MICHAEL STANCLIFFE
FTSE 100 -16.47 6857.05
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2015
Business on the move Interview - Page 3
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NICK GARTLAND Dark before the dawn? Column - Page 4
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Fleet manager answers call from Police Scotland The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
INSIDE
Ground control
henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
The UK’s second-largest police force has signed a major three-year deal with Huddersfield-based fleet management and roadside services group FMG. Police Scotland, which is second in size only to the Metropolitan Police, was formed by the merger of eight separate police forces into one. FMG expects to manage about 25,000 recoveries a year – for vehicles which have been driven without insurance, stolen, involved in collisions or involved in crime. As part of the contract, FMG will also provide specialist forensic facilities, vehicle storage and vehicle disposal services. FMG is already the recovery services provider for several police forces, including a recently-extended contract with the Lancashire Constabulary. Supt Jim Leslie, of Police Scotland’s operational support division and project executive, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with FMG. “It means there is one single contract for this service instead of the different arrangements which existed under
■■ John Catling, chief executive of FMG (above) and the firm’s Huddersfield HQ (right)
the former legacy forces. “A major benefit for Police Scotland is that the new structure will release police officers from administrative duties and their return to operation roles will assist in keeping people safe.” John Catling, chief executive of FMG, said: “We have worked very closely with
the Scottish Police Authority throughout the tender process to fully understand its operation and we are delighted to have won this contract. “We specialise in reducing cost, mitigating risk and managing resources and through this contract we will take away the day-to-day management of vehicle
recoveries, thus allowing the police to focus on the challenging requirements of policing. “We look forward to working closely with Scottish Police Authority to increase efficiencies and enhance its operational performance.” FMG has shown its ability to manage the complex contract through its proven experience in vehicle recovery, its fullyvetted national recovery network and its knowledge of police processes – including preserving evidence on or within vehicles, specialist vehicle examination and storage arrangements.
Five-figure grant breaks down the barrier to growth A company making safety barriers for industrial workplaces has landed a £60,000 grant to invest in plant and machinery. Elland-based A-SAFE said the funding from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) would enable the firm to significantly increase capacity and product range – safeguard existing jobs and creating a number of new roles. A-SAFE, based at Ainleys Industrial Estate, has expanded rapidly in the last three years, growing by 40% to 70% annually. The company now has offices in seven countries and a worldwide workforce of more than 150. A-SAFE won the Queen’s Award for International Trade in 2014. Since moving to new premises in 2012, output at the facility has doubled. And global demand for the firm’s cost saving barrier range means capacity will need to double again over the next two
years to meet requirements. Following the grant, A-SAFE will be hiring new personnel in various departments, including research and development, logistics, IT support and operations. Director James Smith said: “With this grant we are pleased to be able to further invest in the future of A-SAFE and secure and create jobs in the process. “At A-SAFE we pride ourselves on being an innovative company, with manufacturing at our heart, so along with the additions to our workforce, we are excited by the improvements in production and capacity that the new machinery will bring – especially in helping launch our new iFlex barrier range.” The LEP helps business and enterprise to thrive, with the overall aim of growing the Leeds City Region economy. Businesses in the region, or those
■■ A-SAFE barriers at the firm’s premises at Ainleys Industrial Estate in Elland
looking to locate there, can apply for LEP funding for projects that will create jobs and contribute to growth. The LEP’s grant funding programme is funded by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund. A-SAFE had previously been awarded £40,000 through the scheme.
Roger Marsh, LEP chairman, said: “I am particularly pleased that the LEP has supported this innovative manufacturing business to safeguard and create a number of jobs, helping us retain and attract talent to the region. “I look forward to following A- SAFE as it continues its positive growth in the UK and overseas. “Following the recent government announcement, further funding is available for businesses from across the Leeds City Region looking to invest and develop their business. “I encourage more businesses to contact the LEP to see how we can support and enable business growth.” A-SAFE, which was formed in 1984, provides safety barriers, rails and bollards for factories and warehouses. Clients include Asda, Carlsberg, DHL, H&M, John Lewis, Sainsbury’s Mercedes-Benz and Manchester Airport.
examiner.co.uk
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter
BUSINESSWOMAN Neva Burns is drawing on her own experiences of a terrifying earthquake to help firms in Yorkshire prepare for the worst. Neva, who has joined business continuity firm Jermyn Consulting with offices at Huddersfield’s Media Centre, was working for New Zealand’s Inland Revenue (NZIR) when the earthquake hit Wellington in 2013. A key member of the team that built and implemented the incident response for the organisation, she helped to ensure that NZIR was back up and running within 24 hours of the quake striking. Now she is bringing her skills to West Yorkshire.
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Winning agency A Dewsbury-based estate agency has landed a top award. Holroyd Miller, which also has branches in Wakefield and London, was voted North East silver winner of 2015 in the awards run by the Guild of Professional Estate Agents and held at London’s Millennium Hotel. It follows the firm’s success as Estate Agent of the Year in the North in the same awards two years ago. The awards recognise outstanding performance among 790 independent estate agents nationwide.
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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Numbers fail to add up as 888 bid talks founder Bookmaker William Hill has been frustrated in its bid to buy online gaming group 888 Holdings for a price of more than £700m. Online casino firm 888 confirmed last week that it had received an approach from William Hill and the board together with the main shareholders in the company were holding talks with the group over a possible offer. However, it said those talks were now over following a “significant difference of opinion on value with a key stakeholder”. The proposal would have valued 888 – whose other brands include Pacific Poker, 888ladies bingo and 888sport – at 200p per share or £709m, with a dividend adding an extra £10.6m sweetener for shareholders. Newspaper reports last week suggested that a founding family of the online group was creating a potential stumbling block by holding out for as much as 300p a share. 888 said: “Due to a significant dif-
Reshoring could bring big benefits Yorkshire and Humber could be among the top UK regions to benefit from the positive impact of reshoring – as businesses bring key elements of their operations back to the UK. New research by professional services firm EY calculated that reshoring could contribute £1.7bn in the economy and bring 37,900 jobs to the Yorkshire and Humber economy over the 10 years to 2025. The region came second out of 11 UK regions analysed in terms of potential job creation via reshoring – behind only the North West with a predicted £2.4bn boost to the economy and 46,200 jobs. Yorkshire and Humber was joint fourth in terms of GDP generated with the East Midlands (£1,7bn and 35,100 jobs) behind only the North West, the South East outsie London (£2bn and 35,500 jobs) and the West Midlands (£1.8bn and 35,000 jobs). The report claimed reshoring had the potential to contribute a total of £15.3bn of GDP and more than 315,000 jobs to the UK economy. Stuart Watson, of EY, said: “These results are hugely encouraging for the Yorkshire region, which clearly has significant potential to attract reshored activity.”
