Kirklees Business News 13/09/11

NEIL WORTHINGTON Home at Holmfirth Full inter view - Page 3

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees

Growing company makes more room A COMPANY supplying temporary classrooms has secured additional premises.

Meltham firm Eurolink Construction Services Ltd received support from Royal Bank of Scotland to acquire the Railway Sawmills at Lockwood.

The site, includes almost two acres of concrete hard standing, which will be used to store the firm’s portable buildings.

Director Michael Stancliffe said: “We have looked at many sites over the last five years, but none have ticked all the boxes like this site.

“Buying buildings with the right specification at the right price is paramount to our business to continue to supply the high quality refurbished classrooms expected from our clients.

“The biggest headache in our industry is having the storage facilities available to accommodate the stock.

“We have leased three and often more sites at any one time over the years and managed adequately.

“Being able to bring everything under one roof will not only enhance our business profile, it will also provide a better working environment and give better control over stock.”

He said: “This is obviously a huge investment and a big commitment to make in these uncertain economic times when most businesses, including ourselves, have been forced to tighten their belts.

“Our main customer base – schools and local authorities – are struggling with severe budget cuts this year.

“But we are sure that the move will demonstrate our commitment to our business model and we are confident that it will give us the flexibility to improve our operations in the future.

“We are very optimistic in what lies ahead for us and we are sure that demand for fast, affordable, classroom and office accommodation that meets current building standards will be on the increase next year.”

The company, which has been trading for almost 18 years, supplies new and second-hand portable, temporary classrooms for sale, lease purchase or long-term hire.

Said Mr Stancliffe: “On the new site, there is an opportunity for more local companies to access small business units at affordable monthly rental rates. The 5,000sqft of space is ideal for splitting into smaller units and we already have three interested parties

freeze or cut numbers.

The outlook for job creation is now more positive than at any point this year, according to the survey.

Manpower said the overall national picture remained “moderately” positive for the fourth quarter – but Yorkshire and Humber is one of only four

Time to innovate!

KIRKLEES firms have another chance to gain an edge over their competitors.

A new round of the Innovation Voucher scheme has been launched by Kirklees Council, Kirklees College and Huddersfield University, inviting local firms to apply for vouchers worth up to £5,000 to help them build their businesses.

● Full story - Page 6

■ SITE MEETING: Eurolink managing director John Stancliffe with Marie Nicholl, of RBS, and staff at the new site premises in Lockwood

due to the excellent rates on offer.”

Eurolink was supported during the negotiations and sale by Marie Nicholl, senior relationship manager for RBS. The company has been a customer of the bank for 10 years.

Said Ms Nicholl: “Given the nature

of Eurolink Construction’s business, it has taken a while to find a site that matches their needs. The new base provides them with the space to continue growing while the decision to buy rather than rent demonstrates the strength of the business.”

Employers more confident about creating jobs YORKSHIRE employers are more confident about hiring staff, claims a survey today.

The latest Employment Outlook Survey from recruitment firm Manpower said more employers in the region are looking to add to their workforce than those planning to

INSIDE

regions in the UK this quarter to see an increase in employer confidence.

“Employers in Yorkshire are looking to take extra people on and there are jobs out there for people currently out of work,” said Amanda White, Manpower operations manager for Yorkshire. “Although the economy

may be slowing down somewhat, it is still growing and some regions like Yorkshire and Humber are helping to drive that growth.”

Across the UK, utilities is now the most positive sector with employers in the sector reporting hiring intentions of plus 10%.

The most trusted news brand in the business

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Stepping forward SUCCESSFUL businesswomen from Kirklees are among the finalists in Businesswoman of the Year in the awards run

by Yorkshire-based networking organisation Forward Ladies.

● Full story - Page 8

Solicitors for business inYorkshire www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk Huddersfield | Wakefield | Halifax | Leeds

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

national

Price cuts damage profits for Primark THE owner of the discount fashion chain Primark said it was having to discount more than expected as it battles the harsh consumer climate.

Associated British Foods, which also owns Twinings, Ovaltine and Kingsmill, said the budget retailer’s like-for-like sales rose by 3% in the year to September 17 but that it needed a higher than normal level of price cuts to get customers spending.

This will hit operating margins by more than anticipated.

Overall, sales at Primark continued to grow and are expected to be up by 13% for the year when including takings from new stores.

The group’s latest store, a

46,000sq ft shop next to the London Olympics site, opens today.

The group opened stores in Scunthorpe, Ilford, Kings Lynn and Stockport during the past six months and with the new Westfield store will have 223 stores in the UK and Europe.

Primark warned earlier in the year about soaring cotton prices, but these have softened recently, which will be reflected in lower input costs in 2012.

Elsewhere, sugar and agriculture revenues are ahead of the previous year, while the UK grocery arm and tea and drinks business Twinings Ovaltine both did well.

However, bakery division K i n g s m i l l o n ly p a r t i a l ly

recovered higher wheat costs, while foods distributor Westmill was hit by a slowdown in the Chinese and Indian restaurant trade.

The group said operating profits over the second half met its previous expectations despite the pressure on Primark, with underlying earnings to be close to last year due to a lower tax rate and despite there being a week less trading.

James Dawson, an analyst at broker Charles Stanley, added that a good performance from sugar helped offset some of the weaker results elsewhere, but with pressure continuing on margins there is a risk forecasts could be lowered.

New-look store for M&S

Yorkshire firms more confident CONFIDENCE among Yorkshire firms is improving, according to a survey today.

The latest UK Business Confidence Monitor from Grant Thornton and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales said the confidence index – standing at 8.2 – had now been out of negative territory for two full years.

Grant Thornton regional director Chris Manners said: “This quarter, growth continues on a generally upward trend in Yorkshire and Humber, with turnover expanding by 5.2% over the 12 months to the third quarter of 2011.

