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An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Action needed to rescue high street
HIGH streets must adapt or die. That’s the majority verdict of a new West Yorkshire Business Jury made up of local businesses who meet to discuss topical issues affecting industry and commerce. At its first meeting, the Business Jury, run by Holmfirth-based accountancy practice V&A Bell Brown, considered whether the recent sequence of failures among major retailers signalled the end of the high street. Amanda Vigar, of V&A Bell Brown, said: “The media repeatedly talks about the death of the high street, but I do think this is more than slightly premature. “I wouldn’t say that the high street is dying, but I would argue that it is simply undergoing a renaissance and the ‘New High Street’ is being born. “Cases like Jessops confirm that some high street brands can be resurrected and live on. However, many that have not easily adapted to the new economic realities, will die, and arguably deserve to do so.” She said: “Where individual high streets are dying a death, it is because they are failing to adapt. These days, no one wants the same old shops lacking in individuality. Rather, niche shops on high streets with character are what the new high street needs.” Morgan Wilson, of training provider Juice Learning, said the concern was t h at p e o p l e we re i n c re a s i n g ly bypassing the high street altogether by shopping on the internet – and that retailers need to adapt to survive.
■ JURY SERVICE: Among those giving their verdicts on the West Yorkshire Business Jury led by Amanda Vigar (right) were (from left) Morgan Wilson, of Juice Learning; David Richter, co-owner of Coral Homes UK; and Charles Brook, principal of Brook Business Reovery
He said: “It is the end of the high street as we know it; businesses need to adapt. Comet and HMV are examples of businesses attempting to be run on old models. They were doomed as they did not react, differentiate and find their niche. “The internet can offer a wide range of pretty much everything, and with no store costs, they are able to offer it at a lower price.” Charles Brook, principal of Brook Business Recovery, said: “Many will say that this recent spate of high street failures is indicative of the impact of the internet and, although that must play a part, it fails to recognise that s o m e r e t a i l e r s a r e p ro d u c i n g
record-breaking results. “It seems that those businesses that are prepared to adapt their overall strategy to meet the market will survive.” Frances Bennett, founder of geotechnical services company Ashton Bennett, said: “Mary Portas' review for the government last year recommended the ideas of Transition Town movement and it just needs the will of local business to ensure the high streets encourage and give pleasure to shoppers.” David Richter, of Coral Homes UK, said: “It is not the end of the high street, but it needs to undergo some serious change if it is to survive.
“There needs to be more stores catering for niche markets. Smaller independent stores with specific local knowledge would prove very popular in bringing shoppers back. Bigger companies need to adapt to the internet in order to have a future.” And Stephen Callaghan, of Honley-based Enterprise Print Works, said: “The high street's demise will continue as big chains pull out when they begin to see the vast majority of their sales online. “The high street will become saturated with pubs, restaurants and pound shops – something that has already begun to happen in many towns across the country.”
Dewsbury company engineers major deal A DEWSBURY engineering firm has signed a major deal with one of industry’s biggest names. Richard Alan Engineering, based at Shaw Cross Business Park, has been granted an exclusive licence to manufacture and sell the BASF range of polymer handling, preparation and dosing equipment for water treatment applications in Europe outside Spain, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Polymers are used to help remove solids from waste water as part of the water treatment process. The agreement includes BASF’s
JetWet, AeroWet Alcotech and PolyMEC brands. Arnaud Piroëlle, business management Water Solutions Europe, said: “We are confident that in choosing Richard Alan Engineering as our license partner, the European water treatment customers can continue to access high quality polymer make-up and dosing equipment.” The BASF range complements Richard Alan Engineering’s existing range of water treatment chemicals handling equipment. Richard Alan managing director
Robert Johnson said: “Richard Alan Engineering has been the manufacturer of this range of BASF equipment for over 15 years. “The exclusive rights to market and distribute this established, market-leading range of equipment across Europe is a significant and exciting step forward for our company.” BASF is the world’s leading chemical company with interests in chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. It posted sales of 72.1bn euros in 2012 and employs more than 110,000
people. Richard Alan Engineering has been established for more than 40 years and is the largest company in the Richard Alan Group. Employing about 150 people, Richard Alan Engineering achieved turnover of £12m in its last financial year. Its capabilities include design, mechanical and electrical engineering and installation, project management, fabrication, pipework, structural steelwork and manufacturing engineered equipment for the water, chemical, process and manufacturing industries.
INSIDE Another opening HISTORIC buildings are getting greener thanks to innovative double glazing developed by a Brighouse company. Touchstone Glazing Solutions Ltd, based at Thornhill Beck Lane, manufactures double glazing that fits directly into stone without a frame – eliminating the risk of damage to the fabric of the building. The company drew on more than 25 years experience of the traditional leaded light industry to devise its Insulead glazing system and Steelyte opening casements.
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Simon’s success A BUILDING site manager involved with one of the north’s biggest housing and business development schemes has landed an award. Simon Longley, who heads Taylor Wimpey’s part of a multi-million re-development of the former Orgreave open cast mine near Sheffield, has become one of only 400 site managers in the UK to win a Pride in the Job award from the National House-Building Council.
● Full story - Page 7
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
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Back to basics for pay-as-you-go deal COMPETITION in the pay-as-you-go mobile market stepped up after operator Three unveiled a “back-to-basics” deal that reverses the trend towards bundled deals. In a move that could spark a price war in a neglected area of the market, the smallest of the UK’s four main mobile players is offering a calls rate of 3p a minute, 2p a text and 1p per 1MB of web data. Unlike the other “confusing” 179 pay-as-you-go deals on the market, it said there will be no bundles or time limits on how quickly customers must use up their phone credit. In another sign of increasing competition in the market, Vodafone said it has teamed up with Sainsbury’s to give the supermarket its own mobile network this summer. Sainsbury’s will join its other supermarket peers who already have mobile partnerships, such as Tesco and Asda.
Called Mobile by Sainsbury’s, the company said the service will reward customer loyalty through mobile products and Nectar points. Vodafone was unable to comment on whether the so-called mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) will be able to offer 4G to its customers. There were 38 MVNO players in the UK at the end of 2012, according to the latest figures from telecoms regulator Ofcom. In recent years, mobile phone contracts as long as 24 months have become the norm. But alongside this, the pay-as-you-go market has become increasingly popular like contracts with extra conditions such as a need to top up every month. Thomas Malleschitz, marketing director at Three, said: “The number of complex pay-as-you-go tariffs, add-ons and options available is mind-boggling.
