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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 TAYLOR & LODGE (HUDDERSFIELD) LT
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
SME OF THE YEAR
Elder Studios A software engineering specialist is helping clients keep their businesses running smoothly. Elder Studios, basad at the Media Centre in Huddersfield, was launched three years ago by Chris Gillespie and Alex Wright “to create a business where they and other software developers would want to work”. Within a few months, they had taken on their first employee. Three years on, they employ 21 staff providing services and expertise over the entire software “life-cycle” from planning and integration, infrastructure and testing to maintenance and support. Current clients include a £1bn turnover telecoms provider and a rapidly expanding meat producer which has recently added wholesale and e-commerce channels to its business and is set to hit turnover of £10m this year. Over the past 12 months,
Elder Studios has been building links with Huddersfield University’s school of computing to deliver an advanced web programming module for final year computing students. Spokeswoman Rebecca Robson said: “We are incredibly proud of how far we have come in the last 12 months.” She added: “We believe that the quality of our work drive the growth of our business and as a result of our continued success, we have hired staff year-on-year.” Rebecca said: “Our developers are the most vital part of our company. We depend on them and on their talent to keep our business moving forward. “We promote a forwardthinking productive ethos throughout the company and offer our staff many benefits.” Elder Studios plans to expand the team further next year – and build on its partnership with the university.
sponsored by
ROKT Climbing Gym
ProVu Communications
They’re certainly going up in the world! A former flour mill in Brighouse has been transformed into arguably the most innovative climbing centre in the UK. ROKT Climbing Gym, based at the former Sugden’s flour mill, is catering for everyone from beginners to world-class international climbers. Commercial director Euan Noble said: “Indoor climbing is a fast-growing activity, but tends towards the elite. We created ROKT to be everything that climbing should be about – fun, problem-based activities, the desire to get stronger, climb higher and above all attract everyone regardless or background or ability.” After six months of opening, ROKT had 6,000 members. At year one, it had 11,000. Now it has more than 30,000 members – and numbers are still growing. Said Euan: “In the last year,
They’re a leading player in their field. Milnsbridge-based ProVu Communications was formed in 1999 by chairman Peter Bryant and sales director Ian Godfrey to capture the video phone market. But with broadband replacing ISDN-based services and demand growing for Session Initiation Protocol-based communications, ProVu has shifted its focus to become the UK’s leading business-to-business distributor of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) hardware. ProVu is the principle distributor for many leading brands of IP phones and other products, including door entry and network switches. It supplies products and services via a network of UK-based channel partners, ranging from IT and network support companies to telecom resellers and consultants. The firm’s 19-stong team includes several Huddersfield University graduates.
we have gone about our business quietly, expanded quickly and developed extensively – driven by a passion for climbing, tourism and growing the local economy. “ROKT is now a series of buildings and experiences – not just a climbing wall – and we’ve worked with community, council. professional bodies and Welcome to Yorkshire to create this attraction for everyone from British and European gold medal climbers to families and people aged two to 92.” In the 12 months to March this year, ROKT welcomed about 47,500 visitors – with a third from outside Yorkshire and one in 10 from overseas. ROKT has also developed an indoor caving experience – a 30-minute, 330ft run of pitch black tight twists and turns. And there’s more! Said Euan: “Major, ground-breaking plans are about to become a realty at ROKT.”
Spokeswoman Kate Millard said: “ProVu believes in homegrown talent, by picking good people with the right attitude and then nurturing them to meet their true potential. The people who work for ProVu are responsible for their success.” She said: “Since its creation, ProVu has grown year-on-year and through organic growth the last three years have seen growth racket up significantly.” Last March, ProVu was named one of the 50 fastest growing Tech companies in the north of England. It has also been shortlisted for national industry-specific awards, including Distributor of the Year in the Comms Business Awards and Distributor Accounts Team of the Year in the Comms Dealer Awards. In the last 12 months, it has doubled its sales team, invested in apprenticeships with Kirklees College and built a dedicated showroom and training facility. Order volumes and values have also risen significantly.
It’s going to be a night to celebrate It’s a big night for business. The 10th annual Examiner Business Awards will be held tomorrow night at Huddersfild’s prestigious John Smith’s Stadium. A capacity audience will attend the glittering event when 11 awards will be presented to the worthy winners in the competition supported by joint sponsors law firm Chadwick Lawrence and recruitment specialist Stafflex. Leading figures of the local business community will be among the hundreds of guests helping to celebrate outstanding business achievement. Companies excelling in areas such as international trade, innovation and community involve-
ment are among those receiving trophies and certificates on the night. There are also categories for new businesses, creative businesses, established firms, small and medium-sized enterprises, employers and up-and-coming young business people. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Chadwick Lawrence and Stafflex Business Person of the Year Award – the most prestigious prize of the night – which will go to an entrepreneur whose achievements provide inspiration for others and who has contributed to the wider community through their drive and determination.
