TopicUK

TopicUK ISSUE THREE AUG 2013

MAGNIFICO! FELICE’S BELLA ROMA Photograph by TopicUK photographer Julian Dyer (Liquid Squid)

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www.topicuk.co.uk

A Maze InWakefield Happy Birthday Ridings Celebrate 30 years

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TopicUK would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this issue. Without the support of the local business community, producing this magazine would be impossible. If you would like to contribute to future issues, please email: topicuk@ghost-communications.com

editor’ s note

Welcome to issue 3 of TopicUK, Wakefield’s premier Business Magazine

4-7 12-13 14-15 16-19 22-24 32-33 40

S

NEWS

ince our launch in April, TopicUK has gone from strength to strength with estimated readership figures now heading towards 9,000. Since placing our second issue online in mid-June we have reached almost 8,000 views, coupled with the 1000 printed copies in circulation, which all distributed within the first week.

THE ART BUSINESS

Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far both with editorial and advertising. Without your support this magazine would not be possible.

STYLISH OFFICE LOOKS

LAW

WAKEFIELD MAZE

COUNCIL BUSINESS

WHATS ON

This issue, as well as our regular contributors, Murray Edwards (arts) Dr Andrew Furber (health), Chadwick Lawrence (law), Sam Grundy (charity) and Kevin Trickett (restaurant reviews) we would like to welcome FSL Estate Agents who will be writing regular features on property related issues and True Beauty who will cover our beauty pages. If you are interested in becoming a guest editor, we are still looking for contributions from motoring and fashion, so please get in touch.

We would also like to thank Wakefield Council. You can now find the digital version of TopicUK on the First website under the business section www.wakefieldfirst. com as well as on our own website www.topicuk.co.uk

TopicUK is the perfect platform to advertise your business.

There are a number of affordably priced advertising spaces available starting at just £45, as well as a limited number of web banners on our website. If you have a business in Wakefield, being a part of TopicUK is a must!

For details contact us today at topicuk@ghostcommunications.com or ring Gill on 07711 539047.

Law pages are written by Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors and TopicUK is not responsible for any advice given For more information, call 07711 539047 or email topicuk@ghost-communications.com 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 schedules. To subscribe to this magazine, submit an article or press release please contact Gill Laidler on: 07711 539047 or email gill@Costa-communications.com. Published by Ghost Communications Limited

TopicUK 3

The Ridings Celebrating

30

years

During October The Ridings Shopping Centre will celebrate its 30th Birthday and will host a number of events as well as a very special party.

Based in the heart of Wakefield, the shopping centre has been serving customers across the district and beyond for three decades, offering an exciting mix of retailers and eateries, as well as hosting regular events for all the family.

Opening on 17 October 1983, The Ridings was revolutionary, boasting the first food court in the UK and the first glass wall climber lift. More than 4,000 people walked through the doors on the Sunday before the official opening, even though it was before Sunday trading hours were introduced and they couldn’t shop. Excited children from across the district were given a half day off when The Ridings officially opened on the Monday so that they could visit the pioneering centre.

Taking four years to complete, The Ridings was built with a unique design so that shoppers could enter and exit from the street on all levels.

Peter Spawforth, who was the chief planning officer at the council at the time, travelled to America and Canada in search of ideas for the Centre and was later awarded an MBE following his part in the design.

The following year, The Ridings won the European Shopping Centre of the Year award, inspiring other

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shopping centre’s for years to come.

In 2008, £2.5 million was spent refurbishing the centre. This involved new entrances for Cathedral Walk, Almshouse Lane and Kirkgate, new lifts with glass and natural light was used to enhance the centre. Today, The Ridings houses more than 85 stores and a selection of cafes and eateries with over 1,000 car parking spaces.

The Ridings employs 50 members of staff, three of which joined the centre when it first opened its doors.

Offering a selection of big name brands and independent retailers, BHS, Boots, Marks and Spencer and Morrisons, have all been in The Ridings since it first opened. The centre is continuing to attract new tenants and renewals and fashion favourite Primark is expanding its store during 2014. Complementing existing retailers, The Ridings also hosts a number of co-operative run stores. A full schedule of family friendly and exciting events has also helped keep footfall high, including the very popular Yorkshire Market, held on the first Sunday of each month, offering shoppers crafts, handmade goods and locally produced food.

Barbara Winston, Centre Manager told TopicUK: “The Ridings has celebrated some fantastic achievements since opening in 1983 and we’re delighted that shoppers, both new and old, keep returning. There have been many changes to the retail landscape over the last three decades, but listening to our customers and retailers and by constantly being innovative, The

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Ridings remains a popular and much loved attraction. Next month will be a real celebration, not only for those who work or who have worked at the centre, but for our loyal shoppers.”

September 16 “This is Your Ridings Life” exhibition opens, showcasing memories from shoppers and employees, photographs and models from the last thirty years and also a gallery of illustrations.

Then step through time with a host of free family events: Saturday 18th September - party from the 80s Saturday 21st September - games of the 80s, 90s and 00s Saturday 5th October party from the 90s Saturday 12th October party from the 00s You can also check out the celebrations online. A daily blog will focus on different parts of The Ridings history and current activities and there will be a host of prizes to be won on ‘The Ridings’ social media pages. For further information visit www.ridingscentre.com

Spawforth Architects and Town Planners were responsible for reshaping the face of Wakefield around the Ridings and in our next issue we will talk to Spawforths Chairman, Peter Spawforth who will tell us how he came up with, what was groundbreaking ideas at the time.

Indie Explorer Challenge Pledge Support to Independent Retailers Two Yorkshire businesswomen recently undertook an exciting challenge to travel the Yorkshire and Humber region, to visit as many independent businesses as they could in 36 hours, to gain the support of over 350 people who pledged to ‘shop local’.

Tina Boden, Co-Founder of Enterprise Rockers and Kath Turner, Chair of

the Federation of Small Business (FSB) - North Yorkshire and East Coast Branch, engaged with as many independent businesses as they could across the region during the 36 hour challenge. Neither woman could follow the same route or spend any money and could only enlist the help of independent businesses for their travel, food and accommodation needs.

Trade Local campaign. The winner was the woman who visited the most businesses, gained the most signatures and took the most photographs.

When Tina reached Wakefield, Lynne Thompson who runs Created In Yorkshire in The Ridings, raced around the city making introductions ensuring Tina received the full support of Wakefield retailers.

Speaking after the event Tina said: “the challenge was really worthwhile and we both met so many businesses who really are the backbone of our local community. This challenge really opened their eyes to how easy it can be to spend a pound locally and see what a difference it makes to struggling retailers.”

Tina supported the ‘Friends of Rockers’ Independent Retailer Campaign and Kath, the FSB Keep

Kath Turner was the winner and was awarded the trophy after the duo completed the challenge. Though she didn’t win, Tina managed to secure 190 pledged signatures and met with over 170 independent businesses.

TopicUK 5

NEWS

Buy Wakefield Launched in the Media Buy Wakefield, the initiative that encourages businesses to source their products and services from other Wakefield based providers, is fast gathering momentum. The scheme has been slowly growing since its ‘soft launch’ in March but it has been given a huge boost recently by being officially launched in the Wakefield Express via the ‘Shop Local, Eat Local’ supplement at the end of July.

Another development, which has happened organically, is that some companies have started extending offers and discounts to fellow Buy Wakefield members including Panda IT and Yorkshire Gritters. This is something that Buy Wakefield is hoping to encourage more of, to offer members even more value.

Sarah Ainslie, one of the co-founders of Buy Wakefield spoke of how the initiative was progressing; “We’re delighted that more and more Wakefield businesses are buying into the philosophy of sourcing locally; we’re already seeing real examples of Wakefield companies working together where previously that investment may have gone out of the area. Buying your products and services from a local provider is a way of taking it forward and we feel confident that those making an active decision to do so will reap benefits themselves over time.”

You can find out more about Buy Wakefield on the website www. buywakefield.co.uk or by following the Twitter feed www.twitter.com/ BuyWakefield. You can also e-mail the team at enquiries@buywakefield.co.uk

Ramsdens

supporting the Arts

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t’s not very often lawyers and the art world mix, but at Ramsdens newest office in Wakefield, it’s made for a perfect combination.

Their new premises on Cheapside had lots of white walls when they moved in, a real blank canvas and that’s when they came up with the idea to fill the space with work by local artists and photographers came about.

John from John Steel Photography commented: “I was delighted when Ramsdens asked if they could use some of my pictures of Wakefield to decorate their offices. It’s fabulous that people will be able to see some of the famous local landmarks at Ramsdens offices (including The Hepworth, The Theatre Royal Wakefield, Wakefield Cathedral, Sandal Castle and Sharlston Colliery Wheel).

of enjoyment for the staff and visitors to Ramsdens alike.”

Sinead Sopala, director of marketing at Ramsdens comments, “Supporting the local arts community is important to us and being able to showcase the artist’s work means they are able to display their art in a new setting, exposing it to a new audience….a great example of the benefits of local businesses and art working together.

Welcome “Now that we have launched our first exhibition, we’ve already started to think about who the next artist could be. We would welcome enquiries from any local artists interested in using the space we have in any of our nine offices across the region.”

It’s refreshing that local firms see the importance of working with local artists and not just relying on stock photography.

You can view more of John’s work by visiting his website www. johnsteelphotography.com or by visiting Ramsdens in branch at 19A Cheapside, Wakefield.

It’s also a real plus for artists and photographers to have their work on display in a business environment and to be able to provide a source

For more information about Ramsdens nine locations, visit their website www.ramsdens.co.uk or call them on 01484 558087.

Ghost is appointed by Barringtons Solicitors!

Ghost Communications, the Wakefield based graphic design, marketing and PR agency has been appointed by Barringtons Solicitors to handle their PR and marketing.

with a launch party in March 2013 and are already making a name for themselves locally, winning a number of new clients and were shortlisted in this year’s Wakefield Business Awards.

Barringtons, who specialise in construction and offshore services, opened their doors in St John’s North

Gill Laidler from Ghost commented: “we are delighted to have been selected to work with Barringtons Solicitors

on their PR and marketing. We are passionate about working with locally based companies such as The Ridings Shopping Centre, Richard Kendall Estate Agents Active Solutions Recruitment and Cedar Court Hotel, to name a few, as we continue to support the Buy Wakefield initiative.

The new Unique Wakefield Guide is out now!

Unique Wakefield was launched last year and is a collaboration between independently owned small businesses, to promote the City’s unique and friendly places to eat, drink, shop and relax.

Issue two of the printed guide is out now, available from Wakefield Visitor Centre, all participating businesses, The Ridings Information desk and The Hepworth. This handy new guide includes a street map, opening times and details of how to get in touch about offers, events and activities.

