NEIL COOMBES
FTSE 100
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015
- 3.04 6912.16
Another side to the law Interview - Page 3
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COLIN BARRATT Taxation home truths Column - Page 4
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
A family-run business is gearing up to double its turnover with a move to bigger premises. Distinct Disposables Ltd is investing £150,000 in a new state-of-the-art site at Park Valley Mills, Lockwood, as part of plans to double revenues of £1.2m to £2.4m by 2017. The company, which distributes cleaning and janitorial products such as bleaches, toilet rolls, mops and buckets as well as the Huddersfield-manufactured Bay West brand – was launched in 1987 by businesswoman Diane Storer. Now her two children, Emma Wood and Paul Storer, have taken up the roles of joint directors responsible for driving the growth of the business. The company, which operates separately from the family’s Meltham-based washroom products manufacturer Disposables UK, is moving into two units at the Park Valley Mills development in Lockwood. The new offices and warehouse provide the firm and its 11-strong workforce with 5,560sq ft of space – treble the size of the current premises in Meltham Mills. The premises, which are due to open next Monday, have open plan offices, a modern reception area and meeting and training rooms as well as warehousing for the firm’s many lines of products. Features include air conditioning, energy-efficient lighting and wi-fi. The facility will also be “futureproofed” to make sure the company can expand on the site in the coming years. Distinct Disposables, supplies customers including
■■ Emma Wood and Paul Storer, of Distinct Disposables, in the firm’s brand new premises at Park Valley Mills
John Smith’s Stadium, Kirklees College, Huddersfield University and Kirklees Active Leisure. The firm will also supply the new leisure centre in Huddersfield when it opens later this year. It is also launching a new website to help drive sales in other regions. Emma said: “Paul and I have grown up with Distinct Disposables through our mum, so we are really proud to be taking over and growing the business even further. Huddersfield is our home town, so it was really important to us as a family busi-
ness to remain in the area. Our new site is right in the heart of the town and will really aid our growth – allowing us to provide an even more efficient service to our customers.” Said Paul: “We’re proud that Distinct Disposables is very much a family business, built over the past 28 years on old-fashioned family values and trust. “We’ve come a long way from helping mum drop off products on our way to school and there is so much potential to take the business forward.”
Senior posting Recruitment specialist Stafflex has promoted long-standing team manager Gary Driscoll to director of its industrial division. This marks the second senior appointment at the company following the recruitment of Dan Ingham as head of business development and customer relations. In addition, Yvonne Reilly was appointed to payroll support and Geraldine Jordan to the reception team. Stafflex, based at Chapel Hill, celebrates 15 years of trading this April. For 10 of those years, Gary has led the industrial section placing many thousands of people into work.
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Firm reveals precise plans for its £795,000 funding boost Feeling sheepish
■■ Steven Haigh, of B&B Precision Engineering
A firm supplying high-grade machine parts has expanded operations and hired more staff following a six-figure funding deal. Huddersfield-based B&B Precision Engineering has acquired a new building to house a new hi-tech metal spray line after securing £795,000 in funding from Santander Corporate & Commercial. B&B Precision supplies a wide range of components to niche product manufacturers, including the wire manufacturing industry. The firm has an extensive range of turning and milling machines and manual machines for specialist requirements as well as a number of in-house niche manufacturing capabilities. The funding will enable B&B Pre-
cision to bring metal spraying inhouse – a specialist process that was previously outsourced – creating seven jobs in the process. The new spray facility will be constructed in a building next door to the firm’s premises at Park Mill Way, Clayton West. The move will allow the firm to significantly expand its capabilities to better cater for strong demand for its products from clients – particularly those in the UK and Europe as well as in the US oil and gas industries. Luke Rowbotham, relationship director at Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: “B&B Precision is a great local success story and we are delighted to provide funding as they look to broaden and expand.
The business is actively looking to increase international trade as well as create new jobs in the local area which is a great testament to the management team.” Managing director Steven Haigh said: “I have been very impressed with the approach and service we have received from the team at Santander. From our first meeting Luke Rowbotham has worked hard to ensure he understood our needs and developed solutions to meet them. They have provided a complete funding package which was co-ordinated and managed through a single point of contact very efficiently. This efficiency has been key in not demanding a huge amount of time so we could concentrate on running our business.”
Huddersfield textile manufacturer Camira has linked up with the Campaign for Wool and London-based Chinese dim sum teahouse Yauatcha to mark the Chinese Year of the Sheep. The restaurant interior was given a makeover using specially-selected Camira wool upholstery to transform it into an unusual sheep-themed art gallery. Camira re-upholstered eight dining chairs and decorated the restaurant pillars using a lavish red wool felt fabric.
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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
‘Shamed’ HSBC unveils 17% slump in earnings HSBC boss Stuart Gulliver admitted to the bank’s shame over its Swiss tax scandal as it disclosed profits slumped by 17% last year. Mr Gulliver, who was not in charge at the time of allegations that HSBC’s Swiss unit helped wealthy customers dodge taxes, received pay and bonuses of £7.6m last year despite the fall to 18.7bn US dollars (£12.1bn). His bonus was cut by £500,000 for last year because of control failures relating to HSBC’s fine for foreign exchange rigging and his pay-out for 2013 was subject to the claw back of £1.25m for the same reason. Mr Gulliver, who became chief executive in 2011 and joined the board in 2008, was dragged into the ongoing tax furore following the disclosure that he had a bank account in Switzerland to hold bonus payments. He said the bank account was set up in the name of a Panama-based company in order to prevent HSBC staff in Hong Kong and Switzerland from knowing how much he was paid in the 1990s. The account has since been closed as his pay is now disclosed to shareholders. Mr Gulliver, who left the UK in the 1980s and has been domiciled in Hong Kong since then, said he has never paid below the highest rate of UK tax on all his earnings. However, he reiterated the bank’s regret over the conduct and compliance of its Swiss private banking arm and said that the practices were a “source
of shame and reputational damage” for the banking giant. HSBC chairman Douglas Flint, who is due to give evidence to MPs on the Treasury select committee this week, said the bank needed to reinforce controls and demonstrate their effectiveness. He added that it was unreasonable to penalise Mr Gulliver because the events in Switzerland happened before he was boss. However, Mr Gulliver’s total pay package is down from £8m last year as a result of the bank’s £216m fine from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for its failure to prevent the rigging of foreign exchange operations. HSBC disclosed that 320 senior staff still received more than 1m euros (£736,000) in 2014. Mr Gulliver admitted that it had been a challenging year, with profits down due to a number of one-off factors including the settlement of regulatory fines. He added: “Profits disappointed, although a tough fourth quarter masked some of the progress made over the preceding three quarters. “Many of the challenging aspects of the fourthquarter results were common to the industry as a whole.” Mr Gulliver denied that the firm is now too big to manage and pointed to a streamlining aimed at addressing concerns that its culture had become diluted by a jump in headcount of 200,000 between 1998 and 2007.
