The newsletter of the Huddersfield Town Centre Partnership
Calling all businesses, get involved!
Issue 53
Autumn 2010 In this edition
High Jinks
Page 2
Cry for town Page 6
Hospice build Page 9
O
ne of Huddersfield’s most popular events is to be extended across a whole weekend.
Festival of Light in December is expanding to fill one of the town’s busiest Christmas shopping weekends and attract even more visitors to the town centre. Last year’s one night extravaganza attracted almost 20,000 visitors into the town centre, so this year the organisers are hoping to double the impact. Spectacular performers Theater Tol from Germany, who have entranced audiences worldwide with their airborne operatic shows featuring angels, will delight visitors on the evenings of Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th December in St George’s Square. Further entertainment and activities are also being planned, to span the weekend and keep visitors in the town. Organisers and the HTCPL are urging all retailers, bars, restaurants and other town centre businesses to get involved with Festival of Light and reap the benefits of this increased footfall. Retailers are encouraged to extend opening hours to capture audiences coming into town before Festival of Light (the hour-long show is expected to start around 7pm on both nights), restaurants and cafés might also consider running special offers to capture diners before and after the shows. In addition, bars are being encouraged to consider programming live music and other entertainment to lure audiences in from the cold. All entertainment that is complimentary to the Festival will be promoted on the brand new festival website and in the marketing materials. Leader of Kirklees Council, Clr
Mehboob Khan, said: “The Festival of Light is undoubtedly our most popular winter event, and over recent years, has been attracting more and more visitors from across the region into our town. “By extending the Festival over two nights, not only are we creating further audience capacity for what is now an extremely busy event, but generating a really lucrative opportunity for Huddersfield businesses to get involved and take advantage of 20,000 extra visitors in the town each evening. “We know that restaurants and bars around the town enjoy one of their busiest trading evenings for Festival of Light, so by adding an additional evening’s entertainment, we’re hoping to sustain footfall in the town for an extra day, supporting our town centre and local businesses. “In just a few short years, Festival of Light has grown to be one of the biggest nights of the year for our town. By sustaining that magical atmosphere over a full weekend, I am confident that Huddersfield’s Festival of Light can become one of the biggest and most attractive weekend destinations for visitors in the entire region.” The extended festival is already capturing the imagination of retailers and the HTCPL has given it a warm welcome. Cathy Burger, Huddersfield Town Centre Manager, said: “We are all extremely excited about this festival, which has gone from strength to strength over the years and now attracts a significant number of visitors. “We are extending it this year in a deliberate attempt to draw shoppers into the town centre and away from out-of-town centres. It will be a joyous festival, with all the magic and anticipation of Christmas. What better time to capture people’s imagination and
Theater Tol from Germany with their airborne operatic show featuring angels show off our wonderful town?” The potential for businesses has been recognised by many of the town centre’s biggest retailers. Matthew Corker, Manager of Marks & Spencer in Huddersfield, said: “We’ve been watching audience numbers for Festival of Light grow over recent years, and need no convincing that keeping our store open longer makes sense. “Last year, it was noticeable that Festival goers were keen
to enjoy the magical atmosphere both before and after the main performance in the Square, so by extending our trading hours this year, we’re hoping to enjoy the same boost in trade experienced by the bars and restaurants.” If you have any ideas or want to get involved, contact Cathy Burger at the Huddersfield Town Centre Management office on 01484 487933.
Welcome new members
pages 2 & 3
Award-winning magicians join Partnership
E
ntertainers High Jinx who offer a variety of magic and illusion, interspersed with circus skills including fire eating and escapology, have joined the HTCPL.
High Jinx is made up of Magic Circle members Michael and Siobhan Jordan, travelling both in the UK and abroad entertaining at dinners, corporate events, theatres and much more. Among the brother and sister team’s talents are illusions, juggling, unicycling, balloon modelling, fire juggling, stilt walking and puppetry. Michael, at just 19 years old, is the Magic Circle’s Young Magician of the Year. The pair has also won a clutch of other awards including British Champions of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and Best Event at the Buxton Fringe Festival. Based in Scapegoat Hill, they also run a busy online juggling shop supplying discounted juggling equipment to schools, colleges and the Scout and Brownie associations. They even run workshops where people have a chance to try unicycling, stilt walking and
juggling, further information can be found at www.thejugglingshop.com Michael said: “We already have a number of links with the town, we work with various organisations such as Sellers Youth Band, local operatic societies and the Lawrence Batley Theatre. “We saw an increase in local work last year when mayor Julie Stewart-Turner decided to use local people for all her events keeping money within Kirklees and saving on fuel. This brought us back to Huddersfield for a number of performances including the Food and Drink Festival, Honley Show and a number of appearances from local dinners and events to Christmas parties. “This has encouraged us to try to generate more work in the Huddersfield area.” Michael was a finalist in the European Close Up Magic Competition and has been in great demand at weddings and corporate dinners as well as featuring on both TV and Radio with his close up magic. He recently appeared in Channel 4’s soap Hollyoaks performing juggling
Flowing with the environment
T
he HTCPL welcomes a newly formed drainage management company. Enviroflow Management Ltd offers a low-cost call-out service for a variety of emergency residential or commercial problems from blocked sewers, drains and sinks to flooding and graffiti removal, with a freephone customer helpline operated 24/7. With their specialist machines they can clean almost any surface from glass to concrete, removing such nuisances as chewing gum, rust, paint or any type of dirt or graffiti without damaging the surface itself. Based in Birstall, Enviroflow covers the North of England and the Midlands. Alongside its core business, Enviroflow also offer environmental maintenance services, regular maintenance of drainage systems prevents problems building up which often lead to flooding which can then become very expensive. With regular low cost maintenance, such as cyclic fat
trap emptying, system flushing and correct grease disposal, many incidents can be avoided. Enviroflow also offer CCTV surveys, No Dig sewer repairs and property clean up services. Operations Director Mark Jordan said: “Enviroflow Management Ltd has an experienced management team who operate the company with a clear focus on customer service, health and safety, and value management. “Our employees are committed to having pride in their work and resolving customer issues, identifying and preventing future problems. They are trained to the highest standard and equipped with the latest available technology.” Any members of the HTCPL are entitled to a free callout service with Enviroflow. Mark added: “We joined the HTCPL to highlight the benefits of environmentally friendly solutions to drainage and maintenance to local businesses.” Contact Enviroflow on the Fairways Industrial Estate on 0800 1588300 or go to their website www.enviroflowmanagement.co.uk
and fire breathing. Siobhan has done voice-over work for advertisements along with TV work with Michael and has her own repertoire of magic which regularly features as part of their stage performances.