“We are really excited about the new guide as it includes even more fantastic small businesses and has been designed and illustrated by local companies, Sarah White from local gift shop, Jam told TopicUK. “There are two key messages from the campaign, the first, ‘Step Inside’ to encourage people to try smaller local businesses and

the other ‘Get Into Wakefield’, aimed at encouraging more positive feelings towards the city,” Sarah continued.

Unique Wakefield has been involved in many positive activities aimed to build the Wakefield community, support our local economy and keep our city vibrant. One of these activities was the first Wood Street Market which took place on 21 July. There were around 40 unique small businesses involved, along with performers and musicians. “This was a fantastic event,” added Sarah, “and a great way to get together and enjoy all the good things that we have on our doorstep. We are very much looking forward to the next one which will be on 18 August. Don’t miss it!”

For further information about Unique Wakefield or Wood Street Market contact Sarah on 01924 209394 or email: hello@uniquewakefield.co.uk

TopicUK 7

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HOW TO BEAT THE

COWBOYBUILDER

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f you’re considering building a new dream home, a home extension, conservatory or a new kitchen, you should be fully prepared in case things go wrong!

Susan Barrington-Binns of Barringtons Solicitors, would like to share some simple steps with TopicUK readers, that you should take before you start any construction work in your home.

A cowboy builder can turn your home and your life upside down and cause both physical damage to you and emotional damage to your family, whilst draining your finances in the process.

Who are you dealing with?

The first thing that you should check is the corporate and financial status of the builder. If the builder is a limited company, you can carry out a simple check at Companies House (www.companieshouse.gov.uk) on their status. For a fee of £2, you can obtain a copy of their last filed annual accounts. If this builder is a sole trader, you should ask him for 2 recent client references and follow them up! A Google search may also reveal important information. Finally, if you have any doubts, carry out a credit check. A builder with poor credit may not be a good prospect.

Sign a contract You should never ask a builder to carry out any extensive building work without having a written contract or terms and conditions. The contract is evidence of the work and is vital if the job goes wrong. If that contract is by deed, you will also have 12 years to sue the builder for defective work rather than the usual 6 years.

What about Insurance?

Any reputable builder should carry professional indemnity insurance. This is insurance for their professional workmanship. Ask to see a copy of their current certificate. If they don’t have it, consider whether the value of your work warrants the builder taking it out.

Hold some money back in retention There are often minor items of work (or snagging) that need to be done after a job is completed. To ensure the builder comes back to deal with this, you

should hold 10% of the price back for a period of time such as 6 months until the work is finished as an incentive.

When complete, the retention monies can be released.

Take Legal Action early If you do have a problem with workmanship, you should immediately suspend work and seek legal advice. You do not want to live for a long period with a botched kitchen or roof, especially during the winter months.

You will be advised what your rights are against the builder and how best to put the work right.

How can Barringtons help? They can carry out a full check on your builder, draft a construction contract and of course, advise if things go wrong. For more information contact Sue Barrington-Binns on 01924 368896 or email her suebinns@barringtonslegal.co.uk

Local Heroes

Meet

local businesswomen and runner up from BBC Apprentice 2008 What motivates you?

Who is your role model?

Driving change and seeing the positive results in the young people. I work with a range of students, from gifted and talented to NEETs. Often students disengaged in standard academdia respond really well to enterprise and are very entrepreneurial.

It’s about talking on their level and finding something which engages them. I’m working with the Government on several education projects to help bring the curriculum, style of working and environment a little bit more up to date!

My Mum who is like superwoman, she retired from teaching and has started a new business offering hypnotherapy. Plus she always keeps a calm head despite the chaos around her!

What is your favourite saying?

JDI Just Do It. I don’t have time in my life for waffling or ‘faffing’. If I want something to happen, I go out there and do it.

Are you local to Wakefield?

Yes I live next to Thornes Park. I try and walk in there as much as I can with Eva my daughter.

What do you love about Wakefield?

The location and travel links are excellent (I commute to London regularly), being close to the countryside, my horse, Pugneys, Scuplture Park, The Hepworth, Potting Shed Spa....the list goes on!

Plus the sense of community. I had perceived Leeds to be the ‘hub’ of activity but I was wrong.

What changes would you like to see in Wakefield?

Better links with businesses and schools would help everyone plus a stronger community for business women, there are many great females in the city which we don’t know about!

What have you done since The Apprentice?

I was a finalist in 2008 and have not stopped since! I started an agency called www.schoolspeakers.co.uk to work with schools, colleges and universities across the UK. I now have over 300 speakers who offer talks and workshops to students. I write for newspapers, work with the BBC on radio, and consult for a number of government groups.

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What is Alan Sugar like?

He is very funny, sharp and doesn’t suffer fools! We recently worked together on the National Enterprise Challenge with schools and the students loved him.

You have a young daughter, what is it like being a working Mum? Some days I feel like a military commander barking orders!

My diary is super organised, Eva was born June 20 last year and I returned to work to speak at an event June 30!

It’s hard work but with the right support I think women can have both... the baby and the boardroom.

To find out more about the work of School Speakers, email her on claire@claireyoung.co.uk TopicUK would like to thank Sam Grundy, KIDS Wakefield fundraiser, who is guest editor for this local heroes page. If you would like to know more about the KIDS charity, contact Sam on Samantha.Grundy@kids.org.uk

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Lottery The Art

Business

T

he Arts Council’s Annual Report has been published, and it’s fairly upbeat given the overall shrinkage in the size of the organisation. They received £469m from the government to hand out, and another £272m in lottery money. They’ve funded 696 National Portfolio organisations, allocated funds for another 2,741 projects through Grants for the Arts, and got money from the education department to invest £50m in cultural learning. And additionally, since they took over responsibility for them

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last year, they’ve looked after 227 museums and 55 libraries.

And when everyone else has had to take another 10% hit for 2015/16 thanks to the Comprehensive Spending Review, the Arts Council got a much more palatable 5% although this is still going to hurt!

What Sir Peter Bazalgette (Arts Council Chair) now has to do is bring the lottery into play more effectively.

As the DCMS keep saying, there is around £40m a year extra coming ACE’s way from the revitalised lottery and the reconfiguration post Olympics means that more will be

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going to the original Good Causes. It needs to be used creatively to ensure it is utilised to maximum effect.

The use of lottery money where there is already a government funding duty is still forbidden, but lottery money doesn’t have to be used for just capital projects any more. With the funds available for annual revenue (NPO) funding in decline there is a very real issue facing almost all arts organisations since at the same time local authorities are also under pressure to reduce costs. The Arts Council acknowledges this (see below) but even the reduced 5% cut from 2015/16 will inevitably lead to

Beam appoint marketing partner Statement

Digital and marketing agency, Statement are delighted to have been appointed

by Beam as the Web & Marketing Partner for Wakefield Lit Fest.

the funding of fewer organisations and the likely closure of some.

Grants for the Arts (GftA) is a long-standing funding stream designed to encourage more people to get involved in arts activities and, perhaps, suitably ambiguously to “help artists and arts organisations in England carry out their work”. Awards of up to £”100,000 are available for top to three years and, since the start of July, the threshold for this channel has risen from £10,000 to £15,000. Whilst this is a very useful source of revenue in certain instances it cannot replace annual revenue funding with the ability to plan ahead that this provides.

The fact that ACE has had to reduce itself by 50% means that there is more onus on arts organisations and artists to work out for themselves schemes that could qualify, meeting the government’s objective of less bureaucracy. The application process, which used to seem overly complex is reportedly now much simpler and is supposed to work more quickly. Let’s hope that this turns out to be the case.

The biggest problem that remains

for the arts is local authority funding, and the Arts Council has to find a way of addressing this. It cannot replace council funding bit it could negotiate and invent schemes that are practical and acceptable by all sides – like the one that saved a significant proportion of Newcastle’s arts funding earlier in the year. I remember when a central tenet of Arts Council funding was that it was a partnership with local authorities and a return to this arrangement would help to ensure that joint priorities can be achieved.

What must not be allowed to happen is a stealthy reduction in government funding against lottery income.

However useful that source might be now, there is no guarantee that it will always be there or even that it will be there for long. The arts are too valuable to be treated in this way.

Murray Edwards is the Executive Director of Theatre Royal Wakefield, a Victorian theatre designed by Frank Matcham, with plans for a £2.6 million restoration in 2015. Murray. edwards@theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk

The Wakefield Lit Fest was established in 2012 and is an annual ten day festival celebrating and promoting reading, writing and words. This year the festival will run from the 21st to the 30th of September with a series of events including workshops, reader’s events and master classes. Highlights include readings from nationally acclaimed writers such as comedy writer David Nobbs, historian and broadcaster Michael Wood, English music journalist Paul Morley and author of the bestselling novel ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ Tracy Chevalier.

Wakefield’s annual festival of reading and writing is brought to you by arts charity Beam, who want to support and encourage individuals and organisations from across the city and district to get involved with the festival.

To be selected as the Web & Marketing Partner for the Wakefield Lit Fest is a great achievement for Wakefield based Statement and Dan Conboy, Client Services Director, summarises their reaction to being selected: “We’re delighted to have been chosen as the Web & Marketing Partner for the Wakefield Lit Fest and we are looking forward to working with Beam to develop engaging marketing collateral to promote the festival, which will include a mobile friendly website which we are currently developing.”

If you are interested in attending the Wakefield Lit Fest or finding out more, you will be able to access the Twitter and Facebook page via www.wakefieldlitfest. org.uk whilst the full website is being built.

For further information on Statement and their services, visit their website at www.statementagency.com

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TopicUK 15

Legal Matters.

Each issue Chadwick Lawrence, Yorkshire’s Legal People share with TopicUK readers information to keep us all within the law. If you have a legal question, or need to know about a particular subject, email topicuk@ghost-communications. com and we’ll get Chadwick Lawrence to answer it for you!

THE LAW AND GRANDPARENT’S RIGHTS The relationship between a child and their grandparent is unique and special. All families are different and we do not expect everyone’s story to be the same. You need specialist lawyers with extensive experience of acting in matters relating to your

grandchildren who can provide advice and support for those grandparents who are having a difficult time. We have helped many grandparents successfully achieve and maintain a relationship with their grandchildren.

As well as the generally important role that grandparents play in their grandchildren’s lives, many now provide a significant amount of childcare support and as a result are spending more time with their grandchildren than ever before. The latest figures show there are up to 300,000 children being raised by their grandparents, other family members or friends. We are in daily contact with grandparents who are kinship carers. They tell us how lonely and exhausting it can be.