and continues to trade comfortably in line with expectations. The company will announce its full year results on March 24 and the board of the company looks forward to the future with confidence.” The 888 business was founded in 1997 in the British Virgin Islands as Virtual Holdings Ltd. In the same year, its Antiguan subsidiary obtained a gaming licence in Antigua where it based all of its management, gaming servers, member support functions and technical and payments staff. The firm’s platform and first proprietary product, Casino-on-Net, was launched in May, 1997. The firm was listed on the main ■■ William Hill has failed in its bid to buy online gaming group 888 Holdings after market of the London Stock Exchange a “significant difference of opinion on value with a key stakeholder” in 2005 and made its first acquisition with the purchase of the bingo business and assets from Globalcom Ltd. ference of opinion on value with a key company has agreed with William The launch of 888sport in March stakeholder, it has not been possible Hill to terminate discussions.” meant that 888 offered all four key to reach agreement on the terms of a Chief executive Brian Mattingley online gaming segments – casino, possible offer and the board of the said: “The company is in good health poker, sports betting and bingo.
Executive steps up at Aer Lingus
Bosses split over EU referndum
Aer Lingus has announced that its new chief executive will be a senior manager with 26 years’ service with the airline. Stephen Kavanagh will take up the role on March 1 after the respected Christoph Mueller steps down from the role at the end of this month. Mr Kavanagh’s promotion was announced as the International Airlines Group, which owns British Airways and Spanish carrier Iberia, presses on with drumming up support for its £1bn bid for Aer Lingus.
Bosses in Yorkshire and Humberside appear split over the impact that any potential EU referendum may have on economic recovery, according to a new survey by Close Brothers Invoice Finance. Some 47% of SMEs in the region believe the referendum will have no impact on the UK’s recovery while 34% are concerned that an EU referendum would challenge the economic recovery. A further 19% are unsure about what impact it may have.
Mr Kavanagh is a graduate of University College Dublin and joined Aer Lingus in 1988. He had a number of roles in operations and commercial departments before being appointed an executive in 2006 and working on the firm’s stock market floatation. Mr Kavamagh has been chief commercial officer since 2009. Aer Lingus chairman Colm Barrington said: “Stephen has worked in Aer Lingus for over 26 years in a range of increasingly challenging roles and he
has a commanding knowledge of both the company and the industry. “I am particularly pleased that it has been possible and appropriate for an internal Aer Lingus executive to succeed to the position of chief executive.” Mr Barrington said: “Stephen has been a key member of the executive team that, over the last five years, has transformed Aer Lingus into a strong, profitable airline with a resilient business model and an improved cost base.”
Of those that are worried about its impact, 61% fear it will cause uncertainty among inward investors, while a quarter claim it will cause them to delay investment decisions for their business. The findings come from the latest Close Brothers Business Barometer, a quarterly survey that canvasses the opinion of SME owners and senior management across the UK. Lee Hayes, regional sales director for Close Brothers Invoice Finance in Yorkshire,
said: “It appears that local firms are split over the prospect of an EU referendum. “It is understandable that some businesses are feeling anxious about the prospect. “However, it is important to keep in mind that this potential referendum is still more than two years away and in the meantime we must continue to focus on encouraging investment and paving the way for growth so that we can continue to create stability and security.”
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN
American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys
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
Barclays Bk Ireland HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart
£50.80 £73.38 £49.56 £60.75 £22.62 £49.99 £28.54 48.80 £55.83 £52.03
772 521 2261/4 3303/4 5531/2 9361/2 3251/2
-3 -2 -11/2 -33/4 +2 -8 -1/2
153/4 59 87 39 707/8 £233/8 130 1075 91/2 137 9951/4
+3/4
AUTOMOBILES & PARTS BANKS
Barr (AG) Diageo SABMiller
3751/2
-1 +25/8 +51/2 +1 +1/4 -31/2
Croda Elementis 98 Johnsn Mat
2583/4 231/8 6011/8 753/4 3841/4 9503/4
+23/8 -3/8 +27/8 +3/8 -43/4 -53/4
647 18391/2 £351/4
+1/2 +21/2 +5/8
BEVERAGES
CHEMICALS
£271/4 2765/8 £343/8
-1/4 -1/8
2373/4 1826 2913/4 591/2 249
+23/8 +6 +13/4 +1 +41/2
CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
Balfour Beatty C”R”H Costain Low Bonar Marshalls Drax Gp SSE
ELECTRICITY
422 1537
-1/8 -31
ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced Ox Instmts Volex
731 /2 333 3123/4 740 643/4
-3 /2 +41/8 +33/4 +4
4903/4 133 375 269
-3/4 -3/4 -5 +21/4
1
1
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
190 663 £305/8 4627/8 569 8651/2 2421/8 256 7831/2
-1 +1
Carclo +3/8 Marshalls +13 National Grid +11/2 Weir Gp +11/8 +1/2
FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
BT Grp Cable & Wireless Comm Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom
438 565/8 1485/8 861/2 320
-11/8 -1/8 -3/8 +1
FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS
Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco Thorntons AB Food Carrs Millg REA Hldgs Tate Lyle Unilever
184 2671/4 2423/8 80
+1/2 +3/8 +3/4 -11/2
FOOD PRODUCERS
£291/4 148 300 577 £271/2
+1/4 -2 -51/2 +19 -3/8
2783/4 8795/8 8321/2 £201/4 9401/2
-81/4 -105/8 -7
4705/8
-21/2
GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES
Centrica National Grid Pennon Grp Severn United Utils 3i Group
GENERAL FINANCIAL
-131/2
Smith Nph
Local shares 123 249 8795/8 1858
- /4 +41/2 -105/8 -34
Aga Rangemaster Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey
FTSE closed at
6857.05
1549 4817/8 £237/8 1721/4 £265/8 £291/2 £223/8
+4 +11/2 -1/8 -11/4 -3/8
3221/4 1180
+23/4 -6
GENERAL INDUSTRIALS
Smith DS Smiths Grp
GENERAL RETAILERS
Ashley L Dixons Carphone Home Retail Inchcape Kingfisher M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith
291/4 423 1973/4 7361/2 343 4931/2 1921/2 £721/4 £773/4 1309
1021/8 4845/8 1926 1670 £561/8 1421/4
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
down 16.47 Close Bros ICAP London StockExch Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV
1155
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
1
+ /8 1
+11/4 -3 +11/2 -51/2 +1/4 -1/2 +3/4 -1/2 -4
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
Fenner I”M”I Molins Renold Spirax-Sarco Weir Grp Ferrexpo
2211/4 1421 901/2 561/2 £313/8 1858
-8 -7/8 +23/4 +4 +12 -1/2 +13/4 +10 +5 +1/2 +3/4 +1/4 -34
INDUSTRIAL METALS 68
INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
BBA Aviation
-2 /8
5411/2 4093/4 2691/2 2161/2 1600 4003/4
+1/2 -3/4 -1/2 +1/2 +1/2 +15/8
8521/2 2291/2 167 1369 1158 9331/2 378
-41/2 -1 -3 +7 -2 +141/2 +13
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
1911/2 5341/2 194 1445
MINING
Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kaz Minerals Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES
+43/4 +11/2 -4 -2
12201/2 750 1589 8401/2 2591/8 1683/4 £315/8 561
+16 +19 +20 -381/2 +13/8 +53/8 +1/8 +37
MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Inmarsat Vodafone Group
888 230
NONLIFE INSURANCE
338 /8 1
Trinity Mirror Utd Business UTV WPP
1
Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Ins Gp
1430 9521/2 £365/8 4431/8
-29 -51/2
9653/8 4517/8 2033/4 1803/8 £213/8 £221/4 £347/8 4201/4
-93/8 -21/4 -1/4 +71/4 -1/8 -1/8 -1/4 +151/4
OIL & GAS PRODUCERS
BG BP Cairn Energy Premier Oil Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell B Total Tullow Oil
-10 -23/8
-11/4
OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
AMEC Petrofac Wood Gp(J)
10553/8 810 630
+10 +14
PERSONAL GOODS
Burberry Gp PZ Cussons
1851 3163/4
-10 +3/4
£44 /8 1542 £507/8
- /8 -11 -3/8
830 789 685 3743/4 1243 4223/8
-1 /2 +1/2 -6 +3/4 -7 -37/8
4703/8
-1
1146 1876 1135 159 5201/2 2131/4 2131/4 1181 2841/4 1541/2 3313/8 5671/2 382 6201/2 166 1257/8 1978
-6 -6 -23 +5 +1/2 +3/8 +3/8 -17 -11/2 -5/8 +3/4 +19 -13/4 +1/2 +1/4 -7/8 -2
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY
Astrazeneca GlaxoSmithKline Shire
5
REAL ESTATE
Brit Land Gt Portland Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO
7
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
Wolseley
£383/4
-1/8
1061 £1043/8 863/4
-1
-1/2
£36 £30
-1/4
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
90 £283/4 1115 1736 1103/8 102 £241/8 8451/2 £257/8 5611/2 1213/8 1471/8 4285/8 2673/4 106 1867/8 7091/2 7105/8 3443/4 £501/8 3855/8
6857.05 16861.24
+61/2 -1/4 -4 +29 -13/4 +5/8 -11/2 -1/4 +71/2 +21/4 +1/2 -41/2 -21/4 -11/2 +53/8 -5 +143/4 -3/4 +1/8 +27/8 -16.47 +13.46
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2015
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Army life the ideal start for Michael Army service in the Gulf, Bosnia, Canada, Germany and the Falklands provided the perfect launch pad to a successful business for Michael Stancliffe. Michael, who joined the Royal Engineers aged 16 after attending Shelley High School, was involved in field fortifications, demolition and bridging. He also qualified as a building and civil engineering draughtsman. which enabled him to draw and detail steel, timber and reinforced structures and traditional and prefabricated buildings – and to assist in the layout and design of camps, roads and airfields. So when he left the army, it was a natural move to join his father John who had just launched Eurolink Construction Services to provide temporary and portable buildings. John already had a huge amount of experience across the UK supplying accommodation for businesses and schools. Michael, 43, a director of Eurolink, says: “I began to learn the portable building trade from the bottom up, carrying out groundworks, foundations, delivering and installing buildings. “After five years I started helping out in the office, transferring everything onto computers, taking enquiries and pricing tenders and dealing with health and safety, bookkeeping, marketing and promotion.” Eurolink has built up a great deal of experience in working in schools to refurbish and install portable classrooms – and has recently worked with Jitterbugs and Tiddlywinks nurseries in Huddersfield and Holmfirth High School. Michael says: “I was made a director of the company in 2001 and John and I are now equal shareholders – although he is obviously the oldest and still in charge! “My role now as a director is the wider management of the company, still working closely with John who is trying very hard to do just three days a week. “What I enjoy most is quoting and winning new contracts and surprising people with what we are able to achieve for them
through temporary accommodation. When we get a compliment from the client that we can pass onto the workforce it makes it all worthwhile. “During our busy summer schedule we can have up to 50 staff and contractors working at any one time. “I also find it very rewarding to see the work we do refurbishing re-cycled portable buildings which gives them years more worthwhile life. “People still do not realise how cost effective and eco-friendly a pre-used fully refurbished portable building can be. “You get the extra space you need, do your bit for the environment and it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune.” Among Eurolink’s success stories, hundreds of youngsters are enjoying snug new classrooms thanks to record-breaking building work in the summer holidays. Seven schools in Stockport badly needed more classroom space – but it was important that the children’s education wasn’t interrupted while the work was carried out. So last summer, Melthambased Eurolink, was invited to help. Michael says: “We were asked by Carillion Stockport in May if we could provide 17 temporary classrooms in just over four weeks
Michael Stancliffe
in July and August during the summer break. “Because we have a great deal of experience in this work and because we understand the needs of schools, we agreed to come on board and work with the council. “We had up to 40 people working around the clock to ensure this scheme was delivered on time to specification. “Because we have built up very strong relationships with contractors and suppliers over our 21years in business, we were able to provide the children with snug, safe classrooms for their first day back in September. “We provided space for 500 children, using fully refurbished recycled buildings. Our previous contracts for Stockport over the last 10 years have been testament to our ability to perform to strict specification and contract deadlines and we pride ourselves on offering good value for money by refurbishing high-quality recycled buildings. “At £1.5m this is the largest contract we have ever been awarded – and to be completed over the shortest summer break time of four and half weeks!” All the buildings were fitted with new carpet and vinyl, suspended ceilings, interactive whiteboards and sound systems, energy efficient lighting, fire and security alarms, cloakrooms, work
■■ Michael Stancliffe, of Eurolink, with one of the firm’s portable classrooms
stations, stores and shelving, aluminium framed doors and upvc windows. Main contractor BE Boys was responsible for groundworks, mains services, heating and school building works. Where required, classrooms were linked to the main school buildings with timber-framed walkways and steps, ramps and landings were built. John and Michael are also directors of Eurolink Properties. Says Michael: “We are lucky enough to get the chance to build new and renovate old properties around the local area and have a small portfolio of commercial and residential property that we rent out. “This includes a Grade 2 listed building, the local landmark known as the ‘safety building’ – the Safety Equipment Centre in Lockwood – which sold safety equipment for many years. “Nowadays, commercial premises on the ground floor still sell health and safety equipment and there are five apartments on the two floors above.” To relax, Michael plays rugby union competitively for Huddersfield Rugby Union FC A Team, social five-a-side football, golf, and generally enjoys keeping fit. He says: “Other interests – when I am not enjoying spending time with the family and keeping up with their busy social and sporting calendars – include quad biking with friends and tending our shared allotment growing fruit and vegetables.” Michael took a first prize at Penistone Show last year with his beetroot and also cultivates potatoes, onions, courgettes, leeks, cabbage, strawberries, and raspberries. He says: “I am an active social member and sponsor at HRUFC, coaching assistant in the junior age under-10 rugby at HRUFC, and give a helping hand with the Junior under-11 Denby Cricket Team. “I’m also part of the volunteer group maintaining the grounds of Denby Church and vice-chair of governors of Upper Denby CE First School which my three children attend.”