■ RING TONE: Three’s move could spark a price war in a neglected area of the market, according to analysts
“Consumers are forced into choosing where they want best value – whether that’s calls, texts or internet. “Our new rates strip things right back to basics with a simple, clear and transparent rate for calls, texts and internet use that offers clear value
across the board.” According to uSwitch telecoms expert Ernest Doku, Three’s offer would support those who underestimate how much they will be using their phone. However, he said it remains to be seen whether Three’s proposition shakes up the market. The move comes as mobile operators put the finishing touches on their 4G networks to compete with EE, which launched the new services late last year. It follows two separate deals announced last week involving Three and Vodafone. In the first, Vodafone completed a deal to buy Kabel Deutschland, Germany’s biggest cable operator, for £9.1bn, including debt. Three moved to take on Vodafone’s dominance in Ireland with a £725m deal for the operations of rival O2.
Book publishers seal merger
TUI seals credit facility
THE book companies behind Fifty Shades Of Grey and Jamie Oliver’s 30 Minute Meals joined forces to create the world’s biggest consumer publisher. Penguin owner Pearson completed a joint venture with Random House owner Bertelsmann to create Penguin Random House. The merger combines two of the “big six” publishers in a venture behind 15,000 new titles a year. It bolsters the companies in the face of a changing market – driven by the rise of the ebook from the likes of Amazon, Apple and Google. The deal overcame regulatory hurdles including a competition
EUROPE’S biggest tour operator TUI Travel hailed the “continued strong support” of its banks after signing a new £300m credit facility. The group, which owns brands including Thomson, First Choice and Gulliver Travel, said the three-year deal will improve its flexibility and strength. Royal Bank of Scotland co-ordinated the debt deal, which involved a syndicate of the company’s banks. TUI’s chief financial officer Will Waggott said: “We are pleased to have agreed this new credit facility which will improve the flexibility and strength within our capital structure
probe by the United States Departm e n t o f Ju s t i c e a f t e r i t wa s announced in October. Penguin Random House employs more than 10,000 staff and spans the globe with operations in the US, Canada, the UK, India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, China, Spain and Latin America. It is home to writers as diverse as Jack Reacher creator Lee Child at Random House and Penguin’s long list of classical authors. John Fallon, chief executive of Pearson, said: “This combination creates a clear world-leader with a strong platform for continued creative and commercial success.”
Surge for factories
and demonstrates the continued strong support for the group from our banks.” TUI serves more than 30m customers in around 31 markets and employs around 54,000 people. In the financial year to September, the company generated revenues of £14.5bn and an underlying operating profit of £490m. Its strong trading comes amid a turnaround battle at rival Thomas Cook, where new chief executive Harriet Green is cutting costs by £170m this year as part of a wider £1.6bn refinancing plan.
NEW Bank of England governor Mark Carney was handed a first-day gift – as the steepest surge in manufacturing activity for more than two years fuelled hopes over growth. Manufacturing output soared to a 25-month high of 52.5 in June, above the 50 mark which separates growth from contraction, the Markit/CIPS purchasing managers’ index showed. That was well above economists’ expectations for a minor gain on May’s reading and will ease pressure on Mr Carney to pump more stimulus into the economy. May’s 51.3 reading was also revised higher to 51.5. It was the third consecutive month of gains from the – boosting hopes that Britain’s factories are recovering. Production rose at its fastest rate since April, 2011, and new business hit highs last seen in February, 2011. Domestic market conditions and overseas demand both strengthened. Markit said every sector of manufacturing reported gains in June, with the strongest growth in textiles and clothing and food and drink. However, employment was broadly unchanged in June as companies paused on hiring new staff. Rob Dobson, senior economist at Markit, said manufacturing has made “positive strides on the recovery path” and suggests the sector expanded by 0.5% in the second quarter. Manufacturers also reported solid export demand.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £50.00 +0.97 Gannett 1642.73 +38.69 Hess Corp £43.94 +0.33 Microsoft £22.72 +0.07 Motors Liquidation 49.18 Wal-Mart Stores £49.32 +0.47 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 4493/4 +73/4 BAE Systems 3973/8 +143/8 Rolls-Royce 1164 +30 AIM Brady Plc 711/2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 3051/4 +37/8 BANKS Barclays 2841/2 +6 HSBC 6943/4 +123/4 Lloyds Banking Gp 64 +7/8 Ryl Scotland 2817/8 +83/8 Stan Chart 1468 +41 BEVERAGES Diageo 19331/2 +531/2 SABMiller £317/8 +3/8 CHEMICALS Croda £25 +1/4 Elementis 98 2211/4 +17/8 7 Johnsn Mat £26 /8 +5/8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 230 -83/8 Costain 2751/2 -23/4 ELECTRICITY
Drax Gp 5911/2 +9 SSE 1528 +5 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 1761/2 -1 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 4311/2 +41/8 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 3171/2 +81/4 Cable & Wireless 413/8 +3/8 Comm 1 Colt Group 99 /4 -3/4 KCOM 81 -1/2 Talktalk Telecom 2293/4 +51/4 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2601/4 -15/8 Sainsbury 3583/4 +31/2 Tesco 333 +15/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1751 +16 Tate Lyle 822 -21/2 Unilever £263/4 +1/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3601/8 -1/8 National Grid 744 -2 Pennon Grp 653 +81/2 Severn 1680 +16 United Utils 685 +1 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 3481/8 +101/2 ICAP 3735/8 +101/8 London StockExch 1376 +39 3 Man Group 85 /4 +21/2 Provident Financial 1499 +10
+3/4 Schroders £225/8 Schroders NV 1751 +33 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS REXAM 496 +181/2 Smiths Grp 1343 +35 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 253/4 -1/4 Carphone Whse 2493/4 +3/4 Dixons Retail 42 +7/8 Home Retail 1401/4 +61/4 1 Inchcape 514 /2 +131/2 Kingfisher 3513/4 +83/4 M&S 4421/8 +113/8 3 Mothercare 448 /4 +173/4 Next £461/2 +7/8 WH Smith 725 +7 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 7421/2 +71/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 821/2 Barrat Dev 3271/8 +171/2 Persimmon 1240 +59 1 Reckitt Benckiser £47 /8 +5/8 Taylor Wimpey 1001/4 +41/2 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 1287 +47 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 1405/8 +71/2 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 291 +107/8 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 3471/4 +73/4
