ALAN WAINWRIGHT
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015
Apprentice to boardroom Interview - Page 3
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NICK GARTLAND Focus on the election Column - Page 5
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Company plans to expand Rates verdict as it celebrates 275 years
INSIDE
henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
A hand tool manufacturer boasting 275 years in business has set its sights firmly on the future. Honley-based Richard Carter Ltd, which lays claim to being the secondoldest family firm in Yorkshire, plans a series of events to mark its 275th anniversary. And it has announced significant growth plans – including creating a new 9,000sq ft warehouse to meet increasing customer demand. As Britain prepares for next month’s general election, the company is also musing on the fact that it has been in continuous business since Sir Horace Walpole – the man popularly recognised as the first British prime minister – took office in 1740. The company, which made its name as a shovel manufacturer, now makes a wide variety of quality hand tools for gardening, agriculture, contractors and road repairers – including pitchforks, rakes, digging and scraping, axes, crowbars, hammers, mauls and fencing pins. The new warehouse will be built next to the existing factory at New Mill Road. It marks the first time the company has expanded its premises since it
■■ Will Green, director of Richard Carter Ltd, which is expanding its warehousing
moved from its old manufacturing site in Kirkburton in 1999. The warehouse will provide vital additional storage, allowing the current site to significantly expand its manufacturing capabilities. The company said its expansion plans proved that UK manufacturing still had a lot to offer and that those businesses which had been built upon strong foundations were still going strong.
Managing director Richard Carter is the great-great-great-great-great grandson of the firm’s founder. Mr Carter said: “This is a landmark year for us – 275 years since our founder, Jeremiah Carter, made the very first Carters hand tool. I’m thrilled to mark the occasion by expanding our premises, which is testament to the skill and workmanship of all the staff who work for us, past and present.”
Among its other plans, the firm will bury a time capsule beneath the new warehouse alongside time capsules created by key customers and local schoolchildren. Said Mr Carter: “We have exciting plans for 2015, not least creating our very own time capsule and opening the new warehouse, which only goes to strengthen our commitment to UK manufacturing, providing jobs and skilled work to local people, for another 275 years to come.” Richard Carter Ltd, which is a sixth generation family firm, has seen 10 monarchs reign over Britain, the first of which was King George II. It has survived the Boer War, the First World War and the Second War, watched the industrial revolution change the landscape of Great Britain, saw the rise and demise of the coal mining industry and felt numerous booms and crashes in the housing market. Despite a near-disastrous fire in 1957, which almost saw an end to the business, Richard Carter Ltd has defied the odds to maintain its status as the original hand tool manufacturer whose products are used by thousands of people across the world. Mr Carter said: “The firm is proud to maintain the original ethos of its founder – heritage, quality, and tradition.
examiner.co.uk
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter
Business leaders in Kirklees have called for an overhaul of the business rates allocation system. The West Yorkshire Business Jury, which is run by Holmfirth firm of accountants and business advisers V&A Bell Brown and made up of business owners and directors from the region, unanimously ruled that business rates should be shared locally and free from central government interference. Their verdict follows the news that four areas in the UK will collect and keep all of business rates paid by local shops and restaurants as part of a trial announced in the Budget by Chancellor George Osborne.
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A major haulage firm is backing a graduate scheme for the logistics industry being run by a Huddersfield-based organisation. Hoyer Petrolog UK is supporting the scheme run by not-for-profit organisation NOVUS. The scheme was founded by a team of senior industry professionals in conjunction with Huddersfield University. Tania Cressey, head of human resources for Hoyer in the UK and Ireland, which has its headquarters in the town, said: “Hoyer is pleased to be one of 26 companies who are part of the NOVUS scheme. “By launching such a scheme, NOVUS seeks to address the demographic imbalance and build recognition within the logistics industry of the need to attract, develop and retain the right numbers and quality of talented managers.”
The scheme has seen the establishment of a “sponsored” degree programme with mentors for each student, paid industrial placements and a guaranteed job for all students who obtain a 2:1. There are currently 48 students enrolled on the course at Huddersfield University. NOVUS received an accolade for Excellence at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Annual Awards last October. NOVUS had already been recognised for the quality and aim of the programme with an award for Development of People. Dino Soeyono, a successful applicant for the NOVUS course in air transport and logistics management, is currently working as an assistant planner at Hoyer’s Leeds Road site.
■■ Dino Soeyono at Hoyer in Huddersfield
He had worked in a similar role parttime with Hoyer before the launch of the NOVUS scheme. He said: “I want to see more of the company and learn more about the
industry through my placement. I also want to use this opportunity to improve my management and communication skills. “I am keen to get a full understanding of how a terminal operates, understand the intricacies of managing a fleet of drivers and gaining the optimum results. I’m looking forward to working with the contract managers and seeing the theory in practice!” Hoyer has run operations in the UK since 1974 and established itself as the market leader in nationwide fuel distribution with significant domestic and international operations for customers in the bitumen, chemicals, foodstuffs and airgas markets. From its head office in Huddersfield, the company directs some 1,000 people and 470 vehicles deployed across 35 locations throughout the UK.
