KAREN WYNARD
FTSE 100 +19.57 6852.40
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015
Passing on your pension Column - Page 5
1
COLIN BARRATT Over the threshold Column - Page 4
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
Yorkshire Water is set to create 160 apprenticeships over the next five years in the biggest scheme of its kind ever launched by the company. The majority of the new positions will be in operational roles as Yorkshire Water looks to recruit the next generation of skilled colleagues to be at the heart of providing a crucial service to millions of people around the region. Recruitment for the roles will start in May. It comes as figures show that almost one in five 18-24 year olds across Yorkshire are not in education, employment or training. The new skilled recruits will also ensure Yorkshire Water is prepared for a skills gap being predicted in the utility sector by 2025, partly caused by an ageing workforce. Richard Flint, Yorkshire Water chief executive, said: “Many people may not be aware just what a diverse range of skills we have within the company – from qualified engineers to geologists to our talented operators. “In fact, we have some of the most skilled colleagues that you’ll find in any industry and it’s so important to us as a
■■ Yorkshire Water employees (above) launch the company’s apprentices drive. (Right) Jess Rickett, who is on Yorkshire Water’s four-year multi-skilling apprentice scheme
business that we look to preserve this specialist knowledge for the future. “That’s why we are delighted to announce these 160 apprenticeships. It’s great news for young people and for the Yorkshire economy. Ours is a company that invests in its people and, having joined as a graduate myself, I know there are endless opportunities to progress and develop here.” While there will be a variety of opportunities in a number of different areas, the Bradford-based company said the
focus will be on skilled operational roles to prepare for the retirement of colleagues currently in those positions. This will ensure the technical capability remains high in Yorkshire Water’s workforce and the company’s reliable service continues. The latest recruitment drive from Yorkshire Water will be on the back of recruiting 59 apprentices over the past five years. Recent recruits include Jess Rickett, who joined Yorkshire Water’s four-year
multi-skilled apprenticeship scheme as a 16-year-old straight out of school in 2012. Although she grew up and went to school in Bradford, Jess spent much of her first year working on Yorkshire Water sites in Halifax and is now based in the Huddersfield area. Her work now involves routine maintenance at Yorkshire Water sites in Huddersfield, Barnsley, Sheffield and Wakefield as well as responding to emergency issues. She said: “I wanted to join this scheme because it’s given me the chance to do something a bit different that not many girls get into. I’m learning valuable skills every day and getting the chance to put them into practice. It really feels like I’m doing something which is important for Yorkshire Water.”
Energy experts help Lightwater Valley save thousands Bosses at a leading theme park are set to save thousands of pounds in energy costs – thanks to an Elland-based firm. Lightwater Valley called in energy management consultancy Orchard Energy to find as many ways as possible to reduce its carbon footprint and cut its energy consumption. The project has led to a comprehensive audit of energy use at the North Yorkshire theme park and has already identified efficiencies that will result in more than £50,000 worth of savings each year. Further savings and reduced carbon footprint have also been achieved from sourcing up to 45% of its electricity from a large solar photovoltaic array on fields adjacent to the theme park. Simon Pyne, business development
Lightwater Valley was keen to improve environmental awareness amongst its staff and create a real culture of efficiency that runs throughout the business. “We believe employees best know their workplaces and often just need the relevant tools to be able to come up with new ideas to reduce environmental impact.” Mr Pyne said studies had shown that up to 30% energy reduction could be achieved through staff engagement. ■■ Mark Bainbridge, (left) of Lightwater He said: “Our audit identified site Valley, with Orchard Energy business areas where heating and lighting condevelopment manager Simon Pyne sumption could be significantly reduced, prompting a recommendation for submetering and new employee procemanager of Orchard Energy, said: “As dures. well as exploring investment in energy “The employee engagement initiative efficient technologies and renewables, aims to halve out of hours energy usage
and we have been impressed by the way staff have taken ownership of the project, bringing their own ideas to the table and communicating them to colleagues in an effort to drive down consumption.” Peter Johnson-Treherne, group finance director of Heritage Great Britain, which owns the theme park, said: “We’re really encouraged by the savings already identified. “The next step is to expand this energy efficiency initiative and cut our carbon footprint even further. “This will include the introduction of biomass boilers, smart lighting and ongoing staff training.” Energy consultancy Orchard Energy has its headquarters in Elland and further offices in Newcastle, Bristol, Northampton and Glasgow.
Signal change An expert in railway safety has joined the team at Huddersfield University’s Institute of Railway Research (IRR). Work undertaken at the IRR aims to ensure that modern rail travel is fast, efficient, technically advanced and safe at a time when passenger numbers in the UK are increasing. Dr Coen Van Gulijk, who has held key academic posts in his native Netherlands, has been appointed as IRR Reader in Railway Safety to head a rail safety and risk research programme that links into a major partnership between the IRR and the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB).
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On the market A leading business group has put one of its buildings up for sale and is assessing all of its property holdings. The Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is seeking a buyer for its offices at Westgate, Wakefield following a review of its offices. New Commerce House – which has been used by the chamber since 1991 – is now looking for a new owner as chamber officials hunt for more modern premises from which to help support its member businesses.
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Aer Lingus ponders new takeover offer from IAG Aer Lingus has confirmed it is considering a sweetened takeover offer worth £1bn from the owner of British Airways. The statement from the Dublin-based carrier follows speculation that its board is set to back the latest proposal from International Airlines Group (IAG), which values Aer Lingus at 2.55 euros a share, equivalent to 1.36bn euros (£1.01bn). As well as a recommendation from the Aer Lingus board, the company said IAG’s offer was conditional on the support of major shareholders Ryanair and the Irish Government. The Irish Government holds a 25% stake in Aer Lingus and will want reassurances from the BA and Iberia owner over its plans for the key Dublin to Heathrow route. Low-cost airline Ryanair, which owns just under 30% of Aer Lingus following a series of failed takeover attempts,
may be tempted to sell at the new price as it has been told by UK competition authorities to sell down its stake because it potentially distorts the market for flights between Ireland and Britain. Currently, Aer Lingus directly employs 3,900 people, mostly in Dublin, with 2,100 of these described as ground staff in areas such as clerical, operative and back office roles. Ireland’s deputy prime minister warned at the weekend that protecting Ireland’s air links with Europe and the US was vitally important in terms of inward investment, exports, business and tourism. Tanaiste Joan Burton said: “What we will want to do as a Government,and what’s absolutely important, is to protect these slots and the connections of direct flights in and out of Ireland.” Aer Lingus is well known to IAG boss Willie Walsh as he ran the airline between 2001
and 2005 before taking the helm at British Airways. IAG’s interest in Aer Lingus stems from its desire for additional Heathrow runway slots as well as the opportunity to deliver more industry cost efficiencies. Aer Lingus is the fourth busiest operator at London’s Heathrow behind British Airways, Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic. Robin Byde, transport research analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald, said IAG was seeking to build on Aer Lingus’s lucrative niche on transatlantic routes, which offers customs and immigration clearance in Dublin and Shannon for flights to the USA. He said: “The other main attraction is Aer Lingus’s 23 slot pairs at Heathrow, which we calculate are valued at about 10m euros (£7.5m) per pair.” However Mr Byde said he was wary about the politics of the deal.
