2015 03 31 08

AMANDA ROBERTSHAW

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

New role is just the job Interview - Page 3

FTSE 100 +36.41 6891.43

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AMANDA VIGAR Steady on, George!

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 Colne Valley company is expanding its premises to meet growing demand for its products.

Hystat Systems Ltd, which makes heavy hydraulic cylinders for industries including oil and gas, power generation, steel and aluminium production and mining, has extended floorspace at its premises in New Street, Slaithwaite, by 800sq metres.

The extra floorspace has been created to the rear of the premises by digging into an existing embankment and extending the depth of the existing factory by 15 metres.

Once building work is completed in the next few weeks, the new space will provide more room for the firm’s fitting shop and two-bay machine shop.

The firm already rents a large part of a neighbouring industrial unit to house its repair department and for storage.

Company managing director Ray Wadsworth said: “We started digging out a few years ago, but the recession hit and we called a halt.

“Now we have taken advantage of the improving economic climate to complete the project.

“Things started picking up about a year-and-a-half ago.

“Some of our competitors had been taken over, but some have not performed as well as others and we have been able to take advantage of that.”

Mr Wadsworth said Hystat – which employs 102 people – was now doing a lot of work for the offshore industry in Norway.

But he added: “We are still producing goods that go all over the world. We have also won a major contract to pro-

■■ Hystat Systems Ltd managing director Ray Wadsworth (above, right) and director Bill Iredale view progress on the extension while (right) work continues in the factory at Spa Fields Industrial Estate (below right)

vide equipment for a hydro-electric power programme in China.”

Among previous contracts, Hystat has supplied equipment for various applications including a Russian aluminium plate mill and a a pipe-laying shipboard tower in Korea.

Other projects include equipment for a ro-ro ferry bridge in the Shetlands and aircraft platform lifts for the Royal Navy.

Hystat has an enviable track record for growth.

It was formed in Huddersfield in 1976, but moved to its current site at Spa Fields Industrial Estate, Slaithwaite in 1982 – since when the premises have been extended three times before this latest expansion project.

For an annual fixed fee, we provide businesses with an unlimited HR, Employment Law and Health & Safety support service.

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In 1986, Hystat bought the intellectual property and some machinery from the receivers of Spenborough Engineering Ltd. It followed that up in 1992 when the drawings and commercial records of Cattermole Hydraulics Ltd, a hydraulics company including Weston Hydraulics, were purchased from the receiver.

In 2004, the group acquired a local sub contract company, Bank Bottom Engineering Services, which had been operating from its site in Honley since 1952.

And five years ago, Hystat acquired the assets of Titan Manufacturing, a hydraulic cylinder manufacturer in Halifax.

After a fashion A Huddersfield fashion designer has won mentoring support from Brighouse-based Carl Hopkins following a Dragon’s Denstyle event at Kirklees College. Che Ozoria-Bruno impressed the director of Faith PR and former Channel 4 Secret Millionaire with his plans to launch independent clothing line RA Clothing Co. Earlier, Che pitched his business and explained his strategy to a panel of 24 “dragons” at the college

examiner.co.uk

It’s all systems go as firm expands Colne Valley site

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Priceless publicity A Huddersfield woman securing publicity for a wide range of business clients got some five-start PR for herself!

Katie Mallinson, who began her own business, Scriba PR, in 2013, was among 10 recipients of the Duke of York Young Entrepreneurs Awards which were presented by Prince Andrew

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TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

national

Bulldog gets its teeth into hotels growth plan Coaching inns operator Bulldog Hotel Group has secured a £4.5m investment to help fund ambitious expansion plans.

The group, which owns The Old Bridge Inn at Holmfirth, has received funds from the Business Growth Fund to support its planned £20m expansion across England.

The Boston-based business, which operates seven hotels, will use the capital injection to double the number of properties in its portfolio over the next three to four years.

Bulldog was recently named as one of the London Stock Exchange Group’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2015, an annual celebration of some of the fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK. Bulldog specialises in finding high quality coaching inns and revitalising their offer across food, drink and accommodation to attract tourists as well as local and business trade.

With annual sales in excess of £10m, the group has capitalised on the growth of the UK eating out market, which is estimated to have dou-

■■ Kevin Charity (left) and Edward Walsh, of Bulldog Hotel Group

bled over the past 12 years, supported by an increasingly buoyant regional hotel market, which is forecast to reach record levels this year.

Founder and managing director Kevin Charity is now looking to acquire more properties in English

market towns around the UK. To support the planned growth, Edward Walsh joined as finance director earlier this year and became a shareholder in the business through an investment made by Commer Group.

Bulldog’s existing hotels are located

Membership milestone for PureGym Pure Gym said it has become the largest gym operator in the UK with more than 500,000 members – just six years after it first opened its doors.

The business, which runs 91 24-hour gyms across the UK, opened 24 new gyms last year at sites including London, Greater Manchester and Birmingham. Its members pay monthly fees with no contract commitments.

Pure Gym said pre-tax profits jumped more than four times to £10m in 2014 after its membership total rose by almost 50% to 420,000 – with its numbers crossing the half million mark last month.

Pure Gym founder and executive chairman Peter Roberts said: “In 2014 we delivered impressive financial performance whilst managing significant expansion. We have further exciting expansion plans for 2015 and look forward to another year of growth.”

The business, which competes against Virgin Active and David Lloyd Leisure, said it planned to open between 30 and 40 new sites this year.

It is understood to be one of the contenders in the £80m auction to buy LA fitness, which runs 47 clubs.

The firm is also looking at options to expand into new territories such as continental Europe, the Middle East and South America.

across Yorkshire, Leicester, Lincolnshire, Northampton, Gloucestershire and County Durham.

