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ROZINA REHMAN Reaching for success
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Full inter view - Page 3
KAREN WYNARD Do you owe the taxman? Column - Page 4
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Kirklees targeted by manufacturers
A RISING tide of manufacturers are seeking quality industrial land and buildings in Kirklees, claims a West Yorkshire-based property expert. Mike Dove, partner of Dove Haigh Phillips in Leeds, said meeting this pent-up demand and unlocking “deliverable” land is the key to the recovery of the Yorkshire economy. He said: “We are being besieged by manufacturers who want quality new premises in Kirklees. “This isn’t just idle talk. These manufacturers have instructed their engineers and architects to draw up detailed designs and their lawyers are already preparing draft documentation. “They are raring to go. “At the same time, the more forward-looking local councils in Yorks h i re, e m b o l d e n e d by t h e Government’s relaxing of the planning laws, are pro-actively identifying sites for inward investment. “All this adds up to a very bright future for the Yorkshire economy, provided the right land becomes available.” Mr Dove said manufacturers’ requirements for land ranged from 3,000 sq ft to 50 acres. He added: “It is invidious to pick out particular councils, because most are doing their best to encourage investment, but Kirklees, with its pion-
eering Huddersfield – The Place To Make It campaign, has shown a tremendous lead. “Kirklees aren’t just talking the talk, either. They are paying a major part in facilitating the relocation of David Brown Engineering from its historic, but increasingly unsuitable, premises in Huddersfield to a purpose-built, state-of-the-art factory and office site in nearby Mirfield. “The new David Brown site is a classic blueprint for what most manufacturers now require. “They want quality premises close to their workforce, which provide modern and flexible manufacturing and office space. “They want premises which reflect and represent the values of their business. “In Leeds, the new Aire Valley Enterprise Zone has world class qualities and looks set to deliver for the region.” Mike Dove said that inquiries were coming from across all manufacturing sectors, including precision, medical and nautical engineering, robotics, packaging, electrical controls and green fuel delivery. He said: “All this is potentially tremendously good news for Yorkshire, which is already a centre of excellence. The county’s workforce, with its
■ GOOD NEWS: Mike Dove, of Dove Haigh Phillips, says Yorkshire is already a centre of excellence
can-do attitude, is our greatest asset, backed up by an improving transport network.” Mr Dove said that Dove Haigh Phillips was well-positioned to facilit-
ate developments across the county in the coming years. He said: “Our aim is to provide quality, focused advice, filling a gap at the top end of the commercial property market in Yorkshire and the north of England, providing the bespoke service that our clients need. “We provide the access to key decision makers, we spot commercial opportunities that pass others by and we originate creative solutions for commercial property deals. “Delivery is the key. We believe strongly we have delivered, even in these difficult recessionary times, so far, and will continue to do so.” Dove Haigh Phillips was founded five years ago by Mike Dove, Mike Haigh and Jonathan Phillips, all previously partners at Knight Frank in Leeds. It has established itself as a highly-successful niche player in the Yorkshire property market and boasts a string of quality clients. Mr Dove is a specialist in commercial real estate and strategic development, while Mr Haigh is one of the leading industrial and commercial property agents in the north of England and Mr Phillips is an acknowledged expert on property valuations and investment funding.
Planning rules ‘hampering regional growth’ PLANNING rules will be a hindrance to economic growth in Yorkshire, says a report. The latest Enterprise Survey from the Institute of Chartered Accountants points to above average expectations for financial growth in Yorkshire and Humber. Although turnover and gross profits growth fell in 2012 to below UK average levels, the expected bounce-back in the coming 12 months is higher than the UK average. However, the strong rise in capital investment growth seen
in 2012 is not expected to continue and staffing levels look set to remain flat. The report said Yorkshire businesses were likely to have profitability as their top priority, followed by increasing cash balances and paying down debt. Chris Manners (pictured), regional director for the institute, said construction firms were most likely to focus on building up cash and cutting debt. He said: “Half of the region’s businesses believe the UK’s tax
and regulatory system is business-friendly – in line with the UK average. “However, Yorkshire and Humber businesses have shifted their opinion since 2011 to a much greater extent than the UK average. In 2011, barely one third agreed that the UK tax and regulatory system was business-friendly. “And while employment legislation and employment tax are hindrances to about six in 10 businesses UK-wide, with Yorkshire and Humber being no exception, planning regula-
tion is considered a drawback by higher than average proportions here – 61% compared with a UK average of 48% – a further reflection of the region’s above average construction industry base.” The institute said it wanted to see new measures to boost firms – including improvements to the UK regulatory environment, more help for firms looking to export beyond traditional markets and more g ove r n m e n t s u p p o r t fo r start-ups to help them develop and improve survival rates.
INSIDE Cookery course A CATERING supplier has partnered with a leading hospitality college to put its sales staff through a “Top Gun” inspired training academy. Dalton-based Total Foodservice is putting nine of its young workers through their paces on a 15-month training programme with Kendal College. The course will arm them with an NVQ Level 3 in business administration and help them live and breathe the food industry.
