Topicuk huddersfield

TopicUK

SPRING ISSUE 2015

KIRKLEES & CALDERDALE FREE BUSINESS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

WWW.TOPICUK.CO.UK

Local Heroes

MEET FANTASTIC MEDIA'S ANDY HOBSON

TopicUK

YOUR NEW MAGAZINE FOR KIRKLEES & CALDERDALE

Wakefield Conference

CHAMBER ANNOUNCE DATE FOR THIS YEAR

You may look ...

SAYS YORKSHIRE ARTIST ASHLEY JACKSON

RESERVE YOUR PLACE AT THE TOPICUK MONTHLY NETWORKING CURRY CLUB FOR DETAILS VISIT WWW.TOPICUK.CO.UK

Billboards dss

Pac acckaging

Bu uililding wrap ps

Spot UV va arnishing

shing sh g

bo ossin sing

Gold old & silver ver err la

D ensers Dispens ens

Perfect ect ct bind nding

Exxxh hibi ibittitio ion

Hott fo Hot ffoilin ng n g Prom om motional mot na al m mercha andise dise se

Rem mo oist gum um mming mm g

Sccratch ca Sc ards

Dump b Dump bi bins

We are so much more than just a printer...

• Digital Print • Litho Print • Screen Print • Point of Sale & Signage • Spot UV & Silver Latex • Large Format • UV Inkjet

• Cad-Cutting • Die-Cutting • Perfect Binding • Scratch ’N’ Sniff • Foil Blocking • Design & Repro Services • Promotional Merchandise

1 Grange Valley Road, Batley, West Yorkshire, WF17 6GH T: 01924 473 481

www.abprintgroup.com 2

Ghost communications Graphic Design; Marketing; PR; Event Managment; Magazines; Branding gill@ghost-communications.com - Tel: 07711 539047 Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 3

CONTACTS Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

Stadium Way, Huddersfield,

West Yorkshire HD1 6PG

Area office for Wakefield

New Commerce House, 168 Westgate

Wakefield WF2 9SR

SUMMARY CONTENTS &

Area office for Calderdale

Suite 8, Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre

Halifax HX1 5ER

Chief Executive

Martin Hathaway

Membership & Events Manager

Tracy Smith

Marketing Manager

Rebecca Walker Ghost Publishing Limited

07 09 14 WAKEFIELD BUSINESS CONFERENCE Date Announced

DRAGON TO THE RESCUE

With new personal alarm

YOU MAY LOOK BUT DO YOU SEE Art with Ashley

Suite 8 Unity Works Westgate Wakefield WF1 1EP Tel: 07711 539047 editor@topicuk.co.uk www.topicuk.co.uk Advertising Sales Gill Laidler - 07711 539047 Printed by AB Print Group Search for Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce



II IV IX

POLICY

Chamber lobbying works for business

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH 3 award winning businesses

MY EXPORT HUB Helping business to export

 Danny Gartside 07834 705736 www.dannygartside.com Thank you to all those who have contributed to this issue of Close Up for Business. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent the view of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in the magazine, neither the 4 Chamber nor the publisher can accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies it contains

EDITORS NOTES

W

elcome to a very special edition as we celebrate our second Birthday in Wakefield and launch this brand new issue in Kirklees and Calderdale.

And it doesn’t stop there, we now incorporate Close Up for Business, the official magazine for the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. Whichever issue you are reading, we hope you enjoy!

To celebrate we held an event at the John Smith’s Stadium for all the businesses who have supported us so far and who we have helped to promote as well as welcoming all our new advertisers and supporters from Kirklees and Calderdale, we are looking forward to helping support and promote your businesses.

We have had an extremely busy couple of months, attending the Wakefield Theatre Gala Dinner at Unity Works which was a fantastic success and once again had the chance to meet Chancellor George Osborne for a third time to support Wakefield businesses in their plans for a Northern Powerhouse.

We are delighted to have been asked by the Chamber of Commerce to be a partner on the Wakefield Business Conference on June 24, which will be held at Unity Works in the middle of Wakefield Business Week and as TopicUK and Close Up will be handed to all delegates at the conference, this is a perfect opportunity for you to promote your business in the next issue. Please do get in touch if you want to be featured.

Finally, we want to make TopicUK more accessible to all businesses across the districts, so we have now taken up residence in Unity Works and our door is always open if you want to pop in and join us for a coffee.

If you have any news that you want to share with the business community across Wakefield, Kirklees or Calderdale, do let us know, plus take advantage of affordable advertising rates.

As its popularity grows, don’t forget, if you can’t get hold of a physical copy of the magazine, you can visit the TopicUK website www.topicuk.co.uk and view our digital version as well as catching up with all the current news.

TopicUK EDITOR GILL LAIDLER CREATIVE DIRECTOR ROB BLACKWELL LOCAL HEROES JAMES BEATTIE, SEE IT NOW SPORTS THE ARTS ASHLEY JACKSON LEGAL MATTERS SARAH CROWTHER, CHADWICK LAWRENCE BEAUTY & WELLBEING MAXINE STEAD, ALEXANDER HOUSE SPA HEALTH PROHMS OF HUDDERSFIELD FOOD & RESTAURANT REVIEW ANTHONY HEGNEY, ASPARAGUS GREEN RECRUITMENT NADIO GRANATA, STAFFLEX SOCIAL MEDIA SINEAD SOPALA, RAMSDENS SOLICITORS BANKING JONATHAN ROSTRON, SANTANDER EDUCATION DARRYL WIDEMAN, SILCOATES SCHOOL MOTORING LUKE SIMPSON, HUDDERSFIELD AUDI COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MARK HANSON, HANSON CHARTERED SURVEYORS

Follow the editor @topic_uk

If you would like to stock copies, call us on 07711 539047 or email the address below. Alternatively, to ensure you receive a regular copy, you can subscribe and receive your own copy direct by post for just £20 per annum. To subscribe email your details to editor@topicuk.co.uk Tel: 07711 539047 - editor@topicuk.co.uk - www.topicuk.co.uk - Ghost Publishing Ltd - Suite 8 Unity Works Westgate Wakefield WF1 1EP

Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 5

•• News

Round up

FREE BUSINESS MAGAZINE COVERING KIRKLEES & CALDERDALE We ’ v e f i n a l l y a r r i v e d i n K i r k l e e s and Calderdale with our second e d i t i o n o f To p i c U K w i t h s o m e issues featuring Close Up for Business the official magazine f o r t h e M i d Yo r k s h i r e C h a m b e r of Commerce

L

aunched as a social enterprise in Wakefield & District two years ago, TopicUK has gone from strength to strength and we are proud to have supported and helped promote many businesses in that time, with both free PR and affordable advertising. We have worked alongside some fantastic businesses and we are now looking forward to mirroring this success across Kirklees and Calderdale.

We all know how difficult it is to have press releases published in the local press without paying for expensive advertising, so our sister company Ghost Communications, a graphic design, marketing and PR agency decided to launch Ghost Publishing, the parent company of TopicUK to fill this gap in the market.

What makes TopicUK unique is we publish articles written by professionals in their field. Features are not researched and written by journalists, but contributed by real business people, many of whom have worked in their particular industry for many years.

Companies, large or small, who have a credible story to tell, are encouraged to submit their press releases to us and we will share their news with the wider community. This can be anything from expansions, awards, new client wins or staff promotions.

Obviously we rely on the support of our advertisers, which pays for the printing of the publication and simply, the more contributions we receive, the larger the publication. In Wakefield, thanks to the support of local companies, we have doubled both pagination and circulation in just two years.

In a nutshell, the purpose of the magazine is ‘community’. We want the business community to contribute, engage with us and work together.

Although they will look similar the two editions of TopicUK will be different in that they will 6

focus on the district they are published in, featuring businesses from that particular area.

To strengthen the magazine, we are now proud to include the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce magazine Close Up for Business in some editions. If you are a Chamber member, you can still submit your articles to the Chamber and book your advertising space, but these will now be included within TopicUK bringing together all the local news in just one place!

We are proud to have been invited not once, but three times to meet the RT Hon George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequor as part of the Northern Powerhouse campaign who has shown interest in the concept of the magazine and so has Prime Minister David Cameron on his recent visit to Leeds, both of whom were featured in our last issue.

We do hope that businesses in Kirklees and Calderdale will embrace TopicUK, just as the companies in Wakefield have and work with us to strengthen what Mr Osborne describes as a fabulous county to do business in.

If you are interested in stocking the magazine, contributing either with press releases or on a more regular basis on a subject you will think our readers will be interested in, advertising, or joining our many amazing sponsors, please get in touch.

Finally, TopicUK is also available digitally at www.topicuk.co.uk and we are currently enjoying up to 18,000 monthly visitors, a number that we envisage will grow over the next twelve months. There are a number of sponsor opportunities on the website for just £75 per month. Get in touch with us for more details.

For more information about TopicUK or Close Up for Business, visit the website or call Gill Laidler on 07711 539047.

T h e M i d Yo r k s h i r e C h a m b e r o f has announced the date for this Co n f e r e n c e Wa k e f i e l d .

NEW CHAMBER PRESIDENT We a r e d e l i g h t e d to announce the appointment of Brian Stahelin as the Chamber new President, succeeding Steven Pollitt who stands down after 12 months in post.

Brian was officially appointed in April after serving as Vice President since 2013.

Brian is Managing Director of Huddersfield-based Stafflex and has almost 40 years’ experience in the recruitment profession. In addition to being a Trustee of Kirklees Active Leisure, he is also Chair of Governors at King James’s School, Almondbury.

Due to its previous success, this will be Wakefield’s fourth Conference and will take place on Wednesday 24 June at the newly refurbished Unity Works in the heart of Wakefield city centre.

The Conference will take place during Wakefield Business Week that runs between 22 and 27 June, organised by Wakefield First.

Confirmed Conference partners to date include TopicUK, Unity Works, Wakefield First and Brand Yorkshire and with over 60% of the stands already sold, it promises to be a fantastic event not to be missed.

If you would like to be a part of driving business in Wakefield, host a seminar presenting your business to a variety of local professionals

Commerce year ’s MY

or become a partner of the event, email myconferences@mycci.co.uk For updates follow @MYBizConfs on Twitter or for more information call Event Manager Tracy Smith on 01924 311607 or Marketing Manager Rebecca Walker on 01484 483660.

MY Conferences is part of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Hosting and supporting a range of business events across the region.

The Chamber has ambitious plans to take the conferences to the next level with greater connections and a wider reach that will ensure more exhibitors, delegates, partners and fresh speakers. The result of this will see more growth into the local economy.

Commenting on his appointment as President, Brian Stahelin said: “I am delighted to be appointed President of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber. I look forward to helping the team drive the organisation forward, and to continuing the campaign to encourage enterprise and business growth within the region."

Outgoing President, Steven Pollitt added: “During my tenure as President of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber I have seen it thrive and grow. I now hand over to Brian, whose vast business experience will stand him in good stead to carry out the post and ensure the continued success of the Chamber."

Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 7

•• News

Round up

TOP SAFETY ACCREDITATION FOR EXTRACT TECHNOLOGY I n t e r n a t i o n a l b u s i n e s s , E x t r a c t Te c h n o l o g y h a s been awarded accreditation from Safecontractor for its commitment to achieving excellence in heal t h a nd sa fe ty.

Safecontractor is a leading third party accreditation scheme which recognises very high standards in health and safety management amongst UK companies.

Employing 65 people in Huddersfield, Extract Technology is principally involved in the Life Science sector, specialising in the Containment and Aseptic solutions for the Pharmaceutical and Biotech industries. Their most recent clients have included major players such as GlaxoSmithKline, Astra Zeneca, TEVA and Sandoz.

The company’s application for Safeconractor accreditation was driven by the need for a uniform standard across the business.

General Manager, Alan Wainwright commented: “I would like to thank all those involved for their hard work in helping to achieve the standard. To gain accreditation to the scheme is another important achievement for our business and clearly demonstrates our commitment to health and safety within our organisation.

Safecontractor is applicable to most sectors although it is particularly relevant to food manufacture, property, facilities management, retail and leisure sectors.

John Kinge, Technical Director of Safecontractor said: “Major organisations simply cannot afford to run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies in place.

WAKEFIELD BUSINESS MEETS JAZZ

“More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in a way that Extract Technology has done. The firm’s high standard has set an example which hopefully will be followed by other companies within the sector.”

Wakefield Jazz invites you to a unique networking event - business meets great music on Friday 8 May at 7pm, with music from 8.30pm.

Under the Safecontractor scheme, businesses undergo a vetting process which examines health and safety procedures and their track record for safe practice. Those companies meeting the high standard are included on a database, which is accessible to registered users via a website.

The UK’s most popular jazz singerpianist, Liane Carroll will perform with a band of hand-picked young musicians including BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year, Alexander Bone and Rory Ingham from Wakefield.

Food, wine, beer and a reserved seat near the stage are all included in a special one-off price of just £15.00.

Wakefield Jazz is a hidden gem and supported by top jazz artists internationally. Since Jamie Cullum hit fame, he has performed a secret gig because he loves playing in Wakefield.

Guy Barker MBE performed The Magic Flute with American actor Michael Brandon. Claire Martin, Radio 3, is a regular and international artists include both Ronny Scotts and Wakefield Jazz on their tour schedules.

The event takes place at The Conference Suite, Wakefield (College Grove) Sports and Jazz Club, Eastmoor Road, Wakefield.

There is plenty of free parking spaces at the Sports Club.

For tickets, email

L to R: Paul Hudson, Technical Operations Manager; Gail Yates, Operations Support Administrator and Adam Ratcliffe, H&S Controller.

8

wakefieldjazz@gmail.com

DRAGON TO THE RESCUE AFTER A FALL! The personal alarm that knows if you’ve fallen, finds you if you’re lost and attracts a Dragon!

It may sound like the stuff of science fiction but it’s actually a new personal alarm device called MonitorGO. As well as detecting falls, calling for help if users are unconscious and locating their whereabouts, this new device has come to the attention of former BBC Dragon’s Den entrepreneur, Theo Paphitis, who chose it as an Small Business Sunday winner.

MonitorGO was created by entrepreneur and former head teacher, Stephen Bradbury when his uncle John was frail during the 1990s and prone to falls, but fiercely independent and determined to stay in his own home. He used a pendant alarm but it proved to be of little use. If he was in his garden, or wanted to post a letter, he would be out of range of the land line. When he crashed unconscious onto his kitchen floor, he lay there for hours, unable to raise the alarm. Stephen thought there had to be something better.

The result is MonitorGO - a personal alarm that uses smart phone technology to do all the things that a pendant alarm cannot do, plus quite a few extras that no elderly alarm has ever done before.

So why is MonitorGO different? Like a pendant alarm, it can call for help but it’s not restricted to a land line so it will work anywhere with a mobile signal; it can detect a fall and raise the alarm for users, even if they are unconscious; it can detect without the impact of a fall and it will call for help finding your location which can be vital if you’re away from home. It’s also still a mobile phone so you can use it to make and receive calls as you would normally.

These features will help people live in their own home for much longer which is not only of benefit to the users and their families but reduces the strain on the health service. As the population becomes increasingly aged (life expectancy for women has increased from 85 to 89 in the last 10 years) aids like this will become increasingly important in the

management of elderly care.

Stephen spoke of his search for a better alarm device for John: “The pendant alarm was no good for him as the falls he had were usually caused by him becoming unconscious so he was unable to trigger the alarm. Once he fell in a ditch by the roadside and could not move – while he was able to press the button he was out of range of the box on the land line so once again, it didn’t work for him. He would say ‘I’m all right Stephen’ but he wasn’t all right so I knew we needed to find a better solution.

"There was no better alternative in the UK so we searched Sarah Ainslie with Theo Paphitis overseas and while we found systems that were better than what we had, nothing really ticked all the boxes. I studied the technology in mobile phones and realised that they could be used to measure the distance and impact of falls, and it all started from there.”

The device has been in development for over 18 months and is now available to buy. It’s sadly too late for John, who passed away in 2012, but the potential difference it can make to older people who want to remain independent and stay in their own home is huge.

The company was invited to Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday event on in January and Sarah Ainslie who looks after the marketing went along to receive the award.

MonitorGO is exclusively available for sale through the website www.monitorgo.com. Stephen can be contacted on 01484 483160 and he and his team would be delighted to demonstrate the MonitorGO system in person.

Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 9

•• News

Round up

INVESTOR IN PEOPLE E x t r a c t Te c h n o l o g y L i m i t e d , a l e a d i n g m a n u f a c t u r e r o f c o n t a i n m e n t a n d a s e p t i c s y s t e m s has been awarded the Investors in People bronze standard, demonstrating their commitment to realising the potential of their people.

The Staff of Extract Technology - Celebrate award

T

he Huddersfield based company has over 30 years experience in the design and manufacture of innovative containment solutions to the Pharmaceutical, Blotech and Chemical markets and employs 65 people at its manufacturing facility on Leeds Road.

Founded in 1981, the company has been at the forefront of many significant developments in the industry and over the years has "Achieving the established a prestigious international Investors in client portfolio based on a reputation People Bronze for excellence. Investors in People Standard is is the UK’s leading accreditation for something business improvement through people and provides a wealth of that any management resources for businesses to innovate, organisation improve and grow, with a focus on good should be people making great business.

proud of"

Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People said: “achieving the Investors in People Bronze Standard is something that any organisation should be proud of. It is the sign of a company which is truly committed to good people management

10

practice and we’d like to congratulate Extract Technology on their achievement.”

Commenting on the award, Alan Wainwright, Extract Technology’s General Manager said: “I would like to thank all those involved with the assessment, to achieve accreditation is something we are all extremely proud of and the fact we achieved Bronze level in our first assessment, benchmarks our business and people management practices at a very high level.

The award is the result of many years hard work by the Extract team which has focused on aligning their business and working practices and is underpinned by their vision and values. Particularly pleasing was feedback from the assessment in relation to people being proud to be part of an organisation with such world-class products and services.”

The assessment also recognises continual improvement opportunities to implement effective strategies for performance and business growth and these will be included in the company’s plans for 2015.

GROWTH FOR HUDDERSFIELD MARKETING CONSULTANCY

PENNINE BUSINESS PARTNERS CELEBRATE 5TH BIRTHDAY With the aim of providing other companies with their professional business expertise and handson HR, marketing and Health and Safety support, Steve and Lynn Bradley have seen their business grow year on year since its inception.

During the past five years, the company has worked with a broad range of clients that has enabled them to expand considerably. Moving their offices from home to Lockwood Park in December 2013 helped maintain their growth and expand their team, employing Huddersfield University student Natasha Canning on a work placement year and Jo Kitterick as Client Services Co-ordinator. It was always the plan to expand the skill-set that they offer and at the start of last year, Michelle Booth brought her expertise to the business as Health and Safety Consultant.

Lynn, Pennine Business Partners HR specialist told TopicUK: “Five years is such a pinnacle milestone in any business and we are delighted to have got this far so successfully. Our business portfolio spans a wide range of industries, both locally and nationally from manufacturing and engineering to

retail and leisure. It is a pleasure to work with such a wide variety of clients and to be able to offer an extensive skill-set and a fully inclusive service as well as having the confidence to keep expanding.”

Marketing expert Steve added: “as for the next five years, we want to continue to grow and develop the business by increasing our current client base and the services we provide. We look set to have another good year and 2015 got off to a good start with 9 new client wins. We have recently started to offer training and social media management and are open to welcoming new skills into the team should the right person come along.”

To mark this milestone, Penine hosted the Revell Ward First Friday club networking event at Lockwood Park Rugby Club in March which was attended by friends and local businesses who enjoyed a celebratory drink, lunch and a piece of birthday cake. Yorkshire cricketing star Alex Lees, also attended who Pennine have supported for the last two years.

Steve added: “The event was a huge success and we were delighted to see so many of our clients come along to help celebrate. If you would like more information about the companies services visit the website www.penninebusinesspartners.com

KC Director Katrina Cliffe

Huddersfield marketing consultancy, KC Communications has been appointed by Leeds based Brewster Bye Architects.

The consultancy will assume responsibility for the firm’s social media and digital marketing that will include delivery of a new website.

Mark Henderson, director at Brewster Bye, who have completed many Huddersfield projects including the town centre Mechanics Institute, Wildspur Mills, Bradley Business Park and a host of other developments commented: “We sought the expertise of a marketing professional who would not only direct us on how to develop our marketing further, but who could manage to day to day running of it, allowing us to focus on what we do best.

“Since the start of the relationship, KC Communications has increased our awareness to the vast opportunities available to us and it is a pleasure working with Katrina and we are looking forward to what the future may bring.”

KC director Katrina Cliffe added: “It is an honour to have been appointed by Brewster Bye to manage their marketing requirements. As an award winning firm of architects, we look forward to working with the team and their strategic partners to position them as one of the UK’s leading architectural practices.”

Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 11

•• News

Round up



SECOND WAVE OF MOBILE APPS FAST APPROACHING

T he se co nd wave o f mo b i l e ap p s is f as t ap p roac h i ng, p re d i c t s t e c h no l o gy specialist Simon Howship,Managing Director of app development firm Common Ag e ncy. A nd i t l o o ks l i ke d e j a v u f ro m t he d o t co m days .

W

hen the business environment was first hit by the dot com bubble a number of organisations invested heavily in websites that they thought they unequivocally needed in order to survive, Howship recounts. “Budgets were blown but, in many cases, a return on investment was nowhere to be seen,” he says.

   

“The web experienced something of a downturn not too long after, before the gradual resurgence of ‘dot com – phase two’,” he continues. “Companies that were a little later to the table had time to think about what they wanted to achieve from a website. They ventured online not because they ‘had to’, but because they acknowledged the commercial advantage of doing so. They carefully considered the structure, content and interactivity of their sites, in order to achieve maximum benefits for the visitor.

And now we see some incredibly big success stories in the shape of brands such as ASOS, PhotoBox and John Lewis, who continue to excel in the online space.”