Mr Charity said: “We have ambitious plans for the next few years, which are centred on finding and acquiring the right estates in the right locations and sensitively restoring them in line with the character of local surroundings.

“BGF’s investment means that we are able to pursue our growth plan without financial distractions or cash flow restrictions.

“Already, through BGF, we have met a number of high calibre, senior people within the hospitality sector that have been able to provide insight and guidance to our plans – this type of strategic support is invaluable.”

Mark Freer, of BGF said: “Bulldog has grown through the acquisition of individual hotels and has a strong track record of substantially improving profitability at every site.

“We are backing a strong management team, with plenty of energy and extensive experience in the hotel and hospitality market.”

Kingfisher scraps takeover plans

Nationwide branch investment

B&Q owner Kingfisher has been forced to drop its plans to buy French rival Mr Bricolage for 275m euros (£201m) following opposition from a major shareholder in the target firm.

Kingfisher agreed a deal to buy the chain in July last year, expanding its position in the French DIY market where it already owns Brico Depot and Castorama.

Britain’s biggest building society Nationwide is to spend £300m on its branch network in a move set to create about 200 jobs.

It said the investment will come over the next five years as the lender upgrades its cash machines and rolls out its video link service, Nationwide Now, which allows customers to complete mortgage

But doubts about the takeover surfaced last week when the British group disclosed that reservations had been expressed by the board and the ANPF, a major shareholder owning 41.9% of Mr Bricolage.

Kingfisher conceded that time had run out with a deadline for securing competition clearance for the takeover due to expire today.

Shares closed 2% higher or 7% up at 364.8p.

The deadline could have been extended with the agreement of all parties.

But Kingfisher pointed to a statement on Friday by the ANPF, an organisation controlled by Mr Bricolage’s franchisees “which cites their decision to refuse any extension of the 31 March deadline”.

applications with advisers in other branches.

Nationwide’s spending comes as a number of banks, such as Lloyds, Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland and HSBC have closed branches in a cost-cutting drive in recent years.

UK banks have shut 27% of their branches since 1997 bringing its industry-wide

network down to about 9,700, according to the British Bankers’ Association (BBA). Banks have closed branches as customers use smartphones and computers to make payments and check their balances.

Nationwide, which employs 17,000 staff across almost 700 branches, said its video link service has proved popular with customers.

SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN

American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys

£53.05 £71.87 £49.12 £57.70 £24.60 £45.97 £27.92 50.71 £55.82 £54.07

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

7841/2 5261/2 2151/4 3033/4 563 9611/2 3183/4

16 /2 59 1011/2 37 75 £213/4 1321/2 1159 121/2 143 10301/2

+0.82 -111/2 -31/2 +11/4 +1/4 +3 +14 +11/8

1

AUTOMOBILES & PARTS 364 /8 3

BANKS

+0.33 +1.37 +0.68 +1.19 +0.06 +0.42 +0.22

+1/4 +1 +1 -31 +1 +1/2 +4 /4 1

Barclays Bk Ireland HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart Barr (AG) Diageo SABMiller Croda Elementis 98 Johnsn Mat

2473/4 283/8 5831/4 793/8 3471/8 1120

BEVERAGES

613 1902 £36

+1/8 +23/8 +1/2

2415/8 1787 3211/2 577/8 274

+13/4 -1 -23/4 +5/8 +3/4

Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco Thorntons

ELECTRICITY

3687/8 1532

+5/8 -16

ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced Ox Instmts Volex

935 3381/8 3415/8 833 66

+11/4 +15/8 +4 -1/4

EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS

Alliance Trust Br Assets Candover Inv Dunedin Inv

5071/2 1351/2 3201/2 264

+1/2

-11/2 +13/4

191 6691/2 £311/2 448 596 875 245 266 811

-2 -11/2 +1/8 +1/8 +2 +121/2 +11/2 +33/4 +5

FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS

£271/4 2913/4 £341/8

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS

Drax Gp SSE

-31/2 +7 -1/8

Dunedin Sml Edin Invst Electra Private Equity Forgn & C Henderson Smllr Cos North American Inc Scot Am Scottish Mortgage Witan BT Grp Cable & Wireless Comm Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom

CHEMICALS

Balfour Beatty C”R”H Costain Low Bonar Marshalls

+31/2 +7/8 +43/4 +3/8 +4 +17

4481/4 60 136 92 3431/4

+31/4

1963/8 2613/4 241 681/2

-21/8 -3/4 +23/4 -5/8

FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS

AB Food Carrs Millg REA Hldgs Tate Lyle Unilever

FOOD PRODUCERS

-53/4 +1/2 -27/8

£281/2 1381/8 3271/2 600 £287/8

+1/8 +3/4 -21/2 +11/2 +3/8

257 8843/8 8331/2 £207/8 9441/2

-21/4 +27/8 -111/2

GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES

Centrica National Grid Pennon Grp Severn United Utils 3i Group

GENERAL FINANCIAL 4901/4

+2 +47/8

Smith Nph

Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp

1353/4 274 8843/8 1712

-1/2 +3/4 +27/8 -2

Aga Rangemaster Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey

FTSE closed at

6891.43

1584 532 £243/4 2043/8 £27 £321/4 £243/8

+26 +5 +5/8 +3/4

349 /8 1129

-6 /4 -33

GENERAL INDUSTRIALS

Smith DS Smiths Grp

7

GENERAL RETAILERS

Ashley L Dixons Carphone Home Retail Inchcape Kingfisher M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith

271/2 4111/8 1673/4 806 3643/4 538 2063/4 £71 £94 1288

+3

943/4 526 £20 1647 £59 1543/4

+3/4 -10 -1/4 -20 +3/8 +1/8

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

up 36.41 Close Bros ICAP London StockExch Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV

1145

HOUSEHOLD GOODS

+1/4 -1/8 1

+1/8 +15/8 -1/4 +111/2 +7 +8 +1/4 +1/2 +25/8 +16

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

Fenner I”M”I Molins Renold Spirax-Sarco Weir Grp Ferrexpo

200 1296 801/2 555/8 £34 1712

INDUSTRIAL METALS 64

+3/4 +1 -13/8 +1/8 -2 +21/4

INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION

BBA Aviation

3361/4

-23/4

5491/2 4217/8 283 227 1697 4807/8

-1 +1/4 +21/8 +21/4 +14 +37/8

885 2551/4 148 1480 1181 1005 383

+121/2 +33/4 -3 +15 +19 +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

Trinity Mirror Utd Business UTV WPP

1841/4 5321/2 1721/2 1558

MINING

Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kaz Minerals Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES

1060 7391/2 1512 7001/2 212 1185/8 £281/8 529

-13/4 +41/2 +51/2 +18 +16 +241/2 +41/2 +1/2 +3 -33/4 +1/8 +1/2

MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Inmarsat Vodafone Group

941 2243/8

NONLIFE INSURANCE

Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Ins Gp

1540 1056 £381/4 4301/2

+12 -3 +5/8 +71/4

852 4461/8 1611/2 1371/2 £201/2 £211/2 £343/8 2931/4

-211/4 +21/2 -3/4 -31/2 +1/8 +1/8 +1/4 -31/8

10553/8 9831/2 644

+6 -7

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)

+7 -3/8

PERSONAL GOODS

Burberry Gp PZ Cussons

1772 3403/4

+5 -5/8

£47 /4 15841/2 £541/4

+ /8 +15

845 825 6711/2 3523/4 1264 4217/8

-4 /2 +1/2 -11/2

469

+71/8

PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY

Astrazeneca GlaxoSmithKline Shire

1

REAL ESTATE

Brit Land Gt Portland Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO

3

1

-4 -2

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

1140 1835 1123 159 563 2471/4 2471/4 1121 2941/8 1541/2 3777/8 5861/2 3781/2 600 187 1351/2 1940

+20 +9 -18 -1 -1/2 +23/4 +23/4 -4 +13/4 +31/4 +61/8 +7 -5 -111/2 -27/8 +13

Wolseley

£401/8

+1/8

1106 £1101/4 871/4

+27 +13/4 -13/4

£36 £305/8

+3/8 -3/8

811/4 £323/4 1186 1867 991/2 92 £241/8 8291/2 £263/4 603 1033/4 1513/8 420 284 100 1861/8 6741/2 7981/8 3547/8 £523/8 3731/2

-13/4 +3/8 +12 +9 +11/8 -15/8 -1/8 -3 +1/4 +9 -1/4 +1/2 -61/8 -1/8

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

6891.43 17208.10

-21/4 -11/2 +255/8 +41/4

+36.41 +45.46

3

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

profile

Helping trainees get set for work There’s no better feeling than being able to support and direct someone on the road to employment – and ultimately a career.

It’s the most satisfying part of the job, according to Amanda Robertshaw, who is clearly relishing her role as employment engagement officer at Brighousebased Kirkdale Industrial Training Services (KITS).

Her work involves matching employers to apprentices who are studying mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, fabrication and motor vehicle at KITS’ Armytage Road site.

KITS recruits 100 apprentices every year – and as they embark on their three-year courses, Amanda is busy seeking employers who can commit to supporting them and – in an ideal world – offering them a full-time job when they qualify with a trade.

“The most satisfying thing is matching up apprentices and telling them they will be taken on,” says Amanda. “From the apprentices walking initially through the door to ultimately the assessments they need to undertake to see if they are suitable for the programme and helping with their interview technique, I am working with them all the time.”

Amanda is acutely conscious of the difficulties young people face in trying to get a job and onto the career ladder.

A former YTS trainee herself, she says: “There seemed to be a lot more jobs available when I was a school leaver. Now employers can cherry-pick. It’s not just about someone having the right skill sets.

“And the timescale from applying for a job and filling the position is a lot longer. Job interviews are more in-depth.

“The guys we work with are lucky if they have even done work experience. They have nothing to go on in terms of experiencing the workplace.”

KITS endeavours to replicate the “real world” with its training. Apprentices have to clock in and out – just as they might in the factory – and have to explain themselves if they are late.

They are also encouraged to think about how best to present

themselves when it comes to CVs and job interviews.

“If they are interested in certain things, we tell them to make sure their CVs highlight that,” says Amanda. “If they are interested in cars and want to be a motor vehicle apprentice, that’s worth saying.

“One of the good questions recruiters ask is ‘Why have you chosen this as your profession?’

They might ask ‘What part of engineering do you enjoy most?’

Applicants need to be able to provide an answer.”

Amanda has a wealth of experience to draw on from her own career path. After leaving Royds Hall School, she studied to be a dental technician, but left at the age of 18 when she was expecting her first child.

After daughter Deanna was born, Amanda returned to college to study counselling, but her studies were again cut short with son Reece on the way.

Later, she worked in sales and recruitment before joining a training company – then returned to recruitment working in the industrial and engineering sector before joining KITS in February last year.

“Apprenticeships are being pushed by the government more

Amanda Robertshaw

and more,” says Amanda.

“Employers also realise that there is a skills shortage looming – especially in the engineering industry.

It is becoming apparent that the workforce – in a lot of larger companies – are coming up to retirement age and will all be leaving at about the same time.

“Employers who do their forecasting for the next five years are looking at how many people are going to be retiring – and it is a high percentage.”

Says Amanda: “Firms are having to start looking to recruit. Now we have quite a good influx of employers who have taken on apprentices this year and are already discussing this summer’s apprentice intake.”