Flybe warns of profits turbulence Flybe’s turnaround plans suffered a setback after the regional airline warned its full-year results were likely to be weaker than expected. Shares in the Exeter-based firm closed...after it revealed revenues fell by 3.8% to £126.8m during the final three months of last year – and added that it does not expect to make a profit in the financial year to March 31. The airline is one year into a threeyear turnaround plan that has seen it cut more than 1,000 jobs and unprofitable routes after seeing passenger numbers fall in the wake of the financial crisis. Flybe is Europe’s largest regional airline, flying 67 planes to 199 routes across 14 countries. It reduced seat capacity by 6.1% to 2.5m in the third quarter of its financial year, but the need to keep fares low has resulted in a 5.2% reduction in its passenger yield to £67.65. The company said it expects to achieve break-even in the current year – when some City analysts had forecast it to make a pre-tax profit of about £9m. Liberum analyst Gerald Khoo said the firm’s London City Airport routes introduced in October were taking longer to mature and it also expected to retain unwanted aircraft on its books for longer than expected. The broker cut its annual pre-tax profit forecast to £100,000 from £8.8m.
■■ Aer Lingus is the fourth busiest operator at Heathrow
SSE delays gas price cut to April
Jurys Inn agrees £680m offer
Big Six energy provider SSE became the latest firm to announce a cut in gas tariffs – but said the move would not take effect until April 30. The UK’s second biggest supplier faced criticism for the delay which means customers will still be paying higher tariffs when energy usage is highest and tariffs will not come down until the milder period in the spring. SSE said it was also extending
US investors have agreed a £680m deal for the Jurys Inn hotel group. The business, which has four hotels in London, 21 more across the UK, five in Ireland and one in Prague, has been sold by a group of investors less than two years after restructuring its debt. The deal was agreed by Lone Star Funds to buy the chain from Oman Investment Fund, Mount Kellett Capital
its price freeze on gas and electricity bills until at least July, 2016. The supplier hiked dual fuel prices by 8.2% in November 2013 before cutting them in March last year by 3.5% in response to industry changes and then pledging a freeze which it said intially would last until January. SSE said the 4.1% cut, which is in response to the falling cost of wholesale energy, would save
a typical household customer £28 a year. It will take effect much later than those announced by rivals – with biggest supplier British Gas cutting prices by 5% from February 27 while E.ON lowered tariffs by 3.5% immediately from January 13. Scottish Power and npower have also announced price cuts, with EDF, the only supplier which has not yet done so, now likely to come under pressure.
Management, Ulster Bank, Westmont Hospitality Group and Avestus Capital Partners. Jurys Inn employs about 2,000 people and operates 7,000 rooms. In a statement the company said its business has been outperforming its competitors in the UK and Ireland and the existing management team, led by chief executive John Brennan, will stay in place.
Mr Brennan said. “The substantial investment in our business and brand, coupled with the efforts of management and our employees, have allowed us to deliver record results in recent years. “We are delighted to have attracted a new owner of the scale and calibre of Lone Star Funds, who are very committed to the future growth and development of the Jurys Inn brand and business .”
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN
American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys
£55.62 £72.26 £49.09 £60.82 £21.39 £47.43 £30.83 49.70 £58.79 £53.00
AEROSPACE & DEFENCE
Avon Rbbr BAE Systems Chemring Cobham Meggitt Rolls-Royce Senior
AIM
600 Group API Grp Brady Plc Highland Gold Mining Johnson Service Grp London Security M”S Intl Nichols Redhall Group Scapa Grp Youngs GKN
+0.13
795 512 2301/2 3431/8 540 903 3173/4
-15 -7 -2 +17/8 -1 +1 -31/4
16 58 82 411/2 69 £233/8 135 1082 111/2 138 985
+1/4
AUTOMOBILES & PARTS BANKS
-0.14 +1.45 +0.19 +0.59 +0.33 +0.49 -0.43
3777/8
-1 /4 3
+1/2 +28 +5 /4 -35 1
+25/8
Barclays Bk Ireland HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart Barr (AG) Diageo SABMiller Croda Elementis 98 Johnsn Mat
2403/4 211/2 6271/8 76 3831/8 9461/4
-23/8 -1/8 +21/4 +1/2 +3 -43/4
625 1967 £343/4
+1/2 -21/2 +3/8
£273/4 2835/8 £353/4
+1/4 -5 +3/8
2281/4 1663 285 50 2481/2
+11/4 -17 +5
BEVERAGES
CHEMICALS
CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
Balfour Beatty C”R”H Costain Low Bonar Marshalls Drax Gp SSE
ELECTRICITY
3643/4 1516
+8 -93/4 +24
ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced Ox Instmts Volex
677 3131/2 301 785 673/4
+3 +1/4 +23/8 +5
495 1321/4 370 2723/4
-23/8 +1/2 +61/2 +23/4
EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS
Alliance Trust Br Assets Candover Inv Dunedin Inv
Dunedin Sml Edin Invst Electra Private Equity Forgn & C Henderson Smllr Cos North American Inc Scot Am Scottish Mortgage Witan
1821/4 6651/2 £30 4485/8 565 900 247 2553/4 785
-31/2 +1/2
Carclo 991/4 -11/2 -11/8 Marshalls 2481/2 +8 3 -3 National Grid 931 /4 -51/8 +1/2 Weir Gp 1687 +12 -4 -1/4 FTSE closed at -3
FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
BT Grp Cable & Wireless Comm Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom
426 497/8 1281/2 803/4 3253/4
FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS
Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco Thorntons AB Food Carrs Millg REA Hldgs Tate Lyle Unilever
-51/8 -1/4 -1 +11/4 -43/8
196 /8 2683/8 230 85
-2 /4 +1/2 -51/4
7
FOOD PRODUCERS
1
£311/8 150 333 6771/2 £287/8
+3/8 -81/2 +7 +61/2 +3/8
2713/8 9313/4 905 £213/8 998
+13/8 -51/8 -7 -1/8 +21/2
GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES
Centrica National Grid Pennon Grp Severn United Utils 3i Group
GENERAL FINANCIAL 4615/8
Smith Nph
Local shares
-1
6852.40 up 19.57
Close Bros ICAP London StockExch Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV
1542 4713/4 £24 1791/2 £261/2 £291/4 £221/8
+15 +25/8 +1/4 +41/4 +1/2 +5/8 +5/8
3301/4 1133
+27/8 +13
GENERAL INDUSTRIALS
Smith DS Smiths Grp
GENERAL RETAILERS
Ashley L Dixons Carphone Home Retail Inchcape Kingfisher M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith
297/8 4297/8 1983/4 7021/2 3461/2 476 179 £713/4 £825/8 1360
-1/8 +5 -51/2 +21/2 +1/2 -3/4 +1/4 -3/8 -38
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
1186
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
Aga Rangemaster Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey
1051/4 4563/4 1760 1562 £55 1351/4
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Fenner I”M”I Molins Renold Spirax-Sarco Weir Grp Ferrexpo
208 1303 811/2 591/4 £311/8 1687
-4 -21/4 +65/8 +35 -5/8 +21/8 +2 +10 -1/2 -1/4 +3/8 +12
INDUSTRIAL METALS 57
INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
BBA Aviation
3561/2
+1
5401/2 4091/2 2661/4 206 16201/2 405
+4 +21/2 +1/4 +13/8 -7 +11/4
845 2313/4 170 1346 1158 938 375
+61/2 +21/8 -11/2 -3 -2 -2 +2
LIFE INSURANCE
Aviva Friends Life Gp Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Standard Life
D Mail Tst ITV Johnston Press Pearson Reed Elsevier Sky STV Group
MEDIA
-1 /4 3
Trinity Mirror Utd Business UTV WPP
1711/2 532 204 1471
MINING
Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kaz Minerals Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES
+11/2 +3 +1 -8
11171/2 +14 697 +121/2 14311/2 +61/2 8961/2 -1/2 1943/4 -23/8 171 -3 £287/8 3911/8 -387/8
MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Inmarsat Vodafone Group
8411/2 2385/8
+41/2 -11/4
NONLIFE INSURANCE
Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Ins Gp
1433 959 £371/2 4641/2
-10 -251/2
9175/8 439 1773/4 1463/4 £221/8 £23 £347/8 3703/8
+257/8 +65/8 -3/4 +23/4 +1/4 +1/4 +1/2 -7/8
10553/8 698 5731/2
+22 +71/2
OIL & GAS PRODUCERS
BG BP Cairn Energy Premier Oil Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell B Total Tullow Oil
-1/4
OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
AMEC Petrofac Wood Gp(J)
PERSONAL GOODS
Burberry Gp PZ Cussons
1774 311
-1 -97/8
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY
Astrazeneca GlaxoSmithKline Shire
£47 14981/2 £485/8
- /8 -11/2 +1/2
833 779 695 368 1286 4137/8
- /2 +11/2 +5 +1/2 +2 +31/8
480
+11/4
REAL ESTATE
Brit Land Gt Portland Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO
3
1
SOFTWARE & COMPUTER SERVICES
Sage Group
SUPPORT SERVICES
Berendsen Bunzl Capita Connect Group De La Rue Elctro Com Electrocomp Experian G4S Hays Homeserve Interserve Menzies J Northgate Prem Farnell Rentokil Travis & P
1110 1922 1097 1391/4 5081/2 2053/4 2053/4 1181 2873/4 1541/4 3383/4 528 373 619 1711/4 1231/8 1935
-7 +9 +15 -23/4 -61/2 +4 +4 +19 +3/4 +13/8 +83/4 +41/2 +101/4 -2 +21/4 +7/8 +2
Wolseley
£395/8
-3/8
1050 £1041/8 831/2
-4 +7/8 -33/4
£373/4 £307/8
-1/8
1093/4 £311/8 1138 1756 1075/8 1057/8 £251/4 8201/2 £271/2 549 1141/4 1463/4 4303/4 2633/8 110 165 7261/2 7733/8 346 £505/8 3721/4
+3/4 -1/8 +6 +21 -11/4 -1/8 +3/8 -1
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT
ARM Hldgs IBM Spirent Comms
TOBACCO
Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
TRAVEL & LEISURE
Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airl Ladbrokes Marston’s Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Punch Taverns Rank Org Restaurant Grp Ryanair Stagecoach Group Whitbread William Hill FTSE 100 FTSE 250
INDEX
6852.40 16470.52
+13 -1 -13/8 -91/4 +35/8 -1 -91/2 +21/4 +21/4 -1/4 +31/4 +19.57 +11.62
3
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Andy and Oli draw on a shed load of inspiration When it came to setting up their graphic design operation, Andy Finnerty and Oli Smith took their inspiration from some of the best in the business. The duo – who aim to make a name for themselves with startup venture Aye! Creative – acknowledge the influence of talented local lads James Sommerville and Simon Needham, who took their design company Attik to the world stage, working with clients including Coca Cola, Nike, Warner Brothers and EMI. Oli and Andy are also getting advice and support from another big name – Freeserve founder and serial entrepreneur Ajaz Ahmed, who is mentoring the 21-yearolds. Says Oli: “We met Ajaz at a networking event and basically asked if we could pick his brains. He liked the fact that we had grabbed the bull by the horns by being so direct. “He made the point that having a degree doesn’t necessarily mean anything in business. That was a real eye-opener and put things in perspective. “Ajaz really likes design and has a massive passion for it.” Andy says: “He gets right to the point. We speak to him regularly face-to-face and on the phone. Ajaz has helped to provide us with some opportunities, but it has been up to us to grab them.” Oli and Andy are both graduates of Batley Art School – something they have in common with Attik’s founding pair. Oli, who lives at Linthwaite, attended Colne Valley High School, where art was his favourite subject. “I had always loved drawing and creating stuff,” he says. “I liked sport, but my real passion was for art and design. “I did some work expeience at a photographic studio before going to Batley. “The course at Batley was great. You got a lot of time with the tutors and it felt more personal than university.” Andy, who lives at Dewsbury and attended Birkdale High
School, says: “I was always heavily into art. As I got older, it made sense to do a visual communications course, which was quite broad-based. There were different routes to look at, such as fine art and graphic arts. “I went to open days at a number of universities, but there was nowhere as appealing as Batley Art School, where you get more one-to-one time with the tutors. Our tutor, Jed Flynn, was a massive inspiration.” Oli and Andy were also inspired by the Attik story – although in their case, Aye! Creative began life in a a different part of the home! James Sommerville and Simon Needham began their business from the attic at the home of James’ grandma. Aye! Creative began in the garden shed at Oli’s parents’ home. The company name expresses more than its Yorkshire roots.