Both Michael and Siobhan are members of The Magic Circle and Equity as such they carry full insurances including fire performers insurance. Contact High Jinx on 01484 644738 or go to their website www.highjinxmagic.com
Feeling good from Top 2 Toe
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runner who went on to learn sports therapy and massage now runs her own business offering a vast choice of treatments for the whole body.
Mother-of-two Lynni Newsome founded Top 2 Toe a year and a half ago and worked from her home on New North Road in Edgerton.
learn sports therapy. I enjoy being able to help people back to recovery whether it’s easing pain and discomfort or a sporting injury, helping them to return to sport or everyday life without pain.” Her advice for other mothers who are worrying about juggling a career and motherhood is very positive.
She moved in August to new premises on New Hey Road, Rastrick. She offers treatments and relaxing therapies for everyone, including sportsmen and women, pregnant ladies, even babies. These include sign language for babies and baby massage courses; beauty treatments and make-up; a host of massage types such as Indian head massage; sports massage and therapy and even more unusual treatments such as Hopi ear candles. Lynni said: “I wanted to work for myself and I didn’t want to get to the stage later in life where I thought ‘oh I should have done it’ but never did. I learnt Swedish massage and got a real taste for holistic therapies, so I went on to learn Indian head massage and reflexology and it just snow balled! “As I run for the Stadium Runners, I had a particular interest in running, so I went on to
“Just go for it!” she said. “If it’s something that you love to do, it won’t feel like a job! Don’t listen to people who want to put you off, it is scary to start with but step out of your comfort zone and just try it.” Lynni joined the HTCPL for the networking opportunities and was recommended by Tony Harris from The Foot Centre. She is holding an Open Day on Saturday September 18 at her new premises from 12 – 4pm. Ring her for more details at Top 2 Toe on 01484 309276 or visit her website top2toetherapy.co.uk
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Oxjam Huddersfield takeover
local team of volunteers for Oxfam who are organising a Huddersfield-wide music festival in October have joined the HTCPL. Oxjam is a nationwide music festival in its fourth year. It is run by volunteers from the local area who
know and love the Huddersfield music scene and want to raise money for Oxfam. In October, the Oxjam Huddersfield Takeover will see more than 50 bands playing in six
day, October 23rd.
various fundraising events throughout the
The Huddersfield Oxjam team would also love
summer including taking a busload of buskers
to see local restaurants and caterers offering to take part in the event with food promotions for
and promoters round events in Kirklees on August 28, and a gig at the Holmfirth
festival-goers and be included in the official
Picturedrome on September 11.
programme. Oliver Constance, the Oxjam Regional
A “buskathon” and Fresher’s Gig will take place on September 25 for freshers and
Manager for Huddersfield, said: “We decided to
returning students.Many local venues, pubs and
join HTCPL so that as a Huddersfield music festival we could link in with Huddersfield
clubs will also be organising their own live music nights to raise money for Oxfam. Oxjam - Local
businesses, allowing us to help to promote and venues across the town on one day. The team support each other as much as possible.” expect to be selling up to 1,500 tickets for festival Oliver and his team are currently organising
music, global impact. E-mail oxjamhuddersfield@googlemail.com or ring Oliver on 07919 562000.
Absolutely fabulous for the radio are needed more so now than ever before.”
In August Absolute Media, formerly Absolute Commercial Productions, moved from Paddock into the offices in Lockwood Park which used to house Pennine FM. The sound-proofed studios are ideal for their future
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business which encompasses everything to do with radio advertising has joined the HTCPL.What Alex Mullen, founder of Absolute Media (UK) Ltd, doesn’t know about radio advertising isn’t worth knowing. Together with his colleague Rick Fry, they plan, buy, create, produce and deliver effective radio advertising. “We are one complete source for one complete medium, from start to
finish,” said Alex. “There is no third party to misconstrue the brief and no agency or radio station mark up on the invoice. “We have had the pleasure of working with famous personalities, including actors such as Tom Baker and voice of X-Factor Peter Dickson and recently Sue Pollard joined us for a ‘voice over’ session. “We are totally independent radio advertising specialists and specialists
plans. Their clients include national companies such as Lidl, Nisa, Althams Travel and Evans Halshaw. The pair were also known as Bandits at 2 O’clock, a musical/comedy duo from which they are now “retired”. Absolute Media joined the HTCPL to be able to offer all members special deals on radio advertising, cheaper than any commercial radio station can give, because they don’t just buy ‘spots’ they buy ‘the audience’. Alex added: “We buy airtime and can sell it much cheaper than the stations sell ‘locally’; we can give you a surprisingly good deal. We would strongly advise you to come to us first.” Absolute Media will also be offering a karaoke service to people wishing to record their own songs in their recording studios, at two hours for £50 including final mix onto CD; you can even have your picture on the disc. Ring them on 01484 532677 or go to www.absoluteradioads.co.uk
Getting Huddersfield UP and Working
Providing
Businesses with advice and support
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recruitment consultancy company, which aims to place high quality staff with businesses in the area, has joined the HTCPL. UP and Working, based in the Media Centre on Northumberland Street, has been running for five years.