Now Howship forecasts the mobile landscape to perfectly mirror this sequence of events. He elaborates: “Yes there were a few early adopters such as Moonpig, who approached mobile apps with caution and experienced great success as a result. However, many brands ventured into the world of apps four or five years ago, investing vast amounts of money in the technology for all the wrong reasons.

“They jumped on the bandwagon, rushing into building monolithic apps, even though they didn’t have a mobile strategy in place. They didn’t think about what they wanted the app to do and why – the apps were simply PR

12

stunts, not profitable business tools. A number of super-agencies also wrongfully professed to offer expertise in this niche area of creative marketing, but didn’t revisit or update the apps that they developed. As a result, to a certain extent, the faith in mobile apps was lost.”

So fast forward to 2015, why is interest in mobile apps heating up? “Organisations have had time to think about what mobile app they want, and why,” believes Howship. “They’ve paid great attention to the habits and requirements of their clientele, and realised that there are trusted experts in the marketplace who can help them design and build a new app, or even take over an existing one that hasn’t lived up to expectations.

“An app shouldn’t be a digital brochure or a lame attempt to mirror your web offering. With careful consideration it can be a profitable business tool, and this is what commercially savvy companies are now coming to realise.”

Is Howship suggesting every business should now invest in a mobile strategy?

“Of course, it won’t be right for every company, just yet,” he admits. “However, businesses with brands – especially those in the consumer environment – can no longer rely on face-to-face custom and/ or web traffic alone. As the technology evolution continues apace, and an everincreasing number of consumers interact with the AppStore and GooglePlay, there is a growing danger of losing market share and therefore revenue to competitors with effective apps.

Having a responsive mobile site is not enough, however great it is. App stores are akin to popular shopping centres – if that’s where your customers go looking, that’s where you need to be."

IN THE MARKET FOR SUCCESSFUL APPRENTICES If you have passed through Huddersfield’s Queensgate Market, the chances are you will have passed one of David Price-Baghurst’s shops.

David owns four of the leading stores selling everything from hardware to baking equipment to wigs, and central to the success of his business is apprentices.

When he started the business, four years ago after deciding retirement wasn’t for him, the 66-year old was initially sceptical about the benefits of an apprenticeship scheme.

However, he was quickly persuaded by talking to Business Brokers from the Kirklees Apprenticeship Hub. They told David about the support on offer and how firms, of every size, could benefit from taking on an apprentice.

David says this information and support was crucial: “When they’d been through the details with me, I thought yes - I can see this as an opportunity for us to improve the next generation and to bring people on in our way of selling and our way of doing business.

“So we took on one apprentice and then the second and then the third. We’ve now got three apprentices working within the business and we teach them everything they need to be a successful shop keeper - selling techniques, buying and stock taking.”

Small businesses can be nervous about the prospect of taking on an apprentice and worry about the time and effort it will take to find and manage them. The Kirklees Business Brokers worked with David to break down these barriers, introduce him to the financial support available and put him in contact with a training provider who specialised in recruiting the type of apprentices he needed and who now manages the placements.

David believes this relationship is key to making the

process as simple as possible, especially for small business owners who have so many demands on their time: “What made it easy for us was the support we received from the Kirklees Apprenticeship Hub. They make having not just one but three apprentices within the business possible, from only presenting us with the best candidates to interview but then following it up with training and taking the apprentices through their NVQ level two and three in retail sales.”

David’s three apprentices – Nicole, Sarah and Thomas, now work across his shops and alongside his permanent staff.

“At the moment, we are looking to employ all three of our apprentices when they finish their training and I will then be looking to take on more apprentices. I would encourage every business to think in the same way, as apprentices can be of use to any business of any size.

“The support you receive through the process makes all the difference and the benefits to your business far outweigh the effort it does take. When I need to recruit in the future, apprenticeships will be the first thing I consider.”

Kirklees is one of eight apprenticeship hubs that have been set-up in the Leeds City Region. The aim is to help business thrive and grow through apprenticeships and, to achieve that, help and support for businesses is available through the Business Brokers scheme.

To find out more contact the Business Brokers team on 01484 437075 or e-mail apphub@kirklees.gov.uk Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 13

•• The

Arts

Framing the Landscape: A project launched by Yorkshire watercolour artist Ashley Jackson

YOU MAY LOOK BUT DO YOU SEE? . . . s a y s Yo r k s h i r e a r t i s t A s h l e y J a c k s o n Framing the Landscape is a project launched

by Yorkshire watercolour artist Ashley Jackson in partnership with the National Trust, Walker Morris LLP, the University of Huddersfield and sponsored and supported by corporate companies across the district.

Ashley is aiming to capture a changing 14

landscape without his trademark brushes and paint, with this educational project, creating a permanent outside art exhibition.

The concept is simple but effective. Through the construction of a free standing oversized metal picture frame installed at specifically chosen locations around Yorkshire, the landscape

"What is life if full of care we have no time to stand and stare" William H Davies

will be framed, allowing visitors to gain a greater understanding of the surrounding landscape from an artists viewpoint. Ashley also hopes to engage with schools and young children, to become a significant reference in protecting the Yorkshire heritage for future generations.

“Many people look but only a few see,” Ashley said “and I hope to engage with not only local communities, but visitors to the county to ‘see’ how great the landscape is and value its worth as an art gallery that is free for everyone to enjoy.”

Three frames have been installed at the diverse and unique locations of Marsden Moor, Hardcastle Crags and Brimham Rocks, with a further three planned for installation this year, each with their own individual Yorkshire sponsor.

Standing high on the moors, Ashley quotes Welsh Poet, William H Davies: ‘What is life if full of care we have no time to stand and stare’, whilst expressing his sadness: “I want people to take time to stop and stare, to appreciate the landscape around us. Many people’s lives today are at such a fast pace, they cycle, run and drive over the moors, but do they truly take time to see whats in front of them?”

More information can be found on Framing the Landscape website: www.framingthelandscape.co.uk that not only captures the locations of each frame but Ashley’s thoughts on why the unique locations inspire him. There is also a large educational section aimed at Key Stage 1 and 2 teachers with video tuition, projects to download and their own framed print out.

If you want more information about the project contact Ashley directly, all details can be found on the website.

Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 15

Dining Out

GIMBALS

THE JEWEL IN SOWERBY BRIDGES' CROWN W R I TT EN BY A N THO N Y HEGN EY - ASPARAG US G R EEN

If you’re not familiar with the area, Gimbals with its unassuming facade, was founded 20 years ago by Janet & Simon Stead, in a closed down antique shop.

J

of Gimbals apprentices, dipped in the handmade Balsamic Syrup with Olive Oil - one of my favourites!

From booking the table for my guest Jaine Binns and I (Jaine is a really good friend and ex-work colleague who works at The John Smith’s Stadium) the experience was flawless.

From the phone call to reserving the table, to the parking in the small car park on the next street, nothing is hard work or too much trouble.

It had been some time since Jaine and I had caught up, so trying to choose off the extensive menu was somewhat a challenge but Jaine finally opted for the slow baked Portabella Mushrooms filled with Leeks, Feta and Raisins with honeyed crispy Kale. I also chose a vegetarian starter, Hot Fig and Caramelised Red Onions with Radicchio, Cob Nuts and Herbs with shredded Mozzarella, Balsamic and Sour Dough Croutons.

anet with an eye for interior design has used this to continue the theme of antiques and collectables, from the giant antique Union Flag that greets you in the hallway, to the doorbell ring in the background when diners arrive, where customers are greeted by friendly smiling faces, well trained by Janet herself.

You can choose to have your aperitif in one of the lounges upstairs or go straight to your table and enjoy the homemade bread, made by one

Jaine and I opted to go straight to the table and peruse over the menu. I enjoyed a Gin & Tonic, with Jaine opting for a mineral water, both served with ice and fresh lemon and lime.

Both dishes were rustic in style, while well-presented and full of flavour,

one of those occasions where you don’t want the dish to end but this was only the beginning of a great dining experience.

Simon and his team in the kitchen presented us with a small intermediate course – WOW - what a treat! Persian Lamb Chop served with Chilli Jam and Yogurt Raita. The Lamb was tender and succulent and the great flavours of the homemade Chilli Jam and the Raita complimented the meat really well. Our conversation soon changed from a catch up and gossip to gushing approval of the fabulous food we found ourselves indulging in.

It wasn’t long before we were faced with our main course, but before that Janet returned to the table with the extensive wine list. This featured some great new world wines along with some old faithfuls. I opted for a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, Jaine had a glass of Rose.

Our main course was brought to the table by the very friendly waiter. I opted for the Seared Wild Bass with Gram Masala, Clams and Mussels, served with Seasonal Rustic Root Vegetables and Kale which complimented my main course perfectly with a great balance of tastes.

Jaine opted for Exotically Spiced Sweet Potato, Prune and Olive Tagine with Feta and Spinach Filo Parcel drizzled with Tahini Yoghurt, this had the added theatre of the rustic tagine dish that it was served from when the top was removed revelling a colourful and flavoursome dish which Jaine was drooling over for some time.

Janet returned to the table once again offering us the delights of the puddings - would we still have room after such a delightful meal? After reading the content, how could we resist, it was such a difficult choice with both of us having such a sweet tooth. Jaine was fast on the uptake of the Creamy Wild Damson Gin Ice Cream, served with Warm Vanilla Pancakes, I have to say I think it was the homemade Damson Gin that swayed her!!

She wasn’t disappointed with either of them. The Gin was served in a beautiful individual antique glass. Janet pointed out she doesn’t have two alike, which makes Gimbals the unique and individual restaurant it is today. I was so indecisive and overwhelmed by the choice of

16

with comfy sofas where pre and post dinner drinks can be enjoyed or even hired out for that special occasion or maybe a cheeky Gimbals glorious cocktail pre dinner.

Whilst showing us the facilities that Gimbals has to offer Janet lead us to the house bathroom and pointed out that this used to be their living accommodation while they had their young family. Even the bathroom is full of detail and surprises, with a giant shell sink, the great gilted mirror on the wall and the pile of freshly laundered hand towels, the perfect touches that make all the difference. desserts, I asked Janet to surprise me, which she did.

I had the Chocolate Selection - indulgent was certainly the word, Chocolate Delice with Blood Orange Jelly and Buttermilk Sherbet. Molasses Roasted Pineapple with Dark Brown Sugar Cream with Chocolate Peanut Brittle. Black Cherry Mousse filled Choux Buns and Warm Chocolate Fondant. It was full of flavour and sweetness without being overpowering. This topped off a great meal, how possibly could we eat another thing? Janet and Simon soon made sure that this was not the case and delivered one final treat, Handmade Truffles sat in an individual bowl with Spun Sugar sat on the top - the detail that is put into the whole experience doesn’t go unnoticed.

Janet, while talking to us, mentioned that the family have a small allotment in Lindley, Huddersfield where, when possible, the vegetables are grown for the restaurant, just adding to the dedication to what is already a great success and well deserved with all the passion that’s put into this husband and wife business.

