New Business of the Year Harriet Steele
■ WELCOME: Roy Wright, editor of the Huddersfield Examiner
Celebrating our spirit of enterprise HUDDERSFIELD businesses will put concerns about the recession behind them tomorrow night – to celebrate success at the 2009 Examiner Business Awards. Hundreds of guests and VIPs will attend the region’s premier business event at the Galpharm Stadium to recognise the achievements of some of the town’s top companies and entrepreneurs. The awards – now in their fourth year – drew a record number of entries this time. Businesses across the town have been keen to demonstrate how they have battled successfully against the tough economic climate to boost trade, invest in their operations and prepare for the future. Examiner editor Roy Wright said: “The award nominees range from small start-up companies to large organisations with national and international reputations. “They are drawn from many sectors, including manufacturing, food and drink, construction, training, business consultancy and the creative industries. “Our judging panel was delighted to report a 30% increase in entries for 2009. They were also impressed by the quality of the applications, which made it a difficult task to draw up their shortlist of nominees. “In choosing the winners, they weighed up the contenders against a wide range of criteria including contribution to local communities, efforts on environmental improvement, financial performance, commitment to employees and their track record on job creation and growth.” The awards will be hosted by BBC TV presenter Harry Gration. The guest speaker is broadcaster Declan Curry, whose credits include presenting programmes on financial matters on TV and radio in the UK and the USA. For many years, he broadcast live from the London Stock Exchange – giving up-to-the-minute shares news and interviewing captains of industry. Declan has also written for a wide range of newspapers, magazines and industry publications in the UK, the Irish Republic and the USA – including the highly-respected Investors People. Mr Wright said: “The Examiner Business Awards were launched to reward the enterprises which make up the engine room of the local economy. “The award night promises to be a sparkling celebration of the contribution made by Huddersfield’s many high-calibre companies to the wealth and well-being of the town.”
HARRIET Steele is getting ahead in business. The talented multi-award winning milliner, jeweller, make-up artist and hairdresser is in big demand with brides-to-be, their mothers, bridesmaids and other guests seeking a special look for their big day. The Holmfirth designer has won City and Guilds awards for her cosmetic make-up and millinery skills while studying at Huddersfield Technical College – now Kirklees College – and gained teaching qualifications in art and design at Huddersfield University. She has also has taken top honours with organisations i n c l u d i n g t h e N at i o n a l Hairdressing Federation, the World Skills Challenge and the Haberdashers Guild. She said: “After more than 20 years in the fashion and beauty industry, I decided last year to develop my own business, having spent many years thinking about the concept.” Harriet won a place on a course run through the Creative Industries Development Agency and was successful in gaining a £24,000 bursary via the university’s Business Mine.
A successful marketing strategy means she is now averaging 40,000 “hits” a month on her website and getting invaluable exposure by attending major wedding fairs. Said Harriet: “Originally in my business plan I estimated receiving 15 to 20 bookings in my first year of trading building up to 70 to 80 in years three and four. I “In fact, I have reached my three-year target in the first year. “My business is going from strength to strength. I already have 30 bookings for next year and I am taking bookings for 2011. “The response to my work has been overwhelming.” She added: “Within five to eight years I want Harriet Steele to be a name that is recognised nationally for fabulous bridal hair and make-up, great design, quality and uniqueness.”
■ STYLISH: Award-winning millinery, hair and make-up specialist Harriet Steele
Ambitions4Kirklees A BUSINESS in Huddersfield is helping young people with learning difficulties into training and employment. Mirfield-based Ambitions4Kirklees is the brainchild of co-founders Liz Feeny, Bev Sissons and Jon Nissler, who set up the community interest company a year ago after identifying a gap in the market. Said Bev: “Young people with learning difficulties have very few options after completing full-time education. “We wanted to create choice and options with support for the young people and their families. We had no support to do this, we
only had our own resources and determination. Two of us gave up full-time jobs to follow our dream.” Ambitions4Kirklees now employs four staff as well as having Liz and Bev as paid directors. Bev said: “We are 24% over our projected target for weekly contracted attendance and have further projected potential for that to increase to 42%. We have about 12% of all people who access direct payments in Kirklees. “The increase in attendance will eventually result in Ambitions4Kirklees employing
more staff.” Bev said the company profiled the abilities of young people rather than the disabilities with projects covering areas such as horticulture and photography. “We crate opportunities where the skills they have developed can be shared with others and they are looked on as people with something to give. “Some of our young people are in work-based learning placements and are doing really well. “We have also been creative in our thinking in organising our business.”
The Master Menu
■ ON CAMERA: Graduate Leon Doyle who has appeared on TV programme Dragon's Den to pitch his business, The Master Menu, to the experts
LIFE in student digs provided the inspiration for Leon Doyle’s business, The Master Menu. The former Huddersfield University student helps takeaway owners boost their businesses by including their menus in a glossy brochure. And his concept proved so impressive that he was invited to travel to Manchester to pitch his idea to the judges on TV’s Dragon’s Den. Leon, 23, who graduated from the university’s transport and logistics department, said: “My idea came to light while living in a house full of messy students. Actually, it wasn’t the students who were messy, but the takeaway leaflets and flyers clogging the doorway. That was my inspiration.
“The Master Menu place 10 to 15 takeaway menus into a neat glossy brochure and 10,000 are distributed throughout the locality. “This model is replicated across every student town. We aim to be sandwiched between Yellow Pages and Thomsons Directories in every home across the UK by 2012.” Leon, who trialled The Master Menu with takeaway shop owners in H e a d i n g l e y, L e e d s, h a s a l s o embarked on a partnership with one of the biggest online takeaway order companies in the UK – opening The Master Menu up to everyone. Leon has been helped by Huddersfield University’s Business Mine – a free, on-campus service offering a wide range of advice to students or recent graduates aiming to start their own enterprise.
SME of the Year sponsored by Equi-Trek Ltd HORSE sense is helping a Huddersfield company gallop ahead of the competition. Equi-Trek Ltd was formed to manufacture the best in horse transport – from trailers to luxury transporters. The company, which employs 48 people in premises at Bent Ley Road, Meltham, set out to update the design of horse trailers, which had largely been unchanged for 50 years or more. Managing director Raymond Janion said: “The traditional style of trailer lacks the sophistication, safety and accommodation required by today’s equestrian competitor.