However, we also hear from children about how much they love their grandparents – they know you are giving them a safe and loving home. We are here to help you tackle the problems you may have as you maintain contact or even bring up your grandchildren.

All our services are confidential.

Sadly, it is an increasing fact of life that often when couples separate that children can be deprived of a positive relationship with their grandparents which can be a source of great distress. It’s heart breaking, not just for the grandparents, but also the children, who may well have depended on them for so long.

Grandparents do not have any automatic legal rights to maintain a relationship with their grandchildren and case law has tended to consider contact in favour of absent parents, leaving grandparents feeling neglected and powerless but the Courts are now increasingly recognising the significant role grandparents play and the contribution they make to their grandchildren’s lives.

The Law The sad but true fact is that only people with parental responsibility – which usually just means the mother and father named on the child’s birth certificate – have an automatic say with regards to a child’s upbringing.

However, this does not mean that all

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legal doors are closed to grandparents.

If an agreement cannot be reached with regards to the maintaining of this important relationship, an approach to the Court can be considered. A grandparent does not have an automatic right to make any such application and will require the permission of the Court before any application can be furthered. Should this be obtained then your application will be considered. Frequently this will involve the appointment of a Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) officer to look at any welfare issues that need to be considered and to prepare a report to aid the Court in coming to a decision.

When making a decision, the Court’s main consideration has to be what is in the best interests of that child. The onus is however often on the grandparent to prove their case and parents can object, creating yet another hurdle.

If the report is favourable it is often very strongly persuasive to the parent with care but if they still will not agree then there will be a full hearing with both sides giving evidence and the Court making a decision on the basis of what they feel to be in the child’s best interests. You will need to convince the court that your relationship with your grandchild significantly benefits their lives.

What happens if the mother or father does not comply with a court order?

Once the Court has made a decision that contact is in a child’s best interests they will not tolerate any effort to frustrate an order. The powers available to the Court to enforce these orders have recently been increased in such a way that makes it extremely difficult for parents to ignore them.

They are therefore a very powerful way to ensure that grandparents can maintain a meaningful relationship with their grandchildren.

Law Involvement by the Local Authority

grandparents will need permission from the Court to make such an application.

Whilst the majority of problems that occur relate to the loss of contact by grandparents with their grandchildren when their own children’s relationships break down, there are many other situations in which grandparents can find themselves in need of advice and assistance.

What do I do now?

This is particularly the case where the local authority have become involved and where a child may be being accommodated with foster carers or be subject to a care order because of unsatisfactory arrangements at home.

In these circumstances grandparents will often wish to maintain contact with their grandchildren and they may even wish to put themselves forward as the prospective main carer through either a Residence Order or Special Guardianship Order.

It is possible for grandparents to be assessed as potential carers and become joined as a party to any existing proceedings that have been brought by the Local Authority although again this is subject to the provision that

Any proceedings concerning a child can be difficult, involving complex law and it is vital that legal advice is sought at an early stage to ensure that the correct approach is made. Chadwick Lawrence have specialist children lawyers who can help in matters of this nature and who can guide you through the process to ensure that you maintain that vital link and provide a measure of stability to your grandchildren at a time when they are confused and unhappy about the route their lives are taking.

As the law can have far reaching effects on your legal rights and status it is extremely important to ensure that you seek legal advice as soon as possible. Knowing your rights will provide you with the confidence to make informed choices for the benefit of you and your family.

TopicUK 17

New Tribunal Fees from 29 July 2013

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he Government will be introducing a fee structure so that it is no longer free to bring a claim or submit an appeal. The new fee structure came into force on Monday 29 July.

An Issue Fee will be required in relation to a claim submitted to an Employment Tribunal on or after 29 July 2013 and then a further Hearing Fee will be payable before the matter is allowed to progress to a full hearing.

The sanction for non-payment of issue fees and hearing fees are that the claim will not be allowed to commence or continue. Similar fees will apply to the Employment Appeal Tribunal.

The issue fee will be £250 and the hearing fee will be £950 in relation to most Tribunal claims. Tribunals will have the power to order the unsuccessful party to reimburse fees

Claimants will be able to make an application for fee remission... paid by the successful party. Fees will be paid online or through a centralised processing centre. Claimants will not be able to pay fees in person at Tribunals. As an alternative to paying the new fees Claimants will be able to make an application for fee remission. Claimants with less than £3,000 in savings and investments and an income below a certain threshold will be exempt from paying the new fees and, depending upon their income, Claimants may be liable for a reduced fee.

With the total Tribunal fees for taking an unfair dismissal case to a final hearing being £1,200 a dismissed employee with only £3,000 in savings

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and no household income will from 29 July have to contribute a significant portion of their savings on Tribunal fees. It is therefore likely that this will achieve the Government’s aim of reducing the number of claims submitted to the Tribunals.

Start of continuous employment not varied by attending meeting at employer’s request The EAT has recently upheld an employment judge’s decision that an employee’s continuous employment did not begin until the date on which their contract provided they would start work. The fact that they had attended a meeting before that date at the employer’s request did not bring the start date forward.

The EAT held that the question of when an employee starts work for the purposes of determining their continuous employment is a question of fact and degree.

Where significant activity is performed for the employer’s benefit by someone in anticipation of being in employment, it will be easy to infer that the parties had agreed that the activity would be performed under a contract. However, the activity has to be evaluated and it will be a matter of fact and degree whether that gives grounds for, or compels, the conclusion that it was done under a contract of employment. Even then, that could be a contract of employment separate and distinct from the one that the parties had previously agreed was due to start on a subsequent date.

A new directive on package travel and assisted travel arrangements that would replace the existing Package Travel Directive.

This initiative is one of a number that the Commission highlighted in its European Consumer Agenda.

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If adopted, the new Directive would require the United Kingdom to make changes to the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/3288).

The new Directive is intended to provide additional protections that reflect the way in which consumers now book holidays (including over the internet). It would provide consumers with stricter controls on surcharges, improved cancellation rights, better information about liability, better redress and a single contact point if something goes wrong. The proposed Directive would also extend protection to consumers for other customised travel arrangements. For travel providers, the new Directive would abolish outdated requirements to reprint brochures and provide EU-wide rules on information, liability and mutual recognition of national insolvency protection schemes. Managed business travel would be excluded from the scope of the new Directive.

Corporate veil: power of court In Prest v Petrodel Resources Ltd & Ors, the Supreme Court held that there is a principle of English law which enables a court in very limited circumstances to pierce the corporate veil. It applies when a person is under an existing legal obligation or liability or subject to an existing legal restriction which he deliberately evades or whose enforcement he deliberately frustrates by interposing a company under his control. The court may then pierce the corporate veil for the purpose, and only for the purpose, of depriving the company or its controller of the advantage which they would otherwise have obtained by the company’s separate legal personality.The principle, however, had no application in the present case, in which a wife had sought an order, in ancillary relief proceedings following a divorce, for the transfer to her of properties owned by companies

wholly owned and controlled by the husband. The husband had misapplied the assets of his companies for his own benefit, but in doing so he had neither concealed nor evaded any legal obligation owed to his wife. Nor had he concealed or evaded the law relating to the distribution of assets of a marriage upon its dissolution. The legal interest in the properties had been vested in the companies long before the marriage broke up. Whatever the husband’s reasons for organising things in that way, there was no evidence that he had been seeking to avoid any obligation relevant in these proceedings. It followed that the piercing of the corporate veil could not be justified by reference to any general principle of law.

its content is largely applicable to any high street or town centre and it may be of interest to anyone who deals with high street, town centre or even out-of-town retail, including local authorities, landlords, and retail and leisure tenants.

Ch 505 did not need to be undertaken.

Even if the balancing exercise had been necessary, the court would have decided in favour of the landlord because of the likely effect of delay on the landlord’s negotiations for a new lease with another prospective tenant.

Administration moratorium lifted to allow landlord to forfeit lease

The court declined to limit the landlord’s right, in exercising the right of forfeiture, to forfeiture by legal proceedings. The landlord could exercise the right by lawful peaceable re-entry if it chose.

In Lazari GP Ltd v Jervis [2012] EWHC 1466 (11 May 2012), the High Court lifted an administration moratorium and granted an application to allow a landlord to exercise rights to forfeit a lease of premises. The premises had been licenced, in a pre-pack sale arrangement, by administrators to a buyer in breach of the lease.

The administration of Game Retail (UK) Ltd is likely to be the subject of further high profile litigation in due course in connection with the priority accorded to rent during the period of administration.

It is clear from this judgement that there are specific steps that must be taken...

This is the first time that the House of Lords or Supreme Court has held that a court may, in certain circumstances, pierce the corporate veil, in the absence of specific statutory authority to do so.

English Heritage publishes a review of high street issues English Heritage, in partnership with the Historic Towns Forum, published The Changing Face of the High Street: Decline and Revival (review) on 8 July 2013.

The review looks at the issues facing town centres and high streets in 2013 and considers matters in the light of current policy, including the Localism Act 2011, the National Planning Policy Framework 2012 and the Portas Review.

The main part of the review comprises case studies of high streets in a range of areas. The review sets out lessons that could be learned from these studies. While the review was written in reference to historic areas,

The High Court has lifted an administration moratorium to allow a landlord to exercise rights of forfeiture in respect of a leasehold interest.

Game Retail (UK) Ltd went into administration on 26 March 2012 and its administrators sold the business shortly thereafter. The buyer was allowed, at its own risk and in breach of covenants in the lease, into occupation of leasehold premises under a licence.

None of the consideration for the sale was deferred. The buyer sought consent for an assignment of the lease but the landlord refused as the buyer appeared to be a new company without demonstrable substance.

The landlord applied for permission to exercise forfeiture rights.

The High Court allowed the application. There was no reason to believe that the grant of permission to the landlord would impede the purpose of the administration. Accordingly, the balancing exercise contemplated in Re Atlantic Computer Systems plc [1992]

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TopicUK 19

Should I Stay or Should

by GARETH GLENDINNING

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t is extremely important to have an effective exit strategy in place for you and your business. For tax reasons alone, it is essential that every owner of a privately run business should have an exit strategy plan. Yet surprisingly, few business owners actually do. Normally, they are too busy just to stop and think about what will happen when they finally decide to call it a day.

It takes a great deal of hard work and commitment for someone to run their own company and the day-today pressures naturally mean that the financial health of the business takes priority over the time spent on planning their own financial objectives.

As a result, very few owners have given serious consideration to the ultimate question - the final realisation of all that they have worked for. Even if a business owner does not have a plan to leave the company in the foreseeable future, the consequences of failing to plan ahead can be both considerable and expensive.