Shares sale nets £500m The Government has netted another £500m from the sale of shares in Lloyds Banking Group, it has been revealed. The transactions mean the UK taxpayer now holds a 23.9% stake in the bank, compared with 40% when it was bailed out during the financial crisis. The amount of money recovered from the bank is now just under £8bn after the latest round of share sales was launched in December – a move cutting the Treasury’s stake from about 25%. All shares sold through the trading plan were made at a level above the average price the previous government paid for them, which was 73.6p. Lloyds said it will announce its first dividend payout in seven years later this week. A pre-election sale of shares in Lloyds to ordinary members of the public was ruled out last year by Chancellor George Osborne. The Government has chosen to sell the stock over time “in an orderly and measured way” rather than through large tranches as has been done previously. It said in December that it hoped to sell off a stake of up to 5% in Lloyds Banking Group over the following six months in order to raise about £3bn. Mr Osborne said: “I am delighted to announce today that the trading plan I launched in December has raised a further £500m for the taxpayer so far. “
■■ HSBC said annual profits had “disappointed”
Housebuilder Bovis raises profits
Retailers report fall in revenues
Housebuilder Bovis built a record number of homes last year, adding that this year has got off to a “robust start”. Kent-based Bovis reported a 69% rise in pre-tax profits to £133.5m in the year to end of December after it saw completions jump 29% to 3,635 homes. It added that it had secured 479 private reservations in the first seven weeks of this year –
Retailers suffered a sales jolt this month after supermarkets and department stores reported lower revenues, figures from the CBI showed. The survey of 138 firms found that the balance of retailers experiencing sales growth in February slid to plus one from plus 39 in January – far below economists’
up 2.4% on a year ago – with sale prices also ahead by 2% year on year. The group said sales were boosted by the Government’s Help to Buy scheme in the first half of last year, but new rules on mortgage availability resulted in a weaker second half. It added that its average 2014 selling price rose by 11% to £216,600.
It said: “The strong sales position brought forward from 2014 combined with robust trading in the first seven weeks of 2015 has positioned the group well for 2015.” The FTSE 250 firm said it would lift its full-year dividend to 35p, an increase of 159%. It added that it intends to pay a dividend of at least 35p a share in 2015.
forecasts and the lowest reading since November, 2013. Retailers also cut the orders they placed with suppliers to a balance of minus seven, the lowest since May 2013. The report said that average selling prices fell for the first time since May, 2006, with only a slight rise expected next month. Retailers said employment
in the sector was lower than a year ago, while investment intentions for the year ahead were negative in contrast to recent months. CBI director of economics Rain Newton-Smith said that after a strong start to the year, continually heavy discounting in the grocery sector seemed to be weighing on activity.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN
American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys
£51.78 £69.55 £49.93 £57.56 £22.55 £48.80 £28.42 48.49 £54.60 £51.71
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
770 534 2291/2 3451/8 571 950 3403/8
183/8 59 861/2 363/4 73 £233/8 137 1107 9 143 1000
AUTOMOBILES & PARTS 386
BANKS
+0.16 -0.66 +0.36 -0.58 +0.14 -0.53 +0.07 +0.10 -15 +4 -1/2 +33/4 -2 -6 -11/4 +1/8 +1/4 -2 +1 -19 -1/2 +31/2 +71/2 +3
Barclays Bk Ireland HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart Barr (AG) Diageo SABMiller Croda Elementis 98 Johnsn Mat
2627/8 24 5771/4 79 3983/4 9281/8
BEVERAGES
684 +18 19131/2 +271/2 £365/8 +5/8
CHEMICALS
£28 2841/4 £343/4
-1/8 -13/8
2481/8 1829 2941/4 593/8 2461/2
+43/8 -6 +1/2 +17/8 -1/2
403 1535
-3 +8
CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
Balfour Beatty C”R”H Costain Low Bonar Marshalls Drax Gp SSE
+13/8 +1/8 -28 +1 +11/4 -453/8
ELECTRICITY
ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced Ox Instmts Volex
748 3421/8 3301/2 766 69
+9 /2 +11/4 +15/8 -14 +41/4 1
EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS
Alliance Trust Br Assets Candover Inv Dunedin Inv
4931/2 135 368 2681/2
+31/2 +1/4 -41/2 -1/2
Dunedin Sml Edin Invst Electra Private Equity Forgn & C Henderson Smllr Cos North American Inc Scot Am Scottish Mortgage Witan
194 667 £305/8 4571/2 5791/2 855 241 2585/8 784
+2 +4 -1/2 +6 +3 -2 +13/8 +3
FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
BT Grp Cable & Wireless Comm Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom
4423/4 58 1527/8 87 3271/2
FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS
Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco Thorntons AB Food Carrs Millg REA Hldgs Tate Lyle Unilever
190 /4 2701/4 2403/8 77 3
FOOD PRODUCERS
+15/8 +1/2 +11/4 +1/2 +1 /4 -11/4 -1/4 -1/2 1
£305/8 1361/2 3051/2 590 £283/8
+1/4 +11/4 +21/2 +91/2 +3/8
2497/8 8971/2 862 £205/8 950
-21/4 -11/2 +9 +1/8 +4
GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES
Centrica National Grid Pennon Grp Severn United Utils 3i Group
GENERAL FINANCIAL 490
+73/4
Smith Nph
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
129 /2 2461/2 8971/2 1879 1
- /2 -1/2 -11/2 -32 1
FTSE closed at
6912.16
1615 5261/2 £25 1893/4 £271/8 £303/4 £231/4
+22 +11 +1/2 +17/8 +1/8 +1/2 +1/4
3601/4 1176
+131/8 -16
GENERAL INDUSTRIALS
Smith DS Smiths Grp
GENERAL RETAILERS
Ashley L Dixons Carphone Home Retail Inchcape Kingfisher M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith
291/2 444 2063/4 737 3433/8 4993/8 191 £737/8 £773/4 1315
Aga Rangemaster Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey
+6
98 /4 503 1988 1710 £571/2 1451/4
-3 /4 +21/2 +6 +16 +5/8
2161/4 1431 901/2 561/2 £32 1879
-8 -14
1
3
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
down 3.04
Close Bros ICAP London StockExch Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV
1181
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
-1/2 +3 +31/8 +31/2 +21/8 +13/4 -1 +5/8 -1/4 +12