“We designed a unique side-loading horse trailer, which benefits the horse in every way and also provides high levels of owner’s accommodation. “The design was granted a patent and the first prototype was outsourced. After successful experimentation and extensive trials, we opened our first small manufacturing unit in 2004.” After sales took off, the company moved to its current premises and produced its first small motorised horsebox, which is based on a Peugeot chassis. Said Mr Janion: “Sales have been outstanding and we have taken over
another factory to increase production of this model. Last year saw the introduction of our 7.5-ton Endeavour range and 2009 saw the launch of the 12-ton Envoy range – both of which have full order books.” Equi-Trek has more or less doubled turnover since opening its first factory and is now developing the European market with dealerships in France, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland and Scandinavia. Said Mr Janion: “We are creating employment to boost the local economy and are proud to be carrying on the Huddersfield tradition of manufacturing excellence.”
Direct Cleaning Yorkshire ■ UPWARDLY MOBILE: Alison France (front) and colleagues at Sanderson Associates, Grange Moor
Sanderson Associates A COMPANY is taking the high road to success. Sanderson Associates (Consulting Engineers) Ltd is one of the largest and best-known independent highway development specialists in the UK. The company, founded in 1987 and based at Grange Moor, is a market leader in highway, traffic, transportation and water engineering. Since its formation, Sanderson Associates, headed by managing director Alison France, has undertaken more than 5,300 schemes in both the private and public sectors with some top names on an ever-increasing client list. Among recent contract wins, Sanderson Associates has been engaged by Bradford City Council to carry out a study on how best to preserve and enhance the historic setts in the main street of Haworth – one of the longest stretches of stone setts in Yorkshire. It has also been appointed by Kirklees College on its present New North Road site and to look at highways implications for pedestrian crossings at its proposed development at the Waterfront Quarter, Chapel Hill. Sanderson Associates has also worked on behalf of clients including Morrison’s,
Netto, Asda and Tesco – as well as non-food retail developments, office schemes and residential sites. The company has 39 staff including chartered engineering and technical specialists in highways, transportation and water. It has also invested heavily in IT and hardware and has set up a staff intranet. It provides a monthly business review to all staff giving details of the company’s financial position, new projects, social events and special events. Sanderson Associates is a sponsor of Huddersfield Town. Said Alison: “We are still looking to recruit staff even in the current recession that seems to be affecting everyone. “Our future plans are to continue to expand in a controlled way, which has been successful for the company to date. “That will help to ensure that we remain the largest independent highway consultants in the UK. “We also place great emphasis on investing in staff by providing a rounded training programme for all technical employees, which puts in place a culture for producing work of an excellent standard.”
A COMPANY is cleaning up in business – and on the small screen. Milnsbridge-based Direct Cleaning Yorkshire Ltd has grown from a one-man operation with a single van to an established firm employing 16 people and running a fleet of vehicles. The company, founded in 2000 by Ryan Bedingfield, operates from a 2,000sq ft purpose-built unit at Scar Lane and provides commercial cleaning, graffiti cleaning and grounds maintenance services to a growing lift of clients. “It’s a far cry from the days when I operated as a carpet cleaner from the basement of my home in Cowlersley,” said Ryan. The fledgling firm’s first big break was a contract from housebuilder David Wilson to quote for general cleaning of the company’s show homes. In 2002, the firm became VAT registered, purchased a second van and employed three people. At the start of 2003, the company had to move to bigger premises and by the end of that year had taken on two more employees and was awarded a contract for window and carpet cleaning at 10 West Yorkshire nursing homes. As part of a strategy to expand the business, Ryan and general manager John Field became qualified assessors and trainers accredited by the British Institute of Cleaning Science. A sister company, Direct Training Ltd, was also set up to provide training for other companies. The company has since won contracts with Redrow Homes, PEC Building Services and CALA Homes as well as running cleaning courses for organisations such as Nottingham City Homes, Peveral OM Management and Clean Estates Ltd. Said Ryan: “We have been operating for 10 years now and although there has been a slump in the building trade out company has continued to thrive. “Location cleaning for television production companies is a growth area for us and we are currently contracted to clean for BBC’s Hustle and The Street and ITV’s The Royal. “Our graffiti removal business continues to expand as does out carpet cleaning service and we are updating our carpet cleaning system with a £25,000 truck mounted system.
■ CLEANING UP: Ryan Bedingfield (right), of Direct Cleaning Yorkshire Ltd, pictured with Richard Morris, of the Red Tape Team, when the company was involved in promoting a fact sheet to help small firms cope with Government regulation
Severn Unival are proud to have been short-listed for the following awards: Business Link: Yorkshire Business of the Year HSBC Commercial Banking International Business/Trader of the Year We would like to thank our customers for the support and ongoing custom that has made it possible for Severn Unival to become a World Leader in supplying, maintaining, repairing, and improving severe service control valves.
Milford Buildings Milford Street Huddersfield, HD1 3DY Tel: 01484 518080 Fax: 01484 518088
www.severnunival.co.uk
Community Award sponsored by Disposables UK
UP & Working A RECRUITMENT agency with a difference is helping disadvantaged people into work. UP & Working, based at the Media Centre in Huddersfield, goes beyond the traditional recruitment agency to reach people in local communities who might otherwise struggle to get into the jobs market. The not-for-profit agency deploys Community Champions – volunteers who work in the heart of their communities to help people achieve their full potential. The agency also works with local businesses to encourage them to recruit from groups outside their usual pool of recruits. Success stories include UP & Working candidate Stephen Buckle, who secured a full-time job as a sales assistant with Currys in Batley following support from his employment adviser. Stephen joined the UP & Working programme in June after a lengthy period out of work due to a repetitive injury, which had worsened due to the nature of his last job. As a result, Stephen was suffering from lack of confidence and his CV and interview skills needed attention. UP & Working helped him update and improve his CV, hone his interview technique and build on his interest in IT. He applied for the job at Currys and was
■ STAFF WORK: Employees at UP & Working are pictured (from left) Nicola Jackson, community champion; Janet Haigh, administration manager; Paul Rowlands, senior recruitment consultant; Rosalyn Wimpenny, director; Brenda Elson, community support manager; James Cook, communications officer; Denise Lawrence, employment adviser; and Tracey McCarthy, community champion team leader
successful in landing the post in July. Access to Employment programme funded Another candidate, Oralu Mai signed up by Yorkshire Forward, has registered more to UP & Working in September last year than 200 candidates and provided them when she was suffering from low confid- with employment support such as CV writence. ing advice, interviewing skills, confidence As a result of help from the agency, she building, training courses and job search now volunteers for the NHS and helps run support. a local community shop. They have also supported 23 candidates Since January, 2008, UP & Working, into full-time employment and 13 candidwhich is funded through the Kirklees ates into part-time work.