“In the second quarter, firms

■ SHOP TALK: Primark owner AB Foods has opened four new stores during the past six months

reported that turnover had contracted by 3.5% over the previous 12 months, but since then turnover has been on a generally positive growth trend.

“Performance in sales volumes has also improved, but the picture for gross profit growth is mixed: no clear positive trend has emerged since before the recession.”

While exports continued to perform strongly, increasing by 3.6% over the past year, the survey showed that employment continued to fall .

The region also remained vulnerable to public sector job losses through government budget cuts.

MARKS & Spencer unwrapped the first store in a £600m revamp that it hopes will make its outlets easier to shop in and boost its own brands.

The store in London’s High Street Kensington is the first of 14 over the next month that will benefit from improved design, signs and lighting. It also boasts a new delicatessen counter and an enhanced bakery range which M&S expects will be rolled out to its larger stores.

The stores will include “shops within shops” for each of its brands, such as Per Una, Limited Collection and Autograph, with each getting its own distinct backdrop.

The revamp – the second in two years following a £2bn facelift approved by former chairman Sir Stuart Rose – comes after shoppers complained that stores were difficult to get around.

The firm’s plans to turn its labels into “proper brands” recently saw the launch of actor Ryan Reynolds and model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as the faces of Autograph.

M&S, which plans to close its Piazza store in Huddersfield to focus on its New Street site, said its 700-strong chain will be converted to the new format over the next two years.

Page 2 Backing for bid A £1.5bn bid battle for the UK engineering firm Charter looks to have been won by American manufacturing company Colfax.

Charter, which is focused on welding, cutting and automation and on air and gas handling, has been the subject of takeover interest for more than two months.

Pump and valve maker Colfax was spurred into action after rival bidder Melrose raised its offer for the third time and Charter opened its books for due diligence to the UK-based turnaround specialist.

Melrose has until September 21 to decide if it will top the US group’s offer.

The cash and share offer from Colfax, which has been backed by the board of Charter, is worth 910p per share or £1.53bn in total – significantly higher than the 850p offered by Melrose earlier this month.

Colfax said Charter’s Howden division, which focuses on air and gas handling, would complement its own fluid handling operation, while the ESAB business, which provides welding and cutting solutions, offered it a new growth platform.

Lars Emilson, Charter’s chairman, said the Colfax offer was “attractive”, adding the US firm also had a strong reputation for quality brands and taking a long-term view on its businesses.

SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £29.73 -0.16 Gannett 579.83 -42.36 Hess Corp £35.82 -0.69 Microsoft 1621.88 -5.69 Motors Liquidation 47.42 Wal-Mart Stores £32.19 -0.28 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 282 +2 BAE Systems 271 -11/2 Rolls-Royce 606 -161/2 AIM Brady Plc 711/2 Dawson Intl 17/8 Man Brnze 351/2 -3 Uniq 955/8 -1/4 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 1757/8 -41/4 BANKS Barclays 1415/8 -23/8 HSBC 4921/2 -12 1 -1/2 Lloyds Banking Gp 30 /2 Ryl Scotland 203/4 -3/4 Stan Chart 1334 +91/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1188 -12 SABMiller £213/4 -1/4 CHEMICALS Croda 1766 -35 Elementis 98 1387/8 -41/2 Johnsn Mat 1534 -41 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2291/4 -61/4 Costain 2231/4 -83/4 ELECTRICITY

Drax Gp 5211/2 -7 Intl Power 3183/4 -33/4 Scottish & Sthrn 1254 -21 Energy ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 1381/8 -63/4 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3293/8 -45/8 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 1621/4 -31/2 Cable & Wireless 371/2 Comm Cable & Wireless 311/8 -15/8 Wwide 5 Colt Group 100 /8 -23/4 KCOM 72 -21/2 Talktalk Telecom 1261/2 -31/8 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 294 -53/4 Sainsbury 2755/8 -101/8 3 Tesco 363 /4 -51/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1052 -18 Tate Lyle 584 -181/2 Unilever 1941 -41 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 2891/8 -33/8 National Grid 616 -6 Pennon Grp 653 -191/2 Severn 1420 -34 United Utils 582 -10 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 1883/8 -91/8 ICAP 4681/2 -7 London StockExch 8361/2 -211/2

Man Group 2271/8 +107/8 Provident Financial 1058 -18 Schroders 1328 -56 Schroders NV 1068 -38 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 4211/8 -133/4 REXAM 3191/2 -10 Smiths Grp 914 -21 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 201/8 -1/8 Carphone Whse 320 -163/4 Dixons Retail 103/4 -1/8 Home Retail 1051/8 -13/4 3 Inchcape 269 /4 -53/8 Kingfisher 2323/4 +3/4 M&S 315 +1/2 3 Mothercare 346 /8 -61/2 Next £233/8 -1/8 WH Smith 4871/2 -95/8 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 585 -91/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 851/4 -31/2 Barrat Dev 747/8 -11/4 1 Persimmon 432 /8 -41/8 Reckitt Benckiser £321/4 -1/2 Taylor Wimpey 30 -5/8 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 857 +53 IMI 7771/2 -19 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 3577/8 -47/8 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 160 -15/8 LIFE INSURANCE

2891/4 907/8 1103/8 568 2351/4 1863/4 MEDIA BSkyB 6731/2 D Mail Tst 360 ITV 515/8 Johnston Press 43/4 Pearson 1060 Reed Elsevier 4703/4 STV Group 109 Trinity Mirror 391/4 Utd Business 416 UTV 1273/4 WPP 590 Yell Group 41/8 MINING Anglo American £235/8 Antofagasta 1249 BHP Billiton 19331/2 Eurasian Natural 6221/2 Res Fresnillo 1989 Kazakhmys 9981/2 Lonmin 1173 Rio Tinto £351/8 VEDANTA 1330 RESOURCES Xstrata 9803/4 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 4765/8 Vodafone Group 158 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1280 Aviva Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life

-131/2 -31/8 -11/4 -81/2 -103/4 -33/8 -10 -97/8 -7/8 -1/4 -15 -95/8 -1 -13/4 -73/4 +1/8 -161/2 -1/4 -1/2 -40 -271/2 -221/2 -161 -191/2 -27 -1/2 -32 -63/8 +67/8 -4 -27

Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp

2491/4 98 616 1754

-43/4 -6 -52

FTSE closed at

5129.62 Down 85.03 RSA Insurance Gp 1077/8 -23/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1242 -271/2 BP 3751/2 -21/2 1 Cairn Energy 312 /2 -61/8 Royal Dutch Shell A 1990 -271/2 Royal Dutch Shell B £201/8 -1/4 Total £275/8 -5/8 Tullow Oil 1397 -16 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 8911/2 -171/2 Petrofac 1321 -47 Wood Gp(J) 5421/2 -19 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1258 -24 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £273/8 -5/8 Axis-Shield 474 -8

GlaxoSmithK XD 181/2 Shire 1942 -35 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 505 -81/2 Captl Shop Cent 3173/4 -61/2 DTZ Hldgs 36 +2 Hamrsn 382 -63/4 1 Land Secs 690 /2 -22 SEGRO 246 -43/4 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Autonomy Corp £251/8 Invensys 232 -3 Logica 813/4 -21/4 Misys 2693/4 -53/8 Sage Group 2483/8 -41/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 460 -67/8 Bunzl 7621/2 -201/2 1 Capita 705 /2 -141/2 De La Rue 772 -3 Electrocomp 1941/2 -51/2 Experian 686 -9 G4S 264 7 Hays 70 /8 -21/4 Homeserve 4761/2 -91/2 1 Menzies J 483 /4 -73/4 7 Rentokil 72 /8 -23/4 Smiths News 83 -41/2 Wolseley 1547 -6 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 590 +91/2 Psion 55 -2 Spirent Comms 1223/4 -1/4 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £267/8 -1/2 Imperial Tobacco £203/8 -3/8

TOURIST RATES

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

114 1931 5371/2 3073/4 331/8 3403/4 1401 4351/2 994 1481/8

-31/4 +6 -71/2 -25/8 +1/2 -81/4 -15 -53/8 -17 -37/8

120 2355/8 2211/8 126 2391/4 1373/4 1547

-43/4 +151/2 -11/4 -7/8 -43/8 -33/4 -27

FTSE 100

INDEX 5129.62

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FTSE 250

INDEX 9983.75

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Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.45 dollars Bangladesh................. 110.84 taka Brazil.............................. 2.36 reals Canada....................... 1.50 dollars China ............................. 9.02 yuan Czech Republic ...... 26.23 korunas Denmark....................... 8.26 krone Euro................................ 1.11 euro Hong Kong................ 11.70 dollars Hungary................... 293.51 forints India.......................... 65.46 rupees Japan........................... 115.90 yen Mexico ....................... 18.05 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.81 dollars Norway ......................... 8.41 krone Pakistan.................. 130.22 rupees Philippines ................. 57.88 pesos South Africa................. 10.86 rand South Korea.............. 1483.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 164.15 rupees Sweden......................... 9.94 krona Switzerland.................. 1.34 francs Taiwan ...................... 40.42 dollars Turkey....................... 2.67 new lira USA ............................ 1.51 dollars

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS A CHEEKY cartoon in the college magazine set Neil Worthington on the path to success.

The managing director of graphic design and marketing firm Worthington Brown says: “I started up a school comic when I was at Almondbury High School. It was full of cartoons and I sold it to the other pupils for 10p a copy.

“At Huddersfield New College, I did the college magazine and drew a cartoon of the principal being chased by one of the teachers. They didn’t take kindly to that and said I could either leave – or they would get me a place at Batley Art College.”

Neil was at Batley for four years, travelling to the college in his VW camper van. “I was living in a bed-sit in Edgerton,” he says. “I drove the van and picked up the other students on the way. They paid £1 each for the trip, which paid for the petrol.

“But I left Batley before the end of my course because I had started to do so much rented space at the Gateway freelance work. I went around Enterprise Centre in the local shops in Batley and Lockwood. “At the time, there Dewsbury offering to design were 12 design companies in leaflets and brochures for Huddersfield,” he says, “Now them. I’m still not sure there are 420 companies whether I qualified for my registered with a design HND in graphic design or not element to what they do.” because I never got a One of his first contracts certificate or attended an was to design the menus for awards ceremony!” the restaurant on a P&O But Neil insists: “The ferry.

Worthington Brown also qualification is irrelevant. I worked for several local remember going to a job companies – teaming up with interview in Leeds and local printers to turn the showing them my portfolio. designs into completed They said: ‘Well, you’re good, products. but take our advice. On the “We never had to do any way back, throw the thing out hard-selling,” says Neil. “We the car window because got £40 a week Enterprise portfolios are only good for Allowance. We had no passing exams. overheads, family “When I was at Batley, commitments or mortgages there were only a few to worry about. It was very colleges doing graphic easy in those days to start a design. Now every university business.” has a graphic design Clients didn’t always have department. Now there are to pay, either. “We designed a too many students leaving sign for a kebab shop and courses thinking they are they paid for it by giving us a graphic designers and meal at the end of the week. ‘creatives’, but they don’t It was a form of barter, really,” have a creative thought in says Neil. their brain.”

As the business grew, Neil, who hails from Worthington Brown moved to Waterloo, had an early offices at 24 Huddersfield exposure to the world of print Road, Holmfirth. “We moved and design, spending here in February, 1991,” says Saturdays as a young lad Neil. “We expanded by alongside his dad George, a photographic engraver, at the renting more rooms in the building and eventually Examiner offices.

“I used to help out and I was always intrigued by the job,” says Neil. “As a reward, I got paid in free pop from the vending machine!”

Neil recalls: “I left Batley in 1990. Attik had been going for two years and were doing really well and every other student thought they could do the same.”

Neil was offered a job with one agency at £5,000 a year, but was already earning that kind of money as a wine waiter at the Pennine Hilton Hotel.

Instead, Neil qualified for support from the Prince’s Youth Business Trust and received mentoring from a Leeds firm, Optical Data, which also became his first ■ SUMMER HOUSE: Neil client when he set up Worthington outside Nora Worthington Brown.

Battye’s house at Holmfirth

profile

Page 3

Comic capers set the scene bought 24 and 26. Then, we bought 28 – which is Nora Batty’s cottage. I thought it would be sacrilege to turn that it into a design studio.”

Instead, Neil and his wife Nicola run the iconic Summer Wine property as a bed & breakfast. “We get people from Australia, New Zealand and Canada stopping,” says Neil. “Last year, there were only six weeks of the whole 12 months when it wasn’t booked. Now we have bookings through to 2013.”

Neil’s own little tourism business means he can bring personal experience to bear in one of his other roles.

“Last year, I was invited to join the board of Welcome to Yorkshire in recognition of the efforts of Worthington Brown to support our clients in the tourism industry.

“We work with tourism officers at Kirklees, Calderdale and Leeds councils, the National Coal Mining Museum and Royal Armouries as well as local B&Bs. We also sponsor Holmfirth Art Festival, having created the branding and literature for the first event in 2008.”

Worthington Brown boasts an impressive client list – with the likes of Asda, Yorkshire Water and Water UK – but Neil proudly claims: “We now have the largest portfolio of small and medium-sized enterprises and owner-managed enterprises in Kirklees. And 95% of our work is won through referrals.”

Neil has also helped set up a business networking group for the owners of companies with HD8 and HD9 postcodes who meet quarterly to share ideas and experiences.

Not that Neil is in any way parochial in his outlook.

Worthington Brown, which celebrates its 21st anniversary, is also marking five years of its China division. It has four staff based in offices at Hangzhou, where it sells into other western graphic design companies in the province.

Neil Worthington

“I go to China three or four times a year,” says Neil. “To do business with the Chinese, you have to be there in person. They like to meet face-to-face and view email as too impersonal.”

Neil believes in “getting under the skin” of his clients to find out as much about them as possible – reasoning that this will help Worthington Brown deliver a better product for them.

Says Neil: “We get our clients noticed. It seems a bit corny to say, but we aim to get clients a return on their investment in quality graphic design. We are passionate about what we do and we have clients who have remained with us for such a long time.

“Our 20 years experience means clients trust us. In this industry, you need creative marketing nous and that has to be nurtured and developed.”

To be successful, says

Neil, you have to live and breathe the job. But that doesn’t mean there’s no time for relaxation or hobbies.

“We live on an eight-acre farm at East Bierley, where we have six horses, 13 chickens, one dog and a cat with three legs. Most weekends during the summer we go to the horse shows with our daughter.

“I also collect vintage Land Rovers and David Brown tractors. I needed a tractor to launch our boat on the beach in Wales and to bring in the hay on the farm. Now I’ve got a 1973 tractor and a 1975 tractor both made by David Brown at Meltham. I’ve also got a 1954 Fordson Major and we go to various tractor rallies and shows. Land Rovers are a passion and I have three dating from 1958, 1964 and 1982.”

“We also have a house at Abersoch in Wales and to go out in the boat when the sea is calm and watch the seals and dolphins is just magical.”

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Role: Managing director Age: 42 Family: Married to Nicola with children Isabella, 9, and George, 7 Holidays: There’s nothing to beat the British coastline Car: Land Rover Discovery First job: Lifeguard at Huddersfield Sports Centre Best thing about job: Knowing that every day is different and the next email could change your whole career Worst thing about job: Helping the client make a lot of money – then watch him drive past in his big flashy car!

Business tip: Get up early. I can get more done between 6am and 9am than I can during office hours.

Worthington Brown Work: Graphic design, branding, marketing and websites Site: Holmfirth and Hangzhou, China Employees: 12 Phone: 01484 688808 Email: nw@worthing ton brown.co.uk Web: www.worthington brown.co.uk

On the board with Employed versus Self Employed A recent court case has set a new precedent that working practices have more weight than contractual terms when considering whether an individual is employed or self employed.

Surprisingly the case was brought by car valeters, not by HMRC, who successfully argued they were employees and therefore eligible to employee rights, as their contracts did not reflect the actual working arrangements in place.

Revell Ward Tip: Make sure that any contracts for services do reflect the reality of the working relationship.

Otherwise you could end up with an unwanted PAYE and NIC bill for contractors that you believe to be self employed.

Lesley Sutton Director 01484 538 351

lesley.sutton@revellward.co.uk

www.revellward.co.uk

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Please contact the Admissions Officer for more information on 01422 202256. *New headteacherTim Hoyle feels that he has taken charge of a wonderful school community. Pastoral care receives a high priority at Huddersfield Grammar School and the place abounds with energy and enthusiasm. With record GCSE results this year, Mr Hoyle is delighted with the quality of teaching and learning. He intends that this will be a successful, challenging and enjoyable year for all members of the school with a number of innovative and exciting new initiatives. He stated, “We understand the importance of every child’s education and we take seriously the responsibility placed upon us, to work in partnership with parents and children, to achieve the very best possible outcomes for all pupils”. Prospective new parents are invited to sample the HGS experience at the Open Day on Saturday October 1.

Welcome to Rastrick Tutorial College.

The headteacher says: “We are proud to introduce an independent full or part-time sixth form tutorial college to serve Yorkshire and the North of England. Rastrick Independent School has been established since 1994..

“Our teachers and tutors are highly qualified experienced professionals. They have now been joined by an equally experienced academic team. We enable them to gain the necessary qualifications for successful careers and lifelong skills.

“We have recently acquired new premises adjacent to the main school site and would like to inform you about our unique approach to education.

“We offer a highly personal approach modelled on a tutorial system at all ability levels, including those who have not been able to achieve their full potential in a conventional school setting.

We offer two year GCSE and A level courses and shorter courses for all ages from Year 1 to adult.’’

Huddersfield Grammar School -'16 + $( 6,1 !& 5("% $01 3 to age boys girls school/(&for,.&*% co-educational%40((* the 4(312#46$.()6* I study, we flourish

Open Morning, Saturday 1st October, 9.30am - Noon

Scholarships & Bursaries Available Huddersfield Grammar School | Royds Mount, Luck Lane, Marsh, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD1 4QX | Tel: 01484 424549 | Fax: 01484 531835 |

Visit our website for more information: www.huddersfield-grammar.co.uk

Bradford Grammar School for girls and boys aged 6 - 18

OPEN DAY

1 October 2011 10am - 4pm

For further details please contact the Registrar, Karen Hewitt

Bradford Grammar School

Keighley Road, Bradford BD9 4JP www.bradfordgrammar.com 01274 553702

Page 5

Discrimination, believe it or not INCE 2003, employees have had S the right not to be discriminated against in the workplace on the

grounds of religion or belief.

The term “belief ” is given a rather wide definition meaning “any religious or philosophical belief ”. It is clear that this extends far beyond religion or having a lack of religious beliefs, but is subject to certain criteria.

A belief must be genuinely held, must not be an opinion or viewpoint based on the present state of information available, must be a belief as to a weighty and substantial aspect of human life and behaviour, must attain a certain level of cogency, seriousness, cohesion and importance and must be worthy of respect in a democratic society.

A recent case focused on whether or not a belief that terrorist attacks – on September 11 in the USA and July 7 in the UK – were authorised by the US and UK government amounted a philosophical belief protected by employment law regulations.

The employee concerned further believed that the media was controlled by a global elite seeking a new world order.

The claimant was employed as an intelligence analyst and was asked to prepare a report covering matters including terrorism.

With his submission he also attached a document explaining the views that he had about the terrorist attacks.

His employer dismissed him on the basis that he could not perform his role as an intelligence analyst when he held such views and stated that the views were incompatible with his contract of employment.

At an employment tribunal hearing, the judge accepted that a number of the requirements of a philosophical belief were met. He accepted that the beliefs were genuinely held and that they were beliefs rather than merely opinions. The judge stated that the beliefs did relate to weighty and substantial aspects of

EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Neil Wilson

human life and were worthy of respect in the democratic society.

However, the judge commented that the beliefs “completely failed to meet even a bear minimum standard of coherence and cohesion. In fact they are “absurd”. There is no general need to show that the beliefs are right or are shared by a large number of people but there was a huge improbability in his beliefs being true and during the giving of his evidence, he could not explain why he believed in the suggested conspiracy.

It is important to note in this judgement that the cogency and coherence requirement was assessed objectively with reference to evidence in the public domain. Whilst beliefs of a religious nature cannot be known and so are quite easy to

show cogency and coherence, these matters could be backed up by some evidence. As there was no evidence that the claimant could show and there was no way of sustaining is argument, the judge considered that this did not amount to a philosophical belief.

The case provides a helpful demonstration of what could amount to religious and philosophical beliefs and the employee in this case was very close to having his conspiracy theory protected by discrimination law.

Professional advice should always be taken where there is the potential for such discrimination arguments and where dismissals are being considered in light of beliefs held by employees.

Neil Wilson is an employment lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors

Clean sweep A DESIGN and branding agency in Huddersfield has cleaned up with its latest contract.

The Engine Room, based at the Media Centre, Northumberland Street, has landed Dr Beckmann, a leading UK laundry specialists, as one of their new clients.

The agency is now working with Acdoco to support its on-pack promotion for the Dr Beckmann “Colour & Dirt Collector” product.

The project includes digital and web development, which is soon to be implemented online.

The on-pack promotion is to run alongside the release by Twentieth Century Fox of children’s film Rio on DVD and Triple Play.

The Engine Room, which was formed in 2001 and moved from Leeds to Huddersfield, also works with other household names, such as Chem-Dry.

Rocked in Hollywood.

Made in Borehamwood.

It may sound like a quiet little town but Borehamwood is home to Orange Amps, which has been supplying the world’s music industry for the past 40 years.

At HSBC we believe that a local business doesn’t have to stay local.

By thinking about your business from a global perspective, we can help you thrive both locally and internationally.

Speak to Jill Hague, Area Commercial Director, on 07786 524353*, or email jillhague@hsbc.com

Business Issued by HSBC Bank plc. *Lines are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

AC18837

news

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Voucher scheme back in operation KIRKLEES firms have another chance to gain an edge over their competitors.

A second round of the Innovation Voucher scheme has been launched by Kirklees Council, Kirklees College and Huddersfield University.

Local businesses are invited to apply for vouchers worth up to £5,000 to help them innovate and develop their businesses. The deadline for applications is October 14.

A voucher of up to £2,500 is available from Kirklees Council while businesses deciding to use the university as their expert can access a further £2,500 from the university, making a total of £5,000 for the project.

