The facilities we have here mean that whether you are looking for a venue for business or pleasure we can offer a bespoke package to meet your needs at a price that we believe represents outstanding value for money.

We have various spaces that can cater for a business meeting for four to a wedding reception for 120 with the added bonus of your business helping our community Club progress as we tackle the challenge of the 201 season.

We can offer

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For details of our prices and facilities please contact our Commercial Manager Paul Taylor on 07584 684 329 or via paul.taylor@featherstonerovers.net 58

GMT enhance spaces with Magic Mirrors’ DOMESTIC Wakefield-based glass and mirror specialists, Glass and Mirror Technology (GMT), are now able to install magic mirrors in homes and business across the UK. Using the latest technology, a mirror frame is added to your existing TV in-situ. When turned off the mirror works as any normal mirror would and you’d never guess there’s a TV hidden behind it until it’s turned on and the television magically appears.

COMMERCIAL

As well as installing a number of these magic mirrors, GMT has also been working with many well renowned companies, providing a range of products including glass balustrades and splashbacks in an exciting time for the company. Current clients include The Lanesbrough Hotel and Bang and Olufsen.

Painted Glass, Glass Partitions, Balustrades, Doors, Mirrors/Tints, Shelves, Fire Glass Glass & Mirror Technology, GMT House, 76 Leeds Road, Newton Bar : 01924 380038 | F: 01924 332882 | E: sales@glassandmirrortechnology.co.uk | W: www.gmtltd

2016

R A C I N G S E A S O N

A GREAT DAY OUT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

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Wakefield Edition January 2016 59

EntertainmentUpdate

The Truth about ART ?

What is ART?

Well there’s an ongoing debate. A lot of us I suspect, ART is what you like.

by Kate Honeyman To Plato it was ‘the Imitation of Nature’. In the 19th Century photography took over and gave us a different interpretation....a portrait in time and space.

When abstract Art took hold in the 20th Century it overturned the concept of representation and became Expressive, a different way of looking. Paul Klee expressed ‘Art reveals the essential or hidden truth’. An eight year old I know thinks Magrittes Hegel’s Holiday: the painting of an umbrella with a glass of water on it, is literally just that! Maybe we need an eight year old to tell us the truth about Art. Well if you are looking for a version of the truth about ART just go to the Hepworth on a Preview night.....the night before an exhibition starts. It is an invited audience consisting of exhibition contributors and or their foundation representatives and families, Hepworth patrons, members, staff, and other supporters. Its a good thing to do, invite people who support what you do, I salute that.

However when a relative went to a recent preview she felt the staff a tad overbearing. She is an adult and does understand that exhibits need to be respected and viewed with care. It is really patronising to tell someone not to look through an exhibit but go around and look at it from the other side. Really. You don’t say! Is that Art imitating idiocy?

What if it had been one of the legion of people who don’t usually go to Art Galleries or Theatre’s because they believe its for the ‘upper classes - arty people? Their assumptions would be confirmed that the truth about ART is its a precious thing, it’s for the elite, for those who are ‘in the know’.

The truth is, it’s for those who come with their subjectivity and first timer’s innocence, it’s for the honest 8 year old who sees Magritte in a simple form, it’s for the Art historians, the Patrons, the experts, the appreciators, those in the know and those not.

That’s the hidden truth about ART, it’s for all of us.

If you want to see ART in an innovative space that is the Award Winning Hepworth Gallery, Wakefield, go visit and seek the hidden truth for yourself.

A variety of Exhibitions including: • Wild Girl - Gertrude Hermes and Enrico David until Jan 24th 2016.

• The Rhubarb Triangle & other stories - Photographs by Martin Parr starts 4th Feb - June 2016.

• The Greater Freedom: Barbara Hepworth to April 2016.

• Des Hughes: Stretch to Spring 2016.

• Plaster Casts and Copies 8th May 2016 to end of November 2015.

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January & February Entertainment Listings JANUARY 12th 13th 15th 20th 22nd 23rd 23rd 26th 27th 30th February 5th 5th 6th 12th 19th to 21st 20th 20th 27th 29th - March 5th

IDA (Film)

Wakefield Film Club @ Unity Works, Wakefield

Dorre + easy Bake

Snooty Fox, Brunswick St, Wakefield 01924 782929

Dragged into Sunlight, Gnaw their Tongue, DUNE,

Brudenell Social Club, Leeds,( see website for times)

The Hisras

Snooty Fox, Brunswick Street, Wakefield

Panjumby

Jazz Club, Eastmoor Sports & Social Club, Wakefield 01924 684775

Let’s Hang On (Musical)

Theatre Royal, Westgate, Wakefiield 01924 21131130

T-rextasy (7pm)

Warehouse, Smythe Street, Wakefield

Linda Ortega

Brudenell Social Club, Leeds (see website for info)

Wakefield Art Walk

Various venues - see Art Walk website starts 5pm (free)

The Clone Roses

Unity Works, Westgate, Wakefield. 01924 831114

Ian Dixon-Les Chisnall Duo

Jazz Club, Eastmoor Sports & Social Club, Wakefield

Yorkshire Rats

Snooty Fox, Brunswick St, Wakefield

Craig Charles Funk & Soul

Unity Works, Westgate, Wakefield 01924 831114

Graeme Wilson Quartet

Jazz Club, Eastmoor Sports and Social Club, Wakefield

Festival of Food

Various activities see Experience Wakefield site (WMDC) Drink and Rhubarb

Rhubarb Rocks & Rhubarb Jam Venue TBA

Fringe event for Rhubarb Festival hosted by Wakefield Music Collective 01924 695060/07913170445

Cotton Club - 1920’s New York Musical

Theatre Royal, Westgate, Wakefield. 01924 211311

BADASS BASH

Snooty Fox All Dayer, Brunswick St, Wakefield

Avenue Q -Musical

Theatre Royal, Westgate, Wakefield

Also Open Mics in Wakefield at Black Horse and The Waggon (Sun) The Hop (Mon), The Bull & Fairhouse (Thur) and The Bull Sessions every 3rd Sunday.

Live Music every Friday and Saturday at The Bull and Fairhouse and The Hop (downstairs), also at Players Bar and Snooty Fox. Various gigs at The Hop (upstairs) see website for listings See Unity Works listings for all their events, music, comedy nights.

Wakefield Edition January 2016 61

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62

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2016 SEASON There are a number of opportunities still getting ready for the new 2016 First Utility Super League.

partner with us here at the Club, for more details feel free to contact us.

After a rollercoaster 2015 season which boys successfully winning the Million Pound Game at Belle Vue in October, the players and to bring.

etails ore d For m ickets, on t tail store in n r re t c ou ntre o conta idings Ce 8 the R 24 201 54 ite 019 webs ts.it our ca or vis eďŹ eldwild k a .w www co.uk

3pm.

IT WOULD BE GREAT TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!

unity WORKS

W E D D I N G FA I R SUNDAY 28FEBRUARY 11am - 3pm Getting married? Visit the fabulous Unity Works Wedding Fair where you will ďŹ nd everything you need to plan for your big day under one roof.

Visit the Groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Room where there will be a huge range of exhibition stands for grooms, with ideas for stag nights or suits, PLUS watch our catwalk fashion show featuring all the latest in bridal wear.

For further information call Gill Sharland on: 01924 831114 or visit the website: www.unityworks.co.uk