Oli explains: “We worked on a couple of projects together before leaving college, including a project to ‘brand’ Dewsbury working with the Sharp Agency in Huddersfield. “We started discussing setting up a business. I said ‘shall we?’ and Andy said ‘Aye!’ We have no family commitments, so we decided to give it a go, taking Attik as our inspiration.” Aye! Creative covers areas such as logo design, identity design, branding, print, web, illustration and advertising. Andy says; “There is big demand for graphic design services, brand identification and website design. “We have a number of clients. We have recently rebranded Empire Brewing, a microbrewery in Slaithwaite, and Mark Riley hairdressers, which has three salons and a training academy. We also work with Creative Scene,
■■ Oli Smith (left) and Andy Finnerty, of Aye! Creative in Huddersfield
which brings togther Kirklees Council, the Lawence Batley Theatre and Batley Festival. We also work with a mobile betting company based in Cyprus.” Says Oli: “We want to be a brand, motion and digital studio. Everyone does websites and we will go down that route, but clients also want music, video and animation as well. There is a big market for graphic design.” Last year. Oli and Andy made the move from the garden shed to offices at Huddersfield’s Media Centre – which provides them with upgraded workspace, more reliable digital connections and free meeting rooms where Aye! Creative can bring clients. The duo also get involved with networking events staged at the centre and enjoy the buzz of working in the same hive of activity as other like-minded businesses. Oli says: “We are trying to meet as many people as possible. The people we speak to genuinely want to help us.” Adds Andy: “You have to get your face out there. Coming to the Media Centre and having a town centre base has really helped us to do that.” Developing the business leaves little time for hobbies. Andy and Oli both work out at the gym and Oli “does a lot of running”. He has called time on his career as an amateur boxer, however. “I loved the fitness element of it,” he says. “I was mainly into Thai boxing.” But he’s already broken his jaw in the ring – and doesn’t think turning up to client meetings with a cut lip and bruises would project the right image for the business! Andy says: “The business does mean we have a few late nights, but you have to put up with that. “We are investing everything we make back into the business. We like to work out, but we don’t waste our money on a weekend. It is about building the business over the long term.” Oli’s boxing connections have also paid off. The duo are working on a branding project for Huddersfield light welterweight boxer Tyrone Nurse. Andy and Oli hope it will be a knockout move.
Aye! Creative Work: Graphic design business Site: Media Centre, Niorthumberland Street, Huddersfield Phone: 07540 568080 Email: eyup@aye-creative.co.uk Web: www. aye-creative.co.uk
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4
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
KIRKLEES BUS
China beckons for business women A Batley-based business is organising a womenonly trade visit to China and Hong Kong. ConnectChina Ltd, headed by Joanna Lavan (pictured), has linked up with Maiden-voyage. com to host the visit at the end of May. The aim is to inspire women to build their business with China. Joanna said: “Statistics show that only 16% of women-led businesses in the UK engage in international trade. We also know that less than 10% of delegates participating on organised trade visits are women. “The group will visit Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, spending two days in each city, with business briefings, one to one individual tailored business-tobusiness meetings and networking with Chinese business women.” According to the China Women’s Chamber of Commerce, there are about 29m female entrepreneurs in China, who account for less than 20% of the total number of entrepreneurs nationwide. About 16m of them are entrepreneurs in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – which equates to 45% of the total number of SME entrepreneurs. Said Joanna: “For businesses trading internationally, China is often
perceived as too difficult a market to enter due to geographical distance, cultural differences and language barriers. We have years of expertise in running trade visits to this region and have a team on the ground to help our participants understand how to do business in this increasingly important region.” ConnectChina will perform a complimentary assessment for wouldbe delegates on the trade trip to ensure that their product or service is suitable and has potential for the China market. Each business attending the trade visit will receive proactive and practical support before, during and after the visit. Delegates will receive relevant guidance and advice plus there will be China workshops and webinars to give each participant the skills needed to do business with China – including some basic Mandarin! Contact joanna@connectchina.co.uk or carolyn@maiden-voyage. com
Awards recognise the region’s best The search is on to find Yorkshire’s most dynamic business women. Now Barclays has announced the judging panel for its inaugural Celebrating Women in Business Awards. The awards, launched by Lee Collinson, Barclays Corporate managing director for Yorkshire and the North East, are aimed at businesswomen in senior roles operating in mid to large companies in any sector across Yorkshire. The judges will include Roger Marsh, chairman of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership; Lucy Thornycroft (pictured), Yorkshire regional director of the CBI; and Garry Wilson, managing partner at Leeds-based Endless LLP. Entrants can put themselves forward for an award or be nominated
by a work colleague, customer, supplier or other associate. The closing date for applications is on Monday, February 9. Award categories include one for business women in large businesses and mediumsized firms, a Rising Star Award for entrants aged under 35, and an award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity. The awards will be presented at a special lunch to be held on March 5 at Wetherby.
Take time to check out tax thresholds There are a number of important tax thresholds where rates jump or reliefs are available and which with a little careful planning can be mitigated or enjoyed. The first obvious one is the personal allowance which is currently £10,000. Non-working spouses may not be using this unless income producing assets are in their name. Those in business will most likely be paying them for their involvement in the business. If teenage children, who also have their own personal allowance, help in the business they too can be paid through the payroll at appropriate rates. Investment income of children under 18 is taxed on the parent (except if it is less £100) if it derives from assets provided by the parents. But if assets are provided by grandparents the income will belong to the child. So directing gifts from grandparents to grandchildren rather than children can be beneficial. That is fine for smaller gifts but for larger ones the protection afforded by a trust may be appropriate. If the personal allowance is used the next threshold is where the tax rate jumps from 20% to 40% which is just
TAX TALK Colin Barratt under the £40,000 mark. This figure has not been indexed for a long time and means more and more people fall into the “higher rate” bracket. The same considerations apply to using the 20% band as for the personal allowances of the lower earning members of the family. Additionally, a pension contribution or gift aid payment, which should always be made by the highest earner, will mitigate the 40% tax rate. The grossed up payment will reduce the 40% rate to 20% which gives relief at 25% of what is actually paid. The next threshold is £50,000 for those claiming child benefit. The benefit is clawed back at 1% per £100 of income above £50,000. If you claim for three children and
your income is between £50,000 and £60,000 (beyond this figure it is all clawed back) the effective tax rate is in the order of 65%! So someone on £55,000, claiming child benefit for three children, who makes a pension payment of £4,000 (£5,000 grossed up for basic rate tax relief given at source) saves £2,250 in total (that is actually 56.25% of the net payment but an additional £1,000 gets paid into your pension fund). Very good value. A similar situation applies for very high earners whose income is between £100,000 and £120,000 where the personal allowance is clawed back. The effective rate is 60% and the same mitigation principles as for the £50,000 to £60,000 threshold will apply here.
Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth chartered accountants, Huddersfield
Car dealership celebrates 6,000th sale A car dealership in Huddersfield has reached a milestone – with the sale of its 3,000th new car. To mark the occasion, Suzuki dealer Colin Appleyard Cars, based at Chapel Hill, presented a hamper and shopping voucher to Christina Naughton, who bought the car. She was joined by her mother, AnneMarie Bradley, of Golcar, who has bought six new Suzukis from the company over the years. Colin Appleyard became Suzuki’s first UK car dealer in 1979, having already been successful at selling Suzuki motorcycles. The first showroom opened in Keighley when eight brand new vehicles were delivered for the official opening – and were all sold on the night. Some 36 years later, the
company is still Suzuki’s top performing dealership and has branches in Huddersfield, Ashton-under-Lyne and Shipley as well as Keighley. Chairman Colin Appleyard and managing director Robin Appleyard were presented with Suzuki Dealer of the Year awards as the Japanese manufacturer’s annual conference and awards dinner last November – the sixth time Colin Appleyard Cars has won this much-coveted award. The firm sold more than 1,725 new Suzuki cars and 4x4s last year. Said Colin Appleyard: “I never dreamt that when we opened our first showroom 36 years ago we would be celebrating selling 30,000 cars. I couldn’t have done it without our dedicated and
■■ Anne Marie Bradley and Christina Naughton buy the 3,000th new car to be sold by Colin Appleyard Cars
loyal staff so I must thank them for all their hard work and commitment in making this landmark achievement possible.” Dale Wyatt, Suzuki’s UK sales director, said: “This is
yet another milestone in the illustrious history of Colin Appleyard Cars. I and all my colleagues at Suzuki UK congratulate Colin, Robin and their team on this amazing achievement.”
Friday feeling resumes for networkers It’s the first of the last. Networking group The Last Friday Club will hold its first get-together of 2015 on Friday from 12.30pm to 1.30pm at Maggie’s in Fountain Street, Halifax.
The event is free to attend and the format is informal. The meetings are organised by Huddersfield-based Ramsdens Solicitors and supported by Barclays, the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of
Commerce, the Chartered Institute of Marketing and Maggie’s. Members of the Last Friday Club have also been congratulated on their charity efforts. They also sup-
ported a Shoebox Appeal run by Rotary Clubs across Calderdalde, which enabled volunteers to deliver almost 2,150 boxes of goodies to deserving people at Christmas.
■■ Steve Harvey Frank ing director of Attercop and now MD of Clouds left) former owners An Swales and head of dig
Takover set to im
A HOLMFIRTH com Leeds agency and se which will “hold” bo as well as future acqu WSI Yorkshire has e and acquired digita Cloudspotting with b Yorkshire and Cloud under the newly-form Attercopia Ltd. Steve Harvey Fran tor of Attercopia, sa group would improve capabilities of ever increase the range of clients. He said: “This re acquisition in as man exciting times for our ents. Cloudspotting with a number of fina as Redmayne Bentley Society. “I have been impre that Cloudspotting h years. The acquisition our offering to existin WSI Yorkshire clients excited about where take us in 2015 and be Kevin Martindale, Cloudspotting, said: great news for Cloud together companies digital marketing exp experienced team. “We are now in a g digital marketing serv tor base, whilst build our relationships with ents.”
Time to connec
It’s time to renew co some new ones. The first Connectio event of 2015 will take 11am on Thursday, F Smith’s Stadium in Hu The events, organi shire Chamber of Co the first Thursday of e egates get the chan business in a one-min then follow-up new le breakfast. Businesses are welc ny literature and bann
5
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015
SINESS NEWS
klin (right), managpia and WSI Yorkshire spotting with (from ndrew Boobier and Jon gital Kevin Martindale
r deal mpress
mpany has acquired a et up a new company oth current businesses uisitions. expanded it’s business al marketing agency both companies – WSI dspotting - now sitting med parent company
nklin, managing direcaid the newly-formed e the digital marketing ryone involved and services on offer to all
epresents our second ny years. These are very r teams and for our cliis a respected brand ancial institutions such y and Ecology Building
essed by the goodwill has built up over the n can only strengthen ng Cloudspotting and s and we are all very this new venture will eyond.” , head of digital at : “The acquisition is dspotting as it brings with a wide range of pertise from a highly
great position to offer vices to a broader secding and maintaining h new and existing cli-
local
It’s still all about death and taxes As announced by the Chancellor George Osborne last September, from April 6, 2015, individuals will have the freedom to pass on their unused defined contribution (DC) pension savings to any nominated beneficiary when they die, and the current 55% tax charge that applies to lump sums paid from drawdown funds (when death occurs both before and after age 75) and uncrystallised funds (when death occurs after age 75) will be abolished. There will also be a relaxation to the tax treatment that will allow a beneficiary (and not just a ‘dependant’ of the deceased) to receive tax free withdrawals from a drawdown pension if the original member (or last drawdown account holder) died before age 75. The Governments pledge to ‘abolish’ the 55% death tax on pensions is not all it seems though because pension pots inherited when the member (or last drawdown account holder) dies after age 75 will still be subject to tax. How can pension death benefits be paid after April 6, 2015? On the death of the scheme member death benefits can be paid as either a lump sum or kept within the scheme and be taken as income drawdown. Where the person entitled to drawdown dies then it will be possible for another beneficiary to continue in drawdown or for a lump sum to be paid. For someone who is not a dependant of the member there will be a new category of recipient called a nominee (who can be nominated by either the member or the scheme administrator). Additionally, where a dependant or nominee dies then a successor can inherit the pension fund. A successor can be nominated by either the dependant, nominee or even a previous successor. How will the death benefits be taxed where a member dies before age 75? The punitive 55% tax charge that currently applies to lump sum death benefits paid from drawdown arrangements will be abolished altogether. Any such lump sum will
FINANCIAL FOCUS Karen Wynard instead be tax-free. Like now, any lump sum death benefit paid from uncrystallised rights on death before age 75 will continue to be tax free (as long as the lump sum falls within the deceased’s available lifetime allowance). Furthermore, from April 6, 2015, where the funds are designated to provide a dependant’s /nominee’s flexiaccess drawdown account then any withdrawals taken by a dependant or nominee where the original member died before age 75 will also be tax-free in the hands of the recipient, provided the funds are designated to the drawdown account within a two-year period. It is important to be aware, however, that dependant’s drawdown pensions that are already in payment prior to April 6, 2015, will be taxed under the current rules as that was the legislative position when the income commenced. The Chancellor also confirmed in the Autumn statement that, from April 2015, beneficiaries of individuals who die under the age of 75 with a joint life or guaranteed term annuity will be able to receive any future payments from such policies tax free. The tax rules will also be changed to allow joint life annuities to be passed on to any beneficiary. How will the death benefits be taxed where a member dies after age 75? From April 6, 2015, the punitive 55% tax charge that currently applies to lump sum death benefits paid from drawdown arrangements and uncrystallised rights that have been deferred beyond age 75, will initially be reduced to a flat rate tax charge of 45%; and any
death benefits paid as an income to a beneficiary will continue (like now) to be taxed at the recipient’s marginal rate. It is the Government’s intention, however, that from 2016/17, the flat rate 45% tax charge will be removed and any lump-sum payment will instead be subject to income tax at the marginal rate(s) of the recipient. Whilst these proposed changes are to be welcomed, beneficiaries will only pay no tax if the member (or last drawdown account holder) dies before age 75. Arguably the vast majority of people will die after age 75 so only a minority of beneficiaries will actually benefit from paying no tax on the death benefits they inherit. It is also important to bear in mind that, where a scheme member has died prior to April 6, 2015, (and particularly where aged under 75) in certain circumstances it may be worth deferring any decisions over how the benefits are paid out until after April 6, 2015, in order to benefit from the more favourable tax treatment. The rules are complex and we would suggest you seek professional financial advice if you think you will be affected by these changes. As independent financial advisers, Eastwood Financial Services can provide professional, personalised advice in this area. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this further or find out more about the services we can offer. The tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of the investor and may be subject to change in the future.