A MELTHAM company is championing charitable causes. Disposables UK, which manufactures and supplies washroom products such as toilet rolls, hand towels and wipes, prides itself in being active in the local community. The company has its own charity committee, called Kiddiesline, to organise fundraising events for children’s charities locally and across the country – including ChildLine, Children in Need, the West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust, Holly Bank School and Kirkwood Hospice all benefiting from the fund. To date, the firm has raised more than £22,000 to help good causes. The committee is made up of employees who were delighted to be invited by ChildLine to meet the Countess of Wessex at a recent event. She enjoyed hearing about the company’s charitable activities – including its legendary Giant Bog Roll Push, which involved directors, employees and their families pushing a roll of loo paper – weighing in at 325 kilos and big enough to provide 4,400 ordinary toilet rolls – around a six-and-half mile route. This year, the company is focusing its fundraising efforts on ChildLine and the Forget Me Not Trust – raising more than £2,000 so far. Events to raise the cash have included a Chinese night at the Canton Chef in Honley, a curry night at the Cinnamon Lodge in Honley and a number of raffles. Disposables UK, which began trading in 1987 and has almost 10 staff, has supported Huddersfield Giants and local sports organisations in Meltham. The Giants wear the names of the company and its Bay West brand on their shirts. Disposables UK has also sponsored Holme Silver Band since 2002, providing the musicians with new uniforms and other items.
Ambitions4Kirklees AWARD WINNING FOOD SINCE 1950
60 Years of Fine Food In 1950, when the first shop was opened by Trevor Newsholme in Huddersfield, who could have guessed that almost 60 years later, the company would still be playing such a big part in the local area?
Since those early days, they’ve remained an independent family-owned business, proud of their association with Huddersfield, and proud of the passion and dedication of everyone that makes Newsholme Food Group what it is today.
• Now one of the UK’s
foremost suppliers of quality meat-based products.
• Delivering nationally, and exporting to Europe and beyond. • Flexible, efficient customer service – direct and on time. To find out more about us...
Call 01484 642126 Visit www.newsholmefoodgroup.co.uk
A COMPANY in Mirfield is providing help for people with learning difficulties. Ambitions4Kirklees was founded by Liz Feeny, Bev Sissons and Jon Nissler who had a dream to help young people with learning difficulties who had few options after completing full-time education. Said Bev: “We wanted to create choice and options with support for the young people and their families. “We had no support to do this – only our own resources and determination. Some called it stupidity! Two of us gave up our full-time jobs to follow our dream.” Ambitions4Kirklees, which is a community interest company, employs four staff as well as Bev and Liz as paid directors. They provide opportunities for young people to develop their skills in areas such as photography and horticulture. In one project, youngsters grew their own pumpkins which were turned into tasty soup by Dewsbury-based The Good Soup Company. As an extra boost to the teenagers, their detailed appeared on the labels for the soup packaging. The soup went on sale to hotels, restaurants and kitchens across the region – with part of the proceeds going back to Ambitions4Kirklees to help more young people. Said Bev: The work we do profiles the abilities of our young people and not their disabilities. We create opportunities where the skills they have developed can be shared with others and they are looked upon as someone with something to give – instead of someone to be pitied. “The fact that some of our young people are in work-based learning placements and doing really well demonstrates how successful we have been.”
■ GARDEN PARTY: Mike Wood (front left), of The Good Soup Company, with (from left) Martin Hudson, head of horticulture at Ambitions4Kirklees; Alistair McDermott (standing), Richard Wilby, Stuart Lunn, Carl Wood and Ryan Yarnold
Employer of the Year sponsored by Judith Wright, of Wright Angle Marketing EMPLOYEES at a marketing company in Barkisland have nominated their boss for a top award. Judith Wright set up Wright Angle Marketing in 2001 and after two years on her own working from home moved to premises at Bowers Mill. The company provides services including consultancy and strategic planning, market research, campaign planning, event management and promotions and training. Now marketing assistant Jodie Mitchell and designer Kirsty Welsh – who were both given a chance to work for the company despite a lack of formal qualifications – have praised Judith for her support and encouragement. Jodie said she had contacted Judith – who
she had worked for on promotional events – after having tried a variety of jobs “which weren’t leading anywhere”. She said: “Judith took me on for a three-month trial – that was over three years ago – and how very fortunate because I now realise that I have been taught by and learnt from the very best.” In April, 2008, Judith appointed Kirsty as a graphic designer. Although she had masses of creative talent, Kirsty had no formal qualifications in design. Judith enabled her to develop hr skills on the job and on “day-release” with a local design and print company. Said Jodie: “Judith took a chance with both of us because we had the ‘Wright’ attitude. Judith believed in us and inspired us
to thrive and develop.” She added: “Judith is a very different boss who approaches workplace development in an unusual way. At Wright Angle Marketing, ‘blame culture’ is not a term you would ever hear. “When we carry out our work we feel free to make decisions secure in the knowledge we will be supported throughout the process, encouraged and occasionally pushed out of our comfort zones.” As well as encouraging employees to give of their best, Judith also enjoys providing work experience placements for students and runs her own foundation programme to equip them with simple tools to help their careers blossom.
■ BOSS: Marketing chief Judith Wright
David and Jacqui Cooper, of Cooper’s Coffee
■ WINNING BREW: David Cooper and his wife, Jacqui, of Cooper's Coffee
STICKING with core values has helped Cooper’s Coffee expand its business. The Bradley-based company was formed by David and Jacqui Cooper in 1989 – originally operating from a small bedroom and garage in Leeds. Over the past 20 years, it has grown to become one of the UK’s leading suppliers of coffee and coffee-making equipment with 18 employees and annual turnover exceeding £2m. The company, which recently attained Investors in People status, has also built a new warehouse to provide 2,500 sq ft of extra storage space. Cooper’s plans to convert part of it into a state-of-the-art barista training centre – the
largest outside London. Said David: “Cooper’s prides itself on delivering excellent quality and service and aims to be seen as ‘Extraordinary Coffee People’. “The directors are aware that it is the people who will take the business forward and over the past 18 months have worked hard to further develop people practices and professionalism to support this goal and contribute to further improvements in customer satisfaction. “The recent Investors in People report found that all staff are committed to the vision, mission and aims of the business. “Everyone has a clear understanding of what they
want to achieve, their contribution and a belief that they are making a positive difference.” David added: “There is a strong team working ethos, which has created a positive working environment. Staff opinions are valued and they are encouraged to suggest ways in which things can be improved. “People feel they have the freedom to implement new ideas which may benefit the business.” Said David: “At Cooper’s we believe that the quality of our products together with our enthusiasm and innovation from the team of committed people sets us apart from the rest.”