With this being Jaine first visit to Gimbals, Janet offered to give her a tour of the restaurant. While this may seem strange its full of surprises - Janet lead us back into the black & white mosaic tiled hall way and up the tea light lined staircase, on the way up passing objects that are interesting and fill the rooms with interest. There are two rooms upstairs

Take a look at their website http://www. gimbals.co.uk/ Or call to book a table 01422 839 329

info@gimbals. co.uk 76 wharf street sowerby bridge, HX6 2AF

Janet then led us back to the restaurant and into the private dining room which is the perfect room for that special occasion or available to hire for business meetings.

Janet and Simon run two menus, one which is the full a la carte with prices for starters from £5.00 and main courses starting at £13.90 they also run the mid-week menu which is very reasonably priced with 2 courses at £16.90 and 3 courses at £19.90. To me, the content and delivery of the food is second to none and the prices are very modest.

We dined on a Wednesday night pre valentines, while the restaurant wasn’t full (which I wouldn’t have expected) there was a steady turnover of tables for the duration of our stay.

To summarise, this was a fantastic evening with great food and service and Gimbals gets top marks from me and I would encourage you to try it for yourself.

As one trip advisor wrote “a hidden gem” and another “go try it!” It speaks for itself.

Keep up the great work and dedication.

Take a look at their website http://www. gimbals.co.uk/#!about/cpj1 Or call to book a table 01422 839329 Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 17

•• Local

Heroes

GREAT STAFF ARE THE KEY TO A FANTASTIC BUSINESS W RITTE N BY JAM ES B EATT I E - S E E I T NOW S PO RTS

A n d y H o b s o n i s t h e f o u n d e r a n d o w n e r o f Fa n t a s t i c M e d i a b a s e d i n B i r s t a l l . H e b e g a n h i s c a r e e r w i t h Ta r m a c Fa c i l i t i e s Management in London looking after such brands as the Arrows F 1 R a c i n g Te a m a n d t h e N a t i o n a l f o o d c h a i n P r e t A M a n g e r .

B

orn and bred in Mirfield, Andy has always had a strong entrepreneurial streak, starting from his days as a young milk lad, to making a few quid buying and selling various things in school, trading on Dewsbury Market before starting his first company Atom, which later became Fantastic Media.

In between leaving Batley Art College, Andy cut his marketing teeth with SFX Sports with his first assignment working in Italy with Sampdoria – one of the biggest Football Clubs in the country. Andy’s role was to implement a number of revenue generating marketing opportunities – which proved very successful.

Andy is keen to stress that the continued success of Fantastic Media is not down to him, but the team of people that he employs.

One of his key business beliefs – that comes across very strongly throughout our interview is – people, results, value. For Andy one of his key business drivers is to employ talented local people to drive the agency forward - a refreshing buck to the trend of the “brain drain” of young talented professionals being attracted to the big city lights of London and Manchester.

Fact file:



18

As a strong believer in the power marketing, I ask Andy one question he’s heard a number of times before – “Why do we need marketing for our business?” Andy’s answer is simple: “If you do no marketing, you will get your fair share of business. If you use marketing as part of your business strategy you will get more than your fair share of business”.

In terms of developing Fantastic into the brand it has become today, I was keen to learn the best pieces of advice Andy has learned along the way and can offer to any other young budding business men and women. The first is straight forward: “Always exceed expectations – deliver more than you agreed” this way you will garner good will and hopefully additional business moving forwards. The second is “create a future that is bigger than your past” illustrating the ambition and drive that has created Fantastic.

This ambition and drive is demonstrated

by Andy’s “growth mindset” which will mastermind the next step in Fantastic’s business growth – to double in profitability in the next 2 years. The key to this will be good, local people – a fitting legacy for a local hero!

Gulity pleasure: Real Ale Favourite Band: Stone Roses Favourite Food: Seafood Platter Holiday: Whitby/Venice Motor: Land Rover Team: Huddersfield Town

Kirklees &Kirklees Calderdale & Calderdale April 2015 April 2015 19 19

•• Education

GREEN SHOOTS OF RECOVERY D a r r y l W i d e m a n i s t h e h e a d m a s t e r o f S i l c o a t e s S c h o o l i n Wr e n t h o r p e , Wa k e f i e l d , a co-educational independent day school for 670 pupils aged from 3 to 18 years. Darryl will report each edition on educational issues.

I

t has been an interesting challenge running an independent day school in Wakefield in the last few years, because I took over the headship at Silcoates in September 2008, just at the time Robert Peston was a nightly harbinger of economic doom on our television screens.

Darryl was born in Wimbledon nearly 50 years ago, which explains his dedication to AFC Wimbledon and his claim that watching the Crazy Gang beat the Culture Club at Wembley in the 1988 FA Cup Final was one of the best days of his life!

He grew up in Surrey and was a pupil at Caterham School, an independent school linked to Silcoates through its association with the United Reformed Church. From there he went to Oxford to read Ancient and Modern History, before following the hordes at the height of Mrs Thatcher’s boom years to the City of London in 1987 for a very short career in accountancy.

Realising it wasn’t for him, he left to take up a teaching post at a prep school in Kent and then went back to university at Exeter to qualify as a secondary school teacher of history. Jobs followed at Millfield in Somerset, Fettes in Edinburgh and Ratcliffe in Leicestershire, before he was appointed to the headship of Silcoates in 2008. He is married to Fiona, who teaches at Silcoates, and has a thirteen year old daughter Isabel, a pupil at the school, so school life is a real family affair.

Darryl will be contributing regular articles to TopicUK, focussing not surprisingly on education, because he fully appreciates that nobody is really going to be interested in hearing about his football team!

20

The received wisdom in educational circles is that fee paying schools are ‘last in, last out’ of recession, and this has certainly been my experience in the last seven years. Parents who had already made the commitment to pay fees did everything they could to keep their children in school, not least because the youngsters were happy, settled and thriving here.

However, it became increasingly difficult to persuade the parents of potential new pupils that the time was right to start parting with significant sums of money because they lacked confidence in their ability to pay over the longer term.

The traditional ways that many families paid the fees were through dad’s bonus from work, mum’s income (often from a public sector job), granny’s interest on her savings and the equity generated by a house rising in value. After 2007, these sources began to dry up, leaving fee payers to fund the cost out of taxed income, which was often a step too far. Those

from ‘Planet London’ may not have been affected for long, but it was certainly ‘grim up north’ for a while!

The good news is that there are definitely signs of recent improvement. The parents I know who are lawyers tell me more deals are being done; the house builders and associated contractors say they are as busy as they’ve ever been; and the commuters Those from report that the ‘Planet southbound train is getting crowded London’ may again, particularly not have been affected for in first class, long, but it was which is always certainly ‘grim a positive sign.

up north’ for a

Last week, a while! family who had been forced to take their child out of school a few years ago said that their business had picked up to the point where it was now affordable again, and another family who had been putting off taking the plunge into the private sector said they now felt confident enough to do it.

We have also had a strong round of recruitment for September; so maybe, just maybe, I can confirm from a ‘last out’ perspective that those much talked about ‘green shoots of recovery’ may well be here in West Yorkshire this spring.

www.eatonsmith.co.uk

What should you include in Holiday Pay ?

Until recently, it was perfectly acceptable for holiday pay to be calculated on the basis of basic pay for contracted working hours only. A worker with contracted working hours of 39 hours per week who in fact worked compulsory overtime of a further 19 hours per week, would still have his holiday pay based on 39 hours not 58 hours.

This sounds reasonable on the face of it. However, to take an extreme example, a worker with contracted working hours of 1 hour per week and compulsory overtime of 39 hours per week, would only be entitled to holiday pay based on 1 hour.

The Employment Appeal Tribunal’s recent judgment in Bear Scotland v Fulton and others has stated that this is no longer acceptable. They have said that an employee should be no worse off financially during a period of holiday than they are when they are working, because this will put people off taking holiday. They said that this means that holiday pay must include overtime.

The courts have identified 3 categories of overtime: • Guaranteed (compulsory) overtime, where even if the employee is not called on to work it the employer is liable to pay them for it.

• Voluntary overtime, where an employee cannot be required to work it and the employer does not have to provide it.

• A “halfway house” (sometimes called “nonguaranteed” overtime), where the employee is obliged to work overtime if required, but the employer is not obliged to provide overtime or pay in lieu.

The Bear judgment is that both guaranteed and nonguaranteed overtime should be included in holiday pay.

Voluntary overtime was not dealt with in the case and so the position is unclear. However, if it happens with any regularity it will have to be included in holiday pay.

So if you have one group of employees who always volunteer for overtime on offer, their holiday pay will have to be increased to take that into account.

Similar rules will apply to other regular payments such as shift allowances and commission.

One of the difficulties that we now face is how we work out what an employee’s normal weekly pay is where it fluctuates due to overtime. The courts have said that an average should be taken over a reference period, but has not said what the reference period should be.

Employment legislation provides for a reference period of 12 weeks for calculating a worker’s average weekly pay in relation to redundancy pay and a reference period of 1 month for calculating pay for the purposes of the National Minimum Wage. Either of these could be adopted, or employers could choose an alternative that suits them – until we have more case law on this we can’t know what the courts have in mind.

Eaton Smith will be running their bi-annual employment law update seminar on 30 April and will look at this tricky subject in more detail. If you’d like to attend please contact Kate or Ian at KateBooth@eatonsmith.co.uk or Ian Green.wood@eatonsmith.co.uk.

Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 21

•• Beauty

HOW TO BE CALM, STRESS FREE AND HAPPIER Crea t i ng bala nce i n you r l i fe is i mp o r t a n t fo r you r m i nd a nd b o d y.

If you don’t look after yourself, you’ll become run down and risk becoming ill, or you’ll be so busy you forget things or are disorganized, or you become stressed and snap at people.

We all give our car a regular service so that it keeps running efficiently, we refuel and check oil levels, but we often neglect ourselves and still expect our minds and bodies to keep running on dwindling energy levels.

A good way to create some space to switch off and refocus your mind is to enjoy a holistic treatment.

For further information email: info@alexandrahouse.org.uk or call: 01484 303786

22

Indian Head Massage Indian head massage works on the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face to relieve tension, stimulate circulation and improve joint flexibility.

ReflexologyReflexology works on the feet to help heal and balance the whole person. Reflexology is a relaxing therapy that encourages the body to work naturally to restore its own healthy balance.

Reiki

Aromatherapy Massage

This is a gentle healing technique that promotes natural self-healing, treating symptoms and causes of illness, relieving pain, enhancing personal awareness, aiding positive thinking and reducing stress.

Aromatherapy massage uses essential oils from plants to heal, alleviate pain and boost one’s mood. Essential oils are blended to help you feel energized, uplifted, relaxed or refreshed.

•• Banking

& Economy

KNOWLEDGE + INNOVATION = SUCCESS SA N TA N D E R I S WO R K I N G W I T H T H E H U D D E R S F I E L D 3 M BUS I N ES S I N N O VAT I O N C E N T R E T O H E L P A M B I T I O U S Y O R K S H I R E B U S I N E S S E S A C C E S S T H E L AT E S T T E C H N O LO G Y A N D K N OW L E D G E .

