Topicuk issue 8 june 2014

Wa kef ield's

Bu si ne s s

C om mu n it y

Ma g a z i ne

w w w.t o p i c u k . c o . u k

Issue 8 June 2014

WAKEFIELD BUSINESS WEEK goes off with a bang p26 LOCAL HEROES meet Marc Ridgway p32 PASSENGER TRAVEL gets smarter p42

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GET INVOLVED WITH KIRKLEES BUSINESS WEEK AND CALDERDALE BUSINESS WEEK: Exhibition stands

We’ve already sold double figures of stands so don’t delay in showcasing your business to hundreds and hundreds of businesses at the conferences: KBC14 on 15th October and CBC14 on 12th November. Members of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber can also benefit from £100 discount on 2m and 3m stands.

Seminars

Be an expert, help the district by sharing your business knowledge and run a seminar as part of the Business Week.

Host an event

Be showcased as a venue partner on our website and encourage potential customers right to your doorstep.

Finally for 2014,the first ever Calderdale Business Week Taking place 10th – 14th November with the biggest conference Calderdale has yet to experience to commence bang in the middle of the week, Wednesday 12th at The Shay Stadium, Halifax.

Here to help your business in partnership with

grow

in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.

Contact Chrissie Slater or Lucy Blackburn myconferences@mycci.co.uk 01924 311 606 Twitter: @MYBizConfs Facebook: MY Business Conferences

TopicUK

Tel: 07711 539047 Email - topicuk@ ghost-communications.com

Team TopicUK GILL LAIDLER EDITOR

ROB BLACKWELL

C R E AT I V E D I R EC TO R

LOCAL HEROES/CHARIT Y S A M G RU N DY, K I DS .O R G THE ARTS M U R R AY ED WA R DS , T H E AT R E R OYA L FA S H I O N EM M A L EL L I OT T, T R I N I T Y WA L K L E G A L M AT T E R S PE T ER H A R L I N G , C H A D W I C K L AW R EN C E S O L I C I TO R S BE AUT Y & WELLBEING L IZ S PEI G H T, T RU E B E AU T Y S A LO N H E A LT H D R A N D R E W F U R B ER , PU B L I C H E A LT H D EP T FO O D & R E S TA U R A N T R E V I E W K E V I N T R I C K E T T, WA K EF I EL D C I V I C S O C I E T Y RECRUITMENT A N DY T U R N ER , F I R S T C H O I C E R EC RU I T M EN T PROPERT Y S I M O N M I L L ER , H O L R OY D M I L L ER SOCIAL MEDIA S I N E A D S O PA L A , R A MS D ENS S O L I C I TO R S

Where to pick up a free copy of

Cover : John Bird by Lucy Kane

TopicUK • • • • • • • • • • • • •

4

Wakefield One Business Centre Wakefield Theatre Cedar Court Hotel Wakefield Trinity Walk Shopping Centre The Ridings Shopping Centre The Hepworth Ramsdens Solicitors Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors Westgate Train Station Wakefield Business Centres Wakefield Chamber of Commerce Tourist Information Centre Leeds Bradford International Airport

Plus a number of smaller outlets. 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 gill@ghost-communications.com

P26

P36

ROUND UP OF WAKEFIELD

BUSINESS WEEK 2014

HELEN MASSEY Romantic Holiday Cottages

MEET MARK RIDGWAY OBE

PASSENGER TRAVEL

who's advice is not to put your daughter on the stage

MCard is the largest smartcard scheme of its kind outside of London

P42

P32

6 News

BEST OF CITY RETAIL

10 12 20 26 32

Playful Wakefield

IINTERACTIVE ARTWORK FOR ALL TO ENJOY

The Art Business

DISCOVER ART IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Finance & Economy

IS THE ECONOMY IN RECOVERY

Business Week

WENT OFF WITH A BANG

Local Heroes

DON'T PUT YOUR DAUGHTER ON THE STAGE @topic_uk

facebook.com/ topicuk

The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those held by the publishers and therefore no responsibility can be held by the publisher for misinterpretation. Reproduction of this magazine without the express permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Whilst every care is taken

TopicUK

Issue 8 June 2014

EDITORSNOTES This issue TopicUK is proud to cover Wakefield Business Week, bringing you all the news and images from a jampacked week.

There were a number of events running, with the highlight being the conference right in the middle on the Wednesday.

P34 WAKEFIELD BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAMME

Helps with set of local business

Whoops!

Helen Oldham, MD of Yorkshire Post was incorrectly named on P27 of our last issue as Ellen Knowles. Apologies to Helen for this error.

34 Council News

WBSP HELPS NEW BUSINESS FLY 36 Travel

LOOKING FOR A GETAWAY THIS SUMMER ?

38

Dining Out

A GEM OF ASIAN DELIGHTS

40 Recruitment ASKING THE STRANGEST QUESTIONS

48 Competition

WIN A ROUND OF GOLF

topicukgallery

TopicUK celebrated its first Birthday on 9th May with an event at Theatre Royal Wakefield and we’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who joined us, with special thanks to the Theatre for their hospitality and to Iris Restaurant for the delicious canapes. We also signed a partnership with Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and were delighted to welcome The Ridings Shopping Centre who have come onboard as sponsors, bringing the total to eight.

Mark Ridgway, Managing Director of Rhodes Engineering is our Local Hero this issue, a feature that has become so popular, we now have a list of successful business people queuing up to tell us their story. Next issue, look out for Bob Lawson, founder of the very successful Ossett Brewery.

Once again, we have been appointed the official media partner of the WACCL lunch taking place on 11th December.

If you haven’t booked your ticket, do so quickly as we are reliably informed that they are selling fast.

Two of our guest editors were on holiday this issue, so we are grateful to Yorkshire Sculpture Park who have covered the arts whilst Theatre Royal director Murray Edwards, took a well deserved break and I was delighted to be able to cover the Restaurant Review whilst

Kevin Trickett was on holiday, visiting one of my favourite Asian Restaurants, The Kashmiri Aroma. This is proving to be another popular article with restaurants queueing up to be reviewed.

We have a fabulous golf prize for you this issue too, courtesy of Oulton Hall Hotel, be sure to get your entry in quick as we’re sure this will be a popular competition.

Although our circulation and pagination is increasing, we are still keeping our advertising rates low to help local business. If you would like to take advantage of these low rates to reach up to 9000 local business call us now on 07711 539047 and don’t forget to send us all your news for free inclusion.

Look out for our next issue due out in August.

www.topicuk.co.uk

in the production of this magazine, the publisher/editor cannot accept any responsibility for errors in articles, advertisements or programme schedules.

To subscribe to this magazine, submit an article or press release please contact Gill Laidler on: 07711 539047 or email topicuk@ghost-communications.com

Published by Ghost Publishing Limited. Law pages are written by Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors and TopicUK is not responsible for any advice given Cover Shot: Guest speakers Wakefield Business Week.

5

News

TWO ‘TOP TEAM IN NEW PARTNE Daring to be DIFFERENT Ever since the invention of digital music, fans have had the ability to stream and download music from the internet, sometimes illegally, meaning both artist and label suffer.

The major labels have struggled to adapt to this fast paced musical revolution. That is until now!

C

lown House Records, an alldigital Yorkshire based label launched in 2013, believes differently and they’re going to prove it.

By promoting paid membership, sponsorship and carefully placed advertisements, the label will generate an income to support itself and its artists, receiving royalties every time one of their tracks is downloaded.

The road to musical success for this record breaking label starts here. They’re looking for a talented web designer from the local area to help them imprint their first digital footprint on the web and the world. Even though the record label has no money, they are offering would be web-designers

a piece of musical history in return for their time, by offering them shares in the record label.

Once their digital footprint goes live, the label intends to seek investment through CrowdCube allowing them to sign their first artist and work with them to produce their first musical masterpiece.

From left to right meeting wildcat mascot Daddy Cool is : Paul Reid, Clown House Records is the Gill Laidler Topicuk editor and Nick Thorpe, C&D Cleaning brain child of two Yorkshire entrepreneurs, Spencer Loney TopicUK has joined forces with and Nicholas Smith, two the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, music mad friends who were strengthening both their positions sick of record labels pumping within the local business community. out music for profit, rather The magazine will promote the than realising actual records. services of the Super League club’s Their love of music and desire fantastic hospitality suites, which to put an artist’s music front are available for hire for conferences, and centre is recognised by meetings and promotional events. the labels slogan “Where all Hospitality boxes are also available that matters is the music”. on match days, providing a special experience for entertaining clients that has proven results. In return, For more information the club will distribute copies of TopicUK in corporate or to get involved hospitality on match days and promote our magazine email pressoffice@ within the ground with a strategically placed banner. In clownhouserecords.com addition, TopicUK will host a private box at some games

TopicUK

MS’ ERSHIP

Issue 8 June 2014

TopicUK TopicUK celebrates first Birthday

chair of Wakefield First; Sinead Sopala, Ramsdens Solicitors; giving an opportunity for our advertisers and sponsors to join us.

Commenting on the new partnership, Wakefield Wildcats Commercial Manager who has also joined the board of TopicUK as a director, Martin Hopkins said: “The club is at the heart of the Wakefield community and TopicUK reaches the heart of the business community. We felt this was a ‘perfect fit’ for both companies.

TopicUK Editor Gill Laidler said: “We launched in April 2013 and in just one year we are now reaching up to 9000 local businesses and offer free editorial and affordable advertising rates. The Wildcats are a respected club at the heart of the community and we are proud to be linked with them.

For more information about commercial opportunities at the club, contact Martin Hopkins on 01924 211611.

It is just a little over a year ago since the birth of TopicUK and to celebrate this milestone we held a small party at Theatre Royal Wakefield.

Guests enjoyed a welcome drink on arrival before tucking into delicious canapes courtesy of Iris Restaurant.

Editor Gill Laidler and Creative Director Rob Blackwell who launched the magazine, gave an update on how the magazine has grown over the last 12 months and what plans we have for your magazine for the future. Fellow Board Director and Partner at Chadwick Lawrence Tim Welton explained to guests why he wanted to get involved and how he believed the magazine was benefiting local businesses. We are also delighted to announce that The Ridings Shopping Centre signed up as a sponsor at the event and will now enjoy much more free publicity.

We would like to thank Theatre Royal Wakefield for hosting our event, Iris Restaurant for the food, as well as our sponsors, advertisers and contributors for their support over the last year. We are already planning our 2 year anniversary party!

7

News

Ramsdens announce partner promotions

Ramsdens Solicitors announced that it has promoted to partnership two of its associates.

Laura Smith is a commercial property lawyer based in the Wakefield office and Veronica Mullins is a private client lawyer based at their Mirfield office. These appointments takes the partnership to twenty, 50 percent of whom are female.

Paul Joyce, managing partner comments: “We reviewed our client requirements and growth opportunities and have decided to promote Laura and Veronica to the partnership. They have each made impressive contributions to the firm in the respective practice areas and are a welcome addition to the partnership. I am also proud that we continue to have one of the highest proportions of female partners amongst local law firms.”

Laura joined Ramsdens in 2008 having trained in a niche commercial firm in London and joined a Manchester firm on qualification. Speaking of her partnership Laura said: “I am delighted to join the partnership at such an exciting time.

Ramsdens is leading the way for firms of its size in Yorkshire and I am delighted to be driving the success of our new Wakefield office.”

Veronica joined Ramsdens as part of the Rice Jones merger in Halifax in 2009.

Veronica commented: “I am delighted to have been promoted to partner and look forward to bringing my experience to my new role, to continue to drive Ramsdens as the leading legal firm in West Yorkshire. I would like to thank Ramsdens for this opportunity and recognition.”