> Advice on setting up a business > Signposting to funding and training opportunities > Helping businesses expand or relocate > Environmental support > Supporting corporate social responsibility
It specialises in placing temporary and permanent staff within a host of sectors including Commercial, Sales, Marketing, HR, Education (Languages), Housing, Financial, Industrial and Engineering. Paul Rowlands, Senior Recruitment Consultant of UP and Working, said: “UP & Working Ltd Recruitment Consultants use their knowledge of the customer group and local labour market to ensure that all candidates receive specific support packages tailored to their individual needs. “We also offer professional interview advice and guidance; one to one diagnostic, allowing candidates to take stock of their skills and experience; and
labour market reviews to identify new opportunities and leads.”
discount off placement fees and reduced temporary rates for all new clients.
He added: “We chose the Huddersfield town centre partnership to work closely with local companies, providing candidates from the local and
To find out more about UP and Working and its services, contact Paul Rowlands or Chloe Proctor on 01484 477140.
surrounding areas.” UP and Working will give HTCPL members a 10%
You can also send an email to paulr@upandworking.com.
For more information Call: 01484 221414 Email: business@kirklees.gov.uk www.kirklees.gov.uk/business
Busy summer for Term Time Wear
T
here’s no relaxing summer holiday break for Huddersfield company Term Time Wear. The school uniform and work wear specialists have been looking after the needs of schoolchildren and uniformed workers for the last 17 years. And the summer holidays is one of their busiest times as parents get organised for their children’s forthcoming academic year. Term Time Wear began as a business in a spare room, supplying some local schools with their uniforms on a wholesale basis. Owner Liz Gill said: “My father had a wholesale business doing embroidery and printing of garments – and he could see a gap in the market for embroidered schoolwear. “The business outgrew the spare room, then we found the premises on St John’s Road, next to Thai Sakon. From then on, we became retailers as well as wholesalers.” On its opening night in 2003, TTW Retail stocked uniforms for a dozen schools within the area – now, they have more than 40 schools’ uniforms. And the list is still growing. Liz said: “It is a family business – this year my daughter has been helping out in her gap year. My husband used to work in a timber mill, but he joined me in 2000. It was a huge change for him but it’s nice working together. “When my father retired, my brother and sister took over his business and we get all our embroidery and printing done by their company GDB Manufacturing in Bradford. We support each other. “My sister designs logos for organisations which haven’t already got one and does a great job. That’s a service we can offer our customers. “I am inspired by excellent customer service. To maintain this goal, we use British-made garments wherever we can.” As well as specific school sweatshirts, the shop stocks a wide range of multi-purpose school wear from skirts to shoes, winter coats and even hair accessories, so it is worth visiting for those customers whose school embroidery is not supplied. TTW Retail also has a workwear section, including steel toe cap boots, combats, beautician’s tabards and chef wear. Because they can put a logo on any garment, they supply local scout groups and other clubs and sports teams with
The team at Term Time Wear (above left) and a view of the inside showroom area. Below the premises in St John’s Road
hoodies or t-shirts with specific logos. Its eight members of staff are friendly,
beautiful hanging baskets clinched it a first prize in Huddersfield in Bloom contest the previous year.
“Our work experience students come up with some wonderful ideas and make it unique.
knowledgeable and helpful. They all take pride in their work premises and have won some awards for hanging baskets and
The shop has also won the Gold award for the Tidy Trader contest. Liz added: “We like the building to look lovely, it
Children from primary schools also do lovely drawings for us. “It reflects our business – we offer a personal,
general appearance. In Christmas 2008, TTW was awarded first prize
is so important with us being a little out of the main town centre, so we try really hard with the
unique service to our customers.” For more information about Term Time Wear, go
in the Best Dressed Windows Competition. And its
windows.
www.termtimewear.com or ring on 01484 453534.
Food and Drink Festival is biggest yet
H
uddersfield’s 10th anniversary Food and Drink Festival attracted record numbers of visitors and was hailed another massive success.
Tens of thousands flocked to taste the festival’s wares and soak up the atmosphere – and both the sunshine and the quick downpours - in St George’s Square. For its special anniversary celebration, the festival stretched into more than just a weekend festival, with exciting fringe events raising its profile still further. To get people into the spirit, restaurants in Huddersfield’s town centre opened their doors on Saturday 7 August offering free samples from their menus. Excited queues formed outside the eateries involved in the Taste Trail: Thai Sakon, Gringo’s, Chilli Lounge, Voda Bar and Grill, Ciao Bella, Nawaab and Gurkha Thali. After building up a thirst, real ale lovers also took part in the Real Ale Trail across the town centre. They visited eight alehouses - The Star Inn, The Rat & Ratchet, The Vulcan, The King’s Head, The Sportsman, The County, The Grove and The Head of Steam - sampling the best the town has to offer in locally-brewed beers. Anyone brave enough to try a drink at each pub had their flyer stamped by all the establishments, which they exchanged at the festival for a limited edition pint glass. The Festival itself kicked off on Thursday with an exciting “cook-off” between Huddersfield’s television celebrity chefs, Barrington Douglas, from Discovery Bay, and Tim Bilton, from Hepworth’s Butcher’s Arms. As well as causing quite a stir, the event drew massive crowds, eager to see who would be victorious. The crowd voted that the winner was Barrington but both chefs agreed that taking part was the main thing. Barrington when congratulated said “It was a tough cook-off with Tim who kept me on my toes the whole way through. The audience were great and really participated – thanks to them all for voting for me – Tim and I will be back next year, no doubt coming up with different ways to out perform each other!” Visitors enjoyed buying and sampling a bewildering array of food and drink, including pies, cakes, bottled brews, dairy products, exotic meals from across the globe, ice creams, fish and seafood. Some took advantage of the demonstrations, others just enjoyed sitting in the sunshine quaffing wine and nibbling hors d’oeuvres. Town Crier Vic Watson said: “We are already having a great time, the atmosphere is brilliant, everyone is impressed with the sheer array of food here.”