KITS, which has impressive facilities at Armytage Road, draws employers and apprentices from Huddersfield, Halifax, Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield as well as Brighouse and Elland.

Wherever possible, the aim is to match employers and apprentices from similar geographical areas, making it easier for the trainee to get to the workplace for on-thejob training.

Larger companies have their own training mentor assigned to the apprentice – and while some companies may have “bad” expe-

■■ Amanda Robertshaw understands the issues facing young jobseekers

riences of taking on apprentices, Amanda says many more have had positive results.

Amanda visits companies on a frequent basis. “If I have to ‘sell’ an opportunity to an apprentice or find a suitable apprentice for a particular firm it is a good idea to have an understanding of the environment they will be going into,” she says.

“Some companies want a ‘jack the lad’ type of character, but others want someone who may be more subdued.”

Amanda says: “While some engineering companies are still struggling, we have definitely seen a pick-up in sentiment.

“There is government support for employers who commit to taking on apprentices. It helps towards the cost of any additional training they might need on top of what they get through their apprenticeship.”

And Amanda is pleased to see that engineering is increasingly attracting girls as well as boys – although the numbers remain comparatively small.

She says: “We put on events for girls who may be deterred from engineering because of the boys!

We arrange for them to come into KITS for an open day in June and we do a three-day workshop where we invite just girls who are coming up to their options.

“They get hands-on experience to help them decide if it’s an industry they want to go into.

Hopefully, we will see more girls applying.”

Engineering has undergone an image change for the better, adds Amanda. “Engineering is not the world of ‘oily rags and spanners’ any more,” she says.

“These firms offer a very secure environment to work in.

Some of the engineering companies I visit are the cleanest workplaces you will find.”

Away from work, Amanda still lives in Huddersfield where she grew up.

She enjoys taking her pet pug for bracing walks around the countryside – but she’s a sunseeker when it comes to holidays, with Spain and Portugal her favourite destinations.

Role: Employment engagement officer Age: 40 Family: Daughter Deanna, 22, and son Reece, 17 Holidays: Take me to Spain or Portugal any day!

Car: VW Beetle First job: Working in a sweet shop in Huddersfield’s Packhorse Centre Best thing about the job? The satisfaction of matching an apprentice to an employer and telling them they are going to be taken on Worst thing about the job?

There’s no part of the job that I don’t enjoy Business tip: Anything is possible

Kirkdale Industrial Training Ltd Work: Industrial and commercial training in engineering and related industries Site: Armytage Road, Brighouse Phone: 01484 711462 Email: info@kits-training.co.uk Website: www. kits-training.co.uk

4

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

local

Digging into Dubai A company supplying drainage pipes around the world has been drumming up business in Dubai.

Cawthorne-based Naylor Drainage, which draws many of its employees from the Kirklees area, attended the prestigious Trenchless Middle East conference and exhibition.

The company exhibited its Denlok clay jacking pipe, which can be installed without digging a trench. The product is widely exported and has been used on every continent.

In addition to exhibiting its products at the show, Naylor Group chief executive Edward Naylor and clayware managing director Ade Dickinson delivered a conference paper on the use of clay pipes in trenchless technology.

No cause for alarm A security and fire alarm firm is on the road to further growth as it nears a milestone anniversary.

Carlton Alarms, formed in 1986 and based at The Old Corn Mill, Berry Brow, has added another vehicle to its fleet – having already invested in a state-ofthe-art computerised record and maintenance scheduling system.

The family business, led by founder and director Carlton Littleford, has installed more than 10,000 intruder alarms, fire alarms, CCTV and access control systems for residential and business properties over the past 29 years.

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Peter Sargent, Partner Richard Kenworthy, Director Begbies Traynor 36 Clare Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2HX www.begbies-traynor.com

KIRKLEES BUS

Budget to build on solid foundations

With just weeks before the General Election, none of us could be entirely sure what the Budget would hold.

Would our Chancellor (known to those of us in the trade as “Gorgeous George”) be buying votes or would he try not to ruffle any feathers?

All in all, it appears to be the latter, albeit with a few sweeteners to parents/grandparents of those in their 20s looking to get their offspring out of the family nest and those with savings that generate significant income.

His overall message: “Steady as she goes”. Growth has been steady over the last couple of years and there was certainly nothing in this Budget that will lead to an uncontrollable boom – it was more about building on solid foundations of growth leading to a reduction of the deficit.

My main disappointment is that, despite stressing that he was backing British business, there really wasn’t anything for small business owners to be throwing their hats in the air over.

The reform of the business rates system has been long rumoured and, whilst I welcome it with open arms, reading between the lines it’s impact is

THE BUSINESS BATTLEAXE Amanda Vigar likely to be limited and definitely not the radical reform that this outdated and fundamentally unbalanced system needs.

My other big concern is that reports of the death of the tax return were, in the words of Mark Twain, greatly exaggerated.

Whilst I can see that the change will be of benefit to those with relatively simple affairs – say just a salary and savings income that is taxed at source – even they will still need to check the figures carefully to ensure that everything is actually included and is accurate.

Given the way HMRC’s systems

struggle to cope with RTI on payroll, my heart sinks at the mere thought of the errors and omissions we are going to see when they try to deal with the pre-population of tax records from multiple sources.

For those who are self-employed or have complex tax affairs, my concern is that HMRC will see this as being like PAYE and take a guilty-until-proveninnocent approach with the accompanying administrative burden increasing yet again for those of us running small businesses.

What price a delay (or six) from the target 2020 launch date?

Amanda Vigar is managing partner at Holmfirth-based accountants V&A Bell Brown LLP

Putting the focus on digital marketing Dozens of business people have got to grips with online marketing at a series of free events in the Colne Valley.

And the free half-day Digital Marketing Bootcamps run by Marsden-based company The Design Mechanics have proved so popular that another one is going to be run in April.

Managing director Stewart Leahy said: “With the last recession, the marketplace completely changed. We found that the enquiries we’d always generated for ourselves through traditional methods dried up and we were faced with having to evolve or die.

“This is when we changed the focus of our marketing to digital – but we found that when we sat down with new customers, they all wanted

■■ Dave Pannell, marketing director at The Design Mechanics

to know how we’d managed to get their enquiry, so that they could apply the same strategies for generating more leads for their businesses.”

With this massive interest in online or “digital” marketing, The Design Mechanics started publishing guides on

how any business can start generating more leads online. The downloadable guides proved so successful that the bootcamps seemed a logical progression.

“A lot of people try doing online marketing, but without any strategy behind it which makes it pretty point-

less” says marketing director Dave Pannell.

“Because a lot of digital marketing is free, people don’t put much thought into it – they set up a blog, or try doing Facebook, but don’t see any sales coming and so pack it in.

“In reality, digital marketing works the same as traditional marketing – you wouldn’t hire out a billboard in the middle of Leeds city centre if you hadn’t first spent time working out what message you need to put on it.”

The next Digital Marketing Bootcamp will be held on Wednesday, April 15, at the Standedge Warehouse in Marsden. Visit www.thedesignmechanics.com/bootcamp or call Stewart Leahy on 01484 841088.

Regrets? They’ve had a few, says survey Entrepreneurs feel optimistic about 2015, according to a survey conducted by The Alternative Board – but also wish they’d done some things differently early on in their businesses.

Given a second chance, they’d invest more in lead development, seek better mentorship and delegate more.

The survey asked hundreds of entrepreneurs about their busi-

ness outlook and what they would do differently, if they had the chance to start over.

Given the option, 86% of entrepreneurs said they would still choose to start their own business, but would invest their time and money differently, with more focus on sales, strategic planning and marketing.

“We found that entrepreneurs are confident in their products and services, but feel they would

have benefited from better planning and more guidance,” says Chris Buckley, managing director of The Alternative Board’s local business in Calderdale and Kirklees.

He said: “Twenty four percent of entrepreneurs say that better coaches and mentors would make the single biggest difference in their businesses if they did it again. Only 2% say that a better product would.”

■■ Chris Buckley

■■ Shafiq Khan, of Clou

‘Golden for sma

A new report hailing 2 for small businesses h a Kirklees accountanc Figures from Com that record numbers created in the UK las

by Lord Young, the go adviser, said there wer small firms in the UK, compared to 2010.

The number of ne across the country hit with 581,173 new bu Companies House b high of 526,446 in 201 This trend shows according to Cleckhe accountancy firm Clo Shafiq Khan, a par guides entrepreneur starting a business, sa completely transform small businesses.

“During the downt people were made re businesses because o any other options or another corporate aft of those people have many starting to recru the economy and con “Finance is anothe of start-ups and it’s no available, together wit available via the See ment Scheme and E Scheme to stimulate a neurship.

“This is resulting growth businesses be and alternative finan into the market are mo to start-ups that can ness idea supported plan. This is an area w ant can prove invalua Mr Khan said: “Ul Yorkshire remain a g business with techno the barriers, so almo business idea into a re “There is red tape overcome, but there i able to guide wou through all the potent

Meet mi

They’re making use The next Connectio event run by the Mid Commerce takes pl 9.30am to 11am at the Museum, near Grange Delegates get an o some valuable new co at the monthly meetin introduce their busin presentation and then and contacts over bre

5

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

SINESS NEWS

ugh & Company

n age’ all firms

2015 as a “golden age” has been welcomed by cy firm. mpanies House show s of small firms were st year – while a report overnment’s enterprise re now 5m established , an increase of 760,000

ew businesses created t a record high in 2014 usinesses registered at beating the previous 13. no sign of waning, eaton-based chartered ough & Company. rtner at the firm who rs through all areas of aid: “The recession has med the outlook for

turn, huge numbers of edundant and started often they didn’t have the desire to work for ter the recession. Lots e done very well with uit and expand as both nfidence improves. er key factor in the rise ow much more readily th generous tax breaks ed Enterprise InvestEnterprise Investment and support entrepre-

in a number of high eing launched. Banks nce providers coming ore than happy to lend present a great busiwith a good business where a good accountable.” ltimately, the UK and great place to start a ology lowering many of ost anyone can turn a eality. e and a tax system to is plenty of help availuld-be entrepreneurs tial pitfalls.”

ine hosts

eful connections. ons Count networking Yorkshire Chamber of lace tomorrow from e National Coal Mining e Moor. opportunity to make ontacts. Every delegate ngs gets the chance to ness in a one-minute n follow-up new leads eakfast.

local

Katie hailed for enterprise skills A Huddersfield woman securing publicity for a wide range of business clients got some five-start PR for herself!

Katie Mallinson, who started her own business, Scriba PR, in 2013, was among 10 recipients of the Duke of York Young Entrepreneurs Awards which go to a graduate or student business from each of Yorkshire’s 10 universities.

Katie, the winner for Huddersfield University, received her award from the Duke of York when he visited the Queensgate campus to unveil the foundation stone for the university’s proposed education centre.

Katie said: “It is a real honour to have been chosen as a Duke of York Young Entrepreneur winner. There are so many inspiring businesses in our region so it is a proud moment to have been recognised for doing something a little different.”

Katie’s business provides copywriting and PR consultancy for clients ranging from construction and recycling to engineering and even mobile app development.

Scriba PR’s clients include Austrianowned UNTHA, which manufactures high-value machinery for the recycling industry as well as Huddersfield-based companies such as electrical engineering company Ti Installations and mobile app designers and developers Common Agency.

Katie graduated from Huddersfield University in 2008 with a degree in business management before working for a Leeds-based PR agency – a role secured during her university placement year. By 2013, having reached the position of account director, she decided to strike out on her own.

She returned to the university and got advice from the Enterprise Team, which works with current students and graduates in the first five years of leaving the university to provide support for those with business or selfemployment propositions. The team provides one-to-one support as well as a base at The Duke of York Young Entrepreneur Centre in the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre at Firth Street.

and now employs a member of staff with plans to expand her team further.

Having attended the “Ask the Expert” sessions run by the university’s enterprise team as a student, Katie recently attended her first event providing advice and guidance to current students and graduates looking to start their own businesses.

She also maintains strong links with the university as a member of the management department’s advisory panel providing a graduate’s perspective.

And she hopes to recruit a placement student from the university to work as part of her team,

Coach company completes near-£1m investment in vehicles A coach firm has added to its fleet – bringing its investment in new vehicles to almost £1m in the past 12 months.

Stotts Coaches, of Milnsbridge, has taken delivery of two new Plaxton Volvo B9Rs to replace two older vehicles.

The new coaches – bringing the fleet up to 34 – boast a range of extras such as toilet/washroom, entertainment system, CCTV, extra wide seats, onboard vacuum and washing facility and alloy wheels.

Director Carl Stott said: “As a family firm, Stotts has always been focused on delivering the highest levels of customer service and satisfaction. To achieve this in a very competitive market and to keep our place ahead of the

■■ Two for the road at Stotts Coaches

rest, we continue to invest in areas of the business that make a big difference to our passengers. By operating the latest coaches, driven by trained staff we are able to deliver high quality travel at best value prices.”

Lathes manufacturer 600 UK has been pulling out all the stops for a major exhibition.

Staff at the company have been working around the clock to deliver a wealth of new, highspec lathes and workholding products to be unveiled at the firm’s three-day Openhouse event to be held from June 2 to 4.

The event – targeted at UK customers, worldwide distributors and associated engineering specialists – will take place at the firm’s Heckmondwike headquarters where 600 UK will demonstrate its new market leading product developments, including additions to its renowned Colchester and Harrison lathe and Pratt Burnerd

International workholding ranges.

Visitors will also be invited to tour the firm’s manufacturing facility, which has been reconfigured and modernised via a £750,000 investment project completed in 2014.

Mike Berry, 600 UK managing director, said “After listening to our customers’ feedback over the years, our design and development team have been working extremely hard to make many of these ideas a reality and this year’s Openhouse event marks the culmination of that work.

“We are very excited about these new developments and the benefits that they will bring to our customers around the world.”

Technology improvements for social enterprise HDN

■■ Prince Andrew congratulates Katie Mallinson (above), of Scriba PR, and (right) finds out more about her work

“I was really lucky that I qualified for business support just one week before the five-year deadline,” said Katie.

“Working at The Duke of York Young Entrepreneur Centre was a great start for me as I was able to get the support and guidance I needed during the first 12 months of my new business.

“I was reluctant to leave at first as I’d been there since the start of Scriba PR, but it has given me the confidence to grow and expand the business.”

The Young Entrepreneur Centre was opened by the Duke of York in May, 2013. The centre provides office facilities for current students and graduates starting out with new enterprises and includes hot desks, computers, printers, photocopying and meeting areas.

With a start-up fund of £2,400, Katie was able to buy everything from business cards to membership of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations as well as being able to attend training events.

She moved her business to Heritage Exchange, Lindley, last September

Lathes manufacture turns its attention to exhibition date

He said: “These new additions to the Stotts fleet are part of a continuous programme of investment that demonstrates the confidence that we have in our business.”

He added: “We are committed to quality and the investment we make in our fleet, in the training of our staff and in the technology we use ensures we will continue to be at the forefront of the industry.”

Stotts, which is also a partner operator with National Express, won a Sustained High Achievement Award at that company’s annual awards dinner in Coventry. Said Carl: “We are very pleased to be recognised for all the hard work our team puts in to operating these contracts.”

Huddersfield IT specialist P2 Technologies has completed a key project for social enterprise Housing Diversity Network (HDN).

HDN works mainly in the social housing sector across England to promote equality, diversity and inclusion – and aims to change lives for the better by raising the profile of social justice and equality in housing, neighbourhoods and communities.

Lockwood-based P2 explored the firm’s use of technology to tackle a range of issues, including ageing server hardware, no security updates or

support from Microsoft, inflexible software and lack of remote access.

P2 implemented Microsoft Office 365 – resulting in big savings for HDN. Martin Page, director of P2, said: “Customer experience and relationships are major factors for P2 and consistent delivery of positive customer service comes as standard.

“Our team delivered the new cloud based solution to HDN with little disruption and we can already see the new system and computers benefiting the business positively.”

Who will be the next Business of the Month?

If you are proud of what your business has achieved; why not tell us about your success story and you could be a winner of our prestigious award.

For further details please contact: Ian Greenwood, Eaton Smith Solicitors, 14 High Street, Huddersfield HD1 2HA T: 01484 821389 E: iangreenwood@eatonsmith.co.uk

Business Of The Month Awards - Rewarding Success Since 1995

6

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

property

Merger deal completed A construction firm with Huddersfield connections has completed a merger with a Halifax-based development company.

Brierstone, formed in 1981, has linked up with Sowerby Bridgebased MBi. Brierstone is an A1-rated construction company – the highest possible rating with the National House-Building Council. It has built more than 1,000 new homes for private sale and more than 1,500 for housing associations.

It has also built large-scale industrial units, special needs’ units, care facilities, supermarkets and retail units with apartments above.