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African adventure A TRAINING company which began in a house in Honley has moved into the international market with contracts in Africa. Now Astra Access Safety Training Ltd, which was set up in 2008 by director Mick Aston with the help of a £2,000 grant, is aiming to further expand its business overseas after completing a month-long project to deliver training in scaffolding use in Uganda and Cameroon.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
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BP secures stake in Russian oil giant OIL giant BP is to take a near-20% stake in what will become the world’s largest publicly listed oil producer as part of a £16.7bn deal. State-backed Russian energy firm Rosneft has agreed to buy BP’s 50% stake in its troubled TNK-BP joint venture for £10.7bn in cash and £6bn worth of Rosneft shares. The deal, which is subject to state and regulatory approvals, will see BP grab a 19.75% stake in Rosneft, which will become the world’s biggest publicly traded oil company with daily crude output of more than 3m barrels. BP chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg hailed the move as “an important day for BP”. BP will reinvest £2.9bn of the cash received in the deal to buy part of its eventual stake in Rosneft, equal to around 5.66%.
Signing of the definitive agreements is conditional on the Russian government agreeing to the sale of this part of the stake. BP expects to have two seats on Rosneft’s nine-person main board as part of the deal. BP and Rosneft now have an exclusivity period of 90 days to negotiate fully-termed sale and purchase agreements. Completion is also subject to certain closing conditions, including governmental, regulatory and anti-trust approvals, which is currently expected to happen in the first half of 2013. Mr Svanberg said: “Russia is vital to world energy security and will be increasingly significant in years to come. Russia has also been an important country for us over the past 20 years. Our involvement has moved with
■ OIL WELL: BP called its £16.7bn deal with Rosneft “an important day”
the times. TNK-BP has been a good investment and we are now laying a new foundation for our work in Russia.” Rosneft and the four Russian billionaires who own the other half of TNK-BP – known as Alfa-Access-Renova (AAR) – have also signed a memorandum of understanding that would
see Rosneft acquire their stake at a later date. BP said it supports Rosneft in its plans to acquire additional equity stakes from other shareholders in TNK-BP. TNK-BP is Russia’s third largest oil producer. It employs about 50,000 staff and has assets across Russia and the Ukraine. It had an average daily production in 2011 of 1.987m barrels of oil equivalent a day. BP has had a fraught relationship with AAR, although the joint venture is thought to have earned the British firm £11.8bn in dividends. A dispute between BP and AAR effectively sank a proposed tie-up between the British super-major and Rosneft last year, which included Arctic exploration plans.
Claims work hits staffing
US Navy deal for Rolls-Royce ROLLS-ROYCE has secured a “significant” contract to power the US Navy’s upcoming fleet of new hovercraft. The UK manufacturer will work with a subsidiary of US defence firm Textron Systems to build the craft, which will be 11% more fuel efficient than the existing fleet. The hovercraft are used by the US government in a number of roles, including supporting the deployment of military personnel and in humanitarian relief efforts where docks or fixed ports are not available. The Ship-to-Shore Connector programme aims to replace the US
Bank in link to pay plan
Navy’s current fleet over the next 20 years and could extend to 73 in total. If the full fleet is built, it would lead to the manufacture of more than 300 gas turbines, according to the company. Andrew Marsh, president of Rolls-Royce’s naval division, said: “This is an exciting and significant project for Rolls-Royce to be involved with.” Rolls has not disclosed the value of the project. Each SSC will use four Rolls-Royce MT7 gas turbines, derived from the same engine which powers the US Marine Corps’ V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.
BUSINESSES that have taken on PPI mis-selling claims processing for banks are struggling to retain contractors – with up to 50% of employees leaving every year, it is claimed. BrightPool, the specialist financial services recruiter, said PPI mis-selling claims more than doubled in the first half of 2012.. Banks have outsourced the processing of PPI mis-selling claims as the banks do not have the capacity to process the volume of claims being made. BrightPool said the annual “churn rate” for PPI claims processing contractors has reached 50% – because
businesses were hiring inexperienced contractors who were quitting or moving to different claims handling teams due to the pressure to clear the enormous backlog of claims. Angela Hickmore, managing director of BrightPool, said: “Businesses processing PPI claims have been trying to increase the number of staff dealing with these claims, but they’re swimming against the tide. “It’s becoming a real struggle to keep staff, as PPI claims handling d e p a r t m e n t s t e n d t o b e ve r y high-pressure environments, with extremely repetitive and target-based tasks.”