8

Wakefield celebrates the best of our city’s retail The seventeenth May saw Space Wakefield host the second annual Retail Awards, sponsored by The Ridings; Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Wakefield City Centre Partnership.

The IndiaCoco team: L to R: Nick Fozzard, Sarah Fozzard,

Introduced by Editor of the Wakefield Express, Mark Bradley, once again the event was hosted by BBC Look North’s Claire Frisby who presented winners with their trophies.

Runners-up: Admiral Duncan; Hogs American Restaurant; Hokkaido Japanese & Amala Thai.

First winner on stage was Claire Harper and her team from India Coco, proud winners of the Online Retailer award. They were also nominated in the Fashion Retailer category and employee Sarah Fozzard shortlisted for Best Employee.

- Home & Garden Retailer: 3 Style Kitchens. Runners-up: Created in Yorkshire & Wakefield Antiques & Collectables.

The accolade of Employee of the year went to Diane Brierly from The Ridings Shopping Centre Other winners were: - Fashion Retailer: Identity Boutique.

Runners-up: IndiaCoco and Morgana Clothing.

- Independent Retailer: Lace & Co. Runners-up: Present Days & Hype Footwear.

- National Retailer: Boots. Runnersup: Ernest Jones & River Island.

- Specialist Retailer: Wool n Stuff.

Runners-up: Crossley Spare Parts & Bier Huis.

- Volunteer of the Year: Wakefield Hospice. Runners-up: Ben Manning Music Foundation & The Spring Community Shop.

- Apprentice of the Year: Jake Finan, Iris Restaurant. Runners-up: Josh Frith, Joseph Bespoke Hairdwressing; Faye Morgan, Janet Best Hair Design; Jade Morrin, En Route.

- Food Retailer: Time Bakery. Runnersup: The Black Olive & RubyLou’s.

- Customer service: Hoops A Daisy.

Runners-up: Peter Jones China & Jessop Hairdressing.

- Hair, Health & Beauty: Room 97. Runners-up: En route; Joseph Bespoke; Angelic; Janet Best Hair Design & Hair Cooled Barbers.

Proceeding the award ceremony, guests enjoyed a three course dinner and rounded the evening off with dancing until late.

- Evening Retailer: Mex Cantina.

Results courtesy of Wakefield Express

TopicUK

Issue 8 June 2014

CHRISTMAS IS COMING...

Have you booked for the event of the year?

Claire Harper and husband Lee Williams.

First choice are the judges first choice

T

he Best of the Best Business Awards honour outstanding achievements of dynamic small business across each county of the United Kingdom.

Aimed specifically at companies employing less than 20 people or with an annual turnover of less than £1m, the awards provide small businesses with a platform to gain the recognition they deserve to attract more business.

Winner of not just one, but two categories is Wakefield based First Choice Recruitment. Commenting on the award winner of the Best Corporate Social Responsibility Category, the chairman of judges said: “First Choice was the clear winner for responding quickly to the growing problem of rising unemployment among the under 25’s. To help get

jobs for young people, it launched the Wakefield Works campaign in 2012.

They ask employers to sign up to the campaign and offer a minimum of one week’s work for one person. To date, the imaginative and practical campaign has helped 30 youngsters gain work experience and nine find fulltime employment with more to follow.”

First Choice’s second award was in the Best Business Category and once again the chairman commented: “With 21 years experience behind them, First Choice coped brilliantly with the challenges of the recent recession. By focusing on providing a quality recruitment solution and building up long-term relationships with its clients in Yorkshire, it has managed to beat the downturn.”

TopicUK would like to extend our congratulations, very well deserved.

Following the success of the Wakefield Annual Charity Christmas Lunch (WACCL) last year, with more than 300 people attending, booking is well underway for the second event.

Featuring food and entertainment based on Beauty & the Beast, Wakefield Theatre’s 2014 pantomime, once again the event will take place at Cedar Court Hotel on Thursday 11 December priced at £50 per person.

Starting at 11.30am with a champagne reception followed by a 3-course lunch from 12.30pm, for the second year, proceeds raised will be donated to The Theatre Royal Performance Academy, split this year with Community Foundation for Wakefield District.

As the district’s flagship theatre, Theatre Royal Wakefield welcomes over

70,000 people each year, bringing thousands of visitors to Wakefield, equating to an injection of £4.6 million additional spend into the local economy.

The Community Foundation for Wakefield District was established in 2007. It is part of a growing network of grant-giving organisations in the UK and worldwide.

The Foundation relies on donations from individual and corporate donors, whose generosity supports our grant-making programme.

There is limited availability so you are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

Send your name, company, address, email address, telephone number and number of tickets required to info@waccl.co.uk The event of the year not to be missed!

9

The Art Business The highly anticipated Natural History Museum's Dino Jaws exhibition is now open at

Interactive artwork for all to enjoy this summer!

NEW DOCK HALL Leeds.

P

assers by couldn’t believe their eyes yesterday when they witnessed the arrival of the terrifying Tyrannosaurus Rex at NEW DOCK Hall, Leeds.

The arrival of the star attraction marks the beginning of the installation of the highly anticipated Natural History Museum exhibition – Dino Jaws, which opens to the public on Tuesday 3rd June and runs until Sunday 7th September from 10.00am till 6.00pm daily.

The dinosaurs’ stay in Leeds directly follows a visit to Hong Kong Science Museum, where they were seen by over 750,000 visitors in just five months.

Following they will then move to the The Hague, Netherlands for a twelve month stay.

James Vincent, Managing Director of NEW DOCK HALL said “The huge animatronic dinosaurs and the interactive equipment for the exhibition took a whole day to unload.

People were amazed and we’re now looking forward to welcoming the crowds to this blockbuster exhibition!”

For more information and to book tickets go to www.dinosaursinleeds.co.uk.

PLAYFUL

WAKEFIELD Wakefield-based arts charity, Beam is delighted to announce that they have been awarded a grant by Arts Council England to deliver ‘Playful City’ - a 14-month programme of artistic commissioning and learning activities for creatives, local communities, families and young people. The programme is also supported by Wakefield Council and other partners.

‘Playful City’ builds on Beam’s successful ‘Amaze!’ programme in 2013 and is fantastic news for Wakefield, bringing further Arts Council investment into the city and creating more opportunities for the arts in our streets, alongside opportunities to share knowledge and skills amongst our creative community.

As part of the project Beam will be working with London-based artist team Myerscough Morgan to create an interactive art space in the rear garden of The Orangery next to Westgate Station in central Wakefield. This exciting new

Image courtesy : Morag Myerscough

artwork will offer a unique experience in the heart of the city, encouraging play, creativity, and inspiration. The momentum from vividly coloured and patterned bespoke swings and moving seats at ground level will move connected signs and banners overhead.

The eye-catching hand-painted signs will be seen at street level and will feature words and phrases, which recall people’s memories and experiences of play.

The work will be installed this summer when The Orangery will open its doors regularly with an onsite café and an exciting programme of cultural and family events.

Other elements of the ‘Playful City’ project include opportunities for artists locally, nationally and internationally to create new public artworks, and W.I.R.E - Wakefield International & Regional Exchange - a collaborative series of workshops, seminars and talks. For more information visit www.beam.uk.net

TopicUK

Issue 8 June 2014

Unity Works, Wakefield’s new vibrant entertainment, leisure and work space, has signed up its first business tenant with expectations to be fully let before it opens its doors later this year.

We have various office space still available ranging from 1-2 people up to our biggest space which is for up to 16 people.

Alongside this we have 5 conference rooms and a range of meeting rooms that are all available for hire on hourly, half day & full day rates.

U

nity House (Wakefield) Limited was established as a community benefit co-operative in 2011 to turn the building into a major music venue, conference centre and location for creative businesses. It has more than 200 member investors and has raised £4m to purchase the building and refurbish the property to the highest standards.

Unity Works managing director Mark Taylor said: “We are delighted to welcome Dan Conboy and his team from Statement to Unity Works. Since we launched, interest in Unity Works’ offices has been very encouraging and we expect to make further announcements on new leases shortly.

For more information on office space, meeting rooms and conferencing contact catherine.yaffe@unityworks.co.uk

11

The Art Business

DISCOVER GREAT ART IN THE

GREAT OUTDOORS Helen Pheby, Senior Curator at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

12

Y

orkshire Sculpture Park is an internationally renowned centre for modern and contemporary sculpture, presenting work by some of the world’s most extraordinary artists in over 500 acres of beautiful, historic parkland and five indoor galleries, including the Park’s newly refurbished 18th century chapel.

This year, we are delighted to have been shortlisted as one of six finalists for the Art Fund Prize for Museum of the Year 2014.

There’s something to inform, inspire and delight at every turn with more than 60 sculptures in the open air by artists including Antony Gormley, Anthony Caro, Andy Goldsworthy, Julian Opie, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore. Our changing exhibition programme and award-winning facilities means there’s something different to see each time you visit, whatever the weather.

The first large-scale survey of work in Europe by highly acclaimed American artist Ursula von Rydingsvard can currently be seen in the Underground Gallery and continues until 4 January 2015. Bronze Bowl with Lace, a new six-metre tall sculpture cast in bronze and made especially for the exhibition, greets visitors at the entrance to the Park.

Elsewhere in the Park, an exhibition by Ai Weiwei, one of the most important artists working in the world today, recently re-opened YSP’s chapel. Ai’s majestic six-metre high sculpture

Iron Tree, 2013, is presented in the chapel courtyard, while the installation Fairytale-1001 Chairs, 2007-14, is shown inside the chapel alongside three other works. The exhibition runs until 2 November 2014.

Opening on 21 June, in the Garden Gallery, The Wild Collection by Tom Frost features charming new work inspired by YSP’s varied wildlife and historic landscape – all of which are available to buy.

This summer, we also have a vibrant events programme which includes sculpture workshops, a summer evening BBQ and Bothy Lab: First Friday’s – a chance to drop in on the first Friday of each month for informal conversations with artists, curators and many more interesting guests.

In the YSP Centre you’ll find the award-winning contemporary gift shop – a treasure trove of craft, homeware, books, jewellery and more. And a visit to the restaurant, which boasts one of the best views in Yorkshire, is a must.

Above: Barbara Hepworth, Squares with Two Circles, 1963. Photo Jonty Wilde

Ai Weiwei, Iron Tree, 2013. Courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Photo Jonty Wilde Ursula von Rydingsvard, Bronze Bowl with Lace, 2014. Courtesy the artist, Galerie Lelong and YSP. Photo Jonty Wilde

For more information visit ysp.co.uk 13

The Art Business

Art collective

Overwhelming hit with shoppers

LOCAL ARTISTS FROM ACROSS YORKSHIRE ARE CHOOSING ARTWORLD GALLERY BASED IN THE RIDINGS SHOPPING CENTRE TO PUT THEMSELVES IN THE FRAME, SHOWCASING THEIR ART PIECES AND THEIR TALENT TO SHOPPERS.

The gallery, which is managed as a collective, has recently celebrated their 1st birthday and completed a special guest artist exhibition.

showcasing the work of artists from communities across the district,” explained Ridings marketing manager Victoria Clapham.

Award winning Trevor Ferguson from Huddersfield and Mark Wrighton from Rothwell featured in April, followed by Gwenda Midgely from Barnsley.

“Following great feedback from shoppers who enjoyed viewing and purchasing pieces created by local people, Artworld opened and established a more permanent presence in 2013.”

Sandra Bradbury, manager of Artworld commented: “We are really excited to have been able to invite Yorkshire artists to feature their work. There are so many fabulous local artists as well as our resident artists who continue to add regular new additions to their exhibitions.”

“Artworld follows the success of Gallery 102, which began as a project

Sandra is excited about the plans for the gallery over the next 12 months: “The independent retail scene in The Ridings has grown enormously since I became a retailer here. That’s what makes the centre different, as well as having high street giants, customers can browse unique independents selling one-off unique pieces.”