A big happening took place on Friday night to celebrate the festival’s tenth birthday. The stalls remained open until late into the night, while live music got the revellers dancing. They all enjoyed a piece of a special birthday cake and ice cream made especially for the Propermaid and Yummy Yorkshire. Exhibiting at the festival were over 60 food and drink stalls, including many local heroes and those from further afield. Audrey Paisley of Lymn Bank Farm from near Skegness in Lincolnshire was at the show for the first time with her delicious hand-made cheeses. She said: “A friend who does chocolate fountains recommended we come. We’re doing well, everyone is very friendly and interested in what we have.” Popular Andrew Jones Pies returned to the festival despite a traumatic year after the company’s premises on Old Leeds Road suffered a tragic explosion last year. Another award-winning local company, Yummy Yorkshire Ice Cream of Ingbirchworth was also a popular exhibitor alongside Propermaid’s Cakes with a Twist, Coddy’s Farm with its locally-reared meat and Cooper’s Coffee. While the adults were happy sampling tasty treats and enjoying cookery demonstrations, children also got stuck into the festive atmosphere. The older ones were shown how to make simply Asian dishes by Curry Cuisine while the younger ones enjoyed getting messy in the chocolate cookery tent. Both kids and their parents were entertained by new HTCPL member High Jinx, who wowed audiences with their circus skills. Cathy Burger, Huddersfield Town Centre Manager, was thrilled with the response of the visitors. “Everyone just loves the Huddersfield Food and Drink Festival but this year’s was even better than previous festivals. Despite the showers, everyone was determined to have a good time and got
stuck into tasting, sampling and learning about new dishes. “This is one of Huddersfield’s biggest successes and grows in stature each year. It is a fantastic pull bringing in tens of thousands of visitors to our great town. “Well done to everyone who was involved, particularly the stallholders and a big thank you to all our visitors who made it so special.” The festival was sponsored by Sainsbury’s and supported by Kirklees College, The Examiner, Kirklees Council and Real Radio. Colin Meah, manager of Sainsbury’s Market Street branch who had many of his staff working at the festival said “This has been a great occasion for us; it has really allowed us to get involved with the community and has certainly promoted the best of what Yorkshire has to offer in terms of food and drink, something we are passionate about” More images on page 8.
Cry for Huddersfield
E
ight town criers will battle for supremacy in Huddersfield at the end of September. Hosted by Huddersfield’s town crier Vic Watson (pictured) , this will be the eighth contest within the town and is expected to attract lots of interest from visitors. So far Vic, who has been the town crier for 12 years, has raised £210 in donations from the HTCPL’s Business Breakfast Clubs and just needs another £75 to be able to hold the event on the Piazza on September 25. Contestants will travel from as near as Halifax and as far as Lichfield. Last year’s winner Terry Stubbins from
the “home cry”. After lunch, they will return at about 2pm for a cry of Vic’s choice. Vic, who acts as Master of Ceremonies, said: “Last year, they had to shout about the best thing in Huddersfield. They all chose Vic Watson in a shameful bid to get more points - but it didn’t work! “This year I think the cry may be – if Victor was a character in Last of the Summer Wine, what part would he play? That will test them! “But I won’t be revealing the contest details until the day.”
Judges will be John Myers, of Discovery Radio, Cathy Burger, Town Centre Manager and a guest judge. Master scorer is Julia Lilof, Assistant Town Centre Manager. Vic added: “The Town Crier competition attracts quite a lively crowd and eight is just the right number to keep people’s interest. It’s always a great day.” To donate towards the competition, or to engage his services, ring Vic on 01484 315494.
Gainsborough will be locking horns with his arch-rival Kevin Griffiths of Skipton, who missed out on the top prize by just half a point last year. The criers will gather about 10.45am for a stroll through the town centre, ringing their bells and shouting “Oyé” to attract attention. By 11.15am they will be giving their first cry,
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s World Cup fever gripped the nation (before England got kicked out), the HTCPL’s Business Referral Club went football crazy. Usual bacon butties were swapped for tantalising Boerewors - a traditional South African sausage which translates as ‘farmers sausage'.
David Johnston from stir-fry specialist restaurant Temujin of Milnsbridge donated the sausages for the event.
Steven Pollitt took to the pitch as central
presentation which drew parallels between sport
referee instead of HTCPL chairman and read from the “team sheet”.
and business: the paradox of its collaborative yet competitive spirit.
Everyone who attended that morning was invited to wear “something sporty”, with a prize awarded to Kevin Winterburn from Sheards
Julia Lilof, Deputy Town Centre Manager, said: “It was great to bring the excitement of a world class event to an HTCPL meeting, where local
Chartered Accountants for “best effort” for his extremely loud St George’s tie. Mandi Taylor and Richard Sharp from the
business people meet twice a month to inspire business activity in Huddersfield.” Pictured above are members of the Business
Sharp Agency based at the Media Centre gave a
Referral Club enjoying a taste of the World Cup.
