Topicuk spring 2014

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TopicUK

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Issue 6 February 2014

Dino Jaws

COMES TO THE ROYAL ARMOURIES

TopicUK

BECOMES SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

Sir rodney walker

WAKEFIELD'S OWN TOUR DE FORCE

MAKING CREATIVITY WORK IN PRINT

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TopicUK W

News.......................................................................... 4-9 Dino Jaws Comes to royal armouries

Sir Rodney Walker.......................................10-11 Wakefield's own tour de force

The Art Business............................................ 12-11 a jewel within the city

Beauty and Wellbeing.............................. 20-21 de-stress this winter with a relaxing massage

Over to our Sponsors................................ 24-25 TopicUK welcomes 5 new sponsors

Wakefield Business Week...................... 26 week commencing 2nd - 6june

Building Interest In Wakefield.............. 30-31 Dining Out............................................................. 32-33 Primal kitchen

First Choice Recruitment........................... 44-45 Celebrate 21 years in Business

AD RATES • • • •

Full page £295 Half page £160 Quarter page £90 Eighth page £45

Tel: 07711 539047 or Email - topicuk@ ghost-communications.com The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those held by the publishers and therefore no responsibility can be held by the publisher for misinterpretation. Reproduction of this magazine without the express permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Whilst every care is taken in the production of this magazine, the publisher/editor cannot accept any responsibility for errors in articles, advertisements or programme schedules. To subscribe to this magazine, submit an article or press release please contact Gill Laidler on: 07711 539047 or email 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: Sir Rodney Walker by Danny Gartside.

elcome to issue six of TopicUK as we fast approach our first Birthday and what an incredible year this has been, not just for us, but for the whole of the Wakefield business community.

Due to demand the magazine has gone from strength to strength, so much so, we have decided to re-launch as a social enterprise, demonstrating our commitment to the local business community and ensuring that all profits are directed immediately back into the magazine, strengthening its presence in our community. As a result of this, we have recruited three new board directors (read more about this on page 7).

April will see our first Birthday and to celebrate we have decided to hold a Birthday party which will take place on Friday 9th May at Theatre Royal Wakefield, between 11.30am and 12.30pm. This drinks event will be open to everyone, but remember to let us know if you wish to attend as places will be limited.

Remember, we still have a few sponsorship packages available, offering fantastic advertising and PR opportunities for local businesses, as well as affordable advertising rates.

TopicUK is available to view and download from our website at www.topicuk.co.uk and Wakefield First website www.wakefieldfirst.com For further details about the magazine or for sponsorship/advertising packages, contact Gill on 07711 539047 or email topicuk@ghost-communications.com

News

Dino Jaws

Comes To The Royal Armouries

Visitors will find themselves stepping back in time, and walking straight into the feeding frenzy of hungry dinosaurs from slow-moving plant-eaters to fierce, agile flesh eaters.

T

his spectacular exhibition brings together intriguing fossil evidence, fun hands on exhibits, scientific insights and the 10 most lifelike and spectacular animatronics you have ever seen, it will reveal everything scientists now know about what and how dinosaurs ate.

Visitors can investigate the poo...

Euoplocephalus

“We are delighted to have secured the exhibition which is in great demand.

June – September are peak dates and covers all of the long school summer holidays. We look forward to welcoming children of all ages, to what promises to be a great day out.” James Vincent – Managing Director of Royal Armouries (International) Plc.told TopicUK The lifelike spectacular animatronics will show you what paleontologists know about what that dinosaurs had for dinner!

Using the same techniques that scientists use, become a dino detective and study dinosaur jaws, claws, guts and even a huge mound of poo piled high behind the plant-eating Euoplocephalus animatronic to discover what dinosaurs ate.

Visitors can investigate the poo to find traces of what this armoured dinosaur might have eaten. They can also touch real fossilised dinosaur poo. However, they have to watch out for the deadly swinging tail of Euopocephalus.

Advance purchase ticket prices - £5.95 per person or £22.00 for a family of four and £4.75 for groups. Book now on www.dinosaursinleeds.co.uk

“Promises to be a great day out ” James Vincent - Managing Director

TopicUK

Issue 6 February 2014

5

Residential Development proposed for former Industrial Park in Newmillerdam

Spawforths Architecture, Planning and Masterplanning Consultancy, working on behalf of Consensus Property, have prepared and submitted an Outline planning application for residential development on a former industrial site located in Green Belt in Newmillerdam.

The proposed development seeks to improve the area by replacing existing dilapidated industrial buildings with up to 40 high quality houses that respond sensitively to their woodland setting and diverse ecological environment.

Exciting Changes At Winburn Glass Norfolk!

Over the past few months WGN have been working on exciting plans for expanding the Practice.

Sadly, these plans will not now include Rod Stubley, who, as he approaches 65, has decided to take a well-earned retirement as a Partner

The proposed development will enhance the local area through the incorporation of new and improved pedestrian and cycle linkages connecting the development to Newmillerdam, Hall Green, Newmillerdam Country Park and the Trans Pennine Trail, providing a footpath connection to an existing disused railway line.

TopicUK will bring you further developments as the project progresses.

from 30 April. The Firm wish Rod well and are deeply indebted to him for his contribution to the Practice as our technical “guru” and audit partner over the last 33 years.

As already announced, Jane Tindall stepped down as a partner on 31 December last, after 27 years of valuable service to WGN. They are pleased that she is currently working with them in a consultancy capacity.

Many of you will know their dynamic Tax Partner, Claire Turner, who has been instrumental in raising the profile of the Practice over the past few years. However, they feel that they do need additional (younger!)

resource at the highest level to help drive the Practice forward and are delighted to announce that, after a lengthy “courtship”, they have secured the services of two experienced and motivated chartered accountants – Helen Roberts and Jeremy Wilson. They will join the Practice on 17 February 2014 as Directors, and they intend to appoint them as Partners within the next twelve months. In the meantime Helen and Jeremy will work closely with Claire, Melvyn, together with our current energetic and enthusiastic team of accountants, in developing new ideas and processes to expand WGN.

News

TopicUK TopicUK was launched in 2013 and as we approach our first year, we have relaunched as a Social Enterprise. The reason for this is simple, the magazine is non-profit and serves the local business community with free editorial and PR. All funds raised through advertising are re-invested back into the magazine, paying for its printing and as revenue grows, will continue to do so, increasing distribution and pagination.

Many SME’s in the area have benefitted from TopicUK, as can be demonstrated from the testimonials we have received and we hope, this will continue, helping businesses and the local economy grow.

Ramsdens Merge In Halifax

HUDDERSFIELD BASED RAMSDENS SOLICITORS LLP ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THEY HAVE MERGED WITH HALIFAX BASED CLARKSONS SOLICITORS, EXPANDING ITS CALDERDALE PRESENCE.

Clarksons have for over a 150 years provided high quality legal services to the people of Calderdale and Jonathan Dixon, consultant at the newly merged Ramsdens Rice Jones Clarksons commented: “We are delighted to merge with Ramsdens. This merger is about looking forward and creating an exciting future.”

Paul Joyce, managing partner at Ramsdens comments: “We believe that together Ramsdens and Clarksons will have great strength and depth in Calderdale and will be able to offer our clients a stronger and better service.

This merger is a great opportunity for the firm and ultimately for our clients.”

In Calderdale the newly merged firm is called Ramsdens Rice Jones Clarksons.

(Ramsdens merged with Rice Jones in 2009.)

Ramsdens which is a full practice firm was established in 1870 now have 170 staff and 19 partners across nine offices throughout Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield, making them one of the largest and strongest firm’s in the area.

From L-R in the picture are Mark Hepworth, David Hofton, Jonathan Dixon and Chris Reynolds.

In order to grow the magazine our intention is to include local business people in its future. We have therefore taken the decision to expand our board of directors, appointing three local professionals who will offer their professional services and advice.

Advertising plays an important part, with all revenue going directly back into the publication. The ambition for TopicUK is to produce on a monthly basis. Prices have been set to be affordable to all. Eighth pages are available from as little as £45; quarter pages at £90; half pages at £160 and full pages at just £295.

In addition, sponsorship packages are also available, affordably priced and we already have a number of companies signed in support of TopicUK, who are benefitting from discounted advertising and free PR, as well as raising their profile in the local business community.

If you would like to submit an article or advertise with us, or take advantage of our fantastic sponsorship opportunities, get in touch now.

Call Gill on 07711 539047 or email: topicuk@ghost-communications.com

UK Social Enterprise TIM WELTON Tim lives, works and was schooled in Wakefield. He is an associate solicitor at Chadwick Lawrence where he heads the commercial litigation team.

Tim also specialises in regulatory and road traffic defence work.

Outside of work he is the Chair of the Wakefield Enterprise Partnership Professionals Group, The Working in Wakefield Committee and is a member of the WACCL organising committee, the Wakefield Enterprise Partnership Business Group and the Purple Flag Operations Group.

He is also vice chair of governors at a local primary and junior school. In his spare time Tim enjoys watching sport, reading and spending time with his family.

I see Topic as a great way of connecting business in Wakefield and driving the concept of keeping, wherever possible, Wakefield business in the district.

I am delighted to be able to support Wakefield’s only B2B magazine as a Director.

CLAIRE YOUNG Claire Young, 35, is the straight talking, no-nonsense business woman who is well known for reaching the final of series 4 of BBC1’s The Apprentice (2008) watched by over 11 million viewers.

Lord Sugar dubbed her a ‘Rottweiler’ for her tenacious approach and mindset of never giving up! Since then she has gone onto launch http://www.schoolspeakers.co.uk/ which is a speaking agency which helps to inspire, motivate and educate young people in schools, colleges and universities.

Topic UK combines 3 areas which I’m really interested in; positive community impact, business growth and creativity so I am delighted to join the team.

As a social enterprise every penny will be ploughed back into the magazine and everyone involved wil benefit. Wakefield already has a thriving business community and Topic UK provides an additional tool for collaboration, communication and growth.

SINEAD SOPALA Sinéad is the Director of Marketing at Ramsdens, where she has worked since March 2009. She leads in all areas of marketing strategy and implementation.

Sinéad has worked in professional services for over ten years completing a postgraduate diploma in International Business, a Masters in Marketing and Executive MBA. She was shortlisted in the Golden Twit Awards 2011 and 2012 (Corporate Individual category) and won Gold and Silver in 2012 and 2013 in the 'Best Use of Social Media' category at the LFS Awards.

Sinéad holds directorships at Kirklees Active Leisure and Ghost Publishing Ltd and sits on the board of the Wakefield Enterprise Professional Partnership Group.

Her latest charity adventure see's her leading The Motley Crew at The Major Series 2014 in aid of the Forget Me Not Children's Hospice in April and she is taking part in #MYcycle in June.

TopicUK celebrates first birthday TopicUK is celebrating its first Birthday in April 2014 and to recognise this important milestone, we will be holding a drinks event at Theatre Royal Wakefield on Friday 9th May from 11.30am to 12.30pm.

