Honouring the best in business
New Business of the Year sponsored by
Lazarus Mobility ■ CELEBRATION: Examiner editor Roy Wright
Salute to the best
THE talk may be about the economic downturn – but Huddersfield businesses will be celebrating success tomorrow night. More than 300 guests and VIPs will assemble for the Examiner Business Awards at the Galpharm Stadium. The black-tie event will recognise the achievements of some of the town’s top companies and entrepreneurs – and the contribution they make to the Huddersfield economy. And at a time of general economic gloom, there’s more reason than ever to profile companies with a winning recipe. 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, leisure and tourism, the creative industries and business services. “Our judging panel has sifted through a wealth of good quality entries to draw up their shortlist of nominees for 11 categories. “In choosing the winners, they weighed up the contenders against criteria including their contribution to local communities, their efforts on environmental improvement, their financial performance, their commitment to their employees and their records on job creation and growth.” The awards will be presented by BBC TV presenter Harry Gration. The evening will also include music from Huddersfield University’s Brockman String Quartet. The guest speaker is former footballer now Coventry City managing director Paul Fletcher MBE, who makes a welcome return to the stadium which he helped to develop during his time as chief executive at Huddersfield Town. Mr Wright said: “This is the third year of the Huddersfield Examiner Business Awards, which were established to reward the enterprising businesses that provide the bedrock 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.”
A HUDDERSFIELD man has triumphed over personal adversity to set up his own company – and win the backing of a fiery Dragon. Longwood man Stephen Collins, who has cerebral palsy, has hit the headlines with his business, Lazarus Mobility. T h e A s p l e y - b a s e d c o m p a ny provides mobility aids, such as electric wheelchairs, scooters, bath lifts and walking frames as well as fashion clothing, radio-controlled racing cars and gardening equipment. Stephen Mr Collins, 47, launched Lazarus Mobility as a web-based business with support from the Leonard Cheshire Disability charity. Since its launch less than a year ago, the company has opened a showroom at the Aspley headquarters and has also received five-figure funding from Partnership Investment Finance to upgrade its website.
His endeavours impressed Duncan Bannatyne, the hard-nosed panellist on TV’s Dragon’s Den, who agreed to pay Stephen’s wages during his first in business. The pair first met at an awards ceremony last year. Earlier this year, Stephen was recognised as a winner at the Barclays Trading Places Awards while Lazarus Mobility was ranked among the UK’s top 100 firms tipped for long-term success in the Startups 100 index. Said Stephen: “I have lived with cerebral palsy for most of my life and have been told many times that there are many things a person like me cannot do. “However, I’ve never let negative comments stop me. “If I can make a real success of the business, I eventually want to give some kind of support to help entrepreneurs with conditions similar to my own.”
■ DRAGON TAMER: Dragon's Den star Duncan Bannatyne (left) with Stephen Collins, founder of Lazarus Mobility
Environmental Defence Systems Ltd
■ SAX APPEAL: Richard Bailey, managing director of Environmental Defence Systems Ltd, explains the Floodsax product to (from left) Scissett residents Elaine Ward and John Cook with Kirklees councillor Jim Dodds
A COMPANY in Huddersfield is spearheading efforts to combat flooding. Kirkburton-based Environmental Defence Systems Ltd devised the pioneering FloodSax as a replacement for the traditional sandbag to protect property and people near rivers, the sea and flood plains. The FloodSax contain a semi-porous inner liner containing hundreds of absorbent crystals which absorb water to 90% of capacity within three minutes. The FloodSax are lightweight when dry, making them suitable for people who may be unable to lift sandbags. The new product, invented by Golcar businessman Richard Bailey, came into its own when flooding struck properties along the rivers Colne, Holme and Dearne during January. Kirkburton company the CoGri Group was able to protect £360,000 worth of equipment by deploying just 30 of the sacks as water poured down into its
premises on North Road. It meant the firm could continue operating – in contrast to the previous June when old-fashioned sandbags failed to prevent serious flooding. FloodSax has now been adopted by several local authorities to protect buildings most vulnerable to flooding. In September, FloodSax were handed out to 180 properties in Catcliffe, south of Rotherham, to provide protection against flooding in an joint initiative with the local council. Environmental Defence Systems has also won a Green Hero Award in recognition of its revolutionary products. The awards are made annually to companies, councils and communities carrying out projects that enhance the environment. FloodSax has also been endorsed by the National Disabled Fire Association, the body promoting disability in the workplace in the fire service.
ProperMaid LET them eat cake! That’s the ambition of Allison Whitmarsh, who is cooking up a recipe for success with her company, ProperMaid. The Marsh-based firm evolved from a project Allison undertook she was studying for a BA degree in hospitality management at Huddersfield University – which highlighted demand for traditional home baked goods “with a twist”. Allison researched and developed her business idea through the university’s Business Mine. Since completing her degree and launching the business in July, Allison has been supplying local farmers’ markets, delicatessens and restaurants with creative cakes including beetroot and chocolate, courgette and lime, and cappuccino
and walnut. In response to demand, Allison has also produces versions to suit gluten-free and diabetic dietary requirements. The fledgling business, which also took part in the Huddersfield Food and Drink Festival last August, is now seeking investment to purchase new larger catering equipment and develop an online ordering service through its website. In time, Allison aims to acquire commercial premises to expand production. But she stressed: “I am concentrating on a controlled growth such that we can meet demand and continue to produce the same high quality throughout.” Allison, who is already employing part-time
staff, was also awarded one of only five bursaries made available to new firms following a competitive “pitch” to a Dragon’s Den-style panel of experienced business people at a judging session at the university. And she has the appetite to succeed. “My background has always been in food management, product development, manufacturing, school meals and training and development.,” said Allison. “My intention was to teach food technology in school. “However, the potential for running a business became clear – and not one to miss an opportunity, I launched ProperMaid straight after completing my studies.”