Queen’s honour for Huddersfield policeman
S
gt John McFadzean, a well-known policeman in Huddersfield town centre, will be collecting the Queen’s Police Medal later this year.
John, who has been in the police for 34 years, divides his time between his work and his passion, coaching athletics. He was informed about his award on June 12th and his investiture will be between August and December. “It was a surprise and a great honour, we don’t
expect these type of things,” he said. “Somebody nominates you for the award – in my case, my supervisor – and the force supported the nomination. “I am very much looking forward to the ceremony.” Cathy Burger, Town Centre Manager said “We were delighted when we heard that John had won this award. “We have worked closely with John and his town centre team over the years and highly value John’s support and enthusiasm”
As well as his day job, John coaches athletics for the Honley Harriers and other groups four or five times per week. He lives with his wife Jane and they have two children, Katherine, who is a PCSO in South Yorkshire, and William, who has just finished his vet training. John added: “I would like to thank all the people I have worked with and my friends outside work. I have been recognised for this award, but I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family and colleagues.”
Crime prevention initiative running weekly in town centre
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uddersfield South’s Neighbourhood Policing Team has launched its Crime Prevention Initiative in the town centre. Based at two separate locations in order to make it more accessible to the public and the business community, the initiative will be running in alternative locations each week.
Thursday at Huddersfield Bus Station and on
Steve Lowman, PCSO from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The aim of the initiatives is, with the co-operation of our partners in the project, to have a location available to the general public on a weekly basis at the same times each week. “This is where they can engage with their local Huddersfield South NPT regarding any concerns or enquiries they may have. Officers in familiar surroundings. “There will also be crime prevention advice, literature and “This is in an environment in which they items given away free.” may attend on a daily basis, giving them The initiative will be run from 10am until 2pm every other the opportunity to speak to officers
Partnership, has also given invaluable
Centre. PCSO Lowman launched the bus station
assistance. PCSO Lowman added that purse theft of
initiative on August 5, and the Packhorse
elderly ladies in Huddersfield town centre was a
Centre is due to be launched on August 26. Officers will be on hand to give crime
particular problem they wished to address. “The advice for the businesses in the town
prevention advice as well as useful items such
centre is to make themselves and their staff
as secret purses and key chains to reduce purse thefts, and home security packs.
aware that persons are operating often in groups targeting elderly females in their stores,”
Police Sergeant Rachel Bairstow and Acting
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This new level of relief will be available for small businesses which qualify from October 1 for twelve months.
Businesses already in receipt of charity or
“They may be trying to engage with them as way of diverting their attention in order to get
Steve Lowman in getting the project
close to them to take their purses.
underway. The Huddersfield Bus Station’s drop-in
“There is also crime prevention advice that can be given to people who enter their stores
centre will be based in the Travel Centre, with
with their bags open and purses on display.
the co-operation and support of Metro and bus station managers Helen Schofield and
“They need to report any suspicious incidents to the Police via their retail radios or by
Richard Tomys. Packhorse manager David
phone.”
Heathcote-Smith donated the Contact Point in the shopping centre.
Ring the Huddersfield South NPT on 01484 436672.
H
uddersfield looked even more attractive this summer with a record number of flowers in the town centre for Huddersfield in Bloom. This summer, more than 300 baskets, 52 barrier planters, 36 tubs and five three-tier planters looked resplendent in the town and cheered up shoppers and workers. Many more orders were received for baskets and planters this year from businesses in the private sector, proving how important it is to have an attractive town for all to enjoy. Julia Lilof, assistant town centre manager, said: “We’d really like to
initiative will help about 5,000 small businesses in
mandatory rural rate relief will not be eligible for the Small Business Relief Scheme.
the district. Charles Storr, key account manager at the
The scheme works by charging a small supplement to bills of businesses whose premises have a rateable value of more than
Regeneration and Economic Development Service, said: “Any small businesses which have not yet applied, but which fulfil the eligibility
£18,000. However, if your business property is valued at between £12,000 and £18,000, you can apply to have this supplement removed from
criteria, must do so immediately to get financial help with their rates bills.” Download an application form from
your bill. Kirklees Council estimates that the temporary
www.kirklees.gov.uk/businessrates or ring 01484 414941.
Blooming brilliant thank all the businesses that have participated by putting up hanging baskets or window boxes. “This year we will be holding the Huddersfield in Bloom award ceremony on 29th September at Huddersfield Town Hall and hope that everyone who took part will be able to attend.”Prizes will also be given out at this event for the Green Business Awards.’’ Any businesses which have not yet expressed an interest in entering the Green Business Awards still have time to download an application form from www.huddersfield-hctpl.co.uk Winning companies receive money towards further environmental projects.
he said.
Police Sergeant Gary Calvert of the Huddersfield NPT South Team supported
Up to 100% rates reduction for small businesses
mall businesses occupying property with a rateable value of up to £18,000 qualify for the Small Business Relief Scheme. And from October 2010, ratepayers are eligible to receive 100% rates relief if their business property has a rateable value of up to £6,000, and tapered relief for properties from £6,001 to £12,000.
Julia Lilof, of the Huddersfield Retail Crime
the intervening Thursdays at the Packhorse
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Town centre blitzed in joint campaign
T
own centre businesses and organisations joined forces to clean up the town centre in a week-long operation. The July blitz was organised by the Council’s Community Rangers and the HTCPL and included members, other businesses, other council departments including environmental health officers, the police, Metro and BT. Together they tackled litter, graffiti, fly posters and nuisance areas. Even overgrown weeds were pulled out and shabby paintwork improved.