1761/4 +47/8 1855/8 +47/8 1100 +25 2895/8 +45/8 3581/8 +123/8 MEDIA BSkyB 801 +9 D Mail Tst 784 +141/2 3 HIBU /8 ITV 1443/8 +41/4 Johnston Press 163/4 +1/4 Pearson 1162 -9 1 Reed Elsevier 760 /2 +131/2 1 STV Group 136 /2 Trinity Mirror 1121/2 +11/2 Utd Business 6591/2 +31/2 UTV 135 WPP 1152 +30 MINING Anglo American 1292 +26 Antofagasta 8321/2 +371/2 BHP Billiton 17141/2 +321/2 Eurasian Natural 2123/8 +83/8 Res Fresnillo 9091/2 +271/2 Kazakhmys 280 +211/4 Lonmin 263 +85/8 Rio Tinto £273/8 +1/2 VEDANTA 1067 +47 RESOURCES MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 695 +211/2 Vodafone Group 1885/8 +3/4 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1314 -13 Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
3721/2 1343/4 744 £213/4
+41/2 +21/2 -2 +1/4
FTSE closed at
6307.78 Up 92.31 RSA Insurance Gp 1201/4 +11/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1130 +111/2 BP 458 +23/4 Cairn Energy 2561/4 +31/8 Royal Dutch Shell A £21 7 Royal Dutch Shell B £21 /8 +1/8 Total £321/8 Tullow Oil 1049 +48 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1014 +9 Petrofac 1211 +13 Wood Gp(J) 824 +141/2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1365 +14
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £311/2 +3/8 GlaxoSmithK XD 101/2 7 Shire £20 /8 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 573 +61/2 Hamrsn 4951/8 +73/4 Intu Properties 316 +33/8 Land Secs 892 +8 SEGRO 2731/2 -53/4 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 4193/4 +71/4 Sage Group 3511/2 +111/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 765 +201/2 Bunzl 1312 +32 Capita 981 +15 De La Rue 9821/2 +16 5 Electrocomp 249 /8 +61/4 Experian 1150 +7 G4S 2281/4 -21/8 Hays 92 +3 +43/4 Homeserve 2843/4 Menzies J 705 -1/2 Rentokil 911/2 +21/8 Smiths News 149 -21/4 Wolseley £311/4 +1 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 8051/2 +101/2 Spirent Comms 1413/8 +3/4 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £341/2 +3/4 Imperial Tobacco £227/8 +1/8 LEISURE & HOTELS
Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airl Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread
1241/2 £231/4 863 1347 1093/8 971/8 1495 8041/2 1874 2701/4 2041/2 3761/2 229 152 3151/4 3647/8 £315/8
+113/4 +3/8 +23 +51 +21/8 +3/4 +13 +291/2 +66 +63/8 +45/8 +55/8 +41/2 -15/8 -1/8 +8 +1
FTSE 100
INDEX 6307.78
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FTSE 250
INDEX 14030.67
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
DENTIST Bal Dhesi isn’t content just being a high-flier in his chosen career. He’s aiming to reach for the skies for real – at the controls of a light aircraft. “My original ambition was to be a pilot,” he says. “Now I’m learning how to fly. It will be a boyhood dream come true and I’m looking forward to it.” He admits: “It’s not the cheapest hobby, but I’ve decided that I’ve worked hard over the past 10 years building up a business and I have earned a little reward!” Bal, who is principal dentist at Meltham Dental Care, is also taking up golf – another childhood aspiration – but explains: “That’s just for a little bit of ‘downtime.’ It’s a way to relax and gives you time to catch up with friends, walk around the course and have a good chat. ”It’s more a social event for me rather than a means to network and do business.” Striking the right work-life balance is “You have to work with seemed to move forward,” standards. “massively important” for someone who might be he says. “Attending that “I am able to do quite a Bal, who is also conscious frightened of going to the course helped us lot of things very well while of the need to spend time dentist’s and there’s a revolutionise the practice in certain aspects of with his wife Sharan and sense of achievement in and the way it was dentistry I am only their 10-month-old son helping them overcome managed.” touching the surface. Veeran at their home in their fears. Just how well the move “But we have recruited a Beaumont Park. “Maintaining that worked was shown earlier number of dentists and the Bal, 34, was born in relationship is very this year when Joanne practice has a Huddersfield and attended rewarding.” won two categories at the multi-disciplinary Newsome High School Bal says: “I am quite National Dental Awards – approach.” before taking A-levels at lucky in that I enjoy my taking the trophy for In 2006, the practice Greenhead College and vocation as a clinical Practice Manager of the had three full-time studying dentistry at dentist. Year (North) and then dentists, a full-time Leeds University. “A lot of people go to going on to win the receptionist, a part-time He qualified in 2002 and work and don’t enjoy what national award for Practice receptionist and four worked at Meltham as a they do. I feel honoured in Manager of the Year. full-time office staff. vocational dentist for a that sense.” Bal was also recognised Now it has seven year before spending Running a business as by being shortlisted in the full-time dentists and three years working at a well as being principal at Dentist of the Year (North) additional ‘visiting’ practice at Horbury, the Meltham practice adds category while the practice dentists, eight full-time Wakefield. an extra dimension to at Station Street was a nurses, three receptionists He took over the same Bal’s daily routine. finalist in the Design and and the practice manager. Meltham practice in 2006. “I took over in 2006 and Interior section. Expansion means the Said Bal: “I am one of I didn’t have a business It’s just the start as far practice has relocated five children. I have four background,” he says. as Bal is concerned. twice since 2006 and is sisters, three of whom are “They don’t teach you “After becoming now based at Station older than me and one anything about business at principal, I have been Street in premises which who is younger. continually educating dental school!” were first used as a dental “Our father instilled in us Bal studied in London to myself with more surgery in 1980. the importance of post-graduate work in gain a management Bal has upgraded the education and he was business and people diploma – and took premises to provide guiding me down the path skills,” he says. practice manager Joanne state-of-the-art facilities, of studying law. “I have continued to Holroyd along, too. including a mechanical “But I was far more improve my clinical “From there, everything ventilation system for the involved in science subjects at school and found that more rewarding. “When it came to considering a career, I approached different professions and spoke to a doctor, an optician and a dentist. “Dentistry appealed because in medicine, you see and examine the patient and while you may do a diagnosis, you then send them on to someone else for treatment. “In dentistry, you see and examine the patient, make a diagnosis and carry on the treatment. “You are involved in treating the patient and you develop a relationship with that person. That appealed to me. You can build up a rapport and get to know people on a ■ BUSINESS WITH BITE: Bal Dhesi, of Meltham Dental Care, has a vision to develop personal level and his successful practice further – and take to the skies as a qualified pilot establish a level of trust.