SME of the Year sponsored by Cooper’s Coffee A LEADING supplier of coffee equipment and ingredients is more than grinding out a living in Huddersfield. Cooper’s Coffee, based at Cooper Bridge, supplies restaurants and cafes around the country with award-winning coffee and the latest espresso machines. It also provides free advanced barista training for establishments keen to learn the coffee-making art. Cooper’s was established by David and Jacqui Cooper in 1989 and operated from a small bedroom and garage in Leeds. Over the next 19 years, the company has built the business into one of the leading coffee wholesalers in the UK and tapped into the enthusiasm for specialist brews. The firm has always been at the forefront of innovation and development in the industry and in January last year introduced the premium Italian Dalia Corte espresso machine brand to the UK – selling more than £1.1m of machines since then. This year, Cooper’s Coffee has increased its sales by 15% and plans to more than double its office and storage space. David Cooper has spent £350,000 over the past three years buying land around the existing warehouse to make his vision a reality. The expansion plans include building ■ UPPER CRUST: Champion pie maker Andrew Jones has the recipe for success with a string of national and regional awards for his products
Andrew Jones Pies Ltd PIE MAKER Andrew Jones has an appetite for winning awards. The company launched by A n d r e w i n 1 9 9 4 f ro m a butcher’s shop in Brighouse has won a large collection of t ro p h i e s i n re g i o n a l a n d national competition for the quality of its pork pies, Cornish pasties and sausages. Customers with a taste for the company’s products have helped boost turnover by more than 50% to £787,000 since 2005 while employee numbers have expanded from 18 to 28. Andrew Jones (Pies) Ltd makes and supplies baked meat and potato products to two butchers’ shops in Marsh and Brighouse and to more than 100 other butchers, farm shops, sandwich shops and retail outlets around Huddersfield. Earlier this year, the firm started supplying Morrisons and Asda through the Local produce scheme to encourage major retailers to stock more goods from regional suppliers.
The company has also introduced unbaked frozen products allowing deliveries to be made further afield. Among its latest triumphs, the firm was named national champion Cornish pasty maker for 2008 and winner of the best food product from Yorkshire in the 2007 Great Taste Awards. Andrew Jones has also won five gold medals in the National Pie Competition 2008 in Birmingham. The company, a stalwart supporter of the annual Huddersfield Food and Drink Festival, has even created a St George’ Day pie with an English flag on the crust and a pork and rhubarb pie to celebrate the Yorkshire “triangle” of rhubarb growers. Andrew is now cooking up plans to extend its frozen products range – and is pursuing further tasty contracts with national retailers and convenience stores.
■ FULL OF BEANS: David Cooper, managing director of Cooper’s Coffee, with one of his coffee-making machines a new warehouse to create more than 2,500sq ft of storage space, extending the existing building and converting into a 1,000sq ft barista training centre and creating an equipment showroom with glass-fronted reception area. The area surrounding the site will be landscaped and a picnic area will be built for the
company’s 18-strong staff to enjoy. This year, David also joined forces with espresso machine manufacturer De’Longhi to create Caffe Raro – the world’s rarest and most premium coffee at £50 a cup. Sales from the exclusive beverage raised more than£3,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Swift Blinds and Curtains A LOCKWOOD-based firm has been supplying window blinds and curtains for almost 40 years. Swift Blinds and Curtains Ltd designs, manufactures and retails p r o d u c t s fo r b u s i n e s s a n d domestic users as well as supplying blinds to the trade nationwide. The company has been a prominent part of the local community and a well-known name in the town. Swift is a member of the British Blind and Shutter Association, a trade group promoting quality and reliability from established suppliers. Swift has also embarked on a period of expansion in recent years. In 2005, the company completed its new showroom and of fice refurbishment at its premises in Lockwood Road – resulting in a 40% growth in sales over the past three years and increasing profits from £75,000 in 2005 to £412,000 last year. Among its charity efforts, managing director Chris Swift raised 2,350 for Cancer Research UK from fundraising activities during his time as president of the 400-member BBSA. New products include a new type of window blind that fits quickly and easily onto virtually any type of double glazed window
■ WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY: Swift Blinds director David Roebuck (left), joint managing directors Nic Swift (second left) and Chris Swift (right) and production manager Carl Taylor or door. The Louvolite Perfect Fit can be installed in less than a minute – without the need to drill holes into the window, door frame or surrounding plaster work. Swift, which employs more than 70 people, has diversified into online sales while the showroom has provided space to extend its product lines to cover soft furnishings and furniture.
Director Nick Swift said: “Swift Blinds has proved its success in an ever competitive market place by focusing on excellence and efficiency of service, great attention to detail on customers’ requirements and, above all, a commitment to great product design and manufacture – all made at the Lockwood premises.”
Community Award sponsored by Disposables UK Ltd
■ FUN AND FUNDRAISING: Sisters Vicki Davenport (front, left) and Bev Shelton (right), organisers of the Pink Link Ball with guests (from left) Sue Gawthorpe, Rebecca Skillington, Fiona Smith, Jane Crossley, Nicole Yates and Val Allen at the Cedar Court Hotel, AInley Top
The Pink Link Ltd A COLOURFUL company is playing a prominent part in the local community. Haulage business The Pink Link, based at Netherton, has raised almost £55,000 for local and national charities since 2001. Worthy causes to benefit include Kirkwood Hospice, the Laura Crane Trust, the Forget Me Mot Trust and the Dominic Rodgers Trust. The family-run company, which has almost 50 employees, has staged a string of spectacular fundraising events over the years. Using its pink and black livery as its theme, the firm stages the Pink Ball in October every second year to coincide with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Pink Link team organises the whole day and evening of activities, including a fashion show, rugby, a three-course meals, disco and an auction – inviting local business people, colleagues, family and friends to join the fun.
The 2003 and 2005 event raised £20,416 for charity – but the 2007 Pink Ball surpassed even that to realise a massive £21,000. So far this year, The Pink Link has donated this money to eight organisations supporting cancer sufferers and those with MS and warning of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Since 2005, The Pink Link staff have run the Race For Life on three occasions to raise £2,539 for Cancer Research UK. This year, sales and commercial director Vicki Davenport and driver James Atherton completed the Jane Tomlinson Run in Leeds to raise £2,428 for Janes Appeal. Said Vicki: “As a family-run company, The Pink Link is a local business with local values. Over the years, the team has made a continuous effort to help improve the quality of living in the local community in any we can.”