AR T WORL DGAL L ERY L O C AL , Q U AL I T Y , AF F O R D AB L E A R T

O P E N 7 D AY S A W E E K I N THE RIDINGS SHOPPING CENTRE

F o l l o w o n T w i t t e r @ Ar t w o r l d w a k e y

14

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next

next

sun, sea, sand Are you ready?

Debenhams

With the Summer holidays fast approaching, many people’s attentions are turned to buying holiday clothing and accessories.

This issue TopicUK has teamed up with Trinity Walk to bring you the latest seasons trends all available now.

Debenhams next Debenhams

next

Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF1 1QS Phone : 01924 239413

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law

LegalMatters

Each issue Peter Harling and Olivia Robinson, solicitors in the Corporate Recovery and Insolvency team at Chadwick Lawrence, Yorkshire's Legal People, share with TopicUK readers information to keep us all within the law.

INCOME PAYMENT AGREEMENTS AND ORDERS IN BANKRUPTCY The High Court, in the case of Thomas and another (Joint Trustees In Bankruptcy of Stephen John Edmondson) v Edmondson [2014] EWHC 1494 (Ch) (12 May 2014)), has recently considered whether the Court has jurisdiction to make an Income Payments Order (IPO – made by the Court) against an undischarged Bankrupt who has already entered into an Income Payments Agreement (IPA – agreed between the Bankrupt and the Trustee).

A Bankrupt’s income does not automatically form part of their Bankruptcy Estate but can be claimed by the Trustee in Bankruptcy under an IPO or IPA. IPOs and IPAs must specify the period for which they apply: a maximum of three years. This period may end after discharge of the Bankrupt.

The issue determined was whether an IPO could be made against a Bankrupt (and therefore extend the time of the Income Payments regime) where he has already entered into an IPA. Having reviewed the historical legislative context and intention, the Court held on a plain reading that an IPA did not deprive it of the discretion to make an IPO: they are not mutually exclusive.

This decision arose from the Bankrupt having entered into an IPA with the Official Receiver to pay the additional 18

income he was expected to receive as a result of a change to his tax code.

Where a person is made Bankrupt, HMRC will usually apply a nil tax code and claim in the Bankruptcy Estate as a Bankruptcy creditor for the tax payable until the end of the tax year. The Official Receiver will often seek an IPA shortly after the making of the Bankruptcy Order to avoid any potential loss to the Bankrupt’s Estate or windfall for the Bankrupt. Joint Trustees in Bankruptcy were subsequently appointed and sought to agree a new IPA for the Bankrupt’s surplus income. He refused on the basis of his previous IPA and the Trustees therefore applied for an IPO before the Bankrupt was automatically discharged from Bankruptcy. Following discharge from Bankruptcy, the power to seek a new IPA or IPO is lost and any ongoing payment arrangement must be varied by the Court (or, in the case of an IPA, by agreement between the parties).

In making its decision, the High Court overturned an earlier County Court declaration that the Trustees were not entitled to an IPO on the basis of the

Bankrupt’s earlier IPA. Chadwick Lawrence have a specialist Corporate Recovery & Insolvency team who are able to offer a realistic commercial solution to all your business and personal financial affairs at an affordable price. With varied experience and expertise in all aspects of both corporate and personal insolvency our team, who work very closely with Licensed Insolvency Practitioners, can offer you a strategic answer to solving and re-structuring your financial affairs in a reliable and cost effective manner.

The team specialises in providing highly effective technical advice, and offers a realistic commercial approach to your individual and business affairs.

The Corporate Recovery & Insolvency team pride themselves on offering a realistic commercial strategy to rescue your business and/or re-structure your financial affairs. They are happy to offer a free initial consultation for you and/or your business to discuss a strategy and a way forward in terms of improving your position or rescuing your business.

"

TopicUK

If you have a legal question or need to know about a particular subject, email topicuk@ghost-communications.

"

com and we'll get Peter and Olivia to answer it for you.

EMPLOYMENT LAW CHANGES Recently (on 6 April 2014) a number of Employment Law changes came into force, as follows: Increase to Employment Tribunal fees – there has been a re-categorisation of a number of “Type B” claims, which attract a higher fee. This is to remedy what the Government has identified as a mistake in the original legislation which categorised certain claims incorrectly as “Type A”.

Financial penalties for losing employers – Tribunals now have the power to order that a losing employer pay a financial penalty (of between £100 and £5,000) where the case has “aggravating features”. This will apply in cases presented on or after 6 April 2014.

The introduction of this penalty sends out mixed messages. On the one hand the Government is trying to reduce burdens on business, making it less costly for employers to be faced with Tribunal claims. However, on the other hand, given litigation risk and the prospect of a potentially heavy fine, employers may feel that they are being put under undue pressure to settle unmeritorious claims.

The abolition of the Percentage Threshold Scheme – which currently enables employers to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay from HMRC in some circumstances, has been abolished.

This will no doubt be an unwelcome change for employers.

Increases to rates and limits: - The maximum compensatory award for unfair dismissals where the effective date of termination falls on or after 6 April 2014 has increased to £76,574 (or 52 weeks’ gross pay, if lower).

- Statutory Sick Pay has increased to £87.55 per week (the lower earnings limit will also increase to £111.00 per week).

- Statutory Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay has increased to £138.18 per week.

- The maximum weekly payment (used for calculating redundancy) has also increased to £464 per week.

Issue 8 June 2014

The maximum civil penalty for employing adult illegal workers – who are subject to immigration control but who do not have the right to work in the UK has increased from £10,000 to £20,000.

Mandatory pre-claim ACAS conciliation – this involves a four step procedure of early conciliation through ACAS before a Tribunal claim can be commenced. Transitional provisions cover the period between 6 April and 5 May 2014 where early conciliation will be voluntary but, for claims issued on or after 6 May 2014, it will be mandatory.

This is a substantial change in Employment Law as it has never before been mandatory for parties to Tribunal proceedings to consider conciliation.

Pre-claim conciliation is part of the Government’s aims to increase the efficiency of the Tribunal service however, it remains to be seen whether it will have the desired effect.

There is also a lack of clarity on what will amount to “aggravating features”, which are not explained or defined in the legislation. The Government has suggested that Tribunals would impose such penalties where “the breach involves unreasonable behaviour” (for example negligence or malice).

However, genuine mistakes by the employer will not be penalised.

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BANKING

Is the economy in recovery?

The future is looking brighter according to new regular contributors to TopicUK, Santander

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hings are on the up - the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported that the UK economy expanded by 0.8% in the first quarter of this year after growth of 0.7% in the final quarter of 2013. This was the fifth quarter of consecutive growth – which is longest run we’ve had since the recession.

On an annual basis the economy grew by 3.1% - its strongest rate of growth since 2007. George Osborne said the data proved Britain’s recovery was becoming broad-based.

‘For the first time in a decade all three main sectors of the economy – manufacturing, services and construction – have grown by at least 3% over the past year,’ he said.

The growth figures, being slightly lower than the 0.9% expected, mean that the Bank of England is under less pressure to raise interest rates just yet. Inflation rates are a key driver of future interest rate changes and CPI inflation measured 1.6% in March, which is well within the 2% target monitored by the Monetary policy committee. In terms of interest rates we have enjoyed a long period of very low and unchanged rates. Would you believe March 5th this year saw the 5th anniversary of base rates reducing to the historic low of 0.5% - yes it’s really been that long!

Locally we are seeing more investment in plant and machinery – no doubt spurred on by the budget announcement which doubled the annual investment allowance to £500,000 and extended the allowance scheme by another year until 2015. This enables businesses to achieve tax relief at 100 per cent on qualifying expenditure in the year of purchase – clearly an incentive to invest, and the increase in investment into machinery can bring about new jobs, expansion and moving premises, again all factors that perpetuate a positive economic upturn.

The man on the street will be starting to feel more confident in spending money – the latest earnings figures from the ONS show that weekly earnings have finally caught up with and now just edged ahead of inflation (after six years of falling behind). Unemployment figures fell in April by 77,000 to a five year low of 2.2 million, another reason to be cheerful.

If anything anecdotal experience can be a good barometer, a Wakefield mortgage broker I know has recently taken on a new member of staff to cope with a massive rise in demand

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for mortgages both for new purchases and remortgaging, and local builders are once again booking work out months in advance. A local manufacturer has now increased delivery time from 3 days at the start of the year to 3 weeks because demand for product is outstripping the rate of production and these are supplies into the construction sector!

The watchword is still going to be recovery rather than boom for some time – but when you look at the economic growth indicators we are certainly on the right path, and this sentiment is being reflected with the businesses we are talking to – optimistic, and very busy.

Jonathan can be contacted on jonathan.rostron@santander.co.uk

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BUSINESS CENTRES

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FINANCE

ITS A BRAVE NEW WORLD GARETH GLENDINNING

Spring Budgets have had little to promise or offer UK savers and investors in recent years, apart from setting out the depth of the economic challenge ahead for the coalition Government. Only last year, the mood was subdued, with talk of a potential triple dip into recession and a long and bumpy road to recovery.

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he UK’s economy, twelve months on, is undergoing a regeneration and a rate of growth that is now the fastest in the Western world. As Britain looks towards a general election in May 2015, the Budget contained far reaching changes for its savers and investors.

Chancellor George Osborne in his address on 19 March, said the Budget rewarded ‘the makers, the doers and the savers’ in Britain.

And the new pension and tax-efficient saving arrangements certainly offer radical reform of the UK’s personal finance landscape and welcome breaks for savers and investors after four years of austerity. A significant change in pension arrangements has lifted restrictions on access to pension pots and made it more attractive for individuals to invest for their retirement through pensions. And the reform of Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) brings a very welcome increase in the annual allowance to £15,000 from July this year.

The boost that the 2014 Budget has given to investors, however, comes amid-continued austerity, with the Government only halfway through the fiscal consolidation it embarked on in 2010. Public borrowing levels still remain at £108 billion for 2014 (www. parliament.uk, 21/3/14). When the coalition came to power in 2010, Osborne had planned to balance the budget by 2016. Instead, the aim is 2019 (www.gov.uk, 19/3/14). The recovery also remains prone to wider global risks, whether from China’s economy or Russian military action. Meanwile, there are widespread concerns that the recovery has been driven by consumers running down their savings, while households are squeezed by living costs as prices rise faster than earnings.

But the goods news for business, markets and households is that the UK economic recovery has entrenched. In March, the Office for

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Budget Responsibility (OBR) revised up its forecast for the pace of the recovery in 2014 to 2.7% from 1.8% a year ago (when its estimate for 2013 growth was a mere 0.6%). The OBR also expects earnings will grow by 2.5% this year, and inflation by 1.9%. Osborne, in these more secure conditions, packed his Budget with a broad range of pre-election giveaways, including a reduction in the savings tax rate and an increase in the personal taxfree allowance to £10,500 for 2015/16.

The Budget also restated that the Inheritance Tax threshold will remain at £325,000 until April 2018.

Investors have done well as growing economic confidence, loose monetary policy and low-interest rates have buoyed equities in the leading financial centres.

Although 2014 is unlikely to match last year’s market advances, market returns are expected to reflect the improvement in the global economy and corporate and consumer confidence. In this upbeat environment, the Budget’s ISA allowance increase holds out further investment opportunity, particularly for those that want an alternative to the near-zero returns on offer from cash.

The Budget’s relaxation of ISA rules to allow any combination of stock and shares and cash rightly gives investors more flexibility to manage their valuable allowance to suit their attitude to risk and their needs. However, the Bank of England Governor, Mark Carney, remains adamant that the base rate will remain at a record 0.5% low while the economy recovers; and is widely expected to be held at this level until mid-2015 (www. bbc.co.uk, 20/2/14). It seems unlikely that the Government would welcome a rise in interest rates just before it goes to the polls.