The identity of the recipient will be revealed on the night when the golden envelope is opened. The award judges were highly impressed by the quality of entries for the awards – with businesses ranging from well-established companies to fledgling firms and from international “players” to firms serving their local communities. The judging panel comprised Neil Wilson, managing partner of Chadwick Lawrence; Nadio Granata, head of marketing at Stafflex; Prof Bob Cryan, vice-chancellor of Huddersfield University; Adrian Lythgo, Kirklees Council chief executive; and Sandra Babbings, director of PROHMS. ■■ Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium provides the venue for the 10th annual Examiner Business of the Year Awards when joint sponsors Chadwick Lawrence and Stafflex will welcome the finalists in categories recognising all aspects of business in and around the town
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
sponsored by
Open 2
Bespoke Stairlifts Ltd
Product design consultancy Open 2 is making an impact across the globe. The company, based at the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre in Huddersfield, was launched by creative director Matt Burtonwood following his return from internships with Philips Design in the Netherlands and Astra Studios in San Francisco. Living in Silicon Valley at the height of the dotcom boom, he worked with clients including Nike, Motorola, HP, Compaq and MTV. Matt said the goal was to bring some of these clients back to Huddersfield and to get involved in product development from concept design through to design development and mechanical engineering. Said Matt: “As a consultancy, we can work in many markets at the same time. We work in many fields, including power tools, white goods, toys. mechanical devices and packaging to name a few. “Since 2001, we have travelled the world wherever the work has taken us. In 2015 alone, we have worked with
They’re going up in the world. Bespoke Stairlifts Ltd, based at Old Fieldhouse Lane Industrial Estate in Huddersfield, was founded in 2004 by business partners Dave Burns and Gavin Finn, who have a combined 20 years of industry knowledge. The company set out to create cost-effective and lowbudget stairlifts for customers with curved or complicated staircases. Today, it has 38 employees, including more than 20 qualified staff based in Huddersfield and has access to a network of almost 100 stairlift engineers UK-wide. The company supplies trade customers with a range of economical and versatile products as well as survey and installation services. It also distributes direct to the end-user. Bespoke Stairlifts, which has enjoyed consistent growth over the past 10 years, has also invested more than £1m in developing a new stairlift – the Infinity Stairlift – which forms part of a project to create its own product range. The company has also
■■ Matt Burtonwood (right) and Ben Williams, of Open 2 at the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre
clients in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Thailand, Finland, Brazil and the USA. We’ve earned a lot of air miles this year!” Open 2 is set to double its operating profits this year. “We started the year developing vacuum cleaners with Philips Design in the Netherlands and toys with Fisher Price in New York,” said Matt. “Since then, we have worked in Lausanne Switzerland with
a luxury coffee brand and Hello Kitty’s parent company Sanrio in the US and Japan. We have just finished a period of product testing in Thailand and we recently returned from the San Diego Comic Con where we launched a new Thomas the Tank Engine toy line. In the last month, we started working with a Finnish timber company to help them develop their product range and create new product ideas.”
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■■ Directors (from left) Simon Waddington, David Burns, Gavin Finn with head of global sales, Anke Chapman
increased its factory floorspace by 7,000sq ft by adding another unit to accommodate the newly-bought machinery needed. The firm recently recruited three new staff and expects to add another nine by 2016-17. Exports make up about half of the firm’s business – with Bespoke Stairlifts selling into Europe, South America, China, Chile, Guatemala, India and
Costa Rica via distributors. Anke Chapman, head of global sales, said the company aimed to sell direct once it was in a position to offer a worldwide service. Bespoke also had new business partnerships planned for Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and Switzerland.
Briton Engineering Developments Ltd There’s no business like snow business for ski slope specialist Briton Engineering Developments Ltd. The company, based at Scholes, Holmfirth, was established in 1979 to work in the snow sports industry manufacturing ski lifts as well as working in other mainstream industries. In 1989, the firm was heavily involved in the construction of a new ski resort at Ben Nevis and in 1993 it began developing its synthetic Snowflex ski slope surface. Its efforts were rewarded in 1990 with a contract for the 6,000sq metres Søhøjlandet Snowsports centre in Denmark, which included ■■ The world’s largest synthetic ski slope in Ankara, Turkey, which has been built by Holmfirth-based Briton Engineering Development Ltd., The 10,700sq metres slope is the anchor attraction for a major development comprising 10,300 apartments and a leisure facility that includes a cable car system, wall climbing, ice rink, gardens, shops and restaurants. The project was completed and handed over to the client in August.
the creation of features such as moguls, jumps and a half pipe previously seen only on mountain snow. For the past 20 years, Briton has been exclusively involved in designing and building all-season snow sport facilities for venues including theme parks and water parks, summer and winter tourist resorts, shopping complexes and fitness centres. Snowflex has been installed in a variety of locations across the world, including Noeux Les Mines in France, Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, USA and Altinoran in Ankara, Turkey. Business development director Terry Di Stasi said the Turkish con-
tract saw Briton build the world’s largest synthetic ski slope to date The 10,700sq metres slope is the anchor attraction for a major development comprising apartments and a leisure facility that includes a cable car system, wall climbing, ice rink, gardens, shops and restaurants. The project was completed and handed over to the client in August. Last year, Briton completed a “significant” slope for the YMCA in The Rockies, Colorado. “It was like taking coals to Newcastle,” said Mr Di Stasi. “The success of this facility meant the client had covered its construction and development costs within 12 weeks of opening.”