S

o why does innovation matter, how does it make you money and what do you need to do to get a piece of the action?

Why innovate In most industries the internet has closed the knowledge gap that consumers faced when deciding on what to buy, who from and how much for – typically with next day delivery!

So if you try to offer the same product as your competitors then sooner or later you’ll be out priced, out delivered or obsolete – you need a differentiator to ensure your business stays ahead of the market. Better still a “sustainable competitive advantage” that gives your business an on-going edge that isn’t easily imitated or competed with.

Innovation is the way to get there.

Innovation doesn’t just mean “inventing from scratch” – whilst the purest form of innovation, that “Eureka!” moment is pretty elusive and it’s typically a lot harder for a company to come up with a totally new concept that will revolutionise a market place.

More likely is the use of innovation to improve a current product, service or process. For example “innovation” as a process of development applied to a product can produce one that’s faster, lighter, stronger, ahead of current market specification or maybe just right “on trend” in terms of design.

Innovation applied to business processes can develop more energy efficient and accurate processes, which in turn waste less material,

run faster and drive costs benefits – and when a company achieves these cost benefits they can either pass them on to the consumer as a lower sales price as a competitive strategy to drive volume sales, or maintain price and pocket the difference!

it – so if an employee saves costs or increases revenue, let them have some of it – a true win-win financially whilst also empowering the team to make positive changes around the business.

Tax effective

If you want to take innovation to the next level or you just can’t crack a particular challenge, the Huddersfield 3M Business Innovation Centre is a purpose built specialist environment creating a business facing centre for collaboration and research. The laboratories and workshops house a range of specialist equipment and resources for use in short to medium term collaborative and applied research and development projects involving researchers and wider support from Huddersfield University.

If you have a business innovation challenge then Santander and the 3M BIC would like to hear from you and help you move forwards.

Not only could you end up with a better product or process, produced more efficiently it can also be super tax effective - the government encourages innovation through Research and Development (R&D) tax credits. From April 1st 2015 the rate of relief for the SME scheme will rise from 225% to 230% - this means that for every £100 spent on qualifying costs your company could have the income on which Corporation Tax is paid reduced by an additional £130 on top of the £100 spent – i.e. spend £100 and get £230 of tax benefit! One to run through with the accountant – you’d be surprised what will qualify and you may already be able to make a retrospective claim.

Internal inspiration So how can your business innovate successfully? Innovation can come from sources both within the business and also from external help. A proactive employee suggestions process can often be a source of great quick wins spotted by your own team – and innovation can be just that - it doesn’t have to be a sea change and a lot can be achieved through making multiple incremental improvements. Particularly if there is an incentive scheme built around

External expertise

Santander innovates too In 2011 Santander launched Breakthrough, a range of innovative support designed to help ambitious businesses grow and prosper, as part of this Santander will part fund undergraduate or graduates from Huddersfield University to work on 3 month internships with local businesses. If you run an ambitious business and think we could help your business innovate and grow then please feel free to get in touch, I’d like to hear from you – jonathan.rostron@santander.co.uk

Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 23

STAFFLEX PROMOTES GARY DRISCOLL

H

uddersfield based recruitment specialists, Stafflex, have promoted long-standing team manager Gary Driscoll to Director of Industrial Division.

This marks the second of Stafflex’s senior appointments as the company continues its expansion plans. Other recent appointments include the appointment of Dan Ingham as Head of Business Development/Customer Relations, Yvonne Reilly as Payroll Support and Geraldine Jordan to the reception team.

Stafflex celebrates fifteen years of trading this April, ten of which have seen Gary leading the industrial section. Recent testimonials received in recognition of Gary’s ten years at Stafflex include comments from Gary Smith, chairman of the Calderdale Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance and Director at Novaglaze, “Gary knows manufacturing inside out. He’s been supplying us with staff for many years, often with very little notice. He’s been invaluable to the success of our company and I’m sure many others too. If anyone can find a valuable recruit, Gary can.”

Brian Stahelin, founder and CEO of Stafflex praised Gary at a recent presentation

ceremony held at the Stafflex HQ at International House, Chapel Hill: “Gary has been with Stafflex through a period of immense change. He has steered his department through two recessions, countless ‘near-recessions’ and a plethora of changes in recruitment law and compliancy. He has successfully trained and managed a growing team of industrial recruitment specialists including Katrina Cross and Rhys England who are building on the foundations set in place by Gary. Together they have grown the industrial section of Stafflex to over £3 million turnover.

That makes us technically one of the biggest employers of industrial staff in Kirklees.

Gary said: “The ten years I’ve enjoyed at Stafflex have flown by. I’m privileged and thrilled to receive this directorship as a reward for not just my commitment but that of the team both past and present. We are proud of the contribution we make to the local economy and new initiatives such as those we are launching with Kirklees College and Job Centre Plus mark a very exciting period ahead. Onwards and Upwards!”

Of interest to Developers, Investors and Speculative Builders

Contact Jason Metcalfe orPhilip Deakin

01484 432043 83 Fitzwilliam Street Huddersfield HD1 5LG

N

FOR SALE The Former School House and School Hall, Cow Lane Womersley Residential development opportunity in a well sought after village Site area approximately 0.47 acres (0.19 hectares) Planning permission implemented in perpetuity for 3 new build cottages and 2 conversions of the existing school house and school hall Well connected to major arterial routes and public transport links EPC Rating: G (235) Sat Nav: DN6 9BD

24

www.hanson-cs.co.uk

•• Recruitment

ON YOUR BIKE!  BY B R I A N STA H E L I N, M D OF R EC R U I TM ENT S PEC I A LI ST STA F F LEX

With unemployment falling and the challenge – and expense – of gaining and retaining good staff, companies today are offering a raft of employee benefits, from childcare vouchers to integrated bike desks What would you think if your boss gave you flowers on Valentine’s day? At one of the top five companies listed on The Sunday Times ‘Best Companies to Work For 2015’, roses are left on every desk on 14 February and chocolates at Easter. Staff can then pedal off the calories at desks with integrated fitness bikes.

While most of us share certain basic expectations – decent salary, positive working environment, recognition for our achievements – businesses today shouldn’t underestimate the importance of perks.

As a recruitment company, we see first hand the benefits of offering incentives to staff, whatever their level of employment. This can range from free hot drinks to staff outings; flexible working to training provision; Christmas bonuses to time off for volunteering.

Some firms take it one step further, providing computer gaming rooms, holiday retreats, ski-ing lessons or onsite hair salons.

Because we recognise the importance of rewarding staff, we don’t just pay lip service to the principle: employees of Stafflex are offered a total of 28 in-work benefits, from bonus schemes and loyalty holidays to remote working and childcare vouchers. This investment in staff has contributed to a 26% increase in annual turnover in the past two years and high staff retention figures.

Rewarding employees makes sense on every level, not simply as an altruistic gesture. Happy staff are motivated, productive and loyal. Attention to staff health and wellbeing – whether it’s providing free gym membership, in-house yoga sessions or an ergonomic work station – also has a positive impact on productivity and reduces absenteeism from conditions such as back pain.

In short, investing in your staff equates to investing in the future of your business. Providing a cycle-to-work scheme could stop them getting on their bike and pedalling off to a new employer. And if you are looking to recruit in the area, we have 15 years’ experience of the local market – and a highly motivated team of staff!

Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 25

HUDDERSFIELD FIRM INVESTS AS PART OF GROWTH PLANS Huddersfield firm, Distinct Disposables, has been gearing up for major expansion as it prepared to move into new, larger premises in Lockwood.

T

he family-run company has invested £150k into a new stateof-the-art site at Park Valley Mills as part of its ambitious growth plans, which aims to double current turnover of £1.2M to £2.4M by 2017.

Distinct Disposables is a one-stop cleaning shop, distributing cleaning and janitorial products, including the Huddersfield-manufactured Bay West brand. It was set up in 1987

by Diane Storer, who is now joined in the business by her two children, Emma Wood and Paul Storer. As joint directors of the company, Emma and Paul will be responsible for driving

the business’s growth strategy.

The premises, which opened in March, has open plan offices, a modern reception and meeting / training rooms.

Distinct Disposables, which already supplies several major Huddersfield businesses including the University of Huddersfield, the John Smith’s Stadium, Kirklees Active Leisure and Kirklees College, will also be launching a new e-commerce website later in the year to help drive sales in other regions.

Commenting on the plans, Emma Wood, Director, said: “Paul and I have grown up with Distinct Disposables

through our mum so we are really proud to be taking over and growing the business even further. Huddersfield is our home town so it was really important to us as a family business to remain in the area. Paul Storer, Director, added: “We’re proud of the fact that Distinct Disposables is very much a family business built, over the past 28 years, on old-fashioned values and trust. We’ve come a long way from the days of helping mum drop off products to customers on our way to school and there is so much potential to take the business forward.

The focus of our business is your business Great value marketing, tailored for YOUR business Effective HR = happy staff, positive managers, delighted customers Your people, your customers, your business – managed safely

Blue chip quality services that plug into your business and enable you to….

Work on your business, not in it Increase sales Benefit from a more engaged and motivated team Reduce costs Improve profitability

How can we help?

Call us today on

01484 841776

www.penninebusinesspartners.com L o c kwo o d H o use , Brewe r y D ri ve , H u dd e rs f i e l d H D 4 6 E N

2819 PBP Huddersfield Ad 190mm W x 115mm H V1 26

•• Charity

How many Giants can you fit in a Children’s Hospice?

Hospice Opens to Doors to Russell House In March The Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice welcomed guests and the local business community to their open evening at Russell House, Huddersfield.

The charity provides care and support to children with life shortening conditions and their families across West Yorkshire.

Over 150 people went along to learn about the progress the charity has made over the past six months since their last open evening.

Guests were also treated to a tour of the state of the art hospice including visiting the hydrotherapy pool, sensory room and play room.

Jason Costello, Head of Community Fundraising at the charity said: “It is fantastic to be able to show our supporters around Russell House so they can see first-hand where their support is going.

“We are growing everyday as a charity, caring for more and more families across West Yorkshire and it is only thanks to the support of our community that we are able to continue doing what we do.”

As well as visiting the aforementioned rooms, guests also had the opportunity to see some of the newer developments within the hospice including their fantastic parent accommodation suites and therapy room. The charity is focused on providing care for the whole family and these rooms prove vital in being able to do just that.

The Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice opened its doors to the Huddersfield Giants Senior Academy Team, who chose the organisation as their charity partners for the 2015 super league season, helping towards raising vital funds for the charity so that they can continue to care for their children and families across West Yorkshire.

Jared Simpson, key player of the Giants Senior Academy who's team also took the tour shared his views on the charity after the tour “Coming to the Hospice I had the impression that it would be more like a hospital but it’s much more like a second home for the children and their families, all the rooms are great for the whole family which is very important.