A MELTHAM company is championing the cause of children’s charities. Disposables UK, which manufactures and supplies washroom supplies, such as toilet rolls, hand towels and wipes, has established its own charity committee, called Kiddiesline to organise fundraising events for children’s charities locally and across the country. The charity fund has backed organisations such as ChildLine, Children in Need, the West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust, Holly Bank School and Kirkwood Hospice to the tune of £20,000-plus. Fundraising events have included a Giant Bog Roll Push, which involves directors, employees and their families pushing a roll of loo paper weighing in at 325 kilos 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. Events have included a Chinese night in Honley and a ski-dive, when two employees jumped from a plane at 14,000ft. Other money-spinning events included a Movie Themed Fancy Dress Day when staff dressed as characters from big screen favourites such as Snow White, Alice in Wonderland and the Wizard of Oz. Disposables UK, which began trading in 1987 and has more than 80 staff, has supported Huddersfield Giants and local sports organisations in Meltham. It has also been the main sponsor of
■ CHEQUES, PLEASE: Disposables UK staff (from left) Emma Wood, Mel Cooper and Wendy Hanslip, present cheques for ChildLine and Hollybank School, Mirfield, to Angie Dickinson, of Holly Bank Holme Silver Band since 2002, providing the musicians with new uniforms and other items. The company, which works from four
sites and exports to several countries, is forecasting turnover of £13m for 2008 with pre-tax profits expected to total £450,000.
Temujin Restaurant A RESTAURANT in Milnsbridge is serving up support for good causes. Temujin Restaurant, housed in a former mill building on Market Street, provides tasty Mongolian stir fry. The restaurant offers diners a range of starters and a buffet featuring meat dishes such as chicken and crocodile as well as seafood and vegetarian options. There is also a list of home-made desserts. Diners choose their mains, take their selection over to a range of woks, ask the chef to stir-fry using an oil, sauce and garnish of their choice and watch their stir-fry being prepared before their eyes. The restaurant is owned by Zimbabwe-born businessman David Johnston, who is also a qualified commercial pilot and flying instructor. He opened the Milnsbridge outlet three years ago after the success of his first Temujin site in Sowerby Bridge, which he opened nine years ago. The restaurant provides employment for 30 people and has achieved five-star status following an inspection by Kirklees Council’s food hygiene and environmental team. The business has increased turnover from 174,000 to almost £600,000. Among its efforts for the local community, the restaurant has raised cash for Yorkshire Air Ambulance. As part of its focus on healthy eating, it has sponsored local cricket, rugby league,
■ DRUMBEAT: David Johnston (second left), owner of the Temujin Restaurant in Milnsbridge, joins African drumming band Abelungu featuring (from left) Richard Lupson, Sandra Lupson and Brad Levin (right) during practice for a charity safari evening held at the restaurant in October football and volleyball teams as well as two local gyms. It has organised events including a safari evening to raise charity cash. The restaurant has donated to local
charities and has worked with schools to promote fresh food and cookery. Its most recent effort is to organise a fundraising evening for Kirkwood Hospice.
Regeneration Award sponsored by University of Huddersfield
■ IN THE ZONE: Dave Edmondson (left) general manager of the Football League Trust with (from left) Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe, the then Kirklees Mayor ClrJean Calvert, financial director Roger Armitage, Town and Giants chairman Ken Davy and Sporting Pride Community Trust manager Paul France at the official opening of The Zone
Sporting Pride Community Trust EFFORTS to give youngsters a sporting chance are paying off in Huddersfield. The Sporting Pride Community Trust has been set up to build on the community development work undertaken by Huddersfield Town and Huddersfield Giants. The trust, a registered charity, was formed in January last year to bring together all the facets of the community work undertaken by the town’s premier sports organisations. As well as providing opportunities to take part
in sport, the trust set out an agenda to help children and young people adopt a healthy lifestyle, engage in education and strengthen community links. The trust opened The Zone, a state-of-the-art facility to provide facilities including a play gym, indoor sports pitches and a fully kitted out dance studio. T h e d ev e l o p m e n t – which has transformed a for mer factor y a t St Andrew’s Road – has created 50 full and part-time jobs and allowed the trust to widen its scope and develop projects and activ-
ities for people of all ages. Since its opening last year, The Zone has attracted more than 48,000 users for its play structure and more than 1,000 users for other areas. The trust and its forerunners have delivered Football in the Community projects to 30,000 young people and Giants in the Community activities to a further 20,000 youngsters. A spokesman said: “The charity is not exclusive to young people but aims to reach all members of the community through its projects.”
HUDDERSFIELD University has graduated with honours in the field of regeneration. The university has undertaken many millions of pounds of improvements in and around its Queensgate campus. It has restored historic mills fronting Firth Street to provide facilities for maths and computing students as well as embarking on new developments such as the Harold Wilson Building and – most recently – the striking creative arts building. The university has more than 22,000 students and 2,000 members of staff. Its buildings occupy a major part of Huddersfield – and recognises that its activities contribute enormously to the local economy as well as having a significant impact on the environment. The state-of-the art £14m creative arts building will be home to students of music and music technology, fashion, creative imaging, multimedia, and business design awareness. The building offers rehearsal space, a recital hall, workspace and an exhibition area for all the art and design students. Features of the futuristic building include a huge 45,000-litre capacity water storage tank, which has been installed in an underground pit as part of a rainwater harvesting system. That allows the university to collect rainwater from the building’s roof to be filtered and stored for purposes like flushing toilets – significantly reducing the environmental impact of the new building. Evidence of the university’s regeneration role can also be seen in its community involvement.
Projects undertaken by students and staff to bring benefits to the town include working with Kirklees Council on the Free Town Bus, regular clean-ups along Huddersfield Narrow Canal and work on a car-sharing scheme to ease traffic congestion.