onnections – and make
ons Count networking e place from 9.30am to February 5, at the John Huddersfield. ised by the Mid Yorkommerce, are held on every month when delnce to introduce their nute presentation and eads and contacts over
come to bring companer stands.
Insurer LV= has been voted top of the table for customer satisfaction – and the seventh best UK business across all sectors, according to the 2014 UK Institute of Customer Service Customer Satisfaction Index. The index is the result of a survey involving about 10,000 consumers from across the UK. LV= received the highest customer satisfaction score for an insurer and is the seventh highest overall for customer service. It joins companies including Amazon and John Lewis as leaders in their fields. The research looked at 205 companies and LV= was just one of two insurers to appear in the top 50 – with the other coming in at 47th. LV= has offices at Folly Hall Mills in Huddersfield. The online survey asks consumers to choose a company and rate it based on a number of factors. It shows that LV= is the most trusted insurer and the one that consumers think is the easiest to do business with. Mike Rogers, LV= chief
executive, said: “Great customer service has never been more important and at LV= we focus on ensuring our customers receive an excellent level of care. Our commitment to great service is borne out in our high renewal rates of circa 80% for our home and car insurance customers.” Jo Causon, chief executive of the Institute of Customer Service, said: “This year’s results show evidence of the fast paced and challenging environment that organisations are facing. “The index shows that there is huge potential for organisations to drive growth, brand loyalty and trust through improving customer service. “Customers expect an ongoing dialogue and relationship with organisations - rather than to be treated just as part of a transaction - using a mixture of new and existing channels to engage. With this in mind, it is clear that organisations need to look more closely at the experience they are delivering to customers in order to identify how it can be improved.”
Karen Wynard is director at Eastwood Financial Services Ltd
o renew Firm gains ‘best in class’ standards for contractor safety ctions A company providing machinery safety services has achieved a key accreditation. Elland-based Safety Systems Technology (SST) has been awarded accreditation from Safecontractor for its commitment to excellence in health and safety. Safecontractor is a nationally recognised third party accreditation scheme which recognises best in class standards in health and safety management among UK contractors. The company’s application for Safecontractor status was driven by the fact its blue chip client base demands such third party accreditation. SST managing director Mark Smailes
Insurer LV= tops table in customer satisfaction index
said: “Our core focus as a business is machinery safety and our clients in the manufacturing, engineering and industrial sector rely on us for expert work and advice. “The Safecontractor accreditation demonstrates, I believe, that our whole approach and the way in which we conduct our business has been given a stamp of approval from a well-recognised third party.” Safecontractor accreditation will enhance the company’s ability to attract new contracts and its commitment to safety will be viewed positively by its insurers when the company liability policy is up for renewal. Safecontractor is applicable to most
sectors although it is particularly relevant to food manufacture, property, facilities management, retail and leisure sectors, all of which are big users of contracted services. John Kinge, technical director of Safecontractor said: “Major organisations simply cannot afford to run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies in place. “More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that SST has done. The firm’s high standard has set an example which hopefully will be followed by other companies within the sector.”
Independent financial planning services for companies and individuals Eastwood Financial Services Ltd Pennine House, Lowfields Close, Lowfields Business Park, Elland HX5 9DA 01422 377737 www.eastwoodfinancial.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
6
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Chamber’s landmark offices are up for sale A leading business group has put one of its landmark properties up for sale as it assesses all of its property holdings. The Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has put its building at Wakefield on the market following a review of its offices. New Commerce House at 168 Westgate – which has been home to the chamber since 1991 – is now looking for a new owner as the Chamber seeks out modern new premises to support its members and businesses. The move comes as it also considers its locations at Lockwood Park and in Halifax. Chamber chief executive Martin Hathaway said: “With the lease of the offices in Huddersfield and Halifax coming to an end in 2015 it has been an ideal time for the review. “The board of directors and I are committed to growing the chamber and ensuring its continued success. In order to move the chamber forward it is important that our premises meet our needs as well as those of our members. “We will be working with our members to find the best solution whilst ensuring coverage across Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.” The chamber said the sale of the 6,500sq ft Wakefield building offered “a real opportunity” for businesses and developers alike. The sale is being handled by Jason Schofield, of Vickers Carnley , based at Wakefield.
■■ Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is seeking a buyer for its offices at Westgate, Wakefield
It added: “The chamber will keep members updated on developments and will continue to help members get connected, get supported and have their say.” Founded 160 years ago, the chamber draws its
membership from businesses across Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield. The chamber is also part of the British Chambers of Commerce national network and also works with international chambers of commerce.