H
Julia Lilof, assistant town centre
manager, said: “The clean-up went really
towns had soared by 10% in the last year
well. The message is that we want to keep our town nice and tidy and a good place to
alone, pushing it up to almost £100 million nationwide.
shop and do business.”
Councillor Mehboob Khan, leader of
Businesses gave information to environmental enforcement officers of
Kirklees Council, was impressed with the clean-up operation and hoped that more
areas and premises which caused
would be organised for the future.
particular problems. They issued fines and warnings to
He said: “A blitz like this will make a difference and it’s very welcome. I
people and premises deemed to be a
congratulate the people involved but we
public nuisance. The operation coincided with Keep
need to sustain it. We will be asking for more of these on a regular basis.” Picture
Britain Tidy’s release of disturbing figures
shows Clr Mehboob Khan.
Free help for smokers
elp is at hand for smokers wanting to quit, with a new club starting in September. NHS Kirklees is running the Stop Smoking Club at Newsome High School and Sports College starting on Thursday September 9. The free parking and after-work time of 5.30pm make it particularly convenient for workers. At the club, held in the Community Room at
K
which claims the cost of cleaning our
the school on Castle Avenue, there will be quick and easy access to Nicotine Replacement Therapy and free carbon monoxide testing. The seven-week programme will also include practical ways to stop smoking, non-judgemental advice and the chance to speak to an ex-smoker. Expert speakers will be at the club to talk about stress management, fitness, health and nutrition. To find out more, ring 01484 344285 or text JOIN to 82085 to book your place.
New security measures for shopkeepers
irklees Council has made provision for more security for the town’s shopkeepers. Following on from the horrific murder of shopkeeper Gurmail Singh by robbers last year, the Cabinet agreed
to fund a new 24-hour hotline.
Shopkeepers can ring the line on 01484 414998 and report any problems, including shoplifting and antisocial behaviour. Police can use the information from the hotline to add to their intelligence about antisocial
behaviour and trouble hotspots. Sgt John McFadzean said: “Traders have so far put up with antisocial behaviour because they did not want to waste their own time or they felt they were wasting police time. “This new hotline will give them a chance to
report such behaviour quickly and at a time which suits them.” The £50,000 money will also pay for some extra CCTV cameras.Neighbourhood policing teams will be visiting smaller shops to discuss crime prevention and security measures.
More photographs from the Food and Drink Festival
Great news for hospice build
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Huddersfield charity aiming to build a hospice and outreach services for poorly children in the town will begin building later this year. And contrary to the Forget Me
Not Trust’s initial plans of building in two phases, recent large donations have made it possible to put in a tender for the whole project in one go.
Although this will delay the start
of the building work by an estimated eight weeks, the Trust is delighted to be able to get the whole project built together. The Day Centre (artist’s impression pictured here) incorporates the sensory room, hydrotherapy pool, messy play area and support services. The Accommodation Block houses the bedrooms, parents’ rooms, emergency bedroom and
the Forget Me Not suite for children leading up to the time of the funeral.
gardens. Head of Fundraising Sarah Herrett
A
Its mission is to transform the lives of 5,000 people by October 2011 by taking away the
chronic pain that ruins their daily life. SIRPA is the only training provider in the UK for practitioners who will be licensed to treat people with Stress Illness.
H
Costs are expected to be around £2.3 million, including the fixtures and
that this is not a delay because of any reason other than that we hope we can build the whole
fittings, specialist equipment and
range of care we want to sooner than
building. This is extremely exciting and we are so
Stress-related illness is estimated to cost the country 14 million working days each year, which translates as £530 million annual loss to the UK economy. Georgina has developed the only training course for Stress Illness practitioners in the world, with a large amount of positive case studies and evidence to support her work. Paul Scott of Yorkshire Business Growth helps businesses to grow by facing challenges and finding solutions to problems. He said: “Yorkshire Business Growth is a company specialising in driving growth in
business through developing effective marketing and sales processes to generate a significant return on investment. “As a business, we are always on the lookout for fantastic business opportunities to help develop. SIRPA falls directly into this category, a superb product being delivered with enthusiasm and passion combined with a huge market potential, all the factors needed to succeed. “We have been working together to put in place the framework for success which we are now delivering." Go to www.yorkshirebusinessgrowth.com
KAL launches new website
CTPL member Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL) officially launched its new website. The website has been up and running since February, but has been growing and evolving since then in line with feedback from the public.
KAL is the charitable trust which manages eleven sports centres and swimming pools on behalf of the council. Any profits are invested into improving the sporting facilities and services for the people of Kirklees. Last week, the website reached 100,000 hits since it went live. The average visitor looks at seven pages and stays on the website for more than four minutes. KAL’s Chief Executive Alasdair Brown said: “We are very proud of our new website and have enjoyed lots of positive feedback from our customers. “We have also changed some things to make information easier to find, following customer suggestions. “This has been a major project for us, but a necessary one and we are very pleased with the
“We hope that the community will understand
said: “If viable, this will give us a great opportunity to provide the whole
Company formed to reduce pain
n HTCPL member has worked with a client for three months to create a new company to help sufferers of chronic pain. Yorkshire Business Growth, based in Longwood , has supported Georgina Oldfield to set up SIRPA Ltd.
we originally expected.