A landscaping firm in Huddersfield aims to match its success at last year’s Harrogate Spring Flower Show when the 2015 event gets under way on April 23. Kirkburton-based Paxman Landscapes will create a new by constructing “Skyline: A Yorkshire Roof Garden” (pictured) in partnership with Kilmartin Plowman and Partners Architects, of Leeds. The design is intended to inspire gardening enthusiasts to create their own Yorkshire skyscape in their own backyards.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Hotel chain profits soar amid takeover rumours Travelodge has revealed a surge in profits as the budget hotel chain’s owners reportedly line it up for a sale that could value the business at more than £1bn – three years after its nearcollapse. Underlying earnings for 2014 were up by 63.5% to £66.2m as it benefited from greater room occupancy and rates boosted by business customer usage. Current owners Goldman Sachs, Avenue Capital and GoldenTree Asset Management took control in 2012 after Travelodge faced the threat of collapse under a £500m debt mountain. The owners are now understood to be preparing to appoint advisers to weigh up strategic options, including a flotation, according to press reports. Chief executive Peter Gowers told the BBC: “There’s probably never been a better time to run a value hotel business than now because the value hotel sector is huge. Britain is becoming a nation of value shoppers.” On reports of Travelodge’s possible sale, he admitted the current owners
■■ Travelodge is staying focused despite speculation that the chain may be sold
were “not natural long-term holders of the business”. He added: “I think you’d expect them always to be thinking about ways to realise value from their shareholdings, but for now we stay focused on running the business we have got.”
Revenue last year rose by 14.9% to £497.2m while the key measure of revenue per available room was up by 16.8% to £34.24. Mr Gowers said the momentum from 2014 had continued into the new year. Travelodge said a £100m modernisation programme was now nearing
Parties ‘must show vision for Britain’ Britain’s manufacturers have told the leaders of the main political parties to tone down the “narrow-minded bickering and blame-driven politics” – and show they have real vision and ambition for the UK economy in the next parliament and the policies to back it up. The call by the EEF manufacturers’ organisation comes ahead of the publication of the main party manifestoes this week. Andy Tuscher, Yorkshire region director at EEF, said: “What the public and business want to see is not the narrow-minded, blame-driven politics we are currently witnessing, but a vision of where we are going as a country and an economy. “They want to see manifesto pledges that will support the creation of the skilled jobs we need, equip their children with the education and skills they will need for the future and anchor value-creating businesses in the UK. In short, they want to hear what the big picture is for the truly critical issues. If the last five years have been about survival and rebuilding, the next five must be about delivering a better balanced economy and sustained growth.” EEF said the long-term goals must be to restore the public finances, improve productivity and secure real wage growth.
completion, while five of 15 hotels expected for 2015 were already open. The chain has opened more than 500 hotels since launching in 1985 and has identified 250 more sites across the UK. Mr Gowers said the first 150 were expected to be opened over the next eight years. In London, it has been targeting sites such as Wembley and Greenwich, just outside the more expensive zone 1 tourist and business destinations. Mr Gowers said the value hotel market was performing well while Travelodge’s £100m modernisation programme was nearing completion. He said: “The momentum we saw in 2014 has continued into the new year and we have seen an encouraging start to 2015. “The value hotel market remains strong and we continue to outperform our competitive set. We see considerable potential for further like-for-like sales growth and are targeting the roll out of the brand to at least 250 further sites across the UK.”
BAM builds up a lead in Yorkshire Bank pledge to back exporters The company building Huddersfield’s new leisure centre has listed as the biggest contractor in Yorkshire and the Humber over the past year, according to construction industry information group Glenigan. Leeds-based BAM is also behind the Leeds Arena, the restoration of Leeds City Varieties and a number of other major projects in West and South Yorkshire. They include two buildings for Bradford College and the new wing for the city’s royal infirmary as well as the new
Graves Leisure Centre and Rolls-Royce’s new Advance Blade Casting Facility in Rotherham. Glenigan attributes turnover of £243m to BAM with Wates in second place on 213.7m and Bowmer and Kirkland third at £138.8m. The survey said: “Yorkshire and the Humber’s steady climb continued for the 12 months to February, with its top 10 growing 1.8% to stand at £1.23bn.” James Wimpenny, regional director for BAM in the North East, said: “These are not our own figures, of course, but they
are compiled on an even-handed basis by a specialist and they give a sense of how the market is performing at a given point in time. “To be top of the table is nevertheless a fitting tribute to the attitude BAM brings to its work and to our people around our projects. “Our clients like our problem solving approach and our nonconfrontational, collaborative style of working. “It also shows how our pioneering technology and management techniques are making us competitive.”
A major bank has made a commitment to help a further 5,000 businesses get into exporting. Lloyds Banking Group said it had set the new target for its 2015 Helping Britain Prosper Plan as exporting and attracting international businesses to invest into the UK was essential to the UK’s longterm economic growth. Support will include helping businesses with an export strategy, delivering regional workshops for businesses considering exporting, providing assistance to investors
to set up bank accounts in the UK and offering advice and solutions relating to working capital and foreign exchange risk management. Lloyds Bank supports 70,000 clients to trade internationally. This new target follows the bank’s announcement of a strategic partnership with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) to help UK businesses export and attract inward investment from overseas. Ed Smith, managing director for Global Transaction Banking at Lloyds, said: “We
know that businesses often have concerns about trading abroad and we have already made steps to assist in this journey through our recent partnership with UKTI, which will aim to support global cross-sector trade and inbound investment into the UK, while co-ordinating work in key markets such as Asia.” Tim Hinton, managing director for Mid Markets and SME Banking, said: “As businesses look to grow, diversify and seek new opportunities, many of them want to explore overseas markets.”