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
Fenner I”M”I Molins Renold Spirax-Sarco Weir Grp Ferrexpo
+1/2 -1/8 -32
INDUSTRIAL METALS 65
INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
BBA Aviation
3491/4
-11/2
548 4161/8 2753/4 2201/8 1622 4211/8
+11/2 -1 +23/8 +13/4 +18 +11/2
855 230 172 1413 1188 969 372
+4 -31/8 -3/4 +22 +6 +111/2 +13/4
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
+ /2 1
Trinity Mirror Utd Business UTV WPP
2011/2 5511/2 185 1532
MINING
Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kaz Minerals Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES
1198 7321/2 1547 8021/2 2515/8 1627/8 £311/2 574
+2 +1 -3 +14 -481/2 -21 -34 -241/2 -53/8 -23/4 -7/8 -24
MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Inmarsat Vodafone Group
8871/2 2323/4
NONLIFE INSURANCE
Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Ins Gp
1496 9701/2 £367/8 4501/8
+33 -18 -1/8 -17/8
9613/8 4445/8 201 1681/2 £211/8 £217/8 £34 3921/8
-10 -21/8 -65/8 -83/4 -1/8 -1/8 +1/8 -151/4
10553/8 7931/2 6321/2
-28 -13
OIL & GAS PRODUCERS
BG BP Cairn Energy Premier Oil Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell B Total Tullow Oil
OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
AMEC Petrofac Wood Gp(J)
-3 +1/4
PERSONAL GOODS
Burberry Gp PZ Cussons
1921 314
+13 +37/8
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY
Astrazeneca GlaxoSmithKline Shire
£447/8 1535 £517/8
+3/4 +5 +11/4
8201/2 7911/2 669 366 1237 420
+3 +6 +4 +35/8 +7 +31/8
REAL ESTATE
Brit Land Gt Portland Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO
SOFTWARE & COMPUTER SERVICES
Sage Group
4791/8
+71/2
1147 1950 1181 156 5891/2 2181/4 2181/4 1199 2931/4 1601/4 3403/4 5871/2 390 637 1675/8 1283/4 £203/8
-3 +22 +10 +3/4 +21/2 +13/4 +13/4 +9 +91/4 -3/4 +2 +2 -1 +5 +21/8 -1/4 +1/8
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
£401/8
+1/8
1130 £1051/2 84
+14 -1/4 -21/4
£371/4 £313/8
+3/4 +3/8
893/4 £29 1149 1798 1091/4 1001/2 £257/8 855 £255/8 562 1153/4 1533/8 4591/2 2711/4 1013/4 190 732 7453/4 340 £507/8 397
+13/4 +1/4 +15 +46 -1/8 -1/2 +1/2 -1/2 +3/8 +11 -61/4 +41/8 -41/4 +41/4 +11/2 +11/2 +7 +255/8 -1 +3/4 +5/8
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
6912.16 17167.98
-3.04 +45.43
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Solicitor Neil finds winning formula A brief stint in the police force was enough to convince Neil Coombes he was in the wrong job! But a fascination with the cut and thrust of legal arguments in the criminal courts set him on course for an alternative career in the law. Neil was born in Australia, but lived in the country only until he was two years old. He says: “My parents went out as ‘£10 Poms’ but decided to come back. “I lived in Solihull in the West Midlands and only came to Yorkshire when I was 18 and went to Leeds University to study chemistry.” He says: “I left school with no idea what I wanted to do – but I liked chemistry, which is wny I did that at university. After graduating, I went into research, which I hated. I was standing at a desk all day testing sterilising and cleaning agents and writing down the results. It was not very challenging and I was very disillusioned by that. “I wanted a job which involved dealing with peo-
ple, so I joined the police as a probationary constable, which was a two-year apprenticeship. “I went on the beat and in squad cars, but I enjoyed the court work. The legal process fired my interest – giving and presenting evidence. “The logical progression was for me to get legal qualifications. The irony is that I didn’t end up doing criminal law!” Neil studied law at Huddersfield University, but before embarking on his legal training, he took the opportunity to return to Australia for a couple of years “to see the place properly”. Although he was born in Adelaide, he spent most of his time in Sydney. “I travelled a bit, but not as much as I could have done,” he says. He thought about pursuing his legal career in Australia, but given the difficulties ‘“converting” his UK qualifications decided in the event to come back Huddersfield. “If it had been easier to convert my degree I may
■■ Neil Coombes sampled life in the police force and the chemical laboratory before pursuing a career as a solicitor
well have stayed out there, but it would have taken too long to get qualified,” he says. “Here, it was a one-year course. I liked the Huddersfield area and I decided it was a nice place to put down some roots. Solihull was too suburban, flat and a bit boring!” Neil got a training contract with a law firm in Halifax and qualified as a solicitor in 1998. He began specialising in employment law following the retirement of a partner who focused on the same area. Says Neil: “I got the job by default! I have been doing it ever since. It’s good because you are dealing with people and their issues. There’s a human element to it.” He worked for Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors for a few years before being headhunted to set up an employment law department for a law firm in Bolton – where he still visits once a week as a consultant. Neil, who lives at Fenay Bridge, set up his sole practice six years ago. He acts for both employers and employees in disputes covering all areas of employment law. He says: “There are a lot of discrimination claims at the moment – and a lot of disability claims, particularly involving people suffering stress where the employer has not dealt with things very well. Stress can be a serious issue. The economic climate means people are being asked to work longer hours and ignore the need for a better work-life balance. But employees are any firm’s biggest asset and if employers don’t treat them properly there will be problems.” Neil said the introduction of employment tribunal fees in 2013 had put a
Neil Coombes
lot of people off pursuing claims. Employees were still prepared to go to tribunal if they had a good case, but at the same time employers were no longer “treading on eggshells” in dealing with staff who failed to perform. “From the employers’ perspective, it is still just as important to manage people properly and have the right procedures in place,” says Neil. Neil said the biggest issue at present was settlement claims, whereby both parties agree not to purse an action and thereby avoid going to a tribunal. Neil’s work focuses mainly on firms with fewer than 100 employees – mostly based in the Kirklees and Calderdale areaa, although he has received enquiries from further afield. It’s a job that requires an analytical mind – something that Neil says he