Osborne’s move to increase the annual

ISA allowance to £15,000 was designed to encourage Britain to set aside more for the future. With mild inflation still eroding the value of cash, the hope must be that investors make the most of the long-term benefits provided by this even more valuable and flexible opportunity.

Osborne’s decision to champion investor choice has also underpinned the more flexible new pension regime.

Perhaps most radically, he has made proposals to free up access to pension pots and change the rules for annuities from April 2015, as well as introducing a new pensioner bond.

The proposal to allow anyone over the age of 55 to take their entire pension pot as a lump sum (albeit with 25% tax-free and the remaining amount liable to Income Tax) is a radical innovation that allows individuals to invest, save, spend or give as they see fit. As an interim measure, the guaranteed income required before qualification for flexible drawdown has been cut to £12,000 from £20,000 and this retrospective move will allow anyone in drawdown to benefit from the increased flexibility.

The more liberal regime too, complements the traditional annuity route and the security it offers for those who want a guaranteed income over their retirement lifetime. Annuity investors will benefit when interest rates start to rise; while drawdown investors can encounter problems in the face of stock market volatility.

The new pension regime admirably hands more control to individuals over their long term financial plans. But, as with all financial planning, each person’s needs and appetite for risk or security are distinct. Retirement planning requires expert, not off-theshelf solutions. Osborne’s brave new world for savers and investors creates further nuances and complexities that make wealth management advice as important as ever.

To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, contact Gareth Glendinning, Chartered Financial Planner at Glendinning Wealth on 01924 666262 or 07818 015141.

Alternatively email Gareth at gareth. glendinning@sjpp.co.uk or visit the website www.glendinningwealth.co.uk

Here to help you for all your legal needs, call your local solicitors, Ramsdens

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BEAUTY & WELLBEING

PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD IN TIME FOR SUMMER! One of the first things ladies think about when the weather changes, is the pretty summer footwear, but this elation is closely followed by thinking about the state of our feet after months of being cocooned in boots for much of the winter.

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s well as leaving you with perfectly painted toenails, a good pedicure is like an MOT for the feet, relieving them of dry patches and hardened skin, preparing them for the season ahead. After all, they work very hard for you - isn’t it time they had a treat?

Having regular pedicures are the best way to keep your feet in prime condition, but if you’re looking for just one to set you up for the rest of the summer, consider your options.

You could consider an Express Pedicure, which can be done

in your lunch hour, or go for a more luxuriant treatment, where your feet are enveloped in cream and put in booties for that extra special pedicure. For those who suffer from arthritic and painful feet, you could try a paraffin wax pedicure, which our clients say is so soothing!

When you visit your local beauty salon, don’t forget to bring flipflops or open sandals to avoid smudging your fresh nail colour.

However, if you chose a gel nail varnish, you can put your shoes straight back on.

True Beauty4-6 Providence Street, Town Centre, Wakefield WF1 3BG 01924 369369

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A SALON? O T G IN O G Y C N A F ’T N DO raight • Cut nails st s do

You can alway home. them yourself at ple m si Here are a few re su e tips to mak oks your pedicure lo : al on si es prof et whilst • Buff your fe e dead dry to eliminat sturdy a g skin by usin s on cu fo d an foot file feet. of lls ba d an heels

across with nail g lots clippers, makin ther ra s ip sn of little . Gently ce on at l al an th edges e file around th they so ils of your na ag sn don’t ur feet with • Massage yo n a rich foot lotio varnish • Apply nail so do this r 10 • Men can al • Soak feet fo ent, tm er ea at tr w e m hom minutes in war lish of po e th us in m a ith w et fe ge • Massa course! t rid of foot scrub to ge you decide to dead • Whatever the last bits of you look su do, make re skin, then rinse as they et fe ur after yo d an et • Dry your fe look after you! your gently ease back cuticle cuticles with a stick

WIN a Reiki treatment & With an increasing trend towards natural health products and treatments, people are starting to turn more to alternative therapies.

Reiki is a natural therapy that helps to restore the body’s natural balance. It supports the mind, body and spirit and may benefit physical aspects as well as mental and emotional issues.

Creating a state of relaxation in most people it has regularly been shown to aid stress, pain relief and poor sleep.

Reiki is a Japanese word meaning life force energy. In Eastern countries such as Japan, where life expectancy is much higher than in the UK, Reiki is common practice and even taught in schools.

The treatment is offered to people who are fully clothed, sitting down or on a treatment couch and often accompanied by relaxing music. When the practitioner places their hands near a person, they will normally detect areas of higher energy sensitivity, indicating that these are areas that could benefit from this healing energy. When Reiki energy flows,

24

...beat workplace stress

the recipient will often feel warmth from the practitioners hands and a sense of calm relaxation typically flows. Those receiving a treatment often feel an improvement in their condition as the treatment is taking place.

TopicUK have teamed up with Sue Malcolm a registered practitioner and member of the UK Reiki Federation who is based in East Ardsley, to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a treatment.

To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is answer the following simple question: Which country does Reiki originate from?

Send your entry, together with your name and telephone number to topicuk@ghost-communications.com before the closing date of 11th July. The winner will be the first correct entry drawn after the closing date.

Don’t worry however if you’re not a winner. Sue is offering 15% discount to all competition entrants who also send an email adress with their entry and state they would like TopicUK to pass on their contact details for Sue to contact them. This offer is valid until the end of July 2014 only.

There is no cash alternative and the editors decision on the draw is final. TopicUK hold no responsibility for the treatment provided.

BUSINESS WEEK

Wakefield Business Week 2014 has come to an end, winning the title of a record year for the business event.

WAKEFIELD BUSINESS WEEK WENT OFF WITH A BANG! 26

TopicUK

T

he week kicked off with a leadership breakfast, followed by a range of ‘Meet the Leader’ events throughout the week, including a fascinating behind the scenes visit with Ian Johnson, Director of Coca Cola Enterprises and an extraordinary insight to Wakefield Theatre Royal from Sir Rodney Walker and Murray Edwards.

Overall, over 1,000 businesses got involved in Wakefield Business Week. The main event, the conference held on Wednesday saw record numbers through the door with over 600 registrations and nearly 700 businesses participating and a day of world class speakers, clinics and local exhibitors.

Organisers have received fantastic feedback regarding the conference. Darren Peters from Leeds Bradford Airport commented: “It

really was a fantastic day for us which generated lots of leads and enquiries for Leeds Bradford Airport, both for the corporate client and also for personal holidays. I attend lots of these events and Wakefield Business Conference 2014 was one of the best that I have ever attended.”

Speaker, founder of the Big Issue, John Bird said: “I’ve spoken at a lot of events and this one has a rare buzz and energy to it – fantastic”.

Chadwick Lawrence, principal partners of the event appreciated the lack of hard sellers this time around: “Excellent organisation and we only had two hard sellers – even they were soft approaches – usually we have absolutely loads!”

Thursday saw a packed Chamber Connections Count event accompanied by the Yorkshire Post Deputy Business Editor Greg Wright sharing his tips on how to compose a headline hitting press release followed by a Q&A for delegates.

Issue 8 June 2014

Greg Wright tweeted “Fantastic event this morning with local businesses that have great stories to tell at the Mid Yorkshire Chamber.”

The week closed with a fabulous FirstFriday event, hosted by Wakefield First providing a lively debate on Good Growth Wakefield Business Week showcased all that is great about the district’s businesses, showing what more is to come in the upcoming Kirklees Business Week in October and Calderdale Business Week to follow in November.

Get involved now, members of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber receive a £100 discount on exhibition stands, or share your knowledge and submit an event to run as part of either business week by contacting myconferences@ mycci.co.uk.

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OVER TO OUR SPONSORS

WELCOME TO OUR SPONSORS TopicUK is proud to welcome on board two new sponsors for 2014.

The ridings Shopping Centre and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats who joined a whole host existing sponsors.

Each one has provided a statement, telling us a little about themselves and will provide updates about their business throughout 2014.

Ghost are offering a number of

sponsorship packages for as little as £1200 for the year.

For this, you will receive a full page advertisement in every issue of TopicUK during 2014 (worth £1770) as well as a mention on our sponsors page, together with your logo. On top of this, each will have articles published that are newsworthy.

In addition, each sponsor will be mentioned on our website and will

have their ‘tweets’ re-tweeted where appropriate.

This is a fantastic PR package to have your name reaching as many as 10,000 readers throughout Wakefield and surrounding areas.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Gill on 07711 539047 or email gill@ghost-communications.com

Wakefield Business Week and conference went off with a bang with over 1000 involved in creating a fantastic event for the district.

About MY Conferences MY Conferences run in partnership by the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Hillrich; encompasses conferences and business weeks in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.

The Chamber has ambitious plans to take the conferences to the next level. More resource, greater connections and a wider reach will help to achieve more exhibitors, delegates, partners, fresh speakers and seminars. And the result of this will see more growth into the local economy.

Get involved in Kirklees Business Week 2014 (KBW14) 13th-17th October with the conference on 15th October at The John Smith's Stadium. Calderdale’s first business week (CBW14) will follow KBW on 10th-14th November with the conference on 12th November at The Shay Stadium, Halifax.

Booking is now open for exhibition stands, with over half of Kirklees exhibition stands sold already.

Be the expert, help the district by sharing your business knowledge and run a seminar as part of the business week.

For more information and to book for KBW14 and CBW14 contact myconferences@mycci.co.uk.

Putting on the style!

With Summer in full swing, putting the right outfit together can sometimes be a tricky affair, especially with the weather changing without much notice! In July we have two events to help with any fashion dilemmas with our Style Fair, on Sunday 6th July. Running alongside our monthly craft market, we’ll have even more stalls for you to enjoy, plus a catwalk show presenting three local designers, who make fabulous handmade garments.

On Saturday 12th July we have Style Saturday.

A professional stylist and make-up artist will be on hand sharing the tricks of the trade and all the latest fashion finds.

Plus, we’ll have a fashion show with a difference when our dancing models will be showcasing Summer, Autumn preview and capsule wardrobe top picks. To top it off, we will be joined

by TOWIE’s Danielle Armstrong for photos and autographs between 1pm - 3pm. For more details of these and all other news and events at The Ridings, see www.ridingscentre.com

WELCOME TO NEW SPONSORS WAKEFIELD TRINITY WILDCATS Wakefield Trinity Wildcats sit at the heart of the community and as the only professional sports club in Wakefield, it’s safe to say that Wakefield is a rugby city. To celebrate that the Wildcats are holding a special event ahead of their game against London Broncos on Friday 13th June with junior amateur clubs, hall of fame legends and, of course, the modern day Wildcats taking to the field.

Hospitality is available for the game and is a great way for entertaining clients or rewarding staff. Contact Martin Hopkins via martinhopkins@wakefieldwildcats.co.uk or call 01924 211611 to be part of what promises to be an entertaining night.

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TopicUK

Trinity Walk support the armed forces Trinity Walk Shopping Centre are holding an event on Friday 27 June in conjunction with The Ben Manning Music Foundation.

Trinity Walk will be releasing 100 balloons to make

Issue 8 June 2014

the centenary of WW1. People will be able to write a message on the balloon for those who may have lost their lives in conflict or who may still be fighting.

The Ben Manning music foundation will be at the armed forces event at Nostell Priory on the 22 June where people can write their messages in preparation for the release.

There will also be live 1940s style music and a tea party!

For more information, please visit www.trinitywalk.com

Sarcophagus Digital Sarcophagus are software engineers, specialising in cloud based information management and established in Wakefield.