■ OLD AND NEW: St Paul’s Church seen from inside Huddersfield University’s new creative arts building – the latest example of the university’s large-scale investment in buildings and facilities
Heritage Exchange A FORMER textile mill is home to more than 20 companies employing some 160 people following a successful transformation. Heritage Exchange opened in June, 2006, in part of Wellington Mills at Lindley, to provide workspace for up-and-coming companies. The company prides itself on nurturing small businesses and helping them grow by keeping overhead costs down and providing as lively community in which to work. Tenants include a senior level recruitment agency, a financial consultant and advertising specialists. Heritage Exchange, which has annual turnover totalling £250,000,
has reinvested most of its profits over the past two years to develop the mill complex to provide facilities including a spa, health club and bistro on site to allow tenants to combine business and leisure. Managing director Mark Foster was a finalist in the Director of the Year Awards 2008 and has seen his vision for Wellington Mills take shape over the past seven years. The development has also played a part in making Lindley the number one location or first-time homebuyers in 2006. The company has a close relationship with West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust – its first ever tenant. The charity is supported with a free fully serviced desk and free
advertising in the centre’s quarterly newsletter as well as receiving 20% of profits from its mobile phone charging service. Heritage Exchange also offers meeting rooms for the use of tenants and external businesses as well as catering. Centre manager Danielle Firth said: “As members of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Huddersfield Town Centre partnership and by creating links with Huddersfield University, we are keen to forge closer relationships with local companies and pride ourselves on using Yorkshire-based suppliers where possible.”
■ MILL WORKERS: Heritage Exchange centre manager Danielle Firth (left) and group customer liaison manager Mandy Barwick
Young Business Person of the Year
sponsored by Santo & Marco Battaglia
■ CUTTING EDGE: Brothers Marco (left) and Santo Battaglia among some of the sheets of marble and granite waiting to be transformed into worktops at their workshop in Birkby
BROTHERS Santo and Marco Battaglia have laid down rock solid foundations for growth with their business Battaglia Marble and Granite Ltd. The brothers set up the company at Bay Hall Works, Birkby, in 2003 having both worked in the marble and granite industry and having learned from their father, who was born in Italy and had crafted stone for most of his working life. Santo was 23 and Marco just 18 when they took the momentous decision to launch their business – seeing a niche market to supply good quality granite and marble from Italy for worktops and bathrooms at an affordable price. They used their savings of £6,000 to buy a saw and various hand tools. Their first job was for Yorkshire and England cricketer Matthew Hoggard – who was bowled over by the result! The first six months were hard work – with four kitchens being produced per month and
all the polishing and cutting being done by hand. Hired vans were used to make the deliveries. An Examiner article about the business in 2004 prompted a flood of enquiries from retailers, trade and kitchen designers. By now, the brothers were earning a reputation for their workmanship and professionalism. The Battaglia brothers invested more money in machinery to increase turnaround time, productivity and profitability. With Santo spending more time out of the factory fitting new jobs, another polisher was recruited in August, 2005 to help Marco with the increased wo rk l o ad . A n o th e r wa s engaged the following year as demand increased further. At the start of last year, the company invested £100,000 in a n ew c o m p u t e r- c o n t ro l l e d machine to complete cutting jobs in a quarter of the time it takes manually. At the beginning of this year, the company agreed a five-year
lease to take the whole of the lower floor of Bay Hall Works and invested a further £50,000 in equipment. Battaglia, now employing eight people, also has a showroom open to trade customers and the general public and a wider range of colours in granite. Investment in machinery means over the past three years means the company can produce up to 35 jobs a month against four when the brothers first started. Company administrator Fiona Clayton said: “Even with the credit crunch upon us, as a company we are still very much holding our own and still increasing our customer database. “We aim to continue our expansion and develop as the market trends change. We may have a few more ‘frown lines’ and grey hairs, but will stay positive whatever the financial climate!”
Chris Hopkins
Wellington Mill and the Heritage group of companies are located on the fringe of the picturesque village of Lindley. With exceptional transport links this sympathetically restored mill is a hidden treasure – a blend of modern facilities and a building steeped in history. We offer contemporary and spacious self-catering accommodation in the Heritage Serviced Suites, a unique alternative to a 4 star hotel for visitors staying for one night or longer. Our intimate and exclusive Health Academy has a limited membership on site with cutting edge functional training exercise equipment and expert Health Coaches ready to welcome you – a club which offers luxury, results and relaxation, 7 days a week. Heritage Exchange offers luxury office accommodation to businesses large or small – the perfect place for a business to thrive.
Exchange
Coffee Mill & Bistro
Heritage Spa and Beauty – a sanctuary where you can refresh, rejuvenate, relax and restore your mind. The Coffee Mill and Bistro is the ideal place for informal meetings or if you are passing why not call in and have a sandwich?
Spa & Beauty
Serviced Suites
Health Academy
BRIGHOUSE businessman Chris Hopkins has transformed a family-run building company into a shining example for the construction industry. Until 2005, Ploughcroft was a typical father-and-son building firm with Chris and his dad Bill each owning 50% of a business turning over about £700,000 a year. When bill retired, Chris took the firm in a different direction. Fed up with the “poorly organised and fragmented” industry in which he worked, he had a vision to provide “hassle-free roofing delivered with a smile”. He focused his efforts on building a team putting quality and skill at the forefront. Following the firm’s first-ever annual staff conference, he invested the company’s profits into equipping a training centre at Owler Ings Road to deliver NVQs and improve the skills of his workforce with recognised qualifications. Employees were kept fully aware of the plan and the beneficial effects such a policy would have on the business in the long-term. The training centre was granted award body status by the Construction Industry Training Board and City & Guilds in 2006. Chris has achieved NVQ status within a year. The training centre was also made available to other building firms in the area and with the extra income generated Chris set up Ploughcroft Training and Development as a separate division.
■ GOING PLACES: Ploughcroft managing director Chris Hopkins with one of the Brighouse roofing company's Mercedes ECO-Start vans Putting training at the forefront of the business – and upgrading salaries as staff learned new skills – helped to boost turnover to £1.2m in 2007. Not content to rest on his laurels, Chris saw an opportunity to focus on the emerging market for solar roofing. Chris designed a course which was launched in July last year to provide specialist training to more than 100 roofing companies nationwide. Earlier this year the firms’s roofing contract arm secured a
deal with Vaillant Group to install 1,000 solar panels nationwide, generating more than £300,000 in turnover. As a result of that, Ploughcroft also secured a contract from Npower as roofing partner in the energy firm’s national roll out of solar thermal installations. Chris is now replicating his “ P l o u g h c ro f t A p p ro a c h ” UK-wide. He aims to launch a franchise called Rooferman to provide “hassle free roofing delivered with a smile” across the country by 2012.