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
INNOVATION & ENTERPRISE sponsored by
Wellhouse Leisure
Flood Company Commercial Ltd
Innovation has been the key to growth for campervan manufacturer Wellhouse Leisure. The Shepley-based company set out 13 years ago to convert small compact base vehicles imported from Japan, Since then, it has grown to work with the likes of Hyundai, Mercedes and Ford – and has established itself as the UK’s premier converter within its sector in terms of national exposure, vehicles built and quality. Having already worked with Hyundai, 2013 saw Wellhouse Leisure turn one of Ford’s latest vans into a class-winning camper. The firm now supplies some of the most prestigious Ford dealers in the UK with its Terrier conversion – all at the request of Ford’s head office. Managing director David Elliott said: “We
A FAMILY business has made flood protection its forte. A flood at the family home prompted Tony and Luke Ruddiman to consider designing innovative flood protection products to prevent other houses and business properties suffering similar devastation. Now Edgerton-based Flood Company Commercial Ltd is a specialist, insurance-approved supplier and installer of flood protection products. It also offers independent, professional expertise to individual householders, businesses and local authorities. It works with organisations such as the Environment Agency and the Department for Farming and Rural Affairs as well as housing associations, architects, surveyors and specifiers. Products and services include flood doors, windows and barriers, anti-flood air bricks, flood walls, flood surveys and flood insurance. Said Luke: “Flood defence innovation is at the core of the business and we are constantly striving to extend an already extensive portfolio of products and services.” This year saw the launch of two
told Ford in 2013 that we expected to sell 30 in year one and 100 in year two. To date, we have sold over 360.” Mr Elliott said: “Probably the biggest thing we have done is to grow the dealer network to well over 22 with more in the pipeline – from Inverness to Maidstone, South Wales to Northern Ireland.” Wellhouse has orders on the books until December next year. Said Mr Elliott: “We’re now getting contacted by senior directors from large groups rather than sales people – which is quite good as they’re the people who now want our product. We have never in our history had so many forward orders, which means we can concentrate on building and let the dealers do the selling.”
■■ Co founder and technical director Carl Howarth (front left) with production development director Dale Reed (front right) and the team
Control F1 It’s a digital technology company with big ambitions. Control F1, based at Bates Mill, Colne Road, is working with market-leading clients such as the RAC and Travis Perkins to keep vehicles on the road. Its software service include web application and app development, enterprise cloud applications, telematics, “big data” consultancy and technical support. In the past 12 months, the Control F1 has more than doubled its turnover, secured external investment, landed its biggest client
ever and has a blue-chip company take on one of its homegrown products. The company has also doubled in size – moving into offices at Bates Mill to accommodate 16 permanent members of staff, about 16 contractors and two non-executive directors. Among its successes, motoring organisation the RAC approached Control F1 for help in integrating telematic solution RAC Advance into its core business. RAC Advance provides motorists with a “magic box” to monitor driving behaviour and warn drivers about faults in their cars before they break down. It is also used to track commercial fleets.
■■ Luke (left) and Tony Ruddiman, directors of The Flood Company Commercial Ltd
major innovations – the Manor Prime range of bespoke wooden flood doors and the WAR nonreturn valve which gives protection from flooding and rodents in domestic and commercial drain systems.The Manor Prime product has already proved a winner – receiving the annual innovation and sustainability award from the Property Care Association. Luke said the Flood Company stood out from its competitors due to excellent standards of service, products and expertise as well as ongoing innovation.
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR sponsored by Reliance Precision Suma Wholefoods One17 An engineering firm looking forward to its centenary in 2020 has put apprentice training at the heart of its business. Reliance Precision, based at Lepton, has finalised a five-year business plan taking the Lepton-based firm up to that milestone date. Marketing manager Kathryn Hullah said: “It has been a catalyst for thinking about what sort of organisation with what sort of people we want to be by the time we reach our 100 year anniversary. This plan is about who we are, what skills and capabilities and aptitudes we need to succeed at the challenging extremes of engineering.”
Key to its future is investment in apprenticeships. Said Kathryn: “Apprentices are essential to balance the age profile of the company, building our next generation of specialist engineering and manufacturing teams and developing our future managers and company directors.” The firm now has 17 apprentices at its Rowley Mills site – 10% of the workforce. Engineering activity covered by its apprentices has also widened from a focus on specialist machining skills to include broader engineering skills in areas like estimating, metrology and production engineering.
Investment in training is a key component to the success of workers’ co-operative Suma Wholefoods. The Elland-based vegetarian food wholesaler is owned by its 132 members, who all have an equal interest and control in the business – and are jointly responsible for its success. Marketing and brand spokeswoman Sheree Hatton said: “We meet regularly to debate issues and strategies, decisions are agreed by majority voting. Suma moves forward to continued and greater success with the commitment
of its workforce. We are the decision-makers and we measure success as much in being a quality place to work as in net profit at year end – a challenging balancing act at times.” Multi-tasking is part of the job description with a commitment to sharing out jobs and doing a fair share of less popular roles. Suma operates a variety of shifts to provide flexible working. All workers get the same hourly pay whatever their position and 50% of profits are pumped back into the business and 50% shared equally as an annual bonus.