That is why all owners and businesses need an exit strategy, which allows the shareholder director to leave the company in the most efficient way

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possible, consistent with personal and business objectives and with minimal disruption to the long term stability of the business.

It makes good sense to consider an exit strategy sooner rather than later.

It is almost always less expensive and less disruptive to develop a strategy over a period of time; a small outlay at the outset can remove risk from the balance sheet, while proper planning can avoid large capital outflows in the future. And tax planning now is likely to be easier and less disruptive than paying tax later. What is more, planning an exit strategy gives confidence to co-directors, employees, family and clients - not to mention the bank.

that they have worked hard to build up the business and have become fairly indispensable. This poses something of a dilemma if something happens to them or they want to leave the company in the future.

If they were able to put a value on the company shares, they would probably find they have created an asset that’s worth a great deal of money. The problem is how to unlock that value from the business and minimise the impact of leaving the company.

There is a range of financial planning tools, which can be applied to the development of an exit strategy. These include international investments, cashflow injections to support the balance sheet and facilitate exit plans, retirement planning, corporate protection and capital tax planning, which planned effectively, can reduce or remove the twin threats of Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax.

“Owners should decide who the most likely buyer of the business might be, ranging from family members, employees or partners to investors or competitors.”

As part of the strategic plan, it is vital that owners examine both business and personal issues including estate planning, retirement plans, financial requirements and tax planning, as well as heirs, liabilities and the capabilities of existing management.

Strategic planning is vital if owners want to ensure that they end up with the maximum cash in hand after taxation.

With proper advice and planning, taxes can be substantially reduced, deferred or even eliminated in some cases. A well-planned strategy should embrace the owner’s personal and business objectives, the value of his or her share in the business, the ability to realise this share when required and to cope financially should the exit be forced.

With the right professional advice, owners could unlock some of the wealth currently tied up in the business, allowing it to continue to thrive once they have left. At the same time, it is important to protect the business from the impact of death in service of key people, an important issue often overlooked by SME’s.

The issue facing owners of small to medium sizes enterprises (SME’s) is

All privately owned businesses will one day end up being sold

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or transferred and owners have to do what is right for themselves. If a person has worked hard over the years to build up a successful business and is 50 or over, now may well be the right time to start thinking about how to enjoy that success in a way that best suits the individual.

The days of ‘set in stone’ retirement at the age of 60 or 65 are long gone and these days, all kinds of options are open.

Early retirement may be part of the game plan. Or the owner may be enjoying the work so much that they want to carry on.

Perhaps the owner would like to continue working, but at a slower pace, maybe with some voluntary activities thrown in.

He or she might possibly want to help someone set up their own business with the benefits of their experience, or they might fancy a spell as a non-executive director or chairman.

Whatever demands and pressures are placed on your time today, it’s important to start thinking about putting that strategic plan in place.

KEY QUESTIONS: •

How do I intend to leave my business?

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Have I set myself an exit date?

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What are my chances of surviving to that date?

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What will happen to my shareholding if I survive until then (and what will happen if I do not?)

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Will my absence cause the company to lose customers?

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What is my projected income and expenditure likely to be after I leave?

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How much can I expect to realise from my shares?

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What will be the tax implications of selling?

To receive your free guide covering this subject, contact Gareth Glendinning of Glendinning Wealth on 07818 015141 or email gareth.glendinning@sjpp. co.uk

The Challenge of Transition and Change Managing transition effectively is a technical and emotional discipline that all managers can master. This skill is essential for organisations that are moving and reshaping in an uncertain economy. It’s not a skill that should be left to the board or senior executives, every manager has a crucial role to play and it is vital to the success of the transition.

Amongst uncertainty and the general chaos of change, it is possible for individuals and their managers to work proactively and positively. Recent research shows that a minority of employees feel genuinely engaged by their organisations and top of the list when judging a good employer is how well change is managed.

Transition is what occurs during a time when old and new ways of working are being altered and is a process with many implications for business strategy and the people who deliver

it in the workplace. It makes poor business sense when riding the wave of reorganisaion, not to look after the wellbeing of employees and help them achieve a positive response to change.

Communicating change sensitively is critical. Emphasis should be placed on the ‘why’ of change and not the ‘what’. Personal implications of specific changes should be placed in context for each individual. Employees will not take in other information if the questions: ‘what’s in it for me’ and ‘how can I help’ are not dealt with first.

It is people and their relationships at all levels that will make or break a speedy and productive transition and ensure ‘business as usual’.

solutions and new ways of doing things.

To find out more on this subject author of this article, Barbara Paterson from The Paterson Consultancy, is running a Theatre of Business development opportunity on the subject, on 12 September from 11.30am to 2.00pm, to include a buffet lunch, at the Theatre Royal, Wakefield. To book email Barbara at: barbara@patersonconsultancy.com

Carried out badly, the transition process can lead to an alienated workforce, damage to the brand and the organisations reputation and decline in business success. Carried out effectively it can create a refreshed culture and encourage innovative

TopicUK 21

A Maze for Yorkshire

The grounds of Wakefield’s The Orangery have been transformed for the Summer by a largescale 3D maze. A new art installation created by leading international artist Richard Woods, ‘A Maze for Yorkshire’ has been commissioned from cultural programming new commission by artist Richard Woods specialists Beam is now in place until 29 September.

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“The Orangery, Wakefield has had a varied and unusual history spanning 200 years...”

Photograph by TopicUK photographer Julian Dyer (Liquid Squid)

Described by the artist as a ‘cartoon Yorkshire dry stone wall’, the artwork is a colourful temporary structure 10msq, allowing visitors to explore the labyrinth, listen to a changing soundscape, enjoy The Orangery’s historic green space, and have a drink at the pop-up Orangery Café.

At the centre of the maze is an intimate performance space, and Beam has issued an invitation to local community groups, students, amateurs, and professionals to showcase their talents there over the summer. This will add to a series of programmed cultural events, which started with Wakefield’s burgeoning Long Division Festival on 8-9 June.

A soundscape for the maze has been created by Beam’s music producer in residence, Noah Burton, working alongside writers James Nash, Peter Spafford and students from Cathedral Academy and Hemsworth Arts & Community College. It will feature stories and poems created by Wakefield people, which Burton has blended with music and sound.

‘A Maze for Yorkshire’, supported by Arts Council England and Wakefield Council, marks the largest commission at its base for Beam, an arts, architecture and education charity which aims to draw the public’s attention to the often overlooked Grade II* listed Orangery.

Creative Director Robert Powell

commented: “Wakefield has become a magnet for some of the most talented architects and artists of our time. We have a market designed by David Adjaye, a contemporary gallery by David Chipperfield, and some of the world’s best artists at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park - so, in some ways it’s unsurprising that someone of Richard Woods’ reputation is willing to work with us at The Orangery.

However, his vision for ‘A Maze for Yorkshire’ is a delightful and welcome surprise that everyone who encounters it can enjoy. It is also a catalyst for a series of creative events and community activities that will animate the grounds of The Orangery, shining a light once again on this beautiful historic gem.”

TopicUK 23

In the 1750s prosperous local cloth merchant Pemberton Milnes built for himself a large town house on the town’s main thoroughfare, Westgate.

The Dowager Viscountess of Galway inherited the house and land from her father in 1795 and ordered the building of The Orangery shortly after.

Orangeries were popular in the 1800s with wealthy families that could afford to build these south-facing, glass fronted buildings to grow exotic plants and entertain. Parts of the original Orangery were demolished between 1823 and 1848 and the front walls of the existing wings are all that survive of the original structure. Further changes throughout the 19th century make for The Orangery as it is today.

closing in 1842 to become a public bathing establishment. askell, Wakefield’s first MP, Daniel Gaskell, inherited The Orangery in 1849, tees presenting the gardens to the Trustees el in of nearby Westgate Unitarian Chapel 1850. At that time the Lodge by the main hapel gate, as well as a tunnel linking the Chapel with the Orangery, were built. In the same gh the decade the railway was driven through ess of property, beginning the long process The Orangery disappearing from public aised. view as the land around it was raised.

The buildings were to be used as a nonldren denominational school for poor children but the venture was unsuccessful and nancy private schools regularly took tenancy efieldof the space up until 1957. Wakefi ading born writer George Gissing, a leading nd a 19th Century English novelist and ent to contemporary of Thomas Hardy, went school here. eyard The gardens became used as a graveyard oday. and many of the stones remain today. nt in Of particular interest is a monument memory of Joseph Horner, a corn miller nising and one of the early Chartists, recognising gious, his “consistent advocacy of religious, moral, social and political rights and liberties for the people”.

www.beam.uk.net Twitter: Beam_Wakefield Facebook: Beam

Photograph by TopicUK photographer Julian Dyer (Liquid Squid)

After the Dowager’s death in 1835 (aged 81) The Orangery was leased as a commercial space and in 1839 it became a zoological garden.

One of its main attractions was a dancing bear, popular across the country at the time. One story has it that the bear escaped and mauled to death the keeper’s wife. For some reason the zoo then quickly fell out of favour with visitors,

Beam is an arts, architecture and education charity that was established in 1986 as ‘Public Arts’. The company is dedicated to the imaginative understanding and improvement of public spaces and helps people make better places through learning and education, the promotion of good design, and the imaginative use of the arts in these open areas.

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The Orangery was bought in 1996 by the charity Public Arts (now Beam) and underwent extensive refurbishment, and is now owned by Wakefield Council.

The present Wakefield ‘Merchantgate’ development, which includes moving the railway station to the north of The Orangery and plans for a new hotel, public park and pedestrianised square, ensures that the three historic sites - Pemberton House, the Unitarian Chapel and The Orangery - will be visually and physically linked once again.

The Orangery Back Lane, Wakefield WF1 2TG www.the-orangery.uk.net contact@beam.uk.net / 01924 215 550 Twitter: @The Orangery / Facebook: OrangeryWakefield

Works!

ing Maekto eat

By Dr Andrew Andr Furber Director of Public Health comes from a regular supply of energy to the brain in the form of glucose. The glucose in our food comes mostly from the carbohydrates we eat. Carbohydrate rich foods include fruit, vegetables, cereals, bread, sugar and lactose in milk.

Encouraging employees to have breakfast can have a big impact on their performance and ability at work.

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What your employees are eating and drinking can have a big impact on their ability to work effectively and productively.

With most people have at least one meal, one snack and numerous drinks during the average working day the workplace is a big influence on food habits.

Four key food habits of alert, focused and energetic employees

Are

Breakfast ideas: Weetabix and banana, porridge and chopped apricots, wholegrain toast with sunflower spread and sliced apple, yoghurt and a handful grapes, breakfast bars and a banana, branflakes and chopped pear, beans on toast, poached or scrambled egg and tomatoes on toast.