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Around the world and back to Bradley He’s risen from apprentice fabricator to become the boss at one of Huddersfield’s most successful manufacturing firms. As managing director of Bradley-based Extract Technology, Alan Wainwright leads a company designing and manufacturing specialist containment systems for major clients in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, biotech and chemical industries worldwide – including GlaxoSmithKline, Astra Zeneca, Pfizer, Roche and Sandoz. The company, founded in 1981, employs 70 people at its modern premises on Bradley Junction Industrial Estate and has a sister operation in the USA. Its products range from aseptic and containment isolators – designed to protect both the product and operators when handling pharmaceutical and biotech products – to downflow booths built to provide an airflow to keep potentially harmful powders away from an operator. Its commitment to its staff has been recognised with the coveted Investors in People Award bronze standard, while the firm’s commitment to its customers led to it gaining SafeContractor accreditation earlier this year. Three years ago, the firm won the category for International Business of the Year at the Examiner Business Awards – having been shortlisted for the same trophy the previous year. On top of all that, Extract Technology is having signal success in business. “We had a really good year last year in terms of orders, revenues and profits,” says Alan. “We hit all our key objectives that we wanted to hit. “Exports are a big part of our business, but we also gained significant contracts in the UK and Ireland, which helped us as well. “That success has continued for the start of this year. The pharmaceutical sector has been particularly strong with demand for isolators and downflow booths.” Batley-born Alan joined the company 30 years ago – having
started his career as an apprentice fabricator working for an engineering firm in Morley and attending Kitson College of Technology in Leeds. “Extract at that time was based in Dewsbury in an old mill,” he says. “There were only six or seven people, including the firm’s three directors. “I came as an installation/fitting engineer, but as the company grew so did my responsibilities. “I worked for many years travelling around the world installing the company’s equipment. I was working in the USA, China, Australia, Singapore, Brazil and Mexico. One week, I circumnavigated the globe! I went from the UK to Europe, then to Australia and flew back via Hawaii and America – all in six days. “Working away from home helped to define me. It broadened my perception and made me think outside my comfort zone. “If any parts were missing or damaged, you had to make things happen and get the job completed. You couldn’t ring the UK and ask them to send out a spare. “Once, I was in China in an upand-coming development area where there was very little infrastructure. Some parts for the equipment I was to install were missing and damaged and I
Alan Wainwright Role: Managing director Age: 52 Family: Partner Vanessa with sons Jake, 21, and George, 18 Holidays: If the weather is nice we love the west coast of Ireland for a bit of walking, We also love the Adriatic coast First job: I had a paper round Best thing about the job? The best things are our products and our people. Both are world class Worst thing about the job? I don’t think there is a worst thing. There are positives in everything I do Business tip: Treat others as you would like to be treated
couldn’t get any replacements locally – so I jumped on a boat and went to Hong Kong to get them. It enabled me to complete the job on time and to the customer’s satisfaction.” Alan had 10 years of travelling around the world to fit Extract’s products. “I have the utmost respect for our people who travel long distances in the course of working for us,” he says. “You learn about different cultures and it forces you to get along with different people. “I’ve experienced driving in Saudi where there appear to be are no rules of the road. That was an eye-opener! I’ve worked on sites in the Middle East where I suddenly found myself alone because everyone else had disappeared for prayers – and I’ve been sitting in a restaurant in China where someone on the next table was eating cat.” Once his globe-trotting days were over, Alan took up a role in charge of Extract’s workshops as technical assembly department manager. “I was now no longer just looking after myself, I was looking after other people,” he says. “Later, the company formed a number of product groups and I headed the booth product group in the late 1990s. It was a self-con-
■■ Alan Wainwright, of Extract Technology at Bradley, Huddersfield
tained business unit within the business and it gave me a good insight into the business at a different level.” In 2000, Extract Technology was sold to new owners and in 2003 Alan was invited to become general manager at Huddersfield – a position that later become managing director. He says: ““We are owned by a US company based in Lafayette, Indiana, and I go to the States regularly to attend meetings to discuss performance and business strategy.” Among the plans for 2015, Extract is set to exhibit at ACHEMA – the world’s biggest trade show for suppliers to the pharmaceutical sector – which takes place in Germany this summer. It is also developing a new “Greenline” energy efficient downflow booth to sit alongside its range of standard and bespoke products. Meanwhile, as a former apprentice, Alan believes you never stop learning. During his time running the booth product group, he undertook business coaching. More recently, he has gained a Certificate of Manufacturing Excellence by taking a postgraduate course at Leeds University. “I have continued to develop my business skills in response to the business’ needs,” he says. “We’re always asking ‘what can we do to improve our business from where we are now?’ And ‘where are we going in terms of the products and our geographical markets?’” When he’s not at work, football, rugby and family play a big part in Alan’s life. Alan, who lives with his long term partner Vanessa and their two sons, Jake and George, is a staunch supporter of rugby league side Batley Bulldogs. “I’m a season ticket holder and I follow them home and away,” he says. And the Holmfirth resident, who has also lived in Mirfield and Wakefield, is defying the years playing centre forward for Hepworth United Reserves!
