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JO HAIGH View from the boardroom
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Page 3 profile
PAUL ROSE Cooking up contracts Proper ty section – Page 6
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Weatherman says it with showers!
WEATHERMAN Paul Stevens is forecasting a blossoming future in business. The Oakes meteorologist finds his specialist skills come in useful in his other role – partnering colleague Corey Lewis running floristry shops at Waterloo and Salendine Nook. And he says the buying habits of customers provides a reliable barometer for the economic climate. He said: “We have seen a growing confidence in the quality flower market since April. This has spurred us to expand and open our second flower store in the newly-refurbished Salendine Shopping Centre. “With a solid brand like Sainsbury’s next to us, this is a great site to develop an excellent local client base.” Corey has been designing floral displays for more than six years. Having already got one Inspirations flower shop in Waterloo, he wanted to develop the brand with a second store. A third is already being planned. Said Paul: “Flowers are an absolute luxury, so trading has been difficult for 18 months. But I believe we are through the worst and our sales have
been growing again since April. “The second store allows us to delivery an even better cost efficient service. We can buy more effectively and reduce our same day delivery costs to our customers. We are known for our modern bouquets and arrangements designing unusual shapes and using flowers from all over the world, delivered fresh into us daily.” He said: “We use satellite technology to map our routes better and I use weather data in the winter to ensure safe delivery to Huddersfield. “Having a good idea of what the weather and climate has been doing around the world also gives us a tactical advantage when purchasing quality flowers.” Not surprisingly, people ordering flowers for special occasions such as weddings often ask Paul for a weather forecast for the big day – which helps them planning outdoor events. “They want to know if the marquee is going to get blown away!” he said. When the third shop opens, Inspirations will have “complete coverage” across Huddersfield – enabling the
ing improved turnover and cashflow. It also reported an increase in the number of companies across Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield expecting to boost profits and recruit more staff. Chamber director Andrew Choi said price pressures and competition remained a concern – and while the
The show goes on T
WO Huddersfield businessmen are helping to stage some of the UK’s biggest sporting and entertainment events. Andy Roebuck and Charles Webb have provided events management and corporate hospitality for outdoor spectaculars.
● Full story - Page 5
■ BLOOMING: Paul Stevens (left) and Corey Lewis at their new Inspirations shop at Salendine Nook
business to keep its costs lower and pass on those savings to its customers. “Flowers don’t have to be expensive to be different,” said Paul. “Our shops
are linked by computer so we can move orders quickly between shops. We can deliver from anywhere in the UK and around the world via the Teleflorist Network, which is also expanding.”
Chamber urges ministers to scrap tax plans THE Government has been urged to scrap plans to increase costs on companies as a survey highlighted “major concerns” for manufacturers. The latest quarterly survey by the Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce reported an increase in the number of firms report-
INSIDE
service sector continued to recover, weak markets and higher raw material costs meant manufacturing and exporting remained a major worry. He said recovery would only be sustained by nurturing business. “It is disappointing that the Government has reaffirmed its decision to go
ahead with increases in National Insurance contributions,” said Mr Choi. “We continue to advocate that these increases should be scrapped, together with any other plans for further company tax which could stifle business growth.”
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Page 2
Acquisitive Co-op pauses to regroup THE Co-operative Group eyed a period of consolidation after adding supermarket Somerfield and building society Britannia. Announcing a 17% rise in interim profits to £228.8m, the Co-op said the second half of the year would see it focus on integrating the two businesses and delivering more benefits to its customer members. Chief executive Peter Marks said economic conditions were also likely to remain challenging – amid rising unemployment and no immediate signs of a recovery in consumer spending. He said: “In spite of our recent success it would be naive to think that we are immune to the recession.
“That said we are pleased with our half-year performance, the second half has started well and we look ahead to the future with renewed confidence.” The group said it had experienced a period of “extensive expansion and acquisition” after the deals to acquire Somerfield for £1.6bn in February and to merge its financial services arm with Britannia in August. The addition of Somerfield meant Co-op’s food division racked up sales of £3.9bn and trading profits of £165.5m in the six months to July 25. Stripping out the acquisition, the Co-op said its food like-for-like sales exceeded the rest of the market with growth of 7.3%
JJB cash call on track
PLANT hire firm Speedy Hire delivered a bleak view on trading prospects after seeing no evidence of a seasonal pick-up in activity. The UK’s largest provider of tool and equipment hire reported an estimated 29% drop in revenues for the six months to September 30 and said there was “significant uncertainty” in the current outlook. It saw no sign of improvement in private sector spending and warned of increased sensitivity about the sustainability of Government spending.
SPORTSWEAR firm JJB Sports was back on track with its £100m rights issue after shrugging off a smear campaign apparently aimed at derailing the fundraising plans. Plans had to be put on hold to investigate false claims of illicit payments made to executive chairman Sir David Jones. JJB is now set to push ahead with the cash call on shareholders this week. The firm said it was “very concerned by the timing and concerted nature of these rumours” and has passed its investigation to the Financial Services Authority.
JJB said it had seen initial levels of interest for three times the level of its planned fundraising from investors – although the size of the cash call exceeds the £87m market value of the business. The sale of its health clubs formed part of a last-minute rescue deal in March, when JJB also outlined a strategy to distinguish itself from its rivals with a “serious about sport” approach concentrating on sports equipment. Analysts said competition in the sector was intensifying from online and high street sports retailers.
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The tie-up created a chain with around 3,000 outlets, but the Co-op has since raised £650m from the sale of 200 outlets to meet competition concerns or offload stores which did not meet its trading format. It has converted 29 stores to its brand so far, with 200 due to be changed in the year since acquisition. The merger with Britannia created ■ HIGH RISE: Co-op Insurance a business with £70bn of assets, 9m Services have helped boost profits customers and more than 300 branches. In other parts of the Co-op busiBefore the deal, Co-op Financial ness, healthcare increased profits by Services saw profits rise by 11% to 8.7% to £14.8m while Co-operative £81.4m after general insurance new Funeralcare increased profits by business sales increased by 28% and 16.7% to £28.1m,. The downturn average customer lending grew by meant the travel arm saw profits fall 12%. to £2.5m from £7.9m a year earlier.