A COMMITMENT to training and development is paying dividends for One 17 Architects & Interior Designers. The firm is the lead company of a group of businesses offering designrelated services and dating back to 1960. Specialising in bespoke residential properties, the practice handles new build and works to existing buildings, including historical and ecclesiastical buildings. The group, based at
Armitage Bridge and employing 25 people, also has operations covering project management, structural design and graphic communication as well as design for education. In addition, the One 17 Design Charitable Trust provides financial and hands-on support to improve the lives of people in the local community. Caroline Lee, head of community liaison, said: “At One 17 we have a firm commitment to development and training, starting at absolute grassroots level with the students that join us each year. In the past 12 months, we have had 18 pupils on work experience and two university students on longer-term paid work placements.” A quarter of its current staff first came to the office on work experience and many of the university students continue on a parttime basis to enhance their academic studies and gain practical experience. One 17 supports junior members of staff to do dayrelease courses to gain formal qualifications and accreditations to professional institutes. There is a commitment to staff mentoring, encouraging development of new skills and responsibilities. Said Caroline: “We are fully committed to the well-being of our staff, which makes for a very positive workforce.”
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015
CREATIVE IMPACT AWARD
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sponsored by
Offroadcode Ltd
Splitpixel Creative Ltd
Progress Packaging Ltd
Website design business Offroadcode Ltd is happy to go the extra mile for its clients. The company, based at Dale Street Mills, Longwood, has been in operation for more than eight years and has seven employees – together boasting more than 50 years experience in design and development – working with clients across the UK and abroad. The firm specialises in Umbraco, a fully-featured open source content management system which is flexible enough to be used on the smallest website right up to the largest media sites in the world. Offroadcode is an Umbraco Gold Partner and fully certified solution provider able to help clients improve their websites and content management tools by creating a range of Umbraco tools and combining that with its
A GROWING digital agency is building websites with a smile. Splitpixel Creative Ltd, based at Huddersfield’s Media Centre, was launched in 2008 with a team of three. Now it has a team taking pride in providing customers with a friendly and excellent service. Director Charlie Herke said: “Our mission is to be the clients’ virtual digital marketing team and our core product is bespoke website build, designed and developed by small teams. “However, over the last 12 to 18 months, there has been a push in our digital marketing offering. As loyal clients want to remain with Splitpixel long after their sites go live, this was a natural progression – and marketing services are a steadily growing part of the business’ turnover. The firm takes pride in a four-prong approach to its
They’re sending the competition packing. Shelley-based Progress Packaging Ltd is designing and producing bags, boxes and other forms of packaging in paper, cardboard, plastic and other materials for some of the most prestigious names in retailing, fashion, sports, cosmetics and jewellery. Clients include in-demand brands such as Victoria Beckham, Celine, cycling brand Rapha, luxury fragrances business Miller Harris, Harrods, fashion name Net A Porter and Hardy Amies. The company, which is led by managing director Simon Farrow and employs six people, has gained ISO9001 as well as Forestry Stewardship Council Approval. Among recent achievements, Progress Packaging completed a full rebrand and design of a collection range of products for Miller Harris covering items as diverse as candles, perfumes and accessories which retail in Harvey Nichols, Harrods and Selfridges.
own love of responsive web design to improve accessibility and conversion rates on a range of targets. Among its projects, Offroadcode worked with Selby College to design and build a fully responsive website to replace its old and inflexible offering. The new website presents information clearly and concisely to visitors. The redesign has led to a 27% increase in the number of students searching for course information and enquiries. Offroadcode also redesigned the online holiday booking system for Olympic Holidays – replacing a slow, inefficient and difficult to use system with one capable of handling more than £20m of holiday bookings a year. The feedback and analytics data from the testing of the website suggests the new designs will increase the number of booking conversions.
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Taylor & Lodge Lifterz A famous name in textiles is taking British cloth to customers around the world. Taylor & Lodge (Huddersfield) Ltd enjoys a reputation built over 100 years of experience supplying 100% British cloth to clients in the UK, Europe, Japan, China and the Middle East – with 50% of its worsted fabric being exported. The company, which is based at Rashcliffe Mills, Lockwood and employs 68 staff also has plans to increase turnover significantly by exporting to markets including Western Europe, South Korea, China, India and Russia. Early last year, the Shandong Ruyi Technology Group embarked on a joint venture with Bulmer & Lumb to invest in Taylor & Lodge (Huddersfield) Ltd to enable the company to meet the challenges of the new millennium and further strengthen the renowned global brand. Since then, Taylor & Lodge has refurbished its yarn and fabric testing facilities, invested in new equipment, developed a quality control system and export packing facility and create d a state-of-the-art website. Mill manager Jeff Heppenstall said the company was focusing on purchasing new looms to improve production, attending key industry shows such as
Premiere Vision in Paris, Milano Muca in Italy, the Chinese international textile exhibition in Shanghai and the Tokyo trade exhibition in Japan. He said: “We continue to employ professional talent to work for us. Eight employees have joined us in the past year and we plan to employe eight more in the following one to two years.” Over the next 12 months, the company aims to develop new wool collections following market
It’s a company reaching the dizzy heights of success. Lifterz Ltd specialises in getting people to high places safely. The company, which employs 63 people, runs a fleet of 830 working platforms that provide a safe means of access – whether its for someone changing a light bulb or someone needing to reach the top of a high rise building. The company, which began trading in 2007, also provides a maintenance and testing service to clients who have their own platforms. It provides customers with a free site survey to assess their needs and ensure they are
■■ All happy at Splitpixel
work – planning web projects; designing everything from branding to web graphics and print; website development with functionality in mind; and marketing around website provision, including social media management, search engine optimiation, online PR, emauil marketing and copywriting. Splitpixel has been engaged in innovative web design and development projects for clients including West Yorkshire Playhouse and marketing services group P&MM.