Extract Technology Work: Worldwide supplier of containment and aseptic systems for the pharmaceutical, healthcare, biotech and chemical markets Site: Bradley Junction Industrial Estate, Leeds Road, Huddersfield Phone: 01484 432727 Email: info@extract-technology.com Web: www. extract-technology.com
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TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
KIRKLEES BUS
Health and safety app to help SMEs Making a move A caravan company has extended its operations to hire out motorhomes. Family-run Peter Roberts Caravans, based at Honley, said it was responding to demand from holidaymakers wanting the freedom to travel and explore a new destination every day in the comfort of a fully equipped motorhome. This type of break was popular with families looking to get away during school holidays and couples wanting to explore the British coast and countryside, he said. There had also been a marked increase in hire for muic festivals. Peter Roberts Motorhome Hire director Peter Roberts, pic-
tured (above right) with brother Andy, said: “We aim to be the first port of call for anyone considering motorhome hire. It’s a great way to relax and go off on an adventure. “If people have never tried a motorhome before we have a friendly team to guide them through it.” The motorhomes include ones with four or six-berth accommodation. The new ‘15 plate models come with fitted kitchens, fridge freezers, washrooms with walk-in shower, electrical elevating beds and storage space. They are also easier than ever to drive with improved manoeuvrability.
Seal of approval A firm keeping tabs on water standards has been recognised for its commitment to health and safety. Birstall-based Water Compliance Solutions Ltd (WCS) has gained Safecontractor accreditation, which recognises high standards in health and safety management among UK contractors. The firm specialises in water system assessment and management, including Legionella control, water treatment and water regulation compliance services. Recent clients have included major names such as York University and Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Trust. Andy Hunt (pictured) , technical manager at
WCS, said: “Having already gained accreditation from Construction Line and CHAS, SafeContractor accreditation is the final official seal of approval we wanted to enable us to show our existing and potential clients how seriously we take the health and safety of our working environment and the protection of our employees and those working alongside us.”
Financial struggles Companies are still struggling to find the right financial support, it is claimed. Findings from the latest Close Brothers Business Barometer show that 50% of small and mediumsized businesses feel it is more difficult now or just as difficult to access finance as it was a year ago. Some 47% still turn to traditional bank overdrafts, credit cards and loans for funding – but 51% claim that cash flow, working capital and late payments are their main business concerns. The report said 57% of firms struggle with cash flow and are unable to invest in staff and equipment.
RISKY BUSINESS Mark Weeks The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has launched a new app to help small and medium-sized construction businesses put together health and safety plans following the introduction of new regulations. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) came into force on April 6, 2015. They mean that for the first time, all construction projects (including work for householders) will need a health and safety plan for the construction phase. The free CDM Wizard app, developed with the support of the HSE, will help make sure all construction work is underpinned by good health, safety and welfare standards, which are practical and straightforward to implement. The app will first be available on Android, followed by iOS. The Rev Kevin Fear, CITB’s Strategic Lead for Health and Safety Strategy, said: “The new regulations mean that
all construction work will need a construction phase plan. “Whether it’s an extension or a new bathroom fit out. The HSE has developed a template for this and we’re committed to making things simple for people on-site and our app makes completing the paperwork easy. “If you’re a busy builder, you just enter the job details into the app and it will quickly tell you everything you need to know.” Andy Owens, MOD infrastructure H&S advisor, said: “The CDM app installed quickly and I found it easy to use. “I followed it through to the generation of the action ■■ A free app has been launched to make sure all building plan, which I was able to work is underpinned by good health and safety standards view, save and forward to a different email address to There are six Construction ers, principal contractors, print off. It all worked per- Industry Advisory Commit- principal designers and fectly and does the job need- tee guidance documents for workers, all free to downed.” clients, contractors, design- load. This app is part of the help on offer by the CITB to help Mark Weeks is a risk management consultant businesses understand and at Wilby Ltd comply with the regulations.
‘Removal’ business secures funding deal It’s a removal business with a difference! After extensive research into her business idea, Sarah Smith gave up her career in marketing and communications to open The Yorkshire Laser Clinic in Holmfirth, specialising in the removal of tattoos and other cosmetic laser treatments. And Sarah’s business venture has been backed through a start-up loan from the West Yorkshire-based Business Enterprise Fund. The clinic is aimed at a target market of 20 to 49-yearolds who have a tattoo that they would like removed or one that has faded to the extent that they can have a successful cover-up tattoo. Sarah’s research identified that there could be as many as 14,000 potential customers in the Kirklees area who have tattoos they want removing and who up to now would have to travel outside the area for the same level of
professional service. Said Sarah: “Our research showed that there was a large untapped market in the Kirklees area for a business offering a safe, affordable and effective tattoo removal service. “Many of the people we spoke to indicated that they either weren’t aware that laser tattoo removal was possible, didn’t know where to access the service or were unwilling or unable to travel to access it.” Sarah also created The Teal Ribbon Programme. Diagnosed with cancer five years ago at the age of 26, Sarah is now in remission, but wanted to help women who had lost their facial hair following cancer treatment to met the challenge of draw- ■■ Sarah Smith (right), of The Yorkshire Laser Clinic, with Julie ing missing eyebrows on Micklethwaite, investment manager at the Business Enterprise Fund convincingly. Under Sarah’s Teal Ribbon Programme, the clinic offers ments for free to women who In addition to this, Sarah a percentage of its semi-per- have lost their eyebrows to also removes radiotherapy manent make-up appoint- cancer. tattoos cost free.
■■ Jo Haigh, of FDS Dir
Spring your bu
Business owners ha their companies a spr Denby Dale-based Haigh said bosses co businesses by thinkin and outputs, adding: ess is, of course, par looking to get your bu my profession, we cal “Not unlike selling y of the clutter and hav and clean-up will h house somewhat mor be purchaser.” Jo, head of FDS Dir the author of several bosses should draw their businesses on a They should ask w and are their terms an as they could be? Bosses should also and board – and ask w and who might need t consider a board pe and think about succe They should consi need improvement, h are standing up, whe conditions are robust es being charged are c Business owners sh IT systems are up-to-d they understand thei their marketing is pa legals, insurance, ban munity, engagement, management and tea
Outstan opportu
Want to stand out fr The winners of a co Association of Charte ants (ACCA) will get just that from major b The “standout” co UK residents aged 16 get career-boosting a including personalise day work-shadowing careers advice and an companies’ headquar Experts offering the Ridgeway, finance dir Chris Naisby, finance Studios; Fintan Can officer for global ban HSBC; and Colin Jone officer at BSKYB. The competition cl 24, 2015. The five win their win on April 28. www.accaglobal.com standout.html
5
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015
SINESS NEWS
rector Services
clean usiness!
ave been urged to give ring clean. d businesswoman Jo ould “de-clutter” their ng in terms of inputs : “This cleansing procrticularly useful when usiness ready to sell. In ll it pre-sale grooming. your house, getting rid ving a general tidy up hopefully make your re attractive to a would
rector Services Ltd and l business books, said up a checklist to put better footing. who are their suppliers nd conditions as good
o consider their staff who is hanging in there to go. They should also erformance evaluation ession planning. ider if their premises how the firm’s contracts ether their terms and t and whether the priccorrect. hould check that their date and relevant, that ir customers and that aying off – as well as nking, the local com, risk and stakeholder am engagement.
nding unity
rom the crowd? ompetition run by the ered Certified Accounta helping hand to do business leaders. ompetition is open to to 18. The winners will advice from five gurus, ed career coaching, a g them, tailor-made n exclusive tour of their arters. eir advice include Tara rector of The Ritz Hotel; e director for Pinewood navan, chief operating nking and markets at es, deputy chief finance
closes at 5pm on April nners will be notified of . To apply online go to m/uk/en/campaign/
local
Markets ‘relaxed’ over Greek saga On March 18, George Osborne delivered his sixth Budget and resisted the temptation to shower the electorate with bribes, instead continuing to promote this government as the one best qualified to steer us through what are still difficult waters. There were modest increases to the growth forecasts and reductions to debt and future borrowing. There were also measures targeted at businesses, including a tax on diverted profits, the so-called “Google Tax” aimed at multinational firms moving profits offshore; an annual bank levy to rise from 0.156% to 0.21% and a number of measures to support the oil and gas industry, costing a total of £1.3bn. The Chancellor also announced freedom for the approximately 5m pensioners who already hold annuities to sell them on the secondary market from April, 2016. The Treasury expects to raise over £500m a year from these sales in the next few years, so it must believe that many will take advantage of this new right. This demonstrates the Chancellor’s efforts to give more freedom to savers but, of course, it will also add to fears that the sheer pace of change in this part of the pension market will cause problems for pensioners and many financial institutions. This will be an ongoing debate in the months and years ahead. Equity investors reacted positively to the Budget with the FTSE All-Share rising 1.43% on the day, but the pound continued its recent fall against the dollar and to a lesser extent the euro. Some of the FTSE moves on the day can be traced to the measures to support the oil producers, but overall the Budget takeaways for investors were not hugely significant. I’m sure it was no more than coincidence that the FTSE100, fresh from a new all-time
■■ Clive Brook, who has made a return to Huddersfield
CITY TALK Nick Gartland
■■ Will Greece exit the eurozone?
high, closed above 7,000 two days later. Investors are understandably focused on next month’s general election which is probably the most uncertain in living memory. However, it remains our opinion that neither bond nor equity markets will be greatly affected by domestic politics – with global trends more influential. Notwithstanding the UK election, we believe there are (at least) two more events that, although well telegraphed, have the potential to cause an upset. First is the endless saga involving Greece’s access to finance and its longterm debt situation. Markets remain relaxed about the outcome, with no signs of contagion spreading into other peripheral countries, at least as measured by bond spreads. Our central view is that the system could withstand a “Grexit” (a Greece exit from the eurozone), but accept that such an event is unlikely to pass by without some increase in volatility. The other big thing that everyone
knows is going to happen some time soon is the first US interest rate rise in the next cycle. Financial markets are populated with many people who have never experienced a “Fed Funds rise”. The most recent was on July 29, 2006, up 25 basis points to 5.25%, the last of 17 consecutive quarter point hikes dating back to mid-2004 (the last rise in the UK was on the July 5, 2007). Average performance of equity markets over the first rate rise in cycles going back to the 1970s suggest that there is little to fear ahead of the event with a more mixed aftermath. Yet we can’t help feeling that such comparisons risk being misleading this time as we have certainly never had such a well-trailed shift in rates. In the past, rate rises have often come out of thin air as central banks moved to rein in inflationary pressures. But we are also in a situation where zero interest rate policy has buoyed the valuations of riskier assets and it’s impossible to predict how this will unwind, especially with both the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan pursuing aggressively loose monetary policies. Our Global Investment Strategy Group, which decides how much risk we want in client portfolios, met recently with these thoughts to the fore, but didn’t see enough evidence to de-risk portfolios yet.
Nick Gartland, Senior Financial Planning Director, Investec Wealth & Investment
Clive has the drive to expand his business Car dealer Clive Brook has made a return to Huddersfield with his takeover of a site in the town. Mr Brook, who learned his trade as an apprentice Volvo technician in Huddersfield, has bought the Leeds Road Volvo dealership from the Harratts Group to add to his existing Volvo site at Canal Road, Bradford. He said: “I started my career in the motor trade as an apprentice Volvo technician in Huddersfield with Olaf Olsen. I then worked my way up in the dealership after it became Jansens, ending my time there as sales manager. “I was then appointed to manage the building and setting up of the current Leeds Road site 17 years ago, going on to manage a number of Volvo locations while working for the Harratts Group. “However, eight years ago marked a pivotal point in my career when I took the decision to go on my own, creating Clive Brook Ltd, which took over the then struggling
Harratts site in Bradford.” He said: “The company has grown from strength to strength and we now plan to do the same at our newly-acquired Huddersfield site to continue to bring the highest level of service and a memorable customer experience for Volvo drivers throughout Yorkshire.” Returning to the Huddersfield dealership will be general sales manager, Mark Gooseman, who first worked at the site in 1997. Gary White, who has more than 20 years experience in the motor trade and also started out as a technician is appointed to aftersales manager. Starting as an apprentice technician, he worked his way up to workshop foreman before achieving Volvo’s master technician status and going on to look after 13 franchised departments as group aftersales manager. And after spending two years at Clive Brook Bradford, Cliff Wright returns as senior service advisor as part of the aftersales department.
Do a deal with Morrisons? Food and drink is on the menu when the Manufactured Yorkshire Trade Show – MY15 – takes place this summer. Supermarket firm Morrisons is set to hold one-to-one meetings with food and drink producers during MY15, which takes place on June 9 and 10 at Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium. MY15 organiser Chrissie Slater said: “Morrisons buyers are constantly inundated with calls from food and drinks producers who are keen to see their products on the shelves and it is incredibly challenging for food and drinks producers to secure a meeting. “MY15 removes the headaches of navigating through this massive organisation to take you straight to the buyer
– an opportunity not to be missed.” Businesses interested in meeting the Morrisons team have until April 30 to get their applications in. They can do so by booking a free place as a delegate through MY15 website www.manufacturedyorkshire.com and on the registration form select that they would like a one-to-one with Morrisons. Applicants will be sent a simple online form to complete, which must be submitted by April 30. The forms will be forwarded to Morrisons and organisers will be back in touch with the applicants in May. MY15 will feature seminars, workshops, an exhibition with more than 50 businesses and “Meet the Buyer” sessions.
Wealth & Investment. A wealth of know-how With more than 150 years’ experience of serving clients by investing their money wisely, Investec Wealth & Investment have the knowledge and expertise you need regarding your investments, pensions or other financial matters. Please bear in mind that the value of investments and the income derived from them can go down as well as up and that you may not get back the amount that you have put in. For further information please visit our website, call Simon Kaye on 0113 245 4488 or email simon.kaye@investecwin.co.uk investecwin.co.uk Individuals
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6
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Major makeover for car dealership
Raising the roof A landscaping firm in Huddersfield aims to match its success at last year’s Harrogate Spring Flower Show when the 2015 event gets under way on April 23. Kirkburton-based Paxman Landscapes will create a new by constructing “Skyline: A Yorkshire Roof Garden” (pictured) in partnership with Kilmartin Plowman and Partners Architects, of Leeds. The garden will blend crisp lines and contemporary shapes with swathes of foliage and subtle floral colours to provide a restful and relaxing place to “reflect and inspire”. It is intended to inspire gardening enthusiasts to create their very own Yorkshire skyscape, right in their own backyards. It will also feature stained glass garden art – handcrafted from designs inspired by York Minster’s famous windows – as well as bespoke galvanised steel and timber seating. The new scheme follows Paxman’s award-winning Tropical Courtyard created last year.
property
Justin Paxman, director of Paxman Landscapes and project manager for the show garden, said: “The concept and realisation of our Tropical Courtyard at last year’s ago was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our team’s work and the whole event was a resounding commercial success for us. “This year’s theme, inspired by Helen Plowman, of KPP Architects, illustrates what can be achieved with professional landscaping in Yorkshire.”
Staff at a Huddersfield car dealership are embarking on a new era following a major makeover of the premises. DM Keith ŠKODA at St Andrew’s Road is open for business again after an upgrade to provide a new showroom designed to be more welcoming to customers. The showroom provides ample space to accommodate nine models from ŠKODA’s new car range while the layout has been improved to meet the different requirements of the sales and service operations. The site also features an interactive “New Car Configurator” – a digital tool to help customers in the decision-making process. When it’s time to take delivery of their new car, customers will do so in the “handover bay”. Tony Barraclough, dealer principal of DM Keith ŠKODA, said: “This is a hugely exciting time for everyone associated with the business. It’s been hard work, but 100% worth it. We’re really looking forward to showing off our new facilities to our existing customers and welcoming many new ones!” Heidi Cartledge, head of network development and customer quality for ŠKODA UK, said: “The team at DM Keith ŠKODA should be proud of what they
■■ Dealer principal Tony Barraclough
have achieved. This dealership is a fantastic place to visit and helps to showcase the desirability of our cars. The new upgrades mean everything is in place to create long-term relationships with customers.“ The site also now features ŠKODA’s new corporate logo, which is a modern take on the brand’s historic “winged arrow” badge.
Travel agency marks 25 years
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A travel agency is celebrating 25 years helping people get to their dream destinations. High Ridings Travel, based at Birstall, was launched in 1989 by Pat Thornes after being made redundant from Air India in Leeds. The business was started from home, but in 1990 opened in its current premises at Low Lane (pictured) – initially as a flights-only agent but later providing package deals. The company is a member of the ABTA and part of the Worldchoice consortium. Pat said the internet had
played a big role in how the business was run, adding: “Customers have access to more information and have become more adventurous. “They no longer want the standard holidays offered in the brochures, they want tailor-made hol-
idays and that is where we come in. “We package together their ideal holiday with ATOL bonded operators.” High Ridings Travel stages monthly coffee morning where a tour operator is invited to share their knowledge with customers. Said Pat: “Birstall is a great community to be part of – we haven’t got one empty shop. Tho mark the 25 years, High Ridings Travel is staging an open week this week and inviting new and existing customers to enjoy some bucks fizz and a chat.
Shortlisted for property prize LAW firm Ramsdens has been named as a finalist in the prestigious Property Forum Awards. Ramsdens, with offices in Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Elland, Holmfirth, Mirfield, Slaihtwaite and Halifax, has been shortlisted in the category for Residential Conveyancing Firm of the Year. The Property Forum Awards are hosted by SearchFlow and celebrate key achievements in the conveyancing industry. Karen James (pictured),
head of residential property at Ramsdens, said: “I am thrilled that Ramsdens’ conveyancing team has been shortlisted at the Property Forum Awards. “This is in recognition of the hard work, commitment and dedication each individual member of the team gives to the job every single day. We pride ourselves on putting our clients first and this award is acknowledgement of our conveyancing expertise and for that we are very proud.”
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 23, at the Cumberland Hotel in central London.
7
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
‘Jury’ calls for business rates reform to boost the regions
Business leaders have called for an overhaul of the business rates allocation system. The West Yorkshire Business Jury, which is run by Holmfirth firm of accountants and business advisers V&A Bell Brown and made up of business owners and directors from the region, unanimously ruled that business rates should be shared locally and free from central government interference. Their verdict follows the news that four areas in the UK will collect and keep all of business rates paid by local shops and restaurants as part of a trial announced in the Budget. Chancellor George Osborne revealed that Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Greater Manchester and Cheshire East will start receiving 100% of business rates paid in their areas from April – with the possibility of this being rolled out throughout the country. From April, 2013, local authorities started to receive
Industrial
less government grant, but were allowed to keep about half of the business rates collected locally to help improve the local economy, with the remainder going to central government for re-allocation to local authorities through various grants. In addition, the Treasury has said it would review the business rates system in time for the Budget next year. “However, the changes could still see businesses paying the same amount. Amanda Vigar, managing partner of V&A Bell Brown, said: “Local authorities should be allowed to raise and keep 100% of the business rates to improve local services for businesses. “However, a watchdog with real teeth needs to monitor how the monies are used or misused. “There are a number of councils around the country that have poor records of managing
TO LET (MAY SELL)
Industrial
■■ Amanda Vigar, who heads the West Yorkshire Business Jury
their finances and local businesses should not have to pay for their mismanagement.” Business jury member Mike Funnell, of Power Tool Services, said: ““Without a doubt, business rates need to be set and allocated locally and free from central government.
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while questioning why only the four areas announced in the Budget should benefit. He said: “Local authorities face a range of different economic challenges, so it would seem to be common sense that devolving decisions on setting the rate and redistributing money wisely is best done by the people that understand the local challenges best – the local authority. “There does seem to be recognition in the recent budget that there is a strong case for more autonomy for local authorities in Manchester and Cambridge – which begs a question: what makes them different?” Max Earnshaw, of property agency Earnshaw Kay, said: “It’s a massive topic which impacts heavily on local economies so, in an ideal world, I think that any form of local taxation should be allocated locally, which will continue to benefit our local economies.”
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“Local forms of taxation, including business rates from our high street shops and services, need to be spread out locally to improve our infrastructure and roads as well as to help promote shopping centres and making places more accessible and attractive, which
will, in turn, continue to benefit our local economies.” Charles Brook, director at Brook Business Recovery Ltd, said: “In principle, I agree that taxes raised locally should be used to support local services and that should certainly apply to business rates. “However, I’m not at all convinced that local councillors who are generally drawn from the community are sufficiently accountable to local businesses. “Our existing system isn’t great, but I’d be very concerned about handing too much fiscal control to local authorities without significant changes to the local political scenery to make those spending the money more accountable to those who pay the taxes, as well as those who receive the most benefit from them.” Morgan Wilson, of Juice Learning, said the power to set business rates should be devolved to local authorities,
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8
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
movers and shakers
Firms can bank on Kevin’s full support! Agency strengthens team
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
A marketing agency founded in Huddersfield has announced a new appointment and two significant promotions. Morgan Harrop (centre), 24, joins The Individual Agency as account executive from Leeds-based PowerHouse Photography, where she worked as assistant set stylist. She graduated from Birmingham City University in 2014, having studied theatre, performance and event design. Louise Burnell (right), who joined The Individ-
ual Agency 18 months ago, has been promoted to head of client services while Katie Ryan (left), who joined as an apprentice three years ago, has been promoted to account manager. The Leeds-based agency, launched seven years ago by Michelle Edgar-Parsons and James Everitt, plans to appoint a new apprentice in July and is seeking another creative designer. Clients include Slumberdown, Cott Beverages and Perspex.
Peter gets back on his bike! Businessman Peter Wilby (pictured) is getting on his bike – to help raise thousands of pounds for charity. Peter, founder of Help Leisuredays and Caravan Guard, aims to raise £10,000 when he takes part in his 21st Great Yorkshire Bike Ride this summer. Peter will be part of an eight-strong team taking part in the 70-mile challenge, which will be held on June 6. Chosen charities include Yorkshire Cancer Research, Heart Research UK and Epilepsy Research UK. His company has also pledged to double donations of £15 or more – meaning a £15 donation will ensure £30 for charity. This year’s ride is extra special to Peter and the team. Back in 2013, following a heart attack years earlier, a member of the firm’s staff suffered an angina attack at work. She has since made a full recovery – made
easier by the support and ongoing work of Heart Research UK. The Halifax-based company also supports the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. One employee, who took part in last year’s ride, was airlifted to safety by the air ambulance following a severe biking accident at Hardcastle Crags a few years ago. Commenting on this year’s event, Peter said: “After doing the ride for so many years I can’t not enter! “It’s a great day hosted by a fantastic organisation with superb scenery and a great festival atmosphere.”
Regional director for RICS A new regional director has been appointed for Yorkshire by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Victoria Hampson, previously RICS member services manager for the North and Midlands, succeeds Jennifer Welch,
who becomes director of business delivery after a six-month secondment as director of RICS in West Africa. During that time, Victoria stepped up to the role of acting regional director of RICS North & Midlands.
After almost 36 years with Yorkshire Bank, Kevin Newson is embarking on a whole new career. At the age of 52, the Clifton man, whose several roles have ranged from branch manager at Huddersfield and Dewsbury to key posts in business and private banking, has set up his own company, KCN Consultancy Services Ltd, to bring his years of experience to bear for the benefit of West Yorkshire SMEs. His new venture sees Kevin working with companies as a nonexecutive director or in an ambassadorial role to provide support for client businesses’ top management teams and help raise their profile. Kevin is already working with Halifax-based insurance broker Wilby Ltd as an ambassador and has a similar role with Active Financial Services, a firm of independent financial advisers which is based in Stockton-on-Tees, but is looking to expand into West Yorkshire. He is also assisting business
■■ Kevin Newson is bringing his banking experience to bear in a new role
recovery firm Walsh Taylor, with offices in Bradford, as a non-executive director. Kevin spent most of his career at Yorkshire Bank in business banking and latterly private banking. For eight years, he was senior partner for business banking covering Kirklees and Calderdale and for the last two years before leaving the bank worked for Yorkshire
Bank parent National Australia Bank’s commercial real estate operation in Leeds. He spent three years in London in Yorkshire Bank’s treasury department and also opened a branch in High Wycombe before returning to West Yorkshire as assistant manager at Halifax in the 1990s. Kevin said: “I have had the experience of heading a team –
dealing with operational and organisational issues, cost control, business generation and staffing – all the issues that ownermanagers of SMEs face.” At KCN Consultancy Services Ltd, Kevin is helping client firms in areas such as growth and improving profitability, business development, finance and refinance, mentoring and coaching, performance management and cost reduction and process improvement. Said Kevin: “SMEs can often use someone like me to help them with advice and guidance, but they don’t need someone on a full-time basis. They may need someone to come in two or three days a month or help with specific projects. “Often, people running SMEs don’t have someone to talk to outside the business who has been out in the commercial world. They can’t talk to their staff or managers, so having some one as a sounding board who can give them an open and honest view is invaluable. People in banking have an immense amount of transferable skills – and it’s those skills I’m now using to benefit other businesses.”
From basketball to business guru A former NBA basketball star turned executive coach is on his way to Huddersfield. An Audience with John Amaechi OBE is being hosted by Huddersfield Town on Thursday, May 21, at PPG Canalside on Leeds Road. The event, which is tailored towards business delegates, will take place in the Radcliffe Suite with a 7pm start. John Amaechi is a psychologist, organisational consultant and a high-performance executive coach. A New York Times bestselling author and former NBA
basketball star, he works with organisations in the USA and Europe in the business, educational, sports and philanthropic fields to help them assess, manage, maximise and retain their staff. His approach to organisations is to analyse personnel and strategy, help organisations communicate with each other and tackle problems that adversely affect their performance. In the UK, John has his own charitable sports and community centre with more than 2,500 young people a week receiving
schooling in sport, leadership and life skills. John Williams, commercial manager of partnerships at Town, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have a man of John’s calibre as the next star of our ‘An Audience With’ series. “He is incredibly sought-after in his field – a world leader – and the evening promises to be massively insightful and thought-provoking; ideal for anyone working in any field.” For details and to book email vicky.routledge-hine@htafc.com or call 01484 484173.
■■ Business coach John Amaechi
Speakers making a positive impact What’s your brand? The next Chartered Institute of Marketing Mid Yorkshire event will help delegates “build their personal branding”. Branch chairman Kevin Anderson said: “Personal brand and reputation building is paramount to every modern professional notwithstanding the sector or seniority of your role. “This event will build your per■■ Deborah Ogden and Dave Pan- sonal brand with a seriously posinell are speaking at a CIM event tive impact.”
Speaking at the event will be Huddersfield-based speaker and consultant on personal branding Deborah Ogden and digital marketing expert Dave Pannell, of Marsden-based The Design Mechanics. Deborah has 15 years of extensive experience working on the PR and image of some high profile names, including Andrew Flintoff and Old Trafford Cricket Ground, the British Heart Foundation, Cooperative Insurance and theatre
company CragRats. Dave has transformed brands for both professionals and companies alike, including major names such as the BBC, Arla Foods, Mcvite’s and Harrods. The event, sponsored by Elevation Recruitment, is open to both CIM members and non-members. It takes place at 6pm on April 22 at Old Broadcasting House, Leeds. For details, go to http://regions. cim.co.uk/North or call 01628 427340.