LLOYDS Banking Group is reportedly considering a shake-up of pay that could see it ditch annual bonuses for senior staff and extend long-term incentives to up to 10 years. The 40% state-owned lender raised the proposals with investors in a bid to calm shareholder anger over pay that has built up in the last year, according to newspaper reports. Lloyds is thought to be considering new trigger points for pay-outs, including one relating to the bank’s share price hitting the average price of 74p – equivalent to the price paid by the Government for its stake. The scrapping of annual bonuses and the 10-year timeframe for pay-outs, compared with the standard three years for typical long-term awards, were the most radical of a range of options. A Lloyds Banking Group spokeswoman said: “We keep our remuneration plans under review at all times but have no current plans to change our structures and do not expect to do so in the foreseeable future.” Some of Britain’s biggest companies – including banks – were subject to a shareholder spring earlier this year, which saw a series of rebellions over pay. Barclays was stung when nearly a third of shareholder votes failed to back its pay awards.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £35.40 -0.07 Gannett 1134.44 -3.43 Hess Corp £34.04 +0.17 Microsoft 1750.16 -36.49 Motors Liquidation 46.79 Wal-Mart Stores £47.12 -0.05 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 3131/2 -11/2 BAE Systems 3131/4 -4 Rolls-Royce 869 +1 AIM Brady Plc 1031/2 Man Brnze 9 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 210 -1/4 BANKS Barclays 2353/8 +11/2 HSBC 618 +23/4 Lloyds Banking Gp 407/8 +3/8 Ryl Scotland 2811/2 +1/2 Stan Chart 1480 -8 BEVERAGES Diageo 1772 +31/2 SABMiller £263/8 CHEMICALS Croda £231/8 -1/8 Elementis 98 2271/2 -21/4 Johnsn Mat £223/4 -1/2 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 312 -3/8 Costain 2353/4 +83/4
ELECTRICITY Drax Gp 5211/2 -11 SSE 1442 -8 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 2163/4 -1/4 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3731/2 -2 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 2193/8 +1/2 Cable & Wireless 373/8 Comm Colt Group 1183/4 +1/2 KCOM 77 +3/8 Talktalk Telecom 1903/4 +31/4 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2693/4 +1/4 Sainsbury 3573/4 -3/4 Tesco 315 -41/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1373 +12 Tate Lyle 7191/2 Unilever £231/8 -1/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 326 -5 National Grid 7051/2 -11/2 Pennon Grp 729 -51/2 Severn 1663 -5 United Utils 723 -6 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 2203/4 +7/8 ICAP 3233/4 -21/4 1 London StockExch 986 /2 -151/2 Man Group 81
Provident Financial 1423 -11 Schroders 1555 -8 Schroders NV 1237 +5 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 5691/2 +51/2 REXAM 4613/8 +21/4 Smiths Grp 1076 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 283/4 Carphone Whse 1633/4 -1/2 Dixons Retail 211/2 Home Retail 1071/4 -21/8 Inchcape 3851/8 +1/4 3 Kingfisher 285 /8 +7/8 M&S 3901/4 -27/8 Mothercare 269 +4 Next £36 -1/4 WH Smith 6411/2 +7 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 650 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 57 -21/2 Barrat Dev 192 -11/2 Persimmon 794 -15 -1/4 Reckitt Benckiser £363/4 Taylor Wimpey 601/2 +1/4 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 932 -3 INDUSTRIAL METALS 1 Ferrexpo 199 /4 +11/4 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 210 -11/4 LIFE INSURANCE
3415/8 1355/8 1767/8 8581/2 2201/2 2901/2 MEDIA BSkyB 724 D Mail Tst 4791/4 1 HIBU /2 ITV 89 Johnston Press 107/8 Pearson 1212 Reed Elsevier 6071/2 STV Group 933/4 Trinity Mirror 713/4 Utd Business 670 UTV 1401/2 WPP 838 MINING Anglo American 19081/2 Antofagasta 1309 BHP Billiton £201/4 Eurasian Natural 3453/4 Res Fresnillo 1916 Kazakhmys 7561/2 Lonmin 507 Rio Tinto £32 VEDANTA 1142 RESOURCES Xstrata 9923/4 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 5691/2 Vodafone Group 177 Aviva Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life
+43/8 -11/8 -3/4 -21/2 +5/8 +3/4 -51/2 -3/4 -1/2 -3/8 -6 -1/2 -1/2 +23/8 -151/2 +1/2 -2 +12 +6 -31/8 +24 -61/2 +87/8 -1/8 +7 +2 -5 -1/2
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
1
372 /8 88 7051/2 1778
3
-7 /8 +2 -11/2 -19
FTSE closed at
5882.91 down 13.24
NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1147 -2 RSA Insurance Gp 1151/2 -1/8 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 13421/2 -8 BP 4431/2 -7 1 Cairn Energy 281 /4 -61/2 Royal Dutch Shell A £211/2 Royal Dutch Shell B £22 Total £32 -1/4 Tullow Oil 1458 +3 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1105 -16
Petrofac 1578 -37 -15 Wood Gp(J) 8601/2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1172 -16 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY 3 Astrazeneca £29 /8 -1/8 GlaxoSmithK 51/2 Shire 1822 -33 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 5351/2 -3 Captl Shop Cent 3361/4 +21/4 Hamrsn 4791/2 -37/8 Land Secs 810 -2 SEGRO 2365/8 -1/2 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 2241/4 -5/8 Sage Group 3071/8 -17/8 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 565 -31/2 Bunzl 1037 -1 Capita 734 +51/2 De La Rue 1071 +2 Electrocomp 2121/4 +3/4 Experian 1047 -24 G4S 2643/4 +3/4 Hays 82 +13/8 1 Homeserve 239 /8 +81/8 Menzies J 612 -71/2 Rentokil 875/8 -3/8 1 Smiths News 145 /4 +11/4 5 Wolseley £26 /8 -5/8 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 5941/2 +31/2 Psion 873/4 -1/8
Spirent Comms
1497/8
-1/8
TOBACCO Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
1
£32 /8 £231/8
1
+ /4 +1/4
LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airlines Gp Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread
1213/4 £245/8 685 608 751/4 1901/4 1374 5971/2 1592 1593/4
-11/8 +1/2 -91/2 +1/4 +7/8 +30 -11/2 +6 -21/2
1801/4 3231/4 2087/8 1513/4 2761/4 2557/8 £231/4
-7/8 -11/4 -1 +1/2 -2 +37/8 -1/4
FTSE 100
INDEX 5882.91
-13.24
FTSE 250
INDEX 12040.01
-34.29
TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.47 dollars Bangladesh................. 122.87 taka Brazil.............................. 2.90 reals Canada....................... 1.52 dollars China ............................. 8.96 yuan Czech Republic ...... 28.00 korunas Denmark....................... 8.71 krone Euro............................... 1.17 euro Hong Kong................ 11.79 dollars Hungary................... 306.18 forints India.......................... 75.83 rupees Japan........................... 121.48 yen Mexico ....................... 18.37 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.83 dollars Norway ......................... 8.64 krone Pakistan.................. 143.92 rupees Philippines ................. 56.83 pesos South Africa................. 12.97 rand South Korea.............. 1542.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 195.79 rupees Sweden....................... 10.07 krona Switzerland.................. 1.41 francs Taiwan ...................... 40.96 dollars Turkey....................... 2.72 new lira USA ............................ 1.53 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS THERE’S nothing like a little retail therapy to lift the spirits. Legal assistant Rozina Rehman happily admits to being something of a shopaholic. Colleagues at Cleckheaton-based employment law specialist Howarths are well aware of Rozina’s passion for shopping – and that the weekend wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the mall. “As every girl on earth will know, nothing gives you more of a thrill then when you have just bought a new bag, dress, shoes or accessories,” she says. “I have an obsession with retail shopping – and that’s thanks to my mum who is equally as obsessed and made me fall in love with it. “I love the Trafford Centre and the White Rose Centre is almost my second home! “It’s very therapeutic and better than relaxing at home – although it can be very expensive. “With Christmas coming I will be buying tons of gifts for family and friends – as well as a few things for myself!.” Rozina’s most recent holiday was to Paris. “I did lots of shopping,” she says. “I like seeing places rather than lazing on the beach. I don’t mind half a day, but any more and I need to be doing something.” Rozina is also a big film fan and enjoys various genres of movies. “From an early age, as far as I can remember, my father got me into watching different genres of movies from spaghetti westerns to sci-fi movies,” she says. “My favourite classic movie is Barefoot in the Park with Robert Redford and Jane Fonda, but I love lots of films. “If I hadn’t been able to find my feet with Howarths, I would have pursued a career in the media industry, preferably as a movie critic. “But I’m happy now just watching movies and enjoying my time at Howarths.” Rozina started work at Howarths in 2007 as an administration assistant – her first job after leaving college with four A levels. Says Rozina: “After finishing my A levels, I wasn’t sure what career I wanted to pursue and
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Bright future in store for Rozina this didn’t help me in choosing a degree at a university. “Having looked at various degrees being offered at universities, nothing jumped out to me. “I therefore didn’t want to obtain just any degree and didn’t want to be doing a degree for three years on something my heart wasn’t into. “Then the job at Howarths came along. I was delighted to accept the administration assistant role that was offered to me. “This was my first ever job and I like the fact that my skills and knowledge have grown with the company.” She says: “Law was one of my A levels at Dewsbury College and I enjoyed my studies, but I didn’t know what kind of work I wanted to go into.” Rozina, who grew up in Cleckheaton and still lives in the town, has now worked for
■ SHOP TALK: Rozina Rehman, legal assistant ay employment law specialist Howarths, says there’s nothing like a little retail therapy
Howarths for more than five years and has progressed from being a member of the admin staff to a legal assistant role. She is now training to be an adviser. “As an admin assistant, I wanted to put every effort into my work no matter how big or small a job was and produce results that the company was proud of,” she says. “At Howarths, from the very beginning, I felt like part of the team and very much as a family and it meant a lot for us to make what we had a success. “I worked in all parts of the business, but I got really interested in the law side of things. “I managed to get hands-on experience in various sections of the company including marketing and organising seminars and training courses before going into the legal side. “It made sense to step into a legal role as I had attained an A Level in law, which I quite enjoyed.” Rozina is currently undertaking an Employment Law Diploma course at Bolton Royd College in Bradford and is training to be an adviser. She is also assisting with tribunal work, under the supervision of Charlotte Lloyd, non-practising solicitor. “This is the most wonderful opportunity that Howarths has given me,” says Rozina. “Enabling me to find my feet within the company has helped
me find something that I really enjoy doing. “Every day is different; I get to speak to different clients who have various queries. “Knowing that I have helped and guided managers with their employee issues, gives me great satisfaction at the end. “I am getting to the stage where I an able to provide advice to clients and hopefully, my career will take off further. “I also produce company handbooks and contracts of employment. “This is something all businesses should have as tribunals award costs against companies that have not issued employees with contracts. “It encourages handbooks and polices to be put in place to help managers follow the correct procedures that they would face day-to-day.” When she isn’t browsing the shops, Rozina can be found in the kitchen. “I started attending cookery lessons every Tuesday,” she says. I decided to get into it and learn to cook decent food properly. “I enjoy all the cookery shows, particularly The Great British Bake Off, although cakes aren’t my speciality yet!”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Rozina Rehman Role: Legal Assistant Age: 25 Holidays: Paris, France Car: Renault Clio First job: Straight from college to Howarths! Best thing about job: Working with the Howarths team Worst thing about job: The printer being downstairs! Business tip: A little more effort into your work goes a long way
Howarths Work: Employment law specialists Site: Cleckheaton Employees: 10 Phone: 01274 864999 Email: info@howarths-uk.com Web www.howarths-uk.com
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Here’s how to put on the style THERE’S food for thought tomorrow when style expert Deborah Ogden presents the latest Knowledge Sandwich session at the Media Centre in Huddersfield. Deborah, who heads Honley-based Style Confidence Ltd, will share advice with local businesses on how to make a great first impression. She said: “Today's economic climate means more individuals are having to get out there and personally ‘sell’ their business and for many it’s a daunting task. I help by working on appearance, building confidence and non-verbal communication.” The event is free and runs from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Book via the Media Centre on 01484 483000.