Gloomy view at Speedy Hire Speedy has cut another 270 jobs – 6% of its workforce – in the financial year to date, but said it would be wrong to reduce numbers any further as this would begin to hit customer service. Shares fell more than 12% as it warned investors that any further slide in revenues forecasts was unlikely to be offset by additional cost reductions. More than 950 staff left the business between July 2008 and the end of March, while 82 depots –17% –- were closed and 470 vehicles returned to their lessors or sold.
Giving voice to business
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London StockExch 8861/2 +251/2 Man Group 3533/4 +123/8 Provident Financial 9631/2 +181/2 Schroders 1138 +8 Schroders NV 928 +41/2 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Avon Rbbr 79 Cooksn Grp 4141/2 -1/2 REXAM 286 +43/8 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 191/4 +3/4 DSG International 29 +2 Home Retail 293 +11/4 Inchcape 317/8 +1/4 Kingfisher 2325/8 -1/2 M&S 3623/8 -3/4 Mothercare 620 -10 Next 1807 +5 WH Smith 4783/4 +21/2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 5491/2 +41/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 138 +4 Barrat Dev 258 +37/8 Persimmon 4621/4 +103/4 Reckitt Benckiser £311/2 +1/8 Taylor Wimpey 441/2 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 7171/2 +23 IMI 470 +81/2 1 Man Brnze 168 /2 +2 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 159 +31/4 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION 7
3
Forth Ports
1180 -5 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 4661/8 +21/4 Friends Provident 831/4 +1/4 3 Lgl & Gen 88 /4 +17/8 1 Old Mutual 110 /8 +43/4 Prudential 6421/2 +91/2 7 Standard Life 233 /8 +51/4 MEDIA BSkyB 5831/2 +11/2 Chrysalis 102 +1/2 1 D Mail Tst 447 /4 +47/8 3 ITV 47 /8 +1 Johnston Press 341/4 -1/2 Pearson 8001/2 +13 3 Reed Elsevier 467 /8 +63/4 STV Group 84 +21/2 Trinity Mirror 1723/8 +4 Utd Business 5061/2 +71/4 UTV 96 -1 WPP 5741/2 +12 Yell Group 591/8 +3/8 MINING Anglo American £22 +3/8 Antofagasta 828 +41/2 1 BHP Billiton 1785 /2 +151/2 Eurasian Natural 946 +16 Res +121/2 Fresnillo 8281/2 Kazakhmys 1173 +25 Lonmin 1609 -15 Rio Tinto £29 +1/2 VEDANTA £221/4 +5/8 RESOURCES Xstrata 968 +15 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES 1
Local shares Carclo Chapelthorpe Heywood Wm Instore Marshalls National Grid Rensburg Sheppards Weir Gp
1001/2 101/2 11/2 51/2 1223/4 590 660
-21/2 -9 +5
7361/2
+141/2
+1 +1/4
FTSE closed at
5210.1 Up 48.3 Vodafone Group 1341/2 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1095 RSA Insurance Gp 1333/8 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1112 BP 5521/4 Cairn Energy £285/8 Norsk Hdro 4773/4 Royal Dutch Shell A 18391/2 Royal Dutch Shell B 1783 Total £383/8 Tullow Oil 1225 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES 1
+2 +5 +3/8 +11 +93/4 +1/4 +85/8 +42 +28 +5/8 +17 1
Wood Group 3293/4 +3 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry 541 +111/2 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £28 +3/8 Axis-Shield 440 +41/4 GlaxoSmithK XD 171/2 Shire 1051 +26 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 4813/4 +75/8 DTZ Hldgs 1001/2 +2 Hamrsn 4121/4 +41/4 Land Secs 631 +1 SEGRO 3713/4 +81/4 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Autonomy Corp 1610 +44 Dimension Data 761/4 +11/4 1 Logica 131 /4 +33/4 Misys 2163/4 +51/8 Sage Group 2351/4 +45/8 SUPPORT SERVICES AMEC 808 +241/2 Bunzl 633 +1/2 Capita 756 +81/2 5 Davis Service 410 /8 +3/8 Group De La Rue 8991/2 -13 Electrocomp 154 +1/4 Experian 537 +9 1 G4S 232 /4 +7/8 Hays 1075/8 +1/4 Homeserve 1614 -10 Menzies J 346 7 Rentokil 116 /8 +7/8 Smiths News 1221/4 +1/2
IT HARDWARE 1537/8 116 921/2
ARM Hldgs Psion Spirent Comms
TOURIST RATES
+13/4 +1 +1/2
TOBACCO Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
1955 1803
-5 -7
LEISURE & HOTELS Arriva Brit Airways Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Greene King Intercontl Htls Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express PartyGaming Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread FTSE 100
4931/2 2213/4 £217/8 3971/2 3963/4 1241/8 4207/8 1463 4191/4 8231/2 1411/8 252 4751/2 2771/4 90 1651/2 2591/2 1290
INDEX 5210.17 INDEX
+5/8 +27/8 +1/8 -17/8 -81/8 -7/8 -33/8 +16 +11/2 -31/4 -1/4 -37/8 +43/8 -11/2 -21/4 -21/2 +21 +48.30
Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.66 dollars Bangladesh................. 102.95 taka Brazil.............................. 2.46 reals Canada....................... 1.57 dollars China ............................. 9.64 yuan Czech Republic ...... 25.63 korunas Denmark....................... 7.62 krone Euro............................... 1.03 euro Hong Kong................ 11.62 dollars Hungary................... 260.26 forints India.......................... 64.85 rupees Japan........................... 135.78 yen Mexico ....................... 18.68 pesos New Zealand .............. 2.03 dollars Norway ......................... 8.52 krone Pakistan.................. 123.90 rupees Philippines ................. 63.00 pesos South Africa.................. 11.01 rand South Korea.............. 1608.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 171.16 rupees Sweden....................... 10.65 krona Switzerland.................. 1.56 francs Taiwan ...................... 44.53 dollars Turkey....................... 2.21 new lira USA ............................ 1.51 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Jo Haigh
Breaking through the glass ceiling IT’S tough at the top. Ask businesswoman Jo Haigh. Better still – because she’s a very busy businesswoman – read one of her books on the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur. Jo, who lives at Denby Dale, has brought her own experiences to bear in books such as The Business Rules and – more especially, perhaps – Tales From The Glass Ceiling, which charts the experiences of enterprising women trying to break into the male-dominated boardroom. The book starts with Jo’s own story – from failing the 11-plus in 1968 to graduating in law at Leeds University. It goes on to tell of her first job – dealing with the bills for a funeral wreath maker – to forming her own business in 1989 as the mother of two small daughters. It tells how Jo went on to sell the business to her management team in 2000 before joining a national accountancy practice and becoming head of corporate finance for a London-based media management firm. Today, Jo heads the corporate finance division at Sheffield and London-based accountancy and financial management firm ATF Group. She is also a partner at training and consultancy organisation FDS – which she founded – where she focuses on director training and development. She has been involved in multi-million pound merger and acquisition deals, management buy-outs and buy-ins as well as funding deals for firms with business angels, government agencies and mainstream banks. More recently, she was appointed a non-executive director of Sheffield-based magnet manufacturer Anchor Magnets, a company with more than 40 staff and annual turnover exceeding £40m. And she has won several awards, including being named 2005 Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year and the Institute of Directors’ Business Adviser of the Year in 2006. In between all that she is one of a