Ken Davy, of SimplyBiz EMPLOYEE Development all adds up for a company providing support for the UK’s independent financial advisers. Simply Biz, based at Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium, is the UK’s fastest growing compliance support provider, helping to support more than 5,000 IFAs nationally. Since its launch in 2002, the company has received numerous awards for its quality of service. Simplybiz was ranked 19th in the 2009 Sunday Times Profit Track 100 Awards listing Britain’s fastest-growing private companies by average annual profit growth – as well as being ranked in the 2007 and 208 Sunday Times Fast Track 100 Awards charting the firms with the fastest-growing sales. It was named best IFA network support service provider in 2008 and 2009 and ranked fourth in the Hot 100. Chairman Ken Davy is well aware of the contribution made by its staff to gaining those accolades.
He said: “SimplyBiz is dedicated to the ongoing development of its workforce with each and every member of staff being offered the opportunity to take part in training to gain further qualifications ranging from NVQs in customer service and business administration to industry-specific certificates in financial planning. “The nature of the business means staff must continually update their knowledge in order to respond to members’ needs. “SimplyBiz regularly hosts training sessions in collaboration with its partners and providers to ensure staff have the knowledge and confidence required to offer the best service possible as well as continuing professional development.” Mr Davy added: “Suggestions for training areas are always welcome from staff and SimplyBiz recently held a copy-writing in business course which was open to all staff who were interest in gaining another skill or developing their existing skills in this area.”
■ LUCKY NUMBERS: Ken Davy (centre) and members of the SimplyBiz team
Creative Enterprise Award Creative Industries Development Agency HUDDERSFIELD is getting creative – thanks to the efforts of an agency based in the town. The Creative Industries Development Agency (CIDA), formed in 2000 as part of the Huddersfield Creative Town Initiative, helps develop viable and vibrant businesses and communities through creativity and innovation. Over the past 10 years, CIDA has provided business mentoring, networking and training opportunities to more than 4,000 creative enterprises across the region – more than half of them in Huddersfield and the Kirklees area. During this time, CIDA has put more than £10m back into the local economy by commissioning design and other freelance activities, acting as an ambassador for Huddersfield across the world and working in 26 countries as far afield as Norway, China and the USA. On behalf of the Singapore government, CIDA exported expertise and knowledge to help develop the creative sector in that country. It has also formed strategic partnerships with innovation specialists in California’s Silicon Valley and joined a pan-European consortium to develop a continent-wide network for creativity and innovation. Earlier this year, CIDA concluded its four-year programme of skills development for Yorkshire Forward’s Renaissance Programme – providing employment and contract opportunities for games developers, puppeteers, artists and performers. CIDA has won plaudits from the Arts Council England for its work in the region to further the new knowledge-based creative and digital industries. Chief executive Anamaria Wills has also been invited to address Commonwealth leaders and international business leaders on the creative industries at the Commonwealth Business Conference in Trinidad later this month. Her talk, Seeing is Believing, will tell the world the story of Huddersfield as one of the UK’s most successful creative places.
Textile Centre of Excellence TEXTILES are still creating a stir in Huddersfield – and the Textile Centre of Excellence is leading the way. The not-for-profit company at Red Doles Lane, off Leeds Road, is spearheading innovation and creativity for the industry in the town. The centre, which is owned by industry, provides training from introductory courses and modern apprenticeships to training for technicians and managers. It also supports business start-ups through its weaving workshops, clothing studio and design incubator. Among its recent achievements, the centre has led the creation of the Enterprise Foundation, a not-for-profit partnership of leading figures from business, education, the community, local government and agencies working to provide practical help for people with business ideas. The foundation has assisted almost 70 people in Kirklees to start new businesses with a further new starts in Calderdale. The textile centre has also led the partnership which launched Yorkshire Fashion Week – culminating in a spectacular gala show at the Galpharm Stadium in June. Yorkshire Fashion Week
celebrated the talents of local designers as well as promoting the links between the region’s universities, colleges and textile and clothing manufacturers. It also aimed to increase the potential for commercial development of undergraduates’ and graduates’ fashion collections. The gala show was supported by Minister for Yorkshire Rosie Winterton and drew key figures from the fashion industry, including Burberry creative director Christopher Bailey and Rita Britton, of Pollyanna. Plans are now under way for Yorkshire Fashion Week 2010. The centre is also leading an industry partnership to help local textile manufacturers develop technical textiles – such as woven aerospace components, anti-bacterial fabr i c s, i m p rove d f l a m e retardency using less water and chemicals as well as the first woollen fabric that includes botanical DNA to protect against counterfeiting. The centre has also joined agencies in Portugal, Greece and Romania to develop online learning materials to help people with disabilities to start their own business.
■ IRON LADY: Regional minister for Yorkshire Rosie Winterton with Katie Moran, a clothing technician apprentice, at the Textile Centre of Excellence
The Engine Room A TOP-RATED design company is going from strength to strength after making its home in Huddersfield. The Engine Room, which was formed in 2001, moved from Leeds to the Media Centre in Northumberland Street last May – reducing commuting times for its employees, who all live in the town. Since then the company has set about helping Huddersfield businesses – and firms further afield – to develop their brands. Directors Darren Evans and Helen Whitehead, who built the business from a standing start, said its success was down to undertaking projects which “have had a demonstrable effect on business performance” for its clients. The company creates and develops brand identities for companies of all sizes in sectors including manufacturing, finance, retailing and health. The Engine Room was recently recognised by the Design Council for work carried out to create brands for growing companies. Among its successes, The Engine Room helped Interior Surfaces Ltd to double turnover in three years with branding work to show off the client’s range of kitchen work surfaces to better effect. The work included marketing materials, van livery, signs and websites for the commercial and domestic market. The Engine Room also carried out a re-branding project for client Xiros. Since then, the Leeds-based medical equipment manufacturer has boosted new business enquiries dramatically – and has credited its makeover for helping to achieve a seven-fold increase in new orders. The work included
■ BRIGHT IDEAS: Darren Evans (left), creative director of The Engine Room, with (from left) Zoe Dickinson and Jim Mackenzie, of Interior Surfaces, and Mark Edwards, of The Engine Room updating the firm’s logo, improving marketing materials and devising a new van livery. Other companies helped by The Engine Room include medical devices distributor UK Medical, nursery products firm Baa Baa Blinds and the Huddersfield-based “green” business
Footprint Bags. Said Darren: “Working mainly in the business-to-business market, we use our mix of creativity and knowledge of design effectiveness to create visible brands that engage with customers and deliver a measurable return on investment for the client.”