Employer of the Year sponsored by Above & Beyond Ploughcroft Architecture Building Services AN architecture practice in Huddersfield is building a reputation for staff development. Above & Beyond Architecture, based at the Media Centre, was launched by managing director Andrew Stoddart in 1999. In the nine years since then, it h a s g row n t o b e c o m e a 15-strong team combining experienced professionals and rising new talent. New team members in the past 12 months include associate director Martin Booker, who joined from Carey Jones, architect James Bosley, who transferred from an award-winning Australian practice, and Andy Perkins, from Leeds Metropolitan University. Above and Beyond, which is forecasting £906,000 by January, 2009. Staffing levels have increased in line with growing demand and the staff training budget has doubled this year. Mr Stoddart said staff shared the vision to be “a consistent award-winning provider of highly effective, value creating
architectural and interior design services”. The company, which has gained the Investors in People Award, uses best practice workshops, external events and guidance and mentoring from senior team members to help hone the skills of its employees. Said Mr Stoddart: “In Yorkshire, we have some of the best talent in the country and as an industry we need to protect our people assets from migration to London practices. We’re passionate in our conviction to continue challenging convention and our staff are a key part of that.” Clients include bus and rail operator First Group, energy group Gaz de France and Birstall-based branding and marketing agency Fantastic Media. The company is set to move to Folly Hall Mills later this month. The 4,715s ft site will enable the firm to adopt 21st century ways of working.
A BUILDING firm is turning customers into “raving fans” with its focus on employee training. Chris Hopkins, managing director, has transformed Ploughcroft Building Services from a typical family-run construction company into a business determined to improve the image of the small-scale builder. Mr Hopkins focused his efforts on team development and investing profits into establishing a unique training facility which could deliver NVQ qualifications in construction-related topics and how to deliver excellent customer services. The centre was granted awarding body status by the Construction Industry Training Board and City & Guilds. As well as training Ploughcroft’s own employees, the centre provides training for staff at other companies in
Think that work isn’t a great place to be? Think Again. Our people are our key to success. We encourage and empower them to really make a difference, and enjoy themselves in the process. With such a passion for people, we are delighted to have been short-listed for Employer of the Year in the Huddersfield Examiner Business Awards. What makes FMG Support a great place to work? To find out more about us, and a number of exciting vacancies across our business, take a look at our website www.fmgsupport.com/thinkagain
the West Yorkshire area. Mr Hopkins also set up a system enabling staff to gain new qualifications – and increase their earnings on a three-monthly basis. The move has provided a morale-booster, who can see themselves gaining skills in small, three-month steps. Mr Hopkins set targets for achieving “raving fan” services. Employees hitting their targets were rewarded with away days to go quad biking and off-roading. Ploughcroft has boosted turnover to £1.2m in 2007. The company, which as 25 staff, has used its training facility to launch a course for plumbers and others installing solar roofing systems. The course is now delivered nationwide to more than 100 roofing companies. The training centre is now contributing 20% of company profits.
FMG Support A COMPANY helping clients manage their vehicle fleets, is on the right road for success. FMG Support, based at St Andrew’ Road, Bradley Mills, has doubled in size since 2004 to more than 360 staff – but has retained a culture of engaging with its employees – first with the distribution of an online survey and later with the launch of a new reward framework. The company embarked on a programme of leadership development, improved internal communications and a recruitment drive in April, 2007, under the umbrella of a “Could Do Better” project. The project was led by managing director Nick Brown, who led face-to-face focus sessions to find out how employees viewed various issues – and demonstrate the importance of open, honest communications. As part of the project, FMG Support also worked with business consultant in John Emmerson and the
London Business School to form a management development programme that was introduced in 2007. Following the “Could Do Better” project and subsequent improvements in pay and conditions, the company has been in a strong position to bid for major contracts. Following a string of business wins, it expects to create extra jobs over the coming year. Among recent successes, FMG Support has secured a £7m investment from private equity firm Aberdeen Asset Management to fund further market growth and innovation. Said Mr Brown: “FMG Support is continuing to grow its profile as a national player and this is a key focus that will impact on the future development of the business. For the immediate future, however, FMG Support is p ro u d t o b e a m a j o r employer in the Huddersfield area and is committed to developing and supporting local people.”
International Business of the Year sponsored by
■ CHINA DEAL: Simon Winfield (right) commercial director of Novus Sealing UK, with Zhu Yaqi, managing director of Novus Sealing China. Novus has facilities in China, South Africa, Chile, Thailand and Malaysia as part of its successful global business
Novus Sealing Ltd CLECKHEATON firm Novus Sealing Ltd is upholding Yorkshire’s reputation for manufacturing quality around the globe. The company provides sealing and jointing products for valves and other components used in a range of industries, including petrochemicals, oil and gas, power generation, mining, aerospace, water treatment, paper processing and general engineering. The independent company was part of the Dutch-based Royal Econosto Group until it was bought by its management team at the end of 2003. Since then, it has won acclaim across the world for the quality of its products, which are used in some
of the world’s harshest environments. Novus, which employs 80 people, has transformed losses of £5,000 at the time of the buy-out to a record high exceeding £939,000 in 2007. Sales have soared from £5m to £7.8m –underlining the transformation of its fortunes during that period. The company has invested heavily in its UK manufacturing base – as well as setting up sites in China, South Africa, Chile, Thailand and Malaysia. It also has exclusive distributor agreements with agents in Israel, Ka z a k h s t a n , I n d o n e s i a a n d Taiwan. Commercial director Simon
Winfield said the company began “racking up the air miles” from 2005 after putting the business on a solid footing. “By the end of the year we were starting to see some benefits,” he said. “Most importantly, we were beginning to gain a global brand recognition coupled with a successful testing and approval programme from major global customers such as Dupont and Chevron. “The company has continued to invest heavily into UK manufacturing as well as developing new opportunities in globally strategic locations.”