Huddersfield, a much in demand speaker and is a visiting fellow at Leeds University, where she delivers the corporate governance development programme for academic staff. Tales From The Glass Ceiling includes the experiences of dozens of other successful women, including TV presenter Clare Balding; Deirdre Bounds, founder of ethical travel company i-to-i; Sarah Deaves, chief executive of the Coutts; and diet and fitness guru Rosemary Conley. The book also provides tips and advice on issues such as juggling home life and work, coping with office politics, “power dressing” and how to make the most of networking. Advice for budding entrepreneurs – male and female – has never been more timely, says Jo. It’s just that a lot of that advice is not particularly useful, she believes. “There are a lot of people going into business on their own – often because they cannot get a job themselves,” she said. “But there is no funding for them and there are tremendous risks involved. “I advice people wanting to start-up in business to look at
■ AUTHOR: Jo Haigh signs copies of her business book, Tales From the Glass Ceiling
running a franchise because there is a lot more support. The financial systems and networks are already in place and there is a greater chance of success. “If people ask my advice, I warn against going into partnership without taking proper guidance. Partnerships are like marriage – you don’t know what you’ve got until you get it home!” There’s no shortage of enthusiasm among the would-be tycoons, says Jo. “People are passionate about their product, but they have less knowledge about business. “There are plenty of mentoring schemes, but most are unsuitable. A lot of organisations providing those kind of services are not credible.The best recommendation is to get a non-executive director who has some practical experience. “Someone with experience can spot problems before an inexperienced business person can. That means you have a chance of stopping things before they get bad. If you have been in a number of businesses, you can see the warning signs.” Jo doesn’t knock people for having a positive attitude, saying: “I’m not risk-averse and I’m very much a ‘glass half-full’ sort of person, but you have to be a little savvy and if you have been in business any length of time, you will learn that.” Another piece of advice is to get organised. “I am very organised. If I was to blow my own trumpet about anything it would be that I am great at time management. I have lists of lists. “I also have a lot of energy. Stamina is probably one of the most important traits for someone in business by themselves. “At the same time, you cannot do it all on your own. It’s very lonely being in business.” Britain will need more hard-working, realistic and well-organised entrepreneurs, says Jo. “We are not out of the recession yet,” she says. “I am optimistic that we are heading in the right direction, but everyone is talking about a ‘W’ or ‘double dip’ recovery. “One thing I am positive about is that the people who will take us out of this economic crisis are not the
Page 3 Role: Partner and head of corporate finance at ATF Group Family: Married with four children Holidays: Anywhere hot Car: Mercedes SLK First job: Trainee accountant at funeral wreath manufacturer Best thing about job: No two days are ever the same Worst thing about job: I am a perfectionist. l delegate OK, I never truly let go. Business tip: Just do it
FDS Group and ATF
government but those in business who make sacrifices – the owners and directors who take pay cuts, remortgage their homes to keep staff in work and come up with innovative ideas. “And it is probably the owner-managed businesses – which make up the majority of firms in our area – who will be leading that recovery.”
Work: FDS and ATF Group Employs: Four in FDS and 80 in ATF Sites: Huddersfield and London Phone: 07850 475878 Email: fdsgroup @jo-haigh.com
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Your business success is out there. Is your bank?
Call Jill Hague on 08455 848702 Email jillhague@hsbc.com Come in to Calderdale and Kirklees Commercial Centre
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Page 4
More help on tap from water forum
FIRMS supplying products and services to the water and waste water industries in Yorkshire and Humber are getting a boost with the re-launch of the Water Industry Forum. The Huddersfield-based forum aims to develop business opportunities for companies in the water and waste water sector, provide support with advice on new legislation and help businesses capitalise on emerging technologies. WIF, which is supported by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, will also help members in the areas of export, innovation and product development. WIF director Peter Drake, who has extensive commercial and technical experience of the water industry, said: “My first few months in the role have been about understanding what companies in the sector need from the Water Industry Forum. “As a result of this research, we have been able to identify the key services that members will value most and the key topics for workshops and
seminars. “Unsurprisingly, identifying new business opportunities is their top priority.” WIF will help firms by enhancing and upgrading its member services to include Meet the Buyer opportunities and networking events looking at industry developments. There will also be re-launch discounts and incentives available for both new and existing members. Jim Farmery, assistant director of Business at Yorkshire Forward, said: “The water and waste water sector in the region is the second largest sub-sector within the environmental technologies sector in terms of numbers of companies, employees and turnover. “Yorkshire Forward supports the forum as there are huge opportunities for growth either through export to developing countries or innovation in response to the global challenges facing the water industry.” WIF is starting as it means to go on with a full programme for its re-launch event tomorrow at Cedar
Business goals at the mine SEVENTY representatives from the region flocked to the second Yorkshire Business Forum held at the National Coal Mining Museum . Staged by Huddersfield Town, the museum and Wakefield First, the event was sponsored for a second year by Chadwick Lawrence, who backed a series of
similar networking events held by Huddersfield Town during 2008. Speakers were Keith Hinds, partner at Grant Thornton; Nick Cable of IRUN Business Intelligence, and Richard Saward, director at the National Coal Mining Museum. The event was hosted by Neil Wilson of Chadwick Lawrence.