The event is open to everyone, but remember to let us know if you intend joining us as places will be limited. Come and

meet our new board directors and sponsors and network with a whole host of local business people whilst enjoying drinks and canapes.

To reserve your place contact Gill on 07711 539047 or email topicUK@ghost-communications.com and title the email PARTY INVITATION

News

Theatre Royal Wakefield Round up

Corporate Club members and invited friends were invited to a pre-show Q&A session with renowned comedian and TV presenter Jasper Carrott on 6 February.

Jasper took to the stage before his Stand-up and Rock show, guiding guests down memory lane in his own inimitable style, delivering a nostalgic look at the faces, places and music of our great country.

Jasper’s show completely sold out for both his shows and we are pleased to announce that Jasper has now become a Patron of our city’s theatre.

TEA WITH THE DAME

sure its in your diary now!

One of the auction prizes at the Wakefield Annual Charity Christmas lunch, held on 12 December at Cedar Court Hotel was a family ticket to see the wonderful pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, together with tea with the Dame.

FOYLE FOUNDATION

The lucky bidder was Mr Reed and his family. At the end of the performance, the family were invited up on stage to have a photograph taken with the lovely Tina Trumpington!!

Tickets for this years’ pantomime sold more than ever before. Although this season has just come to an end, we are happy to announce that our next pantomime, Beauty and the Beast will be coming to Theatre Royal on Thursday 27th November - make

Its been a busy time for the deveopment team at Theatre Royal and they have received generous donations from Garfield Weston and D’Oyly Carte. On top of this, they have been granted £50k from the Foyle Foundation to match the money they are applying for from Heritage Lottery.

Finally, the Theatre would like to welcome aboard two new corporate club members - Ridings FM and Ramsdens Solicitors. If you would like any further information about becoming a corporate club member, please contact Amy Charles on: amy. charles@theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk

TopicUK

Issue 6 February 2014

9

Transport for London Invest in LeafNut international success in the outdoor lighting market

H

arvard Engineering, world leader in the design, development and manufacture of control products for the lighting industry, is pleased to announce it has secured a contract with Transport for London (TfL) to install LeafNut, the company’s innovative wireless monitoring and control system for street lighting.

The system will initially be deployed across 35,000 of TfL’s 52,000 street lights as part of a new energy efficient lighting programme.

The programme, which also includes the installation of a new LED lighting system, aims to reduce carbon emissions in the future by approximately 9,700 tonnes a year and contribute to energy cost savings of £1.85 million a year by the time the system is implemented in 2016.

Energy consumption is also expected to be reduced by 40% compared to current levels.

Installing LeafNut, which is fully designed, developed and

manufactured at Harvard’s UK head office in Normanton, will allow TfL to remotely monitor and manage street lighting, as well as dynamically control lighting levels at different times of night.

LeafNut will also remotely record lighting failures, enabling maintenance crews to ensure that lighting levels are restored without delay.

Dana Skelley, director of asset management at TfL commented: “The performance and cost effectiveness of energy efficient lighting has improved considerably over the last few years.

Our aim is to provide assets fit for the future and this programme to upgrade lighting on the capital’s busiest roads is a simple yet hugely effective way to not only reduce carbon emissions, but to also reduce costs whilst providing better lighting of our road network.”

Russell Fletcher, sales and marketing director at Harvard Engineering commented: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract and are looking forward to supporting TfL to achieve the energy savings

and to optimise their control of the streetlights on the main TfL routes throughout the city.

For Harvard, it’s a further endorsement of LeafNut, as the preferred system in the UK street lighting market and builds on our demonstrable successes with local authorities across the UK.” LeafNut has been installed by over 100 local authorities across the world, from Sydney in Australia to Zurs Ski Resort in Austria. The innovative solution can save up to £46 per street light, per year, in energy and cut carbon emissions by up to 100kg per street light per year.

Inspired by the international success of LeafNut in the outdoor lighting market, Harvard recently launched an award winning ingenious wireless control and monitoring system for indoor lighting called EyeNut. Caption: Rasib Khan, far left, James Quinn, fourth from right and Russell Fletcher, far right from Harvard Engineering with the Transport for London team. From left, Darren Horobin, William Nash, Brian Richmond, Shaun Hamer and Dave Johnson.

Local Heroes

Sir Rodney

WALKER

Wakefield’s own Tour de Force

Photography by Danny Gartside at Cedar Court Hotel

By Sam Grundy kids.org

TopicUK

S

ir Rodney Walker was born on 10th April 1943 and in the Birthday Honours published in June 1996, the honour of Knight Bachelor was conferred upon him by the Queen for his services to sport.

Issue 6 February 2014

he has experienced in his life have been trying to instigate and deliver community projects.

In 2007, First Wakefield awarded Sir Rodney, its only Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his services to the city, sport, business and for leading campaigns which have raised an estimated £40 million for a variety of charities and good causes.

One of his proudest achievements has been his involvement with the Wakefield Theatre Royal & Opera House Trust. He always makes sure that he attends the Pantomine every year just to see and feel the pleasure that the Theatre brings to the heart of the Wakefield Community. He felt that this year’s show, Jack and the Beanstalk, was particularly enjoyable, with a great balance of jokes, music and entertainment.

In 2008, he was awarded The Yorkshire Man of the Year and in September 2012, Wakefield Council awarded Sir Rodney the Freedom of the City in recognition of his services to city, sport, business and charity.

Volunteering has been of huge benefit to him personally. From the pride of achievement, the value it has brought to his CV and the opportunities that have come his way because he is recognised as someone who is prepared to give his time for his community.

Sir Rodney’s list of achievements is so extensive that it makes astonishing reading. TopicUK’s guest editor Sam Grundy (of Kids Wakefield) had the honour of meeting Sir Rodney to find out what drives him.

What is immediately apparent is that at 70, Sir Rodney is full of energy, ambition and drive. In June 2013, he was invited by the Government to chair a new company. TdF HUB 2014, charged with the responsibility of overseeing the allocation of £10 million of Government funds to the 2014 Tour de France Grand Depart, which is to be staged in Yorkshire.

Sir Rodney is very self-deprecating. He said “Not everyone thinks I’m a hero”.

Some people he said might think that “it’s OK for me to give large sums of money away because I’ve made large sums” but he states: “I hope that most people recognise that I’ve done things for the right reason and part of that is trying to put something back into society in recognition that life has been good to me!”

Sir Rodney freely admits that he’s had to work hard and that a lot of the trials

Having a reputation of being an active community member is of value to your career. He freely admits that it is important that local business figures are seen to be active in their community and that this type of work doesn’t go unrecognised. Indirectly, he suggested that it is because he has an outstanding track record, that opportunities like Chairing 2014 Tour De France Grand Depart have been offered to him.

Sir Rodney said: “In terms of the time spent, it gives me the greatest pleasure working on community projects. At the end of the day, you only have money for a short period of time that you are here, where as the most lasting satisfaction comes from knowing that you have helped others and that you have left a lasting legacy in your community.”

Sir Rodney admitted that one of his biggest concerns for the future is that as government money is being withdrawn from the arts, that it is increasingly difficult for community projects to keep running. He wonders why more local companies don’t see the benefits of having a structured

11

approach to supporting local community projects. He points out that the big national companies have their community projects well embedded into their marketing and branding programs and that its a strategy that even small local companies can employ to raise their brand identity, increase staff retention, wellbeing and improve revenue through brand loyalty.

Sir Rodney has always brought his business acumen and skills to achieve success in the charitable sector.

Sir Rodney is very eager to see local business leaders taking an active role within the local community. His message is clear that everyone benefits from business leaders being proactive locally utilising their business skills to tackle local issues.

What is apparent, Wakefield would not be the city that it is today without his drive and ambition.

The Art Business

Jewel within the city

Murray Edwards Executive Director TRW

Theatre Royal Wakefield, Dury Lane, is a Victorian gem from which work is created and presented to challenge and delight the people of Wakefield District and beyond with performing arts of the highest quality. It is a fountainhead from which a myriad of theatrical experiences can spring, resulting in a unique producing theatre which had deep reach into its local community.

“Theatre Royal Wakefield is a much loved and important landmark in Wakefield,” said FIona Spiers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Yorkshire and the Humber.

Unfortunately, times have been difficult for this precious building. Since receiving cuts from the Arts Council in 2011, there have been many endeavours to get the theatre back on its feet.

Kate Hainsworth, Head of Development, started a corporate membership scheme a year ago, and although it’s gone from strength to strength, the need for sponsorship is as crucial as ever. There are three levels of membership offered, each package flexible with the option to be tailor-made to your business. Each level offers complimentary tickets to selected shows, priority booking, automatic listing in production programmes, with the opportunity to hire areas of the theatre (Circle Bar and stage) for corporate hospitality (canapés and drinks which can be arranged upon request).

Theatre Royal Wakefield has recently welcomed three new patrons to their team, including Jasper Carrott, Joanne Harris and Claire Young.

“I am extremely proud to be a patron of Theatre Royal Wakefield, it’s good to see how a district can benefit from hard work and a passion to help the community.”

Jasper Carrott, Comedian

Kate Hainsworth is happy to welcome them to the theatre’s group of patrons, joining names such as John Godber, Gervase Phinn, Ace Bhattie and Sir Rodney Walker. With creative talents and entrepreneurs associating their names with Theatre Royal Wakefield, it portrays how valued and important this building is, all helping towards securing its future.

Year after year Theatre Royal Wakefield work with thousands of local people through community engagement projects, introducing children to the performing arts in schools and developing their passion through our Performance Academies in Wakefield and Pontefract. Annually they attract well over 70,000 visitors into our great city, and the total economic impact of the Theatre has

TopicUK

been calculated to equate to an injection of ÂŁ4.6 million into the local economy. This architectural gem is the smallest remaining theatre designed by Frank Matcham, the Victorian theatrical architect and designer whose work also includes the London Palladium, London Coliseum, Grand Theatre Belfast, as well as Blackpool Tower Ballroom, Leeds County Arcade and many other loved and celebrated venues. Now just a fraction of his theatres survive. The Heritage Lottery Fund is working with Theatre Royal Wakefield to restore the Theatre to its authentic former

Issue 6 February 2014

glory. If plans develop as they hope, there will also be a new extension providing improved support facilities and including small-scale performance, education and rehearsal spaces.

They have already had a generous donation of ÂŁ100,000 from The Garfield Western Trust to help towards this.

For further information on Corporate Membership, becoming a Patron, or any other queries, please contact Kate Hainsworth on 01924 334 116 or email Kate.Hainsworth@theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk

13

S

n i g n pri

Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF1 1QS Phone : 01924 239413

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Law

Legal Matters Each issue Chadwick Lawrence, Yorkshire's Legal People share with TopicUK readers information to keep us all within the law.

If you have a legal question or need to know about a particular subject, email TopicUK@ghost-communications.com and we'll get Chadwick Lawrence to answer it for you.

Tupe reforms in force The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (“TUPE”) provides protection to employees and impose obligations on employers where one of two types of transfer arises: There is a transfer of a business or part of a business, where there is an economic entity that retains its identity; There is a service provision change – where a client engaged a contractor to do work on its behalf, engaged a different contractor to do that work in place of the first contractor, or brings the work “in-house”.