■■ The Progres Packaging team
A range of packaging for Rapha includes everything from sunglasses and cosmetics to footwear and clothing. Still on the cycling theme, the firm produced the highly successful FeedMyRide project to mark the Tour de France Grande Depart in Yorkshire – working with 15 of the UK’s top designers to produce a range of musette bags celebrating the fusion between design and cycling – and cycling and Yorkshire.
sponsored by Abzorb fully compliant with safety legislation by having the right tool for each job. Lifterz operates from depots in Yorkshire, Mancashire and the East Midlands. Chairman and joint managing director Malcolm Bowers said the company had been able to win new business through its marketing and service levels. At a time when the UK’s leading business in its field was experiencing 12% growth, Lifterz had grown by 34% over 2014 and expected to increase revenue and profit further. He said: “We have achieved
A telecoms provider based in Brighouse is helping to transform Kirklees into one of the UK’s most advanced digital locations. Abzorb, based at Armytage Road, works with leading names such as BT and Vodafone to provide businesses with a single point of contact for all their telecoms and network needs. The company, which has 62 employees, services 2,500 clients UK-wide, of which 1,300 are based in Yorkshire. Clients range from Huddersfield Town and SimplyBiz to University College London and the Campanile Hotel Group.
Abzorb has been at the forefront of telecoms for more than 20 years – encompassing aspects such as mobile and fixed line phones, internet, vehicle tracking and cloud solutions. In addition to selling directly to clients it has a partnership programme with 300 resellers who sell services on its behalf. It has partnerships with the likes of BT, Vodafone, O2, Apple, Microsoft and Virgin Media as well as systems manufacturers such as Panasonic and Cisco. Abzorb has also embarked on initiatives to improve internet connectivity and turn Kirklees
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by
Pivot Care and Educational Consultancy
Grrroomies UK
It’s a business putting the needs of children centre stage. Pivot Care and Educational Consultancy was formed as a residential children’s home for eight to 18-yearolds needing a safe, secure and loving environment for young people to flourish and return to their family home, foster care or adoption with the skills needed to succeed in life. Lockwood-based Pivot supports young people from an academic, behavioural and psychological aspect and also supports the schools that the young people attend through training, staff deployment and support. The company is unique in using innovative methods to bring social care and education together to meet the needs of young people and the organisations working with them. Pivot’s educational consultancy now works with seven local authorities and more than 65 schools on alternative provision and educational programmes. Managing director Michael Smith said: “The impact that has had on meeting the needs of young people, schools and local authorities has been significant and is reflected in our quick growth which is largely based on recommendations from organisations we have worked with. “We have also had a massive impact on the lives of other people through employment and training by providing opportunities for people to gain meaningful employment and invest in their own careers.
She achieved success competing in equestrian events. Now Netherton-based Jane Laurie is attracting plaudits from pet owners with her mobile dog grooming service, Grrroomies UK. She said: “A competitive pricing structure, high quality customer service combined with quality grooming products ensures the business has secured a customer base of clients which makes this a viable long-term and profitable business endeavour. “My office is my van. This service is attractive to busy people and elderly dog owners and is an ideal dog grooming solution for nervous, senior or travel-sick pets.” Jane’s fully-equipped mobile salon includes a heated hydro-bath, drying facilities and all the equipment she needs to turn out the perfectly groomed pooch. She successfully applied for a New Enterprise Allowance to help get the business off the ground and secured the support of a start-up adviser to offer guidance. She also completed intensive dog grooming and animal first aid courses. Since establishing the business, Jane has carried out more than 1,140 groomings and has a client base of 275 customers with 883 pets. She now has a four or five-week wait for new bookings and has secured new clients through customer recommendation. Jane set up the business after competing in horse shows before qualifying through the amateur route for the Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham in 2011 She said: “Against all the odds we were placed third in our class, which enabled me to recognise my potential to achieve success – following which I took the dif-
■■ Andrew Kitterick (left), Michael and Lucy Smith of Pivot
“Our work also looks at bringing the public and private sectors together to reduce public spending costs as we look to build capacity within organisations and work collaboratively. This is reflected in the other areas of work we carry out across a range of different sectors.” Among its aims over the next 12 months, Pivot aims to provide extra care beds in a range of settings to cater for the complexity of behaviours displayed by children in the care system.