sponsored by Young Business Person of the Year Matt Holmes Richard Conroy BU S I N E S S M A N M at t Holmes has overcome severe dyslexia to lead an award-winning company. Matt, 40, the managing director of Liquid Accounts, was kicked out of his first school when he was labelled “backwards”. At 18, he had never read a book and was still struggling to pass his O-levels. But after becoming the first person in the UK to try out some special coloured glasses – which helped him make sense of the jumble of letters he would otherwise see on the page – he gained both his O and A-levels and went on to get a special achievement award from Cambridge University. During a year out from his computing and management degree, Matt worked at an engineering firm in Elland – and created a job costing system which the company still uses today. This formed the basis for his final year project and he was awarded a First. He was recruited full-time by the engineering firm, but set up his own IT consultancy in 1997 and landed a big contract with a Lon-
■ TROPHY TIME: Liquid Accounts managing director Matt Holmes
don law firm. That led to him becoming the first developer in the UK to have his online company registration software approved by Companies House. As well as being appointed director of IT at the law firm, he was invited to speak at international conferences in the USA. Matt teamed up with Ian Burgess, of BHIS to create an electronic filing “gateway” for Companies House forms, allowing accountants to send official documents electronically.
In 2005, he saw the potential to develop online accounting systems and came up with the idea for Liquid Accounts. Since then, he has become a pioneer of online software in the UK and has created a company that is at the forefront of online accounting in the UK. Liquid Accounts, based at Longwood, has won a string of prizes in prestigious competitions such as the Software Satisfaction Awards, the Insider Digital Award and the Biz Award for Enterprise Through Innovation. Matt is a sought-after speaker at regional business conferences and has written expert pieces for the Institute of Directors and several business magazines. Said Matt: “I’m told that because I’m dyslexic. I bring a unique approach and enthusiasm to everything I do. “Throughout my life I’ve had to find different ways of achieving things and so I don’t see the barriers to success that other people see.”
A PROFESSIONAL surveyor is helping bring innovative design to the construction sector in Huddersfield. Richard Conroy, chief executive of Brockholes-based Conroy Brook (Developments) Ltd, has had a keen interest in architecture since he was a child – no doubt nurtured by his father Ivan’s involvement in the building industry. Richard, 37, studied surveying at Reading University and gained a master’s degree in design and real estate development from Harvard University where he also graduated top of his year. He also spent 10 years gaining invaluable experience in property development in London, where he worked alongside renowned developer Sir Stuart Upton at Stanhope plc, a company with prestigious buildings such as Tate Modern and the National Gallery to its name. A professional member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Richard is also a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He joined Conroy Brook as a director in 2005, where his involvement has always been
Royal recognition for judge
■ BUILDING: Richard Conroy, chief executive of Conroy Brook
hands-on. Richard’s aim was to apply what he learnt at Harvard and in London to developments in across West Yorkshire. He said: “I firmly believe that places have the power to inspire us and transform the way we live. “That’s why we place such importance on design and architecture to create homes which are interesting, innovative and of the highest quality.” Richard works with the architects throughout each
project – his involvement even stretching to choosing the style and colour of door handles and light switches. For the recently completed Rowan Court development in Holmfirth, he worked with the Hollybank Trust, which had commissioned a 15-bedroom specialist close care unit for p ro fo u n d ly h a n d i c ap p e d people. O t h e r s c h e m e s h av e included the Holme Valley Court retirement complex, which stands close to Rowan Court, as well as its Somersbury Court apartment development at Somerset Road in Almondbury. The complex has an energy-efficient heating system using a combination of electricity and renewable energy from the atmosphere to reduce heating costs. Richard also takes responsibility for the financial, funding and legal aspects of the business. As a result of his efforts – and despite the difficult economic climate – turnover for Conroy Brook has risen from £2.9m in 2007 to £5.8m this year and the firm has remained in profit.
Pioneering. Professional. Personal. Nominated for Employer of the Year in the Examiner Business Awards 2009.
■ BIG DECISIONS: Judges (from left) Jeremy Garside, Ken Gillespie, Prof John Thompson and Andrew Palmer THE judging panel for the 2009 Examiner Business Awards boasts an award-winner itself. Prof John Thompson, professor of entrepreneurship at Huddersfield University, was recognised for his work with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion. The royal seal of approval was to mark his work in fostering enterprise and entrepreneurship. He was presented with the award by the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Dr Ingrid Roscoe, at a ceremony at the university. Panel members Prof Thompson, Andrew Palmer, Ken Gillespie and Jeremy Garside considered scores of nominations for the coveted awards. Now the judges are set to deliver their verdicts at
tomorrow night’s presentation ceremony to be held at the Galpharm Stadium. Prof Thompson, professor of entrepreneurship at Huddersfield University, has worked extensively in the field of “incubating” new businesses. He pioneered the Huddersfield Business Generator and the university’s Business Mine supporting students researching their ideas for setting up in business. Andrew Palmer is deputy regional director of the Confederation of British Industry in Leeds. He plays a major role in representing the views and promoting the interests of Yorkshire businesses with
Government departments. Ken Gillespie is director of regeneration at Kirklees Council and is closely involved in a string of major developments for Huddersfield. He has helped bring some of the town’s flagship schemes to fruition, including the Galpharm Stadium, the Media Centre and the Kingsgate Centre. Jeremy Garside is managing partner at firm Chadwick Lawrence, which is sponsoring the awards for the fourth year running. Mr Garside is a prominent figure in the local business community while Chadwick Lawrence stages regular lunchtime networking events for local firms.
A big thank you to all our staff for making our business the success that it is.
www.simplybiz.co.uk
Green Award sponsored by Disposables UK
■ POWER PACKED: Chris Hopkins, managing director of Ploughcroft Ltd has set up an environmental division
A COMPANY manufacturing paper products for the washroom has become the first UK firm in its sector to meet the requirements of a European-wide scheme. Meltham-based Disposables UK, which provides items such as toilet rolls, hand towels and wipes, has succeeded in meeting the criteria of the EU Eco-label scheme, which was set up in 1992 to encourage businesses to market products and services that are kinder to the environment. Products bearing the Eco-label’s flower logo are less damaging to the environment than equivalent brands over their whole life cycle – having been tested at independent test centres and reviewed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. In awarding accreditation, the Eco-label considers issues such air emission of sulphur and green house gases during production, water pollution during production, energy consumption during production, risk to human health, environmental damage
from the use of hazardous chemicals and use of recycled fibres of fibres from sustainably-managed forests. Trevor Storer, group chairman for Disposables UK, said: “Going green is no longer simply about using recycled products. It is tied into the ethics of corporate and social responsibility. “Being green is about using products that create a health living and enhance the working environment. “In the paper manufacturing industry, many lay claim to being green. “However, being green is not just about re-forestation or recycling products or even about putting a green hand print on packaging.” Mr Storer said: “It has taken us 18 months to be certified and it certainly hasn’t been a walk in the park, but as a company we have recognised the importance of ‘green’ and to be able to provide certified ‘green washrooms’ makes customers happy and increases our UK market share.”