In such circumstances, TUPE requires employers to take various steps in relation to the transfer with the primary aim of consulting with any affected employees on the transfer and any changes (or “measures) which are proposed in connection with the transfer.

With effect from 31 January 2014 (unless otherwise stated), the following changes will be made to TUPE which will hopefully bring more certainty to the assessment of whether a transfer has taken place, improve the consultation process and simplify posttransfer variations in certain circumstances: For a service provision change to have taken place, the activities carried out pre- and post-transfer must now be “fundamentally the same”. If not, TUPE will not apply, although clearly the latest wording is open to significant debate on a case-by-case basis;

With effect from 1 May 2014, the deadline for notification of certain information has increased from 14 to 28 days before the date of the transfer. Currently, the employer transferring services out is required to provide certain “liability information” in respect of each employee (mainly relating to their terms and conditions of employment) to the new employer. This is particularly useful with regard to service provision changes where a business is tendering for a piece of work, as they can accurately assess the cost of taking on and continuing to employ any individuals posttransfer; There should be some increased flexibility to vary transferring employees’ terms once a transfer has taken place. Currently, a variation of contract is void except where either the change is unconnected to the transfer or is for an “economic, technical or organisational” reason entailing changes in the workforce. Firstly, employers will be able to rely on a change of location when arguing an ETO reason, potentially making it easier to vary the place of work post-transfer. Secondly, any collectively agreed terms could be amended after 12 months provided the new terms are, on the whole, no less favourable to the employee; Where an incoming employer is making large-scale redundancies, it is now permitted to enter into collective consultation with employees before the transfer, with the consent of the current employer; With effect from 31 July 2014, businesses with fewer than 10 employees will be able to consult with transferring employees directly over a business transfer, assuming there is no union presence or representative group already in place. Larger

TopicUK employers will still be required to go through the process of electing representatives prior to consultation commencing, however.

Sunday working and Religious Beliefs In a recent case before the Court of Appeal (“CofA”) it was considered whether or not the Employment Tribunal (“ET”) and the Employment Appeal Tribunal (“EAT”) had properly approached the issue of indirect religious discrimination where a Christian employee had refused to work on Sundays.

Mrs Mba, a Christian holding a sabbatarian belief (a belief that Sunday should be a day of rest), was employed as a care officer in a home for children with disabilities and complex care needs.

She was required to work on a rota system seven days a week. Despite her employment contract stating that she could be required to work on Sundays, the employer had allowed Mrs Mba to take every Sunday off for about two years under an informal arrangement. However, this arrangement became increasingly hard to manage so the employer started to require Mrs Mba to work Sundays. She refused and brought a claim for religious discrimination.

The ET rejected Mrs Mba’s claim finding that the employer could objectively justify the requirement of all care workers to work on Sundays. It also found that such an arrangement was needed to achieve the legitimate aim of continuing to provide cost-effective care when facing budgetary constraints. The ET accepted that Mrs Mba genuinely and deeply held religious beliefs but it also considered that her sabbatarian belief was not a “core component of the Christian faith”, i.e. some, but not all, Christians will work on Sundays. Mrs Mba appealed.

The EAT dismissed Mrs Mba’s appeal holding that that the ET was entitled

Issue 6 February 2014

to take into account the fact that many Christians will work on Sundays when applying the proportionality test. Mrs Mba appealed to the CoA. The CoA ultimately unanimously dismissed the appeal, although it did criticise the ET’s reasoning for limiting itself to looking at the impact on Christians holding the same sabbatarian belief as Mrs Mba. It did, however, hold that there was no viable and practical alternative but to require Mrs Mba to work on Sundays as required by her employment contract and Mrs Mba had knowingly entered into this. Therefore any reasonable ET would have concluded that the requirement was justified.

The most useful, practical point for employers to take away from the decision in this case is that the employer was successful in justifying the requirement to work Sundays even thought it was found to be potentially discriminatory; the main reason being that there was no viable or practicable alternative of running the home effectively without requiring Mrs Mba to work Sundays. Alternative ways of achieving the employer’s legitimate aims must arguably be the focus of any inquiry into proportionality (in addition, in this case at least, to the employee knowingly having signed an employment contract requiring her to work on Sundays).

Safe staffing levels should be extended beyond nursing MPs say that safe levels of staff ‘should apply to NHS and care sector’ and extended in England beyond numbers of nurses to include doctors and midwives, particularly in Accident & Emergency units, with breaches automatically triggering inspections.

The system, which has been generated following the scandal at the Stafford Hospital, will come into force in April.

Although currently only nursing levels are to be published and monitored, the cross-

17

party group of MPs has recommended that it be extended across the NHS. Stephen Dorrell, committee chairman, said “This should be applied across the delivery of health and care – doctors, midwives, practices nurses and social workers.

“Part of the difficulty in A&E is driven by the fact there are not enough doctors of all levels.”

The College of Emergency Medicine recommends that there are at least 10 consultants for each A&E unit, with 16 for the largest units. Currently the average is just below eight.

Committee member and Labour MP Barbara Keeley, said “Staffing levels are absolutely fundamental. It is ludicrous not to be transparent about something that patients and their families can see every day.”

The suggestion came about following a report into the progress that was being made by the Care Quality Commission, which has come under criticism since its creation in 2009.

The regulator has appointed a new chief executive and chairman in 2012, and according to the MPs now has a ‘renewed sense of purpose’. To herald an era of more specialist and tougher inspections, the leadership has appointed three new chief inspectors, to cover GPs, hospitals and social care, and is also seeking to recruit more inspectors.

Mr Donnell said “We are not yet saying all the challenges have been met. But by and large we agree with the management of the CQC about their objectives and we endorse them.”

David Prior, CQC chairman, said “This report marks an important milestone.”

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/ medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on 0800 028 2969.

InspiringSkills BACKGROUND

THE COMPANY

Wakefield Businesses and Wakefield Council have identified a significant skills shortfall in key sectors and a lack of work ready skills. A business and schools strategy group was formed with Wakefield Council to establish Methodologies, to help young people to demonstrate appropriate work ready skills and share best practice.

The company will be non-profit and has been created called Inspiring Skills which will help deliver Squirrel-iT and a skills website for business, education and Wakefield Council to monitor shortfalls and improve education and business alignment and address skills shortfalls. This will be underpinned by a three way skills charter which will provide benefits for all such as Corporate and Social Responsibility, local purchasing, business providing careers advice, standardisation, consistency and statistics.

The skills website will link to varied resources to support schools in their delivery of employability skills and

VISION The vision was to unlock young peoples potential and harness non academic complimentary work skills by creating a vehicle to deliver synergy through social cohesion, co-operation and co-creation. The purpose is the reduce NEET in the Wakefield district and align education with business. A national roll-out is planned subject to successful adoption.

The plan is to deliver, market and manage a collaborative smart device application called Squirrel-iT for young people, designed as a confidence builder and to inspire young people to bridge the skills gap and demonstrate work skills. It will record skills and achievements with incentives represented as coloured acorns. Acorns can be earned through endorsement, then shared and stored for a rainy day, eg. work experience, college application or job interviews. It will attract the right candidate to the right post and make the young more aware of the growing sector opportunities. Young people can securely store academic achievements alongside softer skills which will lead to increased confidence and aspiration.

Squirrel-iT will be accessible from primary school age through secondary, higher education and beyond.

support business growth. Schools - business matching will broker sustainable relationships to ensure young people have a comprehensive understanding of the world of work.

The system will also host a business database to support local trade.

Access to the passport will be free to all with the option of business and education paying for premium services such as sponsorships and statistical reporting. Wakefield businesses and education providers have helped to define the project deliverables and they will be the first to make use of the system.

SO WHAT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED SO FAR: •

A business plan and development specifications have been completed.

•

Wakefield schools and colleges have ‘bought-in’ to the project.

•

Ninety-two businesses have agreed to support

•

The project has been endorsed

by Joanne Roney, Wakefield Council Chief Executive as well as Leader of the Council, Peter Box.

•

First Project ‘Wakefield is Working’ is to be delivered to all Wakefield schools by September 2014.

•

The project has been endorsed

by Pat Langham OBE, former head of Wakefield Girls High School.

•

It is supported by Leeds City Region

•

It has been approved by Wakefield Cabinet

•

Phase one has already been fully funded

•

Barclays Bank have shown investor interest in life skills element.

A number of partners have already been appointed. These are: • Sarcophagus Limited • Wakefield Council • Engaging Education • Ahead Partnership • Ferry Bridge Power Station (SSE) • Prospects • Feature Media • Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors • BUY Wakefield • Wakefield Enterprise Partnership • Wakefield College • New College Pontefract • Ghost Communications Limited And a number of Wakefield schools and Education providers.

Conference Package Deals in Leeds

DAY DELE GATE RAT ES 2014

TopicUK

Issue 6 February 2014

19

at the Royal Ar mouries Muse um 3 STAR PA CKAGE

£25.

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Main Meeting Room Hire (8am - 5.30pm) Registration Ref reshments - Te a & Coffee Sandwiches w ith Te Afternoon Refre a & Coffee shments - Tea & Coffee

4 STAR PA CKAGE M

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£30.

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ain Meeting Roo m Hire (8am 5.30pm) Dedicated Eve nt Manager Registration Ref reshments -Tea , Coffee & Biscu 1 Course Buffet its Lunch with Tea & Coffee Afternoon Refre shments - Tea, Coffee & Biscu Data Projector its & Screen Free Public Wifi

5 STAR PA CKAGE

pers on

+ VA T per

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£42.

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Main Meeting Room Hire (8am + VA T per - 5.30pm) Dedicated Eve pers on nt Manager Fruit Bowls at all Refreshmen t Breaks Registration Ref & Danish Pastr reshments - Tea, Coffee, Fr uit Juice, Miner ies al Water Mid-Morning R efreshments Te a, Coffee & Bis 2 Course Buffet cuits Lunch with Tea & Coffee, Fruit Afternoon Refre Juice, Mineral shments - Tea, Water Mini Cakes Coffee, Fruit Ju ice, Mineral Wat er & Data Projector & Screen Lectern & Mic (applicable forrophone, PA System suitable numbers over fo 60 delegates) r the room hired AV Technician (8am - 5.30pm ) Free Public Wifi

Quality Counts

Royal Armouries (International) plc Armouries Drive, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1LT Web: www.rai-events.co.uk Email: enquiries@rai-events.co.uk Tel: 0113 220 1990 Fax: 0113 220 1997

Beauty&Wellbeing DE-STRESS THIS WINTER WITH A RELAXING MASSAGE

By True Beauty 4-6 Providence Street, Wakefield WF1 3BG

Do you have shoulders that ache after working at a computer screen all day, or moving around heavy objects as part of your job?

A quick half hour back massage can help alleviate this problem.

A massage is not just an indulgence, but a great way to de-stress and urge the brain to release endorphins, ‘feel-good’ hormones. These hormones trigger feelings of relaxation and relieve you of pain, tension, anxiety and stress.