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■ LIQUID ASSETS: Peter Drake (right) and James Taylor at Aspley-based Longwood Engineering for the launch of the Water Industry Forum
Court Hotel, Bradford. The day will include a “Quick Wins” workshop, exhibition and a presentation on future activities.
Contact Peter Drake on 01484 4 3 3 2 0 4 o r e m a i l i n fo @ wat e r industryforum.com for further information.
Market force HE past three months have T seen strong gains in nearly all CITY TALK equity markets, with the FTSE100
index recording the strongest quarter since its inception in 1984 and the US market its second strongest quarterly rise since 1960. Although economic growth seems to have turned positive since mid-year, the speed of the upturn is being flattered by a reversal of earlier precautionary cuts in output by companies. Although this inventory-led revival is welcome, the level of demand in many economies is still lower than a year ago. There is a risk that these output gains will not be sustained if underlying demand does not start to grow. This could lead to a drop off in growth rates after the initial surge and, some fear, a relapse into recession. Since there is no clear historical parallel for the economic experience of the past year, there is a wide range of views over whether the world faces prolonged stagnation, an anaemic recovery or a sharper than usual recovery. In view of this, Central Banks and world leaders at the recent G-20 summit took pains to emphasise their willingness to keep stimulatory policies in place until the recovery is irreversibly established. The case for investing in risky assets in the spring rested strongly on their low valuation.
Simon Kaye
Although the market recovery has been disproportionate to the strength of the economic rebound, the speed and depth of the earlier falls was also indiscriminate. This begs the question whether, if too much gloom was factored in at the lows, too much optimism might be buoying investors along now. Although 2010 is likely to have a more hopeful starting point than 2009, economic decision-making will be harder, as this year’s overwhelming priority to restore confidence gives way to more complex judgements about normalising interest rates and fiscal policy. It is possible that 2010 will present problems of controlling a stronger than expected upswing, bringing forward fiscal and monetary tightening. In that event, the economy might have a smoother ride than financial markets. More likely is continued, gradual economic healing and positive, though less rapid than in 2009.
Simon Kaye is divisional director at Rensburg Sheppards Investment Management
KIRKLEES BUSIN Start-up calls now to the fore
CALLS to Business Link Yorkshire have changed in the last three months – from people concerned about redundancy to those seeking advice on launching their own enterprise. As confidence plunged at the start of this year, Business Link Yorkshire’s customer information centre received up to 700 calls a day – increasingly from people “clearly desperate” because their business was floundering or they were worried about being made redundant. As a result, Business Link introduced “recession-beating” advice and events to help companies weather the downturn. Karen Marsden (pictured), information centre manager, said: “Early in the credit crunch, we got more calls where the situation was clearly desperate. “Now there is more optimism, people are coming to us sooner and planning ahead by seeking advice on how to start their own ventures.” Business Link Yorkshire has also become the latest business support organisation to achieve the national Putting the Customer First award for its efforts. The customer service quality standard is awarded by York-based Customer First UK.
Fitness test for firms’ finances
A CLECKHEATON accountancy firm has reported a “substantial” uptake from local businesses for a free financial health check. Clough & Co launched the Yorkshire Forward-backed initiative at the star of the year to provide local companies with free finance advice worth £1,500 to help safeguard them against the economic downturn. The financial health check provides firm with a comprehensive understanding of their financial situation through a full business assessment – which includes looking at revenue, cash flow performance and costs of overheads and sales. Simon Wilson, client relationship partner at Clough & Co, said: “The financial health checks have provided local businesses with a viable way to operate as effectively and economically in the current climate to ensure that they are best equipped to take advantage of the market when it improves.” Funded by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, the scheme is open to businesses in Yorkshire that have been trading for a minimum of 12 months and employ at least five staff. To apply for the scheme, firms can contact their existing accountancy firm or Business Link to be put in touch with an approved accountancy supplier.
NESS NEWS
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Events experts put on a show
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TWO Huddersfield businessmen are helping to stage some of the UK’s biggest sporting and entertainment events. Andy Roebuck and Charles Webb have provided events management and corporate hospitality for a wide range of spectaculars this summer – including the BBC Proms in the Park and a star-studded celebration of the music of ABBA. The business partners, who are based at Railway Street, rubbed shoulders with ABBA songwriters Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus at the celebration, called Thank You For the Music, which was held at Hyde Park. The event, hosted by BBC Radio 2, featured performances from stars including Kylie Minogue, Lulu, US songwriter Chaka Khan, Sharleen Spiteri, Elaine Paige and Jason Donovan. Hosts included Sir Tim Rice and stars of the West End musical Mama Mia! Andy and Charles organised VIP for the event, which included providing a glass-fronted pavilion with viewing balcony ■ ON SONG: Charles Webb (left) and Andy Roebuck (right) with ABBA star Benny for the performance, cocktails, canapes and Andersson food. Bjorn and Benny also held a private and CPW Events respectively and have Said Charles: “We are already looking at after-show party for the artists, orchestra more than 30 years in the hospitality and other projects for next year. and VIP guests. “While the recession has had an effect on events industry. The ABBA celebration followed the BBC The duo have helped provide corporate the corporate hospitality industry, we are Proms in the Park when Andy and Charles hospitality for prestigious occasions such as also noticing that more companies are seekorganised corporate hospitality for VIPs the Burghley Horse Trials, the Cheltenham ing more unusual types of corporate events among more than 40,000 people enjoying a which also involve some element of charity big screen presentation of the performance National Hunt Festival and the Aintree fundraising or bring benefit to worthy Grand National Festival to name but a from the Royal Albert Hall with comperes causes.” few. Barry Manilow and Katherine Jenkins. Andy had previously run sales teams for have also helped stage a corporate They They arranged the hospitality for the BBC and event supporter National Savings golf tournament for a Canadian gold min- major ranging from the British Grand Prix and Investments, including a cocktail and ing company at The Old Head Links in to Elton John concerts. Before setting up his own business, Ireland, where guests joined West Yorkcanapes reception and three-course meal. Charles was managing director of Sellers shire-based professional Georgina Simpson The Hyde Park performances marked the culmination of a busy summer for Andy and on the course and heard a keynote speech Hospitality and has chaired the Corporate Hospitality and Event Association. Charles – who operate as AR Events Ltd from author William Dalrymple.