acquired with his early career in chemistry. But it’s the “people” element he relishes. “Getting a ‘thank you’ for helping to put someone’s life back on track is very rewarding,” he says. Neil’s wife April used to be a teacher, but now works for Neil dealing with the administrative side of the business. Daughter Charlotte, 19, is training to be a ski instructior in France while son Tom, 12, is a pupil at King James School, Almondbury. Away from work, Neil plays badminton for locally-based team Pheonix in the Huddersfield league. He first took up the sport when he was 10 and has played ever since at various levels. “I do a lot of cycling,” says Neil. “I also used to do charity 10k runs – but now that I’ve turned 50 that’s not the best thing to be doing!”
Role: Self-employed solicitor Age: 50 Family: Married to April with daughter Charlotte, 19, and son Tom, 12 Holidays: We love Greece and Scotland and I would like to go back to visit Australia Car: BMW X1 First job: I was a paperboy getting 60p a week. When I went to Australia I worked at a fairground and then at KPMG in Syndey collecting files Best thing about the job? Getting a result for a client who couldn’t see any solution to their problem Worst thing about the job? Being self-employed means you never really switch off. You can’t always put your feet up on the evening or get some downtime Business tip: Have the courage of your convictions. If you want something badly enough you will get it
Neil Coombes Solicitors Ltd Work: Legal services Site: Fenay Bridge Phone: 01484 303585 Email: mail@ncoombes.co.uk Web: www. ncoombes.co.uk
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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. 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
4
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
KIRKLEES BUS
FMG is proving a poweful partner A leading player in the world of rail, power generation and power transmission has teamed up with Huddersfield fleet management and roadside services specialist FMG. The Huddersfield company will provide fully-outsourced incident management and legal services to Alstom’s UK fleet of 600 vehicles. The service will include round-the-clock first notification of loss as well as UK-wide repair management, an uninsured loss recovery service and access to real-time online fleet data. Harvey Stead, commercial director at FMG, said: “No two businesses have the same fleet incident requirements and as an outsourcing specialist, we have the ability to truly tailor our solutions to meet our customers’ individual requirements.” FMG has more than 25 years’ experience in providing intelligent incident management expertise for a variety of blue chip private companies and public sector organisations, leasing companies and fleet insurers. FMG said its continued focus on incident prevention, reducing the total cost of claims and delivering exceptional customer service had been core to its successful retention of customers and continued growth. FMG provides incident management services to more than 250,000 vehicles on behalf of its customers. Alstom operates from 30 sites and employs more than 6,000 people across the country. About a third of all rail journeys in the UK are made on Alstom rolling stock while its generating kit powers half of the UK’s power stations,
Brand leaders A Huddersfield design and branding agency has been named an official sponsor of the Calderdale and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance (CKMA). Award-winning agency The Engine Room, which has tackled many manufacturing re-brand projects, is marking the sponsorship deal by running a twohour Brand Matters workshop to be held at 10am on Thursday at its offices at the Media Centre, Northumberland Street, Huddersfield. The event is free to local manufacturing businesses and CKMA members. The workshop, led by Engine Room directors Darren Evans and Lesley Gulliver, will focus on the importance of “brand” for manufacturers, including a case study of a Kirklees manufacturing business that has used brand to differentiate itself in the marketplace. Email Nikki Taylor at nikki@engineroomdesign. com or call 01484 483087.
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It pays do your home work on tax matters For those who have just one home and have used it as such throughout its period of ownership any gain arising on its sale will be exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT). This exemption also applies to the last 18 months of ownership where, for example, they have moved out of the property and have bought another residence. It is, however, increasingly common for individuals to have to spend long periods of time away from their home due to work commitments such that on the face of it the property may no longer be seen as their main residence. But the legislation does allow for certain periods of absence to count towards the occupation of the property in order to help relieve a person’s CGT liability on the sale of their residence. These periods are referred to as ‘deemed’ periods of occupation of the property. Firstly, any period of absence
TAX TALK Colin Barratt from the property up to three years can qualify as a period of deemed occupation. Also, where a person is required to work elsewhere in the UK, either as an employee or on a selfemployed basis, they will be eligible to have a period of absence of not more than four years as counting towards their occupation of the property for the purposes of CGT relief. Where an employee performs his works duties overseas, this period of deemed occupation is unlimited. However, in order for CGT relief
to be available in the above circumstances the property will have to be the person’s only or main residence at some time before and after the period(s) of absence. Also, during their period of absence they must have no other property which is regarded as a residence. This may present difficulties as even renting another property whilst working away could be treated as having another residence even if a liability to CGT is unlikely to arise on the cessation of the tenancy agreement.
Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth chartered accountants, Huddersfield
It is, presently, possible to circumvent this by making an election to nominate the main residence as such, but there is a two-year time limit to do so. Many individuals may also have to rent out their property as residential accommodation in the period of absence in order to meet their financial obligations. In this situation, a further relief is available to mitigate any capital gain that may otherwise arise for this period. This is known as Letting Relief which covers capital gains attributable to the period of letting up to a maximum of £40,000 or £80,000 for a married couple or civil partner owning a residence jointly. The relief does not extend to the rental income received from the letting of the property which is taxable subject to allowable property deductions, such as repairs, mortgage interest, utility costs etc.
Kirklees lathes manufacturing firm turns out a winner of Business Efficiency Award A Kirklees manufacturer has won a prestigious regional award. Machine tools and precision engineered components firm 600 UK was presented with the Business Efficiency Award in the EEF/ Aldermore Future Manufacturing Awards. The firm, which employs 85 staff and manufacturers the world-renowned Colchester and Harrison branded lathes, will now compete for the national title in April at an awards dinner in London. The award celebrates the achievements of manufacturers who have successfully designed and delivered new operating practices to boost productivity and business performance. The firm was selected by a panel of judges drawn from business leaders, industry experts and academics and was up against stiff competition from a range of businesses across Yorkshire and the North East. Mike Berry, managing director at 600 UK, said: “This award is testament to our team’s hard work and we are absolutely delighted to have won. “It has put us on the map as a dynamic and innovative company, while recognising the valuable contribution made by local manufacturers. “It is great to see that all our hard work has paid off and we can’t wait to tell our staff, customers and suppliers the good news. “It’s great to get this far and now we’re looking forward to finding out how we get on in the national awards in April.” Leyton Jeffs, regional sales director of Invoice Finance at Aldermore, headline sponsor for the awards, congratulated 600 UK on its success. “Business efficiency and the constant quest
■■ 600 UK group marketing manager Philip Cullen (second left) with (from left) Paul Boden, of award sponsor, Aldermore; Liz Mayes, EEF North East region director; and Andy Tuscher, EEF Yorkshire & Humberside region director
for better and more effective ways of doing “This award is justly deserved and we wish things plays a critical part in companies’ suc- them the best of luck for the national finals.” cess.” he said. “600 UK has to be applauded for Entries for the 2016 awards will open later taking great strides in boosting their competi- this year. tiveness. Visit www.eef.org.uk for details.
5
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015
SINESS NEWS
local
India offers opportunity ■■ Stephen Newman, of Baxter Caulfield
Economy still needs support There’s still plenty of work to do to support Yorkshire’s growing economy, says a Huddersfield businessman. Data collated by law firm Baxter Caulfield has revealed strong growth in private sector business in Yorkshire and the Humber. The firm’s latest Yorkshire Economic Index, which highlights factors on the regional economy and private sector business activity, showed a “significant” rise in job creation, new investment and contract wins in the three months to February, 2015. During the period, at least 2,145 new jobs were announced or created throughout Yorkshire and the Humber, an estimated £118,370 of new investment was made by private sector businesses who also won an estimated £118.3m of contracts. Stephen Newman, senior partner at Baxter Caulfield, said: “Our latest Yorkshire Economic Index shows that there is plenty to be positive about in the region. The findings show also that the region is performing well and this complements the recent positive GDP data, which showed that the UK economy grew at its fastest rate since 2007.” But he said: “Although the economy is growing, there are signs that it is starting to slow so there is still plenty of work to be done. “It is going to be a big year, especially with the General Election taking place in three months’ time, but it is pleasing to see that unemployment is falling and firms are winning contracts together with private sector investment driving growth with the creation of jobs in the region.”
Kirklees firms are being offered more help to export to India. The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) and government export support arm UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) have joined forces with local chambers of commerce to extend its dedicated support network to businesses across Yorkshire. UKIBC regional director Steve Toogood said: “We are raising awareness of the opportunities India offers, working alongside UKTI and chambers of commerce to help businesses in the region access the market and enable them to make informed decisions on market entry and strategy for growth.” Mr Toogood, a former senior director at optics giant Olympus Corporation and Asian markets specialist for UKTI, said: “Our first-hand experience of entering and growing businesses in India make us uniquely qualified. We want to share our experiences to help others achieve success whether they are
■■ Mark Robson, of UKTI
well-established in India or in the early stages of their engagement.” India’s economy is forecast to grow by more than 6% this year while the IMF and World Bank are predicting it will grow faster than China by 2017. UKTI regional director Mark Robson said there was a healthy appetite among local businesses to do more in India. He said: “India is firmly established as a cornerstone
of the growing global economies where UK companies can make significant gains. “A number of Yorkshire firms are already operating in the region with great success, but there is no doubting that many more can follow. “The opportunities are many and varied, but whether its construction and infrastructure, energy solutions, professional services or healthcare innovation, we have the companies that can make an impact.” For those setting up operations in India, UKIBC operates business centres in most major cities, access to a network of government and business contacts. It also undertakes research work, including overviews of the market and specific distributor and partner search activities. UKIBC can also help with company incorporation and rapid access to market through its Launchpad programme. Contact Steve Toogood at steve.toogood@ukibc.com or 07964 401467.
Setting sights on another award win A Holme Valley opticians has been shortlisted for two awards at the prestigious national Optician Awards, which take place on April 18 in Birmingham. Valli Opticians Honley, part of the Valli Group – winner in the awards in 2013 – has been shortlisted in the categories for Independent Practice of the Year and the Enhanced Service award.
Set up by Moin Valli and his wife Rachel in 2005, the grouip has now grown to include nine businesses, including practices in Lockwood, Honley, Meltham. Mytholmroyd, Almondbury, Hebden Bridge and Wakefield. It also includes domiciliary service Valli Home Eye Care as well as Valli Co-Optic, which specialises in providing eye care services on-site for companies.