■■ Jane Laurie of dog grooming business, Grrroomies with cocker spaniel Maggie
ficult decision to give up horse riding and redirect my efforts to my new business challenge.” Jane said the dog grooming sector had grown significantly in recent years and was projected to grow by about 10% over the next four years. Over the next 12 months, Jane hopes to offer work experience or apprenticeship opportunities to young people, buy a second dog-grooming van to expand the business and set up a salon for those who prefer it to the mobile service. She also plans to develop the business by employing someone to offer dog walking, pet taxi services and house sitting services – a need identified by her existing customers.
POSable Ltd A COMPANY set up to help its clients get to grips with iPad and cloud-based till systems has expanded its scope to provide advice on other related services. POSable Ltd, previously branded as PWAR Systems Ltd, aims to connect its clients to their company through the use of great technology – to help them understand what’s happening in their business, help them to make purchasing, staffing and training decisions quickly and save them time and money. Director Hannah Edyvean said: “Over the last two years, the team has worked tirelessly to build relationships with all the key software providers of iPad and cloud based EPOS systems in the UK. “Our knowledge of the hardware and software for these systems has grown exponentially, gaining us the reputation of experts in this field.” Over the past 12 months POSable Ltd has grown its client portfolio to cover more than 200 clients – ranging from small and medium-sized businesses in the Huddersfield area to ones as far afield as Aberdeen and Plymouth. The firm now offers additional services and consultancy work as well as iPad EPOS system installation and support. Its efforts were rewarded in April with investment from a private investor to enable the company to expand its team to four – comprising two directors and two part-time staff. Said Hannah: “POSable has developed over the last year to be a truly one-stop shop for clients looking to set up or improve their business through cloudbased technology.” The company, based at Titanic Mill,
■■ Paul Robert and Hannah Edyvean of Posable, Titanic Mills, Linthwaite.
Linthwaite, has taken steps to boost sales further over the next 12 months through a newly-designed website and with plans to organised events to showcase the potential of new cloud-based technologies to businesses in the Huddersfield area. Said Hannah: “We highly value our staff and the importance of having a highly-trained and highly-motivated team behind us. “We hope to invest in more training and support for our existing staff over the next 12 months.” She said the business would also need additional engineers to fulfil demand for consultations and installations.
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015
YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON sponsored by
James Howard, of Yorkshire Payments
Amy Wray, of Applegate Properties
Dan Bamforth, of Towndoor Ltd
He’s playing his cards right as founder of a fast-growing business. James Howard set up Yorkshire Payments to offer a wide range of merchant services to businesses needing payment solutions. The Brighouse-based business began trading in April, 2013 as Direct Card Solutions Ltd and rebranded to its current name in 2014. It is billed as Yorkshire’s only truly independent fully licenced payment services provider, dealing with SMEs across the region and working with leading banks, terminal manufacturers and payment gateway companies. It is registered by MasterCard and VISA International as a Merchant Services Provider and has access to the American Express early settlement programme allowing faster clearing times on funds taken by card for local businesses. Yorkshire Payments now employs 15 people while James has recruited two apprentices to the business. James also leads from the front with the firm’s charity
Amy Wray launched Applegate Properties in 2010 from a spare bedroom, just £600 in savings, an old laptop and a secondhand camera. Today the property sales and lettings business has five full-time staff and three parttime workers and operates from well-appointed offices at Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth. Researching the market back in 2010, Amy found that the biggest reasons for people leaving their estate agent was lack of communication and poor customer service. By focusing on communicating with clients and offering high standards of service, Applegate Properties draws 70% of its new clients each month from recommendation. Amy has won a number of awards, including Young Businesswoman of the Year in 2013 and Property Business of the Year in 2014 with networking group Forward Ladies. She was a finalist in the Sunday Times and The Times Property Manager of the Year Awards in 2014 and in the Sue
A COMMERCIAL property development and rental company is expanding its operations under the leadership of Dan Bamforth. Meltham-based Towndoor Ltd was founded in 1988 by Dan’s parents. With Dan on board the firm has gone from strength to strength – increasing its portfolio and giving a facelift to its original properties. Under his leadership as managing director, the company has also undergone a rebrand, enjoyed an influx of new tenants and achieved 100% occupancy – all of which led to the company’s portfolio being significantly revalued, allowing additional funding to be raised for acquisitions and rapid growth over the next few years. This year, Towndoor embarked on a £2.5m development in Lockwood – The Dyeworks – to provide much-needed secure, hi-tech workplaces for local and regional businesses. The project involved demolishing derelict buildings to be replaced by eight units built in two phases, Two units are already reserved for a national blue chip company set to bring new business and
activities – raising cash for Comic Relief and taking part in a sleep-out for homelessness charity Simon on the Streets. He’s also a member of the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice 99er scheme. Under his leadership, Yorkshire Payments is on track to double its sales this year while the company is acquiring an average of 15 new customers every week. Of those, about half are coming from referrals. Among his successes, James has secured two new banking agreements – one of which sees Yorkshire Payments become a preferred supplier to finance giant Global Payments.