What is the real deal behind a massage and how do you select the right one for you?

HOT STONES A hot stone massage is perfect if you want the intensity of a sports massage but want to relax as well. Combined with hands on massage, the heat goes deep into the muscles and relaxes tension and relieves knots. It is said that the hot stones help alleviate muscular pain, poor circulation, rheumatic and arthritic conditions, fibromyalga, back pain, stress and insomnia.

REFLEXOLOGY Reflexology is an alternative medicine involving the physical act of applying pressure to the feet, hands or ears, with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. With ever increasing levels of stress in our life, Reflexology helps us to cope with this mental, physical and emotional stresses thereby encouraging us to heal from health conditions.

BACK MASSAGE OR FULL BODY MASSAGE Swedish Massage is the most common type of massage at a spa or salon. Swedish massage combines various hands-on techniques including gliding, kneading and cross-fibre friction to break up muscle knots, called adhesions. It helps relax the muscles, stimulate the lymphatic system thus breaking down cellulite and rejuvenates the body by bringing fresh oxygen to the surface of the skin.

SPORTS MASSAGE Deep tissue sports massage is hugely beneficial in the treatment of injuries, reduction of pain and improvement of function and performance for anyone who needs tight, sore muscled massaged regular sports massage are often recommended as a means of helping to prevent injury.

Remember, it is always a good idea to drink plenty of water before and after to help your body flush out any toxins released during this relaxing experience.

So why not treat yourself. There are usually lots of offers at beauty salons this time of year, so try something different - you’re worth it!

If you would like to book a massage contact True Beauty, Providence Street, Wakefield on 01924 369369 who have a number of special offers on until the end of February including Gelfix fingers and toes for £35 instead of the usual price of £50 and Decleor Aromaplastic facial and back massage for £40. Don’t forget to mention TopicUK when booking.

TopicUK

Issue 6 February 2014

21

WIN A SPA DAY for you and your Mum this Mother’s Day at

What better way to say thank you to your Mother this year, for once focusing on her and treat her to the ultimate spa experience.

TopicUK have teamed up with Titanic Spa to bring you a fabulous prize, the ideal way of spending time together as Mother and Daughter away from the demands of other family members. It includes a day visit to Titanic Spa, including a delightful bonding lunch in the spa’s bistro, use of the extensive range of facilities - Club Titanic (15m salt regulated swimming pool, hydrozone, steam and sauna rooms and a fully equipped gym) as well as the Titanic Heat and Ice experience and an indulgent treatment each*.

De-stress, unwind and catch up together over steam rooms and pampering moments, is there any better way to say thank you to the best Mum in the world?

Nestled deep within the natural landscape of Pennine Yorkshire, this beautifully restored textile mill, offering state of the art health and wellbeing facilities, Titanic is unlike other spa venues as it possesses a wealth of renewable energy sources and eco-friendly strategies to ensure the planet benefits as much as you do. Treat yourself and your Mum to a little ‘me time’ with this indulgent spa day, where you can be pampered to perfection at the UKs original eco spa.

To be ance of h it in w a ch lous prize bu fa winning this ur Mum, just yo on: for you and mple questi si is th er answ

IN N IS SHIRE TOW K R O Y H IC ?

H D E W PA LOCAT TITANIC S

with your try, together e Send your en address and telephon e, am n , er answ number to: ications. n ost-commu h topicuk@g the closing date of com before March, 2014.

Friday 14th

Terms and conditions: *Choose from a taster facial or target massage. To be taken within 6 months (Sunday-Thursday) subject to availability, excludes Bank Holidays. The prize must be taken by 30th April 2014, subject to availability and excluding Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day and Easter.

The prize is not valid in conjunction with any other offer. The prize includes breakfast in the apartment, lunch on day of arrival and dinner. Spending money, travel, meals (other than stated), beverages, additional spa treatments or other expenditure is not included. No cash alternative is offered, no amendments or changes can be made to the prize. The prize is non transferable. Once booked, Titanic Spa normal terms and conditions apply to spa breaks. Only one entry per person and open to all readers over the age of 18 or over. The winner will be the first correct entry drawn after the closing date and the editors decision is final.

Special beauty offers for TopicUK readers from Chill Beauty VALENTINE & MOTHERS DAY PACKAGES Book a relaxing back, neck and shoulder massage, luxury pedicure and receive a FREE file and polish on fingers. Only £42.50 (saving £11.25)

whilst hands are warmed in heated mittens, then a hand and arm massage is carried out. Nail are filed and polished. £25.00 (normally £27.50) CRYSTAL CLEAR MICRODERMABRASION & OXYGEN DELUXE FACIAL

ESPA - ULTIMATE BLISS PACKAGE An Espa invigorating body polish and a relaxing back, neck and shoulder massage with FREE scalp massage.

Special package price £45.00 (saving £17.00) PAMPER YOUR HANDS - a luxury hand and nail treatment Hands will be exfoliated, then mask applied - relax

Deep exfoliation, Oxygen therapy, hydrating mask and hand and arm massage - the ultimate skin rejuvenation.

Special offer TopicUK readers price £70.00 (saving £5.00) For more information about these offers or to book an appointment call Chill Beauty on 01924 873000

Security Firm MD Makes The 42 Under 42 The Managing Director of Wakefield based Calder Security Ltd, Simon Cook has made it into this year’s 42 Under 42 list, compiled by the Yorkshire Business Insider magazine. The 42 Under 42 list represents 42 entrepreneurs and business leaders under the age of 42 who the magazine is tipping as the rising stars of the business world. They produce the shortlist for various regions and Simon has been included on the Yorkshire and the Humber list for 2014, as announced

in the magazine on 4th February.

Simon bought Calder Security from the founders in 2006, then aged just 26 and an employee of the company.

Over the last 8 years he has grown turnover by 20% year on year and increased the workforce three times over, largely due to breaking into the commercial security sector.

Now still only aged 34 he’s made it onto the 42 Under 42 list with 8 years to spare! Simon said of the achievement; “I’m pleased to have been named on

the 42 Under 42 list among a great field of talent though having been growing and developing Calder Security for the last 8 years I feel more of an old hand than a ‘rising star’. They clearly think there’s more to come and they’re probably right!”

Calder Security Ltd is based on Calder Vale Road in Wakefield and offers a range of security services, including alarms, CCTV and locksmiths, to businesses and individuals across Yorkshire.

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Issue 6 February 2014

23

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

fo r h i m

d L E i f E K WA www.trinitywalk.com

fo r k i d s

EASY

Over To Our Sponsors

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

Trinity Walk, Royal Armouries, Ramsdens Solicitors, My Conferences, Sarcophagus and Wakefield Business Centres.

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

MY Conferences is the new brand for the Yorkshire Business Conferences now run in partnership by the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Hillrich. Encompassing conferences and business weeks in Wakefield, Kirklees and Calderdale; 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

Set in a modern waterfront development, close to Leeds city centre, New Dock is home to the Royal Armouries Museum and NEW DOCK Hall providing the idyllic setting for your next event. There is a 24hr manned multi-storey car park on-site for 1,650 vehicles and 850 Hotel bedrooms within 5 minutes’ walk.

and exhibition venue - NEW DOCK hall - is unrestricted by pillars, giving limitless scope for your presentations and creative ideas and so is ideal for anything from conferences and exhibitions to gala dinners, product launches and meetings.

The Royal Armouries Museum offers a unique and comprehensive range of facilities for conferences, banqueting and exhibitions and with 12 years of hosting high profile exhibitions, award ceremonies, society banquets, weddings, themed Christmas parties along with government led meetings, major PLC announcements and conferences in Leeds; Royal Armouries (International) plc has achieved an incomparable reputation for Yorkshire based conferences and events.

Adjacent to the Royal Armouries Museum, NEW DOCK hall has a contemporary minimalist feel providing you with the perfect blank canvas to create your event. Our largest event space and Leeds’s largest banqueting

exhibitors, delegates, partners, fresh speakers and seminars. And the result of this will see more growth into the local economy.

For more information on MY Conferences contact Chrissie Slater on 07764 348782 / chrissie.slater@mycci.co.uk.

We are a UK leading conference & events team with a reputation that has been built on a breadth of knowledge, experience and an understanding of what our clients need for the ideal event. We deliver conferences, banquets, exhibitions and events from 20 to 1200 delegates and co-ordinate every aspect of your event from the initial planning through to your transport home.

Delegate, visitor or exhibitor - everything you need to know about the city as a location, hotels, our sustainability policy(Gold), investors in people and accreditation in meetings (Gold), our venues and what we can do for you….atwww.rai-events.co.uk or call 01132 2201990 or email enquiries@rai-events.co.uk

TopicUK

Issue 6 February 2014

25

FLURRY OF Q4 LETTINGS AFFIRMS TRINITY WALK SUCCESS

Pizza Express, Handmade Burger Co, Esquires and The Chinese Buffet.

Trinity Walk Shopping Centre has seen a flurry of letting activity, with seven new tenants signing in the last quarter of 2013.

Top discount retailer, Poundland snapped up the former Republic store just days after closing after the fashion retailer went into nationwide administration.

The 5,856 sq ft unit is located in the main mall at the centre agreeing a 10 year lease at a rent of £160,000 per annum.

A total of over 25,000 sq ft has been let, confirming Trinity Walk’s continued success as the 2.5 year-old scheme becomes firmly established as a regional retail destination.

Over 2013, footfall has consistently increased on the previous year, outperforming regional and national benchmarks by more than 10%.

These two deals follow the flurry of lettings earlier in the quarter, which saw five new stores join the Trinity Walk line up – O2, Claire’s, Roman, Clintons and local independent Candy Treats.

Burger King is the latest tenant to take a unit. The global fast food chain has taken a 3,218 sq ft ground floor unit in Grammar Square, the successful food & beverage area at the heart of the 500,000 sq ft shopping centre. Grammar Square already boasts

Trinity Walk is owned by Sovereign Land, Ares Management and Shepherd Construction; letting agents are Lunson Mitchenall and Angermann Goddard & Loyd.

For more information, please visit www.trinitywalk.com

SARCOPHAGUS IS A CLOUD SOFTWARE COMPANY ESTABLISHED IN WAKEFIELD IN 1998.

Sarcophagus pioneered the-project.com, one of the UK's first project collaboration and information sharing portals. It is used by all industry sectors but was originally designed to manage construction projects and large property portfolios. The software is used by internationally recognised clients including ASDA to accelerate project delivery and reduce risk and time. In 2001 it was the first company of its type to reach profitability and continues to be developed 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 provide 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 are internationally recognised as cloud information management providers and are proud to be based in Wakefield.

DIAMOND COMPLETES MAJOR REFINANCE Diamond Properties has completed a multi-million pound restructure and refinance deal as it continues to grow its portfolio and the deal was put together with the help of Cresswell accountants and Ramsdens Solicitors.

Managing Director Mandip Sehmi said the seven-figure

deal will allow it to buy more commercial and residential properties and buy the ‘bigger’ investments - over £1m - that it hasn’t been able to before.