Oven valeting firm is turning up the heat An oven valeting service operating in Huddersfield is set to expand into North Kirklees. West Yorkshire-based Ovenue is taking on a new full-time employee after reporting a 30% growth in demand. Ovenu, which already operates in Huddersfield, Halifax, Bradford, Leeds and Wakefield, is hiring a contractor to cover the Dewsbury and Morley areas. The Stainland-based firm has averaged more than 2,000 oven valets a year since 2013 – with the majority of this increased demand coming from existing clients and referrals, which accounts for 70% of its total business. Ovenu is a franchise network made up of more than 100 businesses owned by men and women working throughout the UK. Ovenu West Yorkshire, which began trading in 2008 and has four fulltime employees, recently became the fastest Ovenu franchise to reach the milestone of 10,000 oven valets. Richard Greenwood
(pictured), owner of Ovenu West Yorkshire, said: “I am delighted that we are now in a position to grow the business further and offer our service to a new area within West Yorkshire. “To meet this increased demand, I am now searching for someone to join our experienced team and with the introduction of Dewsbury and Morley to our operation this will offer even more people our popular service. “It is exciting times for the business, especially on the back of our record 10,000th oven valet, and I am looking forward to what the future holds for Ovenu West Yorkshire.” Rik Hellewell, managing director and founder of Ovenu, said: “I am delighted for Richard that his business is performing so well that it has scope for expansion. “He is a prime example of someone who has invested in the Ovenu brand and built it up across the region and I would like to wish him and his team all the best for the future.”
EMPLOYER
ARE YOU AN THAT WANTS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
CAN YOU HELP US TO SUPPORT KIRKLEES PEOPLE BACK INTO WORK? Please join us for our breakfast event where you can meet our team, hear from other employers and employees, and get to meet some of the eager jobseekers aiming to find work.
Friday 6 March 9.30am – 12.00noon
1st Floor, Standard House, Half Moon Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2JF
01484 427227 • coachieve@hortonhousing.co.uk • www.hortonhousing.co.uk
6
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
It’s been a perfect first year A business networking group has achieved perfection – as it celebrates its first year. Perfect People was set up by local businesswoman Victoria Field, of Perfect PA’s. Initially called the Local Link, the group was established to create connections between Kirklees and Calderdale businesses. Since starting out at The Heritage Exchange in Lindley, the group has steadily grown and is fast earning a reputation as an open, friendly and supportive business group. The commitment of members to grow each other’s business continues online with a Perfect People Facebook group, where leads and referrals are shared, and on Twitter. The group now meets once a week – alternating between Northern Taps in Huddersfield town centre and The Rock Inn at Holywell Green. Gabrielle Butler, of Kirkwood Hospice, said: “As a local charity, Perfect People Networking is the perfect place to make local links within the community, to assist with volunteering, events and promotion. “By building solid relationships, a number of businesses within the group have become suppliers and pledged their support to become ambassadors for the charity.” Said Victoria: “One of the outcomes I never expected was the incredible support the group offers each other, professionally and personally. “Leads and referrals flow and there is always a relaxed atmosphere in the room, I wish I could do it every day!” Contact Victoria Field on 01484 599598 or email victoria@perfecthq.co.uk
news
Saving for future is far from child’s play For parents looking to save for their children, the introduction of the Junior ISA in November 2011 (essentially replacing the Child Trust Fund account) muddied the waters somewhat with many people still often confused as to what accounts they can contribute to on behalf of their child. Hopefully, this article will explain the difference between the two and make your options clearer. Firstly, it is important to make it clear that it is no longer possible to open a new Child Trust Fund account (CTF), although it is possible to continue contributing to an existing CTF. The CTF was introduced on April 6, 2005, and was available for all children born on or after September 1, 2002, and before January 1, 2011, provided they were living in the UK and child benefit had been awarded for them, which means that to qualify for a CTF account, child benefit must have been claimed. Initially, a Government contribution of £250 was given in the form of a voucher for each eligible child. It was also possible for additional subscriptions to be made, for example by parents, initially of up to £1,200 each tax year. Both cash and stocks and shares CTF accounts were available. Fast forward to 2010 and the Government announced the running down of contributions to CTF accounts and that there would be no further CTF contributions from January 1, 2011. Any child born after January 2, 2011, was no longer eligible for a CTF account, although subscriptions to existing accounts could continue. It is important to note that children that were eligible for a CTF are not eligible for the Junior ISA (JISA). It is also important to note that HMRC will have opened an account for any eligible child if the voucher
FINANCIAL FOCUS Karen Wynard remained unused. If you are unsure where your child’s CTF account is held there is an online form available to track the CTF account provider at www.gov. uk/child-trust-funds/child-trust-fundvouchers The good news is that you can still contribute up to £4,000 to an existing CTF for tax year 2014/15 and CTF accounts can still be transferred to other providers. The Government is also intending to merge the CTF with the Junior ISA with effect from April 6, 2015, which should mean there will be more choice and flexibility for those who would like to transfer a CTF elsewhere. Junior ISAs (JISAs) were made available from November 1, 2011. All children who are under 18 and live in the UK are eligible for a JISA providing they weren’t eligible for a Child Trust Fund account. There are two types of JISA – a cash Junior ISA (which pays interest tax-free) a stocks and shares Junior ISA. As the name implies contributions are invested in unit trusts, shares, free of any tax on any capital growth or any additional tax on dividends. A child can hold either or both types of JISA provided that the total subscriptions to JISAs do not exceed £4,000 (2014/15 tax year) – exactly the same as for the CTF account.