Prospects improving LMOST nine out of 10 A small and medium-sized businesses in the UK are
expecting trade volumes to increase or remain stable over the next three months, according to the latest HSBC Trade Confidence Index. The quarterly HSBC Trade Confidence Index is the biggest global index of its kind – covering 3,500 trade-orientated businesses in 12 markets. It reveals that more than a third of businesses in the UK have identified Western Europe as the biggest growth opportunity followed by Greater China (16%), Eastern Europe (12%) and the US (7%). Conversely, Western Europe, including the UK has been identified as a key area of growth for 29% of traders in India.
Encouragingly, a fifth of UK businesses expect their need for trade finance to grow this quarter as they look to expand their operations and a third of businesses anticipate the global economy to grow ‘slightly’ in that time frame. Despite these causes for optimism, the majority of UK traders are still concerned by fundamental business issues, with fluctuating exchange rates (56%), the lack of product demand (45%) and transportation and storage costs (30%) seen as the leading risk factors associated with trade. Stuart Nivison, HSBC Europe head for trade and supply chain, said: “The sense of doom and gloom has clearly passed and it’s heartening that the number of UK traders who expect their trading volumes to
Page 5 Pollsters’ profits POLLING and research firm YouGov reported its first profits fall in eight years as the firm felt the brunt of recession. The company, well-known for its political polling in the UK, saw underlying pre-tax profits slide by 59% to £3.9m in the year to July 31 despite shedding 10% of staff.
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BANKER’S BLOG Jill Hague
increase over the next quarter is four times greater than those who are expecting a contraction. “It is also encouraging that UK businesses see China as offering fertile ground for growth in the next three months, the renewed fervour will have been helped by the Chinese government stimulus package and trade missions launched earlier this year.
“The index does highlight one cause for concern and that remains the volatility in the value of sterling and exchange rates. Businesses are currently viewing this as a greater threat to business growth than lack of product demand. We would urge all businesses that are concerned by fluctuations to speak to their banks in order to make the most of the current trading environment.”
Jill Hague is HSBC area commercial director for Calderdale and Kirklees
Simplify your life Rensburg Sheppards Investment Management Quayside House, Canal Wharf, Leeds, LS11 5PU Tel: +44 (0)113 245 4488 E-mail: info.leeds@rsim.co.uk Member firm of the London Stock Exchange. Member of Liffe. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Rensburg Sheppards Investment Management Limited is registered in England. Registered No. 2122340. Registered Office: Quayside House Canal Wharf Leeds LS11 5PU. Offices at: Belfast Cheltenham Edinburgh Farnham Glasgow Leeds Liverpool London Manchester Reigate Sheffield.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Rixonway leads on key project
A KIRKLEES company supplying kitchens for social housing schemes UK-wide has completed a first. Dewsbury-based Rixonway Kitchens is partnering the first Arms Length Management Organisation in the UK to receive a Social Housing Grant from the Homes and Communities Agency to build a series of new properties. The project in Stockport will achieve level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, which measures the sustainability of new homes. Rixonway will supply kitchens from its Trieste range for the first stage of Stockport Homes’ Brinnington development. The £1.02m project comprises 17 modern timber-framed homes, two of them designed for disabled residents. Rixonway was chosen as a supplier partly because of its track record on environmental issues. Chief executive Paul Rose said: “We have become very aware of our environmental obligations and take our responsibilities very seriously. “We are delighted to be involved
with such a prestigious development and with a client who shares our commitment to tackling environmental challenges. “We follow a number of environmental and sustainable practices throughout our production process, including a recycling service and converting all wood waste generated during the manufacturing process into biomass fuel. “As a testament to our hard work, we have been accredited with ISO14001:2004, the internationally recognised standard of effective environmental management.” Mark Hudson, director of technical services for Stockport Homes, said: “As well as supplying a market leading product, Rixonway brings a wealth of experience, dedication and excellent customer focus to our relationship. “There is a need to trust our suppliers to deliver an excellent customer service which befits a Three Star ALMO. Rixonway delivers this with an excellent service underpinned by a willingness to embrace partnership working.”
Page 6
Hotels book in for savings HOTELS and restaurants in Kirklees could be missing the opportunity to improve their environmental performance – because they assume it is a costly process. Research by the Institute of Hospitality and environmental advice group Envirowise found that more than half of managers surveyed in the hospitality sector felt “going green” would increase their costs. About 40% also said that the current economic climate was an added barrier to change. However, Envirowise said hotels and restaurants could save about £250 per employee each year by taking action to reduce waste – as well as improving their green credentials among eco-conscious tourists. Elin Crebbin, Envirowise regional manager for Yorkshire, said: “An estimated four out of five British tourists stayed in the UK on August Bank Holiday weekend, despite the changeable weather. “It’s crucial to ensure this hard-earned revenue is not going down the drain through unnecessary waste.” She said: “The average UK restaurant disposes of more than 100 tonnes of waste each year, including paper, cardboard, plastic and food waste. Yet simple steps could help the hospitality sector reduce waste and save money.” A series of practical fact sheets are available from Envirowise covering a range of business areas – including food preparation, drinks service, guest room facilities and grounds maintenance. The fact sheets offer advice on everything from energy use to water efficiency. Call 0800 585794.