Ploughcroft Ltd A BUILDING firm is helping prevent heating costs from going through the roof. Brighouse-based Ploughcroft has built on its reputation for excellence in the construction industry by setting up a new environmental division under the EcoRoof brand name. The division encompasses all the company’s green” products, including its expertise in roofing, solar panel installation and loft insulation service. Ploughcroft, which was established in 1997, is a leading contractor for Liquid Plastics, supplying seamless waterproof membrane technology which provides the base for “green” roofs. Managing director Chris Hopkins said: “Green roof systems offer a quality product
that insulates against sound, is cooler in the summer and retains about 30% more heat during winter. “Our green roof systems provide diverse habitats for birds and insects as well as giving effective storm management by absorbing up to 75% of rainfall – reducing run-off and flood risk.” Ploughcroft works closely with solar panel manufacturers and installers to help cut property heating bills by up to 70% and reduce the use of diminishing supplies of fossil fuels. It also works with ConstructionSkills, City & Guilds and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors to develop qualifications for roof slating and solar panel installation.
Ploughcroft’s loft insulation service also helps households reduce heating costs by up to 15% with the use of EcoWool, a product made from 85% recycled material. And it is offering EcoLogic, a new roof tile coating that will absorb pollutants from the air and also contains a high level of recycled materials. Said Mr Hopkins: “We aim to be at the forefront of helping individuals, companies and institutions in the region reduce their carbon footprints by introducing them to the alternative renewable energy and eco-friendly resources available. “Despite the economic challenges, we remain committed to expanding our environmental division.”
■ GREEN WINNER: Bob Ryder (left), of DEFRA, congratulates Disposables UK sales director Paul Halliwell and marketing manager Emma Wood on the company’s success in joining the EU Eco-label scheme
City Car Club
■ KEY PLAYER: Former Huddersfield Town player, Andy Booth (left) takes the ignition keys for one of the City Car Club Ford Fiestas when the vehicle was named after him. He is pictured with City Car Club manager Ray Cooper
A CAR club based in Huddersfield is getting the “green” light for helping the environment. City Car Club, which has its operations centre at the Media Centre, was formed in 1999 and runs car clubs in major urban centres London, Edinburgh, Bristol, Bath, Brighton, Norwich and Birmingham as well as Huddersfield. Earlier this year, it created the UK’s largest network of its kind with the takeover of Leeds-based pay-as-you-go car rental company WhizzGo. The move provided WhizzGo’s existing members with access to a fleet of 350 cars in Leeds, Hudders-
field and 13 other towns and cities across the UK. WhizzGo was formed in Leeds in 2004 in partnership with the city council. Following the takeover, City Car Club has 16,000 members across the UK – more than 1,700 of them in Leeds where there are 32 cars located in on-street bays across the city. City Car Club is billed as a recession-proof way alternative to owning a car – enabling individuals or businesses to rent a car by the hour. In Huddersfield, it has five Ford Fiestas located at St George’s Square and outside the Civic Centre, High Street. The cars for rent are available for
use around the clock. They can be booked over the internet, by phone or at the vehicle itself. City Car Club chief executive James Finlayson said annual turnover for the business was now approaching £5m – while the company planned to double the size of its fleet within two years. Ray Cooper, Huddersfield manager for City Car Club, said: “Each of our cars replaces 20 private cars, a c c o r d i n g t o f i g u r e s f ro m carplus.org, the government’s car club monitoring service. “This means we have effectively replaced 700 old, inefficient cars and saved 84,000kg of CO2 from entering the atmosphere a year.”
Business of the Year
sponsored by
Buy it Direct Ltd A FAST-GROWING online retailer in Huddersfield is making its mark. Buy it Direct Ltd has featured on the Sunday Times Fast Track 11 three years running – under its current name and former name of Easy Computers. The company, based at Trident Business Park, off Leeds Road, Deighton, supplies discount electricals and appliances, specialising in laptops and PCs, servers, televisions, kitchen appliances, CCTV and portable air conditioning. It sells to individuals, re-sellers, schools and colleges, universities and small to medium-sized businesses via the website, phone and showrooms. Owner Nick Glynne took
over the business in 2000 and decided to focus on selling laptops online. It is now the largest supplier in its sector in the UK with 10 employees and projected turnover of £100m this year. The company ships out thousands of items every month from its head office and warehouse in Huddersfield. One of the secrets of its success is to acquire distressed businesses, such as Trade Appliances, an online kitchen appliance retailer, which Buy it Direct bought in 2008. The website was back up and running within days of the firm going into administration and the division now makes a significant contribution with turnover running at £22m.
The latest move was the launch of Servers Direct to provide small businesses with a one-stop shop for servers and network technology, affordable IT support and management. Said Nick: “In a year which has been seen as doom and gloom, we’ve managed to successfully grow our business and recruit 15 more members of staff by securing contracts to refurbish returned laptops from other companies, buying struggling businesses and turning them round and focusing on discount prices and customer services. “We’re predicting a prosperous Christmas 2009 and looking forward to continued success in 2010.”
■ SUCCESS: Nick Glynne, of Buy it Direct Ltd
Newsholme Food Group ■ TECHNICALLY SPEAKING: Colin Findlay, director of Severn Unival
Severn Unival BUSINESS is booming for an engineering firm supplying the biggest names in the gas and oil industries. Severn Unival is a highly-specialised company designing, manufacturing and servicing valves for the North Sea oil and gas industries and further afield. Since January, 2008, annual turnover has almost doubled and employee numbers have expanded by 10%. The future looks promising with a healthy order book though to the end of 2010. Director Colin Findlay said: “Innovation and flexibility are central to Severn Unival’s philosophy and these values underpin its structure and working practices as well as products and services. “It is this approach to business, combined with a pedigree in specialist work, strong leadership and a highly skilled
workforce that helps the business continue to thrive. “There are plans for further growth and investment and the business is set to bring further benefits to Huddersfield’s economy in coming years.” Underlining the company’s reputation for being at the forefront of valve technology, Severn Unival launched Transform, advancing its Performance+ system to enable historic data to be stored and analysed to help with future valve maintenance and specification. Said Mr Findlay: “Transform plays a vital role in our ability to provide products and services which break the mould and allow continual improvement in performance and profitability for clients. The company employs 134 people at premises in Milford Street, Huddersfield.