It is also important to note that a child cannot hold more than one of each JISA type (for example it is not possible to hold two cash JISAs in the same tax year). Whether your child holds a CTF or is eligible for a Junior ISA the important thing to remember is that the subscription limits and savings options are similar and these accounts therefore offer a good opportunity to save tax efficiently on behalf of a child, providing you are happy that your child will have access to the money at age 18. There are, of course, other options for saving for your child outside of a CTF or Junior ISA if you have already met the subscription limits for this tax year or indeed if you would like a solution that gives more control over when the fund can be accessed later down the line. Please note that levels and bases of and reliefs from taxation are subject to change and their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor. The value of your investments can fall as well as rise and investors may not get back the full amount originally invested. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. Equity investments do not include the same security of capital which is afforded with a cash account.
Karen Wynard is at Eastwood Financial Services Ltd
Training company success A training company with offices in Huddersfield town centre has exceeded national success rates for apprenticeships. YH Training Services, which has offices at John William Street, saw more than 430 learners complete their apprenticeships in the past 12 months. The success rate of 80.4% compares with one of 68.9% nationally. Managing director Frank McMahon said: “This is excellent achievement and is credit to all of our hard working staff who have helped over 430 learners complete their apprenticeship in the last 12 months. “In addition, YH has also increased its apprenticeship numbers by 30% in the last 12 months, which again is well above the national figures. “We feel this is due to us working hard with businesses and giving them a first class service to match the right apprentice to their business and ensure they are pursuing the best apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are also available to current staff.” YH Training is also above the national success rates for qualifications it delivers to young people and unemployed adults. Mr McMahon said this was also very pleasing as a significant number of young people who gained these qualifications had left school with little or no qualifications. “Some of the unemployed adults we train are returning to learning after a long absence and we work hard to build their confidence and help them achieve qualifications,” he said. Qualifications undertaken by unemployed adults and young people include functional maths and English and IT.
Catering for customers at the mining museum 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
He’s serving up the food and drink at one of West Yorkshire’s foremost tourist attractions. Experienced caterer Anthony Hegney has launched independent contract catering business Asparagus Green Catering. And he has hit the ground running with a contract to provide the fare at the National Coal Mining Museum (NCM) near Grange Moor. Mr Hegney has more than 25 years experience in the industry, having worked for major names such as Elior, Centrepoint and Lindley Heritage. He has also provided catering management for major venues including Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium, London’s Science Museum, Nostell Priory at Wakefield and the National Media Museum in Bradford. Mr Hegney said: “Towards the end of last year, I was talking to the NCM about on-site catering and they asked me if I would be interested in doing it. I made a presentation to them and I was successful in securing the contract.”
■■ Anthony Hegney at work in the Caphouse Bar at the National Mining Museum
Having set up his on company, Mr Hegney is now keen to develop Asparagus Green as a business serving the wider museums sector. The company, which already employs 10 people, is aiming to build a regular client base among visitors to the NCM cafe by providing
varied and healthy menu options for families at competitive prices, with themes reflecting the region’s heritage of coal mining. The firm also aims to further build on the NCM’s reputation as a conference venue – it has seating for 100 people in its function rooms – and as a setting for other daytime and evening events. Asparagus Green is using products and ingredients sourced from the county, including pork products from Shepley-based Greedy Little Pig and a selection of cakes from Lindley firm Propermaid to add to its selection baked on site. It also sources Yorkshire tea from Taylors of Harrogate and coffee roasted by Meltham’s Grumpy Mule. The firm is also supporting apprenticeships through a link-up with Kirklees College. Mr Hegney, who lives in Huddersfield, is further raising his profile in the industry as restaurant editor for magazine Topic. He said: “I’m proud and excited to bring my first independent catering business and extensive experience back to my home county.”
7
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Shear perfection from upholstery fabric firm Chinese new year promises a new “fleece” of life. It’s the year of the sheep – and to mark the occasion, Huddersfield textile manufacturer Camira linked up with the Campaign for Wool and London- based Chinese dim sum teahouse Yauatcha. The restaurant interior was given a makeover using specially-selected Camira wool upholstery to tansform it into an unusual sheep-themed art gallery. In keeping with Chinese tradition, where eight is a lucky number and the colour red symbolises good fortune, Camira re-upholstered eight dining chairs and decorated the restaurant pillars using a lavish red wool felt fabric. The finishing touches were provided by cushions and upholstered bar stools and felted wool cut-out sheep for the uniforms of waiting staff.
Camira marketing director Ian Burn said: “We’ve supported the Campaign for Wool since its launch on Savile Row nearly five years ago, so the latest collaboration is a perfect fit to do something fun, promote wool and showcase the gorgeous interior of the Yauatcha restaurant. “We’re great advocates of using natural fibres and are leading the industry in blending wool with fibres such as nettles, flax and hemp.” Camira has its head office in Mirfield, spinning in Birkby and weaving in Meltham. It designs and makes about 8m metres of upholstery fabric a year which is sold in 80 countries for use in offices, hotels, government buildings, hospitals and clinics as well as theatres. The company was founded
■■ Textile firm Camira has provided upholstery fabric to fit out the Yauatcha Chinese teahouse in London for the Chinese Year of the Sheep
Club’s new partnership Chartered building surveyors Lucas Lee and Partners has become the latest company to become a partner of Huddersfield Town. Founded in 1999, Lucas Lee has built up strong relationships with large national companies as well as small local firms. It works nationwide from offices in Huddersfield and Leeds. To celebrate the new partnership, Christopher Lee, director of Lucas Lee and Partners, met Huddersfield Town commercial director Sean Jarvis and John Williams, the club’s commercial manager for partnerships. Mr Lee said: “Having sponsored Huddersfield Town for five years, we are extremely proud to now support the club as an official partner. We look forward to continuing our sponsorship of the ‘Shooting Star’ award, which has proved a real hit for the club last year. We are excited about recognising the achievements of local businesses.” Mr Williams said: ““It’s fantastic that Lucas Lee and Partners has become the latest partner and I’m delighted they are to sponsor the ‘Shooting Star’ Award. Dealing with Chris and his team has been a real pleasure. Their business is going from strength to strength.”