Not having enough glucose in the blood makes people feel weak, tired and ‘fuzzy headed’. Eating regular meals containing carbohydrates ensures a regular supply of glucose.

Making time to eat

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Drinking less caffeine

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Eating vitamin and mineral rich foods

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Eating regular meals

One in 4 adults skip breakfast (National Office for Statistics, UK). Eating breakfast containing some carbohydrate ensures enough glucose in the blood.

Carbohydrate = Glucose = Brain Power

The ability to concentrate and focus

People who don’t eat regularly or lack variety in their diet miss out on essential vitamins and minerals, which can affect mood and brain function.

Not getting enough iron, B vitamins and folate can cause low mood, tiredness and irritability. Mood and concentration boosting foods include breakfast cereals, lean meats, fish and chicken, fruits and vegetables especially satsumas, oranges, broccoli, beans and tomatoes.

Four ways to boost employee productivity:

Eating vitamin & mineral rich foods

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Encourage staff to have regular meals containing carbohydrate and to eat them away from their workplace.

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Make water and caffeine free drinks easily available.

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Eating at desks, skipping or delaying meals for meetings or work demands can get in the way of regular meals.

Enable staff to eat plenty of vitamins and minerals rich foods by providing information on the benefits and best food choices.

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Review options in vending machines, staff cafes, offer fruit on reception.

Taking a break away from work also helps your employees switch off so you can focus better after a break.

Further Information:

Mostly sit down jobs sap energy

www.nhs.uk/Change4Life

energy and Using energy and glucose drinks can glucose drinks give a quick jolt but this is short lived. the answer? Eating slower release carbohydrates

•

making the body think it is going to sleep. Moving frequently will make employees more alert and energetic

Caffeine in coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks can have a ‘drug effect’.

Reliance on caffeine to boost alertness can cause irritability and headaches when people can’t get their usual ‘fix’.

Gradually swapping caffeine drinks to water, decaffeinated tea and k Dreisns coffee, herbal teas, juices l e and squashes can reduce n i e f caf reliance and it’s effect on mood.

Eating a healthy breakfast also lowers cholesterol, helps people manage their weight and provides valuable vitamins and minerals. ike your workforce alert, focused, energetic and positive?

tim

such as fruits, bread, cereals, pasta, rice and potatoes, keep glucose and therefore energy levels more stable.

www.nhs.uk/livewell

TopicUK 25

R ESTAU R A N T R EV I EW

Magnifico! an authentic taste of Italy in the heart of Wakefield

quiet evening, we were shown straight to our table but on busier nights, Fridays and Saturdays in particular, when it’s advisable to book ahead, you may find yourself in the upstairs bar area whilst you wait for your table to become free.

Now, call me old fashioned, but I do like to see a nice tablecloth, it adds a touch of quality. First impressions count and Bella Roma gives a very good account of itself, whether you are stealing a glance through the window as you pass or entering to sample the delights of the menu.

Written by kevin trickett

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have to let you into a secret - I love Italy and I love Italian food. Over the last year, Felice’s has become one of my favourite restaurants, so I already knew what to expect when I booked my table and I wasn’t disappointed. What I didn’t know when I made my reservation was that this was something of an anniversary for the proprietor, it being one year to the day since he signed contracts for the purchase of the business.

From the moment we arrived, we were made very welcome by proprietor Felice Di Giorno and his team. As it was a

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Some readers may have encountered Felice before. Previously he worked at Rinaldi’s in Sandal, becoming manager there, before deciding to set up his own restaurant. Originally from Scalea in Calabria, Southern Italy, Felice moved to England in 1998 at the request of the original owners of Rinaldi’s, two Italian brothers from his village in Italy. Felice later set up his own restaurant Gavi, in Tingley, but was enticed to return to Rinaldi’s as manager when the restaurant changed hands in 2010. However, in June 2012, the opportunity arose for Felice to purchase Bella Roma and the rest they say, is history.

Now rebranded as Felice’s Bella Roma, with a team of 10-15 full and part-time staff, the restaurant offers an extensive menu of pasta, pizza, meat and fish dishes, with a constantly

changing h i specials i l b board. d The menu has recently completely overhauled and contains a good selection of vegetarian options. There is a fixed price lunch menu with one course for just £6.95 and two courses for only £9.95, in addition to an early bird evening menu (available between 5.30pm and 6.30pm), offering two and three course meals for a highly competitive £10.95 and £13.95. A very drinkable house wine (Sangiovese in our case) is £13.95 for a bottle then a rising scale that ascends all the way to a Barolo Classico (not sampled) at £31.95. If you prefer something with a bit of sparkle, there’s Prosecco at £20.95 a bottle and, if you want to push the boat out for a celebration, you might want to try the Bollinger Champagne and or Veuve Clicquot at £49.95 a bottle (alas, not sampled on this occasion)!

Apart from some special dishes that require a degree of pre-preparation, meals are freshly prepared to order in the kitchen and sourced from suppliers in Yorkshire and of course, Italy, with ingredients coming from specialist Italian importers for an authentic Italian flavour.

My companions and I dined from the a la carte menu and started with Focaccia Pomodoro, a thin pizza based appetizer dish covered in tomato, garlic and extra virgin olive oil. We then moved on to sample starters of Caprese salad (Mozzarella cheese,

wit with fresh tomatoes and Basil oil), gar garlic mushrooms in a cream sauce an and, from the specials board, White Ba Bait with a salad accompaniment.

St Starters are priced from £5.45 to £7. For our main course, I had the £7.95.

Crespelle Ricotta Spinaci, spinach and ricotta cheese wrapped in a pancake and baked in a tomato an cream sauce with mozzarella and c cheese.

My companions had a P Pennette Salmone Asparagi (pasta w fresh salmon, asparagus and a with tou of tomato) and, from the specials touch boa a Wild Mushroom Ravioli. Many board, off the pasta dishes on the menu can be prepared with gluten free pasta on request. There’s a good selection of pasta and pizza dishes to choose from, varying in price from £7.95 to £10.95 with meat dishes running from £12.95 up to £29.95 for the prime

If you have a special dietary need, do contact the restaurant to discuss.

As already mentioned, many of the pasta dishes can be provided gluten free and the restaurant is developing a special gluten free menu. Some thought is also being given to extending even further the number of vegetarian options available.

Yorkshire 20oz Rib Eye Steak.

d TopicUK would like to thank Kevin Trickett for his review off Bella Roma.

If you have a sweet tooth, no meal is complete without dessert and somehow we all managed to squeeze in a pudding (all priced at £4.95). It’s a tough life being a restaurant reviewer!

I can thoroughly recommend the Zuppa Inglese - homemade Italian trifle (and not, as a literal translation might suggest, English soup)! One of my party had the Crema Bruciata (Creme Brulee) while the third had a selection of ice creams. Coffee brought this perfect meal to a close.

Whilst taking some photographs to illustrate this feature, I fell into conversation with a chap at an adjacent table who was visiting the area on business. He praised the restaurant and said that in Bella Roma, Wakefield had something to be proud of.

Felice tells me that it has always been his dream to run his own restaurant and it is important to him that he provides quality food with friendly service. Now married to an English wife with two children, Felice is proud of his Italian heritage and wants to ensuree his customers ing sample something cally that is authentically g by Italian. Judging ences my own experiences of dining there and tary the complimentary comments I’ve heard from others, I’d say that Felice’ss Bella Roma is am definitely a dream o! come true. Ciao!

ke If you would like self to try for yourself they are based e, at 63 Northgate, Wakefield. To book email: enquiries@ bellaromawakefield.co.uk or call 01924 371059. They are open Tuesday to Saturday 12 noon to 2pm and 5.30pm to 10.00pm. Sunday 1pm to 9pm. Monday closed.

TopicUK 27

Flexible approach needed from landlords

In our experience those businesses that are enquiring already have a market presence on the internet and are looking to have a retail base for visitors. However the returns from having a base simply don’t warrant the move to a high street store.

As a result we have seen a marked increase in enquires and take up of smaller commercial and industrial units, even offices, on the outskirts of Wakefield. These independent retailers are keen to benefit from lower overheads and improved parking facilities. We are guilty of following this trend ourselves and whilst it contradicts our encouragement for rental of high street units, we have benefited from larger premises with much lower overheads by moving out of town, especially when our estate agency business is largely internet based and relies less than ever from shop window advertising .

Written by Nigel Christie

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e are all aware that the retail market has suffered through the recession and Wakefield is no exception. Like many town and city centres, Wakefield has many empty shops, retail and commercial units displaying a multitude of ‘To Let’ boards. Coupled with the move to Trinity Walk for many of the major retailers, we are seeing an increasing number of vacant premises along Westgate, Wood Street and Kirkgate as shoppers cut back on spending, buy online and benefit from the convenience of retail parks and out of town shopping centres, with free parking.

From a market perspective, we are not seeing any significant uptake in the town centre properties and there are a limited number of enquiries.

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The question we are often asked is why are landlords not encouraging businesses to move into their empty properties?

Generally speaking, whilst a property is empty the landlord still has to pay empty business rates so it’s in their interest to fill their properties.

To some extent most landlords would be willing to negotiate on rent and in our experience most would offer an initial rent free period or a period of reduced rent. Most new businesses and also some established businesses looking to take out a lease will be looking to for a break clause after say 12 or 18 months.

The issue then for landlords is that if they have negotiated a deal which includes a lesser rent, a break clause and / or a rent free period, this will have an adverse effect on the capital value of the premises and ultimately their

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ability to obtain finance against it.

If a landlord has several properties they also have to be aware that when they agree deals it may also have an adverse effect on the market rent levels when it comes around to the rent being reviewed 3 or 5 years into the lease on their other properties.

Landlords do need to take a flexible approach to encourage tenants into empty premises however a similar flexible mindset needs to be taken by the Planning Authorities by offering an easier means of alternative use without the complications associated with the change of use planning process.

However many of the properties advertised for rent are being advertised not by the landlord but by the previous tenant who may have decided that it is uneconomical to trade from that location but are still tied into a long lease without a break clause. While they are still paying the rent and are responsible for the property there is no incentive for the landlord to find a tenant.

If you are thinking of renting a property....... negotiate an initial rent free period.........ensure there is a break clause that suits your business plan and allows for an escape route out of the lease if necessary........check at what intervals the rent reviews will be carried out TopicUK would like to thank Nigel Christie from FSL Estate Agents for this article. FSL have agreed to join TopicUK as guest editors each issue with a view to keeping us all up-to-date with what’s happening with property issues in Wakefield.