Ryder Women in Business Awards and Forward Ladies SME Business of the Year Awards for 2015. Amy dedicated her successes to the team of eight staff who, she says, provide the driving force for growing the company. In the past 12 months, Applegate has achieved the fastest average sales time in comparison with its competitors while in February the company invested in software to improve its social media performance. Amy’s plans for the next 12 months include increasing its lettings portfolio.
jobs to the area. Towndoor now has more than 100 commercial units across nine sites in West Yorkshire. Properties for rent include offices, warehouses, workshops, trade counters and yards – with premises ranging from 440sq ft to 40,500sq ft. Towndoor also has a traditional commercial property arm and a selection of residential apartments for rent as well as owning Meltham Mills reservoir, which local resident are allowed to enjoy. A spokesman for the firm said Dan’s “clear thinking and single mindedness were paramount to the company’s outlook.”
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EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR sponsored by
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
Sally Willis
Denika Devine
She’s been hailed as a fantastic asset to a Fantastic business. Sally Willis joined Birstall-based integrated marketing agency Fantastic Media in 2013 as account manager and has quickly progressed to become a senior member of the team. As head of client services, she’s responsible for managing the seven-strong client services team, looking after the daily and long-term needs of clients and developing strategic campaigns to meet and exceed expectations and objectives. Her personable and professional manner has ensured the continued commitment from established clients and instilled confidence and excitement in new clients. She is also keen to develop the agency through training and mentoring junior members of the organisation, encouraging team activities and raising funds for the Huddersfield Town Foundation. Sally also invests in her own learning, recently enrolling on a personal development programme to improve on her management and leadership skills. Her recent successes include delivering a successful ecommerce strategy for construction equipment supplier Deborah Services Ltd and securing Fantastic’s sponsorship of Barnsley FC – a two-year deal which sees Fantastic
Hard work and determination are the key to success for Denika Devine. Just over 10 years after arriving in the UK, the South African-born businesswoman has risen to the top of the management structure at nightspot operator Maverick’s – and played a major role in its success. Denika was instrumental in helping Maverick’s – which has 80s-themed sites at King Street in Huddersfield and at Horsforth – secure backing from pub group Greene King to expand the Maverick’s brand to five more sites in Yorkshire, with the eventual aim of establishing a national franchise. She made a major contribution to the successful launch of Maverick’s in Horsforth in June last year, since when the business has gone from strength to strength. Based on Greene King’s trading figures, the site has achieved barrelage figures vastly bigger than those for the sports bar which previously occupied the premises. Denika co-presented a Dragon’s Den-style pitch to Greene King, which secured its backing for the roll-out of the Maverick’s brand across the north – including the acquisition of premises in Sowerby Bridge. Samuel Baker, Maverick’s managing director said: “It was a major achievement for someone who never had formal presentation training or
retain its standing as the club’s dedicated marketing agency. Colleagues praise her as “trustworthy, passionate and determined” and say these traits come across at board meetings, client meetings and in the day-to-day office environment. Beth Saville, account manager at Fantastic Media, said: “Sally is a fantastic role model and manager. She is approachable and always has an open door for staff to speak to her.”
WELLHOUSE LEISURE LTD
experience to win over a panel of directors from a multi-billion pound company such as Greene King.” Maverick’s – which has the motto “drink, dine and dance” – opened in Huddersfield three years ago “with zero response” on its first night of trading, but six months later had customers queuing to get in. Now it is a hot spot on the Huddersfield nightclub scene.
Rosalyn Raine She’s one of the best – and that’s official. Rosalyn Raine, operations director for Brockholes-based fire fighting equipment supplier Rosenbauer UK plc, has received praise from the very top! Dr Dieter Siegel, chief executive officer of Austrian-based parent Rosenbauer Group described her as one of the best administrative offices in the entire group – which employs 3,000 people in total. Rosalyn joined North Fire plc, which later became Rosenbauer UK, in 2010 since when she has contributed “immensely” to its growth from a £1m to a £6m turnover company employing 16 people. During her career with the firm, she has implemented both ISO9001 and ISO14001 quality standards to the highest level possible with certification inspectors consistently commenting on her efficiency. Rosalyn’s duties also include
drafting tendering documents for the latest fire brigade contracts to the highest possible standard – an essential element for any supplier to the public sector. Managing director Oliver North said: “Rosalyn has worked tirelessly,
almost always working over her contracted hours, to ensure the highest level of service possible has been delivered to Rosenbauer UK’s customer base of fire and rescue services.” Rosalyn now manages an administrative team of six – and retains her “relentless ambition” to make Rosenbauer UK the world’s most efficient supplier to the fire and rescue services with the fastest reacting and most attentive team possible. Mr North said Rosalyn would continue to contribute to the firm’s success – and its new strategy aimed at achieving £9m in sales over the next 12 months and £20m sales by 2020 through an increase in truck sales and market share, a big rise in exports and efficient and comprehensive manufacturing. He said a “huge portion” of the company’s success was down to Rosalyn.