grateful for the support everyone has given the charity up to this point.” Anticipated start of the building work is September. For more information about the Trust and how to donate, go to their website www.forgetmenottrust.co.uk
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end result. It is now easier for the public to find the information they would like, be it centre opening times, when a class is running or how to join the Learn to Swim scheme.” The website currently has 147 pages including all timetabling information; opening times, contact details and directions for all
eleven sites; news and events; membership scheme information; school holiday activities; swimming lessons and a useful activity search function. Each centre has its own separate website including its own news, site information and activities timetables. Future plans include a dedicated careers area, newsletter and on-line booking. Log onto www.kirkleesactive.co.uk
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Signing young people in the right direction
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n HTCPL member has been helping to promote youth clubs and other services for young people by “wrapping” their vehicles in an enticing, youthful design. Signs Express prepared and wrapped
two vans and a truck for the Young People’s Service (YPS). The vehicles carry a funky “Get on Board” message promoting the Youth Hub, a mobile youth club. The graphics and imagery used, designed by the council’s Graphics and Design Department, should appeal to the young people they are hoping to attract. The vehicles were wrapped on the
premises of Signs Express on Queens Mill Road. On board the mobile youth club, young people can find out all about what the YPS offers and also participate in many activities from listening to music to surfing the net and finding out about how they can make a difference to their communities. The Youth Hub, which was launched at Brian Jackson House in July by the YPS team and many young people, should be able to reach those who don’t already know about the services that are available to them. Martin Davis, of Signs Express (Huddersfield), said: “We have done some signage and window graphics for YPS
Two new members of law firm
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aton Smith has recruited two new members to its ever-growing team. Leah Ramsden, who has many years’ experience in conveyancing, has been appointed manager of its residential department. Vicky Heywood, partner and head of the residential property department at Eaton
Smith, said: “We are very pleased that Leah has joined us; her knowledge and skills will not only complement our already strong team but will also be of great benefit to our clients and the many property professionals with whom we work.” Leah began her career at Ramsden’s in Huddersfield before moving to a firm in Bradford. She now returns to the town having also worked in Elland. Kate Booth (pictured above) strengthens the firm’s employment law department. She moved from DWF in Leeds. As well as her employment law knowledge, Kate will be bringing her experience in delivering training and presenting seminars to HR professionals. Mike Webb, partner and head of the employment department at Eaton Smith, said: “We act for many of the major employers in the region, so we are delighted that Kate has joined us. The wealth of experience that she brings will be of great benefit to our clients.”
previously when they moved premises. “We have also done quite a few different jobs for Kirklees Council, including a previous full wrap, other vehicle graphics, parks signage and a fair bit of exterior buildings signage. “We don’t do many full vehicle wraps, because only a small percentage of vehicle graphics are actually full wraps. Most people go for straightforward text and logos, perhaps with some photographic images on the sides and rear.” Signs Express (Huddersfield) will be celebrating its third birthday in October. Between 70 and 80% of its business is now repeat business or by recommendation. Contact the company on 01484 451600.
More horizons for Centre Management organisation
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ocial enterprise company Fresh Horizons has taken on the management of two new buildings. Town Community House in Bradley Mills, Leeds Road, and Cowlersley Community Centre are the latest two community spaces that have been added to its ever-growing portfolio.
concerns and opinions. “But one of the greater benefits is not having the responsibility and pressure of the infrastructure of the building and the everyday running of the building, which has allowed us to focus and channel our energies on the activities we first got the building for.” Fresh Horizons Ltd, now employing 70 people, Fresh Horizons, based in Deighton, has been is recognised as one of the leading social managing community facilities for six years and enterprises delivering facilities management for the “builds a community around it”. The organisation council, community groups, tenants and residents promotes and manages the facility which becomes associations and other organisations. a focal point for the local community. Business developer Morris Simpson said: “It’s After it took over Fartown Village Hall last year, really great to be delivering services to other Fresh Horizons increased its occupancy from 8% to organisations which share the same ethos as 76% in just three months. ourselves, which is trying to do good for their local Molly Depledge, of Fartown Village Hall community. Not only is it beneficial to our Committee, said: “It has been very easy to work with organisation to manage community spaces, it is Fresh Horizons as we have had regular meetings essential as it allows us to gain access to other where we, as a committee, can express our communities.”Contact Morris on 01484 551520.
Sharp Agency at the cutting edge
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n HTCPL design agency has designed the publicity and identity for an award-winning film. The Sharp Agency, based at the Media Centre, worked with film director David Whitney on publicising his movie Kandahar Break.
Sharp created the identity for the film, poster, on screen title and website. The film recently won a clutch of prestigious gongs, including "Best Feature Film" and "Best Actor" for Sean Dooley at the Newport International Film Festival and "Best Film" at the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival. Festival Director Benjamin Barnett described the film as a "truly compelling story", and "film making at its best". Director David Whitney said, “Sharp came up with a lot of
fantastic ideas and some truly engaging and dramatic imagery, which really helped to attract attention to our movie, Kandahar Break.” The film, set in Afghanistan in 1999, follows a group of British mine clearers working in the desert near Kandahar following years of conflict in the area. Protagonist Richard Lee, a former bomb disposal expert, is hunted by corrupt police chief Ashiq Khan who wants him dead. He has to escape to Pakistan, but further trouble comes in the form of rebel guerrillas. Dates for its release in the UK will be announced during the summer. “Journey to the Dark Heart of Afghanistan.” To find out more, go to www.kandaharbreak.com
Accountant in double celebration
A
ccountancy firm Tax Assist celebrated the success of one of its managers who was awarded a first class honours degree at Huddersfield University.