■ LEADING THE WAY: Paul Rose, managing director of Dewsbury-based Rixonway Kitchens
commercial properties
14 st georges square, huddersfield hd1 1jf telephone 01484 558231/530361 - jonathan.wilson@bramleys1.co.uk
www.bramleys.com
offices industrial MILL LANE, BRIGHOUSE
RENT ON APPLICATION
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Mill premises
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1,934sqm
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GEORGE STREET, HUDDERSFIELD
FROM £25,000 PA
Good access to
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Good secure yard
M62 Motorway
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Good car parking
network
(20,819sq ft)
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Will split
Good yard space
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MAY SELL
Industrial Unit and Office Premises 541.62m² (5,830ft²) and 850m² (9,151ft²) ● Let separately or as one
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Prominent office
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building
Popular industrial location
7 CLIFTON LANE, MELTHAM
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Outskirts of town
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centre
290.60sq m
Characterful
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Office Building
Pleasant private
£5 PSF
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setting
Good access to
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Large Car Park
(3,128 sq ft)
J24 of M62
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246.65m²
Huddersfield town
Good car parking
Motorway
(2,655ft²) Net
centre
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HALF MOON STREET,
£300,000
£350,000
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offices
NEW NORTH ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD
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6 miles from
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First floor office suite 137.77sqm (1,483sq ft) Good secondary location
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Disability access
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1192 sqft also available on the ground floor
commercial PENISTONE ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD
£63 PER WEEK
£17,500 P/A
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Single storey workshop 501.48m² (5,398ft²) B1 Planning Consent
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Rateable value
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Single Storey Unit
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Gas supply
£7,300
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56.94sqm
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Roller shutter
(613sqft) GIA
Car parking for up to 12 vehicles
RAILWAY STREET, HUDDERSFIELD
SCAR LANE, HUDDERSFIELD
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3 phase electricity
door ●
Portal Frame
WAKEFIELD ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD
£500,000
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Development Opportunity
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791.06sqm (8,515sqft)
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Partial implementation of Planning Consent for two commercial units and residential apartments
LUCK LANE, HUDDERSFIELD
£400 PER WEEK
IRO £25,000 P/A
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Retail premises 91.88m² [989ft²] Storage & offices 339.92 m² (3658ft²) Prominent main road position
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Parking to rear
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Rental level subject to accommodation taken
Car sales pitch with office and workshop ● 76.08m² (819ft²) ● 20 - 25 Sales pitches ●
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Established trading position Prominent location 2 Miles from Huddersfield town centre
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS INDUSTRIAL
OFFICE To LeT
To LeT
Multi Storey Mill Complex
High spec office suites
Prospect Mills, elland
To LeT
Detached Modern Workshop & Offices
■ NEW BUILD: Launching new industrial units at Station Road, Bradley, are (from left) Jason Metcalfe and Mark Hanson of Hanson Chartered Surveyors with Commercial Development Projects Ltd project manager Dale Fox and mkanaging director Chris Marshall
Confidence factor housing or factory space on the ground floor and offices on the ground and first floors. They include sealed concrete floors, straight-in loading doors and service yards. The buildings – which are available to rent or buy – are being marketed by Hanson Chartered Surveyors, based at New North Road, Huddersfield. Jason Metcalfe, of Hanson Chartered Surveyors, said: “CDP have decided to undertake this development on a speculative basis, which
A SPECULATIVE development of industrial and warehouse units has been unveiled in Huddersfield – and is already attracting big interest. Two units at Station Road, Bradley Junction – together providing 65,000sq ft of floorspace – have been developed by Elland-based Commercial Development Projects on the site of a former waterworks off Leeds Road.. The two-storey units – measuring 23,500sq ft and 41,500sq ft – provide ware-
shows their confidence in the market and the locality. “It is close to Huddersfield town centre with excellent links to the M62 and Kirklees and Calderdale in general. “We have already had a good level of interest with numerous viewings. “There are few units of this calibre available locally and I suspect it will appeal most strongly to the local market as a rare opportunity to purchase the freehold on the size and kind of premises that are increasingly in demand.”
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AGENTS CONSULTANT ADVISOR •
•
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TRAFALGAR MILLS • LEEDS ROAD • HUDDERSFIELD • HD2 1YY
To Let Modern & Purpose Built Units Why not use the experts? MB Services have over 20 years experience in letting industrial units. Fieldhouse Park
Junction 25 Business Park
Leeds Road, Huddersfield Units available from 8,900sq ft to 11,986sq ft Ideally situated for M62 and M1 corridors. Ample on site parking, site is secure and is monitored by CCTV cameras.
Huddersfield Road, Mirfield Units available from 5,272sq ft to 5,349sq ft. Ideally situated for M62 and M1 corridors. Ample on site parking.
Contact: Jason Metcalfe Alec Michael Christine Eccleston Hanson Chartered Surveyors Michael Steel MB Services 01484 432043 0113 248 999 01484 557102
High hopes THE worst of the commercial property downturn may be over. Paul Joyce, managing partner at Ramsdens Solicitors, said an increasing appetite from private investors may signal a return to boom conditions. Commercial property has been badly hit – with prices falling by more than 40% since June, 2007. Mr Joyce said latest research showed that the “free fall” may be over. But he stressed: “Clouds hanging over unemployment and credit availability still shadow the commercial sector – and with the rental market predicted to fall by 20.5% this year, celebrations are being put on h o l d fo r a f ew months yet.”