Role: Co-director and owner Age: 43 Family: Married to Jill with children Archie, 10, Amos, eight and Blythe, four Holidays: Family holidays ski-ing in France and Italy, trips to Cornwall and Dorset, regular long weekends in Northumberland – and weekend city breaks with Jill when grandma can fit the children in! Car: Ford Ranger Wildtrak First job: Bottling up in the Clothiers Arms at Stocksmoor, aged seven. My mum and dad took over the pub from my grandma and granddad. I had a milk round at 13. Best thing about the job? Receiving positive feedback from clients Worst thing about the job? Not getting the opportunity to tender for local contracts Business tip: Work hard and ensure that you go that extra yard for your customer
Eurolink Construction Services Work: Construction services and restoration Site: Link Business Park, Knowle Lane, Meltham Phone: 01484 850982 Email: info@eurolink-construction. co.uk Web: www. eurolink-construction. co.uk
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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
KIRKLEES BUS
Uncertainty rules on global economy ■■ Yorkshire Air Ambulance paramedics Graham Pemberton (left) and Leon Baranowski (right) with (from left) YAA director of fundraising Paul Gowland and Gareth Henderson, managing director of Orchard Energy
Air ambulance partnership deal Elland-based consultancy Orchard Energy has turned up the heat on its support for Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) with the launch of an exclusive partnership deal. Orchard is a long-time supporter of YAA and the main sponsor of the Pedal for Pounds 6 charity bike ride, which raises thousands of pounds every year to help keep the air ambulances flying. Now the energy management consultancy will make a donation to YAA every time one of the charity’s corporate partners signs up to work with Orchard. Katie Collinson, of YAA, said: “As well as supporting us through corporate sponsorship and its involvement with Pedal for Pounds, Orchard will now be working much more closely with us and our corporate partners. “We ourselves have benefited from working with Orchard which has seen various cost saving for us and we are delighted that we will now see a boost to our funds whenever our partners start working with them, too.” Gareth Henderson, managing director of Orchard Energy, said: “Our business is built on strong partnerships and this latest initiative with YAA is another example of how we work together with clients, charities and other organisations in a way that benefits everyone involved. “YAA is a fantastic local charity that regularly makes a difference to people’s lives and as a business we are proud to provide sustained financial input through corporate sponsorship. We are delighted to have found yet another way to offer support with the launch of our YAA energy partnership scheme.”
The second half of 2014 disturbed the complacency of many who believed that financial markets remained settled in a predictable pattern. Equity markets suffered two notable setbacks – bond yields fell sharply and, perhaps most extraordinarily, the oil price halved. Surprises have continued into the new year with the Swiss National Bank cutting the franc’s peg to the euro, thus allowing a near 20% appreciation in the currency. We had been predicting that markets would become more volatile, although at the same time remaining committed to equities as our preferred asset class based on long-term return projections. This thesis was tested but remains intact. Among key trends to emerge have been strength in the US Dollar, persistent weakness in the European economy and lower prices for many commodities. Global equities closed 2014 very close to their all-time highs, while bond yields in many countries, notably Germany, closed at or near all-time lows. This appears to be sending very mixed messages about the health of the global economy, but also acknowledges the influence of continued unprecedented monetary intervention by central banks around the world. 2015 is likely to witness a continued battle between the forces of recovery and deflation with the result that markets will continue to be more volatile, but with equity markets retaining an upward bias. Since the financial crisis, the main weapon of the central banks has been monetary, culminating in the European Central Bank’s (ECB) announcement of a Quantitative Easing programme in January. This has led to negative interest rates in some countries. Yet economic growth has hardly been spectacular, even in the notably
CITY TALK
■■ Luis Zubialde (left), of Palletways (UK) Ltd, (centre), sales and com The Pink Link, and Mich manager at Palletways
Nick Gartland
■■ European banks have been rebuilding their capital and reserves post-crisis
better-performing US and UK. Is there any chance that matters will improve? And what if they don’t respond to current policy? There are two sides to the credit equation, demand and supply. The bearish view is that demand is dead and that no amount of cheap money will encourage an increase in lending. The lesson from the US (and to some degree the UK) is that a combination of policies can work. The US was very quick to cut interest rates, refrained from too much austerity and forced a
swift recapitalisation of the banking sector, with equity holders bearing much of the pain. In both the US and UK a recovery in residential property prices (boosted by specific policies here) was aligned with an improvement in consumer demand, which I think is more than mere coincidence. The ECB, on the other hand, continued to wear its hairiest of hair shirts and austerity was the order of the day. Property prices plummeted in most places except Germany. However, slowly but surely the banking system in Europe has been rebuilding its capital and reserves, which currently stand at around €2.5 trillion, up from €1.5 trillion pre-crisis. Meanwhile loans outstanding have fallen 10% from a peak of around €11 trillion. The truth is we shall never know if there is demand or not until banks are in a better position to lend and we are much closer to finding out. Encouragingly, the first bank lending survey following the ECB’s Asset Quality Review showed signs of a tick up in both supply and demand. House prices are stabilising and even recovering in some of the worst affected countries and car sales have been picking up nicely, even in Italy! Will it turn out to have been darkest just before dawn?
Nick Gartland, Senior Financial Planning Director, Investec Wealth & Investment
Tax amnesty deadline Wealth & Investment. A wealth of know-how With more than 150 years’ experience of serving clients by investing their money wisely, Investec Wealth & Investment have the knowledge and expertise you need regarding your investments, pensions or other financial matters. Please bear in mind that the value of investments and the income derived from them can go down as well as up and that you may not get back the amount that you have put in. For further information please visit our website, call Simon Kaye on 0113 245 4488 or email simon.kaye@investecwin.co.uk investecwin.co.uk Individuals
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Member firm of the London Stock Exchange. Member of NYSE Liffe. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Investec Wealth & Investment Limited is registered in England. Registered No. 2122340. Registered Office: 2 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7QP.