“Rugby league is a family game and it’s the same here at Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice” The Giants Player Performance Manager, Steve Hardisty also came along on the tour and is currently fundraising for Forget Me Not by taking on 10 challenges in 10 months, finishing off with the New York Marathon in November, commented on his fundraising for the charity “After finding out about the clubs partnership with the charity and how we can use the Huddersfield Giants brand to raise some money for a fantastic cause it seemed a logical step to use my position at the club to fund raise and do additional challenges in order to raise some money and get on board with the partnership” With the charity partnership, the Huddersfield Giants are hosting upcoming events such as the Giant Zip slide on Saturday 23rd May where there will be a huge zip slide atop the fantastic media stand at John Smith’s Stadium and all profits from the fundraising event go towards helping the charity reach their annual fundraising target of 3.2 million.

To find out more about this event email fundraising@forgetmenotchild.co.uk or visit the Huddersfield Giant’s website www.giantsrl.com

Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice currently supports over 125 families but with 700 children across West Yorkshire who need the charity’s support the demand for their services will continue to grow.

The care the charity provides was recently rated as “Outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission, putting Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice in the top 2% of Health and Social Care providers who have been recently inspected.

Find out more about the charity, the care they provide or how to get involved by visiting www.forgetmenotchild.co.uk or calling 01484 411040 Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 27

PLUGGING THE SKILLS GAP Leading Kirklees recruitment specialists Stafflex and further education providers K irklees College have joined forces to provide an innovative new recruitment initiative for 16-18 year olds.

KC Works is a joint project that aims to bridge the divide between employers and prospective staff by providing a seamless approach to recruiting college graduates.

with businesses across the region and detailed some of the vocational courses the college currently delivers specifically in response to the demands of emergent industries.

Based at the newly opened state-ofthe-art college building at Chapel Hill, Huddersfield and opposite the headquarters of Huddersfield’s longest running recruitment agency, KC Works is a pioneering recruitment training and development centre that provides a dedicated space for professionally trained recruitment experts to identify real job openings and match applicants up by rigorously preparing them for the selection and interview process.

Working from a dedicated on-site office, the Stafflex team will be on hand to prepare the young recruits for employers from across the region, many of whom are already clients of the long-established recruitment firm.

Supported by a case study provided

by Linda Kitson of Polyframe, the audience was informed of the types of benefits to be gained by all parties by facilitating work-based experience for future prospective workers. Examples included a recent case where the student was tasked with developing some spreadsheetbased analysis for the marketing department of a thriving engineering company. That particular student has gone on to become a core member of the marketing team at a local firm and clearly attributes his success to the opportunity afforded to him to gain vital work-based experience at an early stage in his career.

The launch evening was attended by over fifty representatives from local businesses, education and associates of Stafflex. Melanie Brooke, Vice Principal, gave a short presentation in which she described the role of the college in forging relationships

Further presentations were made by local MP Jason McCartney who made reference to the need to identify and plug skills gaps by forming valuable partnerships and praised Stafflex and Kirklees College for having made such a vital contribution to

28

the needs of the local economy.

“This makes so much sense. Many of our local businesses are expanding and they need more staff,” said Jason.

Gary Smith of award winning glass specialists Novaglaze and chairman of Calderdale and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance praised the project saying it was the direct result of conversations that had been sparked off by his members and others with concerns about the future supply of a skilled workforce.

Maggie Netherwood and Gary Driscoll, senior recruitment specialists at Stafflex explain, “There has always been a demand from employers for new staff with experience. The paradox is that young recruits, especially 1618 year olds who are only just out of school, are most likely to be lacking in the experience which is specified by most prospective employers. There’s a mis-match between the requirement for young, enthusiastic and relatively inexpensive labour and ‘experience’.

The KC Works programme ensures that tomorrow’s young recruits are not only enthusiastic and highly motivated but they are also work-ready.

•• Commercial

Property

Hanson Chartered Surveyors was established in October 1989, by Mark Hanson FRICS to service the needs of clients expecting direct and uncomplicated advice

Barclays Women of the Year 2015 Award

TRUST THE EXPERTS NOT THE INTERNET

BY MA RK HAN SO N - HAN SO N CHART E R E D SU RVEYOR S

I

was asked by TopicUK if I would write a bi-monthly column of matters affecting communal property for Kirklees and Calderdale.

They were very specific but I guess the greater areas of Calderdale and Kirklees (the latter which, confusingly as an ancient location in Yorkshire, sits in Calderdale) also count.

So I sit chewing on my biro wondering where to start; because try as I might, confining the view to Calderdale and Kirklees is a little restricting on the subject.

Fair enough, what has letting a shop on Regent Street in common with letting a shop in Elland or Milnsbridge. Nothing you might say – but you would be wrong. The rental values might be different but the legislation which covers each letting is identical and bites just as heavily on both streets.

What is at stake on the street in Elland as compared with Regent Street? I would argue the same is at stake. A landlord wants as much rent as is justifiable (some want more of course) and tenants don’t want to pay a bean more than they have to (surprise, surprise).

Under the circumstances of rent reviews and lease renewals, when these discussions take place, how each property is represented and the local knowledge which can be brought to the fore can be and often is critical in how one or other party fares. But worse still, if you are ignorant of the legal framework in which these negotiations sit, the saving of a

professional fee if paddling one’s own canoe can look paltry alongside a costly procedural mistake.

In a world where everyone can seemingly get instant knowledge from the internet, we are all suddenly experts in fields we knew nothing about last week. But the quote, “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing” or, more accurately the 350 year old alternative from an anonymous source; “a little knowledge is apt to puff up and make men giddy but a greater share will set them right and bring them to low and humble thoughts of themselves” is never more apt than in relation to property.

Although I have, on occasions, had those “low and humble” thoughts myself when, on Friday evenings in the pub, I have been asked for my view on matters I knew not enough to cast an opinion but did anyway, only to be put right over a second pint.

So I do not hold with the view that people shouldn’t try and have a go at matters they are not dealing with daily, if they have a little knowledge of the subject, but they should be aware that there may be consequences and a cost of doing so.

For myself, I tried to put up wallpaper many years ago; the least said the better. I know my limitations. The number of times we all need specialists are few and far between but when I need a decorator, I pick up the phone.

Partner and department head at Chadwick Lawrence, Asma Iqbal, was shortlisted in the Medium Business category at the ‘Celebrating Yorkshire Women in Business Awards held on 5 March at Bowcliffe Hall, Wetherby.

The awards recognise women from all sectors who have made an outstanding contribution to business in the Yorkshire region and award exceptional achievements they have made to business.

Asma joined Chadwick Lawrence as a Partner in 2008 and main areas of practice include advising business, Directors and Insolvency Practitioners in Corporate pre-insolvency and insolvency situations.

Areas of expertise include the corporate restructuring of companies with a view to rescuing the business where commercially viable. Asma also advises individuals and insolvency practitioners in personal insolvency matters and acts for foreign creditors in recovering substantial sums due from debtors based in the United Kingdom.

And if Asma wasn’t busy enough, she also chairs the R3 Yorkshire Women in Business Recovery Group, is a member of the R3 Regional Committee, an ambassador for the Wakefield Bondholders and sits on the advisory board of the Yorkshire Asian Business Association all achievements that earned her the shortlisting at the prestigious awards.

Asma commented “I am delighted to have been shortlisted for the award. The awards themselves are a fantastic initiative to not only recognise and represent women in business but to celebrate the achievements of individuals and the significant developments in equality and diversity by the businesses in which these women represent.”

“I want to pass on my congratulations to all the winners, and even though I was not successful on this occasion, the calibre of nominees is a testament to the quality of talent in Yorkshire.”

Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 29

SHEARDS ACCOUNTANCY ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP WITH HUDDERSFIELD TOWN FOUNDATION The partnership will see Sheards undertake a variety of fundraising and volunteering efforts throughout the year to support the Town Foundation who’s aim is to improve the quality of life for young people across Huddersfield and the West Yorkshire area, through a variety of activities, namely its hugely successful Early Kick Off Breakfast Clubs.

Kevin Winterburn of Sheards Accountancy commented: “After witnessing the impact the Huddersfield Town Foundation has had on the local community over the past 12 months and the sheer determination of the people behind, it we felt we had many skills that we could lend to the foundation to ensure their continued success. We are very much looking forward to working alongside Mandy and the rest of the team”.

Mandy Taylor of Huddersfield Town Foundation commented: “To be supported by a local business with strong links within the town spanning over a century, really is an honour. The charity serves up to 1,000 healthy breakfasts each school day to deserving children in our community and every new corporate supporter ultimately ensures that we can

Bramleys Commercial Unit B4 Allen Road, Paddock, Huddersfield, HD1 4SB

To Let

• Modern Industrial Unit • 151.69 sqm (1,632 sqft) • Situated on a popular secure business park • Approximately 2 miles from Huddersfield town centre • Good loading and car parking • Loading Door and 3 phase electricity

1st Floor, Colbeck House, Colbeck Row, Birstall, Batley WF17 9NR

To Let

• • • •

First Floor Office Suite 214.26 sqm (2,306 sqft) Prominent main road position Finished to a modern specification • Good car parking • Close proximity to junction 26 & 27 of the M62 motorway network

not only sustain our 16 Early Kick-Off Clubs and other key initiatives, but also develop and grow. I really do look forward to not only raising vital funds but awareness with all the hardworking team at Sheards Accountancy”.

Sheards have a number of fundraising activities lined up which includes their annual curry night on the 20th April, which has historically seen over 100 local professionals in attendance.

To book your place at the curry night visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sheards-charity-curry-nightfor-huddersfield-town-foundation-tickets-15695811595

Commercial & Industrial Surveyors, Residential Estate Agents, Auctioneers & Property Management Consultants 19/27 Thistle Street, Huddersfield, HD1 6PU

To Let

• Office building with secure car parking • 233.18sqm (2,510sqft) • Close to Huddersfield town centre • Secure car parking for 20 cars • High quality open plan accommodation • By way of an assignment of 5 year lease dated 29 June 2012

Engineering Premises, Ossett Lane, Earlsheaton, Dewsbury WF12 8LS

For Sale

• Engineering premises • 1,150.2sqm (12,380 sqft) • Three lofty engineering workshops, part with craneage • Attached office building • Good yard space and loading • Single storey warehousing • Development potential

01484 530361

www.bramleys.com/commercial BRAMLEYS COMMERCIAL CLOSE UP AD_190x115_180315.indd 1

30

19/03/2015 10:38

Image Courtesy of Huddersfield Civic Society

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR MARKET TOWN? Have you visited your local market recently? What do you know of its history?

C

hris Marsden, Chair of Huddersfield Civic Society shared his knowledge with us.

Rights to hold a market in Huddersfield were granted to John Ramsden and his heirs back in 1671. The market cross a grade II listed building, features the family’s coats of arms and bears witness to the centuries of trading. In 1876 Huddersfield Corporation bought all the market rights from the Ramsden Estate.

Following a competition to design a market hall that produced a winner who was rejected by the Markets and Fairs Committee, choosing instead a runner up, local architect Edward Hughes. Hughes’s design was approved in March 1878 and the market opened two years later in March 1880.

In 1888 the corporation opened a wholesale market under a cast iron and glass roof designed by the borough surveyor, Richard Dugdale. When the market moved out of the town centre during the 1970s, the market was renovated in 1980 enhancing the fine decoration applied to its functional

structure (grade II* listed building). Since then the outdoor market is mostly housed beneath the magnificent colourful canopy.