3 westbury Street, elland
1 229m2 (2,466 sq ft) 1 Private yard and parking 1 Excellent main road access and M62 (J24) Rental: on application
To LeT
Modern Detached Single Storey Industrial Unit unit c, Lowfields Business Park
1 543.48m2 (5,850 sq ft) 1 Open plan warehouse 1 Two storey high spec offices 1 Drive in access via roller shutter door 1 Private yard and car park Rental: on application
1 Approx 7,432m2 (80,000 sq ft) 1 To let as whole or on floor by floor basis 1 Good road links close to J24 M62 1 All mains services inc 3 Phase electricity 1 Goods lift servicing all floor levels Details: on application
elland
To LeT
Modern Industrial/ Warehouse Unit
unit G10, Lowfields Business Park, elland
FoR SaLe
1 1026m2 (11,046 sq ft) 1 Fully fitted for immediate occupation 1 Excellent location within M62 corridor Rental on application Short terms available
unit 4 emstead works, Halifax
To LeT – New INSTRucTIoN
Modern detached single storey Industrial unit 1 309.23m2 (3,329 sq ft) 1 Open plan with additional office and stores 1 Drive in access via steel roller shutter door 1 Clear eaves height approx 4m 1 SCF, halogen box lighting, roof lights, gas storage heater 1 All mains services to include 3-phase electricity Price: oIRo £165,000
Single Storey Industrial Unit
unit 12 Branxholme Industrial estate, Brighouse
To LeT
Heathfield House
J3 Lowfields Business Park, elland
1 642m2 (6,912 ft) 1 Detached two storey office and works 1 Ease of access to Junc 24 M62 1 Good drive in access Rental: £22,500 pax
Modern Single Storey Factory/ Warehouse
1 2,864m2 (30,826 sq ft) 1 Detached unit with private secure yard and car park 1 Two storey offices 1 Excellent location on premier business park close to M62 Further details on application
Heathfield St, elland
elland Lane, elland
To LeT– New INSTRucTIoN
Victoria House albert Street, Lockwood, Huddersfield
1 Single Storey Industrial unit with extensive office and showroom accommodation 1 310m2 (3,337 Sq Ft) including detached garage store 1 Secure private yard 1 Prominent corner position with extensive frontage Rental: £15,950 pax
1 5170m2 (55,650 sq ft) 1 Substantial single storey w.house/distrib unit 1 Canopied loading bay 1 Excellent main road communications Rental: on application
To LeT
Single storey industrial/ workshop unit
unit 5 Branxholme Industrial estate, Brighouse 1 90m2 (969 sq ft) 1 Established industrial estate 1 Benefits from SCF and FSL throughout 1 Drive-in access by way of a steel roller shutter door Rental: £6,500 pax
Bradley Business Park, Huddersfield 1 Ground Floor office suites 1 93m2 – 245m2 (1,000 Sq Ft – 2,637 Sq Ft) 1 Good specification to include relevant w/c’s and kitchen facilities 1 Up to 15 on site car parking spaces with further expansion parking available if required Rental: upon application
To LeT– New INSTRucTIoN
206 Albert Street
To LeT
To LeT
Halifax
wellington Mills, Quebec Street, elland
1 Good quality period offices on Listed Holdsworths Mill site 1 Suites from 100 sq ft to 5,500 sq ft 1 Low cost storage/ industrial space 1 From 5,000 sq ft to 100,000 sq ft Rental: on application
RETAIL To LeT
Town Centre Retail Unit 1 63.98m (687 sq ft) 1 Return frontage overlooking Park Street and West Park Street 1 Open plan retail space with additional stores 1 WC and Kitchenette facilities Rental: £8,250 pax (Incentives available) 2
Grove Mills
Pennine House
1 3 storey newly built office and workshop 1 105.65m2 (1,137 Sq Ft) 1 Ground floor reception and workshop with roller shutter access Rental: upon application
44 Park St, Brighouse
To LeT
To LeT
1 87.16m2 (938 sq ft) 1 Established indust. estate 1 Open plan unit with WC facilities 1 SCF, halogen box lighting and roof lights 1 Drive-in access by way of steel roller shutter door Rental: £6,600 pax
Shaw Lodge
To LeT
1 Excellent self contained office buildings 1 279m2 – 465m2 (3,000 sq ft – 5,000 sq ft) 1 Private parking Rental: on application
To LeT– New INSTRucTIoN
Huddersfield
The Estate Office 1 98m2 (1,050 ft ) 1 First floor offices 1 Allocated car parking provision 1 Finished to a good standard throughout Rental: £6,300 pax
LAND FoR SaLe
Residential Development Street
Land at Bramston Street, Rastrick, Brighouse, HD6 3aa 1 Extending to 0.17 Hectares (0.42 Acres) 1 Planning consent for dev. of 58 aparts with undercroft car park 1 Potential for alternative scheme/use oIRo £450,00
FoR SaLe
279 Old Wakefield Rd Residential Development Site Moldgreen, Huddersfield
within Fields, Marsh
1 Ground Floor lock-up Lane, Southowram retail unit 1 0.14 HA (0.35 Acres) 2 1 48.56m (523 Sq Ft) 1 Outline planning 1 Front & rear sales 1 WC and kitchenette facility permission for 4 x detached dwellings Rental: £5,500 pax Guide Price: on application
MISC FoR SaLe
The Rising Sun
To LeT
elland
Substantial town centre leisure unit
1 Detached public house 1 285m2 (3,067 sq ft) 1 3/4 bedroom living accom 1 Conversion/ redevelopment potential Price: £250,000 + VaT
1 1 1 1
9 Brook Street, Huddersfield
336.85m2(3,626 sq ft) Prominent town centre pos. Open plan floors Suitable for a variety of uses subject to P.P Details: on application
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Howard Bamforth
600 UK Ltd MACHINE tool specialist 600 UK Ltd has appointed Howard Bamforth as sales director. Mr Bamforth, 44, will head the Heckmondwike-based company’s global sales team and work with appointed distributors in key locations. He takes responsibility for leading 600 UK’s sales strategy for all machine tool brands and associated products, including its Colchester-Harrison Tornado computer numerical controlled turning centres, Alpha combination lathes and Colchester and Harrison conventional lathes. Mr Bamforth (pictured) was one of the first sponsored students at T S Harrison, which was later amalgamated into the 600 Group. On gaining a BSc degree in mechanical engineering from Salford University, he joined the company full-time in 1988 and specialised initially in product design. After spending two years working in service and spares, he became sales office manager for Harrison in 1998 and regional sales manager in 2006. He was closely involved in the cross-over of the Colchester and Harrison lathes ranges and the introduction of CE Marking during the 1990s. 600 UK is part of 600 Group PLC, the UK's largest machine tool company, which has sites worldwide and sells into more than 180 countries. The group has two core areas of business activity centred on machine tools and laser marking.