The firm was launched 15 years ago and completed the sale of its management portfolio to fellow Yorkshire firm UK Pads, in 2010.

It started up its management business again last year and is currently managing 200 houses.

Laura Smith, Associate in the Commercial Team at Ramsdens

Wakefield office commented: “We were delighted to work with Diamond Properties and Lloyds Bank on this high value refinancing deal. It is fantastic to see more of these deals coming through, which is a great indication that lenders and borrowers alike are more confident in the future of the property market. We hope to continue our strong relationship with Mandip and his Leedsbased team.

R ESTAU R A N T R EV I EW

MONDAY 2ND JUNE SEES THE START OF THE ANNUAL WAKEFIELD

business week; an 'open source' business week full of sector specific seminars run by different businesses and free to all.

Building on the massive success of 2013, 2014 promises to be bigger, better and more inclusive. Chrissie Slater has joined the Chamber team to take the popular business events forward with the support of founder Danny Matharu.

THE CENTRAL EVENT TO WBW14, WAKEFIELD BUSINESS CONFERENCE

is the first of the re-branded MY Conferences to feature, held on Wednesday 4th June again, at Cedar Court Hotel.

Already exhibition stands are limited at WBC14 and some fantastic speakers have been booked. Chamber members can benefit from £100 discount when booking an exhibition stand.*

WBW14 PROVIDES A PLATFORM FOR WAKEFIELD BUSINESSES to share their knowledge across the district spread throughout the week in a manner that is convenient for all sectors of business in Wakefield. All venues are supplied free of charge and all event delegate places are free. Events are pouring in for WBW14. Anyone wishing to submit an event should do so with haste as event space is already limited.

ANDREW CHOI OF THE CHAMBER SAID: “THIS PARTNERSHIP WITH hillrich

is fantastic for Wakefield businesses and will ensure the business week continues to grow and develop over the coming years.”

Here to help your business in partnership with

grow

in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.

Call Chrissie Slater on 07764 348782 or email myconferences@mycci.co.uk

*Discounts apply to 2m and 3m stands

TopicUK

SPOTLIGHT ON CITY’S CREATIVE, DIGITAL AND IT SECTOR Cognitiv, an industry-led group established to put the spotlight on the district’s creative, digital and IT sector is officially launching at The Hepworth on Wednesday 2nd April.With the aim of becoming the voice of the sector, Cognitiv will bring people together to share ideas, develop partnerships and build better business opportunities. Cognitiv will also promote the best of Wakefield’s creative, design and IT talent to the wider community and represent members when addressing market challenges.The member-led organisation will host a range of events throughout the year and those involved will benefit from bi-monthly gatherings and a website that will offer a range of benefits including a jobs board and directory.

Dan Conboy, Founding Member of Cognitiv, comments: “Wakefield has a vibrant creative, digital and IT sector; through Cognitiv we want to promote this, create stronger opportunities for working in partnership whilst also representing our members in relation to industry wide issues.

“We want to attract and retain the best talent and work with our education and skills providers to ensure that our young people are equipped with the right skills for these growing sectors. Ultimately we want to shout about the experience and expertise of the many organisations that sit within these industries whilst helping Wakefield to become recognised for the calibre of its creative, digital and IT sector.”

If you share this passion and are interested in joining Cognitiv, find out more and book your free place at the launch event taking place at The Hepworth on 2nd April at 5:30pm, by visiting www.cognitiv.co.uk.

Issue 6 February 2014

27

Wakefield Enterprise Clubs

Enterprise Clubs can come in all shapes and sizes, but they essentially provide a place where people who are thinking about setting up their own business can meet, share ideas and receive expert advice and support. Enterprise Clubs are free and are open to all residents in the district whether they are in work or not.

•

The services provided are:

•

Free business advice and guidance

•

Advice on sources of finance

•

A signposting / brokerage service to relevant experts

•

Advice on further business training

•

General business advice such as writing a business plan and cashflow forecasting

•

Ongoing business support and advice

•

Managed accommodation and business premises searches.

These clubs are held in eight locations across the district every fortnight. Venues and dates are as follows: •

Lightwaves Leisure Centre; Friday’s 10am. 7th and 21st March

•

St Giles Church, Pontefrace. Wednesday’s 1pm.

26th February; 12th and 26th March

•

Westfield Resource Centre, South Elmsall. Wednesday’s 9.30am. 28th February; 14th and 28th March

•

Kinsley & Fitzwillian Community Resource. Thursday’s 9.30am. 20th February; 6th and 20th March

•

Havercroft & Ryhil Community Centre. Tuesday’s 2pm. 25th February; 11th and 25th March

•

Five Towns Resource & Technology Centre, Castleford.

Tuesday’s 2pm. 4th and 18th March

•

Cedars Business Centre, Hemsworth. Wednesday’s 10am. 26th February; 12th and 26th March

•

Featherstone Rovers Rugby Ground. Monday’s 1pm. 3rd, 17th and 31st March.

All groups may be group sessions but one to one’s can be booked via the Job Centre by calling 01924 306008.

SEMI-FINAL ROUND OF JORDAN’S DEBATING COMPETITION Teams from Ackworth School, Ossett Six Form Academy, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School and Silcoates School competed in the semi-final of the third annual Jordans Solicitors Sixth Form Schools Debating Competition on 4th February.

Topics debated were ‘This house would boycott the Olympic Games in protest against Russia’s human rights record’, ‘This house supports the proposed housing benefit cuts for the under 25s’ and ‘This house believes public art is a waste of taxpayers money’.

The four teams with the highest scores are Ackworth School, Silcoates School and teams one and two from Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. The final will be held on 4th March and as with the previous rounds, they will be joined by an English Speaking Union (ESU) judge as the competition is based on the ESU schools mace competition.

Jordans would like to thank ESU judge Adam Hawksbee, teachers and especially the pupils who participated.

Charity RoundUp GET ON YOUR BIKE FOR CHARITY! MYNETWORK ON TOUR #MYcycle

going to be a tough challenge but it all going to be worthwhile, as we’re raising money for four fantastic local charities. I would like to extend my thanks to the fantastic partner support from Ramsdens; Barclays; the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; Copiserv; Better Telecoms and 02 Dewsbury, with their support, we’ve been able to make this event happen.”

Pictured from L to R: Sinead Sopala from Ramsdens’ Gary Lodge and Stuart Stocks from Barclays, John Fryer, senior partner at Ramsdens, Mark and Sarah Evans from Better Telecoms

RAMSDENS AND MYNETWORK ARE LAUNCHING THEIR OWN CHARITY CYCLE RIDE, #MYCYCLE IN THE YEAR THE TOUR DE FRANCE COMES TO YORKSHIRE. The cycle is a 60 mile challenge departing from the Shay Stadium in Halifax at 7am on Friday 27 June.

The route will take in Wakefield, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, returning to Halifax. There will be a celebratory lunch at Bar Eleven in the afternoon welcoming all the riders back.

The groups have nominated four local charities to receive monies raised: Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice; Wakefield Hospice; Age UK Kirklees & Calderdale and The Laura Crane Trust. In addition, Barclays will match fund monies raised and

if you are not taking part but would still like to donate visit the website at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving. com/team/mycycle If you would like to take part in the challenge you can register at http:// mycycle.eventbrite.co.uk Places are limited so please make sure you register to guarantee your place.

Stuart Stocks, Senior Business Manager at Barclays said: “I am delighted that Barclays are involved helping promote an event that will bring millions of pounds to Yorkshire.

The World’s greatest cycle race is coming to Yorkshire and this pre charitable event raises the scale of the opportunity, income to local businesses and the community.”

Sinead Sopala, director of marketing at Ramsdens Solicitors says: “It’s

Jason Costello, Corporate Parners Manager at the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice said: “The hospice is honoured to be announced as one of the charity beneficiaries from Ramsdens Charity Cycle Challenge, it’s fantastic the cyclists will be pedalling through the streets Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield as these are the very same towns and villages where we deliver support and care for the children and families with life shortening conditions.”

Follow #µ¥cycle on Twitter @ MidYorkshireNET and like on Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/cycle4charitywithMYcycle Pictured from L to R: Sinead Sopala from Ramsdens’ Gary Lodge and Stuart Stocks from Barclays, John Fryer, senior partner at Ramsdens, Mark and Sarah Evans from Better Telecoms who will be driving the support vehicle during the race and handing out lots of jelly beans

TopicUK

Issue 6 February 2014

29

Does your workforce food offering take the biscuit?

P

eople who are overweight tend to have more time off work due to ill health. So what can we do to make sure our workplace food offering doesn’t take the biscuit?

Snacking is part of daily life and can help people bridge the gap between break times and hunger pangs.

As most people have at least one snack and numerous drinks during the average working day. The food and drinks we have at work has a big influence on our eating and drinking habits and our weight.

Many workplaces offer food and drinks from vending machines for easy access to snacks during the working day.

Awareness of the benefits of healthy eating for staff health is growing and many employers want to offer healthy options. But what is a healthy option? Hidden sugars in many snacks and drinks can make apparently healthy cereal bars, juice drinks, coffees and smoothies a minefield.

Sugary choices versus healthy snacks Having sugary foods and glucose drinks can give a quick energy rush but this is short lived. Eating slower release carbohydrates such as fruits, crackers, rice cakes and low sugar cereal bars rather than sugary carbohydrates keep glucose and therefore energy levels more stable. Energy levels will be maintained and so will concentration.

Healthy snacks containing nuts, seeds and fibre also offer vitamins and minerals. Low intakes of vitamins and minerals can cause low mood, tiredness and irritability.

With over a third of people snacking daily nutrient rich snacks, can add quality to people’s intake rather than just fat and sugar from chocolate, sweets and sugary drinks.

Sugary food and drinks can easily add extra calories without being filling, leading to excess weight gain and health problems. Employees who are overweight have more time off due to falling and lifting injuries and ill health overall.

Offering healthy options to make healthy eating easier can prevent absenteeism associated with being overweight.

Spotting hidden sugars Some sweet tasting foods don’t have the word ‘sugar’ in the ingredients list on their packaging, but still have sugar in them - it’s just labelled in a different way, for example ‘dextrose’ or ‘modified starch’.

Check ingredients lists for sugar by another name: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Honey Sucrose Glucose Maltose Dextrose Fructose Hydrolysed starch Corn or maize syrup Molasses Raw/brown sugar Treacle Concentrated fruit juice Carbohydrate (of which sugars)

If you see one of these near the top of the ingredients list, then the product is high in sugars. Many food products labelled ‘healthy’, low sugar or no added sugar or ‘herbal’ may still contain sugar.

Real healthy options A good way to check labels is to look at the nutritional information and make a decision if the food or drink is healthy if it has high or low percentage sugar. Sugar content falling between these levels are moderate so eat or drink now and again.

15g per 100g or 15% is a HIGH sugar content 5g per 100g or 5% is a LOW sugar content

Four tips for healthy vending • • • •

Offer choice so make healthy food and drink 50:50 with less healthy options Place the healthy options at eye level Offer reduced fat potato or corn snacks, low sugar cereal and breakfast bars Offer water, flavoured water without added sugar and sugar free fizzy drinks.