Networking end to a busy week BUSINESS people in Calderdale have been invited to an informal networking event. The Last Friday Club stages its next get-together from 12.30pm to 1.30pm on Friday at Bar Eleven in Halifax. The networking group’s supporting partners are the Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Ramsdens Solicitors, Begbies Traynor and Barclays. The lunchtime networking meetings are free and run on the last Friday of every month.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Paying your dues! ITH a growing focus from HM RevW enue & Customs on closing down aggressive tax avoidance schemes, it is
also worth noting that current HMRC activity is not simply constrained to targeting the wealthy. Since HMRC launched an amnesty in respect of undeclared offshore income in 2007, tax amnesties have become even more commonplace as attempts continue to ensure everyone pays the tax they owe. In July, HMRC launched a number of tax amnesties to encourage individuals to make good any unpaid tax liabilities they may have outstanding with the latest amnesties also focusing on specific roles such as doctors or online traders. HMRC have even refined this to specific occupations in specific regions to allow their taskforce to further focus their attentions. Perhaps the main initiative of interest, however, is the Tax Return initiative launched on July 3 which is targeted at individuals who pay tax at 40% or above and who should have submitted a Self-Assessment tax return. The question is, are you affected and should you take advantage of the amnesty? Should I have completed a tax return? This campaign is primarily targeted at individuals who have been sent a Self Assessment tax return or have been told they are required to complete one but have so far failed to do so. The first phase is focused on individuals who have failed to complete returns for 2009/10 or earlier. Do you owe any unpaid tax? HMRC are targeting people who they know to be higher or additional rate tax payers, as quite often they know this through the PAYE system (utilised for employed pay and for pension income by pension providers). The expectation is that these people may
FINANCIAL FOCUS Karen Wynard
also have additional income which has not been declared - such as interest from bank deposits or dividends from shares. It should be remembered that this quite often is paid net of basic rate tax and may need to be declared via a self-assessment tax return. What you may not realise though, is that the campaign is also directed at others who perhaps should have completed a tax return but failed to do so even though they were not invited to do so e.g those who may have incurred a chargeable event gain from encashing an investment bond, as this can have the effect of pushing you into higher rate tax or if you are of a certain age (pensioners), impact on your age-related personal income tax allowance. Both situations could mean additional tax was payable, but this quite often needs to be declared to HMRC for them to know that this tax is due. What is the benefit of responding to the amnesty? The standard penalties for not submitting a self-assessment return are as follows: ● £100 is charged when a return is late with another £100 for returns that are still outstanding six months later. Interest and surcharges are also payable on any tax paid late ● HMRC can also charge a penalty based on the amount owed. This can be as much as 100 % of the tax if you are affected, however, and you send in your completed tax returns for years 2009-10 or earlier and pay any tax
you owe before October 2, 2012, then, in some circumstances the latter penalty (based on the amount owed) could be reduced to nothing ● By taking part in the campaign, people will receive the best terms on offer and HMRC expects that most will not have to pay this penalty. It is always better to come to HMRC before they come to you. Although the amnesty can assist those who do owe tax to avoid greater penalties, this needs to be a timely reminder to ensure your tax affairs are in order and that any claims you have made were appropriate. It should also be a reminder to make sure your investments are held as tax-efficiently as possible as it may be that, with better financial planning, you can reduce or eliminate any increased tax liabilities. For example use of ISA allowances or simply re-arranging ownership of income-producing investments to a lower tax-paying spouse could be simple yet effective solutions. As always please contact us for further guidance or if you require any advice on the above issues. Please note that the Financial Services Authority does not regulate taxation advice. The tax treatment outlined above depends on the individual circumstances of the investor and may be subject to change in the future.
Karen Wynard is head of corporate services at Eastwood & Partners (Financial Services) Ltd
Make some travellers’ checks T is commonplace for employees to I– undertake work-related business travel often incurring significant travelling
and subsistence expenses. A potential problem, which can often be overlooked, is whether such costs, particularly with the use of an employee’s own car, qualify for tax relief. Under normal circumstances, ordinary commuting costs to and from an employee’s permanent place of work do not qualify for tax relief. Where an employee chooses to live and how far he has to travel to get to work is a matter of personal choice and no matter how far the regular journey is, it will not be an allowable expense. Where an employee is required to travel to a temporary workplace, for example to a client or customer, then the cost of that travel will be a business expense. So if an employee travels from his normal workplace to a temporary one and then returns to the normal workplace, the whole of the expense of that return journey will be allowable. If the employee travels directly from home to the temporary workplace and returns directly home, the whole of that expense would be allowable as business travel, even if that trip was less distance and less expensive than the normal commuting trip to the permanent
TAX TALK Colin Barratt
workplace. From the above, it will be seen that for a business journey to qualify for tax relief it must be a journey to or from a temporary workplace and not to or from the permanent workplace of the employee. The important question therefore is what is a permanent workplace and what is a temporary one? A temporary workplace is a workplace to which the employee goes only to perform a task of limited duration or for a temporary purpose. This would be the case where an employee expects to be at a place of work for less than 24 months. The costs of travelling between home and that temporary workplace will qualify for tax relief on the full cost. So if an employee is required to work at a particular client’s premises for a short period of time it will be a temporary workplace. This is a particularly relevant for site-based employees.