A FAMILY firm in Huddersfield has grown to become one of the UK’s leading suppliers of sausages and cooked meats. Newsholme Food Group, which dates back to 1950, delivers its products across the UK and is now exporting to Europe and beyond. Earlier this year, the company celebrated the completion of a new 50,000sq ft extension at its premises in New Hey Road, Oakes. Shadow Business Secretary Ken Clarke officially opened the £2.5m extension, which also created 25 jobs for the company. More than 100 customers, suppliers and other guests attended the event, which included the unveiling of a plaque. Newsholme aims to increase turnover from almost £30m to £50m in the next two years through its well-established Country Park Foods brand as well as frozen ready meals operations CPS Foods and Oakes Fine Foods. It also has a distribution network supplying products throughout the UK and Europe. However, the company has never forgotten its roots or its values. The firm, launched as T E Newsholme Ltd, was founded by Trevor Newsholme with a single butcher’s shop in Huddersfield town centre. Today, it employs nine members of the Newsholme family and has a 200-strong workforce. Financial director Jeremy Thwaite said: “We believe our success is down to our heritage and culture. “We started out as a small family-owned business making quality bespoke products and treating our customers the way we like to be treated ourselves. “More than half a century later and our high quality standards have not changed one bit. “We also believe that our business sends out positive signals to the local business community. “Growth is possible and ambitious plans can become a reality.”
■ CURTAIN CALL: Shadow Business Secretary Ken Clarke MP opens the new extension at Newsholme Food Group with (from left) John, Trevor and David Newsholme
Looking to recruit? We can help UP & Working Ltd work in symmetry with UP & Working Community Employment Agency to engage, advise and support professionals looking for new job opportunities. We supply high quality temporary and permanent staff to selected organisations throughout the region. Operating across various sectors we specialise in industrial, engineering, housing, education, sales & marketing and commercial work.
To provide us with the details of a live vacancy or check our extensive database of vetted candidates please contact Jacqui or Paul on 01484 477140. Alternatively you can email jacquit@upandworking.com or paulr@upandworking.com Employment Advice
•
Business Support
•
Job Opportunities
Broadcasters taking to the stadium stage IT’S Curry night tomorrow. Broadcaster Declan Curry will be the guest speaker at the 2009 Examiner Business Awards, which takes place at the town’s Galpharm Stadium. Declan is well-known as the friendly face of business news
on a number of TV programmes. He is probably best known for broadcasting live from the London Stock Exchange – g iv i n g u p - t o - t h e - m i nu t e shares news and interviewing company bosses. He has also worked for vari-
■ POLISHED: BBC Look North’s Harry Gration will host the event at the Galpharm Stadium
ous rolling news channels and has also appeared as a daily business commentator in the United States for ABC News. Declan regularly broadcasts at breakfast time before continuing on 24-hour TV news until the middle of the afternoon – so his proud claim is to be one of the few people to see 2.30 twice each day. The first time is when his alarm clock goes off at 2.30am to get him up for his morning TV stint. At 2.30pm, he’s normally having a late lunchtime meeting in the City, struggling with his French classes or thinking about cocoa and a nap! Declan has also written for a wide range of newspapers, magazines and industry publications in the UK, the Irish Republic and the USA – including the highly-respected Investors People. Declan Curry was born and
raised in Northern Ireland, but moved to London to study chemistry before turning his talents to journalism. As well as focusing on business and finance, he has carried out a wide range of reporting assignments – from factories, schools, farms and breweries interviewing unusual characters ranging from a town crier to the owner of a dog that was trained to use a fax machine. Underlining his standing in the sector, he was voted Proshare Financial Personality of the Year two years running – an award based on the votes of thousands of small shareholders across the UK. Declan is much in demand for appearances at high-profile conferences and awards cerem o n i e s, i n c l u d i n g t h e National Business Awards Conference and the DTI e-commerce awards.
■ CAMERA MAN: Presenter Declan Curry (above), best known for his television reporting, will don black tie for the Examiner Business Awards
BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration will again host the event. The veteran broadcaster hosted the first Examiner Business Awards in 2006 and has been ever-present since then – delivering a polished
performance. More than 300 people will attend the awards ceremony at the stadium – when award nominees and winners will rub shoulders with leading figures from the local business community.
International Business/ Trader of the Year sponsored by Severn Unival A GO-AHEAD engineering company in Huddersfield is spanning the globe. Severn Unival manufactures, supplies and services highly specialised valves for the gas and oil industry worldwide from its premises at Milford Street, Huddersfield. Director Colin Findlay said: “Milford Street is the nerve centre of the company’s sophisticated global operation. “The majority of Severn Unival’s income derives from projects and commissions in far flung corners of the glob, including the remotest regions of the North Sea, Canada, Australia and the Middle East. “However, the headquarters and engineering talent have always been embedded in Huddersfield.” Mr Findlay said the past 18 months had brought “significant benefits” for the business. “Activity in the Middle East, Asia and North America is accelerating and there are strong indicators for additional growth in coming years,” he said. Its current overseas activities include the appointment of its first Middle East regional manager through specialist division Severn Quantapoint and a significant laser scanning project in Thailand. As exploration around Canada’s east coast continues to uncover potential large scale reserves of oil and gas, Severn Unival is set to extend its presence in the region though its design consultancy Design Paradigm. Severn Unival, which employs 134 people, has also secured two significant service contracts for well-known UK and Middle East oil companies – and is bidding for two further North Sea contracts. Mr Findlay said the company was winning work due to its competitive pricing and the quality of its products as well as the level of after-sales support and the dedication of its project co-ordinators.
Newsholme Food Group A FAMILY firm is taking top quality meat products to hungry customers across Europe. Newsholme Food Group, which started in 1950 as T E Newsholme Ltd with a single butcher’s shop, is now racking up its export efforts following the opening of a new £3.7m extension to its premises at New Hey Road, Oakes. Shadow Business Secretary Ken Clarke officially opened the new development, which also enabled the firm to increase employee numbers by 25 to stand at more than 200. Newsholme, which includes the Country Park Foods brand as well as frozen ready meals operations CPS Foods and Oakes Fine Foods, has set up a distribution network to take its products into mainland Europe as well as across the UK. The extension, designed to house the cooked meats division, means output of cooked ham can increase
from 70 tonnes to 200 tonnes a week. There are also plans to open another site to house a cold store and ready-meal factory, freeing the existing site to focus on cooked meats. Newsholme supplies customers including Makro, Heron Frozen Foods, J&S Foods, Leeds Bacon and Batley’s Cash and Carry. But it is looking to expand into new markets, including ones overseas. The company aims to target new markets with an appearance at the 2010 Food and Drink Expo at Birmingham’s NEC next March. Managing director John Newsholme said: “We already produce Yorkshire Premium Ham, which has won awards from the British Pig Executive along with our sausages and black pudding. It’s a market we have been asked to look at by some of our customers in Ireland.”