The taxman is offering an amnesty to solicitors who have not fully declared their income in recent years. Now a Kirklees accountant is urging lawyers affected to come clean about any discrepancies and face significantly reduced penalties – before the HM Revenue & Customs amnesty ends. The amnesty follows several other highly successful voluntary disclosure campaigns by HMRC that have targeted a wide range of professions, including doctors, dentists, online traders, plumbers and landlords. These campaigns are estimated to have raised more than £1bn. Now solicitors have until March 9, 2015, to declare their participation and any out-
standing tax must be paid by June 7, 2015. Nigel Westman, partner at Clough & Company in Cleckheaton, said: “HMRC has said that it is looking at solicitors in particular because it has data and intelligence which suggests there could be significant numbers within the profession that have failed to fully declare their income and pay the correct amount of tax. “As in previous campaigns, anyone making a voluntary disclosure will face very lenient penalties. However if HMRC finds discrepancies at a later date, the penalty could be 100% of the tax due and in extreme cases they could even face a criminal prosecution, so it makes sense to come forward now.”
The Pin goes pl
A Huddersfield-base celebrating after pick service excellence. The Pink Link Ltd, member of Palletwa and fastest-growing freight network. Now the company num Club award in r formance, commitme and compliance in t past 12 months. Richard Allen, prin Link Ltd, said: “We co a better start to the ye the work of the entire the scene for the rest o Barry Byers, netwo ways (UK) Ltd, said: “ gratulate The Pink Lin the top performers in “Providing custome and efficient service i the platinum award h tion of our members highest standards.” Palletways consists Europe, of which mo UK. The distribution n of independent trans share resources to de palletised freight to m cost effectively.
Getting well-con
FIRMS across Kirklee cial support to upgra nectivity under the band Connection Vou Leeds/Bradford is SuperConnected Citi Voucher Scheme.No extended to cover all It means SMEs in and Wakefield can a worth up to £3,000 – businesses to gain su nectivity. In addition extended to March, 2 Nikki Guest, direct coms specialist NGC registered supplier i “Many more SMEs i now take advantage o “Having much bett ity is such a boost t companies to be mo tive in the way they guest@ngcnetworks.c
5
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2015
SINESS NEWS
, managing director with Vicki Davenport mmercial director at helle Naylor, regional s
nk Link latinum
ed distribution firm is king up an award for
, based at Oakes, is a ays – Europe’s largest g express palletised
has scooped the Platirecognition of its perent to customer service the network over the
ncipal from The Pink ouldn’t have wished for ear. This award reflects team and I hope it sets of 2015.” ork director at Pallet“We would like to connk Ltd for being one of n our UK network. ers with a fast, reliable is our top priority and highlights the dedicas in meeting the very
s of 300 depots across ore than 100 are in the networks are made up sport companies who eliver consignments of market faster and more
firms nnected
es are eligible for finanade their internet conGovernment’s Broaducher Scheme. s one of 22 so-called ies in the Connection ow its area has been of West Yorkshire. n Kirklees, Calderdale apply for the vouchers – enabling many more uperfast internet conn, the scheme has been 2016. tor for Yorkshire teleC Networks, which is a in the scheme, said: in West Yorkshire can of the scheme. ter internet connectivto business and helps ore efficient and effecoperate.” Email nikki. co.uk
local
Asbestos advice must be heeded The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a campaign in October that aims to help tradespeople protect themselves from asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material which was used extensively as a building material across Great Britain until 1999 when it was banned. It remains in millions of homes and buildings today and can be found in places that you might not expect such as ceiling tiles, boilers, toilet cisterns, guttering and soffits. When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, dangerous fibres are released into the air which can prove lethal if inhaled, causing lung disease and cancer. These diseases will not be apparent immediately as they can take up to 40 years to develop. But once diagnosed, it’s too late to do anything. Asbestos is the single biggest cause of deaths currently occurring due to work. Tradespeople need to be aware of the dangers and, if necessary, change the way they work and that’s where HSE’s new campaign comes in. The Beware Asbestos campaign, which was launched on October 9 and will run until March, 2015, aims to encourage safe working practices among those workers most at risk from asbestos – i.e. tradespeople
RISKY BUSINESS Mark Weeks working on small sites and projects in the construction and maintenance industries. Research has shown that these workers recognise that asbestos is dangerous. However, they often do not realise when a job might expose them to asbestos and do not know what to do to protect themselves from the danger. To raise awareness of the issue and help encourage safer working practices, HSE has teamed up with TradePoint, the trade-only outlet of B&Q, to distribute free asbestos safety kits directly to tradespeople in Great Britain. The kits include simple information to help tradespeople identify where they could come into contact with asbestos and how they can stay safe. They also include a free pair of Type 5 disposable overalls to support safer working with asbestos.
Another key feature of the campaign is the introduction of a new web app that helps tradespeople easily identify where they could come into contact with asbestos and gives them tailored help on how to deal with the risks. Asbestos is the biggest cause of deaths currently occurring as a result of work while asbestos-related diseases kill an average of 20 tradespeople every week. Asbestos can still be found in any house or building built before 2000. Asbestos is only a danger when the fibres are released, made airborne and breathed in. As long as the asbestos is in good condition, is located somewhere where it can’t be easily damaged and is not disturbed, then it shouldn’t be a risk to you. You can’t see or smell asbestos fibres and it can take between 15 to 60 years for symptoms of an asbestos-related disease to develop.
Mark Weeks is a risk management consultant at Wilby Ltd
Think you know your customers? Think again! Most businesses think they understand their customers and their needs – but most customers think the opposite, it is claimed. Now Nigel Greenwood, of customer experience specialist Simply Customer, is
set to provide five practical tips to help businesses keep their customers happy, encourage them to spend more, remain loyal and provide positive referrals. Mr Greenwood will give his talk at a meeting of the
Kirklees branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) at 6pm on Thursday, February 26, at the Canalside sports complex, Leeds Road, Huddersfield. A buffet will be provided and there will be an opportunity to
Tycoon swaps his bank Batley-born businessman Lawrence Tomlinson has taken his revenge on the big banks. Mr Tomlinson (pictured), chairman of LNT Group and former Entrepreneur in Residence at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, has followed up his calls for greater competition in the banking sector by moving LNT’s business bank account and overdraft to “challenger” bank Metro Bank. He said: “The UK is crying out for banks like Metro Bank. I’m a strong believer in injecting more competition in the banking market place.” Mr Tomlinson said: “Metro Bank is demonstrating that there are alternatives to the traditional lenders. I hope LNT’s move to Metro Bank
network with business owners before and after the meeting. The event is open to FSB members and nonmembers. Ring Helen Tones on 07866 438189 for further details and to book.