FSL are based at Calder Island Way and if you would like to speak with Nigel you can contact him on 01924 365250 or email nigel.christie@fslea.com

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BEAUTY

Treat yourself and face the world rejuvenated!

W

e live in a society that wishes to age gracefully and look our best and with a little help from beauty aids, our wishes can come true.

We all know that drinking plenty of water to keep our skin hydrated is essential, but is that enough nowadays with the changing weather and city living?

Unfortunately, the variety of beauty products we see advertised every day can be daunting, what do we choose?

How many of us have jars of half used creams in our drawers? Liz Speight from True Beauty told us “my advice

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is get help, that is what the beauty professionals are there to do.”

“How many times have you walked past a beauty salon afraid to go in? Take courage, go in and ask for advice, you’ll find they are only too happy to help.

You won’t be pressured into buying products, you will just be advised what is suitable for you and your skin type.”

These days we work harder than ever before, so why not treat yourself and have a 30 minute express facial during your lunch hour for around £20.

You’ll return to work feeling fresh and rejuvenated, ready to face the rest of the day! For those who fancy a little more luxury, why not have an hour facial, generally between £35 and £70.

A good salon therapist will advise you

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on the type of skin you have and what products are suitable for you. Your skin will first be cleansed, followed by exfoliation, massage and mask to firm then smooth and moisturise your skin.

“You will really feel the difference once you have experienced a professional facial in a salon,” Liz continued. “Many people come to us for regular monthly facials to keep their skin looking healthy as well as the enjoyment of being pampered leaving you feeling relaxed.”

True Beauty Salon, 4-6 Providence Street. Tel: 01924 369369.

Email” info@true-beauty-salon. co.uk and don’t forget to find them on Facebook and follow on Twitter for exclusive offers.

Evolving Wakefield is an initiative started by Wakefield based marketing company, Virtual Marketing Room in October 2012. The initiative was created for the people and businesses of Wakefield and the five towns, to use as a hub to communicate with each other and to raise the profile of the area, sharing information and news.

“We are passionate about Wakefield & district,” said Virtual Marketing Room’s Leanne Waite. “There are lots of fantastic things happening and we want to do our bit to help spread the word. Wakefield is evolving and we want everyone to get involved in making it an exciting place to live and do business. We believe that we should support and promote local business, buying local wherever possible,” she continued, “and because of this we also support another local initiative, Buy Wakefield.”

Evolving Wakefield help to promote businesses in the area by re-tweeting their news on Twitter when using #evolvingwakefield as well as sharing news

think Business think Cedar Court Cedar Court Hotels is Yorkshire’s largest independent hotelier

on their Facebook page. Since it was set up last year, they now have in excess of 800 followers, a number which is growing daily.

“Initially our activity was based around social media and networking, but we are evolving,” said Leanne. “We now have a new website and we have been working in conjunction with the students at Wakefield College who have done photography for the site.”

There is also business directory on the site, so if you would like to get your company on there free, you can email your details to leanne@virtualmarketingroom. com or call her on 07753 446564.

Find Evolving Wakefield on Twitter @ evolvewakefield and Facebook www. facebook.com/evolvingwakefield

What’s On at Cedar Court Wakefield Disco Inferno - 31st August, 20th September Our disco inferno nights start with a three course meal followed by a night of dancing to disco classics until 1am.

Pop Party - 6th September, 18th October Enjoy a two course meal and disco at our Pop Party night, with all your pop favourites from the 70s, 80s & 90s.

The Other Mrs Brown - 27th September Enjoy an evening of laughs to a tribute to the hysterically funny Mrs Brown’s Boys. The evening includes a three course meal and tribute performance.

Tribute to Take That - 27th October Enjoy an evening listening to your favorite Take That hits.

The events starts with a three course meal followed by the performance then dance the night away to our resident DJ until 1am.

One Direction & Wanted Tribute Night - 20th October

Visit our new Superior bedrooms here at Cedar Court Wakefield.

www.cedarcourthotels.co.uk

A tribute to two fantastic bands, One Direction & Wanted. This fantastic evening includes a two course meal followed by the tribute to One Direction & Wanted and finishes with a disco from our resident DJ.

To make a booking or for further information call the sales office on 01924 261 294.

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WA K E F I E L D CO U N C I L

Great things are happening in

Ferrybridge...

A

s the curtain comes down on many coalfired power stations across Europe, Ferrybridge’s future as an energy generating centre is assured by major new investment (over £300M) in a hightech multi-fuel generation plant on the same site.

Photo Courtesy John Sisk

Securing the UK’s energy supply and in an environmentally friendly way is of fundamental importance for UK businesses and citizens and the multi-fuel generation will make a major contribution on both counts.

The around 70MW (net) multifuel project within the Ferrybridge power station site is being developed

by Multifuel Energy Ltd, a 50:50 joint venture between SSE plc and Wheelabrator Technologies Inc at a cost of over £300M. The multi-fuel facility will be completed by spring 2015 with its first electricity supplied into the national grid in late 2016. Hundreds of jobs are being created during the three-year construction period and over 50 new full-time jobs will be required once the plant is fully operational. Construction of the plant is being undertaken

by Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI), a world leader in the technology.

Multifuel Energy Ltd has secured long term contracts for the supply of processed waste material to fuel the plant’s boilers. Some of this will come from the new Wakefield district household waste recycling facility on South Kirkby Business Park. The multi-fuel plant will see the diversion of hundreds of thousands of tonnes of waste away from landfill and into producing a greener form of energy for UK businesses and households.

The main construction of the new facility began in January 2013 and is making good progress. The ongoing interest from fuel suppliers has led Multifuel Energy Ltd to begin consultation for a second project on the Ferrybridge ‘C’ Power Station site, known as Ferrybridge Multifuel 2 (FM2). FM2 is expected to be similar in scale to FM1 and will produce enough energy to power around 160,000* homes.

The new multi-fuel power station will not only be a vital regional and national asset for environmentally friendly energy supply but also creates a host of regional and local supply

chain opportunities. Last year Multifuel Ltd held a “Meet the Buyer” event at Xscape attracted over 200 businesses eager to hear what services were required and to register what they could do for the new facility.

Expansion of the plant will offer more business and work opportunities and has been welcomed by residents and businesses in the area.

SSE, along with other stakeholders in the area will be launching an Open4Business web portal in the autumn which will advertise contractual opportunities created by the Multifuel projects and our other regional operations.”

SSE Liaison Officer, Jayne Williams said: “This is a massive project with great benefits for the UK and for local businesses and people. We are particularly keen that businesses as well as communities work with us to gain as many opportunities as possible from the development and operation of the facility.” *Based on the industry average annual household consumption of 3,300KWh of electricity and using a base load of 68.8MWe net export capacity utilised for 8000hrs per annum.

Wakefield Business Support Programme

to Create Businesses and Jobs The programme has been developed as a direct response to recent consultation with a variety of stakeholders and is in partnership with RCP21, South Elmsall Town Council and South Kirkby and Moorthorpe Town Council.

Wakefield Council has launched a new programme to create businesses and jobs in the district.

The European Regional Development Fund grant will support delivery of the Wakefield Business Support Programme, which plans to create 140 jobs and 40 new businesses up until 30th June 2015.

The formal launch event will take place on 5th September 2013. Details will be announced shortly on www.wakefieldfirst.com and @Wakefieldfirst

Councillor Peter Box CBE, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “The funding is great news and reinforces our on-going commitment to boosting our local economy, skilling up the district and helping residents into much-needed employment.

“This project will look to attract entrepreneurs and inward investment to create and grow businesses, providing quality employment for local people.

“As well as creating new jobs and businesses the project will also assist 75 existing businesses, eight social enterprises and achieve a £1M gross increase by September 2015.”

The Council will create jobs by providing preemployment support and advice and by matching supply and demand of job and business opportunities.

The programme will also offer bespoke advice and guidance to existing businesses and support those businesses seeking international opportunities.

Apprenticeships Made Easy A new Wakefield Council initiative funded by the Leeds City Region’s City Deal will simplify the process of employing an apprentice for employers in Wakefield district.

Apprenticeships Made Easy gives employers access to apprenticeship programmes and support from local training providers, making it even easier for them to develop and expand their workforce.

Dedicated Businesses interested in taking on an apprentice will be supported by a Business Engagement Officer from Wakefield Council. The dedicated Officer will work with a range of training providers to tailor the apprenticeship to meet the needs of

the business. Available grants and funding will also be discussed.

Apprenticeships Made Easy will also ensure the recruitment process is as simple as possible. Businesses provide a job description and a dedicated recruitment team will advertise, interview and shortlist applicants.

The company will then interview the candidates and select the apprentice most suitable for the business.

The initiative will be officially launched at a breakfast event on 12th September 2013 at The Hepworth Wakefield.

If you are a business looking to recruit an apprentice please contact the Wakefield Apprenticeships Hub on 01924 302703 or email apphub@wakefield.gov.uk

TopicUK 33

A walk to remember!

Step out in support of Wakefield Hospice on Sunday 8 september by taking part in their annual walks event.

There are three routes short, medium and long (circa 4, 8 and 13 miles respectively). Starting and finishing at the National Coal Mining Museum, these walks unfortunately are not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Each walker will receive a complimentary water bottle, a banana (courtesy of Fyffes), walk description booklet and a map. Marshalls will be on hand to guide you along the route.

To keep our younger walkers amused on the short route, there will be a competitive game with a prize for the winning entry. Plus, for an additional £1.80, you can pre-order a snack pack to collect on the day. This consists of: homemade flapjack, bottle of water, cereal bar, packet of crisps and a token ‘sack of coal’ as a memento!

Fundraising coordinator Emily Murphy told TopicUK: “Wakefield Hospice would like to say a tremendous thank you to our event sponsors, Calvesten Ltd, who not only ensure that all of our event costs are covered, but

have very kindly agreed to donate an additional £10 for every person taking part over 200 walks, so please bring your friends along.”

If you would like to take part, register online via the Hospice website www. wakefieldhospice.org where you can download an entry form, or call the fundraising team on 01924 213900.

Walks are open to all and dogs are welcome too! Entry fee is £10 per adult (£15 on the day) and £5 per child and all pre-entries must be received by Friday 23 August, after which only entries on the day will be accepted.

Golfers play around again!

You may recall we reported in our last issue, the successful first Wakefield Business Golf afternoon that was held in May. Twenty four companies took part and it was agreed that competitors would try and play all courses in the district on a regular basis.

Round two took place at Hatfield Hall on 27 June and sadly it rained for the whole 18-holes. Adam Perking from Joliffe Corke was the winner with 38 points and newbie Chris Law, St James Place, came in second with 32 points.