But those who work regularly at different workplaces, for example three days a week at the Huddersfield office and two days a week at the Halifax office will be regarded as working at two permanent workplaces so that the expenses of travel from home to either place will be regarded as ordinary commuting. Travel between the two bases will, however, be business travel. In giving tax relief for business travel the full costs of the business journey will be allowed and this includes other costs integral to the journey, for example parking fees, costs for any necessary overnight accommodation and evening meals. The rules for travelling and subsistence expenses can give valuable tax relief for many employees who are site-based, rather than having a permanent workplace, but it is important to keep a note of all expenses incurred otherwise HMRC may deny tax relief to which an employee is entitled.
Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth chartered accountants, Huddersfield
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Workloads slump for housebuilders WORKLOADS among small house building businesses have slumped, according to an industry survey. The latest State of Trade Survey from the Federation of Master Builders said the recession was continuing for small and medium-sized enterprises in the construction sector. The survey said the continuing deterioration in the SME house building sector will be a big concern for the Government – having acknowledged that new house building is key to delivering jobs and growth in the British economy. An alarming 39% of respondents to the FMB survey reported a decline in private new house building workloads in the third quarter of the year while 40% predict a further decline in the last three months of this year. Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “There is little doubt that we are in the midst of a serious housing crisis with fewer than half the number of new homes being built to meet current demand. “The FMB survey results show that the SME construction sector remains in deep trouble. “This time last year we had hoped that we would be seeing at least some signs of recovery on the horizon by now. However, it is becoming clear that this situation is not going to resolve itself any time soon.” Said Mr Berry: “With the industry in such a fragile state, the Government must think very carefully about introducing any new burdens on the house building sector. “Now is not the time to be pushing on with policies designed during the economic boom. Instead, real progress is required on deregulation.”
property
Page 6
Buyers get advice over older properties A NEW service has been launched in Yorkshire to help buyers of older houses and those undertaking renovation projects. Consumers are becoming increasingly less inclined to rely purely on lender information when taking out mortgages, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. And older or more unusual homes often require a greater level of repair and improvement, it said. Now the RICS has launched its Building Survey to provide the buyer with a comprehensive analysis of the property. Armed with this information, the buyer then has the option to renegotiate the price or take or leave an offer with increased confidence about their investment. In April, 2012, consumer magazine Which? recommended that consumers commission RICS members to carry out structural surveys when buying, selling or improving a home. The survey provides a comprehensive and easy to understand report on all aspects of
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the property, including a full breakdown on the fabric and condition of the property, with a diagnosis of defects, and repairs and maintenance advice. RICS regional spokesman Bruce Collinson said: “A home is the most expensive asset most of us will buy and older or more unusual properties often require more renovation work than newer homes. “So when purchasing a property like this or taking on a development project, it is important that buyers know exactly what they are getting themselves into, otherwise they could potentially lose thousands of pounds. “The new RICS Building Survey offers a detailed assessment of a property’s condition and is designed with more unusual homes in mind. “Commissioning a survey helps homebuyers to make a more informed decision on their purchase, and gives them greater negotiating power, which could ultimately save them thousands of pounds.”
■ ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The RIC has launched a Building Survey to help people buying or renovating older properties
Sky’s the limit for company following African contracts A TRAINING company which began in a house in the Holme Valley has moved into the international market with contracts in Africa. Now Astra Access Safety Training Ltd – which was set up in 2008 by director Mick Aston in his spare room at home in Honley with the help of a £2,000 grant – is aiming to further expand its business overseas Astra has just completed a month-long project in Uganda and Cameroon after being asked to deliver training in use of scaffolding and working at heights at the two locations in the African oilfields. Mr Aston said: “ Our name had been given to the HR department at the London office of the oil company. “When they asked if we would be interested in the training, I presumed it would be in the UK or offshore, but when the girl said it was in Africa, it was a bit of a shock. “We sorted out the logistics of flights, accommodation and transport whilst in Africa, then the next thing we were there delivering the training courses.” Said Mr Aston: “Although the training was in Africa, the UK health, safety and scaffolding criteria was followed as it is highly regarded as the benchmark throughout the world.”