Commercial Residential, Commercial & Industrial Surveyors, Estate Agents, Auctioneers & Property Management Consultants To Let
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Showroom/Office
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To Let
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8
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Zoe Griffin
Resourceful employee Specialist recruitment agency Provide Education has appointed Zoe Griffin to the new post of company resourcer. Zoe (pictured) will help to step up the agency’s recruitment of job candidates to work in schools across Yorkshire and the East Midlands. Katie Buckle, director of Provide Education, said: “Zoe is an experienced resourcer and will play a vital role in helping us to sign up more high-quality job candidates to the company’s books. “We have created this new post in response to growing demand for our services as we handle an increasing number of enquiries from schools. “We need to plan ahead to ensure we continue to deliver the high level of service our schools expect from us and are able to place high quality staff whenever and wherever required.” Provide Education, formed in 2007, offers a 24-hour rapid response service to help schools in West and South Yorkshire and the East Midlands fill supply and permanent job vacancies. It has more than 2,000 teachers, teaching assistants, cover supervisors, nursery nurses and school support staff on its books and works
Gary promoted to divisional director By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
with more than 500 schools. Zoe joins a staff of 17 and will work across Provide Education’s three branch offices in Brighouse, Barnsley and Worksop. She will be based at the company’s newly expanded office in Thornhill Brigg Mills, Brighouse. Katie said: “Zoe has more than seven years’ experience working in the recruitment sector and has extensive experience of running advertising campaigns, headhunting and sourcing excellent candidates to suit job vacancies. “At Provide, we are determined to sign up the best candidates in the education sector and it is great to have Zoe on board. “She is already working closely with education consultants across our three branch offices to co-ordinate our ongoing recruitment drive.”
Megan Moore
Bakery general manager Artisan bakery Farnley Market has appointed Megan Moore as general manager. Megan (pictured) grew up in the hospitality business as her parents own the Clothiers Arms at Stocksmoor. Her appointment follows the arrival of Lisa Heaphy as retail assistant in December, working alongside Oliver Bottom. Husband and wife Stephen and Simone Harrison, who launched Farnley Market at Farnley Tyas last September, have invested £10,000 in a larger oven to meet growing customer demand and have bought a branded van for £24,000 to deliver
movers and shakers
Recruitment specialist Stafflex has promoted long-standing team manager Gary Driscoll to director of its industrial division. This marks the second of Stafflex’s senior appointments as the company continues its expansion plans following the recruitment of Dan Ingham as head of business development and customer relations. In addition, Yvonne Reilly was appointed to payroll support and Geraldine Jordan to the reception team. Stafflex, based at Chapel Hill, Huddersfield, celebrates 15 years of trading this April. For 10 of those years, Gary has led the industrial section placing many thousands of people into work across West Yorkshire. Gary boasts a background in engineering and specialises in industrial recruitment with clients based in some of the most technical companies in the country. Stafflex founder and chief executive Brian Stahelin said: “Gary has been with Stafflex through a period of immense change. He has
■■ New director Gary Driscoll (left) with Stafflex business development managers Katrina Cross and Rhys England
steered his department through two recessions, countless ‘near-recessions’ and a plethora of changes in recruitment law and compliancy. He has successfully trained and managed a growing team of industrial recruitment specialists, including Katrina Cross and
Rhys England who are building on the foundations set in place by Gary. “Together they have grown the industrial section of Stafflex to over £3m turnover. That makes us technically one of the biggest employers of industrial staff in Kirklees.”
Changes to agency’s senior team Birstall-based Fantastic Media has announced a number of changes to its senior management team for 2015 and the introduction of three appointments to its board. Andrew McCarthy, Barry Holder and Darren Labbett join the full service agency while a number of internal promotions see Paul Whitcroft assume the creative director role, Miles Thorp head the digital offering and Sally Willis move to head of client services. The team has also appointed Dominic Agnew as account manager and Mark Rhodes as web developer. Mr McCarthy, a former Saatchi & Saatchi and WPP commercial executive, re-joins the agency board as non-executive director following three years as managing director of luxury car brand Overfinch.
■■ Fantastic Media managing direcor Andrew Hobson (third left) with (from left) Paul Whitcroft, Darren Labbett, Barry Holder, Andrew McCarthy, Sally Willis and Miles Thorp
Mr Holder and Mr Labbett join as operations director and senior account director respectively – each having more than 15 years’ experience with the likes of
Amaze, Fuse8, Response Tap and Principles Agency. Managing director Andrew Hobson said: “Fantastic Media is fast becoming the ‘go to’ agency
for full service, on and offline marketing utilising all channels and every route to market. “To deliver our growth targets and to ensure we continue to lead and not follow, it is essential we recruit the very best people in the business while ensuring we keep hold of and reward our home grown talent. “2015 is projected to be our biggest year since we launched in 2006 and with our new appointments and strengthened board of directors we expect to see e-commerce and digital marketing become a significant percentage of the agency billings.” New business in 2015 comes from national energy retailer Orchard Energy, call centre service specialists Answering4U, chemical and visual effects manufacturing professionals Vickers Laboratories and bicycle retailer Avocet Sports,.
Insurance broker recognised for family values bread to a growing list of trade customers. Mr Harrison said: “We’re delighted to welcome new employees to the bakehouse and know they will be valuable members of the team to support our continued growth.”
An insurance broker with offices in Kirklees has been nominated for an industry award. Brian Thornhill and Son, which has been trading for more than 30 years, was nominated for Family Business United’s Yorkshire Family Business of the Year Award. Mr Thornhill said: “This award nomination has come at a fantastic and exciting time for our business. We are delighted to be nominated and proud to be recognised in 2015, which is the year of
our third of a century anniversary!” Brian Thornhill Insurance is one of the UK’s largest family run insurance brokers specialising in commercial insurance as well as offering a wide range of personal insurance products for businesses and the public. The firm, with offices in Skelmanthorpe and Ravensthorpe, also has a wholesaling department offering its quote engine and commercial products via the online quote desk to other insurance brokers ■■ Brian Thornhill (centre) and the Thornhill and Son team throughout the whole of the UK.