Andy Turner from First Choice Recruitment was robbed (apparently), coming in third after losing on count back!

“Well done to everyone who participated and especially Marisa Kapp from Largo Group, who walked off after 9 holes,” said organiser Gareth Hunt “been there, done that!”

Round three, booked for 8th August at Waterton Park just missed this issue as it was the day we went to print, but we will let you know the winner in our next issue, or check out the results on our website www.topicuk.co.uk. Round four will take place in September and if you would like to book, please contact Gareth on 01924 298926 who will advise the date and venue. “Working on the theory of the more the merrier, please feel free to invite customers, suppliers or inform any other Wakefield business contacts,” concluded Gareth.

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EXPANSION ForWakefield Locker Company Gone are the days when lockers were simply an afterthought in a building, where any old steel locker located somewhere out of sight would do. “Lockers are now very much regarded as an important integral feature of a building, being not only functional, but aesthetically pleasing too,” said Heather Hart, Marketing Director of 3d Lockers, who have recently taken on new staff and are planning to move to new offices in Ossett.

“There are many types and sizes to choose from, so selecting the right locker for your business can be a daunting task.” This is why the company have recently launched their new locker website www.3dlockers.co.uk which showcases all the different styles of lockers available, including an array of colours, door finishes and locking options. “We’ve particularly focused on keeping the site very uncluttered and simple to use, with advice and case studies to help with your locker selection” continued Heather. “We’ve even categorised the appropriate lockers into sectors such as schools, office, NHS etc.”

One of the most popular lockers at the moment are small compartmental personal effects lockers, large enough to accommodate a wallet, keys and a phone. More and more offices and schools are operating a no mobile phone policy,

Wakefield Businesses offer Young People a Chance!

First launched in October 2012, Wakefield Works is a campaign aimed specifically at 18-25 year olds proactively seeking work across the region.

Groups of individuals pledge to work together as business leaders and employers, to do all they can to achieve the genuine and positive difference that employment brings to individuals across our region, to their families and to the communities in which they live and Wakefield Works has done just that.

“Last year, as a direct result of this campaign, more than 17 businesses

where users are dissuaded from using their devises on the premises.

“Phones can be a distraction and so these lockers are ideal for providing secure storage in one place. They are compact and utilise a small amount of space whilst accommodating many users at once. We’ve recently supplied a selection of mobile phone lockers to the British Embassy in Moscow. Some of the lockers were for storage of keys, but the others included charging facilities, so phones could be charged and stored at the same time. They even chose a special colour combination of red, white and blue,” concluded Heather.

If you’re looking for lockers for your business, with over 25 years in the market, perhaps you should be speaking to 3d Lockers. They can offer advice and support and even offer a bespoke design and installation service. To find out more either visit their website or call on: 01924 240291

across Wakefield offered 20 candidates the opportunity of work experience.

As a direct result of this programme, several of those candidates were offered full time employment and many more have maintained a dialogue with companies for the future,” explained First Choice Recruitment Managing Director, Andy Turner.

“But the challenge continues and we are once again asking for the support and commitment from local businesses, as we develop and launch a much improved Wakefield Works for 2013.”

It is hoped that this scheme will lead even more young people being given the chance to see first-hand the world of work and the career and job opportunities on offer, but only if the scheme can count on personal support and participation from local companies.

“Quite simply, we need people to

provide a genuine opportunity to improve and promote access to jobs and careers,” continued Andy “provide first-hand experience of the reality of work across a wide range of disciplines and business sectors and to pro-actively promote awareness and understanding of the breadth of opportunity for young people to work, to develop and to succeed in Wakefield.”

This year’s launch takes place week commencing 7th October, but you don’t have to put together a whole weeks worth of support, just a promise to commit at least half a day in your diary and offer the potential of a minimum of one week’s work experience, plus no funding or financial outlay is involved.

If you are interested in getting involved contact Andy by email at: andyturner@firstchoice-uk.com. or give him a call on 01924 201155

TopicUK 35

TheFrench C o n n e c t i o n

T

he International Budo Association (I.B.A) headed up by Sensei Josh Johnson 9th Dan of the Wakefield Karate College, attended the Coupe Du Monde (World Cup) Karate Championships in St Denis, Paris on 25 & 26 May, which took place at the Palais des Sport.

Pwresident and chief instructor of the I.B.A Josh, together with his senior UK instructors, officiated at the competition, together with their European representatives. As part of the Presidents duties, Josh had to give a welcome speech and thanked the Mayor of St Denis for helping to launch this prestigious event in Paris.

A word from the Mayor: “Club 93, founded in 1973, is unusual in being a club who specialise in combat sports and Martial Arts (Judo, JuJitsu, Taekwondo and Karate).

Rapidly integrated into the family of Dionysian sports, the club describes itself as ‘welcoming and dynamic’.

“The organisation of the IBA Karate World Cup is proof of this. At the present time, where patronage of clubs and maintaining membership is difficult, Club 93 has always managed to attract and keep a core of loyal members.

“Since its establishment in the municipal sports hall, after spending many years in the establishment of the ‘social clubs’ the club has reached a new stage in its development.

“The Municipality (Mayors office) recognises the efforts of Club 93, its work in developing combat sports in our town and in the region of Seine-Saint Denis and its faithful membership of different teaching federations. The Municipality remembers President Arnold, long time president of the club and secretary general of the Saint Denis Sports Office and his constant persistence in obtaining for St Denis a gymnasium of national and international quality.

“Today, France and the town of St Denis is happy to welcome

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the 2013 IBA Karate World Cup, after last being held in Mexico. We extend our welcome to Mr Johnson from Wakefield and all the 15 countries and their delegates from around the world. We hope that their stay was enjoyable.”

In 2014 the IBA World Cup is to be held in Biarritz.

Josh has taught karate for the past 45 years and can be found in the Yorkshire People Newspaper. A published author of 2 books, one covering his childhood on the martial arts world, which is not for the feint hearted!

Eastmoor Estate, the other covering his exploits in the

If anyone is interested in joining the club which is based at Wakefield Karate College, contact them on 01924 386499 or email: josh.johnson@tiscali.co.uk

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k

tmaspartiesinleed s i r s.c h c . o.u ww

From

Pe r P e r s o n

at

Royal Armouries Museum See live footage and book online

www.christmaspartiesinleeds.co.uk 0113 220 1990

TopicUK 37

ON THE MOVE

Ramsdens promote sinead to director

Award-winning law firm Ramsdens Solicitors has promoted Sinéad Sopala to Director of Marketing.

Sinéad has been with Ramsdens for four years and leads in all areas of marketing strategy and implementation.

Managing Partner Paul Joyce commented “Sinéad was very successful in her previous role and we have created this new position to accommodate the promotion she deserves.

This promotion brings strong leadership to our marketing function and supports our strategy to create a strong regional law firm in Yorkshire with the development of web-based legal services and the use of social media.”

Commenting on her promotion, Sinéad says, “I am looking forward to the challenges of my new role and working with the fantastically talented team at Ramsdens.”

HELPING WAKEFIELD BUSINESSES

The Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is a membership organisation which supports, connects and gives a voice to businesses throughout Wakefield and Calderdale, Kirklees.

The Chamber has seen significant growth throughout 2013 in terms of supporting local businesses throughout the Wakefield district.

It seems the economic climate has not dampened the business spirit within Wakefield, with events more popular than ever before.

MY Network Wakefield is an informal

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drop in networking event run by the Chamber, in partnership with Barclays, Copiserv, First Choice, Ramsdens Solicitors, Statement, and the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

It’s an informal business lunchtime networking event, currently held at The Hop in Wakefield every second Friday of the month, whereby anyone is welcome to join us.

The Chamber also run a series of ‘60 Useful Minutes’ training events with the next workshop held at the Chamber’s Westgate offices on 24th September on creating compelling copy for business, hosted

by Sarah Ainslie Marketing.

Pledge to buy Sarah Ainslie is an active Chamber member and advocate of the Buy Wakefield Scheme, which the Chamber strongly supports. Buy

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Wakefield is an initiative whereby you can pledge to buy products and services for your business, from Wakefield district companies, benefitting the local economy.

The Chamber not only sees its success at events but through the kind words of members. Gareth Hunt, Director of Wakefield based Copiserv has been a Chamber member since 2011, he says of the Chamber “Copiserv are proud to be an active member and supporter of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber. It provides a great service to local SME’s and I would highly recommend membership to any local business.”

To find out more about what the Chamber has to offer visit the website at www.mycci.co.uk The Chamber are also on Twitter @MidYorksChamber and you can join in the business discussions on LinkedIn within the Chamber group.

TopicUK caught up with Richard Kendall, from Richard Kendall Estate Agents who told us about himself and his 40 years as Wakefield’s largest Estate Agents: Were you academic at school?

I enjoyed school but no, not an academic. Not many people of my era went on to University, rather choosing to start earning money as soon as possible.

FACE TO FACE

What was your first proper job and did you enjoy it?

I am getting a bit old in the tooth nowadays and when I left school, people left at 14 years of age. I actually started work the day before my 14th birthday which seems incredible now, but that’s how it was. I tried a spell in the furniture industry.

When did you start Richard Kendall Estate Agent?

I started in 1990, but had been in the profession since 1969 when I became trainee Estate Agent with a firm of Chartered Surveyors called Laidlaws, and many people will remember this name as a local firm of auctioneers and Estate Agents.

Where did you meet Jennifer your wife?

I met Jennifer at a folk club in Wakefield in 1968, shortly afterwards we were both celebrating our 21st birthdays which were only 24 hours apart, and we went to each other’s party and the rest is history as they say.

How many children do you have and do they work in the do they work in the business?

We have two children, Simon and Claire.

Simon wanted to be a chef and worked for a top hotel in Bath and trained in France. He decided to change course some 18 years ago. Jennifer and I wanted Claire to be a musician as she played Clarinet in the national youth wind orchestra, and actually won a music scholarship at Silcoates. However, she has a tunnel vision to go and work in London, so after University studying Estate Management, headed to the big city where she worked for 7 years and qualified as a chartered Surveyor. But

the lure of coming back to Wakefield, was too tempting and has now been with the company for nearly 8 years.

Both Simon and Claire of course are now Partners in the company.

Richard Kendall has four offices in Wakefield and you are the largest Estate Agent. What’s next for the business?

We have never been a company to rush things as far as expansion is concerned, and we have consolidated in recent years, but all I can disclose at this moment in time is ‘watch this space’.

Do you have any ambitions left to fulfill?

Jennifer and I are extremely fortunate to be able to travel and I think we’d like to carry on doing this for many more years to come.

If you were shipwrecked on a desert island what couldn’t you do without?