In 1998, they pioneers the-project.com, one of the UK’s first cloud applications. The Project Collaboration solution is delivered as a monthly service to bring teams and information together saving time, risk and project costs.

Although it was originally designed to manage construction and property portfolios, it works for all projects from sole traders to internationally recognised clients. It provides an audited and standardised management platform to accelerate project delivery. In 2001 it was the first company of its type to reach profitability and continues to be developed in house to meet evolving business needs.

The company are also authors of eTenderer.com and MsgSave.com providing online tendering and email archiving respectively. eTenderer.com standardises administration and provides a transparent and audited way of working.

Tender documents can be complied and tenders invited and submitted via sealed bids into an online safe deposit box.

MsgSave was developed to manage the rapid growth in email to provide business continuity, regulatory compliance and eDiscovery.

Sarcophagus have a solid reputation and international presence but are proud to be based in Wakefield. They recently formed InspiringSkills.com, a Leeds City Region group to inspire growth sector skills and align education with business. For further information contact info@sarcophagus.co.uk

Ramsdens, an award winning and leading legal firm in Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield.

With its principal office in Edgerton and nine branch offices in Dewsbury, Elland, Huddersfield, Halifax, Holmfirth, Leeds, Mirfield, Slaithwaite and Wakefield, Ramsdens is perfectly placed to build on its 140 years heritage in the area.

With 170 staff, working in 12 different practice areas, across nine offices, with solicitors and support staff fluent in 4 languages,

Ramsdens offers the full spectrum of legal services to organisations and to the individual.

Our shared values guide how we conduct our relationships with one another and our clients…we are a local team……supporting local people and businesses.

(Ramsdens were Highly Commended in the Law Firm of the Year, 2013.)

Ramsdens are supporting Topic magazine and Sinéad Sopala Director of Marketing at Ramsdens comments: “Ramsdens

are delighted to support Topic.

The magazine is published independently and is driven by Gill and her teams passion for the community’s they are in and we’re delighted with the announcement that the magazine in now a social enterprise.

Here’s to a fabulous summer and good luck to everyone with their #TopicUKontour selfies... and let's see how far we can get the magazine. Don't forget about #TopicPaparazzi, they could be at event near you this summer!

The Dinosaurs have arrived at New Dock Hall!! Check out the full story on page 10 www.rai-events.co.uk or call 01132 2201990 or email enquiries@rai-events.co.uk

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CHARITY ROUNDUP start for me with two and a half hours of cycling up and down lots of hills,” he explained, “it was well worth the effort and if people want to sponsor me again, I will be happy to do it all over.”

David joins The B&Q Great Energy Race Spawforths Senior Urbanist, David Kemp has joined The Great Energy Race, sponsored by B&Q. David has been long-listed in The Observer Ethical Awards Great Energy Race because of the sustainable features that David and his wife Claire took into consideration when refurbishing their home.

Throughout March, David was challenged to think of innovative ways to reduce energy use with the assistance of a £250 allowance. “I began thinking of little ways I could change things around the home, such as purchasing plug timers to prevent the Virgin TiVO box and WiFi from being active overnight. I purchased a water butt to collect rain water and a compost bin to reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill,” David told TopicUK. “We also put We save you time a timer on the shower we save you money to encourage quicker showers, insulated heating and water pipes and replaced traditional light B U Y I N G S E R V I C E bulbs with LED ones.

Making small changes hasn’t really been much of a sacrifice, everyone should consider washing at 30 degrees instead of 40, recycling more and putting on an extra sweater instead We guarantee to save you double the of the heating. amount it costs to use us and...

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However, David wanted to do more than just save energy himself, he wanted to inspire others too, so he asked for friends and his Spawforth colleagues to sponsor him, not with cash, but with actions to change their energy habits.

David committed to cycle from his home in Sheffield to Spawforths office, approximately 30 miles and be there ready for work at 8am. “It was a 4.30am

A total number of 96 pledges were received for small lifestyle changes, cutting the carbon dioxide produced by over 5800kgs (enough to compensate for driving nearly 14,000 miles by car).

David just missed out on being ‘Doer of the Month’ by just three pledges and would have won a year’s supply of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.

The Observer Ethical Awards announced the winner as we went to press and although he was shortlisted, sadly David missed out on the top prize of £10,000 worth of renewable features from B&Q.

How to reduce your carbon footprint

There are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint. You might do things like: - insulating your home - buying energy-efficient appliances - switching off electronics at the wall - walking, cycling or using public transport - holidaying closer to home.

The UK aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 80 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050.

To help make that happen, we should all aim to achieve a low carbon footprint.

Jordans take the

DRAGON CHALLENGE! Jordans Solicitors are once again fundraising for KIDS by participating in the Wakefield and Huddersfield Chantry Rotary Clubs Dragon Boat Challenge.

The race is held at Pugneys Country Park on Saturday 12th July and the team are looking for donations and sponsorship.

Jordans participated in the dragon boat race last year when a team of 18 members of staff from across their four offices selflessly gave up their Saturday for a day of fun on the water. The firm’s efforts raised over £900

for a very deserving local charity KIDS, which supports disabled children and their families within the Wakefield District.

As this was the first time they took part they were pleasantly surprised to win the title of “Best Ladies Team” which was awarded to the team with at least 50% female participants who recorded the quickest time. This year they will be aiming of the main prize….!

If you would like to make a donation or sponsor the team contact Leanne on: leanne. bolan@jordanssolicitors.co.uk

For the latest looks WALK this way Trinity Walk Shopping Centre offers the very best in high street fashion and much, much more, all in one convenient location.

Easy to get to, easy to shop.

And, there’s cafés and restaurants to relax in, ample parking and fun for all the family.

Trinity Walk in Wakefield – shopping exactly the way you want it.

fo r h e r

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d L E i Ef K A W www.trinitywalk.com

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EASY

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LOCAL HEROES

DON’T PUT YOUR DAUGHTER ON THE

STAGe !

Mark Ridgway OBE, Managing Director of global engineering company Group Rhodes

Written by Sam Grundy Group Rhodes has a 190 year history of being based in the heart of Wakefield. It also has facilities across the North of England and in Bangalore, India.

The group is one of Europe’s largest OEMs in its field, supplying a vast range of metal-forming machinery, clay working and concrete machinery, technical fabrication services, material handling systems, waste recycling equipment and aerospace special purpose equipment.

In 1824, Joseph Rhodes, as a young man of 20, built his first machine in a small workshop in Wakefield.

From making machines to turn out such items as cutlery and oil cans for households in the West Yorkshire town, the company has progressed to designing high tech computer controlled machine tools for worldwide distribution. And, as Joseph Rhodes was way ahead of his time, the company still follows that pioneering spirit of invention and innovation and still based in the heart of Wakefield.

Group Rhodes state that they “pride themselves not only on the quality of their products, but on the quality of their people. It’s a team imbued with a culture of innovation. They are committed to first class designled, British engineering and are geared directly to the needs of their customers.”

Mark Ridgway and Group Rhodes achievements are extremely impressive.

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Mark took time out of his busy schedule to talk to our charity correspondent Sam Grundy, about his love for his City and the pleasure he gets from working in a district that has such surprising, but sometimes overlooked qualities.

We all know that a healthy economy requires diversity across all sectors, the importance of Group Rhodes for the Wakefield Districts economy is of major significance. Mark was the Wakefield District’s Business Person of the Year

2011 and has chaired Wakefield’s Enterprise Partnership board. Mark is active on a regional / national stage and has been a great ambassador for both Wakefield, the region and the engineering sector. He is currently President of the UK’s Manufacturing Technologies Association and recently accompanied the Prime Minister as part of a trade mission to India.

Mark describes Wakefield as ‘aspiring

TopicUK but not pretentious’ but this accurately describes Mark as much as it does Wakefield. When he was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his services to industry, he said: “It is humbling to receive it and a massive surprise. But I see it as good recognition for the company and hope it will raise our profile.”

Mark is a keen distance runner and runs on a regular basis.

He loves the countryside around Bretton, Clayton West and Wintersett. His favourite run is through Seckar Wood, Woolley Edge, Wheatley loop, returning to Newmillerdam via Notton. However, he also loves Wakefield because of its lack of pretension, its fabulous cathedral, the Hepworth gallery and great pubs that serve real local ale like Harry’s Bar, The Hop and Fernandes.

Surprisingly for such a grounded, down to earth guy, Mark has also tackled the world’s highest commercial bungee jump, has learned to sky dive and scuba dive. Interestingly when pushed to be critical about Wakefield, Mark talks about the lack of a good sporting facility and the need for a major new stadium. When pushed further, he talks about the districts need to address the traffic congestion issues in the East of the town, but what is obvious is that Mark has a real regard and pride in his home town.

Passionate about the benefits of working in engineering, Mark is currently leading the Leeds City Region’s bid for funding from the Employer Ownership of Skills Fund. This

Issue 8 June 2014

programme is designed to encourage employers to develop proposals that raise skills, create jobs and drive enterprise and economic growth. He is very articulate about advocating a career in engineering and especially would like to urge more women into the profession. There are a number of reasons for this. If you’re reading this article and you have a daughter, or yourself are at a crossroads considering a new career, take heed!

The old image of engineers who wear overalls, muck about with machines and get their hands dirty is out-dated.

The truth is that qualified engineers now earn equivalent salaries to the legal profession and there are more jobs than graduates. The areas of work are so varied, there is something for all interests from medical sciences, traditional industries through to space travel and communication technologies. However, the sad fact is that women are not choosing engineering as a career. Of the 20 apprentices that Rhodes Group currently has on its books, only one is a woman. Compare this to the legal profession where 60% of graduates are now female, its long overdue for engineering to become a career choice for more women.

“The point is that engineers get to do really cool stuff, earn a great salary, travel the world and are in high demand. What better career?” concluded Mark.

Local Heroes is researched and written by Sam Grundy, fundraiser for Kids.org a local charity based in Wakefield.

Cedar Court Wakefield

Calendar of Events 2014 JULY

SEPTEMBER

Sat 5th

Sat 6

80’s Live Band

£28pp 3 course dinner & disco £55pp dinner, bed & breakfast

Sat 12

th

Dirty Dancing

£28pp 3 course dinner & disco £55pp dinner, bed & breakfast

th

Tribute to Rod Stewart

£28pp 3 course dinner £55pp dinner, bed & breakfast

Fri 19th Disco Inferno

Fri 18th Pop Party

£25pp 3 course dinner, act & disco £50pp dinner, bed & breakfast

£25pp 3 course dinner & disco £50pp dinner, bed & breakfast

Sat 27th Movie Mayhem

AUGUST Fri 1

st

Yorkshire Day

£28pp 3 course dinner, act & disco £55pp dinner, bed & breakfast

Free admission

OCTOBER

Fri 29th Pop Party

Fri 3rd

£19.95pp 2 courses & disco £50pp dinner, bed & breakfast

Pop Party

£19.95pp 2 courses & Disco £50pp dinner, bed & breakfast

Fri 24th Navi - Tribute to Michael Jackson

Sun 2nd Wedding Fayre Free admission

£30pp 3 course dinner, act & disco £55pp dinner, bed & breakfast

Sat 15th Boogie Night

Fri 31st Murder Mystery

Sun 16th Peppa & George Character Breakfast

£30pp 3 course dinner & Murder Mystery act £55pp dinner, bed & breakfast

NOVEMBER Sat 1st

Disco Inferno

£25pp 3 course dinner & disco £50pp dinner, bed & breakfast

£25pp 3 course dinner & disco £50pp dinner, bed & breakfast

£10 per adult £5 per child under 2’s free of charge

Sat 29th Tribute to Freddie Mercury £28pp 3 course dinner & disco £55pp dinner, bed & breakfast

Call 01924 276310 or visit www.cedarcourthotels.co.uk/wakefield

33

COUNCIL NEWS

WBSP HELPS NEW

BUSINESSES FLY

T

he Wakefield Business Support Programme (WBSP) works with new start and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) free of charge to achieve success no matter what their business needs.