Bal’s ideas take flight seven surgeries, disabled access, a lift and a private lounge to allow patients to relax prior to their treatment. “The emphasis is to make sure we offer dentistry to the best of our abilities and to make sure we have the people to do that,” says Bal. “I am first and foremost a clinician. That’s what I like doing and what I prefer doing. But I also have a vision of where I want the business to be. There are certain things I am good at and other things I am not so good at from a business point of view. “There are people better at doing some of those things than I am! That’s one reason we are recruiting for an assistant practice manager. “My role in the business is to give direction and make sure we have the right people to make our vision happen. “I have learned some hard lessons along the way, but I believe we can take pride in the fact that the building of the new surgery was self-funded and the number of people we see has doubled since 2006.” But he adds: “At the same time, I am a big believer in giving something back to the community. “I visit schools and speak at college open days about the profession and for the past five years I have been involved in mentoring dentists during their training. “As a practice, we are keen to be seen not just as the local dentist’s but as a business involved in the community.”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Page 3
Bal Dhesi Role: Principal Age: 34 Family: Married to Sharan with 10-month-old son Veeran Car: Mercedes Holidays: One of my favourite places is Paris. Our most recent holiday was to Dubai, which has everything, but lacks a little soul First job: Shop assistant in Lindley Best thing about job: Getting to meet many different people and being able to help them Worst thing about job: Paperwork Business tip: Follow your vision. Have plenty of self-belief and stay focused
Meltham Dental Care Work: Dentistry Site: Meltham Employees: 23 Phone: 01484 850501 Email: melthamdental care@hotmail.com Web: www.melthamdental care.co.uk
local
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Mutual wins top awards YORKSHIRE Building Society has been named Most Trusted Financial Services provider and Most Trusted Savings Provider in the 2013 Moneywise Awards. The awards, now in their fifth year, are determined by an annual survey of more than 20,000 British consumers who offer their opinions on the service they receive from companies providing financial products. As well as claiming the two awards, the Yorkshire Building Society – which has its roots in Huddersfield – was highly commended in the categories for Most Trusted Mortgage Provider, Most Trusted Home Insurance Provider and Most Trusted Cash ISA Provider. The accolades are the latest in a string of awards for the Bradford-based Yorkshire Building Society Group – taking the total number of awards for its products and services to nine so far this year. Chief executive Chris Pilling said: “As a mutual, building long-lasting and trusting relationships with our members is at the heart of what we do. We truly are an organisation that has been built on trust for almost 150 years and we’re delighted this has been recognised by British consumers.”
KIRKLEES BUSIN
Discrimination cases update HE European Court of Justice T has recently held that an individual with a close connection to
an organisation may be capable of making comments which amount to a prima facie case of discrimination. In this case, the shareholder of a football club said that he would sooner close down the club than recruit a homosexual footballer. He did not have the power to recruit players, but was perceived as playing a leading role in the club. The ECJ found that such a comment could shift the burden of proof from the claimant to the respondent. The ECJ also considered whether, to discharge its burden of proof, the club was required to prove that previous recruitment decisions were unconnected with sexual orientation. In some circumstances, this might be impossible to prove without interfering with rights to privacy. The ECJ held that the right to privacy did not need to be infringed, as it was possible to refute a prima facie case of discrimination with other evidence, for example an equal opportunities recruitment policy. Turning to a separate case relating to discrimination on the basis of age.
EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Neil Wilson
Here, Mr Seldon, previously a partner with a firm of solicitors, brought a claim of age discrimination when he was forced to retire at age 65 under the partnership's mandatory rules. In order to be able to defend a mandatory retirement age, an employer has to show that the policy of such forced retirement is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. Last year, the Supreme Court remitted his claim back to the employment tribunal, to consider a number of issues relating to justification (the main one being whether 65 was an appropriate age for mandatory retirement or whether another age such as 68 or 70 should have been adopted). The employment tribunal has now found in favour of the solicitors. In its written reasons, the tribunal held that employee retention and planning were legitimate aims (i.e. that more
employees may leave if partners stayed for longer, as opportunities for progression would be more limited). Further, it was held that a mandatory retirement age was a proportionate means of achieving these aims. It is important to note that this is not a simple solution for all companies to justify a mandatory retirement age of 65. First, justification will always depend on fact-sensitive matters relating to the particular employer. Second, this case was decided based on social policy and demographics in 2006, before the abolition of the national retirement age. Societal norms about people working beyond 65 have moved on in the last seven years and the tribunal specifically stated that the case might be decided differently on facts arising today.
Neil Wilson is an employment lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors
Prizewinners on the road
■ ROUTE TO SUCCESS: Winners at the Brake Awards
BUSINESSES committed to improving road safety have won awards backed by a Huddersfield-based charity. Supermarket firm ASDA, energy supplier E.ON, telecoms giant BT and Bradley-based transport consultancy Interactive Driving Systems were the winners at the annual Brake Road Safety Achievement Awards. More than 100 entries were received in the awards, which aim to recognise and share good practice and inspire further work towards road safety. ASDA Grocery Home Shopping and Interactive Driving Systems won the Fleet Safety Partnership Award for a risk management programme which led to a fall in vehicle incident rates from 93 per million miles in 2008 to 54 per million miles in 2012. BT received the Fleet Safety Analysis and Action Award for an online programme of risk assessments, training and coaching which helped halve its collision rate and costs across a huge fleet of more than 34,000 vehicles. The 10-year initiative resulted in a reduction in claims from 59 to 27 per 1,000 vehicles and a £14m reduction in annual costs. ASDA Grocery Home Shopping also won the large fleet category of the Company Driver Safety Award for introducing online risk assessments, a safe driving pledge, online driver training and a store driver assessment system which helped to halve its incident rate from six to three per £1m pounds of sales revenue. In addition, E.ON, BT and ASDA were all highly commended in the Company Driver Safety Award. Andy Cuerden, managing director of Interactive Driving Systems, said: “It is exciting to see a number of our clients receive public recognition for the incredible work they are doing.”