The vouchers are to pay for knowledge and expertise for a particular project from a leading expert such as a university, college or research and technology organisation.

Projects could include developing additional dimensions to existing products or services or providing research information on new process and product design.

The scheme is part of the

council’s Economic Recovery Programme, which supports a wide range of measures designed to promote and create jobs, support individuals and businesses and lead Kirklees out of recession.

Following the first round, 12 local businesses – in the manufacturing, food and drink, medical, design and business services sectors – had the chance to develop their products, services or ways of operating to improve competitiveness and enhance wealth creation.

Among them, Fenay Bridge-based Paxman Coolers worked with staff and postgraduate students at the university to look at the biological process behind the success of its scalp cooling products. The devices are used to help prevent hair loss in chemotherapy patients.

The research project aims to increase the success rate among certain types of chemotherapy patients.

For details of the scheme, go to www.kirklees.gov.uk /innovation. The deadline for applications is 4pm on Friday October 14.

Who will be the next Business of the Month?

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

For further details please contact: Ian Greenwood, Eaton Smith Solicitors, 14 High Street, Huddersfield HD1 2HA T: 01484 821389 E: iangreenwood@eatonsmith.co.uk Business Of The Month Awards - Rewarding Success Since 1995

klees

Kir

ers h c u n Vo or local

o now available f i t a v Inno to £5,000 novation n in up end o ort of Supp sses to sp e busin

If you’re a business in Kirklees you can now apply for an Innovation Voucher to help you develop new and innovative solutions for your business.

The Voucher will pay for knowledge and expertise from a leading expert such as a university, college or research and technology organisation.

The deadline for applications is 4pm, Friday 14 October 2011.

For more details about the scheme and how to apply: Visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/innovation Or contact Kirklees Council on 01484 416708.

Page 6

Business health on the agenda DELEGATES to the forthcoming Kirklees Business Conference will have first-hand access to expert advice.

Leading business advisers Hayley Erner and Terry Hodgkinson will each hold a Business Clinic slot to offer owners of Kirklees businesses guidance on a variety of business topics.

Supporting them will be Kirklees Council and Huddersfield’s Hi Tech Business Machines.

Hayley is a successful businesswoman, world-class business coach and newly-crowned Institute of Directors Yorkshire and Humber Business Adviser of the Year for 2011.

She is the driving force behind one of the most successful independent business coaching practices in the UK, where she has given keynote addresses at UK and European coach conferences.

Hayley has been recognised with European and global awards for her business coaching. At KBC 2011, she will help delegates “Change Your Business, Change Your Life”.

Terry led regional development agency Yorkshire Forward as its chairman for seven years, overseeing the agency in growing the economy of Yorkshire and Humber with an annual budget of £350m.

He was honoured in the Queen’s Birthday 2010 list with a CBE for business and regeneration and was recently appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire. Terry is a fellow of the Institute of Directors, a chartered director, a fellow of the

■ ADVICE: Hayley Erner and Terry Hodgkinson, who will hold business clinics at the conference

Chartered Institute of Building and holds an honorary doctorate from Huddersfield University.

At KBC 2011, he will offer advice on “The Art of Inspirational Leadership”.

Kirklees Council is holding a “Top Tips Workshop” covering social media, accessing finance, people performance and business profile.

Hi Tech Business Machines will provide clinic “patients” with advice and ask “How Safe are Your Documents?”

KBC 2011 event director Danny Matharu said: “This is a real coup to get Hayley and Terry at KBC 2011 this year.

Their experience will be invaluable to delegates and I urge businesses not to miss this opportunity to grab advice worth thousands for free!”

The 2011 event takes place on Thursday, September 29. Delegate places are free and can be booked now.

For more information and to book your free tickets visit www.kirklees business conference.co.uk

Let’s banish a few myths ITH interest rates at an W all-time low this might be the time for businesses to con-

sider buying rather than leasing premises.

With so much negative comment in the media, visitors from outer space could be forgiven for thinking UK banks had totally given up lending.

So let’s try and banish this myth once and for all. The reality is very different and it is certainly not the case with HSBC. Banks will always look favourably at viable business propositions as, let’s be frank, that is what they do.

But they are not charities and no bank will, to use that well known phrase, throw good money after bad.

If a business is either badly run, haemorrhaging funds, producing goods or services no longer of interest to the market it is easy to claim a headline that ‘banks won’t lend’.

The fact is they never would have

BANKER’S BLOG Jill Hague

offered money in those cases and it has little to do with the current economic climate.

What the bank can do for you is provide significant help and support to run a viable business.

And this isn’t just about lending money to buy property and equipment or provide working capital.

Take advantage of your bank by tapping into everything they can offer to help you.

Relationship managers at HSBC work closely with their businesses offering advice and, where applicable, the services of other specialists in the bank.

One example of this is our global

markets specialists who help business that trade internationally and can be exposed to the volatility in foreign exchange save money by using our immense expertise in this field.

Banks are an incredibly useful resource for businesses so look beyond the borrowing and see what else you can access.

So, if you have decided that this is the time to buy, develop or extend your premises forget the headlines and see what we can offer.

HSBC has a range of lending solutions tailored for different needs.

So far this year, we have increased our lending by 7.4% year on year.

Jill Hague is HSBC area commercial director for Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS TO LET

Attractive Office Suites

Springfield Hall, Thornhill Road, Edgerton, Huddersfield, HD3 3AU

1 15.85m2 (171 sq ft) to 67.54m2 (727 sq ft) 1 Generous car parking provision 1 Ease of access to J24 of M62 & Huddersfield Town Centre Rent: On Application

TO LET

Industrial Premises

Pine Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1SS

1 Workshop/warehouse 1 473.64m2 (5,098 sq ft) 1 Edge of town centre location 1 Ease of access to A62 Leeds Road Corridor Rent: £15,000 per annum

■ HAND-ON: Andrew Weaver, managing director of Strata at its development at Norfolk Avenue, Brackenhall

Making an Impression A YORKSHIRE firm is bucking the gloomy trend in the construction industry to make a major impact on housebuilding in Huddersfield.

Strata has been investing in the Deighton and Brackenhall area since 2003 and is now undertaking its third development in the district.

The Doncaster-based company began work on its Impression development of 95 new homes in January. Sixteen properties are forecast for completion by the end of this year and eight people have already moved in.

Strata’s original development was called Georgian Mews, which started in summer, 2003. This phase of 82 homes was completed in 2006 when the developer began work on the Suede development of 75 new homes, which was completed in November, 2010.

The Impression development will eventually link to Suede and is forecast to be completed in summer, 2014. By them, Strata will have built 252 new homes in Huddersfield.

Strata also operates the FirstBuy scheme to help those who cannot afford the deposit needed for a mortgage.

Under the scheme, Strata and the government jointly provide a 20% loan to top up purchasers’ own 4% deposit. This means that first time buyers can secure a 76% mortgage at a very low cost – allowing them to own

■ BUYING POWER: Getting first-time buyrs into the market is vital, says Strata managing director Andrew Weaver

100% of their own home.

Strata is one of the first home builders in the region to offer the government’s FirstBuy scheme and will provide £1.9m for shared equity loans to help more than 140 struggling first time buyers secure new homes.

Strata managing director Andrew Weaver said: “First-time buyers will be very important to the market. That is why we are having first-time buyer events and working hard on shared equity deals to get them on the ladder.”

Said Mr Weaver: “We first came on site in 2003 and by the completion of Impression we will have been here for about a decade. Our first sales day was Easter, 2003 and we sold nine homes in the first day. I had never sold nine homes in a day before – or since!”

Over almost 10 years in Huddersfield, the company has seen the housing market take a rollercoaster ride. “The market was really ‘pepped’ from 2003 to 2005, stuttered in 2006 and has struggled ever since them,” said Mr Weaver.

“This latest phase has been relatively slow going, but in terms of having a ‘street scene’ established we have made good progress.

Over the past eight years, we have built up an affinity with the site.

“In early 2003 to 2005 we were working in tandem with Southdale Homes, which was delivering two and three-bedroom social housing while we were providing three and four-bedroom homes.”

The Impression development consists of three house types – the four-bedroom Verona, the three bedroom Geneva and the two-bedroom Monaco.

All are built to a high standard while fixtures and fittings are bespoke to Strata. Mr Weaver said the company was working with “hands-on” independent suppliers who are involved from design to installation, including TC Bathrooms in Dewsbury.

Said Mr Weaver: “We launched the three types in 1999 and they have been our staple since then. Sometimes, you get things right first time and in this case I don’t think we have modified anything for the best part of a decade. It has a good feel to it.”

He adds: “Building 2525 new homes in eight years of development is significant.”

TO LET

Workshop/Showroom/Office

262 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, HD9 3JQ 1 Available as a whole or in part 1 Units from 400 – 14,000 sq ft 1 Prominent roadside frontage 1 Extensive car parking Rent: On Application

TO LET/MAY SELL

Industrial Premises

Vulcan & Victoria Works, Calder Street, Brighouse, HD6 1NB

1 Predominantly single-storey factory premises 1 3,941m2 (42,416 sq ft) Rent: From Only £2 per sq ft

TO LET

Affordable Warehouse & Workshop Units

Upper Mills, Canal Side, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, HD7 5HA

1 Close proximity to Slaithwaite 1 Retail Centre 1 Ease of access to A62 Manchester Road 1 Flexible lease terms Rents from £2.10 per sq ft

TO LET

Commercial Unit

12 Old Leeds Road, Huddersfield, HD1 1SP

1 Prominent commercial unit 1 274.84m2 (2,958 sq ft) 1 Generous parking provision 1 Edge of town centre location Rent: On Application

TO LET

Office Suite

Ground Floor, Clock House, Huddersfield Road, Elland, HX6 0EE

1 DDA compliant 1 High specification office suite 1 211m2 (2,278 sq ft) Rent: £12 per sq ft per annum exclusive

TO LET

Modern Unit

Unit 1, Brookwoods Industrial Estate, Burrwood Way, Holywell Green, HX4 9BH

1 Self contained modern unit with secure yard 1 1,241m2 (13,361 sqft) 1 Site are of 0.28 hectares (0.69 acres) 1 Ease of access to J24 of M62 Rent: £3.75 per sq ft per annum exclusive

TO LET

Modern Industrial Unit

Broadfield Mills, Albert Street, Huddersfield, HD1 3QD

1 Significant rent free available 1 836.12m2 (9,000 sq ft) 1 Close proximity to A62, Huddersfield Ring Road 1 Large communal service yard Rent: £3.25 per sq ft per annum exclusive

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Paul Howell & Allison Rushton

Eastwood & Partners ELLAND-based Eastwood & Partners (Financial Services) Ltd have announced the appointment of Paul Howell as employee benefits consultant and Allison Rushton as head of paraplanning (both pictured).

Mr Howell joins Eastwood & Partners from Lorica Consulting, where he held a similar position. He has more than 25 years of experience in advising on employee benefits such as private medical insurance and death in service.

Ms Rushton joins Eastwood & Partners from the National Australia Bank Group and has worked within the pension and investment industry for more than 20 years.

Andy McCracken, managing director, said: “Paul and Allison bring with them a wealth of experience in their respective fields, and will strengthen the services we offer to our clients.