Movers and shakers
Law firm adds to partner team
LAW firm Ridley and Hall have promoted three of its solicitors to partners. James Cook, Meena Kumari and Sue Cash join senior partner Nigel Priestley and managing partner Sarah Young to make up a new partnership team. Said Mr Priestley: “Meena and James are committed to building on the firm's strong commitment to legally aided work. Both specialise in the complex and demanding area of family law. “Sue is a very experienced solicitor and notary with an expertise in wills and probate, who is developing our local
presence in this area of law.” The firm, based at Market Street, has gained a national presence following success in a number of ground breaking cases in community care, judicial review and kinship care law. The firm won Yorkshire Lawyer Specialist Law Firm of the Year awards in 2006 and 2008. Mr Priestley was highly commended in the Law Society Awards in 2008. Sarah Young was named best woman solicitor managing a small practice by the Association of Women Solicitors.
Sarah is a winner twice over
Claire Etchell and Katie Owen
Lisa Wiliams
HSBC LISA Williams has been appointed to the new post of regional international commercial manager for HSBC covering Yorkshire. Ms Williams (pictured) is one of four new RICMs appointed across the UK. The managers will work with local commercial banking managers to help their customers conduct business across borders by helping them cope with international jurisdictions and language barriers. Ms Williams has already held trade events in Leeds and Gateshead and joined a delegation to China to help strengthen links between businesses in the north-east and the British Chamber of Commerce and China-British Business Council. She is also working with the UK India Business Council. She was previously head of commercial for Leeds and has worked for HSBC for 18 years across commercial and retail banking.
■ ON BOARD: Nigel Priestley (second right) and Sarah Young (right) welcome (from left) Meena Kumari, James Cook and Sue Cash
Linking up with experts FOUR non-executive directors have been appointed by Business Link Yorkshire to act as ambassadors for the organisation and provide feedback to the board on the needs of local firms. Joining the business advice body is Carolyn Burgess, chief executive of Humber-based interpreting and translating company Language is Everything; Arshad Chaudry, chairman and founder of the Asian Business Network; Gary Lumby, head of retail banking and small business banking at Yorkshire Bank; and York-based solicitor John Yeomans. The new directors will help strengthen relationships with a wide range of organisations, including local authorities, member bodies such as the Federation of Small Businesses and the Manufacturing Advisory Service, chambers of commerce, MPs and universities and colleges. Helen West, chief executive, said: “Our new directors will act as Business Link Yorkshire’s eyes and ears in local areas, providing our board and executive with additional high level support, guidance and feedback regarding business needs as well as important economic trends.”
Mamas & Papas NURSERY products firm Mamas & Papas has bolstered its public relations team. The Colnebridge-based company has promoted maternity fashion PR manager Claire Etchell (pictured, top) to the post of senior PR manager and has appointed Katie Owen (below) as PR manager. The changes follow a 28% rise in maternity fashion sales for the award-winning company. Ms Owen joins Mamas & Papas from European-wide agency Trimedia. She will build on the brand’s premier position in the baby wear and nursery interiors market and develop new strategies to increase market share in the growing gifts market. Ms Etchell, who was with high street fashion shoe retailer Moda In Pelle before joining Mamas & Papas, will direct strategy for all lifestyle PR for the brand including clothing, interiors, gifts and celebrity relationship management.
Page 8
■ GLITTERING PRIZE: Sarah Turvey, finance director for SimplyBiz, receives her award for Best Finance Director of an SME at the Yorkshire Finance Director Awards 2009 from David Buckley, of Ernst & Young A FINANCE director in Huddersfield has picked up her second award in two years. Sarah Turvey, finance director of compliance and business support service company SimplyBiz, was named Best Finance Director of an SME at the Yorkshire Finance Director Awards. It follows her success in winning the title Young FD of the Year at the CBI/RealFD Financial Directors Excellence Awards in 2008. The Yorkshire Finance Director Awards, held in Harrogate, feature awards in five key categories and aim to recognise the contribution of the region’s top finance directors and their ability to adapt to changing market conditions. Said Sarah: “I’m absolutely delighted to have received the award, especially given the exceptional calibre of others nominated in the category.
“The standard of competitor at regional events such as this reinforces my pride in working for a Yorkshire-based company. SimplyBiz chairman Ken Davy said “Everyone who works with Sarah knows how truly well deserved this award is and how much she has contributed to the ongoing success of SimplyBiz.” Sarah has been a member of the SimplyBiz board since the company was launched in 2002. She previously held roles heading the finance team at the Huddersfield Giants and at the Rugby Football League. Before that, she established and ran her own accountancy practice. SimplyBiz, based at the Galpharm Stadium, provides compliance and other business support services to more than 2,000 financial services firms and 5,000 individual advisers nationwide.
Lean way to manufacture EMPLOYEES from a Brighouse firm have gained qualifications in “lean” manufacturing. Five members of staff at bathrooms firm Heritage Ceramics received the City & Guilds licentiateship in lean manufacturing in a ceremony at Leeds University. The employees – who were chosen for their potential to become “future leaders” – were among the first to undertake the work-based qualification. The licentiateship is part of the Manufacturing Masters Programme run by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward. It aims to increase skills among the region’s manufacturing companies, teach employees how to think one step ahead and contribute toward the competitiveness of their business. Certificates were awarded by Prof Alan Roberts to Heritage production services team leader John Helliwell, castings team leader Craig Gabbitas, processing superintendent Steven Brannan, divisional director Brian Keeley and general manager Martin Beck.