Chambe mixed re
A MIXED picture of t economy has emerg quarterly survey car Huddersfield-based Chamber of Comme The poll of chamber showed that sales to abroad continued to the second quarter the number of comp to recruit more staff But investment leve business confidenc the quarter, accordin which is carried out companies in Kirkle Calderdale. Companies said pre had decreased – wit feeling more upbeat material prices and The report said: “Th of these figures is te illustrates the uncer many in the busines our wider economic “Consistency from G be key to providing assured economic a environment for UK Steven Leigh, head Lockwood-based ch “Having seen very m quarter by quarter, o several years, we co hasty to make any m regarding these resu “Certainly we have n momentum we had we are not yet witne growth at the sort o be necessary if we a sustainable recover “But there are some these results and it be unproductive to p trends into single qu Said Mr Leigh: “Alth in confidence seen e has not been mainta nevertheless positiv profitability and turn remain above 2011 l “It is to be hoped th confidence and inve representing the un businesses, rather t change in condition not borne out in act performance – with particular showing g quarter.”
Mouthwa opportun
KIRKLEES firms ser food and drink have take part in the 2013 Deliciouslyorkshire three new categorie entrants. Organisers have add Best Yorkshire Brea Yorkshire Afternoon collection of 20 cate Cafes, tearooms, ho thinking of entering categories will need “sustained use of re and that a substanti or breakfast menu is produce from the lo Go to Deliciouslyorkshire.
NESS NEWS
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Page 5
So, how well does Twitter work for you? WITTER is a platform that allows T its users to share online content, encourage other users to follow
information and drive traffic to websites and other digital media. Businesses in the UK have firmly adopted Twitter as a business communication tool; if you want to quickly find out what’s going on right now, go to Twitter where you will be able to review what everyone is talking about. Companies have followed the pied piper into the Twittersphere, happily re-tweeting content, building followers and “engaging” – but how effective and, more importantly, how efficient is Twitter as a valid business marketing tool? One of the main advantages of digital marketing is the wealth of analytics tools available for monitoring the performance of your online activities. As of earlier this month, Twitter is no different. Previously, obtaining accurate metrics of Twitter activity was impossible. Users of Twitter are now able to review comprehensive metrics using the Ads Dashboard and by logging-in (ads.twitter.com then select “analytics”) you are able to review the performance (reach and engagement) of your tweets – you even have the ability to list and sort the data for quick
DIGITAL DIRECTION
Andrew Firth review. All of the data generated can also easily be downloaded into a spread sheet for further manipulation. One of the great advantages of Twitter analytics over other social monitoring tools like bit.ly, is that you can see how many people are clicking on the links that you tweet. This is a really useful feature for monitoring your engagement levels and everything is served up in your own dashboard for you to easily view. Twitter are still trying to work out how they can make money and just like their competitors it will boil down to selling advertising to their gigantic user-base. Not wanting to be cynical, but Twitter has cleverly added the analytics feature to the Ads Dashboard rather than the main access
Andrew Firth is managing director of Ascensor Website Design & Digital Marketing
Funding worries MORE than 6,400 business applications for loans and overdrafts in Yorkshire were rejected in 2012, figures have revealed. The value of those rejected applications totalled £392m, according to the findings from equity loan and housing investment provider Castle Trust. The organisation estimates that about £1.7bn of funding was provided to businesses in the region in the form of bank loans and overdrafts. Castle Trust said the figures showed that many smaller businesses in the region were finding it difficult to secure funding. The figures emerge as Castle Trust announced a new Partnership Mortgage for business owners who have at least 40% equity in their homes. The mortgage can enable them to release 20% of the value of their homes with no requirement to make monthly repayments and invest in their businesses. Releasing equity from their homes in this way instead of taking
on debt with monthly payments aims to allow business owners to improve their cash flow as well as providing the stability of long-term funding, no early repayment charges and no exposure to rising interest rates. Castle Trust chief executive officer Sean Oldfield said: “Many businesses are finding it difficult to secure funding from banks at the moment, but a number have owners who have significant equity locked up in their homes. “For those who have been rejected for business funding or are unhappy about the cost, our Partnership Mortgage could be a solution for them.” He said: “Equity loans enable borrowers to raise money without having to increase their monthly repayments. “Because an equity loan is separate they don’t disturb an existing special mortgage deal they already have.”
Focus on social media BUSINESS leaders will learn more about the power of social media at the next meeting of networking group 4N Huddersfield. Nicola Mellor, of Huddersfield-based Pepamint, will explain the business case for using social media when the group meets at 8am next Tuesday at Table Table,
area. The analytics features are free to use, though this is clearly an attempt to encourage more access into the advertising platform. Nevertheless, the Twitter metrics will provide excellent, detailed information for marketers to measure how successful their tweeting is in sharing content, delivering traffic and reviewing the effectiveness of Tweet Button integration into a website – all data that has historically been difficult to measure due to the pace of development in social sharing technology, until now. If you are unsure as to whether your company spends too much time on Twitter without really understanding the value you are getting, then check out the analytics. They have been a long time coming but we’ve found them really useful.
Aspley. She will explain the different social media platforms available and how they can each benefit your business. Contact Helen Tones on helen@theimplementer.co.uk or visit www.4networking.biz
On the menu A FOOD supplier in Huddersfield has become an official partner of Huddersfield Town. Caterers Choice, based at Bradley, has backed charitable body the Town Foundation since its launch – and has provided items such as FruityPots, Vimto jellies, porridge and baked beans for the foundation’s Early Kick-Off Breakfast Clubs for pupils at local schools. Chairman Brian Pinder said: “We have welcomed the opportunity of supporting the Town Foundation Early Kick Off Breakfast Club initiative. To play our part in providing a nutritious healthy breakfast brings a very special reward.” Town commercial director and foundation trustee Sean Jarvis said: “Brian and Caterers Choice have been fantastic during the first year of the charity and without them we would have struggled to get the Breakfast Clubs up and running. “I am delighted that their relationship with the club has now become official and I look forward to working with them.”
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property Page 6 Builders call for VAT cut to help go ‘green’ REDUCING VAT to 5% on energy efficiency improvement work would help more households than Green Deal finance can, according to the Federation of Master Builders. Figures from the Department of Energy and Climate Change show that 38,259 Green Deal assessments have been carried out, but just four Green Deal plans have been signed.
Concerns over lock-snapping A BRIGHOUSE company took its lock-snapping message to the Houses of Parliament with a presentation to guests and winners at the annual Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network Awards. Lock-snapping is a form of forced entry that takes advantage of a design flaw in the Euro cylinder lock fitted which is fitted as standard in millions of UK homes. Avocet Hardware, based at Brookfoot Mills, is using its year as the network’s primary sponsor for security products to highlight the scale of the problem and what can be done to stamp it out. Marketing manager Derrick Purvis (pictured) used the presentation to urge the UK insurance industry to act quickly to recognise lock-snapping, which he said was already a significant problem that would only worsen without “proper recognition and action”. He said: “We call on them to recognise lock-snapping as a means of forced entry, pass on premium savings to customers whose homes are secured with snap proof locks and ensure that any claimants have snapped locked replaced with snap proof models.” Organisations taking action to tackle lock-snapping include the Glass & Glazing Federation, the Master Locksmiths Association, the UK Police’s Secured by Design initiative and the British Standards Institute, which has developed new standard BS TS007. Mr Purvis also drew attention to the work of Leeds City Council, which fitted more than 10,000 of Avocet’s ABS snap secure locks in the year to October 2012 – resulting in a 36% decrease in burglaries in the area. He said: “This 36% reduction in burglary in Leeds equated to 3,200 fewer victims in just one year – an astonishing statistic when you consider this is for just one area of one city. “If the insurance companies were to act, this kind of activity could be replicated on a national scale and the potential reduction in burglaries would be staggering. “What’s more millions would be saved in police time, insurance payments and, most importantly, the emotional cost inflicted on victims of burglary.” Avocet Hardware manufactures the ABS snap secure lock, which features a patented system that ensures the central cam locks in place if it is subjected to a snapping attack. It is one of the first locks of its type to be accredited to the new British Standard TS007, is the only retro-fit euro cylinder that has passed the new SS312 Sold Secure Diamond standard and is approved by Secured by Design.
Research commissioned by the FMB shows cutting VAT to 5% on energy-efficient glazing and boiler replacements could result in an additional 57,668 households with both measures installed by 2020. Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “These latest Green Deal statistics show the scheme is attracting some interest. However, there are disappointingly few
households actually using Green Deal finance to pay for the work.” He said: “Green Deal finance was supposed to bring about a dramatic increase in the number of people improving the energy efficiency of their property by removing the up-front cost. “But the complexity of the scheme and the high interest rate is severely limiting the
number of households that see the Green Deal as relevant. “Instead, reducing VAT on energy-efficiency improvement work would create a real incentive and allow small, local firms to carry out the work, which they are currently struggling to win under the Green Deal.” He added: “It’s now time for honest debate on how to inspire greater uptake.”
It’s a glass act for historic buildings HISTORIC buildings are getting greener thanks to innovative double glazing developed by a Brighouse company. Touchstone Glazing Solutions Ltd, based at Thornhill Beck Lane, manufactures double glazing that fits that fits directly into stone without a frame – eliminating the risk of damage to the fabric of the building. The company drew on more than 25 years experience of the traditional leaded light industry to devise its Insulead glazing system and Steelyte opening casements – aimed at overcoming the problem of double glazing windows in a heritage building. The system requires no modification to the existing fabric of the building as the Insulead glazing fits where the original was located and is made using only traditional materials. To u c h s t o n e h a s a l s o developed Steelyte, an opening casement made of stainless steel throughout, which has been designed to resemble a traditional metal window while offering insulating properties that have achieved an A rating from
■ WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY: Liz Taylor, marketing director of Touchstone Glazing Solutions at Brighouse, displays some of the firm’s work while Alex Bottomley is shown working with part of a stained glass window
the British Fenestration Rating Council. Touchstone’s glazing has been used UK-wide in Grade II listed schools, libraries, cottages and churches. Major commissions have included work on Durham University and Bradford’s Manningham library. Marketing director Liz Taylor
said “We are very confident about the future and believe we have come up with a modern solution which offers insulation for heritage buildings without damaging them. “We have also been able to safeguard the jobs of our team of leaded light makers. We have also taken on one apprentice and are looking to take on another, which will help
retain traditional skills for future generations.” The company has worked with the Manufacturing Advisory Service to hone its production systems and has signed up to the Government’s Passport to Exporting programme as a first step to selling overseas.
Deal’s a winner! A FINANCING deal for a firm employing many of it employees from the Kirklees area has been recognised with an award. Cawthorne-based clayware group Naylor Industries took the plaudits as winner of the category for Large Deal of the Year in the 2013 South Yorkshire Dealmakers Awards. The award recognises a share buyout and re-banking of Naylor Industries, a £37m turnover business manufacturing pipes and concrete products, principally for the construction industry, at sites in West and South Yorkshire, Fife and the West Midlands. In January, Edward Naylor and two fellow directors acquired the 35% stake formerly held by venture capitalist South Yorkshire Investment Fund – allowing the
venture capitalist to achieve a two times return on its original 2008 stake. Chairman David Fletcher, finance director Andy Trippitt and chief executive Mr Naylor accepted the award at a gala dinner at Sheffield’s Mercure Hotel. Mr Naylor said: “We’re very pleased to receive this recognition. We’re particularly grateful for SYIF’s support over the period of their involvement and the £14m finance package provided by HSBC which allowed this complex transaction to happen. “Naylor has had a good start to trading in 2013, helped by the export of specialised clay drainage products to South East Asia and the Gulf.
■ WINNING DEAL: Lee Bloodworth (left), of HSBC, with (from left) David Fletcher, Edward Naylor and Andy Trippitt, of Naylor Industries
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS High demand for quality premises A LACK of prime industrial units in the Kirklees area is helping to maintain values of existing stock at reasonable levels, it is claimed. Chartered surveyors Eddisons, which has an office in Huddersfield, said average prices for smaller prime units – 8,000sq ft and below – now stood at about £50 per sq ft with medium sized units – below 35,000sq ft – at £35 to £40 per sq ft. Eddisons said that limited availability of quality stock in Kirklees was due to unwillingness by some developers to invest at a time when build costs outweigh potential capital values. Supply was also affected by the large deposits required – often about 50% – to secure finance. Shazad Mahmood, of Eddisons, said: “Some developers are not seeing the levels of return to justify the development of prime stock, unless there are pre-let agreements in place. This problem is not unique to Kirklees, but is the case across West Yorkshire. “This means any quality units are snapped up quickly and achieve good prices. This was the case at Scandinavia Court in Cleckheaton where six units, ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 sq ft, were fully let in 12 months.” Mr Mahmood said that as Kirklees and Calderdale traditionally experienced higher demand for smaller units, compared to Leeds and Bradford, speculator investors/developers were looking for suitable parcels of land close to the A62 Leeds Road corridor, which is in sparse supply. The firm is also seeing occupiers of secondary and tertiary units in Kirklees and Calderdale negotiating favourable rates on better quality space. Mr Mahmood said: “Companies that are not necessarily expanding are still taking advantage of the market to improve the quality of their accommodation.”
Caring contract DEWSBURY-based furniture specialist Shackletons has been engaged to provide handcrafted furniture for a flagship care home. Shackletons has provided furniture including armshairs and sofas for all 60 rooms for Yorkare Homes Ltd’s Westfield Park care home in Hook, Goole. Jason Bloom, national sales manager for Shackletons, said: “We are extremely pleased to be associated with such a forward thinking care operator and be part of what is a flagship development for Yorkare.”
property
Site manager is a winner again!
■ HOUSE PROUD: Simon Longley, of Fenay Bridge, who has won a Pride in the Job Award
A BUILDING site manager involved with one of the north’s biggest housing and business development schemes has landed an award. Simon Longley, who heads Taylor Wimpey’s part of a multi-million re-development of the former Orgreave open cast mine near Sheffield, has become one of only 400 site managers in the UK to win a Pride in the Job award from the National House-Building Council. Taylor Wimpey is one of three house builders set to build hundreds of homes as part of the first phase of development at the former colliery, which was famously the scene for a major battle between striking miners and the police during the 1980s. More than £100m of private sector money has been pumped into redeveloping the brownfield land, which has been renamed Waverley. Along with almost 4,000 homes, the 20-year project includes creating two man-made lakes, bars, restaurants and shops, community facilities and new technical centres for engineering giant Rolls Royce and Sheffield University. Simon, who lives at Fenay Bridge, took up his post overseeing Taylor Wimpey’s scheme in
April last year. The firm started work on its show homes in July and opened three sets of show homes just seven weeks later. Taylor Wimpey’s scheme, called The Banks, was officially opened by England goalkeeper and World Cup winner Gordon Banks in September. Since then, Taylor Wimpey has built 20 plots and will have another 10 completed by the end of this year. Simon, who joined Taylor Wimpey 11 years ago, has received several Pride in the Job awards, including ones for managing housing developments at Crest Park in Cottingley, Bradford, and Central Square in Birkby. As a winner of the award, Simon receives a certificate and a flag to fly on site. He has also been named Taylor Wimpey site manager of the year for a third time. Judges in the Pride in the Job awards consider all aspects of the site manager’s job – including the standard of houses being built, health and safety on site and the logistics involved in getting materials on site on time.
HMRC focuses on ‘contractors’ CONTRACT and freelance workers are being warned to seek professional advice on their tax affairs – after HM Revenue & Customs started to clamp down on those who are simply disguising full-time jobs. The warning from Cleckheaton-based chartered accountancy firm Clough & Company follows a move by HMRC to set up three new investigation teams at the end of last year to focus on IR35 compliance which has resulted in increased activity in recent months, especially in the public sector. The aim of IR35 legislation is to stop people reducing the tax and National Insurance liabilities on their earnings by working as a “contractor” through their own limited company
rather than being classed as an employee. Construction is one of the key areas being investigated. Nigel Westman, partner at Clough & Company, said: “IR35 regulations are extremely complex and it’s an area that HMRC regularly focuses on to establish whether people are technically employees rather than directors running, managing and controlling their own limited companies. “It doesn't matter if someone has worked for the same client for a month or 20 years, it’s about what they do and their level of risk, responsibility and liability. “At the moment, it seems a lot of HMRC’s focus is being directed
towards the public sector with those contractors who have been there more than six months and who earn more than £220 a day most likely to face an IR35 investigation. “This follows several recent controversies and high-profile cases of senior civil servants providing their services through personal companies rather than being on the payroll.” Said Mr Westman: “Because of the complexity of IR35, those working as contractors, which frequently includes IT contractors and those in construction trades, must review their situation and seek professional advice regularly because even very minor changes to how they work can suddenly mean they are caught by IR35.”
■ WARNING: Nigel Westman, partner at Clough & Company
Hotel refurbishment completed
Firms miss out MORE than 40% of construction SMEs are failing to win nine out of 10 public sector contracts – while more than half have seen their success rate fall when bidding for public sector work over the past five years. Those are the key findings of a survey by the Federation of Master Builders. FMB chief executive Brian Berry said: “Public sector construction contracts are worth more than £37bn per year – almost 40% of all construction output – so it is vital that SMEs are able to win their fair share of this work.”
Page 7
■ WELCOME: Owners Zafar Iqbal Sethi and his son Hamza Sethi at the new-look Ashfield Hotel at Edgerton and (right) the refurbished reception area
A FAMILY-RUN hotel in Huddersfield has been given a facelift. The Ashfield Hotel, at Halifax Road, Edgerton, has re-opened following a top-to-bottom refurbishment which included painting, decorating, fitting new carpets and installing en-suite facilities in each of its 12 bedrooms. Owners Zafar Iqbal Sethi and his son Hamza Sethi marked the completion of the work with a special re-opening event where they welcomed business contacts, family and friends. Now the hotel is seeking additional cleaning and kitchen staff as well as looking to fill roles for the office and reception desk. The impressive Victorian building was a hotel for many years before being converted into a private residence. The current owners bought it about eight years ago and
turned it back into a hotel. A spokeswoman said: “It has taken a few years to get it to the standard we wanted. “All the rooms have fridges, microwave ovens and kettles as well as en-suite facilities. “We have preserved as many of the original features as possible because they are a very strong selling point for us.”
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS David Cruddos
John Cotton Group MIRFIELD-based bedding manufacturer John Cotton Group has appointed David Cruddos as managing director to help further develop its core non-branded business and grow its Slumberdown and Snuggledown brands. Mr Cruddos (pictured) joins from a division of Glanbia PLC based in the North West, where he spent two years as commercial director responsible for a £200m business supplying dairy products to retail and food service businesses across Europe. Before that, he spent four years as vice-president for Disney Consumer Products’ home division and two-and-a-half years at Silentnight Group working in general management. John Cotton is a leading supplier of pillows, duvets and associated products to the UK market. Mr Cruddos said: “It’s an exciting time to join the John Cotton Group. It already has a good solid base within UK retail, with respected brands, good quality products and service. I look forward to strengthening our market position by further developing our product offering by working closely with our retail partners to develop the pillows and duvets category.” Chairman John Cotton said: “David brings extensive experience at managing director and commercial director level. He has a strong history of strategy development and execution as well as manufacturing, supply chain and brand development.”
Ian Looker
PwC PwC has appointed Ian Looker as the new Northern leader of its government and public sector team. Mr Looker (pictured) succeeds Roger Marsh, who has retired from the firm after 37 years and takes up the role of Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership. Mr Looker heads the government and public service practice covering health, education and local government across the firm's six Northern offices. He has been at PwC in Leeds for 24 years – spending the last 15 years specialising in working with government and public sector clients.
Movers and shakers
Page 8
Digital agency gets award recognition A DIGITAL agency working for some of the biggest names in business has won an award. INK Digital was named Business of the Month in the competition run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith in conjunction with the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and government export support body UKTI. The agency, formed in 2002, specialises in developing websites, email marketing camp a i g n s, m o b i l e a p p l i c at i o n s a n d touch-screen solutions for clients including Renault, British Lane, the NHS, Unipol and Manchester University. The business which began with little more than a room and a computer now employs 10 staff and operates state-of-the-art offices at the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre in Halifax. The Business of the Month Award was presented to INK Digital’s Tony Pye, Hollie Wilcox, Andy Beckwith and Dave O’Callaghan by Chris Taylor, of Eaton Smith, during a celebration buffet at the law firm’s High Street offices. Judges were impressed by the steady and sustained growth of INK Digital over its 11 years of trading, its impressive array of clients and its commitment to staff development. They said: “The enthusiasm displayed in the application as well as in person shines through. and it is no doubt this that contributed to them winning their industry
■ INK SPOT: Chris Taylor (centre) presents the award to Tony Pye (fourth right), of INK Digital and his colleagues Hollie Wilcox (third left), Andy Beckwith (second right) and Dave O'Callaghan (right) with (from left) Steven Pollitt, of Eaton Smith; Annie Bradley, of UKTI; Tim Hill, of Jolliffe Cork; and Paul Dickinson, of Brantwood FP
award, the UK’s Best Digital Agency at the Recommended Agency Awards 2013.” Helen Darlington, head of creative strategy and owner of INK Digital, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the amazing people I work with on a day to day basis, the guys and gals who make up the full INK
Getting connected! DENBY DALE-based businesswoman Jo Haigh (pictured) is building connections. Award-winner Jo, who heads Wakefield-based boutique corporate finance house fds Group, has launched The Thursday M+tch, a new networking opportunity for Yorkshire business owners. The aim is to bring together entrepreneurs and providers of business support in a convivial atmosphere for a couple of hours a month for drinks and nibbles. Resident professionals on hand at each event will include ones from HSBC Bank plc, Ramsdens
Solicitors, Beaumonts Accountants, Quest PR Ltd, Vivid Creative Ltd and Marshall Wealth Management. Additional residents will be added as the event grows and
develops. Each event will include a business card draw where three business owners/managers will have the opportunity to sit down with one of the resident professional representatives for a free consultation addressing their own specific requirements. The first event will take place from noon to 2pm on July 18 at the Theatre Royal in Wakefield and will subsequently be held on the fourth Thursday of every month from September onwards. Visit http://fds-thursdaymatch .eventbrite.co.uk
Across the border
Online retailer joins 99er scheme
BUSINESSES in Kirklees have been invited “over the border” to a networking event in Calderdale. The Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce will stage its next Connections Count event from 9.30am to 11am on Thursday at the Elsie Whitely Innovation Centre in Halifax. The Lockwood-based chamber holds its Connections Count events on the first Thursday of every month. Every delegate will get the chance to introduce their business in a one-minute presentation. Contact Tracy Smith on 01924 311607 or email tracy.smith@mycci.co.uk
A HUDDERSFIELD-based online retailer has become the latest business to sign up to the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice 99er membership scheme. Deighton-based Buy it Direct joins more than 60 other businesses to enrol on the scheme and donate 99p a day to help the hospice achieve its annual £2.5m fundraising target. As a 99er, Buy It Direct will help the charity to gain a sustainable income from which the charity can continue to
grow. Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice at Bradley provides care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families across West Yorkshire. Rebecca Manning, HR manager at Buy It Direct, said: “We are really excited about joining the 99er scheme, supporting such a well-deserved local charity. Contact Jason on 01484 411040 or visit forgetmenotchild.co.uk/99er.
team. It’s not always been easy, but more often than not it’s been great fun.” The Business of the Month Award is open to firms in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. Contact Ian Greenwood on 01484 821389.
First meeting for networkers A NEW networking group based in the Huddersfield HD8 postcode area is set to stage its first “offline” meeting. The event has been organised by Merewyn Sayers (pictured), who runs Denby Dale-based business support firm Sayers Solutions, in a bid to bring together firms in villages such as Denby Dale, Clayton West, Skelmanthorpe, Scissett, Shepley, High Flatts, Emley and Farnley Tyas. She has already set up a Facebook page, which is bringing together businesses and individuals across the district, including retailers, printers and a film facilities company which scouts locations for film-makers. Now the HD8 business group will hold a networking event from 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday, July 16, at The Dalesman pub, Denby Dale. It will be followed by a meal upstairs at the Orchid House Thai restaurant. Merewyn said: “It will be completely informal – with no ‘60 seconds’ required. “People will be able to put a face to the name and meet ‘offline’. And the event isn’t restricted to businesses in the HD8 postcode area.” For details email hd8network@gmail.com or go to HD8group on Facebook or Twitter.