■ SIGN OF THE TIMES: The impressive headquarters of The Principle Group at Tandem Industrial Estate, Waterloo
Principle Group A COMPANY in Huddersfield is helping customers in more than 50 countries make a name for themselves. Waterloo-based Principle Group specialises in helping other companies to develop and promote their brands. Their work ranges from designing signs for factories and offices and producing high quality vinyl graphics for vehicle liveries to setting up exhibition stands and designing office interiors. The company, which has 106 employees, started out 21 years ago from a rented office in a former textile mill in Scissett. Its first contracts were to provide signs for commercial buildings. Since then, it has branched out into other related fields and now operates mainly for international clients anywhere in the world who need consistent branding across all premises anywhere in the world. In 2008, the company expects turnover to exceed £32m from operations in 57 countries. It is forecast-
ing sales of more than £45m in 2009. Clients around the world include Barclays and HSBC, where Principle Group is responsible for signage, interiors and retail displays. It also works with Royal Bank of Scotland, where it provides security screens and doors. And it handles branding in 31 countries for Xerox. Other clients include steel giant Arcelor Mittal, for whom it deals with all signage, vehicle liveries and brand management in 57 countries. Principle Group remains headquartered in Huddersfield, but also has businesses in the USA, Italy, Canada and Brazil as well as customers in North and South America, central and Easter n Europe, Africa, Asia and the Far East. And the firm insists: “We are a company that has only just begun in terms of expansion, diversification and plans for the future.”
Camira Fabrics A COMPANY flying the flag for UK textiles has overcome trade barriers to win major export orders. Camira Fabrics, which has a factory at Meltham and offices at Mirfield and supplies upholstery fabrics for use on items such as office chairs and bus seats, has maintained the form that resulted in a Queen’s Award for Exports in the 1990s. The company has doubled turnover in Germany – up from £3.1m in 2004 to a projected £6.1m this year – while sales in France and the Benelux countries have more than doubled during the same period from
£1.3m to £2.7m. Turnover to central European markets, including Poland and the Czech Republic, has trebled from £512,000 to £1.7m while annual turnover in Scandinavia and Italy has held steady at £3m and £1m respectively. The company, which employs more than 300 people, is also opening up new markets in the Middle East and India, which will generate £0.5m this year. This year, Camira exhibited for the first time at prestigious trade fairs in Dubai, New Delhi and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Camira Fabrics has overcome significant barriers to trade –
including cultural, language and legal difficulties as well as a host of other factors such as national variations in flammability standards and environmental “branding”. Camira has tackled language barriers by employing native speakers in overseas markets such as Germany, Denmark , Sweden, Belgium, Hong Kong, Poland and the UAE. Language graduates are actively recruited for the firm’s export customer services division and marketing materials are produced in relevant foreign languages.
■ TOAST MASTER: Camira managing director Paul Goodall (foreground)
Green Award sponsored by Holme Valley Caravan Park
A CAMPING and caravan park is providing a secluded retreat for tourists to Summer Wine country. The park occupies a former “brownfield” site in the Holme Valley between Brockholes and Thongsbridge. The river Holme runs around the park and a mill pond occupies a central position, providing a focal point and a haven for wildlife. Twelve years ago, owners Philip and Hazel Peaker entered the David Bellamy Conservation Awards organised by the British Holiday and Home Parks Association. In that first year, the park won a silver award, mainly for using stone reclaimed from the pond to build a toilet and shower block. The inspector was also impressed with the layout of the park. Encouraged by their success, the Peakers set about finding ways to save energy, encourage wildlife, create banks of wildflowers and grow trees and shrubs which attracted butterflies and moths.
The following year, the Peakers won a gold award – an achievement they have matched ever year since – by coming up with new ways to improve the ecology of the area and the energy efficiency of the park. Said Mr Peaker: “Working towards the annual David Bellamy Awards has now become a way of life. We are always looking to future improvements. “Some of the simplest things have been the most rewarding. We leave a two-metre wide margin around the fields so that nettles can grow, thus encouraging butterflies and moths to breed and thrive. “We have found that altering the cutting times of the grass we sell for hay has encouraged small mammals to breed and this attracts kestrels and owls.” Other measures include planting 400 trees, changing to low energy lighting organising bottle banks and installing solar roof panels on the shower and toilet block and using the site’s own borehole to provide filtered water.
Camira Fabrics A TEXTILE company is at the sharp-end of product innovation – and environmental improvement. Camira Fabrics, based at Meltham and Mirfield, has completed a four-year research and development programme to make a sustainable fabric from nettles. The Sting Project was led by Camira with support from the Department for Rural Affairs and De Montfort University to use the common stinging nettle as the raw material fibre for a new environmental textile for contract upholstery. The project has involved research into nettle cultivation, harvesting and fibre e x t r a c t i o n , f i b r e p r ocessing, blending, weaving and dyeing and technical performance evaluation. Company sustainability co-ordinator Jane Orton said: “Nettles are a perennial crop which grows rapidly and easily without the need for herbicides and pesticides on land, which is
often unsuitable for other crops, such as floodlands and brownfield sites. “They create their very own diverse eco-system by providing a natural habitat for rabbits, birds, butterflies, insects and even frogs and toads. “The nettles are harvested in late summer and left to dry out on the field while t h e i r l e ave s n a t u r a l l y decompose and provide nutrients for the following year’s crop. The nettle stems are then baled and the fibre is extracted from the outer part of the stem. The woody remnant is used for animal bedding.” The nettle and wool fibre that make the Sting fabric are blended and spun locally by Stork Brothers at Birkby. The yarn is then woven on energy-efficient high-speed looms powered by “green” electricity and piece-dyed by Holmfirth Dyers in low liquor dye vessels using non-metallic dyestuffs.