Its projects include the Crete Street development in Oldham – meeting disability and retirement independent living specifications.

Brierstone have also partnered with Oldham, Accrington, Bolton, Bury and Manchester councils and is currently undertaking a number of large regeneration and grantfunded projects with Rochdale Council.

MBi focuses on the care sector, student accommodation and luxury hotels. It has specialist divisions for marketing, sales, construction and consulting.The merger sees MBi rebrand its construction title to MBi Brierstone.

Gavin Woodhouse, chief executive of MBi, said: “The merger further strengthens our position within the construction industry and the combination of partners, staff and utilities will provide our own development services with the additional expertise and personnel to deliver our growing portfolio of properties and renovation projects across the North of England and Wales with even greater efficiencies.”

Dax Bradley, director at Brierstone, said: “We are excited about our merger with a company that is at the forefront of delivering quality dementia care in the UK.”

■■ Apprentices from Myers Building Supplies Bryan Barrett (left) and Liam Haigh

Apprentices flying the flag Apprentices from Myers Building Supplies in Huddersfield attended Kirklees College’s Engineering Centre open evening.

Bryan Barrett, from Sowerby Bridge, who studies Level 2 motor vehicle, and Liam Haigh, from Waterloo, who is doing

£21,500 pa

MIRFIELD

Level 2 vehicle maintenance, with the Leeds Road-based firm were on hand to answer questions from prospective students and their parents.

The event, at the college’s centre in Turnbridge Road, Huddersfield, was held as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

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7

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

property

Outlook upbeat for industrial property

The outlook is positive for owners an occupiers of warehousing and industrial property in West Yorkshire, it is claimed.

The latest research from property consultancy Knight Frank said that occupier demand is expected to strengthen on the back of improving economic conditions – while it was hoped that a much-needed return of speculative development would help boost the quality of property available in the region.

Nicholas Prescott, of Knight Frank’s industrial property team in West Yorkshire, said: “Supply constraints, coupled with improving occupier demand, are expected to lead to further increases in rental levels.

“As occupiers start to compete for the prime buildings and development opportunities, we foresee headline rents and freehold prices rising to new market highs..”

Availability of units larger than 50,000sq ft continued to diminish.

with existing supply standing at 1.43m sq ft – down 40% on the first half of 2014 and 24% down on the second half of 2013.

As a result, several developers had submitted planning applications to speculatively develop new larger industrial units in the prime logistics locations.

Mr Prescott said small scale speculative development had been undertaken by local developers, achieving strong rents and limited void periods.

A scheme of 20,000sq ft in Cleckheaton achieved full occupancy after only eight months after completion with rents averaging about £6.25 per sq ft.

“Rental growth has returned to Yorkshire,” said Mr Prescott. “New build warehouses in prime locations are quoting £5.75 per sq ft, which represents a £1 per sq ft increase on prime stock offered in 2013.”

There had been limited activity in the land sale market.

Lawn care firm makes the cut with Which?

A lawn treatment firm has secured an endorsement from consumer champion Which?

Greensleeves Lawncare, based at Skelmanthorpe, underwent a rigorous vetting procedure to gain its status as a Which?

Trusted Trader – wiith a visit by a professional assessor with extensive trading standards experience.

Stephen McCluskey, managing director of Which? Trusted Traders, said: “We are delighted to announce Greensleeves Lawncare Huddersfield as a Which?

Trusted Trader.

“Our service gives consumers the confidence to make the right choices when it comes to finding skilled professionals and we’re pleased to be able to give traders the chance to distinguish themselves

from their peers.”

The endorsement is a huge accolade for Greensleeves Huddersfield and its owners, father and son team Robert and Oliver Wood. Oliver started the business in 2009 when he was just 19. His father joined the business in 2010 and they now run it together.

The firm, which has six lawn managers and a team of office staff, tends thousands of lawns in Huddersfield and the surrounding areas on a regular basis.

Said Oliver: “We are delighted to be endorsed by an organisation as well respected as Which? It gives our customers and potential customers further peace of mind that their lawns will be cared for by a team of people that are highly skilled.”

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■■ Father and son Robert and Oliver Wood, of Greensleeves Lawncare

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Town link ‘a good fit’ A building refurbishment specialist has teamed up with Huddersfield Town.

Elland-based HCIP Ltd has more than 30 years experience in refurbishment work with customers including Barclays, KPMG, Pinsent Masons, Astra Zeneca, Bosch, Ticket Master and Late Rooms.

HCIP Ltd has been involved in fit-outs and refurbishments all over the country, completing projects from Glasgow and Belfast to London.

Now it has signed up as a commercial partner with Town.

HCIP Ltd managing director Allan Scholfield said: “We are looking to expand our local contracts and the Huddersfield Town partnership is an ideal way to promote ourselves further and link with other like-minded companies.”

John Williams, Town commercial partnerships manager, said: “This is a business that has seen significant growth in a short period of time and it’s clear from the businesses they’ve carried out work for that they are professional and meticulous.

“I’m delighted HCIP Ltd is the latest partner of the club and I’m looking forward to working with Allan and his team.”

8

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Jon’s cause for celebration Employment law specialist Jon Dyson is celebrating 25 years service at legal practice Wilkinson Woodward Norcliffe & Co. Mr Dyson (pictured) graduated from Durham University in 1981 before beginning his legal career at Hall & Norton in Huddersfield.

In March, 1990, he joined Halifax-based Wilkinson Woodward, initially handling a mix of legal casework. With a keen interest in employment law issues, by the mid-1990s Jon had set up the firm’s employment law department and has specialised in employment law matters for the past 20 years.

In 1992, he became a partner and was appointed as a director when the practice incorporated following a merger with Huddersfield-based Norcliffe & Co in 2012.