BUILDING INTEREST IN WAKEFIELD FOR 50 YEARS! Wakefield Civic Society gets ready to celebrate.

Written By Kevin Trickett

W

owners. Sometimes, the Society takes a firm stand and lodges an objection to an application but it also writes letters of support for planning applications that will benefit the city. The very best developments and refurbishment projects receive recognition through the Society’s coveted Design Awards.

What do you know about Wakefield?

Can you tell the story of Wakefield and how it developed from a modest settlement recorded in the Domesday Book into a bustling city? Perhaps you’ve noticed the many blue plaques on buildings around the city centre and paused to consider what they commemorate? Do you know what is planned for the future?

Established in 1964 by a group of people who were concerned about what was happening to the city and the trend to demolish old buildings as part of the modernisation plans of the day, Wakefield Civic Society still remains a registered charity run by a committee of elected volunteers who give up their time to help make the city a great place in which to live, work or do business, and, as importantly these days, to help make Wakefield a great place to visit.

hat do you think about Wakefield? Do you care about its architecture and public spaces? Do you delight in the good things and worry about the negative things? Do you ever wonder how you could help to make things better?

If thoughts of Wakefield occupy your mind and you’d like to know more about the history of the city and what’s going on, then there’s one organisation you really should be part of!

For fifty years, Wakefield Civic Society has been helping to shape the development of the city by campaigning for high standards of architecture and town planning, whether it be in the design and layout of new buildings, streets and public spaces, or the conservation and use of Wakefield’s ‘heritage assets’. The Society regularly meets with developers and planners to discuss proposed schemes while also commenting on planning applications submitted to the Council by property

Today, the Society is raising its profile and helping to promote Wakefield to a wider audience. With a modern website, newsletters and an increasing presence on Twitter and Facebook, the Society runs a varied programme of cultural and social events, including a monthly Dining Club which nominates the Society’s Restaurant of the Year.

The Society is regularly called upon to lead guided walks of the city centre for coach parties from all over the country (and even beyond!) as well as for local residents. People who come on one of these tours often learn things about Wakefield, its architecture and history of which even lifelong residents of the city

may be completely unaware! And there is much to learn about Wakefield, from its earliest days, right through to present times, Wakefield has a fascinating story to tell.

Some of that story is told in the Society’s publications (available from the Society and also Wakefield Visitor Centre) and also through the many blue plaques that the Society has erected in and around the city. As part of the celebrations of its fiftieth anniversary year, the Society plans to take the number of blue plaques that have been erected so far up to 50 by the end of 2014. It got off to a good start in January when it unveiled its first new plaque of the year (number 39 in the series) at an exclusive event at The Hepworth Wakefield.

2014 is going to be a very busy year – in addition to hosting the usual programme of events, unveiling more blue plaques and reviewing planning applications, the Society is planning one or two special events for later in the year and preparations are underway for a celebratory ‘gala event’.

However, the 50th anniversary isn’t just about celebrating; it’s also about growing the Society. For the last two years, the Society has operated from its first ever office base in Wakefield. Courtesy of Green Communications, the Society has taken on the tenancy of the ground floor of Wakefield Media Centre at 19 King Street. It is here that the Society has opened an exhibition space as a starting

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point for its guided walks and its regular Artwalk openings.

However, this is a temporary arrangement and the Society will need to find a new base at some point in the future. Ideally, it will also take on staff at some point as bigger societies, such as Leeds, already have.

With only 250 or so members, including just 20 corporate members, there’s a long way to go yet and the Society hopes to attract much more support from local businesses in the future; could it be 50 corporate members for the 50th anniversary?

To do this, the Society needs to raise more than just its profile. It needs more money – and that means more members, especially from the corporate sector. At the moment, the Society receives the bulk of its income from its annual membership subscriptions and donations. For individuals, the subscription is just £15 a year (£12 for the retired/unwaged). For companies and other organisations, the annual cost of membership is from £75 up to £500.

However, the membership base is relatively small at present.

Everyone benefits from an active Civic Society: Wakefield Civic Society does some really good work to promote Wakefield and generate interest in, and enthusiasm for, the city’s amenities. If you think so too, why not apply to join today?

Kevin Trickett, President.

You can find out more and download a membership form from the Society’s website: www.wakefieldcivicsociety.org.uk Follow the Society on Twitter @WakefieldCivicS

Council News

Apprenticeships in Wakefield

Apprenticeships Made Easy was launched by Wakefield Council’s Apprenticeship Hub on 12th September 2013 at The Hepworth Wakefield. The initiative, which is funded by the Leeds City Region LEP City Deal Programme and in partnership with the National Apprenticeship Service, aims to increase the number of apprenticeship opportunities in Wakefield.

So far the Hub has engaged with 89 businesses in the district and has assisted with 60 apprenticeship starts. The Hub is looking to find more businesses interested in employing an apprentice.Small businesses have enough to do just running

Five Three One Five three One is a Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership initiative, designed to help businesses - and our economy - grow by encouraging more companies to unlock the skills potential of their business.

Businesses joining five three one are asked to commit to one or more

a business day in day out - the Hub will take the strain and look after the whole process of recruiting an apprentice.

This includes advertising the vacancy, finding the right candidates, help with interviewing and creating a learning package.It makes business sense to hire an apprentice - the recruitment costs are lower, apprentices tend to be loyal and committed to the employer, and your business may be eligible for a Government grant of £1500 for every apprentice you take on.

For more visit www.wakefieldfirst.com/apprenticeships, email apphub@wakefield.gov.uk or contact 01924 306002.

of the following five actions: • Develop a skilled workforce • Mentor a budding entrepreneur • Build links with education • Offer work placements • Offer an apprenticeship Three reasons to do them: • Better business performance • More productivity and profits • Your business is more likely to succeed One positive outcome: • Our economy grows When businesses join five three one

they will be contacted by a member of the team to discuss the skills needs of their company. They will then be able to access free support from employment and skills specialists to deliver their chosen actions.

For further information call 0113 2476947 or email LCR@leedscityregion.gov.uk

Here to help you TopicUK

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33

Luxury living at a for all your Fraction of legal needs, the callPrice your local solicitors,

Ramsdens

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Visit us in branch at:

19a Cheapside, WakeďŹ eld, WF1 2SD or call 01924 669510 @ramsdens

facebook.com/Ramsdens.Solicitors

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the-project is an online platform for sharing project information globally in real time.

By working together teams can increase the benefits over the competition through early scrutiny and better collaboration. Additional benefits include:

Case Study - 115 acre milk dairy

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Accelerated project delivery

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Faster acceptance of deliverables

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The-project was launched in 1998 and is used by a wide range of clients from small community groups to large blue-chip clients such as Asda-Walmart who have used it since 1999 to help manage store development.

Features include eTendering, contacts, event manager, project notice board, file commenting and revision retention.

The-project.com has recently been used to help develop and construct one of Europe's biggest fresh milk dairies on a 115 acre site and producing one billion litres of fresh milk dairy with a development cost of £150m. It will create almost 700 jobs and around 1000 construction jobs were created during development.

Langham House 140-148 Westgate, Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF2 9SR tel: 01924 580999 e:info@sarcophagus.co.uk

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35

Luxury living at a Fraction of the Price

W

e have all dreamt at some time of winning the lottery and buying a second home in the Caribbean, a luxury yacht or even having access to our own private jet.

For many, the capital and maintenance costs of these luxury items means the dream is simply out of reach. For those successful dreamers who can afford such luxuries, a lack of time to enjoy the finer things in life and get the best value from them, prevent them from making that dream come true.

There is a solution to this problem which provides the exclusive use and access to such facilities and actual ownership of either the luxury property, jet or yacht through fractional ownership.

Fractional Ownership is very attractive not just for the elite but for the discerning individual who can see the advantages of enjoying the benefits of real ownership of an asset or property with similar like minded owners who share the cost of the capital purchase as well as the maintenance.

These type of owners typically own a 12th share each in such an asset.

In the USA and Canada fractional ownership is well established and having been a regular form of

property investment to many North Americans for around 30 years and originating from ski resorts.

Fractional ownership is not to be mistaken for timeshare which does not consist of any type of ownership. If an Owner chooses to sell their share they are free to do so, and if as is often the case, the property has increased in market value so have the fractional shares.

Whilst property prices globally are low, now is the time to be considering that international holiday or second home, reaping the benefits and resting assured in the knowledge that there will be significant recovery in the property market in the future.

The formalities of registration of Fractional Ownership in a property is just the same as that for purchasing a property outright, the property owners names are registered in the Land Registry or similar record of the Country that the purchased property is located. The owner is provided with title documents and deeds with each owners name entered on them. The beauty of fractional ownership is that you are not just buying a couple of weeks in the sun, you are buying a slice of real property.

Here in Yorkshire, brokers match purchasers with properties, aviation arrangements, super-cars and yachts, in accordance with clients budgets and aspirations.

The benefits for those with an existing asset seeking to release equity should not be overlooked. Fractional disposal of an element of the property may be an attractive alternative to outright sale providing the owner the option of disposing of their entire property should they choose.

Barringtons Solicitors, can assist you with the legal purchase of a fractional interest in your chosen asset. Guiding you through the varied and sometime complex legislation which many high street firms are not familiar with. For sellers, drafting the structure of the ownership will be of paramount importance.

Barringtons Solicitors specialise in offshore property transactions, company formations and have links with international banking services in a variety of Caribbean jurisdictions and Switzerland and Leichenstein, many of these facilities offer tax benefits when purchasing and selling high value assets.

Barringtons are also recommended legal representatives of fractional ownership brokers, Elite Lifestyles (www.elite-lifestyles.com) and they can take the strain out of your fractional ownership purchase.

Please Contact Vicky Simpson, Head of Property of Barringtons Solicitors on 01924 368896. Visit their website at www.barringtonslegal.co.uk

Restaurant Review

Grill Primal Kitchen

Credit : Hannha Webster

31 Northgate, Wakefield

“If it can be grilled, we can cook it!” – so said Laura Cheshire, one half of the husband and wife team behind one of Wakefield’s smaller restaurants – Grill Primal Kitchen, in Northgate (just off the Bull Ring). Boasting perhaps one of the narrowest frontages of any restaurant in the city centre it’s easy to miss but Grill Primal Kitchen stretches back from the street to accommodate up to 30 diners and the tables and seating are flexible enough to be arranged in just about any combination to cater for any size of group.

David Cheshire an opportunity to ring the changes both decoratively and on the menu. (The restaurant still carries the old name on the outside, but this is temporary matter and on the list headed ‘Things to do’).

Some of you will know it as Grill! 31 but a recent internal makeover has given proprietors Laura and

Well, one thing that has most definitely not changed is the high quality of the food or the welcome you receive when

Under its former guise of Grill! 31, the restaurant was voted one of Wakefield Civic Society’s Restaurants of the Year in 2012, so the refurbishment gave me a good reason to go back to see how things had changed.

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you enter. The food is carefully and caringly prepared – the open archway through to the kitchen gave me a good view of David as he crafted each dish.