The Programme has engaged with over 400 SMEs, assisting over 40 including 5 social enterprises and creating over 40 jobs. The aim for increased GVA is on target to meet £1M by the end of the Programme.

Falconry business KL Falconry, is one of those businesses that has benefitted from the WBSP’s assistance. The company was set up by Kira Weston of Pontefract last year and her birds of prey have since performed at numerous events in the local area and even as far as Nottingham.

Lira has owned birds since the age of 14 and was inspired to set up her business after visiting South Africa in 2012, when she spent five weeks volunteering at a wildlife centre. Kira now has a

34

collection of birds that offer birds of prey experiences and public flying display including an African Spotted Eagle Owl and a Harris Hawk.

But Kira, who trained as a vet, said she could not have made her entrepreneurial leap without the help of the Programme.

She was assigned a mentor under the scheme, who helped her to draw up an effective plan for developing the business, and she has applied for a grant which will help her to expand the company.

Kira was also assisted by an allowance paid by Job Centre Plus, which helped her meet her weekly living costs so that she could put all of her earnings back into the business.

Kira said: “The Wakefield Business

Support Programme helped me to draw up my business plan, which was really useful because I’ve always been more suited to working outdoors than doing academic things.”

“I wouldn’t have been able to set up the business at all without the help of the Programme.”

Advisors from the Programme are still in contact with Kira and KL Falconry has exhibited at a series of WBSP events including the Wakefield and Castleford Enterprise Shows gaining more coverage for the business.

Moving You Sell your home with us

Estate Agents and Surveyors for the Wakefield area  01924 664777 info@movingyou.co.uk

We are a new local independent Estate Agency covering Wakefield and surrounding areas, stretching as far as Morley, Leeds and further afield. Our service is tailored to provide a specialist advice service on how best to sell and buy your home. So whether you’re looking to sell or buy a house, flat or commercial property, we are here to help you.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SALES AS WELL AS LETTINGS AND MANAGEMENT. WE ARE ALSO PROFESSIONAL SURVEYORS OFFERING:

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Building Surveys Homemover and Homebuyer Reports Valuations for Sale, Purchase, Probate, Matrimonial And Tax Purposes Defect Reports

DETAILS OF ALL OUR SERVICES CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE: WWW.MOVINGYOU.CO.UK

Covering Schools, Construction, Retail, Corporate, Healthcare and Sports Venues

C&D Cleaning Services Limited has a dedicated team of professionals that enables

Taking a shine to you!

For further details contact us on: 01226 240 777 or email: info@cdcleaningservices.co.uk www.cdcleaningservices.co.uk

TRAVEL LOOKING FOR A ROMANTIC GETAWAY

THIS SUMMER?

TopicUK caught up with Helen Massey, founder of Romantic Cottage Holidays and we couldn’t resist letting you know about the business she runs from her home in Wakefield.

Helen’s passion for property started when she was 16, after spending two weeks work experience at an established Surveyors and Estate Agents in Wakefield. Continuing on to study for a degree in property at Northumbria University, Helen becoming the youngest person in her year to qualify as a Chartered Surveyor with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Educated at Wakefield Girls’ High School, Helen has lived in Wakefield all her life, but spent much of her childhood holidays on the North Yorkshire Coast, which gave her the inspiration for creating Romantic Cottage Holidays.

36

S

ince launching in 2003, the company has received numerous accolades, including most recently an independently rated achievement for Two Sneaton Hall near Whitby. This luxury property was chosen as one of the ‘Top Ten Baby Friendly Places to Stay in the UK’ as chosen by guests of Baby Friendly Boltholes (www.babyfriendlyboltholes. co.uk). In April 2014, Romantic Holiday Cottages won a WOW award from Jacqueline Gold, chief executive of Knickerbox and Ann Summers, via her female entrepreneur awards scheme on Twitter. Jacqueline encourages fellow women in business to tweet her, every Wednesday, using hashtag #WOW along with their business name and a brief overview of what they do, all in less than the 140 characters per message allocated by the social networking site. Jacqueline then chooses her favourite three to become #WOW (Women of Wednesday) winners.

She looks for interesting businesses with strong brand values and potential to grow and succeed in their industry.

Helen, together with her husband; former professional rugby player Pete Massey, spotted a gap in the market for quality self catering properties and opened their first property in Robin Hood’s Bay, a small one-

bedroomed cottage was rapidly transformed into a high quality bolthole and in the first year, 48 weeks were filled with lettings to holidaymakers.

Says Helen: “that part of the country is really a true second home for me. I felt there was a gap in the market for a holiday agency with true local knowledge and contacts. Things led from there.”

Since launching with her first home, White Rose Cottage, Helen added Two Sneaton Hall near Whitby and Crab & Lobster Cottage in Runswick Bay to her portfolio. Shortly after, friends started asking if they could become part of the Romantic Cottage Holidays family.

Helen said: “Friends asked if I would consider looking after their properties for them too, which is flattering and a huge responsibility, but I enjoy what I do and I represent their homes as if they were my own. I am passionate that our guests and owners are confident they can trust what we offer and that’s why we get so many repeat bookings.”

Social media and PR have been key channels for growing the brand and have played a significant role in raising awareness and marketing communications.

Helen created the #yorkshirehour networking event on Wednesday evenings on Twitter and runs the @yorkshire_hour account. With nearly 18,000 followers, the weekly event regularly trends on the UK lists. (It even trended when the new Pope was inaugurated!)

Romantic Cottage Holidays currently has 12 properties on its books with a couple more to be added by the end of this year. Specialising in accommodation in the pretty village of Runswick Bay, Helen has 9 properties which are available for self catering holidays all year round.

If you would like more information or would like to book, visit the website at www. romanticcottageholidays.co.uk or email Helen on info@romanticcottageholidays.co.uk

TopicUK

IS IT RELEVANT? "Unlike individual life cover, premiums of a relevant life plan are paid for by the business, rather than the person named on the policy... often premiums are tax deductible"

If you’re a small business owner, you might want to consider taking out a relevant life policy to cover you and/ or any key members of staff, should a death occur while employed by your company.

Issue 8 June 2014

tax charge if you take out a policy on their behalf.

For more information about life policies contact Lee Glennan on 01924 377607 or email him on lee.glennan@gwmfinancial.co.uk

This is an area of managing business that no one likes talking about and while one of the more difficult subjects to broach, it’s one that can result in significant benefits.

Unlike individual life cover, premiums of a relevant life plan are paid for by the business, rather than the person named on the policy. Often these premiums are tax deductible, meaning there is an immediate win for the company’s bottom line, although it’s worth double-checking this with your product provider as an when it becomes appropriate. For the employee, they can also enjoy certain tax benefits, as the cover will not be categorised by HMRC as a benefit-inkind, therefore they won’t be hit with a

GlennanWealth Management Limited Email: info@gwmfinancial.co.uk



FINANCIAL PLANNING AND INVESTMENT PLANNING SERVICES FOR PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS, COMPANIES, TRUSTS AND CHARITIES.

 WE PROVIDE AN INDEPENDENT ADVICE SERVICE, DELIVERED IN PLAIN ENGLISH

BY HIGHLY QUALIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS.  WE ALSO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SERVICES FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

Offices now in Wakefield!

The Grainstore Woolpacks Yard Wakefield WF1 2SG Telephone: 01924 377607 Fax: 0333 3449425

THROUGH OUR TRADING STYLE GWM CORPORATE FINANCIAL SERVICES COVERING: • • • • • • • • •

Director Pension Planning and Profit Extraction Business Protection Shareholder and Partnership Protection Keyperson Cover Workplace Pension Reform - Auto Enrolment Employee Pension Planning Employee Benefit Schemes Health Insurance Capital Raising and Restructuring

Offices also in Leeds at:

West One 114 Wellington Street Leeds LS1 1BA Telephone: 0113 388 4885 Fax: 0113 203 1429

37

Restaurant Review

A Wakefield gem of

Asian delights

This issue, our regular Restaurant Review Editor Kevin Trickett is enjoying a well deserved break, so TopicUK Editor Gill Laidler has stepped in to visit the very popular Kashmiri Aroma, conveniently situated on the outskirts of town on the Paragon Business Park.

ome of the Curry Club, since its opening almost 18 months ago, the Kashmiri has become a firm favourite locally and is busy almost every night, so booking is always advisable. This can be done online too with their simple and unique fast booking service.

Now I must admit and for those who know me, I am somewhat a fan and regular customer, so 38

I took along guests, so we were sure to try as many dishes as possible.

The restaurant is run by Managing Director Tariq Mahmood and his family and is surprisingly more spacious than it looks from outside and is beautifully decorated with modern contemporary fittings. On arrival, the welcome is always warm with handshakes not only from management, but many of the staff

TopicUK

too and guests can enjoy a drink in the large comfortable bar area before being seated, always promptly.

Once at our table with crisp white table linen, our waiter in authentic costume, is quick to ensure napkins (again crisp white linen) are placed on our laps and takes our drinks order, which arrives very quickly. Our party of four ordered a bottle of perfectly chilled Sauvignon Blanc from Chilli, a crisp clean wine suitably priced at £17.50 or £3.30 a glass. Our gentleman diner enjoyed a classic Indian Cobra lager. The wine list is extensive with prices ranging in red’s from £14.95 for a Le Bouquet Rouge Georges Deboeuf to a Chateau Palis Cardinal St Emilion Grand Cru at a pricey £42.00. The white wine range starts at £14.95 rising to £34.50 for the White Rabbit Riesling Dry from Germany. Rose wines are also available as are Champagne’s ranging from a Prosecco at £22.50 through to a Bollinger at £60. There is also a good selection of spirits, liqueurs, bottled and draft beers as well as cider.

We visited on a Sunday evening when the popular buffet is served, as well as the extensive a la carte menu. In order to sample as many dishes as possible 2 diners opted to order from the main

menu with the others visiting the buffet.

For a starter I enjoyed Dhuan Machli, smoked haddock marinated in selected herbs and spices then oven baked. This was delicious and just the right portion size at £4.50. I like a really spicy curry and opted for the Chicken Madras served with Pilau rice. This is a hot dish and not for the feint hearted!

My fellow diner ordered a mixed Tikka starter, chicken and lamb marinated in selected herbs and spices and cooked over charcoal at a respectable £3.95.

For main course she opted for Chicken Hyderabadi, a rich dish cooked with tangy spices, green coriander, fresh cream, yoghurt, tomatoes, garlic and ginger at £7.95, this was accompanied by a portion of boiled rice at £2.50.

The two diners visiting the buffet were equally delighted with their choice.

There was a large selection of starters: chicken Tikka; Seekh Kebab; Machli Masala (haddock marinated in selected herbs and spices then deep fried), vegetable Samosa with an extensive salad bowl and pickle tray.

The main courses were just as impressive with chicken Pasanda; Karahi Murgh (chicken); chicken Makhni and Handi Lamb, cooked with

Issue 8 June 2014

onions, garlic, tomatoes, green chillies, yoghurt and fenugreek. This dish was a particular favourite with our diners!

There was also a large selection of vegetable dishes such as Aloo Gobhi, baby new potatoes & fresh cauliflower cooked with spring onions, tomatoes, fresh coriander, green chillies and selected herbs and spices and naan breads.

For dessert my fellow diner chose chocolate and vanilla ice cream from the main menu that was well presented and of very good quality. The two buffet diners chose chocolate cake with a rich creamy custard and the other, cheesecake with jelly.