Green Building Store A BUILDING products supplier is bringing environmental benefits to the construction industry. Green Building Store, based at Bolster Moor, Golcar, has been manufacturing and supplying environmental construction products since 1995. Founded by building professionals Bill Butcher, Chris Herring and Steve Slator, the company grew out of their frustration with the poor availability of ecological building products. Chris and Steve undertook research into the health and environmental implications of conventional timber preservatives – leading to them developing Green Building Store’s own range of window and doors, the Ecoplus System, which pioneered the use of safer timber preservatives in the window manufacture in the UK. To improve thermal efficiency, special glazing was also incorporated into the Ecoplus System range. Before forming Green Building Store and its sister com-
pany Green Building Company, Bill and Steve also undertook the design and build of the “Longwood low-energy house” in Huddersfield, which has been called one of the most energy efficient houses to have been built in the UK. Green Building Store continues to be involved in building energy-efficient building projects throughout Yorkshire and the north-west. Ecoplus System doors and windows are now made at Health House Mill, Bolster Moor – with turnover from the products tripling within a few years of trading. In 2005, Ecoplus became the first UK manufactured window made with Forest Stewardship Council 100% timber. Other initiatives launched by Green Building Store include insulation made from sheep’s wool, water-saving toilets, natural paints and solar heating systems and heat recovery systems. The company also campaigns on environmental issues locally and nationwide.
Creative Award sponsored by QT Creative
Inhouse A CREATIVE agency in Huddersfield is helping clients make a bigger impression. Inhouse, based at the Media Centre, Northumberland Street, has enjoyed a success first full year of operation – building up a healthy client base and winning repeat work for its four-strong team. Clients range from housing associations and re gional development a g e n c i e s t o p ro p e r t y developers, estate mana g e m e n t b u s i n e s s e s, manufacturers of toilet rolls and educational and training establishments. Managing director Graham Sykes said: “For our clients, we have used our expertise in strategic marketing and creative design to successfully reposition and rebrand a number of organisations, encourage companies to invest in and employ young people and
promote Yorkshire at a number of European exhibitions. “We have crated a major community awards event, delivered a campaign involving delicate and sensitive communications and helped improve residents’ perceptions of their housing estate.” Among other projects, Inhouse has helped instigate campaigns to tackle bullying and truancy, promote equality and diversity strategies and tell young people about job opportunities. Inhouse has also strengthened its own image by organising a marketing workshop in Huddersfield for professionals and competed successfully against larger companies. It has achieved a healthy gross profit of 54% on tur nover exceeding £255,000 in its first 12 months of trading.
A HUDDERSFIELD businesswoman is making headway in the male dominated world of web and multimedia. Clare Quartermaine, 32, started her business QT Multimedia Design when she was just 22 with a business partner. After buying her partner out two years ago, she has grown the business from a single trader to a limited company employing five people as well as local freelancers and contractors. T h e c o m p a ny, n o w named QT Creative, has taken larger space at the Media Centre in Northumberland Street where it offers a solution for any marketing, creative and online needs. The company works with an extensive client list and has earned a name for quality, enthusiasm and customer service. Clare, who combines running the business with bringing up three children
under the age of five, works with many clients as their “virtual” marketing director or project manager – using her team’s talents to offer complete marketing and creative services. She works closely with clients to develop tailored online software, including setting up an online booki n g s y s t e m o r i g i n a l ly developed for bus and rail operator Arriva plc. The system created with Arriva’s sales team, resulted in the development of a p i o n e e r i n g c o r p o r at e account management system now being used by vehicle rental company Northgate PLC. This has led to the development of a range of online tools for content management, sales management, e-newsletter creation and a project management “ticketing system” which QT Creative is selling to many small businesses.
Principle Group THE Principle Group is making a name for itself as a leader in the competitive branding industry. The Waterloo-based business began life 21 years ago in rented offices in a Scissett textile mill with two partners offering a management service to provide signs for commercial buildings. Its initial work is just as relevant today as the company works alongside some of the world’s leading brand design agencies helping to translate two-dimensional concepts into three-dimensional solutions. The company’s services include signs, graphics, maintenance, interiors and consulting. Principle Group, which now has 106 employees, has diversified from “signage middle men” to providing services to clients across the world who require consistent branding. This year, the group will achieve turnover exceeding £32m from its contracts in almost 60 countries. It is fore-
casting turnover of £45m next year. Marketing spokeswoman Sarah Torbett said: “We have grown from a two-person partnership to a major employer in Huddersfield and Northampton, now employing – either directly or contracted – more than 250 people. “We have demonstrated a g ro w t h p a t t e r n t h a t h a s enabled growth levels in excess of 15% in 2008 despite a tightening economy and forecasts for growth of more than 17% in 2009. “We are working with many of the world’s leading companies in a diverse range of sectors – from retail to industrial, banking and commercial, UK and overseas government.” She said: “We are still headquartered in Huddersfield, but now with separate companies in North America, Italy, Canada and Brazil. “But we are a company that has only just begun in terms of expansion, diversification and plans for the future.”
Galpharm appearance for Wembley ‘wizard’ DURING a 16-year career as a professional footballer, Paul Fletcher never made it to Wembley.