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015
COMMUNITY AWARD
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sponsored by
LV= Britannia Rescue
Sheards Accountancy
Cummins Turbo Technologies
Building strong relationships with local communities can make a meaningful difference to people’s lives. That’s the philosophy behind community support at LV= Britannia Rescue, based at Folly Hall Mills in Huddersfield. The company encourages its 98 employees in Huddersfield to take part in fundraising, community work, charitable donations and volunteering. Spokeswoman May Ramadan said: “By building strong relationships with our communities we find ways to make a meaningful difference to the people who live in the towns and villages near our offices.” She said corporate volunteering brought many benefits – supporting communities where staff lived and worked, supporting the well-being of colleagues, increasing employee engagement and developing individual talent and skill as well as boost-
An ACCOUNTANCY firm established more than a century ago is showing timeless commitment to supporting community causes in Huddersfield. Sheards Accountancy, formed in 1903 and known as Fred Sheards & Sons for many years, supports a number of member organisations, clubs, associations and charities as well as its core client base among small and mediumsized businesses across West Yorkshire. The firm, led by owners and directors Carolyn Atkinson and Kevin Winterburn, is an accredited Investor in People and is classed as a “Gold Employer” by the Association of Certified Accountants. Sheards hosts regular business and seminar networking events under the “Connections” banner while staff at the firm take advantage of
Workers at a Huddersfield manufacturing firm are putting in lots of hours to support good causes. Some 800 employees at Cummins Turbo Technology, based at Turnbridge. were involved in at least one corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity during 2014 – contributing a total of 7,581 hours to helping 76 community partners with 787 events. IT and CSR leader Ian Lawson said the turbocharger company focused CSR activities on social justice and equality of opportunity; education; and environment. As part of its focus on social justice and equality of opportunity, Cummins supports partners such as Safe Anchor Trust, the Mission Cafe, Meals on Wheels, Age UK and the Kirklees Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre. At Huddersfield Methodist
ing morale and loyalty. The firm’s 15-strong community and charity committee based at Huddersfield is made up of LV= volunteers who make decisions on how best to help local charities, good causes and projects – and are given a budget to enable them to support their chosen causes. Projects have included clearing streams, gardening, painting the fencing around raised flowerbeds at the Hollybank Trust, bag-packing at Sainsbury’s and running interview technique workshops for young people at the Yorkshire Children’s Centre. Last year, the committee donated £15,000 to charities and volunteered 170 hours for initiatives including helping to with the running costs of a cafe at charity Jigsaw Enterprise, which helps young people and adults with learning difficulties and paying for defibrillators for schools and sports clubs.
speaker sessions to expand their knowledge and expertise. The firm also launched a series of client lunches at its offices in Vernon House, New North Road, Highfields Kevin regularly volunteers his own time and expertise to help start-up businesses via the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce mentor scheme while Carolyn is a prominent member of the BNI Giants networking group. Over the years, Sheards has supported local charities including Kirkwood Hospice and the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice. Fundraising events have included hosting curry nights, quiz nights and taking part in challenges such as Tough Mudder and the Huddersfield Hilly Marathon. Sheards also supports the Town Foundation at various events, including the early morning breakfast clubs.
Bank on Dave to deliver the goods It’s been dubbed “The Bank of Dave”. Now self-made millionaire Dave Fishwick is set to show guests at the Examiner Business Awatds how his idea for helping customers caught up in the credit crunch has grown to provide finance for businesses and funds for good causes. Dave decided to set up his own savings and loans company after seeing some of his loyal customers struggling to get loans from their high street banks in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Under the slogan “Bank on Dave!” and using the correct legal channels, David secured the necessary documentation needed to issue loans ranging from small personal loans to finance for businesses – relying not on credit scores but by treating customers as individuals. Once everything was in place to
■■ Awards speaker Dave Fiskwick
enable Burnley Savings and Loans Ltd to provide loans, he turned his attention towards savings – finding a way to offer 5% AER at a time when the major banks were offering much lower rates of interest. Burnley Savings and Loans Ltd officially opened its doors in September, 2011 – initially to benefit businesses in Burnley and the North
West – but increasingly to help communities across the country. By going back to basics, money saved with Burnley Savings and Loans Ltd is used to provide business and personal loans to those who – through no fault of their own – are struggling to obtain finance from the big banks. Dave also banished the notion of big bonuses – with any profits received donated to charity once overheads have been met. In a real-life story of David and Goliath, with lessons for businesses big and small, Dave will explain to guests at the John Smith’s Stadium what made him take on seemingly insurmountable odds. The awards also welcomes back BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration, who has anchored the awards since they were launched 10 years ago.
Mission, Cummins employees have helped in the kitchen, changed the email system, assisted with fundraising and helped put a five-year strategy into place. In education, the firm works with many schools in the area, but has Batley Girls Grammar School and Moor End Academy as its two main partner shools. Activities have included designing and building a rocket car that students can race across the playground at the end of the day. In environment, the firm supports the Kirklees rangers at Castle Hill, Denby Dale and Dewsbury country park – planting trees, building walls and footpaths, clearing scrubland and digging ponds. Staff have created outdoor learning areas at four local schools and outdoor space for people with disabilities at two local care homes.