Mr Dyson’s many career highlights include a successful sex discrimination case against BT in which an employee was awarded £293,000.

Mr Dyson, 55, deals with all aspects of employment law, including negotiating severance packages on behalf of employees,

disputes relating to shareholders’ rights, unfair prejudice and confidential information. He has a particular interest and expertise in discrimination cases.

Mr Dyson also has overall responsibility for marketing at Wilkinson Woodward Norcliffe & Co, whose offices are on Queen Street in the town centre.

Managing director Maureen Cawthorn said: “Jon lends a wealth of experience in employment law matters to the team. His reputation in handling issues of discrimination has been built over many years of successful cases. We’re delighted to be marking his 25th year at Wilkinson Woodward Norcliffe & Co.” A keen tennis player and Huddersfield Town season ticket holder, Mr Dyson has two children and lives near Golcar.

Grace Lenihan

Marketing executive role Lindley-based marketing and management services firm KC Communications has appointed Grace Lenihan (pictured) as marketing executive.

Ms Lenihan will be responsible for working on a number of key accounts across a variety of industry sectors, including the sports and nutrition sector – an area into which KC Communications is expanding.

She will also be studying for a CIM Professional Marketing qualification over the next 12 months before completing her final year at Huddersfield University, where she is studying sports promotion and marketing.

KC Communications director Katrina Cliffe said: “Although Grace is joining us part way into her studies, we have been impressed with the interest and passion she has for the marketing sector and her future career prospects. We’re

looking forward to putting the excellent theory she has into practice”.

It follows on from the firm’s success in securing a contract to provide social media and digital marketing for Leedsbased Brewster Bye Architects.

The brief includes delivering a new website for Brewster Bye, which has completed many Huddersfield projects over the years, including the transfomration of the town centre’s Mechanics Institution into the Creative Lofts, Wildspur Mills at New Mill and Bradley Business Park.

movers and shakers

Student well-suited by mentor support

By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk

A fashion designer from Huddersfield has secured mentoring support from a Brighousebased businessman following a Dragon’s Den-style event at Kirklees College.

Che Ozoria-Bruno, 19, impressed former Channel 4 Secret Millionaire Carl Hopkins with his plans to launch independent clothing line RA Clothing Co. As part of his pitch to a panel of 24 “Dragons”, Che had to explain his strategy in areas such as target market, brand development and product manufacturing, as well as the ethos and concept behind his designs.

He said: “My designs for RA Clothing Co are based around self-expression and empowerment. They feature prints that actually are on the inside of the garment, reflecting the importance of feeling confident inside of yourself as opposed to just wearing something to make you look good on the outside.”

Under Mr Hopkins’ mentoring, Che will receive regular guidance on business decisions and the manufacturing process as well as getting important introductions to other

■■ Che Ozoria-Bruno (left) and his mentor Carl Hopkins (right), director of Brighouse firm Faith PR

business owners in the region who can offer support, advice and insight to help bring the designs to life.

Mr Hopkins director of Faith PR in Brighouse, said: “I was really inspired by Che’s enthusiasm for his brand as well as the uniqueness of the product he has designed.

“Faith PR is well-connected to a number of

successful businesses across the design and manufacturing industries – as well as journalists and influencers on key fashion publications. I believe we are really well-placed to support Che in achieving his end product.”

Che, who is studying a BTEC Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, has been interested in fashion since a young age.

Company secures monthly award A company installing security which are fitted at construction and audio visual systems sites. impressed judges of a monthly The judging panel was award. impressed that in just over 12 Marsh-based Ti Installations months the company has grown Ltd was named Business of the to become a reputable business Month in the competition run by in a very crowded marketplace. Ti Huddersfield law firm Eaton Installations plans to take on extra Smith in conjunction with the staff this year and is ahead of its Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Comprojected financial targets. merce and UK Trade & InvestKris said: “We are delighted to ment. have been recognised for the Ti Installations, formed in Janquality of services we provide and uary last year, is the brainchild of the integrity of the business model electrical engineers Kris Johnson we set out to achieve. Client satisand Mark Copley, who identified faction is our number one prioria gap in the market whereby one ty, but the endorsement of this trusted multi-disciplined conaward is a real pat on the back for tractor could fulfil a client’s secuthe whole team.” rity, electrical and audio require- ■■ Alison Palmer (centre), of Eaton Smith, presents the award to Kris JohnMark added: “There is no disments – saving them the risk and son (second right) and Mark Copley (right), of Ti Installations, with Karen puting we have had a phenomeproblems sourcing from different Borowski, of Revell Ward, and John Moore, of Bramleys nal year and having already suppliers. grown our team sooner than With clients across Yorkshire anticipated we are now looking and beyond, Ti works throughout high street shops, factories, offices and maintain public address for more qualified electricians to the UK providing services within and more. The firm has worked audio speakers and CCTV sys- join us. We are very excited indeed domestic properties, student flats, closely with shopfitters to install tems as well as warning alarms about what the future holds.”

Job swap helps Donna see the ‘big picture’ A job swap has opened up new opportunities for Donna Butterworth, new business project manager at specialist furniture firm Shackletons.

Donna, who is responsible for seeking out sales leads, spends much of her time researching and networking to build aware-

ness and understanding of Shackletons among specific target audiences.

But to encourage better communication between departments – and get a “big picture” view of the Dewsbutry company as a whole – she took up a role in the customer order process.

From securing the sales leads to furnishing a new elderly care and dementia residential home in Mansfield, Donna was involved in developing client requirements from planning permission to initial designs with Shackletons regional sales manager Sarah Thompson.

Said Donna: “To be able to meet with the client, work through their brief and help with the interior designs and full turnkey package to suit their requirement provided me with a much greater understanding of how the company works from a sales point of view.”