But in his second career, the former player with Bolton Wanderers, Burnley and Colne Dynamos, was handed his dream job working on the new Wembley Stadium project, where he was chief executive for 18 months. Paul landed the job after his success spearheading the development of Huddersfield Town’s Alfred McAlpine Stadium, now the Galpharm, and Bolton Wanderers’ Reebok Stadium. Both won Building of the year Awards – in 1995 and 1998 respectively. Paul is one of a handful of professional footballers who have successfully made the transition from team sheet to balance sheet – using his sporting experiences in the business world to secure lucrative sponsorship and commercial deals. He is now managing director of Coventry City, where the club’s Ricoh Stadium became the first in the world to be self-financing without relaying on gate receipts. Paul is equally at home as a raconteur. He will be the keynote speaker when the Examiner Business Awards are held tomorrow night at the Galpharm
Paul brings sporting flavour to top event
Stadium. Leading figures from the Huddersfield business community will attend the awards, sponsored by law firm Chadwick Lawrence, to recognise the achievements of dozens of outstanding companies shortlisted for 11 categories of awards – and applaud the winners. They will include the coveted title of Business of the Year and Business Person of the Year as well as trophies for categories including New Business of the Year; Employer of the Year; International Business/Trader of the Year and Young Business Person of the Year. He has been an after-dinner speaker for more than 20 years, bringing northern humour and business insight to his talks. He puts all his success down to teamwork, saying: “ I just drew on the simple teamwork principles I learned in my playing days at Burnley Football Club. “People then used to wonder how
this small town of Burnley achieved success in the greatest league in world football. “Yet there was no secret. It was down to teamwork. Ordinary people, fired up with enthusiasm and common goal can achieve incredible results – and have some fun along the way.” Paul joined Burnley in 1970 he became on of the country's most expensive players. During the next 10 years, he made more than 400 appearances for the club and was capped four times for England at under-23 level. A serious leg injury forced him to quit playing at the age of 32. Paul was awarded the MBE for services to football and charity. ■ WELL-SUITED: Paul Fletcher, managing director of Coventry City and guest speaker at the Examiner Business Awards 2008
Surprising results from our judges
■ EXPERT VIEWS: The judging panel comprising (from left) Jeremy Garside, Andrew Palmer, Ken Gillespie and John Thompson
Expert panel delivers the verdict A HIGH-POWERED panel of judges were set a daunting task to select the winners in the second Huddersfield Business Awards. The four-strong panel, which met under the chairmanship of Examiner business reporter Henryk Zientek, considered scores of nominations for the coveted awards. Now they are set to deliver their verdicts at tomorrow night’s presentation ceremony to be held at the Galpharm Stadium. Panel members have drawn on years of experience to weigh up the contenders – and pick out the cream of the crop.
at Huddersfield University, has worked extensively in the field of “incubating” new businesses. He pioneered the Huddersfield Business Generator as well as the university’s Business Mine, which supports students researching their ideas for setting up in business. Prof Thompson is also the author of several books on entrepreneurship, business mentoring and business management. 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
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 senior partner of law firm Chadwick Lawrence, sponsor of the Huddersfield Business Awards. He is a prominent figure in the local business community while Chadwick Lawrence stages regular lunchtime networking events for local firms.
THE judges have a few surprises in store for guests at the 2008 Examiner Business Awards. While they have drawn up shortlists for nine of the 11 awards to be presented tomorrow night at the Galpharm Stadium, the winners of the remaining two categories don’t even know they are in the running for the glittering prizes. The winners of the Business of the Year and the Business Person of the Year will only be announced on the night. The Business of the Year Award will recognise a company setting a shining example to other firms in the town. The Business Person of the Year is the evening’s premier accolade. The winner of this category at the inaugural awards night in 2006 was Town and Giants chairman Ken Davy, in recognition of his dedication to the town’s premier sports clubs and his long record of business achievement. The winner last year was David Armitage, chairman of Sellers Engineering, for his championing of manufacturing, his contribution to numerous organisations in the community and his ambitious vision for regeneration.
Sponsors’ backing for business LAW firm Chadwick Lawrence is backing business.
Chadwick Lawrence LLP Solicitors is sponsoring the Huddersfield Business Awards for the third year running – having supported the inaugural awards in 2006 and last year’s competition. Known as “Yorkshire’s Legal People” Chadwick Lawrence is one of West Yorkshire’s leading law firms. And it is a firm believer in celebrating the success of local businesses and recognising the efforts of their people. Chadwick Lawrence’s head office has been at its Huddersfield Railway Street premises since 1998. The company employs 115 lawyers with over 40 at the Huddersfield site alone. Support and administration staff take the team to over 200 across Yorkshire. 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, senior partner of 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 geographically, particularly with the new Wakefield office, which opened 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. 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. 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
■ TEAM PICTURE: Jeremy Garside (right), senior partner at law firm Chadwick Lawrence, with Town chairman-elect Dean Hoyle (left) and guest speaker Tom Vosa, economist at Yorkshire Bank, at the launch event for Huddersfield Town Business Forum
Net gain for companies MORE than 90 people attended the first fixture of a new business networking group. Huddersfield Town has teamed up with law firm Chadwick Lawrence – with the goal of boosting the local economy. The two organisations have launched the Huddersfield Town Business Forum, which got under way with a meeting at the Fantastic Media Suite at the Galpharm Stadium. Town chairman-elect Dean Hoyle and Yorkshire Bank economist tom Vosa were the guest speakers for the meeting, which
is the first in a series of events focusing on business issues affecting companies across the town. The second meeting is expected to be held next spring. To register for the forum, go to www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk Jeremy Garside, senior partner of Chadwick Lawrence, said: “Huddersfield is home to Chadwick Lawrence’s head office and, as Huddersfield Town is the biggest brand in the area, it seemed right in the club’s centenary season to pool resources for the good of the local economy.”
Harry’s back in town BROADCASTER Harry Gration is a familiar figure with Huddersfield audiences. Apart from his regular appearances on BBC TV’s Look North, he has been happy to present a number of major events in the town. Last month, he compered the Examiner Literary Lunch. He has also taken the stage to host The Proms in the Park. Tomorrow night, he’s back at the Galpharm Stadium to host the spectacular Examiner Business Awards. Harry, who has also fronted BBC North’s rugby ■ LOOK WHO’S TALKING: BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration makes a welcome return to Huddersfield to host the spectacular Examiner Business Awards at the Galpharm Stadium
league show, has been MC at the district’s top celebration of business success since its was first held in 1996. Harry started out as a history teacher before taking a career path into broadcasting. He spent school holidays helping out on match reports for Radio Leeds and Radio Humberside before taking the gamble of giving up teaching for a three-month contract as Radio Leeds sports editor. He became a regular reporter and commentator for the BBC’s Olympics and Commonwealth Games coverage before breaking from television to become public affairs executive for the Rugby League. He returned to broadcasting a year later and is in demand to make personal appearances at events across the Look North region. Harry has won two Royal Television Society Awards for his sports documentaries, White Rose in Africa and Dickie Bird – A Rare Species.
Yorkshire’s Legal People. Sponsors of the HuddersďŹ eld Examiner Business Awards 2008
www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk