ANGELA PROUD
FTSE 100 -13.83 6743.94
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014
Relishing a challenge Interview - Page 3
1
DANIEL KRIGERS Flexible friends? Column - Page 4
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
■■ The £1.75m residential development which has been created on a former industrial site at Bath Street close to Huddersfield town centre
A Colne Valley firm has helped create a £1.75m residential development close to Huddersfield town centre – to meet some of the need for affordable housing in Kirklees. Social housing provider Yorkshire Housing has unveiled a scheme of 16 two-bedroom apartments at Roseda House in Bath Street. The apartments, located in a Conservation Area, are targeted at working people on low or average incomes and are available to let at 20% below standard market rent. The glass-fronted apartments were built by Slaithwaite construction firm HB&E Ltd after the demolition of old industrial buildings on the site. Yorkshire Housing said the new apartments, built over four floors, offered high-quality modern living in a convenient location – just five minutes walk from Huddersfield train station and the town centre. Fourteen of the 16 have already been let with six currently occupied. Rents range from £400 to £460 a month depending on the size and specification of apartment. A spokeswoman for Yorkshire Housing said: “Kirklees Council worked with HB&E Ltd to consider uses for the site and made Yorkshire Housing aware of the opportunity to develop new affordable housing to address housing needs in Huddersfield.” Ged Walsh, new business and development director for Yorkshire Housing, said: “The apartments are built to a high specification, but are available to rent at an affordable price. “The location means they are ideal for people who work in the centre of Huddersfield or commute to other areas due to the close proximity of transport links.” Sean Clay, director of HB&E Ltd, said: “Roseda House apartments are an excellent
example of what can be achieved when a reputable local builder is given the opportunity to interact with the local council and one of the largest housing associations in the North of England. “Fraser Neasham, of Yorkshire Housing, and the strategic housing department of Kirklees Council worked very hard to make this development work, It was a particularly challenging town centre site.” Said Mr Clay: ““We are very proud of what has been created and we are looking forward to developing other similar projects. “We now have in Huddersfield town centre a fully functional modern block of 16 apartments which is just a stone’s throw from the train station and town centre.” The new homes, part-funded by a £336,000 Homes and Communities Agency grant, are available to working people on low or average incomes at 80% of market rent value. Leeds-based Yorkshire Housing manages more than 16,000 affordable homes and provides a wide range of care and support services across Yorkshire. It develops about 300 new affordable homes each year.
Trip to Le Mans adventurers Moin Valli and Andrew McGee have completed a weekend drive to Le Mans and back to raise funds for charity. The Forget Me Not 500 Rally saw Moin, managing director of Valli Opticians, and Andrew, of displays and graphics specialist TFive Design, drive from the UK to the iconic venue of 24-racing in France. Their round trip also included pit stops at Brands Hatch and Silverstone.
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Building firm completes £1.75m housing scheme
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■■ Darren Brown (left), of HB&E Ltd, with (from left) Fraser Neasham and Jim Taylor, of Yorkshire Housing; Richard Panter, of the Homes and Communities Agency; Mervyn Jones, chief executive of Yorkshire Housing; Sean Clay, of HB&E Ltd
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www.stafflex.co.uk International House, Chapel Hill, Huddersfield HD1 3EE
Tel: 01484 351010
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TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Mortgage approvals fall to lowest for 12 months The number of mortgage approvals made to home buyers has dropped for a fourth month in a row and is now at the lowest level since June last year. Some 61,707 mortgages worth £10bn got the go-ahead in May, 19% below January’s peak of nearly 76,000, amid signs that the launch of stricter lending rules may be having an impact on the market. Under the Mortgage Market Review (MMR), lenders have to spend more time questioning anyone looking to buy a home or remortgage about their personal spending habits to assess whether they can afford their mortgage. Lenders will also have to make sure an applicant could still cope with repayments when interest rates eventually rise. House prices have jumped by 10% across the UK in the last year, but last week the Bank of England took out insurance against an overheating market with plans for a cap on home loans and stronger checks on affordability. The latest figures from the Bank showed that net mortgage lending
A company making own-label household cleaning and toiletry products is to axe a quarter of its UK workforce amid the impact of supermarket price wars. Manchester-based McBride has begun consultations over 400 of its 1,600 posts at factories in Hull, Barrow, Bradford and Middleton in Greater Manchester. The firm, whose clients include Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda, said its sales will be 3% lower this year as rival makers of branded goods have cut prices to attract customers as part of supermarket price wars. The planned move is expected to save the business, which makes everything from toothpastes to toilet cleaners, £12m by June, 2016, although it expects the job losses to result in a one-off cost of £14m. Chief executive Chris Bull said: “We are announcing a robust plan that will help restore our UK profitability. We will be entering into full and meaningful consultation with colleagues affected by these proposals.” McBride said none of its four UK sites would close completely, although its Hull and Barrow factories are expected to be the most heavily affected. The Hull site currently makes household liquid and aerosol products, while the Barrow plant makes laundry powders and tablets as well as dishwasher products. The group employs about 5,000 staff at 17 plants across Europe, China and Vietnam.
will increase, demand is still rising. “Moreover, consumer confidence is buoyant, employment growth is strong and the squeeze on households’ real incomes has eased, all of which will underpin mortgage demand.” The new figures also showed that unsecured consumer lending rose by £700m in May, in line with the average over the past six months. Net borrowing on credit cards rose by £200m, having seen its biggest rise in three years during the previous month. It also emerged that net lending to non-financial companies jumped by £3.4bn in May, the first increase since last September. Net lending to small and medium-sized firms still fell by £152m, although this was better than declines of £629m in April and £1.1bn in March. Howard Archer, chief UK economist at IHS Global Insight, said the rise in bank lending to businesses was a welcome development. However, he said: “It remains to be seen if May’s marked increase in lending to businesses is the start of an improving trend.”
■■ Bank of England figures suggest stricter lending rules are having an effect
rose to a six-year high of £2bn in May from £1.8bn in April, although this is thought to reflect the earlier pick-up in mortgage approvals and higher house prices. Ed Stansfield, chief property economist at Capital Economics, believes that the recent weakness in mortgage
McBride to axe 400 jobs
approvals will not last much longer and that lending will pick up steadily over the rest of the year. He said: “Although the growth in new buyer enquiries has cooled notably since the turn of the year, perhaps reflecting growing uncertainty about when and how quickly interest rates
Boost for nuclear power industry DHL in £156m investment plan Britain’s nuclear power industry was boosted when a joint venture deal brought the building of a new £10bn power station a step closer. Japanese engineering and technology firm Toshiba has signed an agreement to buy 60% of NuGen, the UK-based group that plans to build three nuclear reactors next to the Sellafield site in west Cumbria.
The remaining 40% of NuGen remains with European energy business GDF Suez. The project – scheduled to be completed in 2024 – will create up to 21,000 jobs and will generate 3.4 gigawatts of energy, which is enough to power 6m homes , equivalent to 7% of the UK’s electricity requirement. The deal represents the completion of an agreement in Jan-
Logistics company DHL is to invest £156m in its UK sites to increase capacity for deliveries in the UK and overseas. The largest-scale investments will be at the firm’s East Midlands Airport hub (£90m) and Southern hub site near Heathrow (£32m). Sites in Manchester, Croydon and Sheffield will see changes, including additional
uary when Toshiba agreed in principle to buy a majority stake in the project for £102m. The three reactors will be built on the Moorside site near the existing Sellafield nuclear complex and will take about four years each to build. The group said the final investment decision for the project will be taken by the end of 2018.
warehousing, sorting facilities and operational processes to improve international trade, cut transit times and improve efficiency. The investment – which was welcomed by Chancellor George Osborne – will be made by 2016. Ken Allen, chief executive of DHL Express, said: “This investment in the UK forms a
key part of DHL’s global growth and service improvement strategy, following the recent investment of $177m (£103m) in the Middle East. “With ongoing growth in the US and the development of our European hub in Leipzig, we’re strengthening our leadership position through improved service capabilities.”
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN
American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys
£55.37 -0.12 £76.16 -0.04 £38.02 -0.23 £58.97 -0.20 1821.77 +24.26 £57.63 +0.17 £24.50 -0.20 43.84 £44.07 +0.03 £46.75
AEROSPACE & DEFENCE
Avon Rbbr BAE Systems Chemring Cobham Meggitt Rolls-Royce Senior
AIM
600 Group API Grp Brady Plc Highland Gold Mining Johnson Service Grp London Security M”S Intl Nichols Redhall Group Scapa Grp Youngs GKN
625 4327/8 2051/2 3121/4 506 1069 2831/4
213/8 73 77 70 57 £24 1911/2 965 28 125 10421/2
AUTOMOBILES & PARTS BANKS
3631/8
-41/2 +11/4 +2 -7/8 -1 +7 -5/8 +2 +5/8 -221/2 -1/2 -23/4 -1/2 -37/8
Barclays Bk Ireland HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart Barr (AG) Diageo SABMiller Croda Elementis 98 Johnsn Mat
2123/4 195/8 5927/8 741/4 3283/8 1194
BEVERAGES
636 1866 £337/8
CHEMICALS
-31/4 -5/8 -41/8 -11/8 +13/8 +11/2 -8 +181/2 +1/4
£22 2601/4 £31
CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
Balfour Beatty C”R”H Costain Low Bonar Marshalls Drax Gp SSE
2331/2 1501 260 781/4 172
ELECTRICITY
6401/2 1567
+1/8 +1/4 +3/8 -33/8 -19 +11/4 -1/2 +1 +1
ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced Ox Instmts Volex
600 2833/4 3241/4 1300 791/4
-15 -41/4 +11/4 -9 +21/2
445 /8 1351/4 5653/4
+ /8 -1/4 +13/4
EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS
Alliance Trust Br Assets Candover Inv
5
5
Dunedin Inv Dunedin Sml Edin Invst Electra Private Equity Forgn & C Henderson Smllr Cos North American Inc Scot Am Scottish Mortgage Witan
273 2013/4 605 £267/8 3781/4 5131/2 8101/2 255 210 7061/2
-1/4 +2 /2 +1/4 +3/4 -1/2 +1/4 +21/8 +13/8 +1/2 1
FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
BT Grp Cable & Wireless Comm Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom
384 /8 491/4 1371/2 923/4 3251/2
-4 /8 +3/4 -3/4 +3 +31/8
183 /8 3151/2 2841/4 1061/2
- /2 -11/4 +1/2 -1
£301/2 1788 4867/8 6841/2 £261/2
+1/8 -52 -1/8 +121/2 +1/8
312 /8 840 785 1932 882
- /4 +3 +21/2 +15 +11/2
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FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS
Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco Thorntons AB Food Carrs Millg REA Hldgs Tate Lyle Unilever
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FOOD PRODUCERS
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GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES
Centrica National Grid Pennon Grp Severn United Utils
5
GENERAL FINANCIAL
1
1
3i Group 4017/8 Local Close Bros shares 1278 1 ICAP 380 Carclo 113 /4 London StockExch £201/8 Marshalls 172 Man Group 1051/4 National Grid 840 1 7/8 Provident £22 Weir Gp Financial £26 /4 Schroders £25 Schroders NV closed 1928 FTSE at
GENERAL INDUSTRIALS
6743.94 276 / 1297
Smith DS Smiths Grp
3
4
down 13.83 GENERAL RETAILERS
Ashley L Carphone Whse Dixons Retail Home Retail Inchcape Kingfisher M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith
251/2 3225/8 493/4 1763/4 6341/2 359 4251/4 2383/4 £643/4 £641/2 1070
-33/4 -9 1 -1/2-1/8 + /8 +3+3 1 1/8 -+ /4
1039
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
Aga Rangemaster Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey Fenner
1541/4 3733/4 1566 1273 £51 114
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING 358
Ferrexpo
1487 1761/2 64 £273/8 £261/4
INDUSTRIAL METALS
-47/8 +2 -1/4 +3/4 +1/4 +31/2 -11/4 -63/4 +13/4 -1/4 -3 +4
-23/4 -3/4 -4 -5 +1/8 +1/4 +4
-10 -1 -1/2
Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES
-1/4
Inmarsat Vodafone Group
131
INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
Smith Nph
I”M”I Molins Renold Spirax-Sarco Weir Grp
BBA Aviation
309
LIFE INSURANCE
Aviva Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life
BSkyB D Mail Tst ITV Johnston Press Pearson Reed Elsevier STV Group Trinity Mirror Utd Business UTV WPP Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kazakhmys
MEDIA
MINING
-1/4
-1 /2 -3/4 +13/4 +3
904 832 1781/4 37/8 1154 940 358 152 6651/2 208 1274
+11 +13 +21/8 +1/8 +19 +41/2 -2 +21/4 +81/2
1430 763 18891/2 872 3041/8
-1 -11/2 -24 +17 +1/8
1
-7/8
+7
+17/8 -1/8 -12
MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS 7471/2 195
NONLIFE INSURANCE
510 /2 2253/8 1973/4 1341 3021/2 3741/8 1
2371/4 £311/8 1109
Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Ins Gp
1549 1040 £301/4 4743/4
+9 +21 -1/8 -51/4
1235 5147/8 200 3337/8 £241/8 £253/8 £421/4 8531/2
-111/2 +1/4 +33/8 +33/4
1215 1203 8061/2
-5 -5 +71/2
1483 3461/2
+9 +11/8
£433/8 1564 £453/4
-1/4 -91/2
7021/2
-5
OIL & GAS PRODUCERS
BG BP Cairn Energy Premier Oil Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell B Total Tullow Oil
OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
AMEC Petrofac Wood Gp(J)
PERSONAL GOODS
Burberry Gp PZ Cussons
-13 -11/4
-1/8 +1/2
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY
Astrazeneca GlaxoSmithKline Shire Brit Land
REAL ESTATE
Gt Portland Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO
644 580 3115/8 1036 3451/4
-41/2 -2 +11/4 -4 +21/2
3841/8
-3/4
979 1622 1145 1821/4 810 2623/4 2623/4 988 2551/4 1461/8 322 600 670 5241/2 2033/4 1113/8 1638 £32
-11/2 -7 +8 +1/4 -1/2 +3/4 +3/4 +21/2 +11/2 -1/2 +93/8 +131/2 +181/2 +61/2 +3/8 -1/8 -16 -1/8
SOFTWARE & COMPUTER SERVICES
Sage Group
SUPPORT SERVICES
Berendsen Bunzl Capita Connect Group De La Rue Elctro Com Electrocomp Experian G4S Hays Homeserve Interserve Menzies J Northgate Prem Farnell Rentokil Travis & P Wolseley
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT
ARM Hldgs IBM Spirent Comms
881 £1061/8 95
TOBACCO
Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
£343/4 £261/4
TRAVEL & LEISURE
-1/2 -1/8 +11/2
Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airl Ladbrokes Marston’s Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Punch Taverns Rank Org Restaurant Grp Ryanair Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread William Hill
96 £221/8 1017 1365 1263/8 1265/8 £235/8 8431/2 £241/4 3701/2 1401/4 1447/8 3893/4 2613/4 91/2 1671/8 601 550 376 398 £441/8 328
+1 -1/8 +1 -94 -21/8 -31/2 -101/2 +1/4 -131/4 -7/8 +7/8 -6 +47/8 +1/2 -27/8 +61/2 -6 -43/4 -51/2 +3/8 -7/8
INDEX FTSE 100 FTSE 250
6743.94 15723.56
-13.83 +42.10
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Getting down to the paperwork – and making time for what matters It was the most frightening moment in Angela Proud’s life. A sudden paralysis left the Shepley mother-of-two unable to move – sending husband Nigel rushing to the phone to get medical help and an ambulance arriving at the door with blue lights flashing. A lengthy series of tests and visits to numerous hospitals followed – with doctors unable to diagnose her condition. “The first time I had a really big attack I could only communicate with Nigel by blinking,” says Angela. The internet came up with the answer. “I typed ‘periodic paralysis’ into the search engine and up came ‘hypokalemic periodic paralysis’. And that’s what I had.” HKPP is a rare genetic condition that causes occasional episodes of muscle weakness. In Angela’s case, it could leave her paralysed from the neck down and unable to speak at times. “There are only about 130 families affected by it in the UK and just 2,000 to 3,000 worldwide,” says Angela. “I take medication for it every day and I can live a fairly regular life – although running and sport is out. “Going through the diagnosis, I was visiting the doctor every two weeks. Now I go twice a year. It’s just part of normal life now.” Angela hasn’t let her condition prevent her from succeeding in the world of work – while she also devotes a good deal of energy to the Huddersfield-based Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust as a volunteer behind the scenes and in front of an audience! Angela was moved to get involved with the charity by the story of Pam Thornes – who has worked for Kirkwood Hospice, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and now as manager of the Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust and who has been battling against breast cancer. Angela’s husband Nigel was also diagnosed with cancer, but has made a full recovery. “Nigel was diagnosed when he was 27 and it was really scary time,” says Angela. “He was staying in hospital wards with much older men and
we understood what it would be like for a young person to be in that situation. “We would support the trust by attending events such as winetasting and dragon boat races.” Angela found herself promoting the cause at a business event in Leeds. “It was the first birthday event for the PA Hub networking group at the Radisson Hotel,” she recalls. “I had the opportunity to talk about the Laura Crane Trust and the event raised £1,500 to be shared between the trust and the West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice. It was a massive event with an auction and a raffle. It was all about raising awareness.” Now Angela combines her work for the trust with running her own business – providing administration support, book-keeping and consultancy to sole traders and micro-businesses. Self-employment has proved the ideal route for Angela, who draws on the expertise she has gained during a career working for a variety of firms. Angela was born and grew up in Sheffield but moved to Huddersfield 30 years ago when she mar-
ried Nigel. She says: “I started doing my A-levels and found it wasn’t getting me where I wanted to go. I decided to leave school and get a job. But in 1981 there weren’t many jobs around.” Angela took a secretarial course at Sheffield’s Stanningley College before getting an office-based job as engineering clerk at liquorice allsorts manufacturer Bassetts. “You were only allowed to eat the sweets if you were on the factory floor,” she says. “If you were in the office, you didn’t get any. But people used to sneak some in to us!” Following her move to Huddersfield, Angela took a break to bring up her children, Joanna and Chris, but took a word processing course at Holmfirth adult education centre. She went on to work for a number of firms, including electronic document handling specialist Mitral Systems at Shepley, consumer goods firm Sara Lee at Honley and chemicals giant Zeneca in Huddersfield. She was also employed as divisional secretary for Huddersfield police. Angela says: “I have never really stayed in one job for a long time. I love challenges and once I’ve con-
■■ Angela Proud aims to help small businesses make more time
quered what I set out to do I like to move onto something else.” After being made redundant from her last job in 2013, Angela decided it was time to work for herself. She was helped in reaching her decision by another scary incident. Driving home on the M62 from an interview with a recruitment firm – on a Friday the 13th – her car was side-swiped by a crane, sending her vehicle across the carriageway. “I came away without a single scratch,” she says. “But there and then I decided life was too short to waste and it was time to do something I wanted to do.” Angela says: “I help people to make their systems work more effectively. Time is the biggest issue for sole traders and smaller businesses. “Whatever sector they are in, the paperwork has to be done. By helping with their book-keeping or administration, I’m saving them time to concentrate on their business – and helping them make time for their families, too.” Along with helping small firms keep on top of their paperwork, Angela provides admin support for the Laura Crane Trust in a voluntary capacity – and no longer has any qualms about speaking to an audience to promote the cause. “Talking to people when I’m representing the charity is a lot easier than talking about myself,” she says. “I do a lot of preparation to make sure I make all the points I want to make, but I try to speak without notes. It also helps if you are enthusiastic about your subject. “I went to a public-speaking course in Sheffield. I was absolutely scared stiff, but by the end of delivering a two or three-minute talk I was fine. I’m happy to do quite a bit of public speaking now!” After helping save time for her clients, Angela values her own “downtime”. “Spending time with the family is important,” she says. “I also like to go out for some fine food and wine when I get the chance. We also enjoy going on picnics with our Jack Russell terrier, Seth. And I still enjoy learning. I’m still doing courses and taking exams!”
Angela Proud Role: Owner Age: 50 Family: Married to Nigel with daughter Joanna, 28, and son Chris, 26 Holidays: We love North Yorkshie. We went to Disneyland in Florida when the children were young and went to Paris for Nigel’s 50th birthday First job: Working as an assistant at a greengrocer’s when I was 14 Best thing about the job? Enabling people to spend more time with their families by taking some of the pressure off – and showing people new ways to make business life easier Worst thing about the job? There’s nothing I don’t like about what I do Business tip: Keep it simple! Work: Admin support, bookkeeping and consultancy Site: Shepley Phone: 01484 817916 Email: angela@angelaproud. co.uk Web: www. angelaproud.co.uk
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TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
Support for Town A recruitment company is backing Huddersfield Town once again as the club prepares for the new Championship campaign. Stafflex, the club’s longestserving commercial partner, will have its logo on the shorts of the club’s first team during the 2014-15 season – the fifth year running. Stafflex was formed in the town 15 years ago. It enjoyed great success in the last financial year, increasing turnover following its 2011 move to larger premises on Chapel Hill – when Town ambassador Andy Booth performed the official opening. As well as its name appearing on the shorts, Stafflex entertains its clients using an executive box on Town match days in the Fantastic Media Stand. Town commercial director Sean Jarvis said: ““At this club, we do not deal in straight sponsorships – we look to cultivate relationships that are as beneficial to the partner as they are to Huddersfield Town. “ As such, I always believe it is a testament to that ethos when a partner renews – and there is no better example of a successful working relationship than ours with Stafflex.” Stafflex director Paul Balderstone said: “We are delighted to be part of the team for another year and wish the club every success in the Championship.” Meanwhile, Brighousebased Northern Commercials will again feature its logo on the first shirts – across the shoulders. It is the third successive season that the firm’s logo will appear on the back of the First Team’s home shirts. An independent business formed in the area in 1971, Northern Commercials sells new and used trucks and vans, specialising in Iveco and Fiat ranges. As well as its Brighouse base, it has offices across the UK in locations such as Manchester and Brighton. Dealer principal and managing director Roger Peel, who is a lifelong Town fan, said: “ said: “I’m in a privileged position, to be able to support the club and wider community through business. We are delighted to be extending our kit sponsorship to three years and look forward to a strengthened relationship with the club over the course of the season.” Mr Jarvis said: “Over the past two seasons, the Northern Commercials logo has become a recognisable part of the club’s home shirts. “I’m delighted that will continue as we head into the 2014/15 Championship campaign.”
KIRKLEES BUS
Simplicity key for flexible working The Flexible Working Regulations will came into force yesterday, amending the right to make flexible working requests. Simply put, the new regulations seek to simplify the existing process of making flexible working requests. In order to examine the changes brought about by the new regulations, perhaps it would be helpful to first summarise the position prior to June 30, 2014. The previous system was subject to substantial criticism from both employers and employees alike. In particular, the previous regime was thought to be too restrictive in limiting flexible working to carers and parents of children only. Furthermore, the statutory procedure was condemned for being cumbersome and needlessly complicated. Accordingly, following a threemonth consultation, the government announced its attention to simply flexible working requests and achieved through the amendments made to the Children’s and Families Act 2014. The Flexible Working Regulations therefore introduced the following procedure: • Any employee with at least 26 weeks continuous service can make a flexible working request • A request should be made by the employee in writing. The employer then has three months to consider the request and communicate their decision to the employee. • Employers must deal with request in a reasonable manner and if it is to
EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Daniel J Krigers reject a request they still must rely on one or more of eight specified reasons set out in legislation. • Only one request can be made within a 12 month period. When making a request for flexible working an employee would usually be asking for one of the following: • A change to working hours • A change to the times that they are required to work • A change to the place of work As mentioned above, when making a request an employee no longer has to comply with the statutory scheme. A request now should simply: • Be in writing. • Be dated. • Specify what change the employee wishes to make. After receiving a request the employer now has a period of three months to consider the request and communicate their decision to the employee. If the employer agrees to the request the change will amount to a contractual variation. It is good practice for employers to obtain a new contract of employment
signed by the employee confirming the new terms. If the employer rejects the flexible working request, in doing so it must rely on one or more of the following reasons: • The burden of additional costs • Detrimental effect on ability to meet customer demand • Inability to reorganise work among existing staff • Inability to recruit additional staff • Detrimental impact on quality • Detrimental impact on performance • Insufficiency of work during the periods the employee proposes to work • Planned structural changes Although employers are no longer required to give a detailed explanation to the employee as to why their request has not been authorised, it is still recommended that employers at least confirm on what ground the request is being rejected. Finally, if a flexible working request is rejected by the employer, the employee must be given leave to appeal.
Daniel J Krigers is an employment law solicitor at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors
Irish ayes provide a big boost for Arkoni A metalworking firm is eyeing up expansion in Ireland. Brighouse-based Arkoni is set to expand into the Irish construction market after linking up with Dublin-based Linham Construction. The agreement has led to the formation of Arkoni Ireland with the remit of providing fully certified fire-rated, security and steel glazing systems for a growing number of public and private building projects across the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland. Arkoni supplies a wide range of fire-rated and steel glazing systems as well as architectural and bespoke
metalwork for commercial, residential and public sector construction projects across Great Britain. Arkoni Ireland managing director Frank Flynn said: “This is a great opportunity for Arkoni and Linham to introduce the highest spec fire glazing solutions into the Irish market.” Arkoni managing director and founder Mark Prentice said: “We foresee only growth across Ireland in the short to medium term with our profile set to expand in partnership with Linham. “We are very much on the same ■■ Mark Prentice (left) and Frank Flynn wavelength.”
Aiming to work up an appetite for Yorkshire BUYERS from as far afield as India, Australia and the Middle East will be offered a mouth-watering sample of Yorkshire’s acclaimed food and drink. The three-day Grand Depart International Business Festival opens tomorrow to showcase a range of industries where the region leads the way, with food and drink taking centre stage.
Leading producers from across the region will get to pitch their goods to potential new customers, as well as discuss export opportunities with officials from UK Trade & Investment. The food and drink manufacturing and processing sector is worth some £9.44bn for Yorkshire and accounts for more than 52,000 jobs.
Projections indicate a further 17,000 new recruits will be needed before 2017 to strengthen the region’s position. “The figures are staggering, yet there is still so much more potential for Yorkshire food and drink companies,” said Jo McBeath, of UKTI, which is running the business festival with Welcome to Yorkshie at Leeds Carriageworks.
■■ IoE director-general Lesley Batchelor
Export event’s special guest THE newly-honoured director-general of the Institute of Export (IoE) is special guest at an export event in West Yorkshire. Lesley Batchelor, who received the OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her work to develop export education and training for British businesses, will be speaking at the We Are International export networking event on July 4 at The Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds. The event is the fifth to be held to support the We Are International campaign run by Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) – which encompasses Kirklees – and its aim of adding £1.6bn to the regional economy by 2018. Ms Batchelor, who lives in York, was appointed director-general of the IoE in 2010 after working with a series of blue chip international businesses and establishing a small strategic development agency supporting new market entry planning for SMEs. She is a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group Advisory Panel on Trade & Investment, the All Party Manufacturing Group and also gives evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on Government support for SMEs. Part of her talk will concentrate on a new IoE international trade survey which shows that a growing number of exporting companies believe that continuing membership of the European Union is “critical” to their business. The research shows that 49.5% of exporters say Britain’s continuing membership of the EU is critical to their company – up from 45% in 2013. Latest figures show that Yorkshire and Humber’s value of exports to the EU in the first three months of this year were £2.1bn. We are International is delivered by the LEP with international trade specialists Chamber International, UKTI Yorkshire and Humber, Enterprise Europe Yorkshire, MY Export Hub and Yorkshire Universities.
Deadline date Women entrepreneurs have just days left to enter the 2014 NatWest everywoman Awards. The deadline for the awards is July 7. The competition has attracted thousands of entries and has recognised dozens of women in its 12 year history. There are 1.5m women self-employed in the UK, which represents an increase of about 300,000 since before the economic downturn. However, the figure is still low compared with the number of male-owned businesses. The awards are free to enter . Individuals can be nominated or enter themselves at www.everywoman.com/ewawards. The winners will be announced on December 3 at The Dorchester Hotel, London.
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014
SINESS NEWS
local
Bosses sound alert after rate hike talk Almost a quarter of businesses say that they would be put into financial difficulty if interest rates were to rise by at least one percentage point in the next 18 months, according to a report by insolvency trade body R3. The findings come from R3’s latest Business Distress Index, a long-running survey of a nationally representative sample of 500 business owners and directors. Insolvency experts say that, despite the economic recovery over the last year, the figures show not all businesses are out of the woods yet. Chris Wood, Yorkshire R3 vice-chairman and partner at Clough Corporate Solutions in Cleckheaton, said: “Economic recovery is just as tough a time for some businesses to negotiate as a recession, if not tougher. “Normally, insolvencies peak after a recession, but we haven’t seen that this time around. Record low interest rates and high levels of creditor forbearance have helped keep lots of businesses going. “The good news is that some businesses that might have expected to struggle after 2008 have been given extra time to put their finances in order. “However, there is still a big chunk of businesses that will struggle once ‘normal’ recovery conditions, like rising interest rates, return.” Mr Wood said: “A one percentage point rise in interest rates is at the upper limit of what we
■■ ChrisWood, of Clough Corporate Solutions
might expect in the 18 months, but policymakers should bear in mind that many businesses still feel they’re close to the edge of their comfort zone.” Some 7% of businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North East – against 6% across the UK – say they would be put into
Firms play their cards right to secure takeover agreement
“serious” financial difficulty were interest rates to rise over the next 18 months, while 17% regionally (16% nationally) said they would be put into “some” difficulty. While the vast majority of businesses in the UK appear relaxed about the prospects of an interest rate rise, with 70% saying they would be unaffected, Yorkshire and the Humber and the North East showed more concern with only 56% saying they would be unaffected. Across the UK, 7% of businesses believe they would benefit from an interest rate rise. Mr Wood said: “Businesses may be expecting their bank to absorb any interest rate rises – banks have not been applying nearly as much pressure on their business customers when it comes to basic business lending as they were after the early ‘90s recession. “Also, given how consistent speculation about rate rises has been in the last few months, many businesses will be planning ahead anyway.” Mr Wood said: “An interest rate rise will have the biggest impact on ‘zombie businesses’ – those that are already only paying the interest on their debts – and personal finances.” Research by R3 in November, 2013, found that 6% of UK businesses (103,000 businesses) were only paying the interest on their debts, although this was down from 9% (160,000) in November, 2012.
Rule change prompts energy supplier warning Business energy users who switch electricity supplier are being alerted to a change in the process that will reduce the time a customer has to resolve an objection from their current supplier. Existing suppliers have always been able to raise objections against an application to switch away from them and customers
and their brokers have had five days to resolve the issue. The timeframe for resolving objections has now reduced to one day – a change that came into effect on June 26. Colette Costello, associate operations director at Ellandbased energy management consultancy Orchard Energy, said the
change calls for better communication and faster action from all parties involved. She warned that this could put many business energy customers in a situation where contracts are abandoned due to unresolved objections to transfer. “If the deadline is missed because the existing supplier has
objected and the issue hasn’t been settled in time the customer could be forced to negotiate a new contract to start later,” said Ms Costello. In a live market which is constantly fluctuating this could affect the price and in some cases might even result in a period when they have no contract in place at all.”
An Elland company advising businesses on processing credit and debit card payments is predicting big things from a seven-figure takeover by national business UPG. Acceptcards was launched in 2008 from rented offices at Dean Clough in Halifax with just three staff before moving to larger premises at the former Wheatsheaf pub in Elland almost two years ago. Since then, acceptcards has expanded steadily and now employs a team of 16 . Now UPG plc, another independent payment specialist, has acquired acceptcards to complement its existing operations – with the intention of expanding to launch new products and take on more staff. Richard Bradley, of acceptcards, said: “We are delighted to join forces with UPG and we see a great opportunity for merchants to benefit from the new services and resources that UPG will make available. We are looking forward to launching the new product offerings in conjunction with our partners through 2014 and beyond.” Acceptcards is the UK’s leading independent card payment brokers, providing its clients with services including chipand-pin machines and consultancy around payments. Bill Mooney, of UPG, said: “The businesses are entirely complementary. We see strong potential growth on all sides and we expect to increase the
size of the new combined team as we continue to grow the business.” UPG is one of the UK’s largest independent payment gateway and payment service providers. It has recently won a number of significant public sector contracts in the UK and Europe – processing several hundred transactions per second during peak loading. Miles Carroll, chief executive of UPG plc, said: “When we first met Accept Cards a year ago, it was obvious in the first few minutes that the businesses should come together. With the backing of our shareholders, which now includes one of the world’s largest hedge funds, we have added a great new dimension to our business. “This is the latest in a series of successful acquisitions made by UPG plc in the payments arena over the last four years. We continue to look for similar opportunities and imagine that there will be other deals we can complete in the UK and Europe.” The amount UPG paid for acceptcards has not been disclosed, but involved a seven-figure sum comprised of cash and equity. UPG said there was no overlap in staffing, so there would be no job losses. The senior management at acceptcards are all joining the leadership team at UPG. UPG said the team at acceptcards was “fundamental to the future vision of the business” and the deal would bring more job opportunities.
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TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Osborne ‘on the right track’ with call for HS3 Proposals for a high-speed rail link between Leeds and Manchester have won near-unanimous support from a group of local businesses. The West Yorkshire Business Jury run by Holmfirth accountants and business planners V&A Bell Brown and made up of business owners and directors has backed the Chancellor’s call for the line – dubbed HS3 – with just one dissenting voice. Its supporters say HS3, which is based on the existing Manchester-Leeds rail line, would allow for a quicker journey time and greater connection from the East to the West and help drive economic growth in the North. It would also mark an extension of the HS2 scheme linking London with the North. Amanda Vigar, managing partner at V&A Bell Brown, who delivered the verdict, said: “I am 100% behind HS3 as it will be fantastic news for Yorkshire and for business growth in the region. “Like it or not, London is still the economic powerhouse of the UK and to have a strengthening of transport links to the capital should pay dividends for business generation in the region. “It will additionally help to boost business links for our home-grown companies whose owners will be able to hop on a train, have a business meeting in the capital, and be back home within a much shorter period of time.” She said: “There is an old saying that time is money and that’s never been more important in today’s demanding but business-ready economy. “The boost to the Yorkshire economy will also serve to create more jobs, which will further help to
■■ Amanda Vigar, of the West Yorkshire Business Jury backs high-speed rail
power business growth.” Max Earnshaw, partner at Earnshaw Kay, agreed, saying HS3 would benefit the North and allow for greater communication links between cities. He said: “HS3 would be much better than HS1, as it is incredibly awkward to get to Manchester from
Leeds, which is a slow route, as it is. Government policy tends to be London-centric, so providing a facility that would allow greater access for business to be conducted in the middle section of England is all the better.” Mike Funnell, of Power Tool Services, feels that the South tends to benefit from Government transport policy more than the North. He said: “I am strongly for the proposed HS3 rail link as it is something that has needed to be done, as business in the North needs highlighting. It will be of great benefit to Yorkshire businesses, as it will allow for more communication links – and the sooner it is implemented, the better. “Leeds is a quiet centre of excellence in terms of business and law and HS3 will allow for easy access to the North’s thriving cities. The Government has neglected the North in terms of infrastructure and London seems to always get the support. HS3, to me, is more important than HS2, as it is only beneficial to the capital.” However, Charles Brook, senior partner at Brook Business Recovery, is against the idea as he feels that the issue is with the existing line. He said: “I think all that needs to be done is to add more express trains and carriages to the existing line, which is quite good as it is. “If we have a direct link between the two cities then this will only have a negative impact on the dormitory towns in between. “The only way I see it working is if the regional link from these towns is improved, which will increase their activity, otherwise they will be depressed.”
Bedfords Group drives through key acquisition Transport firm Bedfords Group has completed a key acquisition. The Birstall-based business has taken over RPL Transport, based at Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. The move marks the start of an ambitious acquisition plan for Bedfords, which is becoming recognised as a national haulage company. Bedfords Group purchased the £4.5m-turnover business to strengthen the group’s offering, expanding operations in the South and solidifying its capabilities as a UK wide logistics company. The acquisition increases Bedfords fleet to more than 100 vehicles and allows the group to become more efficient when operating from its Birstall depot. RPL Logistics is a family-run business, which has been transporting goods throughout the UK for 30 years during which it has experienced steady growth. The company also has a modern single-story 25,000sq ft warehouse close to the M1.
■■ Birstall-based Bedfords Group is set to increase its presence in southern England over the next few years
Bedfords group managing director Steff Pfadenhauer said: “The fantastic reputation, dedication of the management team and drivers, location and operations capabilities of RPL Transport are just some of the reasons we took the decision to pursue this acquisition. “With the purchase of RPL, we can significantly
increase our presence in the South. “This will be key to our growth plan over the next few years.” He said: “I would personally like to thank the team at RPL and we look forward to working with them to build Bedfords Group into a national player in the haulage and logistics sector.”
Coffee supplier is far from grumpy with its fleet deal Two Kirklees companies have proved the perfect blend. Bewley’s Coffee Ltd at Meltham has worked with Volkswagen Van Centre West Yorkshire in Cleckheaton for more than eight years. Now it has decided to purchase and run its entire fleet from the retailer following the purchase of an additional two Caddy vehicles.
The coffee specialist roasts and sells premium coffee under the Grumpy Mule brand both online and through a network of more than 200 independent retailers. It also supplies coffee machines and equipment to the food service industry nationwide. The Volkswagen Caddy vans are the latest addition to its fleet of 15 which provides a service maintenance con-
tract and delivery service to its trade customers. Bewley’s service manager, Bob Drake, confirmed that business growth and first class service has resulted in the business opting for an entire Volkswagen fleet – with Transporter vans for its service fleet and the Volkswagen Caddy for its Londonbased fleet.
Andrew Caygill, director at Volkswagen Van Centre West Yorkshire, said: “We’re very pleased to strengthen our relationship with Bewley’s.” He said: “We aim to build strong relationships with all of our customers and will always work closely with them to ultimately create a vehicle and service package that meets their needs.”
Growth vouchers A leadership and business performance coaching consultancy has been accredited to offer business advice as part of the Government’s Enterprise Nation programme. Inspirit Learning Partners, founded by Batley-born leadership and development practitioner and performance coach Jannine Oates (above) in 2012, has been accepted as a Growth Voucher provider. The scheme means that small business owners can spend up to £4,000 on support in the areas of leadership and management or individual development and business coaching from Inspirit as they grow their business. Half of that amount can then be claimed back from the Government. Jannine has eight years of extensive training and coaching experience, including five years as a licensed trainer and coach for management training firm Dale Carnegie. She also delivers work across the globe, providing leadership and management training for blue chip brands such as Adidas and Morrisons. As well as running Halifaxbased Inspirit, she is also vicechair for the Calderdale branch of the Federation of Small Businesses and an active business mentor in Calderdale. She said: “Strong leadership is vital in any growing business to ensure you have a clear direction and that this is communicated effectively as you employ more people and win more business.”
Golf retailer to the fore A golf retailer based in Huddersfield has joined Tesco’s online marketplace. Direct Golf UK, based at Leeds Road, has now joined Tesco direct, alllowing it to sell its golf clothing, footwear, bags, clubs, balls and accessories on the Tesco direct website. Direct Golf UK also becomes a Tesco Partner – joining names including Huddersfield-based nursery products firm Mamas & Papas, House of Fraser and Maplin Electronics. Its goods will also be available for collection in-store through the Tesco Click+Collect service. John Andrew, owner of Direct Golf, said: “We see this is a great opportunity to make the best quality golf equipment available to Tesco customers.”
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Taking pride of place More than 250 people attended the official launch and open day for a new housing development in Farnley Tyas. The Beech Farm development of 25 houses stands on the former site of the original Beech Farm. Kirklees Mayor Clr Ken Smith officially opened the development when he praised the scheme for blending with the village setting and its use of high quality materials, adding: “It’s also encouraging to see that it’s already bringing new families into the village and school.” John Radcliffe, of builder John Radcliffe & Sons Ltd, said: “The day was a huge success. We were confident that the homes would generate a great deal of interest from the local area and further afield. “To have more than 200 people visit on the first day, however, and for a number of these families to place reservations, exceeded even our expectations. “Many of the visitors remarked on the quality and that the homes really look as if they belong in the village thanks to the local stone walls and stone slate roofs.” The Beech Farm scheme is the result of 10 years of local consultation and partnership working between Farnley Estates Ltd, which owns the land, John Radcliffe & Sons Ltd, which oversaw development, and Kirklees Council.
“We were very aware that the plans would cause concern in the village, which is why we entered into such an in-depth consultation process. “We wanted to make sure that any development was in keeping with the area and enhanced, rather than detracted from the character of the village.”
TOWN CENTRE
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Property developer among winners at awards for excellence in building was Rosefield in Honley, an exclusive new build large detached property set in a semi-rural location. The five-bedroom home was built in reclaimed Yorkshire stone and sits in more than an acre of grounds. Rosefield is surrounded by extensive mature landscaped gardens and woodland and has its own paddock with stables. The project nominated in the category for Restoration and Conversion - Small Projects was Hogley Green Barn & Cottage Conversion. The Kingsman Homes team converted a derelict farm barn and cottage into two beautiful homes combining contemporary design with
character details. Kingsman Homes director Scott McDonald said: “We were delighted to be nominated in two categories at the awards and over the moon to have won! “These LABC awards are a fantastic opportunity to highlight the quality and craftsmanship that is being produced in our region from small, local builders like ourselves, as well as the larger building companies. “We really are chuffed to bits and would like to thank our architect partners on both projects - Acumen Architects for Rosefield and Wake Architects for Hogley Green.”
£15,000 pa
SHOP TO LET Approx: 337 sq ft Mezzanine app:130 sq ft RV £14,000 secondary frontage into arcade EPC E110
■■ Kingsman Homes’ winning project, ‘Rosefield’ (left) in Honley and its Hogley Green barn and cottage conversion
A Holmfirth-based property developer was a finalist twice over at the 2014 West Yorkshire Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards. Kingsman Homes was delighted to be on the shortlist in two categories – and thrilled to be named the winner of the category for Best Single Dwelling. Winners of the regional awards, which recognise builders and developers who achieve continuous high standards of workmanship, now have the opportunity to be nominated for the prestigious national awards, which take place in November in London. The company’s winning project
A Huddersfield company has completed its 10th project for high street retailer Poundworld. Ti Installations, based in Marsh, was formed by electricians Kris Johnson and Mark Copley. to install electrical, audio and CCTV systems for domestic and commercial customers. They have worked with Poundworld on a number of jobs over the years. The most recent contract in Tottenham, North London, saw Kris and Mark install security cameras throughout the store. That means Ti has now completed 10 projects for Poundworld UK-wide. Said Kris: “We value all of our commercial and domestic clients, large and small, but to be appointed on multiple occasions by such a wellknown household name, hopefully shows the quality
■■ Farnley Estates directors Paul (left) and John Sykes (second left) with John Radcliffe and the Mayor and Mayoress of Kirllees, Clr Ken Smith and Clr Christine Smith
John Sykes, director of Farnley Estates, said: “It’s well-publicised that there is a shortage of good quality housing in areas where people want to live. “We believe that Beech Farm is a great example of how development can take place that is sympathetic, rather than detrimental, to the local environment.
Company finishes Poundworld project
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SHOP AND FLAT TO LET MAIN ROAD POSITION A5 PERMISSION Rateable Value: £8100. Ground Floor Approx:832 sq EPC G155
WAKEFIELD ROAD 54 John William Street, Huddersfield West Yorkshire, HD1 1ER
and reliability of our work. “Poundworld is a fantastic brand to be associated with and we hope that by maintaining our standard of work and competitive prices, the relationship will continue long into the future.” Yorkshire-based, Poundworld was founded in 1997 and the single-priced retailer now has more than 245 stores across the country, including ones at New Street and Princess Alexandra Walk in Huddersfield and Market Place in Dewsbury. Ti Installations has also carried out work on independent shops, convenience stores and nationwide retail chains, schools, colleges and universities, offices and domestic properties and for clients including local authorities, car park owners and facilities managers.
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SHOP TO LET RECENTLY RENNOVATED EPC D79 A3 PERMISSION GRANTED £221 PER WEEK APPROX: 420 SQ FT
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RETAIL UNIT TO LET VICTORIAN ARCADE Approx: 360 sq ft RV £2125 S.charge App: £850 per annum EPC B37
BYRAM ARACDE
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TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
movers and shakers
Andrew and Moin’s high-octane efforts By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
Another Fantastic triumph A Birstall-based business has been crowned Northern Marketing Agency of the Year. Fantastic Media took the title at an award ceremony organised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Liverpool as part of the International Festival for Business. The event celebrated the insight, creativity and success of the northern marketing industry and recognised the outstanding campaigns and exceptional talent from across the region. The category won by Fantastic considers the agency as a whole, taking into consideration its objectives, its team, its recent campaigns, its achievements and
details of challenges faced and how they were overcome. The judges said they were impressed by the growth experienced by Fantastic over the past year and how the success of its full service integrated approach positioned the agency above its peers. Previous CIM winners include HSBC, Thomas Cook, Communisis and Cherry London agency. Pictured above are senior account manager Sally Willis (centre) and account manager Beth Saville receiving the award on behalf of Fantastic Media from Charlie Nettle, head of marketing at the North East Chamber and the CIM’s vice-chairman for North East England.
Intrepid adventurers Moin Valli and Andrew McGee have completed a weekend drive to Le Mans and back to raise funds for a Huddersfield-based charity. The Forget Me Not 500 Rally saw Moin, managing director of Valli Opticians, and Andrew, of displays and graphics specialist TFive Design, leave Huddersfield for the Channel Tunnel – stopping off at Brands Hatch on the way. They also made a pit stop at optical lens supplier Rodenstock at Northfleet, Kent, to say “bonjour” to managing director and team sponsor Niels Jensen. They reaching the Le Mans 24 hour race track to soak up the atmosphere at one of motor racing’s most iconic venues before driving to Arromanches in Normandy to pay their respects at one of the key locations of the D-Day landings which took place 70 years ago. The duo them made their way to Caen where they caught the overnight ferry to Portsmouth before driving back to Huddersfield – via Silverstone – in time for tea on Father’s Day! Moin said: “We had a fantastic time which was made very special by the knowledge that we have raised about £5,000 for the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice. “The hospice has to raise over £2.8m pounds each year to provide their vital services with less than 5% coming from government funding, so initiatives such as this really do make a difference.” Kate Goldring, hospice corporate partnership manager, said: “It was fantastic to have Valli Opticians on board with our very first year of the Forget Me Not 500 and I know they will help us to shape next year’s event. “They have raised a staggering amount through this challenge and we can’t say thank them enough. Even in the face of adversity
■■ Moin Valli (right) and Andrew McGee have raised £5,000 for charity
they found a positive as the exhaust they lost “Their support has been just incredible.” on the exit ramp of the ferry is currently being Valli Opticians owns practices in Meltham, polished up to form the trophy for the chal- Lockwood, Honley, Almondbury, Wakefield, lenge in years to come. Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd.
Innovation award for Elland firm Balance becomes Equilibre! A Holmfirth accountancy firm is gearing up for the Tour de France. As well as running a competition to win a weekend in Paris, Balance Accountants, based at Huddersfield Road, has changed its name for the occasion to Equilibre which, of course, is French for “balance”. Managing director Ashley Barrowclough said: “This is a once in a lifetime event for Holmfirth and we wanted to show our support for Le
Tour but wanted to do something more unusual or unique to reflect our own culture. “So we came up with the idea of changing our name to Equilibre from now until the end of Le Tour. “We will also be answering the telephone with ‘Bonjour, Equilibre’ which is bound to cause some confusion for our clients, but hopefully they will not put the phone down before they have realised that it is still us!”
Elland-based Orchard Energy has won a national award for its innovative approach to helping business energy users buy energy as efficiently and effectively as possible. The consultancy, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, won the Rising Star award at the 2014 Energy Consultancy Awards in London. Managing director Gareth Henderson said: “We set out to change the way the energy broker market worked and I’m delighted that the efforts of our nationwide team have been recognised with this award. “The Rising Star award commends brokers that are creating a stir in the marketplace through innovation and are going the extra mile for clients, something I’m proud to say all our employees are committed to doing.”
Orchard Energy was founded in 2004 by Mr Henderson and his wife Rachel and is now part of a utility management business employing more than 90 staff across four UK offices, delivering energy, waste, water, IT and telecoms support to businesses. Its UK HQ are in Elland and it has offices in Glasgow, Newcastle, Bristol and Cardiff. The firm revealed plans to open a new office in Northampton in the autumn. “It is significant that 10 years after launching our energy business we continue to push boundaries and lead the way in promoting excellence and innovation in the energy broker sector,” said Mr Henderson. “We are delighted that our efforts to raise the bar within the industry have been recognised.”
■■ Gareth Henderson ( left) and Rachel Henderson ( right), founders of Orchard Energy, celebrate their award win with colleagues