The verdict on the buffet was that it was excellent value for money at £13.50 per head with the option of returning as many times as you wish, with a good selection of dishes, catering for all tastes including vegetarians.

The main menu is extensive making it difficult to choose from, but it does cater for all tastes.

Summing up, the service is excellent and the restaurant has a lovely bustling atmosphere. Music is played in the background but is difficult to hear.

The restaurant also caters for private parties and events in a private dining area and is open 7 days a week, including Christmas day. New Years Eve is celebrated with a five course gala dinner, dancing and fireworks and is the highlight of the year and excellent value for money.

Kashmiri Aroma is the third restaurant opened by Tariq and his team, the first in Ilkley and the second in Sheffield, and expansion is imminent with the fourth site due to open in Halifax later this year.

Kashmiri Aroma 2 Herriot Way, Paragon Business Village Wakefield WF1 2UJ Tel: 01924 373223 Email: info@kashmiriaroma.com Web: www.kashmiriaroma.com Opening times: Evenings: Mon to Thurs 5.30pm - 11.pm Fri & Sat 5.00pm - 11.30pm Sun 1.00pm - 10.30pm 39

...and then they asked the most strange interview question?

"Your CV states that you are honest and forthright, so tell me now: am I too fat? My wife thinks so"

those weird questions may be weird to you, but make perfect sense to the interviewer as these questions have the ability to judge a person on issues like problem solving skills, handling stress, creativity and getting to know the interests and flexibility of a candidate.

Employers these days, seek to find the real person so want to hear interesting and spontaneous answers, they are more interested in original and off-beat answers that a potential employee frames on the spot; employers want to explore the candidate’s logic and the ability to reach a conclusion.

Andy Turner, Director of First Choice recruitment updates us on strange questions you may encounter during an interview.

You have all the right qualifications to get you through the job interview, you have prepared well, the interview is going well and then wham! you get asked one of those ‘off the wall’ interview questions which leaves you wondering ‘why’?

It used to be ‘where do you see yourself in 5 year’s time’ or ‘why should we hire you’ but today we are noting that employers are often trying to judge a person through some weird and tricky questions.

Most candidates these days, go well prepared for the job interview and therefore employers may ask questions that they never expected and will force them to think outside of the box. Well, 40

Remember, there is no right or wrong answer to these questions, all the employer wants to understand is: - What type of problem solving ability does the candidate have?

- The thinking process of a candidate.

- The behaviour of a candidate.

- The positivity (or otherwise) that the candidate can bring.

- Whether the candidate will fit in t the company culture.

So how do you prepare for these questions?

It is important to understand the importance of these oddball questions and try and be prepared for them.

Although there is no definitive way of preparing for these types of questions, what you can do at least is your homework. Know about the company, use social media to connect to the professionals already working within the organisation and endeavour to get to know the culture and the type of interview that takes place. This will give you a rough idea of how to prepare for the interview. Also, train your brain to think logically for even the most

Illustration Jason McLarnin

Recruitment

illogical question you hear.

And here are a few of the most used oddball questions in 2013: - How many cows are there in the UK? - What song best describes your work ethics?

- What kitchen utensil would you be?

- How many pound coins would you need to reach the top of Blackpool Tower?

- What do you think when you are alone at home?

- If you were to get rid of one County in England, which would it be and why?

- My wife/husband and I are going on holiday, where would you recommend and why?

Questions like number of cows and which County to eliminate would be testing the thought process of a candidate; there is obviously no right answer but they are testing your thought process and the way you come to your answer. In simple terms they give you a puzzle and observe the steps you complete to get to your answer.

Remember what matters are the steps and not the final statement.

So the final words - these questions can cause irritation to candidates but it is important to make the right decision to hire for all parties concerned and therefore you should be prepared well in advance to answer all questions, however quirky. Polish your thinking skills, update your knowledge of the company and display a positive attitude at all times.

The questions are not tough they are just tricky and they need to be handled with a degree of intelligence.

A collaboration between bus and train companies and West Yorkshire Combined Authority has led to travel becoming smarter and tickets more readily available throughout the region, as they are offered at more than 700 Payzone outlets.

Passenger travel gets smarter

with the Payzone roll-out

MCard is the largest smartcard scheme of its kind outside of London and enables people to travel across West Yorkshire’s bus and rail network using a single ticket.

It has been launched following months of planning and intensive training with bus and rail companies as well as Payzone outlets, in readiness for the roll out.

New smartcard readers for all 700 Payzone stores within West Yorkshire were installed towards the end of 2013, with all terminals meeting with the strict requirements of the Integrated Transport Smartcard Organisation (ITSO) specification.

A training programe was then managed throughout the portfolio of stores from the start of 2014, engaging with more than 700 agents at Payzone outlets. Refresher sessions for employees were then arranged from March, ensuring that each store was prepared for the launch in April and a mystery shopper exercise was used to determine and confirm the readiness of all outlets.

You Tube training videos explaining transactions were developed and produced for Payzone staff to make the process of training each separate sales person simpler, As well as the You Tube videos, literature and Payzone representatives are all on-hand to offer support and answer any questions that retailers and employees have at each store.

All bus and rail companies have invested in new technology in order to be able to read 42

and record card usage on vehicles, with rail companies also adapting station gates to operate using the new smart cards.

their vehicles with smart ticket machines. Paper counterparts will show what ticket product has been loaded into the smartcard.

The training includes reminders for vendors to ensure they provide customers with paper counterpart on a grey laminate, which is issued alongside the MCard, for use on trains and with the small number of bus companies that are yet to equip

With Payzone outlets opening on average over 14 and a half hours per day, Monday to Saturday and nearly 14 hours on a Sunday, transport tickets are now much more readily available to travellers throughout the region.

TopicUK

Issue 8 June 2014

#TopicUKonTour

Going on holiday? Attending a fabulous event this Summer?

We are launching our Summer competition and we are asking readers to send us a photo of themselves clutching a copy of our June edition in an exotic location; on a beach; in a boat; riding a donkey; watching le Tour pass by... whatever the occasion, whatever the backdrop... the quirkier the better.

You can tweet us your picture @ TopicUK and use the hashtag #TopicUKonTour, you can email to us at topicuk@ghost-communications.com or share with us on Facebook. from left to right, Richard Harris (Director of West Yorkshire Ticketing Company), Diane Groom (Metro Customer Services Assistant Director), Richard Soper and Stephen Bond (also Directors of West Yorkshire Ticketing Company).

ITSO information can also be reconciled against Payzone sales data to ensure a robust process has been implemented. The back office can also be used to create reports to apportion fair reimbursement to bus companies, whilst further detail can be used to identify trends, which in turn will lead to the development of new services to benefit travellers.

In addition, smart ticketing helps to reduce the level of fraud as products need to be sealed by a security module and will only be accepted on the bus and railway services if this has happened. A further advantage to travellers using the MCard is that once registered if the smartcard is lost or stolen, it can be replaced.

Chairman of West Yorkshire Ticketing Company, Richard Soper said: “All the metropolitan areas are moving towards ITSO smart ticketing for their multi-operator multi-modal tickets.

West Yorkshire is at the forefront of this activity and this is the biggest operational scheme to date outside of London.

He adds: “This is a large scale project that has taken months of planning.

We want to encourage people to use the bus and rail network in West

Yorkshire and ensuring that we have the best services available and operator systems in place, means we are equipped and ready to meet with their needs.”

We will compile a page on our website with the best pictures at the end of the Summer and decide a winner.

If you go away and forget to take your copy of the magazine, visit our website to download a picture of the front cover.

A programme of improvement is planned to allow passengers to see more detailed information about their journeys and over time manage their own accounts. Along with account management the bus and rail companies, plus West Yorkshire Combined Authority will be implementing a number of new ways to buy smart travel products including sales using a customer’s smart phone.

Soper continues: “The changing retailer trends of customers means that this project will have to evolve over time. We are already considering how we can meet the needs of our passengers by allowing tickets to be purchased using smart devices. The launch of the MCard and Payzone partnership certainly marks the start of a very exciting journey for bus and rail companies and travellers alike.”

As of April, sales of the MCard has already passed the £4,000 mark, or 248 transactions at 90 different Payzone stores. This is without any marketing or promotional activities. Using this as a benchmark, it is anticipated that the MCard will become an increasingly popular option for travellers throughout West Yorkshire.

43

commercial property All you need to know about

Leasing Commercial Property Simon Miller is the new guest editor for commercial property and will report on all property matters over coming months.

IT Clinic coming in August issue!

The process of renting a commercial property, be it a shop, office or industrial unit, is very different to renting a house and landlords and tenants alike need to be wary of the complexities of the process to ensure a successful outcome for both.

So what are the main issues for consideration as a tenant looking to take a commercial lease and in turn, what should a commercial landlord be clear about when letting a property?

In my experience the main issues in any negotiation are, firstly rent, clearly this is the main issue for both parties and any deal must work for both sides of the transaction; flexibility has been the name of the game over recent years.

While rent free periods at the start of leases are popular with tenants, most landlords will want some rent up front. However discounted rents over longer periods and stage rents have proved more popular as a compromise.

The length of lease, or the term, is always an issue, the longer the lease without a get out clause the happier the landlord on the whole and while tenants often like to build regular breaks into a lease they should bear in mind this often restricts the amount of flexibility they will be able to negotiate into the rent.

Once the rent and terms are agreed, agreement is needed on who’s paying for what going forward. Landlords will look to pass as many of the running costs of a building on to the tenant, while the tenant will want to limit these costs.

Things to agree include repairs, insurance, rates, service charges and service costs, together with legal costs amongst others.

It will make sense for all parties to get clear and agree on the major terms before involving lawyers, it will speed the process and save unnecessary expense.

44

Coming in the August issue, Paul Heigham from Bellingham IT, will be writing a regular column where readers can learn about all things IT related.

In addition, Paul will answer any questions or queries you may have relating to your computer or software.

If you have any questions, you want to ask in advance of the next issue, please send your questions to topicuk@ghost-communications. com and we will forward onto Paul who will endeavour to solve your problem.

Any Email management and archival solution should have the following functionality;

Effective email business management

Given the rapid growth in email, many of us struggle to effectively manage, share and retrieve emails.

Each year legitimate email grows exponentially with spam email requiring significant resource in terms of processing, storage and management.

Email risk and compliance can pose a huge problem for sole traders through to corporate departments and companies require a fast, automated approach to without reliance on Microsoft Exchange or human intervention.

Good email management software is designed to comply with SarbanesOxley (Sox), a law case which identified a requirement for US companies to permanently save emails for life. It also sets the standard for archival and fast retrieval ensuring eCompliance and eDiscovery. The legislation has been standardised and it now enforced in Europe.

Email overburden can be managed by saving email to centralised folders on the cloud, internal network, PC or removable disk. Attachments can be included or saved separately. File names can be configured with date and time stamps, sender, recipient and subject.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Essential Protect against critical email deletion prior to backup Enforce standardised email saving protocols (eDiscovery) Share emails with colleagues improving email collaboration.

Significantly reduce the size of your mailbox to improve performance.

Save time by saving emails automatically or in bulk or one by one Fast email retrieval with improved accessibility and less searching Email transparency and portability Improved email security Find emails without relying on the MS Exchange mail store.

No need to restore Exchange backup to find old emails Simple management for all levels of an organisation

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

DESIRABLE Automatically backup or move specific email folders Configurable file name options Save complete folders at the click of a button Save folders to mapped locations on a storage device Automatic unattended backup Save from multiple mailboxes Lock configurable settings to restrict standards.

Save to Internet location Configurable settings allowing default copying of messages at the click of a button Save .msg files to USB stick, hard drive or any other storage device.