Health and Work service welcomed A new service to help employers and employees tackle issues of longterm sickness absence has been welcomed by a human resources consultant. The government’s new Health and Work Service – to be fully implemented in May – will offer advice to businesses on managing sickness absence that is likely to last longer than four weeks, which is often an unclear area for small to medium sized companies. Helen Straw (pictured), managing director of The Personnel Partnership based in Honley, said: “One of the main objectives behind the introduction of the Health and Work Service is to reduce the number of days lost each year to sickness absence. “Last year alone, 131m working days were lost due to sickness absence in the UK – which is an average of 4.4 days for each worker.” The free service, which has been designed to sit alongside a company’s existing attendance management frameworks, will provide employers with access to general health and work advice via a dedicated telephone line and website. It will also help employers by enabling employees to return to work sooner following a period of sickness absence that lasts for four consecutive weeks or more. Said Helen: “When an eligible employee has been absent for four consecutive weeks or more, the service will help by
carrying out telephone assessments to identify any barriers that might prevent the employee from returning to work, as well as providing case management support and general advice. “This will be particularly beneficial for small businesses that often rely upon a small yet vital workforce.” Following the introduction of the new service, employers will also benefit from a tax exemption of up to £500 a year on medical treatments that are recommended by the service, an employer’s occupational health adviser or another registered medical practitioner – and treatments will not be subject to National Insurance contributions. Said Helen: “Employers should ensure that they have clear communication channels in place with employees in order to gain maximum benefit from the service. “I would also encourage employers to seek professional HR advice to ensure any return to work plans or difficult sickness absence issues can be discussed and expert advice provided accordingly.”
AVOID A £400 PENALTY AND TAKE ADVANTAGE FREE PAYROLL SET UP AND GET YOUR FIRST MONTH’S PROCESSING FREE
OF OUR
The last quarter saw a surge in the number of companies facing fines in relation to staff pension schemes.
01484 538 351 www.revellward.co.uk
In the last three months of 2014, the Pensions Regulator issued a fixed £400 fine to 166 employers for not meeting deadlines for putting staff into pension schemes. Before that only three such fines had been issued, with the rise coming after auto enrolment legislation was broadened out to include mid-sized businesses.
will give others the confidence to follow suit and drive competition into the banking market place.” The move to Metro Bank will help LNT Group expand further. The group, which has operations in construction, care homes, speciality chemicals, software and car manufacturing, reported “significant growth” in its 2013-14 accounts and is predicting further growth this year.
Expect this to increase much further as small businesses fall within the rules in the next 2 years. We can help you to avoid this by using our payroll bureau service. Send us your payroll information by email and we will process it in accordance with legislation, including dealing with your auto enrolment responsibilities, and email reports back to you, as well as providing payslips for your staff. Now is the time to be prepared: we are offering free payroll setup and the first month for free for any business switching their payroll to us for the start of the 2015/16 tax year in April. We are auto enrolment experts and can guide you through in a simple and practical way when the time comes.
email jennifer.davies@revellward.co.uk Revell Ward Ltd, 7th Floor, 30 Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2HG • 01484 538 351 • enquiries@revellward.co.uk
6
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
MP opens new training centre Leading figures from the energy industry joined Batley & Spen MP Mike Wood for the opening of the UK’s first bespoke dual fuel smart meter training centre. The Utilities Academy at Cleckheaton, has been created in a joint venture with global energy recruitment specialists Spencer Ogden. The academy is training smart meter engineers in response to the largest domestic energy roll-out in decades. It is expected that 14,000 new engineers will be needed over the next three years to fulfil government smart meter roll-out targets. The academy aims to meet the demand by recruiting, training and supplying specialist National Skills
Academy for Power (NSAP) and Gas Safe accredited dual fuel and smart metering engineers to the market At the official opening, Mr Wood said: “The biggest energy roll-out we’ve seen in decades is said to need 14,000 qualified engineers to meet government targets. “To learn that this academy – the Oxbridge of smart meter training – is dedicated to developing and creating a skilled workforce for this change is commendable. I am delighted to have this academy in my constituency. Well done to all concerned – I’m very much looking forward to observing the success of this company.”
The Utilities Academy is the only bespoke dual fuel smart meter training organisation preparing engineers for the future of the energy industry. Its training has been developed by industry and is provided by experienced and qualified smart metering engineers. Daniel Coleman, managing director of the Utilities Academy, said: “We’re incredibly happy to see months of hard work and planning come to fruition. “Our training has been designed to emulate exactly what a smart meter engineer will encounter in his daily work. We’re hoping this will the first of many centres across the country.”
Visit our Auction Site for the latest news!
LAND AND PROPERTY AUCTION THURS 26 FEB 2015
Residential Renovation Opportunity
39 Knowsley Street, Bradford, BD3 9LN 2 bedroom stone built back to back dwelling, just off Leeds Road, requiring comprehensive renovation.
At The Cedar Court Hotel, Lindley Moor Road, Ainley Top, Huddersfield, HD3 3RH
Guide Price: £10,000 – £20,000
Prime Housing Site and Character Period Building
Retail/A5 Investment Opportunity
Guide Price: £900,000 – £1 million
Guide Price: £135,000 plus
Waterside Redevelopment Opportunity
Paddock Grazing and Woodland
Westfields Road, Mirfield, WF14 9PW Prime executive housing site STPP. Period 8,760 sq ft property set in 3 acres of picturesque parkland setting. Planning application submitted for 11 detached units and conversion of offices to two flats. 5 minutes to J25 M62.
Fern Mills, 5-7 Old Leeds Road, Huddersfi Huddersfield, eld, HD1 1SE 12,000 sq ft canalside building close to town centre. Suitable for a variety of uses STPP.
Guide Price: £150,000 – £175,000
Residential/Student Investment
10 Kings Mill Lane, Huddersfield, HD1 3AN 3,106 sq ft period building very close to University. Potential £50,000 pa income post refurbishment.
Guide Price: £200,000 – £250,000
Edgerton Cemetery Lodge
109 Blacker Road, Edgerton, Huddersfield, HD2 2AX 3 bedroom former groundman’s cottage requiring renovation, in popular residential area.
1 Barum Top, Halifax, HX1 1NL Retail/hot food takeaway investment next to Wetherspoons in town centre. Rental £12,140 pa exc. Upper parts suitable for residential STPP.
Lower Edge Road, Elland, HX5 9PL 5.17 acres, suitable for agricultural, equestrian and leisure activities subject to relevant planning consents. In rural location yet 5 minutes drive from J24 M62 motorway.
Guide Price: £30,000 – £40,000
VARIOUS FORMER PUBLIC CONVENIENCES
Suitable for various alternative uses, i.e. retail, office etc, subject to appropriate planning approvals. Carr Lane, Slaithwaite
Picturesque village centre location next to canal.
Guide Price: £75,000 – £95,000
Guide Price: £40,000 – £50,000
Potential Housing Site
Moor Bottom, Honley
1.24 acres, Healey Lane, Batley, WF17 8BN Former garden nursery. Planning application submitted for 15 houses.
Close to village centre with on-site parking.
Guide Price: £350,000 – £400,000
Guide Price: £20,000 – £30,000
Former Denby Dale Nursery School
Morley Lane, Milnsbridge
Wakefield Road, Denby Dale, HD8 8RX 5,000 sq ft traditional school house on 0.39 acre corner site in village centre. Suitable for a variety of uses STPP. Planning application submitted for residential conversion.
Fronting busy thoroughfare, close to centre.
Guide Price: £225,000 – £275,000
Guide Price: £15,000 – £25,000
Potential Housing Site
Market Street, Birstall
Battye Street, Dewsbury, WF13 1PL Small corner plot in popular residential location close to town centre. Planning application submitted for two 3 bed houses.
Just off Market Place. On-site parking, planning application submitted for retail with residential over.
Guide Price: £20,000 – £30,000
Guide Price: £20,000 – £30,000
■■ Marcus Whewell (left) chief executive of the Guild of Professional Estate Agents, presents the North East region award to Simon Miller, partner at Holroyd Miller
Top accolade for property agent A Dewsbury-based estate agency has landed a top award. Holroyd Miller, which also has branches in Wakefield and London, was voted North East silver winner 2015 in the awards run by the Guild of Professional Estate Agents and held at London’s Millennium Hotel. It follows the firm’s success in being named Estate Agent of the Year in the North in the same awards two years ago. The awards are designed to recognise outstanding performance and innovation from a carefully selected network of more than 790 independent estate agents. The judges were particularly impressed by the way Holroyd Miller demonstrated marketing innovation, expert market knowledge, a commitment to high standards of knowledge and expertise and outstanding customer service. Members of the Guild of Professional Estate Agents from across the UK attend-
ed the awards ceremony dinner, which followed the guild’s annual conference. Guild chief executive Marcus Whewell said: “Rewarding outstanding achievement within our network is an honour and a privilege. “The quality of award entries this year is the highest ever, reflecting how our organisation is moving forward and assisting its agents to provide a truly unique and exceptional service to the public. My sincere congratulations go to Holroyd Miller who should be very proud of winning this hard-fought and prestigious award.” Simon Miller, partner at Holroyd Miller, said: “This award is testament to the drive and expertise of each and every one of our staff which is second to none. “We could not be more proud to receive this award and thank everyone at the guild for the professional support they have provided us over the past 12 months.”
Pharmacy open for business A pharmacy has opened its doors at the new Acre Mills outpatient and health centre in Lindley. The Co-operative Pharmacy has created two additional jobs at the outlet, which will sell pharmacy products as well as being able to dispense private prescriptions. The new pharmacy has opened in partnership with Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust and will support the new Acre Mills centre at Lindley, which is expected to serve 120,000 outpatients annually. The Co-operative Pharmacy has been working with the trust since May, 2012, operating an outpatient pharmacy facili-
ty in the main entrance area at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. Acre Mills, which stands oppose the infirmary, has been transformed into a state-of-the-art outpatient centre by the trust. The building brings together a wide variety of health professionals and an outpatient pharmacy under the same roof. The opening hours are 8.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday. The pharmacy was officially opened by Andrew Haigh, chairman of Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, and John Nuttall, chief executive of the Co-operative Pharmacy.
7
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2015
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Plans are far from retiring
Unusual conference A director of Elland-based paving supplier Marshalls plc will address a highpowered conference. Chris Harrop, director of sustainability at the firm and chairman of the UN Global Compact, is among prominent business leaders who will promote the business-boosting benefits of being a responsible and sustainable company when he speaks at the fourth annual Business Unusual Conference on May 6 at the Edge Conference Centre in Sheffield. The event is spearheaded by Business in the Community which champions responsible business practice. The day-long event will address the findings of a new report called Forces for Change. The event is led by Sheffield University Management School. Other speakers include Tony Walker, deputy managing director at Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) and Estelle Brachlianoff, executive vicepresident of Veolia UK. Go to www.bitc.org.uk/ businessunusual
TO LET
Agency joins the stadium team A Huddersfield property agency has been unveiled as the latest partner of the town’s John Smith’s Stadium. As part of the deal, Hanson Chartered Surveyors will brand the exits in the Britannia Rescue Stand and will work closely with the stadium to help promote its services. Hanson director Mark Hanson (left) and stadium managing director Gareth Davies are pictured with one of the signs. Hanson Chartered Surveyors are the only exclusively commercial and industrial property consultants in Hud-
Industrial
Victoria Court, Colliers Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield 809 - 1,803m 2 (8,710 - 19,402 sq ft) Good quality single storey industrial units well located for M1 motorway (Jcn 38/39), available from April 2015.
TO LET
Industrial
dersfield, having provided independent commercial and industrial property advice across Yorkshire and beyond since 1989. The firm covers commercial properties, property management, landlord and tenant services, rating appeal work and valuations. Last year, the firm celebrated 25 successful years in business and moved to bigger premises to accommodate its growing business, which includes four fully qualified chartered surveyors together with an estate management team and admin-
FOR SALE
Investment
Northgate, Almondbury, Huddersfield Multi-occupied mixed residential/commercial investment, in central position, generating £39,000 income per annum.
FOR SALE
Industrial
DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
Lees Hall Road, Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury
Spen Lane, Gomersal, Cleckheaton
524m2 (5,641 sq ft) on up to 0.7 acres
7,563m2 (81,408 sq ft) on 3.56 acres
Single storey former coach depot with large yard, suitable for light industrial use.
Substantial factory and office complex on self-contained site, or large redevelopment site with outline residential planning consent.
www.michaelsteel.co.uk
All enquiries to Alec Michael alec@michaelsteel.co.uk
istrative support. The stadium has worked closely with Hanson Chartered Surveyors for many years – using the firm’s services in relation to the stadium’s onsite office lettings and tenancy agreements. Mr Davies said: “We are thrilled to have established this new partnership with Mark and his team. “We have successfully worked with Hanson’s for many years now and are glad to be able to offer them our help and advice as they have done for us.”
Retirement housebuilder McCarthy & Stone has announced plans for expand its presence in the North – by splitting its existing North region to create new North East and North West regions. The firm, which developed the Sykes Court complex at Lindley, is to invest £2bn over the next four years in land and building, plans to develop 12,000 new homes at more than 300 locations across the UK – effectively doubling the size of its business. To meet its targets, the firm is looking for land and is also seeking new recruits, including a regional sales director. In total, the firm expects to recruit more than 400 people nationally over the next four years. Clive Fenton, chief executive officer at McCarthy & Stone, said: “With the growing demand for high-quality retirement housing and our land pipeline in excess of five years’ supply, we are focusing on the expansion of our business to meet this unprecedented growth opportunity.
“We are looking to boost our leadership team, starting with senior level appointments in our new regions. As the leader in the sector, we are embarking on an exciting and transformational journey to respond to the needs of a rapidly growing and increasingly discerning retirement market. “The future is about continuing to tailor our designs to the needs and aspirations of our customers with ongoing product innovation and best-in-class customer service.” The move underlines an improvements in market conditions and rising demand for retirement housing. The number of people aged 65 and over in the UK is set to rise from 11.4m in 2014 to 17.2m in 2033. Analysis by think-tank Demos for the Home Builders Federation found that 58% of over-60s are interested in moving home, but many are restricted by a lack of suitable alternative housing. A quarter of people – a total of 3.5m – expressed particular interest in buying a retirement property.
8
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
movers and shakers
Neva brings quake experience to bear ■■ Dean Hoyle gets a close shave from Garrison Quarmby at Owen Scott Bespoke Tailors
It’s a close shave for Dean Huddersfield Town chairman Dean Hoyle is used to the cut-throat world of business. But the multi-millionaire came up against cut-throat razors when he tried out a gentlemen’s barber shop which has been installed at the town centre premises of Owen Scott Bespoke Tailors. Dean, who has all his suits tailored from Huddersfield cloth by the King Street shop, was given a close shave by barber Garrison Quarmby. Owen Scott director Scott Hufton said: “In London, fine tailoring and barbering go handin-hand. “A lot of tailors have cut-throat shaves and shoe shines in their shops. “It lends itself to my bespoke tailoring business. We have a lot of
customers coming to Huddersfield from outside the town and I can see customers coming for a weekly shave or people hiring wedding suits using the barber’s to look their best for the big day.” Said Scott: “This was something I wanted to do when I opened the shop four-and-a-half years ago, but it was a matter of getting the funding.” Now the tailor’s shop boasts an Americanstyle barbers with blackand-white tiles and a single tilt-back chair as well as complimentary coffee and shoe shines. The shop has been refitted to make way for the new traditional wetshave service, which Scott hopes eventually to extend to his other shop which opened last year at Briggate in Leeds.
Mark Emond
Head of national accounts A vehicle and fleet hire company with operations in Huddersfield has made a key appointment. Northgate Vehicle Hire, which has a site at Red Doles Lane, of Leeds Road, has appointed Mark Emond (pictured) as head of national accounts to develop its customer base among national blue chip companies. Mr Emond has worked with Northgate for more than nine years and is promoted from his position as commercial development manager. He said: “I’m delighted with this fantastic opportunity to join the national team at a truly exciting time of growth and market dominance at Northgate. My focus will be to deliver strong leadership to the strategic accounts team and in doing so deliver unrivalled customer service.
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
A businesswoman is drawing on her experiences of a terrifying earthquake to help firms in Yorkshire prepare for the worst. Neva Burns, who has joined business continuity firm Jermyn Consulting, was working for New Zealand’s Inland Revenue (NZIR) when the earthquake hit Wellington in 2013. A key member of the team that built and implemented the incident response for the organisation, she helped to ensure that NZIR was back up and running within 24 hours of the quake striking. Her role involved developing plans for redistributing work to alternative contact centres and providing internal and external communications to staff and businesses ensuring critical operations were still being managed despite the disaster. With no access to the head office, she was also influential in assigning new roles and tasks to staff. One of the immediate challenges was making contact with employees to ensure that they were all safe. This was managed by the staff emergency hotline number that Neva helped to create as part of the incident response. It ensured that in the event of a crisis, staff were able to communicate with each other. The hotline number was provided to everyone in the organisation via a card as part of the response strategy. The line was able to reach both islands of the country to keep staff across all contact centres and offices updated with the developments of the disaster. “Communications were critical to ensure our people were safe and then to ensure the continuity of the business,” said Neva. “Detailed plans were immediately put into operation to guarantee the smooth transition of work and continuation of business operations.
■■ Neva Burns, of Jermyn Consulting, is bringing her experiences of the New Zealand earthquake to bear in her new role
Neva is now bringing her first hand knowledge and proven expertise in plan development, incident training, crisis management planning and response along with team management to bear developing the business for Jermyn Consulting, which has offices at the Media Centre in Huddersfield. Gary Donlon, the firm’s director of consulting services, said that Neva’s first hand experience would add another dimension to Jermyn Consulting’s core services. He said: “We are delighted to welcome Neva to our growing consultancy team. Her firsthand experience of implementing business continuity and incident management plans in New Zealand following the earthquakes adds a practical dimension to her technical knowledge.”
Said Neva: “Business continuity continues to be a challenge for ambitious organisations keen to safeguard their operations. Incident management is a particular passion of mine and vital for the successful implementation of any Business Continuity strategy. “Being directly involved in implementing a business continuity plan that I helped to develop, I understand better than most the challenges organisations face when the unimaginable happens. “Companies often plan for such eventualities saying that it ‘will never happen’. My own experience suggests it can and does. But having been there when it did has given me an insight many in our industry will never have. I relish the prospect of using that experience for the benefit of our customers.”
Firm shines to win bronze award “Strong customer account management combined with a focus on developing the blue chip customer base will support further profitable growth.” Jon Tobbell, sales and marketing director at Northgate Vehicle Hire, said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Mark to his new role. “He’s been with the company for nine years now, repeatedly proving his commercial acumen and extraordinary leadership skills. “
A Huddersfield company has been awarded the Investors in People Bronze Standard in recognition of its commitment to staff development. Bradley-based Extract Technology Ltd has more than 30 years of experience in the design and manufacture of containment systems for clients in the pharmaceutical, biotech and chemical industries worldwide. The company, founded in 1981, employs 65 people at its manufacturing facility on Leeds Road. Paul Devoy, head of Investors in People, said: “Achieving the Investors in People Bronze standard is something that any organisation should be truly proud of. “It is the sign of a company which is truly committed to good people management practice and we’d like to congratulate Extract Technology on their achievement.” Alan Wainwright, general man-
■■ The team at Extract Technology, based in Bradley, which has achieved the Investors in People Bronze Standard
ager at Extract Technology, said: “I would like to thank all those involved with the assessment. “To achieve accreditation to the Investors in People standard is something we are all extremely proud of and the fact we achieved
bronze level in our first assessment benchmarks our business and people management practices at a very high level.” He said the company was particularly pleased by the feedback from the assessment in relation to
people being proud to be part of an organisation providing worldclass products and services. Said Mr Wainwright: “The assessment also recognises continual improvement opportunities to implement effective strategies for performance and business growth and these will be included in our plans for 2015.” Paul Devoy, head of Investors in People, said: “Achieving the Investors in People Bronze standard is something that any organisation should be truly proud of. “It is the sign of a company which is truly committed to good people management practice and we’d like to congratulate Extract Technology on their achievement.” The company boasts customers across the world, including ones in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America, South America and Australasia.