There are general markets taking place on Monday’s and Thursday’s, the secondhand market Tuesday’s and Saturday’s and the attractive Upmarket with antiques, vintage and collectibles as well as arts and crafts, Yorkshire food and drink on the second Sunday of every month.

In 1970 the general market moved to the new Queensgate Market, with 170 units under its unique asymmetric hyperbolic paraboloid roof shell (a grade II listed building). It is open Monday to Saturday.

The 1880 the market was demolished and fragments from it have been reused about the town. The site now occupied by the block fronted by Boots on Kings Street.

In 2014 the Huddersfield first Alternative Market was held in the gardens next to St Peter’s Church (another grade II* listed building). It is a the place for young people to showcase their creative talents and the place to find funky designs.

Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 31

The Chamber big interview

YOUNG AGENCY

PROVIDES COST EFFECTIVE MARKETING SOLUTIONS

We caught up with new Chamber member, KC Communications from Huddersfield, who in just a few short months has increased their client base, moved offices and employed a young apprentice.

Director Katrina Cliffe tells us how she has achieved so much in a relatively short space of time.

Katrina left school at 15 to undertake an apprenticeship in business administration. Upon graduating, she worked for a number of organisations, gaining experience in a number of different sectors before carving out a career in marketing. “During this time, I studied with the Open University and the Chartered Institude of Marketing and gained a CAM Diploma in Marketing Communications,” Katrina told us. “I am also studying for a CAM Diploma in Digital Marketing with a focus on metrics and analysis, although my final assignment has been put on hold whilst I build my business.”

Helping As a result of taking an apprenticeship, Katrina was able to purchase her first house at just 18 that she now rents out.

Personal tragedy followed when she lost her first child 20 weeks into her pregnancy in 2004. Thankfully her second child, daughter Stevie now aged 9, arrived safely, albeit seven weeks early, followed by another daughter, Jaime, aged three. This experience now fuels a passion for supporting pregnancy and prematurity charities such as Tommy’s and Bliss. Katrina is helping to raise £10k in memory of her son for Tommy’s by 2016, with the total at £7k right now, so she is thinking of what her next big challenge could be!

Employing “I have put a lot of hard work and determination in over the years and I am passionate about supporting future generations. Employing an apprentice in my own business was a key strategic decision having been there myself and I hope to continue that moving forward. The plan is to grow the team over the next couple of years to enable us to service more businesses in the Yorkshire area and beyond, plus provide 32

Katrina and her apprentice at work in their new office in Lindley

our existing clients with value added services,” she continued. “We are at a good stage now. We have recently moved into our own office space in my home village of Lindley, a bustling centre of business, which gives us room for growth and have recently won a number of contracts and have further contracts in the pipeline."

Challenges We asked Katrina what the best part of her job and the reply was easy - variety!

“No two days are the same. We work with clients across education, accountancy, video production, architecture and many other sectors,” she explained, “which means we face many different challenges, but I wouldn’t change a thing! This was the main reason for starting my own business, because after more than five years working in one sector, I craved variety. We are also lucky to work with the clients we have as they are all a pleasure to do business with and we are made to feel part of their team.”

Katrina does admit to disliking one

part of her job though - admin! “I am looking forward to the day when I can hand the business to someone else!”

So what does she do to relax? “That is a rarity for me, but when I get the chance, its about spending time with my daughters and husband. I also enjoy the gym, working out with weights, there is something meditative about the repetitive nature of them.”

In conclusion, we asked Katrina what was the best piece of advice she had been given and how would she like people to think of her and her company. “We would like for our clients to continue to feel like they are our only clients. We often receive feedback stating as such. We would like people to think of us as friendly, approachable and passionate about what we do. The best advice I received was to do what feels right, you can read all the books and take all the advice in the world, but ultimately if you feel you have got what it takes to make a success of something - just do it!"

If you feel you have got what it takes to make a success of something just do it

Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 33

••Legal

Matters

LANDMARK DIVORCE JUDGEMENT Each issue Chadwick Lawrence will share with our readers information to keep us all within the law.If you have a legal question, or need to know about a particular subject email editor@topicuk.co.uk and we'll get Chadwick Lawrence to answer it for you.

W

e often meet clients who are going through divorce and who have already reached an agreement about how to divide their financial assets.

In light of this informal agreement they often question the need to spend money on obtaining a formal Court Order.

However the recent, widely reported Supreme Court case of Wyatt v Vince highlights the fact that unless and until there is a final Court Order in place either party can return in the future to make a financial claim against the other. In this case, the couple separated in 1984 and divorced in 1992 but there was no financial Order in place. In the intervening years Mr Vince has established a successful company and is now a very wealthy individual.

The recent judgement means that the Court has to fully consider Ms Wyatt’s financial claim notwithstanding the length of time since they divorced. Whether or not that claim is successful remains to be seen.

Sarah Crowther, a Partner in the Family Law Team at Chadwick Lawrence states “The implications of this ruling are wide-ranging.

Anyone who divorces without having a Court Order in place to deal with the financial assets, who goes on to make money at a later date is at risk of a future claim from their former spouse. I cannot stress enough how important it is to ensure that the division of financial assets is fully dealt with at the time a couple divorce. It is essential to have a Court Order in place. This is the only way to obtain financial certainty and security for the future.

Clients can then move on without the worry of a future claim from their former husband or wife.”

For advice on any aspect of divorce or separation, in particular the financial implications, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0800 387 747 to speak to one of our specialist lawyers.

34

Sarah Crowther - Partner in the Family Law Team at Chadwick Lawrence

Inquiry finds ‘lethal mix of failures’ led to Furness baby deaths The inquiry said that the problems represented a “simultaneous failure of a great many systems at almost every level, from labour ward to the headquarters of national bodies”.

missed opportunities.”

Dr Bill Kirkup, a former senior Department of Health official, who led the investigation, found that care at the maternity unit had been provided by staff “deficient in skills and knowledge”, providing “substandard” care at a “dysfunctional” unit. He also found that doctors and midwives had extremely poor working relationships.

• The staff involved in the care during the period to be investigated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the General Medical Council.

Although the failures started in 2004, it was only in 2011 that the issues at the hospital came to wider attention, despite a cluster of five major incidents in 2008.

The regional health authority, the CQC and the ombudsman had also not taken appropriate action on the information that they held. The trust gained foundation trust status in September 2010 and the regulators did not take the necessary action to fully investigate five major incidents prior to the application for foundation trust status.

Dr Kirkup said “This was a disturbing catalogue of

44 recommendations were made in his investigation, including: • A national review to be undertaken on maternity care.

Six midwives are due to stand before the Nursing and Midwifery Council later this year and a seventh is currently being investigated.

Chadwick Lawrence’s team of medical negligence lawyers have years of experience in high value and complex medical negligence compensation claims and have an excellent record. The team is led by Tony May, a specialist cerebral palsy and birth injury solicitor, who has over 20 years experience.

He and his team continue to represent many cerebral palsy children and young adults in medical negligence claims.

Tony can be contacted by email on tonymay@chadlaw. co.uk. Or the team Freephone line 0800 028 2969 For further information, please see our cerebral palsy and birth injury website:

http://www.cerebralpalsyclaimssolicitors.co.uk

WORK STARTS ON NEW KIRKWOOD HOSPICE SHOP Work is underway to transform a disused kitchen interiors store into a Kirkwood Hospice charity shop.

Electricians from Marsh-based Ti Installations have begun the rip out of the former Spectrum Interiors outlet on Northgate in Almondbury, Huddersfield, to make way for 538sqft of retail space for the local charity, which provides care for patients with life limiting illnesses.

Working alongside shop fitting specialist AJC Joinery, the team will take the unit to a bare shell, before installing new wiring, cabling, lighting, sockets, electric heaters and an extractor fan for the shop’s dry cleaning steam room. The fuse board is also being moved and the premises fully tested before Kirkwood Hospice open its doors to the public in mid-April.

When complete, the new shop will enable the well-known charity to provide a better retail experience for customers in the area.

Commenting on the move, Kirkwood Hospice’s Head of Retail Angela Dyson explains: “We’ve been in our existing Northgate store for almost nine years and have achieved a fantastic local presence during that time.

We’ve worked hard to optimise the space we had in order to provide a welcoming environment for customers and raise much-needed funds. But the shop is very popular, so we need more sorting, display and retail space – hence the move! This Almondbury relocation will further strengthen our 20-strong network of shops, benefiting our organisation and customers alike.”

Commenting on the services they are providing, Angela continues: “These two businesses take a very collaborative approach to the job at hand. They’ve worked on projects for Kirkwood Hospice in the past and have always ensured a real quality finish. They are our ‘A team’ and local guys too which is even better!”

Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 35

Yorkshire’s Legal People Chadwick Lawrence delivers a comprehensive range of expert legal services to commercial and private clients. Our integrated approach allows us to manage your business, personal and family affairs with seamless expertise.

For more information or to arrange an initial free consultation at any of our offices or your place of work please call:

01484 519999

or visit chadwicklawrence.co.uk

36

TEAM RAMSDENS GET MUDDY FOR CHARITY A group of eight adventure hungry charity fund raisers took part in The Major Series in Leeds, raising money for the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice in Huddersfield.

This is the second year the team from Ramsdens Solicitors LLP have taken part in the muddy challenge, #MotleyCrew2.

Sinead Sopala, Director of Marketing who lead the team commented: “We’re delighted to have supported the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and we all had a fabulous time taking part. We knew the event was going to be

challenging and muddy and it didn’t disappoint.”

Huge thanks to #teamRamsdens Sinead Sopala, Rachael Sykes, Deborah Kaye, Sarah-Jayne Lund, Sally Mitchell and Jason Costello and Alex Bray from the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.

Jason Costello, Community Fundraising Manager at the hospice said: “We had a fantastic time, it’s all about teamwork and thanks to team Ramsdens for raising much needed funds for the hospice… here’s to #MotleyCrew3.”

Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 37

••Wining

& Dining

R E S T A U R A N T

Welcome to our first wining and dining feature where we have teamed up with Eric’s Restaurant in Huddersfield to bring you a recipe and wine review.

E

ach issue we will bring to you a recipe from Eric’s Restaurant in Lindley, Huddersfield. With an accomplished and enthusiastic chef/proprietor, Eric’s restaurant is an award-winning, fine-dining eatery.

Exciting seasonal menus are crafted with flair and imagination and there is emphasis on fine ingredients, which are sourced locally whenever possible.

We will then ask a member of the Kirklees / Calderdale business community to make the dish and report back to our readers how they got on.

Erics have sent us a beautiful venison dish to try and the first person to take part is Nadio Granata, Marketing Director at Stafflex Recruitment. Based in Huddersfield, 38

filling job vacancies mainly within the Huddersfield, Kirklees and West Yorkshire areas, Stafflex are both an employment agency and an employment business.

Their two main service offerings are finding temporary/ permanent employment for people looking for work and solutions for employers seeking staff.

For those of you who would like to have a go at making this dish for yourself, we have listed the full recipe and all the ingredients you will need.

If you would like to take part in a future wining and dining feature, drop us a line at editor@topicuk.co.uk or ring Gill on 07711 539047.

VENISON OSSO BUCO A classic Italian dish made all the more special with beautiful venison. The flavours are then brought to life with a zesty gremolata topping.

Fantastic served with a good small grain Italian pasta such as orzo, or with buttered gnocchi.

FOR THE OSSO BUCO: • • • • • • • • • •

4 medium-sized venison shanks (cut 1.5” thick) 150g plain flour, seasoned with salt & pepper Olive oil 2 carrots, diced 1 onion, diced 2 celery stalks, diced 1/3 of a bottle of Côtes du Rhône wine 700ml beef stock 2 bay leaves 10 chantenay or baby carrots

FOR THE GREMOLATA: • • • • •

Eric in the Kitchen

2 rosemary springs, finely chopped ½ bunch flat leaf parsley, finely chopped Zest of 4 lemons 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Roll each venison shank in the seasoned flour to coat them well. Heat a little olive oil in a heavy pan (or hob-to-oven casserole dish), then sear the venison shanks on both sides, until slightly browned and crispy. Remove from the pan. Add a little more olive oil to the pan and sauté the onions, celery and carrots. Next, de-glaze the pan with wine to get all the good bits off the bottom. Place the shanks back in pan and add the stock (make sure liquid is ¾ to the top of the shanks). Add bay leaves and simmer until the meat is very tender and almost falls off the bone (approximately 1-2 hours). Remove the shanks from the pan, strain the liquid, and push all the veggies through a sieve. Put the shanks back in pan with sauce and simmer. At this point you can either add your baby carrots to the osso buco, or sauté them in butter.

GREMOLATA: Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and season. Sprinkle over the top of the osso buco as you serve. Beautiful!

Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 39

••Health

ARE YOU STRESSED? S t r e s s o c c u r s w h e n a p e r s o n h a s a n a d ve r s e r ea c t i o n t o e x c e s s ive eve n t s /p r e s s u r e s or demands placed upon them, and when those pressures exceed our ability to cope.

Everyone deals with stress in a different way. If a person is ‘stressed’ for a prolonged period of time and the amount of stress is excessive, then our body and mind may suffer damage to our health, mood, productivity, relationships and quality of life.

Causes of stress include work/school problems, relationships, trying to meet expectations of self/ others, financial worries, experiencing abuse or harassment. Recognizing the symptoms of stress and dealing with it in the most effective way is key to a healthy body and mind.

Symptoms of stress include psychological feelings, for example, the inability to concentrate/make decisions, easily distracted, negative thinking and anxiety. Physical signs include frequent colds/infections, skin problems, indigestion and also panic attacks. Our behaviour can also be a key sign of stress, examples include 40

overworking, insomnia, poor work performance, prone to accidents and aggressive outbursts.

Once recognized, stress levels can be reduced using a variety of techniques but understanding the causes of it is most significant. Can you implement any changes into your work/home life that will help you feel more at ease? Maybe just talking to someone may help alleviate the issue? Understanding your mind and body is key to a healthy lifestyle.

Other ways to help reduce stress include physical exercise, how about walking for twenty minutes on an evening? Have you considered your time management at both work and home? Scheduling some ‘me’ time is crucial to your wellbeing.

Furthermore there are lots of organisations that are available to support issues with stress, these include your GP, Citizens Advice Bureau, MIND and local health centres.

••Motoring

PETROL VERSUS DIESEL Diesel vehicles are renowned for superior fuel economy and lower tax, the obvious choice for the higher mileage driver.

B

ut with manufactures asking a premium for diesels and the on-going development of super economical petrol engines and lower petrol prices is diesel the answer still to lower cost motoring?

Take the Audi A3 1.4TFSI 150 cylinder on demand for example; the brochure quotes an impressive 60mpg combined and Co2 emissions at 109g/km. This is a serious competitor for the equivalent diesel model and over £1000 cheaper.

General belief says that petrol engines are faster, smoother and more powerful than their diesel counterparts. However we are more commonly seeing car manufactures developing quieter and more powerful diesel engines, masking the trademark signs to the point where you may struggle to tell the difference in some premium models.

Diesels offer much better torque from lower revs which help when towing a caravan / trailer.

If you are doing relatively low mileage the obvious choice would be to go for petrol. Most diesel engines are now

fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) which traps the soot like and harmful particles, reducing emissions by up to 80%. A DPF can be a motorist worst enemy if a vehicle is not driven as required, resulting in warning lights, loss of power and worst of all a costly repair bill to replace the filter.

Higher mileage drivers should never face this problem as their engines should be getting warm enough to constantly burn off the contents of the DPF however if you are doing mainly town driving the engine will not get warm enough and block up the filter.

Motoring by: Audi Huddersfield Trident Business Park, Leeds Road, West Yorkshire HD2 1UA Phone:01484 350000 www.sytner.co.uk/audi/huddersfield

There are other factors to consider when choosing between petrol and diesel such as depreciation, service and maintenance costs and insurance.

To summarise it is very much performance versus economy, although manufacturers are constantly developing new engines to change our past perception of diesel and petrol engines.

It is very much the driver’s choice with no wrong or right answer and valid points to support each fuel type.

Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 41

Top tips to manage your time and get productive

Oakwell Festival getting ‘the feeling’ for a bigger event

F

rom an idea while sat in a local pub to one of the biggest one day music festivals the Kirklees area has hosted, Oakwell Music Festival will again see 20+ bands play across 3 stages on Sunday, July 12. Situated in the leafy grounds of Oakwell Hall in Birstall, Oakwell Festival was attended by around 3000 people in 2014 and aims to attract an even bigger audience this year.

Organised by a team of dedicated local volunteers the event is to be headlined by chart toppers The Feeling and will feature bands such as 90’s indie hit makers Dodgy, R&B girl band Stooshe and popular local artists Hope & Social, Rupert Stroud, The Hijacked and many many more.

The not for profit making event will help local community groups in the area and is also being used to promote local talent on the music scene. Festival organiser, Paul Fisher says “The development and planning of Oakwell Festival had initially taken over 2 years and we’ve only got to this stage with the help of such a dedicated team and a fantastic crowd. “The festival was put together to bring great music to an area lacking in opportunities or overshadowed by it’s big brother cities and now we’ve made our mark we intend to make it bigger and better every year”.

Festival organisers are looking for companies to get involved to help fund the festival and have many sponsorship opportunities available. “We are working with a number of local companies already, including Robert Watts Estate Agents, Kirklees College and Trinity Walk in Wakefield but with local and national promotion in place it’s an ideal platform to promote. With profits going back into the community what better way to profile your business and give back to the local area” says Paul.Tickets for the festival are £25 for adult and £10 for children 11-16 with under 10’s going free. Tickets are on sale and can be ordered on the website, www.oakwellfestival.co.uk or bought at Dewsbury and Cleckheaton Town Halls or Oakwell Hall visitor centre.

If you would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities or want more information contact the festival team via email at festival@oakwellfestival.co.uk or phone 07766254850.

42

Have you ever felt that you are constantly juggling your tasks and that time flies; leaving you struggling to catch up on your ‘to do list’? Do you ever feel swamped by paper and your desk is buckling under the weight of in use files. What is the best way of you getting back on track, stay focussed and regain contro? Louise Lapish Director of Gatewood Consulting www.gatewoodconsulting.co.uk shares with us her top tips for Time Management.

Where do I begin? Stop Procrastinating As Charles Dickens once stated, “Procrastination is the thief of time, collar him.” If you are one of the many who have an ever growing ‘to do list’, then it can make it almost impossible to know where to start. If you start with the easy tasks and leave the ugly ones until last, or move them on day after day, stop thinking and start doing; start with the hardest task first.

Where to start? Establish your Priorities Decide what you need to do to maximise your efficiency and get you focussed. This is more than having a ‘to do list’, you need to be clear about exactly what needs completing, by whom and most importantly by when! Identify any resources you may need, be clear about who needs to be involved, and then ensure the tasks are clearly defined.

Once you have the parameters defined then you can design a realistic schedule; it must be one that is based on realistic timings. There is no point setting yourself unrealistic goals.

Give it away! Delegate, Delegate, Delegate Do all of the tasks on the list that really need to be done, if they do not, then remove them! Perhaps the tasks could be completed by someone else? One of the most unproductive things you can do is hold on to things and not trust others to c omplete them in the right way or to the right standard.

Learn to delegate with confidence, releasing tasks to your team or to an outsourced service. People often feel it may be quicker or easier to complete the task themselves, as a one off they might be right, but not every time! The more tasks you release the more you can focus on the areas you should be concentrating on. Work out your hourly rate and get rid of tasks that don’t fit that pay scale.

These are three simple tips to ensure that you are more productive and get more out of each and every working day.Louise Lapish Director of Gatewood Consulting www.gatewoodconsulting.co.uk

Quality, Service & value. Do your cleaners match up ?

WE DON'T CUT CORNERS,

WE CLEAN THEM Local family run business with 30 years experience providing professional office, factory and commercial properties with a serviced carpets / soft furnishings and after build clean up.

Discount for chamber members!

W: www.officecleanerswakefield.co.uk E: roberthowes@cleanuptime.co.uk T: 08456 444847 M: 07866 363020

Thank you for reading our first edition, we hope you enjoyed it!

If you would like to contribute please let us know. We are looking for regular contributory editors to cover Information Technology; Finance; Fashion; Banking and Education, so if you have a business covering any of the above, we want to hear from you.

TopicUK and Close Up for Business will be active covering events in Kirklees and Calderdale, so if you're holding an event and want us to cover it, do let us know.

Do you take card Payments ? Just received your new bill and the charges have increased ? Perhaps we can help reduce the impact of your new charges ?

Would the flexibility of reduced fixed costs be useful?

If so….help keep your costs down by using our reliable temp staff as & when you need them

Contact us and we can undertake a Business review for you Huddersfield based, and proud to serve the Kirklees and Calderdale community Contact: Mark Abbott on 01484819106 E: mark.abbott@paymentsense.com

WE`RE IN IT FOR THE LONG TERM WITH YOU!

ke on We tdamin a e th en burd u & yo ater

sl pay u

We are free to pick up across a range of outlets and businesses and also online at www.topicuk. co.uk.

If you would like to stock copies, ring the editor on 07711 539047 or email editor@topicuk.co.uk

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS IN BUSINESS If you would like more information, or assistance, call us on 01484 351010 email: info@stafflex.co.uk

www.huddersfieldmerchantservices.co.uk

Kirklees & Calderdale April 2015 43

HELP PUT DEFIBRILLATORS ON THE MAP If someone is having a cardiac arrest, knowing where the nearest defibrillator is could mean the difference between life and death.

So, if you’ve got one at work, or know where one is locally, please register it online. It only takes a few minutes and could help save the life of someone close to you.

Register a defibrillator today at:

mapmydefib.com/ad

Š British Heart Foundation, a registered charity in England & Wales (225971) and Scotland (SC039426)

4916 - BHF PAD CloseUp ad 260x215-3.indd 1

02/04/2015 12:35