Record for installations as more clients see the light
■■ Amanda Speight, of J G Harrison & Sons, says firms are opting for LED
A specialist lighting firm has completed a record number of commercial LED lighting installations throughout 2014. Yorkshire-based J G Harrison & Sons, which has a branch at Huddersfield Road, Dewsbury, has helped more than 50 businesses in the region improve their energy consumption by upgrading from traditional fluorescent bulbs to LED lighting – which is proven to save up to 90% on energy bills. The final order for 2014 was to upgrade the lighting for Paddockbased Metrodent, a manufacturer and distributor to the dental industry. J G Harrison & Sons completed a £17,000 lighting upgrade at the manufacturer’s
factory and offices. Ian Lait, sales director for Metrodent Ltd, said: “Our existing lighting was old and made up of mainly fluorescent tubes which are power hungry. The new lighting is modern LED technology which consumes roughly two-thirds less energy.” He said: “It is not often you get more for less but we have more light and the electricity bill is 60% lower. “Leaving costs aside, the greatest unforeseen benefit was the vast improvement to our working environment.” Amanda Speight, business development manager at J G Harrison, said: “When we carried out a site survey in
upgrading Metrodent’s factory’s lighting, a £17,000 investment initially looked like a lot. However, with strong links to councils to advise on available funding, we were able to source a third of the cost and advise of a payback period of just two years. “Furthermore, the life expectancy of the new lighting is 10 years and maintenance costs are also reduced, and bearing in mind the rising cost of electricity, Metrodent’s savings will continue into the thousands over the years.” J G Harrison & Sons was formed in 1951 and operates from branches in Dewsbury, Bradford, Halifax and Rochdale.
Construction group sets target for new apprentices Construction and development specialist Southdale is aiming to recruit 40 apprentices by the end of March – including many in West Yorkshire. The positions are being created across the North of England in a variety of onsite trades and office-based positions to support projects on behalf of a number of clients. Apprentices are required in locations including Batley, Halifax, York, Barnsley, Hull and Middlesbrough. Southdale is aiming to fill a minimum of 50 apprenticeship positions in 2015 – double the number created in 2014. The company, which has offices in
Halifax and partnered Kirklees Council on a major housing scheme for Huddersfield, is open to flexible apprenticeship options – such as giving part-time work to students on full-time college courses – to open the opportunities up to a wider group of potential candidates. Claire Preston, Southdale’s learning and development manager, said: “Our workload across the North of England means we have a fantastic opportunity to create apprenticeships for at least 50 young people in 2015 and we are looking to fill 80% of those positions in the first quarter. “We are keen to give opportunities for
people to learn their practical skills, alongside the theoretical studies conducted with learning providers, so those who are already enrolled with colleges can also apply. “One of the most important responsibilities within our industry is to develop young talent for the future and we want to be able to do that by creating opportunities for people in the areas in which they live. “ We would encourage any young people interested in a trade or office-based apprenticeship to get in touch and find out more.”
Safestyle sees strong trading Doors and windows firm Safestyle UK plc reported continued strong trading for 2014. The AIM-listed company, which is a leading retailer and manufacturer of PVCu windows and doors for the homeowner replacement market, lifted revenues for the year by 9% to £136m. That compares with a figure of £124.8m the previous year. The company said pre-tax profit “had shown good progress” and was expected to be in line with consensus market expectations of £16.7m before share based payments. The company increased market share from 7.85% at the end of 2013 to 8.48% at the end of last year, according to data from industry body FENSA – despite the overall market contracting slightly. Safestyle’s growth was also reflected in the increase in frames manufactured during the year – up by 7% to 267,642. The number of installations increased by 4.7% to 57,682. The order book at the year end was up by 3% on last year. The firm ended 2014 with cash of £8.5m compared with £5.2m last time. Dividend of £6.7m were paid for the second half of 2014. Steve Birmingham, chief executive, said: “Trading in our first full financial year as a quoted company has been strong. The results for the year, with growth in revenue, profit and market share, has largely been driven by our marketing strategy.”
New unit for Lantech A company supplying flexible hosing and couplings has taken possession of a unit at a Huddersfield industrial estate. Lantech Solutions Ltd, based at Bradley Mills, has agreed a sevenyear lease on a 3,700sq ft unit at Bradley Junction Industrial Estate, off Leeds Road, Bradley. The deal was completed by the Huddersfield office of chartered surveyors Eddisons who acted on behalf of the landlord, Cerros Properties Ltd. The joint agent was Michael Steel & Co. Shazad Mahmood, associate director at Eddisons, said: “We are delighted to have negotiated favourable terms on behalf of such a well-respected client. “There was strong interest from a range of potential tenants which reflects the estate’s excellent location close to Huddersfield town centre and the motorway network.” Lantech Solutions Ltd designs, manufactures and supplies a range of flexible hoses, couplings and allied products to the pharmaceutical, chemical, petrochemical, food and drink, textiles and manufacturing process industries.
7
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Holmfirth pub owner sells stake to Commer A Yorkshire-based property and investment company has taken a stake in the firm which owns Holmfirth’s Old Bridge pub. Commer Group has acquired a 20% stake in independent coaching inns operator the Bulldog Hotel Group for an undisclosed sum. The deal sees Commer managing director Edward Walsh join Bulldog’s board as finance director and creates a platform for an acquisition programme which will see the hotel group invest £20m over the next five years in a doubling of the estate. “We’ve built our property and leisure businesses by carefully choosing the right acquisitions and by backing the best people,” said Mr Walsh. “Kevin Charity at Bulldog Hotel Group, is one of the best independent operators of regional hotels in the country, so this investment is a natural development for us. “We have an ambitious acquisition and expansion programme and are already in detailed discussions with funding providers as part of that process.”
■■ Commer Group managing director Edward Walsh with Kevin Charity, managng director of Bulldog Hotel Group. owner of the Old Bridge, Holmfirth
The Bulldog Hotel Group owns the Old Bridge in Holmfirth and has other well-known hotels in Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Gloucestershire and County Durham. It has built a sreputation in the indus-
try for transforming under-performing establishments into busy and profitable businesses. Mr Charity said: “We’re delighted Edward is joining the Bulldog board to lead our investment programme. His
Designed with care
extensive financial experience as an investment banker and business knowledge and contacts through the Commer Group will help us realise our ambitious growth plans. “Our successful business model is based on selecting high quality coaching inns and revitalising their offer across food, drink and accommodation. “While many individual hotels can only afford to focus on just one area, we have the resources to ensure excellence across all three income streams and give guests and customers an allround better experience. “This is proving attractive to couples and families for holiday breaks, but also to the corporate market for meetings and conferences.” Said Mr Charity: “The regional hotel market – and particularly the coaching inn sector – remains highly fragmented and with this investment we have never been better placed to take advantage of the acquisition opportunities that we continue to see and allows us to grow the estate from seven to fifteen by 2020.”
Dewsbury-based Shackletons has completed a contract to help transform a former hotel into a care centre. Milford Care chose Shackletons to furnish the former hotel, which has become Milford’s newest Care Home, Ashbourne Lodge in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Shackletons designed and manufactured furniture for all areas at the new home, including a library, cafe, reception area, lounge, cinema room and 54 ensuite bedrooms. Amanda Falleth, design manager at Milford Care said: “Everything we do is tailored to individual needs. This is why we chose Shackletons to help us translate our tailored approached into our interior design and furniture. “They completely understand the needs of our residents and our need as a business to put our residents first.” Jason Bloom, national sales manager at Shackletons said: “With state-of-the-art facilities, spacious bedrooms and beautiful communal areas, Ashbourne Lodge offers elderly care in exceptional surroundings and we wanted to make sure our product and service complemented that. We’re ecstatic with the results.” Shackletons have been in the business for more than 50 years.