The setting remains very informal and relaxed: as David says, “When people come into the restaurant, I want them to feel more as if they were coming to my home for dinner. Part of our enjoyment is the ability to interact with the customers and to talk to them about the menu and the food they are eating.”

Now, if you’re anything like me, once you’ve taken your seat, you’ll want to see the wine list. It’s ample and sufficient without being fussy or intimidating. A reasonably priced and very palatable house wine comes by the glass, carafe (or half carafe), while a selection or reds, whites and rosés can be ordered by the glass or the bottle. There’s also a Prosecco and various bottled beers and spirits.

The food menu, which is varied incrementally with some dishes being added or removed each month depending on what’s in season (and what people are ordering), comes, somewhat surprisingly as the centrefold of children’s annuals (yes, you did read that correctly). There’s a good mix of dishes with more than a passing nod to Cypriot cuisine. All food is prepared freshly to order which means that special dietary requirements can be easily catered for and there’s a special’s board as well.

To start your meal, you can choose from a good range of vegetarian, meat and fish dishes: you’ll find typical favourites such as Vegetable Keftedes (made with chickpeas onions and fresh herbs) and Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves with rice and herbs). Other dishes include French Onion Soup with mature cheddar crouton; Grilled Chicken with bbq sauce; Fresh Catfish and Lobster Cakes with harissa salsa; and Fresh Beer-Battered Calamari with skordalia (garlic and potato) dip. Prices range from £4.95 to £7.95 – and portion size is generous. I can particularly

Issue 6 February 2014

recommend the Warm Goat’s Cheese Salad but it’s almost a meal in itself!

Main courses are either grilled over the fire pot or baked in the oven. Once again, there’s a varied selection of meat, fish and poultry dishes priced from £11.00 to £17.95 – although if you are up to the challenge, you can try “The 2 KiloMeater” a “72oz (or 2 kilogram) stack of prime Yorkshire rib eyes” for the rather princely sum of £58.95 (and there’s no sharing allowed!).

If you are not up to that, then you might prefer to try Marinated Chicken Breast Skewers with tzatziki & lemon for £11.00 or Grilled Baby Seabass served with skordalia for £11.95. From the oven, you could try Chicken ‘Saganaki’ baked with fresh tomato and feta cheese for £11.25 as one of my dining companions did – and thoroughly enjoyed. At first sight, vegetarians appear to be less well-catered for – but don’t be put off by the fact there’s only one option on the published menu as David loves to be creative and will rustle up something special for you. It helps if you can give him notice when you book, of course! The Vegetable Layercake, made up of sliced courgettes, aubergine, sweet potatoes and tomatoes was most enjoyable – but ask for it without the chilli peppers if you’re not a fan of the hot and spicy!

I mentioned that portion size was generous when it came to the starters; well, this is a theme that is continued through to the main course and you might want to think about sharing any side orders you take a fancy to: priced from £2.50 to £4.75, these offer a selection of potato, salad, vegetable and rice dishes.

For me, no meal is complete without dessert but I have to say, I very nearly waivered! However, and purely in the course of duty, I managed a rather lovely limoncello cheesecake with raspberry purée. Whether it was strictly necessary to ask for the two dollops of ice cream that came with it, I shall leave others to judge! If you want to go

37

there, desserts are all priced at £4.95.

Although David has worked at other restaurants, this is the first time that he and Laura have run their own place.

They deserve to succeed! Supported by their four staff, they actually want to keep things small and cosy, reemphasising the importance they place on the quality of the food and the service.

It’s this personal touch that really matters to them: so much so that they have recently run fund-raising evenings for charitable causes and they would be pleased to speak to anyone wanting to organise such an event in the restaurant.

Kevin TrickettFollow me on Twitter: @MrTrickett ---------------------------------------------T: 07535 621948 And on why not follow them on Twitter: @GrillPK

Opening times: Tuesday to Thurs 6-9 pm; Fri & Sat – 6 – 10 pm.

MARKET MAKEOVER FOR THE RIDINGS The Ridings Shopping Centre is launching new look market days for 2014, with monthly craft markets and special themed fairs, starting with a Vintage Fair on Mother’s Day - Sunday 30th March. Ellen Schofield, Marketing Manager comments: “The Ridings Yorkshire Markets have been a great success attracting more stallholders and shoppers each month, but this year we are doing things differently. We are giving shoppers an additional reason to visit by focusing on monthly craft and handmade stalls and by introducing themed fairs.

“The Ridings Craft Market will take

place on the first Sunday of each month, but every other month we’ll be adding a themed fair, bringing in more stalls and entertainment for shoppers. We start with our Vintage Fair, but look out for our food, style and music fairs.”

The Ridings Craft Market and themed fairs will complement existing retailers and enhance the shopper experience, creating the hustle and bustle of the market place. With something for everyone shoppers can browse quality craft and handmade goods including chocolates, gorgeous

jewellery, vintage accessories, children’s toys and much more.

The next Ridings Craft Market takes place on Sunday 6th April, followed by the Craft Market and Food Fair on 4th May, 10:30am – 4:30pm. Parking is just 50p so if you’re looking for a great day out The Ridings is just the ticket! Find out more www. ridingscentre.com. To book a stall please email ridingsmarkets@ yahoo.co.uk or follow us on Twitter@ridingsmarkets.

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Seizethe day!

Gareth Glendenning

FROM PENSION SAVINGS TO ESTATE PLANNING, THE END OF THE TAX YEAR OFFERS AN ARRAY OF OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD AND PROTECT CAPITAL. The ageing population is perhaps the biggest challenge facing Governments, financial institutions and savers today. People are living longer - many of us could spend a third of our lives in retirement.

And we will require more savings to match our longevity. The cost of this demographic time bomb has already pushed Britain’s Government to raise the state retirement age. As politicians look to contain pension budgets, individuals will need more than ever to take advantage of investment and tax-saving opportunities provided by pensions.

Despite the wider picture of falling levels of savings and rising numbers of people heading towards retirement, there is an array of initiatives in place for individuals to pursue an income for retirement.

And, with the Government keen to encourage us all to save, significant tax advantages are in place for those contributing to a pension scheme.

A carefully drawn-up plan can help realise the twin objectives of

reducing tax liability and saving for retirement. However, the new tax year will bring an extra pressure.

The Government has reduced the amount of pension benefits that can accrue, known as the ‘lifetime allowance’ to £1.25 million from £1.5 million. It is estimated that this will affect as many as 360,00 wealthier individuals, who could help to mitigate a 55% tax penalty by taking action before the end of the tax year (www.gov.uk,11/12/12).

The new tax year will also bring a reduction in the annual amount that can be contributed to a pension. The allowance will fall from £50,000 to £40,000, which makes it even more important to maximise the current years’ contribution. Individuals who have not fully funded their pension in the previous three years also have the opportunity to make those contributions before 6 April. (The end of the tax year is the last opportunity to use the 2010/11 allowance and offers a potential tax saving of £22,500).

The amount of money an individual can leave to his/her heirs free of Inheritance Tax is £325,000. (This does not include funds that pass to your spouse or civil partner and certain organisations). Above this level, an individual’s estate is taxed at the rate of 40%. With the right planning and appropriate use of available exemptions, this liability can be substantially reduced and wealth can be passed on. The end of the tax year presents a ‘use it or lose it’ deadline for a number of these valuable exemptions.

IHT planning largely revolves around reducing an individual’s estate by giving away assets. When a gift is made it requires the donor to live for seven years for the gift to be free of IHT. However, HMRC also allows any individual to make gifts each year that are immediately exempt from IHT if certain conditions are met. Whilst some of these allowances may appear small, if they are used consistently over the years they can produce significant savings and benefits.

VOLUNTARY LEVY On its introduction in 1986, Labour politician Roy Jenkins famously observed that Inheritance Tax (IHT) was ‘a voluntary levy paid by those who distrust their heirs more than they dislike the Inland Revenue’. Whilst this might have been a slight exaggeration, with the value of property and other assets on the rise, the UK Government is looking to bring in larger sums from this posthumous tax. Government figures forecast receipts of £3.3 billion in this tax year, up nearly 14% from two years ago as recovering house prices boost estate values (www.parliament.uk, 20/06/13).

The annual £3,000 gift exemption provides not just an opportunity to pass wealth to your heirs, but also an immediate IHT saving of £1,200. If the exemption hasn’t been used from the last tax year, this saving can increase to £2,400. That means a couple can potentially give away £12,000 that will be immediately outside their estate, saving tax of £4,800 in the process.

Many individuals gain considerable satisfaction from being able to see their loved ones use and enjoy such gifts, as well as from the knowledge that they are increasing the proportion of their wealth passing to their family rather than the taxman. Surplus

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income which accumulates in an individual’s estate also adds to an IHT liability. But,, provided certain conditions are met, there is no limit to the amount of income which can be given away each year and become exempt from IHT. Known as ‘normal expenditure out of income’, this relief offers an additional opportunity for individuals to pass wealth to their heirs during their lifetime through regular gifting.

Retirement funding or simply the desire to pass on a larger inheritance can become that much more achieveable by making lump-sum annual or regular contributions to savings accounts or pension plans, or as outright gifts. These valuable gift opportunities can provide ready and rewarding ways to help children and grandchildren with many financial challenges they face, such as school fees, university funding and house deposits.

The end of the tax year reminds us of the opportunity to take advantage of exemptions and reliefs and help keep more of your wealth in the family.

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 29223, 07818 15141 or by email gareth. glendinning@sjpp.co.uk

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How to implement a managed print service

BY FAR, ONE OF THE BIGGEST SAVINGS THAT AN ORGANISATION CAN MAKE, RELATIVE TO SIZE AND WITH VIRTUALLY NO CHANGE IN PROCEDURES, IS BY INTRODUCING A MANAGED PRINT SERVICE (MPS).

introducing a MPS? • • •

A MPS can start from just one small desktop machine up to multi-machines, multi-site solutions. However, there are some fundamental do’s and dont's that are common throughout.

•

Reduced print and copy costs.

Keep the devices you have today and replace as needed, helping to minimise capital expenditure and save resources.

Refocus IT staff on more critical business tasks Save cash as no more stock holding as well as providing professional maintenance support.

So how does a professional MPS work?

According to Gartner, between 1-3% of an organisations revenues are taken up in document production activity and around 90% do not know what they spend on print and associated costs each year.

• •

Introducing a managed print service into your business can be a relatively straight forward process and Copiserv of Wakefield can highlight the areas where businesses can save money and introduce the additional benefits of outsourcing your printer maintenance.

•

Basic signs that you could benefit from a MPS are:

•

•

You do not know how much you are spending on print and copying each year.

• You have a variety of printers and copiers around the office, different makes, models and capacities.

• You have stocks of spare toner in case you need it.

• You have someone in the business that everyone calls to fix broken printers and/or order supplies.

So what are the benefits of

• •

• •

The vendor will offer to take control of your whole printer fleet, not just the profitable elements.

The vendor will not tie all service and capital into one agreement.

The vendor will manage all of your machines remotely, removing the need for your staff to manage them.