overseas training in France, Ireland and on a barge in the North Sea that is installing wind turbines. Another trip to Africa looks likely and training in Dubai, America and Europe are in the pipeline. Back in Yorkshire the company has invested £100,000 at its 18-metre high, 50,000sq ft workspace in Wakefield by creating a full-size four-bedroom house and 10-metre high steel-frame structure, both for demonstration and scaffold training purposes. The firm has also put in a suite of classrooms and will incorporate new offices soon. Said Mr Aston: “The huge base means we can improve and expand our comprehensive package of health and safety consultancy and training services – all designed to support workers operating at height, whether that is on scaffolding, mobile towers, elevating work platforms such as cherry pickers and scissor lifts, or simply on ladders and steps.” Astra has worked with clients in the construction, utilities, cleaning and other industries for the last four years. Their services are targeted at any business
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
FOR SALE
Highfield United Reformed Church
Earlsheaton, Dewsbury, WF12 8BB
1 Substantial detached church 1 GIA 384m2 (4,133 sq ft) 1 Large private car park 1 Alternative use potential (STP) Price: Offers around £275,000
FOR SALE ■ TIMBER FRAMED: Chairman Peter Jenkinson cuts the ribbon to mark the opening of the new showroom for Timber Specialists as members of staff look on
Showroom opening A COMPANY selling timber products has created four jobs with the opening of a new showroom. Timber Specialists has launched the 5,000sq ft showroom as part of efforts to boost its presence in the retail market after being known for many years solely as a supplier to the building trade. The firm, which now has 20 employees, has also moved its office into new premises at Queen’s Mill Road, Lockwood, has demolished old sheds to create space for customer parking and storage. The new showroom was officially opened by company chairman Peter Jenkinson watched by staff. Kevin Smith, director of Timber Specialists, said: “This is a massive development for us. We started in 1996 and for 15 years we have
been a trade-only business. “We have seen companies close and go bust and we were taking a bigger slice of the pie – but that pie has been getting smaller. “We decided to open ourselves up to the retail side as well. Until 12 months ago, you could have driven past our premises and not known who we were or what we did. “Now we have flags and signs up and by spring next year we will be a one-stop shop for either domestic or trade customers.” Mr Smith said the company, which is also launching a new website, also aimed to attract the agricultural sector with a new department offering fencing – complementing existing products such as decking, insulation boards and plasterboards, windows, doors and door frames.
Sue lands place in awards final A WOMAN in a man’s world has been shortlisted for a top award. Sue Wimpenny (pictured), who has worked alongside h u s b a n d Ja m e s i n t h e Shepley-based Wimpenny construction business, is among the five finalists in the Women in Property and Construction category of the International Aspiring Women Awards 2012. She will compete with the other nominees at an awards ceremony to be held in early November at Villa Park in Birmingham. T h e A s p i r i n g Wo m e n Awards celebrate the achievements of women throughout the world and inspires those to achieve at all levels in business and corporate life. The Wimpenny Group, a family business, traces its origins to 1884 and is synonymous with landmark buildings around Yorkshire and the North of England. Sue has set up her own brand, The Lady Builder,
which works mainly in central London and specialises in project managing house renovations and extensions for women who are busy balancing careers with family life. Said Sue: “Running The Lady Builder is exhilarating. Every job is different and I enjoy working very closely with my clients. “If they want a Sex in the City-style walk-in wardrobe
or a garden that becomes part of the day-to-day living space then that’s what I strive to achieve. “I love designing and creating and I appreciate I’m extremely lucky to love my work.” She said: “Women have a keen eye for detail and can multitask; yet every week I meet men who are curious as to why I work in the construction field. “I’m constantly enquiring h ow m a ny wo m e n a re employed within certain sectors of our business and it does make some of the males sit up and think that they ought to widen their horizons and attitudes. “It's a huge honour to have been nominated in the first place but I'm overwhelmed at becoming a finalist. “ I f yo u wa n t t o d o something you can and will. Don’t let gender stereotypes in any industry make you doubt your ability to reach the top.”
Former Bradley Mills Social Club
Leeds Road, Huddersfield, HD1 6PA
1 Substantial former club premises 1 Prominent frontage to Leeds Road 1 Adjoinng Leeds Road retail park 1 Suitable for a variety of uses STPP Price: Offers around £120,000
FOR SALE/TO LET
Concept House
Cowlersley Lane, Linthwaite, Huddersfield, HD7 5TQ
1 High spec. designer offices with adjoining workshop 1 Pleasant working environment 1 Ample parking/expansion land 1 Potential for residential redevelopment Price: Offers around £325,000 Rent: £22,500 per annum exclusive
TO LET
24 Long Causeway
Princess of Wales Precinct, Dewsbury, WF13 1NH
1 Modern retail premises 1 119.19m2 (1,282 sq ft) 1 Prime town centre location Rent: On Application
TO LET
Modern Industrial Units
Fieldhouse Business Park, Old Fieldhouse Lane, Leeds Road, Huddersfield, HD2 1FA
1 Immediately available modern secure units 1 Leeds Road corridor 1 Unit 6 – 10,362 sq ft, Unit 9 – 10,322 sq ft Unit 10 – 13,706 sq ft Rents: from £4.50psf exclusive
TO LET
Industrial Unit
Unit 4c, Armytage Road, Brighouse, HD6 1QF 1 Modern single-storey workshop units 1 10,000 sq ft 1 To be refurbished 1 Self-contained with yard/loading 1 Adjacent to J25 of M62 motorway Rent: On Application
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Andy Gabbitass
Birley Manufacturing HUDDERSFIELD man Andy Gabbitass has been appointed to the project management team at Sheffield-based Birley Manufacturing. Brighouse-born Mr Gabbitass (pictured) has more than 15 years experience in the sector, during which time he has secured maintenance contracts with high street retailers including Pret a Manger and handled installation work with Artform International, installing kiosks in Tesco and Asda. Most recently, he has worked on Barclays Bank refurbishment projects. Birley Manufacturing is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of shop interiors and rail carriage equipment, working with major names including Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, NatWest and East Midlands Trains. Outside work, Andy is a black belt karate instructor, having competed at international level and likes to keep fit running and weight training. Birley Manufacturing managing director Steve English said: “We are delighted to have Andy on board. He brings with him a wealth of experience with key high street retailers. He will be a great addition to our project management team.”