Integration with MS Outlook Can save emails, attachments or both automatically, in bulk or one by one Configure email file naming convention to suit company email filing protocols.

For further information contact: Graham Howarth at Sarcophagus on www.msgsave.com and grahamh@sarcophagus.co.uk

Community Foundation Wakefield

MAKE a difference locally

Connecting those with the Wakefield district at heart At Community Foundation Wakefield, we connect those who care passionately about the district and it’s people.

Helping you to help your clients

We can work with you to meet your clients’ charitable needs and exceed their expectations.

We can add our expertise to yours to provide added value to your clients.

Why work with us?

Find our how you can make a difference locally by calling us on: 01924 239181 or email: swalsh@communityfoundationwakefield.co.uk

CONNECTING PEOPLE WHO CARE WITH LOCAL CAUSES THAT MATTER

Health All adults (over 18yrs) should aim to be active daily

Did you know?

I

n Wakefield we are encouraging everyone to try and do 30minutes activity every day. We are also encouraging people to reduce the amount of time being sedentary: eg sitting at a work station or watching TV. Any activity which last more than 10minutes can count towards your daily target.

There are also recommendations for how active children should be: children aged 5-18 should aim to be active for at least 1hr every day and children under 5years need at least 3 hours activity every day to help their development.

For activity to have health benefits it needs to be at an intensity which makes you feel warmer and increases your heart rate; this is moderate intensity – or it can be at an intensity which makes you sweaty and out of breath – this is classed as vigorous.

Activity which raises your heart rate has many health benefits including reducing your chance of dying prematurely, it can protect you against diseases such as diabetes, heart attacks, strokes and some cancers including breast and bowel cancer, it helps with stress and depression and can help to maintain a healthy weight which reduces the chance of developing diabetes.

In fact if exercise could be made into a pill it would be used on prescription for almost every ailment!

In Wakefield we are encouraging adults to be active every day, whether that’s using ‘active travel’ walking or cycling to work, going to the gym or getting out on an evening and over the weekend into some of the fantastic green spaces on offer in the Wakefield district.

Here is just a flavour of what is on offer: Parkrun at Pontefract Park, a 5km timed run every Saturday at 9am – There is a new one coming soon to Thornes park too… www.parkrun.org.uk (there are

runs all over the country – and beyond!)

Pugneys – hire boats, kayaks or pedelos Anglers country park – Bike hire is now up and running for just £2 per hour Council leisure centres – Have a huge range of opportunities to get active from classes including Zumba and spinning to free weights and swimming and pretty much everything in-between Organised bike rides – this is the year the Tour de France comes to Yorkshire and to celebrate we have organised a huge range of bike rides around the district, whatever your ability. At some rides you can even borrow a bike free of charge (just book in advance) visit www.cycling-wakefield.org.uk or www. goskyride.com/wakefield Love parks? We’re celebrating the range of green spaces in Wakefield with a week of events from the 25th July – 3rd August.

Visit www.wakefield.gov.uk For more information

Being active makes good business sense Workers taking time off due to ill health is now recognised a major cost to business and the wider UK economy.

The CBI estimate around 175 million working days are lost to ill health each year, which equates to a cost to UK businesses of over £12 billion a year and an annual cost of over £100 billion to the economy as a whole.

Physically active employees are significantly less likely to take time off sick, especially for stress and musculoskeletal issues.

Why promote physical activity at work?

Staff ill health has cost implications for businesses through loss of production, early retirement, staff turnover and absenteeism (both through long term sick pay and the cost of temporary staff).

Back pain is the most common cause of sickness absence from work in the UK, with an estimated 16 million people

affected each year, at a cost to industry of £5.7 billion each year. Evidence shows that physical activity can reduce a person’s risk from suffering from back pain and can also aid recovery from back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders.

Work related stress, depression and anxiety form the second most common reasons for work related sickness absence, costing the UK economy between £3.7 and £7 billion each year.

However, physical activity has been shown to have an anxiety-reducing effect and single sessions of moderate intensity exercise have been shown to reduce short term reactions to stress and enhance recovery from stressors.

Evidence suggests that physical activity can benefit an organisation because active workforces tend to: •

report less illness and recover more quickly from the illnesses they do get • experience less work absence • experience lower staff turnover • be more productive • have fewer industrial injuries • report higher levels of satisfaction with their work • create a positive corporate image.

According to the Physical Activity Task Force, 2003, physically active employees take 27% fewer days of sick leave. This equates to over two days’ improved attendance and a savings of £135 per employee.

Find out more about getting active at www.nhs.uk/livewell Apology: Please note, in our last issue the email address for contacting Dementia Friendly Wakefield was incorrect.

Anyone wanting to get in touch can contact them on: wakefielddaa@wakefield.gov.uk

If you are looking for advice on Accountancy and Taxation matters...

OR HAVE THE NEED FOR SPECIALIST SERVICES SUCH AS

• •

Inheritance Tax Planning, Business planning,

•

Mergers or Acquisitions.

Contact Chris Dix or Carolyn Harman for your free initial consultation

Chris Dix Accountants

Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors Unit 3 Silkwood Court Wakefield WF5 9TP Telephone: 01924 263766

Local solicitors for all your personal and business legal needs Company & Commercial Litigation, Disputes & Debt Recovery Residential & Commercial Conveyancing Employment Professional Negligence Family & Mediation Accident & Personal Injury Wills, Trusts, Probate & Estate Planning 18 King Street, Wakefield, WF1 2SQ 01924 387110 enquiries@jordanssolicitors.co.uk www.jordanssolicitors.co.uk Offices throughout Yorkshire Jordanssolicitor @JordanSolicitor

explore our fabulous city.

T

ake a walk on the wild side and experience Wakefield’s night out with a difference! Every other month, venues across Wakefield come alive with a variety of visual arts and crafts, live music and performances. Everyone is welcome to join us for the City Artwalk, so slip on your comfy shoes and join us to see the art on offer whilst you

Taking place on the last Wednesday of the month between 5pm and 9pm (although this can vary), Artwalk exists to showcase local, national and international talent in a range of settings within the city.

Walkers will get a unique opportunity to gain insight into practising artists based in Wakefield and beyond, whilst meeting new people in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Exhibition spaces range from the traditional art gallery, through to historic buildings, cafes, bars, retail outlets and more.

See more images on www.topicuk.co.uk

WINE & DINE

FOR ÂŁ29 Two Courses for Two People with a bottle of wine all Monday evening and Tuesday to Thursday 5pm till 6:45pm.

01924 367683 - www.iris-restaurant.com - booking@iris-restaurant.com 12 Bull Ring | Wakefield | West Yorkshire

48

TopicUK have teamed up with Oulton Hall Hotel to give our readers the opportunity of winning a 18hole round of golf for four people.

Most commonly seen as match play, a four ball match is a game in which two sides, each consisting of two golfers, play each other using better-ball scoring. Four ball is one of the formats used in the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup and other professional events. It is also seen in club competitions.

Win

a round of golf for 4 at Oulton Hall Hotel

To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize, all you have to do is answer the following question: Who is the current world champion golfer?

Email your answer, name and contact details to gill@ghost-communications. com and the winner will be the first person drawn from ‘the hat’ after the closing date of 8th August.

A

sweeping driveway leads up to one of the grandest entrances in Yorkshire, that is Oulton Hall. This unique 18th century former family mansion has beautiful landscaped gardens and lawns, Shakespeare imposing statues, sweeping spiral staircases and a state-of-the-art spa, all surrounded by 27 holes of sheer driving pleasure.

From classic Yorkshire afternoon tea served by the butler in the drawing room, to Champagne on the outside terrace, a stay at

Oulton Hall will be a unique memory until your next visit.

Plus don’t forget to visit the 2 AA rosette award-winning Calverley Grill where you can be sure that whatever you choose, a mouthwatering meal awaits you. With their great tribute nights, fabulous spa breaks and much more you will be spoilt for choice.

The winner must book direct with the hotel and the voucher presented before playing.

The prize is subject to availability and must be taken before May 2015. All rules of the course must be adhered to and these will be presented to the players on booking.

49

Audi ultra - the future of lightweight automotive construction.

At Audi, we do not view lightweight construction as being the sum of individual components but as a highly-integrated overall concept: from innovative materials and intelligent design principles to resource-efficient production processes.

The result is greater agility with lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

With CO2 outputs of as little as 109g/km the three new A4 and A5 TDI ultra models undercut the already impressively low emissions figures achieved by the familiar TDIe versions in each range. They are available to order now priced from £28,320 OTR. Although it shares its 163PS output with the more powerful of the two TDIe engines, which until now was reserved for the A5 Coupé, the unit powering the latest ultra models is a completely new development engineered for even leaner burning with no impact on performance. It works with a highly efficient Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system that removes nitrogen oxides from the exhaust and ensures that the new models meet the stringent new Euro 6 emission standards.

To experience the Ultra models yourself, please contact us to arrange a test drive.

Wakefield Audi

Calder Park, Peel Avenue, Wakefield, WF2 7UA 01924 609 357

Follow, Like and Subscribe to Sytner Audi Official fuel consumption figures for the Audi A6 2.0TDI ultra S line S tronic in mpg (l/100km): Urban 55.4 (5.1), Extra Urban 72.4 (3.9), Combined 64.2 (4.4). CO2 emissions: 114g/km.

Standard EU Test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. For more information please visit audi.co.uk/a6. Prices quoted and examples shown are correct at time of publication (May 2014).

TopicUK

Issue 8 June 2014

ONE(SIE) TO REMEMBER

W

akefield Hospice once again had the privilege of meeting hundreds of dedicated walkers who took to the streets of Wakefield to walk 6 or 10 miles to raise funds for the charity.

Approximately 450 walkers set off from the Audi Showroom on 17 May, wearing PJ’s, onesies, dressing gowns and slippers to raise vital funds for the charity.

The half-way point was at Sandal Castle, where the walkers stopped to participate in a reflection moment, lighting lanterns in memory or celebration of loved ones. Samantha Wood, Event Fundraiser said: “This was the 7th year

that the night walk had taken place and for the first time 99% of our walkers were all dressed in their PJs. The dedication that is shown by our supporters fills the organisers with joy to know that everything they are doing is supporting their local community.”

The event total will shortly be announced but we are estimating that the total sponsorship raised will be around £25,000.

We are extremely grateful to everyone who gave their support to this event from the participants, local businesses that supported in various ways and to extremely dedicate volunteers who without their help, it wouldn’t be possible.

Spawforth the Architects to go to!

Spawforth architects are a friendly Wakefield based practice who this year celebrate 25 years in business. ▶ Are you a business looking to redevelop, relocate or expand your premises? ▶ Do you have under utilised property and land that you want to enhance or sell? ▶ Are you wanting to develop new premises? ▶ Are you struggling to find a site for redevelopment?

Talk to the team at Spawforths.

We have extensive experience in the commercial market sector and supported by our in-house planning team, we can add significant value to your scheme through our knowledge and experience of local planning authority processes and procedures

For more information call us on 01924 873873 or visit our website www.spawforths.co.uk

ARCHITECTURE | PLANNING | MASTERPLANNING | LANDSCAPE | ENGAGEMENT

Cartoonists Required!

TopicUK recently met Jason McLarnin a young cartoonist who showed us a selection of his work similar to the one below, that we found amusing in the TopicUK office.

Jason is available for commissions and if anyone is interested in seeing more of his work you can visit his blog: jasonmc-art.tumblr.com or email him jmclarnin@ hotmail.co.uk This made us think that there are possibly more cartoonists out there. If you have a humorous cartoon drawing you would like to share with us, send it to topicuk@ghost-communications.com and we will publish the best one’s we receive.

You don’t have to be an artist, cartoons do not need to be professionally drawn, but do need to be humorous.