“Paraplanning involves research and report writing and helps us to provide a consistent and high -quality advice process, both at outset and when we undertake client reviews, an area which we find is especially valued by our clients.”

Abid Jaf ry

LSH COMMERCIAL property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton has appointed Abid Jaffry as a director of its national capital markets division to provide advice to institutional, fund and property clients across Yorkshire.

Mr Jaffry (pictured) will head LSH’s northern investment team.

He has more than 10 years’ investment trading experience and has been involved in a number of acquisitions, sales and funding projects.

His arrival follows the appointment of Adam Ramshaw, who recently joined the Birmingham-based capital markets team as an associate director and Rob Ingram, who joined the London-based capital markets team as a surveyor.

Nick Atkinson, John Wiliams, David Godbee & Nick Carmichael

PwC ACCOUNTANCY firm PwC has appointed Nick Atkinson as partner to head an expanded unit advising businesses on raising capital and refinancing existing loans.

Mr Atkinson is joined by partners John Williams and David Godbee and director Nick Carmichael.

Most recently, Mr Atkinson led the European leveraged finance team at Royal Bank of Canada. Before that, he held several senior positions in the same sector, including spells with CIBC World Markets and Crédit Agricole CIB. The debt advisory team will be targeting businesses seeking to refinance or raise new capital, including firms in Yorkshire.

Movers and shakers

Page 8

Business stars on the shortlist SUCCESSFUL businesswomen from Kirklees are among the finalists in a major contest.

P ro f e s s i o n a l wo m e n f ro m throughout Yorkshire and the Humber are competing for the prestigious title of Businesswoman of the Year in the awards run by networking organisation Forward Ladies.

The shortlisted candidates include Carolyn Atkinson, of Huddersfield accountancy firm Sheards; Kate Barrett of Thoroughbred Management, Batley; Laura Smith of law firm Ramsdens in Huddersfield; Allison Whitmarsh, of Marsh-based bakery Proper Maid; and Kate Hardcastle, of Holywell Green company Insight with Passion.

Other finalists from around the region include milliners, a nursery owner and ice cream manufacturers.

The winners will be announced at a glittering lunch ceremony on Friday, October 14 at the New Century Pavilion at Elland Road, Leeds.

Forward Ladies founder Etta Cohen said: “The quality of the entries this year has been outstanding. We are thrilled with the response from professional women taking part. It’s a pity they can’t all be winners.”

She added: “The awards ceremony is a prestigious event in the Forward Ladies calendar and will attract industry leaders from our region to celebrate the success of all our finalists.

“We’ve seen last year’s winners go from strength to strength, which highlights the importance of the awards’ success in helping their businesses to develop.

“Forward Ladies is here to encourage women to be more enterprising and to encourage them to start and grow their businesses, and support them on their professional journeys in their chosen careers.”

Kate Hardcastle is shortlisted in two categories. In the technology

category, she is recognised for setting new standards in business transformation services. Since 2009, Kate has achieved proven results in the turnaround of every client, has doubled the size of the company and exceeded all its targets.

In the not-for-profit category, Kate is shortlisted for her work with the Charity Dreamgirls, an all-girl singing group backed by a 50-strong group of volunteers which has raised more than £20,000 for good causes by staging almost 100 events.

Allison Whitmarsh, a finalist in the manufacturing category, had 19 years experience in the food industry before setting up cakes specialist Proper Maid at the age of 40. Since trading began in July, 2008, sales have outstripped target forecasts year on year, the business has moved into larger premises and provided local jobs.

In the category for young businesswoman, the finalists include Laura Smith, an associate solicitor in the commercial team at Ramsdens Solicitors. Her challenging role involves maintaining strong relationship with local surveyors, accountants and lenders, working on a variety of property transactions including development, sales, purchases and landlord and tenant works.

Carolyn Atkinson, who is shortlisted in the technology category, joined Fred Sheard & Sons in 1985 and qualified as a chartered accountant in 1990 before becoming the firm’s first female partner in 1992. She has led the development of technology to keep work local and counter competition.

Horse lover Kate Barrett, a qualified accountant and finance director with 25 years working in business, is shortlisted for the start-up award. It recognises the success of her firm, Thoroughbred Business Management, which provides financial support, training and mentoring to help client companies grow.

■ HIGH HOPES: Horse lover Kate Barrett (above) and fellow contenders (below, clockwise from left) Carolyn Atkinson, Kate Hardcastle, Allison Whitmarsh and Laura Smith

Caroline leads from the front

■ FORUM: Heather Jackson, of Holmfirth

A RENOWNED expert on leadership is the latest speaker to be announced for this year’s Yorkshire Women’s Business Forum.

Caroline Webb, partner at McKinsey & Company, specialises in helping clients strengthen the depth, quality and sustainability of their leadership teams.

She is co-leader of McKinsey’s Centred Leadership project, an initiative aiming to identify how best to equip leaders for maximum personal effectiveness in modern, challenging business

environments. She is also the Dean of McKinsey’s programme for improving the confidence and capability of women leaders.

Ms Webb is one of the keynote speakers at the Women’s Business Forum, which is organised by Holmfirth-based businesswoman Heather Jackson (pictured). It takes place on Thursday, September 29, at Rudding Park in Harrogate.

The theme of this year’s Women’s Business Forum is It’s Time To Make A Difference – insisting that the time has come to stop talking about why there

are so few women at the top of corporate Britain and do something practical to ensure female talent is identified and optimised.

Caroline will speak about the skills and challenges for a 21st century leader.

Other speakers include Chris Sullivan, chief executive of RBS UK Corporate Banking; Allan Leighton, chairman of Pace plc; and Kirsty Bashforth, head of organisational effectiveness at BP. Go to www.thewomens businessforum.co.uk