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8
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Claire Bennett
New purpose for Claire Claire Bennett, regional director for Common Purpose in West and North Yorkshire, has been promoted to the national role of operations director with the international leadership development organisation. Over the past 12 months, Claire (pictured) has delivered courses for senior and emerging leaders in Yorkshire, taken part in global work with Commonwealth leaders and was part of a team working with Morrisons PLC. As operations director, she will oversee all Common Purpose courses in West and North Yorkshire, the North West of England and Northern Ireland. She said: “I am delighted to join colleagues on the UK senior management team and to be able to make a contribution at this level. I love seeing the difference our work makes to leaders, organisations and places in Yorkshire. “This is a great opportunity and I shall enjoy continuing to grow our work not only here in Yorkshire, but also across the North West
Rail expert on track with university role By Henryk Zientek Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
and Northern Ireland.” Common Purpose brings together leaders from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to solve problems. Claire joined in 1997 and during her time at Common Purpose has chairied the national 20:20 programme and worked with clients including Leeds City Council, Leeds University and Ernst & Young. Among her other roles, she is a member of Bradford College’s search committee, a school governor at a primary school in Leeds, a board member of Young Enterprise in West Yorkshire and a former steering group member for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s programme in Bradford.
Chief executive on taskforce Yorkshire Water chief executive Richard Flint (pictured) has joined major business leaders from around the country on a taskforce looking to tackle water issues in the UK. With the backing of the Government, Business in the Community (BITC) has brought together water companies, large businesses and key stakeholders with a goal of building a fairer society and more sustainable future. Member firms include Elland-based paving stone supplier Marshalls as well as Nestle, Sainsbury’s and Dairy Crest. To mark the start of a three-year plan of action, the group has launched a report – Securing the Resources for Future Prosperity – which highlights the water challenges faced in the UK, reasons why businesses should take action and what they need to do. The report uncovers many stories of how businesses are already rising to the challenge.
movers and shakers
An expert in railway safety has joined the team at Huddersfield University’s Institute of Railway Research (IRR). Work undertaken at the IRR aims to ensure that modern rail travel is fast, efficient, technically advanced and safe at a time when passenger numbers in the UK are increasing. Now Dr Coen Van Gulijk, who has held key academic posts in his native Netherlands, has been appointed as IRR Reader in Railway Safety. He will head a rail safety and risk research programme tha links into a major partnership between the IRR and the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB). Dr Van Gulijk, whose background is in engineering, will gather and analyse massive amounts of data about potential rail risks – to provide the railway industry with digital tools that give them rapid and cost-effective access to the information needed to ensure that operations are safe. Dr Van Gulijk said his research could also help to speed up the adoption of new rail technologies. “Because of the very stringent safety requirements in railways, it can be difficult to introduce new technology,” he said. “Railways are traditionally conservative, which is not a bad thing, because you want to use equipment that you are sure of.” Now it hoped that the process of demonstrating the safety and reliability of a new technology can be streamlined as a result of the IRR’s work. RSSB already maintains a “Safety Risk Model” that the rail industry uses to monitor risk and support decision-making. The research taking place at the university and headed by Dr Van Gulijk, aims to improve the
■■ Dr Coen Van Gulijk, who has joined the team at the Institute of Railway Research
industry’s risk modelling capability to further “support efficient safety decision making and thereby add value to the railway industry and society as a whole”. Before his arrival at Huddersfield, Dr Van Gulijk was an assistant professor in safety science at the Delft University of Technology. His early academic training was in chemical engineering and his PhD research dealt with diesel exhaust emissions. At Dutch scientific research organisation TNO, he worked on the improvement of gas masks for military use and this helped to take him away from engineering to the safety sciences.
“It is a very broad area,” said Dr Van Gulijk. “Safety science is multi-disciplinary by definition and includes fields such as chemical safety, security and transport safety.” After working on very broad areas at Delft, he decided to return to more focused research. Huddersfield University’s IRR has provided him with the opportunity for this and also to return to the field of engineering. Prof Simon Iwnicki, director of the IRR, said: “I am delighted that Dr Van Gulijk has joined us. “Through his industrial and academic experience he brings an important extra dimension to our expertise and capabilities.”
Syngenta joins cream of the crop The BITC Water Taskforce, chaired by United Utilities chief executive Steve Mogford, is calling on all UK businesses to take action to make sure they are prepared for the risk of periods of too much and too little water. Mr Flint said: “Water resilience and the security of our resources is too big an issue for any one business to deal with on its own. It’s vitally important that business leaders join with the Government to consider how we can act now to preserve our most precious resource for future generations.”
Huddersfield Town has a new signing. Global agribusiness Syngenta is teaming up with the club to support the HTAFC Schools Partnership in 2015. Syngenta, which has an award-winning manufacturing centre at Leeds Road in Huddersfield, is one of the world’s leading companies with more than 28,000 employees in 90 countries. It makes crop protection products which help farmers all over the world get
higher yields from their crops, providing greater availability of quality food and lower costs for consumers. Now Syngenta will be working with Huddersfield Town on an exciting educational project involving the club’s primary school partners. Carl Sykes, community partnerships manager at Syngenta, said: “Off the pitch, Huddersfield Town is very active in our local community and has an engag-
ing schools programme. “Syngenta is a world leader in seeds and crop protection and through this new partnership, we aim to give local schools the opportunity to share with children the importance of sowing and growing plants, leading to good health and nutrition.” Town ambassador Andy Booth said: “We are delighted that Syngenta has come on board to support our Schools Partnership.”
■■ Cark Sykes (left) and Town’s Andy Booth
IoD names lawyer as new Yorkshire region chairman The Institute of Directors has named lawyer Jonathan Oxley as regional chairman for Yorkshire. Mr Oxley, director of corporate finance at Lupton Fawcett Denison Till, has been acting regional chairman since Peter Holmes
stepped down from the role last year. Mr Oxley also chairs the IoD West Yorkshire branch. The former managing partner of Lee & Priestley is an expert on company law and employee share schemes.
He said: “I’m looking forward to working with our regional director Natalie Sykes and the Yorkshire branch chairs to deliver our director development programme. “One of my main focuses will
be to ensure that the views of IoD members in our region are communicated to our headquarters in Pall Mall and onwards to government through the regular meetings that the IoD leadership has with ministers.”