Movers and shakers
Page 8
Kitchen crew’s Top Gun tester! A CATERING supplier in Huddersfield has partnered with a leading hospitality college to put its sales staff through a “Top Gun” inspired training academy. Dalton-based family firm Total Foodservice is putting nine of its young workers through their paces on a 15-month training programme with Kendal College. The course will see the cadets achieve an NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration, whilst helping them live and breathe the food industry. On successfully completing the course, the fully-fledged kitchen commanders will be jetting off to an undisclosed location for a special celebration. Simon Howarth, managing director of Total Foodservice, said: “This partnership with Kendal College will see our sales team get the tools to not only understand the business side of our customers’ operations, but also get to the heart of the hospitality industry and understand its inner workings. “It’s the perfect combination for our business and I look forward to seeing the impact our high-flying graduates have on their return to base.” He said: “As a business, it is always of paramount importance that we understand the pressures and challenges faced by our customers. “Our approach to sales is to ensure that the customer can be innovative with their menus, can create the dishes they aspire to serve, and always have the service that they require.” Over the 15 months, the cadets will journey through the whole catering process from field to fork, facing lessons in kitchen management and workflow, food safety and hygiene, food product and barista training. They will also become experts in envir-
■ COOKING CREW: Total Foodservice cadets (from left) Mick Vaughan, Becky Hutchinson, Julie McWalters, Jess Williams, Steve Chadwick, Rachel Wheeler, Stefanie O’Leary , Laura Walker and Andrew Rogerson
onmental awareness and sustainability, the challenges the catering industry faces, sales techniques and innovation in business. Mike Mounfield, director of enterprise at Kendal College, said: “The bespoke curriculum for the course was developed to elevate Total Foodservice’s already com-
prehensive and successful sales operations to instil an appreciation of the industry and what the customer faces day-to-day. “We’re sure that our new recruits will finish the course more confident sellers and able to offer an industry leading sales service to Total Foodservice customers.”
It’s a five-star winner Backing Town FINANCIAL and business adviser Grant Thornton has renewed its support for Huddersfield Town. Grant Thornton first pledged its support to the club when Dean Hoyle became chairman in 2009. More recently, it supported the Huddersfield Town Enterprise Academy, which began during the 2010/11 season and has become a focal point for businesses in the Yorkshire area to come together and exchange ideas on business practice and networking. Five meetings were held throughout last season including a “Pow-Wow in the Park” at Greenhead. Grant Thornton has continued to support the HTEA this season, which has already held its first event at the Lawrence Batley Theatre. Town commercial director Sean Jarvis (right) is pictured with commercial manager Tracy Nelson and Grant Thornton partner Ian Marwood. Said Mr Jarvis: “We are delighted to announce that long-standing club partner Grant Thornton is going to continue its excellent support of Huddersfield Town for a further year.” Mr Marwood said: “Huddersfield Town is a great club to be associated with.”
A HOTEL group with operations in Huddersfield has added another prize to its trophy cabinet. Cedar Court Hotels, which has a hotel at Ainley Top, was a winner at Yorkshire’s White Rose Awards. The group’s Cedar Court Grand Hotel & Spa in York took the award for Large Hotel of the Year, completing a remarkable 12 months in which it also received its formal five-star certification from the AA and Two AA Rosettes for The Grill Room at The Grand restaurant. Judges praised the hotel for its “sheer opulence” as well as its “highly professional, yet friendly staff”. Hotel general manager Maria Florou said: ““We are so proud to win this award because we know what a tough category it is. The White Rose Awards are considered a real barometer of quality both in the tourism industry and for consumers, and Large Hotel of the Year is
■ ROOM SERVICE: John Horvath (front left), Cedar Court Group hotel director; and general manager Maria Florou (front right), accept the award historically one of the hardest awards to win.” The White Rose Awards are run by tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire and are the biggest tourism awards in the UK. Cedar Court Grand Hotel & Spa, York is Yorkshire’s only
five-star hotel. It has 107 bedrooms, including 13 suites and a penthouse. Many of the rooms in the Grade II listed building have views of the historic City Walls. Cedar Court Hotels also has four-star hotels in Wakefield, Leeds/Bradford and Harrogate.
Success in the balance HOLMFIRTH-based Balance Accountants has been shortlisted for a major national award for the second time. The firm is a finalist in the category for Independent Firm of the Year for the North of England in the British Accountancy Awards. The awards, which will be held on Wednesday, November 21 in London, recognise excellence among accountancy practices with categories covering all sizes of firms and the individuals and teams within them. Ashley Barrowclough, of Balance, said: “It is a tremendous achievement for us to be shortlisted not just once but twice especially as no one else in our area has been shortlisted.”