You should not have a large capital outlay in order to reduce your monthly costs.

You should understand exactly what is and isn’t included in the agreement.

The devices should be robust enough to manage any increases in volume.

It should save you money from day one.

You need to understand the service/escalation procedure for if things go wrong.

Copiserv’s managed print service manage all your in-house printing needs.

They supply new equipment suitable for your business or take over the management of your existing printers.

For more information or to book a no obligation consultation call them on 01924 298926 or email gareth@copiserv.co.uk

Face To Face

Andy Turner & Anne Lockwood

Partners, First Choice Recruitment Were you academic at school?

Anne: I was although I enjoyed more of the arts and sciences rather than Maths and English.

Andy: Yes I was but I was always a ‘did just enough’ sort of pupil – far more interested in playing sport!

Did you go to university and if so, which one and what did you study?

Anne: I didn’t go to University. In reality I was never really encouraged at School to go. I did a year at the Wakefield School of Commerce which was an excellent private secretarial school which stood me in excellent stead for my career.

Andy: Manchester Metropolitan (Polytechnic in old money!) I studied Accountancy.

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

Anne: It was in a typing pool for Wakefield Council.

Did I enjoy it? …not particularly! It was relentless and ruled with a rod of iron, however the team spirit was excellent and we even managed to laugh occasionally when the boss wasn’t around!

Andy: I was a Field Sales Executive for Access (Joint Credit Card Company) in London – it was a great experience, I was in the ‘big city’ and I loved it. The fact that Wembley, Twickenham The Oval and Lords were all on my patch was just a lucky coincidence!

Where did you meet your husband/wife?

Anne: I’m not married but I’ve been with my partner Tony for more than 15 years. I’m not really one for rushing into things! And it’s a cliché but we met through work.

Andy: We met via a mutual friend in Spain in 2006. I must remember to thank him!

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How many children do you have?

Anne: My hairdresser!

Anne: I don’t have children – I’m a big fan of cream carpets and the two don’t seem to mix well! I am blessed with two amazing nephews and my partners adorable 3 year old grandson Sam.

Andy: Both my wife & Anne would say my phone – but what if I didn’t have a signal – nightmare!! Seriously – my family of course.

Andy: I have two, Freddie 6 and Emily aged 4. I can’t ever imagine my life without them – they really are my world. And if they grow up to be international sports legends that’s just the icing on the cake!

What’s next for First choice?

Anne: The last 21 years have just flown by but what next?

For the past couple of years it’s felt like we’ve been treading water – along with the rest of the region and the country - but we’re moving forward again and it’s exciting. We’re exploring opportunities to expand the services we offer and developing new recruitment solutions that continue to meet the ever-changing needs of our clients and our candidates.

Andy: We are actively looking to expand, to build on our reputation – exploring new divisions and potentially new geographical locations – very exciting times!!

Do you have any ambitions left to fulfil?

Anne: There are always things I would like to do, skills I’d like to develop and challenges I’d like to meet head on in business and in life. I do think business owners should always take every opportunity to develop themselves and therefore the business, despite how many years they have been around – its never too late to learn new things. On a personal level I’d really love to travel to Antarctica before it melts!

Andy: Far too many to list. In my business life and personal life I think we’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible…watch this space!!

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

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

Anne: Sorry, can’t pick one so Iris for dinner at the weekend, Rustico or The Cow Shed during the week – all excellent in their own unique ways, all with something different to offer.

Andy: For dinner – Iris, for lunch Cowshed or Rustico depending on my mood!

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

Anne: I am a little biased as I live in West Bretton and I feel privileged to have the Yorkshire Sculpture Park both as part of Wakefield heritage but more so the fact that it is on my doorstep.

Andy: I believe we are very lucky to have a far more forward thinking council than most and some real jewels in the district, many of which just didn’t exist when First Choice began 21 years ago including: The Hepworth, Trinity Walk, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, a top class railway station, a thriving interactive business community, a fabulous Theatre and a real positive ‘can do’ attitude with great initiatives such as Wakefield Works & the WACCL aimed at giving back to the local community.

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

Anne: Oooh, it all depends on how much I’d won!

Andy: After making sure all my nearest & dearest including First Choice Recruitment was ‘sorted’, I’d like to use the money to make a real difference in people’s lives, something sustainable - a lasting legacy for the people of Wakefield.

Feature Article

CELEBRATE

21 YEARS IN BUSINESS

In February 1993, Anne Lockwood and Andy Turner started First Choice Recruitment – a business dedicated to providing the highest standards of recruitment solutions for candidates and clients across the region. 21 years on, they serve some of the region’s largest employers, providing both temporary and permanent employment opportunities for 1000’s of Wakefield job seekers.

Wakefield: 01924 201155 Leeds: 01132 070100 www.firstchoice-uk.com

the way recruitment should be

A

nne Lockwood, Managing Director, believes the secret of their success lies in the regions people.

‘’I am Wakefield born and bred – this is where I grew up and where I always wanted to make a difference.

Both Andy and I had careers with International recruitment firms before deciding that we wanted to do things differently – provide a more personalised service with an unrivalled knowledge of an area that

we knew had amazing potential. ‘’Over the past 21 years we have found thousands of people new opportunities working for great employers and it has really made a huge difference to them and their families.

"Wakefield’s growth as a key regional employer has increased dramatically throughout the past 21 years as its excellent transport links and innovative development schemes have encouraged more and more new businesses into the area. The last few years however, have been challenging for both employers and

employees alike as the full impact of the economic crisis took hold."

Andy Turner, co-owner and Commercial Director of First Choice Recruitment, believes that Wakefield is now beginning to see real signs of recovery. ‘’The past three years have been tough for our candidates, our clients and our business. We find people great jobs with great companies but if those companies see a fall in business, a decline in demand for their products, they certainly won’t be recruiting. We have worked closely with our clients to retain as many people as possible

TopicUK throughout this time and thanks to the performance and flexibility of our teams, we have maintained and grown business with new and existing clients. We’re finally beginning to see not just recovery but growth across all business sectors and that’s great news for the people of Wakefield and the region as a whole.’

PRIVILEGED The business has developed long term relationships with a significant number of clients both large and small and covering a range of industry sectors including retail, customer service, manufacturing and distribution. It is relationships like these that Anne believes are key to the continued success of First Choice Recruitment, ‘’We are privileged to work with a diverse range of clients, large, small and everything in between but the one thing that remains constant is our commitment to doing things the right way – not just for the client but for the candidate as well. We never, ever forget that helping our clients to find new employees and finding our candidates new employment opportunities is why we come to work every day, its why we’re great at what we do and its why our clients old and new trust us to deliver recruitment solutions that work for them’’ More than two decades in business inevitably gives you a unique insight into the ever changing commercial, economic and social environment of Wakefield and the wider region. ‘’We’re not just business owners that happen to be located in Wakefield’’ says Andy. ‘’We live here. Our families and our friends live here, as do the vast majority of our employees and our wider team colleagues. We’re proud of where we come from and what we have achieved but it’s not without its challenges as a community, as a city, as a region and its down to us all to go the extra mile and try to make a positive difference as business people and as individuals’’.

That commitment to making a difference beyond the bottom line of the business is one that is recognised by others championing Wakefield. Mark Bradley, Editor Wakefield Express, has worked closely with Andy and his team for a number of years, ‘’It has been a pleasure to be involved with a company that prides itself on what it can do for the city of Wakefield as much as for itself.

This is a company with a heart, which puts people first.’’

And it was this dedication that saw Andy and First Choice Recruitment become one of the lead sponsors of the Wakefield Works initiative, designed to offer young people the chance to meet employers across Wakefield, the opportunity of work experience

Issue 6 February 2014

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and the chance to see first-hand the world of work and the career and job opportunities on offer. ‘’Wakefield Works demonstrated that when businesses work together we can make a positive difference to people’s lives. We put aside our business ambitions for one day and focused on the needs of young people across our region and the networks we have developed as a result will continue.’’ explained Andy.

Those business networks are key to realising Wakefield’s full potential as a great place to do business and Andy and Anne encourage new and existing businesses to get involved.

DYNAMIC Kate Hainsworth, Head of Development, Theatre Royal Wakefield, is glad to have them on her patch, ‘First Choice Recruitment are one of the reasons good things happen in Wakefield: dynamic, really well connected, totally grounded in the local Wakefield area, a bright team, full of ideas, always ready to support businesses and people, and invest in worthwhile projects’’ After 21 years in the recruitment business can they maintain their enthusiasm and drive for the next 21?

‘Absolutely’ says Anne. ‘Wakefield is a great city and West Yorkshire is a great region to do business. Our commitment remains the same as it was the very first day we opened our doors for business – to focus on people, partnerships and performance and to provide the very highest level of quality recruitment solutions.

Quite simply, the way recruitment should be’’

SPAWFORTHS Nine year plan finally comes into fruition believe that Olympia Park will give Selby that opportunity.” “The project supports the growth of Selby, providing opportunity for a mix of housing and promotes the town as a business destination in North Yorkshire that has easy access to the strategic road network and also creates employment in the area,” continued Dawn.

Redundant and derelict buildings will be demolished and replaced with new development that will enhance the area and in particular Barlby Road which is a main access corridor into Selby. It will integrate with the town centre through strong pedestrian, cycle and vehicular links and create new green infrastructure linking with existing green infrastructure promoting biodiversity and wildlife habits.

S

pawforths, the Wakefield based architects and town planners are celebrating after achieving a successful planning application last month, after nine years in development.

The scale of this extensive project has included every member of staff within the practice, as well as every skill set, strategic planning, development control planning, architecture, landscape architecture, viability, masterplanning and engagement expertise to secure the permission.

Spawforths are now working with their client BOCM PAULS and Selby Farms to bring the development onto site, with work commencing in Spring 2014.

Olympia Park is a unique mixed use development opportunity that will deliver up to 1000 houses, retail facilities, retained mill, a public house, allotments and sports pitches, a community centre and a primary school and will create over 2,500 full time equivalent jobs in a highly sustainable location to the east of Selby town. The majority of the site is less than a mile from the town centre and will take up to 20 years to complete.

“Probably only once in a generation does a town like Selby have the opportunity to secure its long term economic and housing future,” Dawn Jenkins, Director, Chartered Architect, told TopicUK. “We

For more information about the project contact Dawn Jenkins: dawn.jenkins@spawforths.co.uk or visit the website at www.spawforths.co.uk

Local solicitors for all your personal and business legal needs Accident & Personal Injury Family & Mediation Wills, Probate & Estate Planning Civil Litigation & Disputes Residential Conveyancing Professional Negligence Commercial Litigation & Debt Recovery Company & Commercial Commercial Property Employment Visit In Branch: 18 King Street, Wakefield, WF1 2SQ Call: 01924 387110 Email: enquiries@jordanssolicitors.co.uk Website: www.jordanssolicitors.co.uk Twitter: @JordanSolicitor Facebook: facebook.com/Jordansolicitor Offices throughout Yorkshire

TopicUK

Issue 6 February 2014

Printing and copying isn’t the sexiest of subjects…

47

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