Equi-Trek Ltd A COMPANY supplying horse transporters is taking big strides into Europe. Equi-Trek Ltd, which employs 48 people at premises in Bent Ley Road, Meltham has opened dealerships in France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Scandinavia – and has been rewarded with rapidly rising sales. Managing director Raymond Janion said: “In 2008, our export sales were approximately £500,000. “For 2009 up to the end of July, the figure is already more than £2m. “Our focus over the next 12 months is expanding our European dealership network, which will bring a large increase in sales.” Mr Janion added: “We are currently working towards international standard ISO9001 and European approvals, which will strengthen our position in Europe. 2010 will see the launch of a new light-weight trailer. “Our vehicles are now used by many international competitors both at home and abroad.” Top equestrian competitors to use Equi-Trek’s products include local rider John Whitaker. Mr Janion said the company had developed a range of horse trailers and transporters to take the industry into the 21st century. He said: “Our success is due to innovative products, a desire for excellence and an outstanding team of employees who are always prepared to go the extra mile. “We are one of the few manufacturing companies who are expanding in the present economic climate and our potential for future growth is outstanding.”
Surprise! Secrets soon to be revealed IT wouldn’t be an awards night without a few surprises. And the judges in the Examiner Business Awards have certainly not let us down on that score. They have drawn up shortlists for nine of the 11 awards to be presented tomorrow night at the Galpharm Stadium. The finalists will be in the capacity audience waiting with bated breath to find out whose names appear on the trophies. But the winners of the two remaining categories don’t even know they are in the running for one of our prestigious prizes. The winners of the Regeneration Award and the Chadwick Lawrence Business Person of the Year will be announced on the night. The Regeneration Award will recognise a significant development which is making a significant contribution to the local economy – by creating employment or revitalising a local property or district. The Business Person of the Year
■ WINNERS: There were pleasant surprises at previous awards evenings for business personalities (from left) David Armitage, husband and wife David and Luisa Scacchetti (pictured with Jeremy Garside (left), of Chadwick Lawrence and Ken Davy will honour someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the local business community, enhanced its reputation on a regional and national stage and exemplifies the town’s entrepreneurial spirit. The winner will be in exalted company.
The winner of this category at the inaugural awards in 2006 was Ken Davy, chairman of Huddersfield Giants and independent financial adviser network Ken Davy, who was also recognised for his efforts as then chairman of Huddersfield Town.
The 2007 winner was David Armitage, chairman of Sellers Engineering, for his championing of manufacturing, his ambitions for regeneration and his contribution to numerous organisations in the community. Last year’s award was presented
to David and Luisa Scacchetti, founders of Colnebridge-based nursery products firm Mamas & Papas for creating jobs, promoting innovative design, investing significant sums in the town and building a business which has attained a worldwide reach.
Award sponsor happy to support our town! LAW firm Chadwick Lawrence is making its mark in the Huddersfield business community. Chadwick Lawrence LLP Solicitors is sponsoring the Huddersfield Business Awards for the fourth year running – having supported the inaugural awards in 2006 and the 2007 and 2008 events. Known as “Yorkshire’s Legal People” Chadwick Lawrence is one of West Yorkshire’s leading law firms – with a region-wide reputation. And it is a firm believer in celebrating the success of local businesses and recognising the efforts of their people. Chadwick Lawrence opened its offices at Railway Street in Huddersfield in 1998. The company employs about 95 lawyers and 115 lawyers with some 40 of them based are Huddersfield. Support and administration staff take the team to almost 200 across Yorkshire. That makes Chadwick Lawrence is ideally placed to offer support and advice to the local business community. The firm stages regular awareness seminars and training sessions both on its own account and with other business groups in the town to spotlight important issues impacting on the regional business community. Jeremy Garside, managing partner at Chadwick Lawrence, said: “Our commercial team works predominantly for small to medium sized businesses with up to a £40m turnover. “We offer a complete service to businesses,
drawing on the wide range of expertise that we continually build, equipping us to handle almost all aspects of business law. “The other division of our business is personal law and again we employ specialist lawyers to deal with the many facets of the law for individuals and families.” The growth and expansion of the Chadwick Lawrence commercial services team continued in 2008 – expanding most notably with the opening of a new office in Wakefield in January, 2008. Chadwick Lawrence is a keen supporter of the Huddersfield Town Centre Partnership and takes a keen interest in promoting efforts to foster economic growth. It has also teamed up with Huddersfield Town – with the goal of boosting local business through regular business forum events addressed by interesting speakers from the worlds of commerce and sport. The launch of a specialist legal team to assist businesses with commercial property advice and risk management has proved invaluable in helping the owners of commercial property and landlords – or indeed tenants – of the same. The current economic climate has brought new questions and challenges for property based businesses meaning that we as a business and our lawyers need to be fully up to speed and flexible to economic trends. The commercial services team is made up of three departments: corporate and commercial property, commercial litigation (including regulatory law) and employment law.
■ TOWN TEAM: Chadwick Lawrence managing partner Jeremy Garside (centre) with (from left) colleagues Michael Watson, Sarah Haller, Emma Pearmaine, John Barker and Phillipa Selby outside the law firm’s Railway Street offices
Accessing the right advice at the right time is crucial for business owners who are faced with making important decisions about the future of their business or indeed in handling any other problems, challenges or dilemmas they may encounter. Business clients who work with Chadwick Lawrence are secure in the knowledge that the commercial services team's legal ability and commercial awareness is always on hand to give help and advice. Specialist solicitors are happy to deal with
issues such as employment law, commercial contracts, commercial property work, employee compliance and training, disputes, licensing and planning, health and safety and much more. Chadwick Lawrence covers the whole of Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield. As well as its Huddersfield base, Chadwick Lawrence has offices in Dewsbury, Halifax, Morley, Pudsey and Wakefield. For further information, visit www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk
Yorkshire’s Legal People. Sponsors of the HuddersďŹ eld Examiner Business Awards 2009
www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk Huddersfield | Halifax | Leeds: Morley | Leeds: Pudsey | Wakefield