Susan Ball (pictured right) also celebrated with
her husband Christopher who achieved a first class degree – in Sports and Exercise Studies. Amazingly, the couple had both worked and looked after their two children while studying full-time. Susan’s dedication impressed her lecturers so
much she also given the Kirklees Adult Learner
Susan worked for HTCPL member Tax Assist
Award.
throughout her degree and has been recently
A chuffed Susan said: "Although it has been hard - at times, extremely hard - it has been
promoted to manager. Nick Brook, of Tax Assist, said: “Sue came to
worth it because I know I have the qualifications
work for me in August 2007 on a New Deal Job
to ensure I can provide the very best for my family.
Creation scheme, and has worked for me on a part time basis since then. She has since gained
"Being nominated for a Kirklees Adult Learner
MAAT and completed her degree in
Award was a bit of a surprise at first, and the awards ceremony was very nerve-wracking, but I
Accountancy and Finance. “ I have recently promoted her to office
do feel a great sense of achievement and it's
manager and offered her a full time contract. We
nice to have that recognised."
are all thrilled for her.”
Kirklees College scores a new partnership
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TCPL member Kirklees College is the new sponsor of Huddersfield Town FC. The one-year deal sees a partnership of two of the district’s biggest organisations and Town players will bear the college’s logo on their home shirts. Details of the new shirt were revealed at a secret event held at the Galpharm Stadium in July. Following that event, a banner featuring player Gary Roberts wearing the new shirt design was erected at the New North Road campus. College Principal Chris Sadler said: “We are very excited by the many opportunities this partnership presents our college with. “Firstly to develop reward and recognition initiatives with our students and staff. Secondly we can now
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engage with parts of our community that are hard to reach, such as people not currently in education, employment of training, and under-14 learners, and thirdly to place the college at the heart of local business networks. He added: “Our students will also enjoy extra-curricular enrichment activities and potential for work placements. Plus our staff will have increased access to use the fantastic facilities which will off-set existing conferencing costs whilst also increasing the quality of events. “In return we provide the football club with exposure to the next generation of their supporters.” The college is now one of the biggest in the country. Huddersfield Town’s Commercial Director Sean Jarvis said: “This new
agreement with Kirklees College is a very exciting one for the football club and I am looking forward to working with them throughout the 2010/11 season and beyond. “As ‘The Yorkshire Club’, one of our main remits is to expand the reach of Huddersfield Town into the wider area and this new
partnership, with an organisation that is growing and with access to over 20,000 students and 1,400 employees across Kirklees, will help us achieve this target.” Sean and Chris are pictured pushing the seven-day countdown button until the shirts are worn.
Huddersfield is the tops according to visitors
uddersfield is a top place to eat, drink and stay the night, according to tourists. Trip Advisor, a website where customers score a premises and give truthful comments, scores many Huddersfield hospitality businesses very highly.
Huddersfield’s Central Lodge, HTCPL member, came top within the West Yorkshire hotel section, out of 228 reviewed. Across the county, 816 restaurants had been reviewed, with two Huddersfield eateries – Thai Sakon and Argento – both also HTCPL members – coming second and fifth respectively.
Bed and breakfast businesses in Huddersfield and the surrounding area also scored well. Elm Crest came second, Pinfold Guest House was third and Sunnybank Guest House in Holmfirth clinched the fifth highest rating. Joe Marsden, of Central Lodge Hotel, was thrilled with the results. He said: “It is a great accolade for Huddersfield in general that we have such high ranking venues on the most popular travellers review website. “It’s official: Huddersfield is a great place to visit, eat and stay, and has 'some of the best' in the three categories.” Go to www.tripadvisor.com
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The newsletter of the Huddersfield Town Centre Partnership
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Kirklees Business Conference attracting hundreds
ollowing the success of its inaugural year, Kirklees Business Conference is back and bigger than before. The exhibition, seminar and business clinic will again be held at the Galpharm Stadium, with 60 Kirklees companies exhibiting and an impressive line-up of experts and speakers. Hundreds of businesses have already signed up to the free event on September 30 and places are limited. Its aim is to encourage Kirklees businesses to trade with each other and strengthen the local economy.
The conference kicks off with a 4Networking
Breakfast Meeting from 8am, followed by
various seminars. These will be hosted by Brad Burton, MD of 4Networking, Richard McCann and Sharon Wright of BBC’s Dragon Slayer. Experts from Business Link and Huddersfield University will also talk about innovation and business growth. New for this year, Kirklees Business Clinic aims to cure your business ills. Networking opportunities are excellent – and if you tire, refresh yourself in the Chill Out Zone with a massage and some healthy food. The bar stays open until 8pm, so you will need all your energy to keep going. Sinead Sopala, Marketing Manager at Ramsdens Solicitors and a delegate from last year’s event, said: “Kirklees Business Conference was a great experience for Ramsdens. The conference provided a solid menu of informative and thought-provoking seminars, excellent speakers and great opportunities for networking. “The event was well organised and we are looking forward to supporting the next conference in September.
Speakers from the 2009 conference
Tell me about the HTCPL
www.kirkleesbusiness
Name................................................................. Address.............................................................. ........................................................................... Phone................................................................. email...................................................................
conference.co.uk to choose your seminars and register
Please complete & return to:
It is a must-attend event for all Kirklees businesses.” Visit the website
your details. If you have any queries, ring Event Director Danny
Huddersfield Town Centre Partnership Ltd, Unit 51, The Media Centre, 7 Northumberland Street, Huddersfield HD1 1RL t: 01484 487933 e:htcpl@kirklees.gov.uk www.huddersfield-htcpl.co.uk
Matharu on 01924 837167.
DISCOVER. ENJOY. SUCCEED.
Gain new skills and improve your career prospects
www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk 01484 437070