My wife and my iPad; not necessarily in that order.

How much was the largest property you ever marketed?

It’s not a matter of the largest property; it is the interesting ones which keep in my mind. The more interesting properties were at the time I was with Laidlaws where in many deceased Estates we had to clear the properties of its contents, and one particular house had the remaining stock of a family owned shop there, which had closed 100 years ago. We were opening boxes of 100 years glassware which were antiques in themselves, although brand new. Also a house in Horbury where time had stood still for more than 100 years and every single item of furniture was still in situ. When we eventually placed the property on the

market for sale and had an open day viewing, 3,000 people came to look around the property in one afternoon.

Do you have a favourite Wakefield restaurant and if you do, which one?

I think my favorite restaurant is not quite in Wakefield, but not far. It must be the Three Acres in Emley.

After more than 40 years, do you have any plans to retire and if so, what will you do?

Yes, no, yes, no, I haven’t the foggiest idea. I suppose at the end of the day, if my children will let me come to work, I will do.

What is your vision for property development in Wakefield?

There has been quite a lot to talk about development in Wakefield, all of which has undoubtedly helped the town through some of the worst economic climates that we have ever faced. In terms of the future there is a good number of large housing developments taking place, with a good many of opportunities for house builders in the pipeline. This can only be good news for Estate Agent’s like myself.

What have been in your view, the main improvements that Wakefield has seen over the years?

The ongoing development by Chantry Bridge has unquestionably been magnificent for the city. The Hepworth Gallery has been a great success and we’re very proud to have this on our doorstop. The changes around the train station and Merchant gate have shown a good improvement to the are and also Trinity Walk has appeared to be a success.

If you won the lottery how would you spend the money?

I’d make sure all the family were fine, and the business too!

TopicUK 39

ON THE MOVE

On

Whats Wakefield Curry Club

- third Friday of each month at Kashmiri Aroma Restaurant, Paragon Business Park. Noon to 2.00pm. Cost just £20+VAT for three course lunch and quality guest speaker. For details call Gill on 07711 539047 or email gill@ ghost-communications.com

Shopping Centre, 10.30am - 4.30pm, up to 35 stalls selling quality produce.

The Great North Run on 15th September.

Wakefield Hospice have places available for anyone wishing to take part.

For further information call 01924 213900 or email: danielle.cain@ wakefieldhospice.co.uk

Wakefield Hospice Walk to Remember 8th September. Step out and walk 5, 10 or 15 miles in this annual event, starting from the National Coal Mining Museum. Call 01924 213900 for details.

Tax Planning in Challenging Times.

Breakfast seminar. Thursday 19th September, 8am for 8.30am. Speaker: Paul Captieux of Clough Taxation Solutions LLP. Held at The Harris Partnership, 2 St Johns Street, Wakefield WF1 3QA. To book email: suebb2011@hotmail.co.uk

Ridings Yorkshire Market first Sunday of each month in The Ridings

Annual Construction & Engineering Law Review 2013.

Breakfast seminar Thursday 26th September, 8am for 8.30am. Speaker Susan Barrington-Binns of Barringtons Solicitors. Held at The Harris Partnership, 2 St John’s Street, Wakefield WF1 3QA. To book email: subb2011@hotmail.co.uk

Wakefield Christmas Charity Lunch 12th December at Wakefield Cedar Court. The lunch will support the Theatre Royal Wakefield Performance Academy, to raise funds to grant scholarships to children to attend the academy. Tickets are

£450 for a table of 10 or £45 each. The committee are also looking for donations for auction prizes. To book email timwelton@chadlaw.co.uk A Maze for Yorkshire

- 8 June - 29 September, open weekdays 11am-6pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-3pm (times may vary) www.amazeforyorkshire. net or call 01924 215 550.

The Orangery, Back Lane, Wakefield WF1 2TG

MYNetwork, The Hop Bar, Bank Street, Wakefield. Second Friday of each month, no need to book, informal networking, just turn up and meet valuable contacts in a relaxed setting. Partners: Ramsden’s Solicitors; Barclays; Copiserv; First Choice Recruitment; Statement and Wakefield Wildcats. FREE EVENT info@myccci.co.uk or ring 01924 311600

Ridings Shopping Centre, Saturday 7th September, Wedding Fair. More than 30 exhibitors showcasing the

finest Wakefield & District has to offer, when planning your special day. There will be lots of demonstrations, prizes, giveaways and of course a very special bridal fashion show. If you would like to exhibit at the fair contact us at topicuk@ ghost-communications. com for more information.

New Networking Event for Yorkshire Business Owners The Thursday M+tch. Join Fds Corporate Finance on Thursday 26 September for a monthly lunchtime networking event hosted by Theatre Royal Wakefield.

For further details contact: luke.howell@fdscfs.com

Residential Building.

Breakfast seminar 8am for 8.30am. Speakers: Susan Barrington-Binns and David Hannan of Barringtons Solicitors. Held at The Harris Partnership, 2 St John’s North, Wakefield WF1 3QA. To book email: suebb2011@hotmail.co.uk

T R AV E L

A crowd of friends and travellers from different lodges around the South Luangwa National Park had gathered and were all chatting, drinking and enjoying the spectacle of sunset over the park.

A gentle prod in my arm attracted my attention. I followed the gaze of our guide, and saw a lioness approaching that seemed too close for comfort.

Simultaneously another guide at the other side of the group had spotted the same thing, though not quite, this was a different lioness, approaching from a different direction, and rather closer than the first. And then a third was spotted. Silently and efficiently the guides encouraged us back into our vehicles. Clutching gin and tonics well, some things remain important, we all figured it wasn’t really worth taking the risk that these fine felines weren’t just out for a sunset stroll and we, rather eagerly, complied….. As if that wasn’t enough excitement for one evening, as we drove back to the camp, a full moon rose majestically and our spotter saw a leopard slinking along the river bank.

Zambia is also the home of walking safaris and a couple of days later, when I decided to leave camp again, together with Yotam, one of Flatdogs Camp’s guides, we spotted giraffe, zebra and elephant, quite an experience when on foot!

On the night of my arrival I was told to take care whilst walking through camp as wild animals often wondered through. The following morning, as I made my way to the restaurant, I was stopped in my tracks by the sight of an elephant and not too far away – amazing. Or it would have been, had I not then spotted its calf to my left.

Caught slap bang between mother and calf is definitely not a good position to be in. Just as panic was beginning to set in, one of the camps guides silently appeared and escorted me to safety. Subsequent days at this great lodge proved to be far less stressful. Sitting by the pool which overlooks the river bordering the park, a chilled beer in one hand and a good book in the other, one can gaze upon hippo wallowing in the depths, crocodiles basking on the banks and monkeys playing in the trees. And all

this without having get up at 0500 for an early morning safari – now that is much more my idea of a holiday!

to

Other aspects that make Flatdogs Camp less stressful than staying in the more traditional style of safari lodge are the fact that it has a restaurant with an a la carte menu and so one isn’t compelled to sit and have dinner every night with a set menu.

The other less stressful fact about Flatdogs Camp is the price, one doesn’t need to take out a second mortgage to stay there. This is a unique and affordable lodge on the safari circuit in Africa.

Flexibility is the key, choosing whether to go on day safari, a night drive, a walking safari or simply watching wildlife from the camp itself.

Flexibility of meal times and the a la carte choices are a welcome bonus and the flexible, professional approach of the staff and enthusiastic and knowledgeable safari guides creates the ultimate safari experience in what is the most exciting National Park in Zambia.

For more information about Flatdogs Camp and where to stay at Victoria Falls, visit www.hotelsunder100.com.

TopicUK would like to thank Philippa Kaye from Indian Experiences Limited for this issue’s travel article. Philippa can be contacted by email: philippa@indianexperiences.com

TopicUK 41

How to keep your International Customers happy For many small businesses, working internationally would be a dream, but is it as easy as it sounds? TopicUK caught up with local company m2r, who explain how to retain clients that span time zones, language barriers, culture and of course, distance.

Visit regularly. It’s easy to win the client then resign yourself to emails and phone calls, you have to make the effort to keep developing the relationship. In cultures where friendship comes before business, if you don’t want to invest in the time or effort to visit these companies, your relationship will be very short lived. Try and visit at least once a quarter, depending on distance.

Take an interest in the country. If the client thinks you are only interested in their money, no trust will be formed. You need to make a concerted effort to understand the culture and at least some of the native language.

Encourage customers to take an interest in where you are from.

Building relationships is a two way process, so involve your client by showing them your home town.

Get to know your clients. This is especially prevalent in culture where family comes first. If the client feels that you are only interested in their business, you may get one order but that will be it.

Show your international clients that you are different by delivering exceptional service, maintaining close contact and taking a genuine interest in their business, themselves as individuals and their country.

You need to act and appear that you are merely an overseas extension of their current supply chain, not just a person or company that is looking at just the financial reward.

Using these tips as a guide should put you head and shoulders above your competition and cement your business relationship with them.

The outlook is positive thanks to the nation’s SMEs

A

survey conducted by fds Corporate Finance highlights the importance of the small business for the UKs economy.

Senior Partner Jo Haigh is a practising Corporate Financier who set up fds in October 1989 and has over 20 years of in-depth knowledge of corporate governance and is also a multi award winning entrepreneur, trainer, speaker and author.

The results of this survey show that small businesses in the UK are essential to the survival of British business as a whole and while the sacrifices made by owner managers are vast, the results speak for themselves.

While the economy is seeing minute recovery, more than half of the SME business surveyed have achieved an increase in turnover and net profits in the past year. This has resulted in nearly 70% of owner managers surveyed, expressing a positive outlook for the coming 12 months, a figure that can only be seen as inspiring amidst persistent bad news.

For the future, it’s not just funding small business need to continue supporting this renaissance of our economy, its marketing resources and tax breaks too.

Thirty two percent of our responses cited improved marketing resources as essential growth in the next 12 months

with 27% asking for effective tax breaks.

In spite of this increased growth in revenue and positive outlook, only 12% of small business owners would feel in a position to sell, the lack of businesses going to market means there are many hungry, cash rich buyers out there with cash, but no opportunities to spend.

Should our owner managers choose to go to market, the most important thing they would look for in a professional advisor, something that doesn’t come cheap, is a trusted personal relationship.

The location of the owner managers surveyed was split fairly evenly North to South (40% to 46%, with the remaining 14% as Midlands and other) with 86% of the total responses confirming the widely held belief that the South East and London in particular have their own, higher performing micro climate.

The SME business owner/manager is key to the rejuvenation and resurrection of British business and, while the outlook for many may be glum, small business in the UK is on the up and the next 12 months are full of promise.