LANCE FAWCETT
FTSE 100 +19.59 6864.10
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2014
He’s well-connected Interview - Page 3
1
DANIEL KRIGERS Keeping within the law Column - Page 4
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
A Kirklees firm supplying high-tech lathes around the world has reported a “significant” rise in orders following its appearance at a major engineering show. Heckmondwike-based 600 UK took a record number of enquiries at MACH 2014, a leading showcase for the manufacturing industry, which was held at the NEC in Birmingham. The firm was boosted by the successful launch of its Tornado EL CNC production turning centre range – the latest in the well-estabblished Tornado range – which is specifically designed for operators to go back to basics and cut metal with little fuss. The machine is designed and manufactured at the firm’s premises at Union Street, Heckmondwike. As well as the main stand, 600 UK featured in the education and training zone, which displayed the firm’s worldrenowned Colchester Student manual lathe. The firm took enquiries from lead-
■■ Employes at AJ Glew Ltd with the Alpha Harrison lathe from 600 UK
ing colleges, universities and industry. Howard Bamforth, 600 UK sales director, said: “There was a huge buzz about this year’s MACH. “Even beforehand, we felt that there was great anticipation leading up to the show and the number of new visitors to our stand didn’t disappoint. “Our sales
team is now busy following up the many hot leads we received directly from the show.” Meanwhile, one of the UK’s leading restorers of vintage Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars has bought a Harrison Alpha lathe from 600 UK. AJ Glew Ltd, based in Gloucestershire,
is using the manual/CNC lathe to turn up to 400 automotive parts made to the specification of original Rolls-Royce technical drawings while enabling the company to achieve a faster turnaround time. AJ Glew Ltd was founded in 1997 by experienced Rolls-Royce engineer Allan Glew, who still runs the company with his son Frazer. The company has a global reputation for the quality of its restoration work, specialising in Silver Ghosts and Phantoms from 1906 to 1928. Until 2013, parts were turned on manual lathes – a time-consuming process. As a result, Allan Glew investigated the options in automated lathes at MACH 2012, where he was introduced to 600 UK and the Alpha XS range. AJ Glew’s investment did not end with the purchase of the Alpha lathe. The company also built an extension to its premises – giving the Alpha pride of place in a bespoke machine shop, while freeing more space ito meet the increased demand that the Alpha makes possible. 600 UK is part of 600 Group PLC, which has engineering operations in Europe, North America, Africa and Australia.
Company aims to clean up with latest product launch
■■ Mike Jepson and Christine Sparks, of MTP
A Huddersfield company is transforming standards of hospital hygiene with the launch of a new disinfectant. MTP Innovations Ltd, based at Huddersfield University’s 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, has launched DiffX – a non-chlorine disinfectants which eliminates all surface contamination including Clostridium Difficile spores, MRSA, bacteria and viruses that
cause healthcare acquired infections and cost the health service time, money and loss of beds. The company said DiffX was fast-acting and both user-friendly and environmentally less harmful than chlorine. MTP has already supplied a number of leading NHS Trusts, including UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust and the BUPA Cromwell Hospital in London. A detailed independent analysis by Dr Paul Humphreys and the Hygiene and Disinfection Centre at Huddersfield University showed that DiffX outperforms chlorine-based products in the fight against infection control. DiffX is supplied as a powder in unique and patented heatsealed PVA film sachets. When
R
We supply appropriately qualified and skilled people to any workplace.
the sachet is placed in water, both the film and the powder dissolve – meaning that the person using the disinfectant does not come into physical contact with it. MTP was formed four years ago by managing director Mike Jepson and research and development manager Peter Finan. In 2011, Christine Sparks , commercial director, invested in the business joined the team.
Food for thought Catering wholesaler Total Foodservice, based at Dalton, has secured international recognition – at the double. For the fourth year running, Total Foodservice is one of just 500 businesses across the globe to gain an International Safety Award from the British Safety Council (BSC). Total Foodservices has also received a prestigious Occupational Health and Safety Silver Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
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Manufacturing showcase a winner for lathes firm
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Making a mark A top textile firm has joined a global marketing initiative. Woollen yarn spinner Z Hinchliffe & Sons Ltd, based at Denby Dale, has joined The Woolmark Company Quality Assurance Programme for wool. The firm will be an active participant in the global Woolmark Gold marketing initiative.
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2
TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Manufacturers boosted by rise in export orders Britain’s manufacturers have taken another step in their recovery last month as the sector continues to enjoy one of its best spells of the past two decades. Data from the CIPS/Markit purchasing managers’ index survey for May gave a reading of 57 - with 50 separating growth from contraction. The figure is close to April’s fivemonth high of 57.3 and maintains one of the sector’s brightest spells of output and new order growth in the 22-year history of the survey. Markit said production is expanding at a quarterly rate close to 1.5%, although the sector is still some 7.5% smaller than its pre-crisis peak. At this growth rate, it would take until late-2015 to achieve a full recovery. The upturn is being enjoyed by both small businesses and largescale producers, while a sharp reacceleration in demand for goods such as plant and machinery points to ongoing growth of business investment. A strong domestic market has been accompanied by one of the
■■ Manufacturers large and small are unjoying an upturn in business
best growth spurts for new export orders in the survey’s history. The benefits of the manufacturing upswing are also being shared with the wider economy as employment increased for the 13th month running.
Neil Prothero, deputy chief economist at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, said the sector is on track to expand for a fifth consecutive quarter, its strongest performance in four years. He said: “Signs of a pick-up in
Firms seek more funds More than half of businesses in Yorkshire plan to seek funding for growth in the next 12 months – but three-quarters of them are worried that their bank will turn them down, a survey has revealed. The figures come from the Close Brothers Business Barometer, a poll of UK owners and senior managers of small and medium-sized firms. Mike Randall, chief executive of Close Brothers Asset Finance, said: “It is encouraging that many firms are planning for growth and seeking investment, but unless they can get access to funding it will be difficult to realise their ambitions. “To successfully build long-term development plans, companies will require greater access to working capital. “It is important they understand and explore the alternatives available to bank lending, especially if they fear being turned down.” He said: “Our research found that over a fifth of firms surveyed in Yorkshire and Humberside have been declined access to bank funding over the last six months, so the fears businesses have are not unfounded.” The survey also revealed that 44% of local businesses admit that their knowledge of alternative sources of finance – such as asset finance – could be better, while 16% say they are unaware of any alternatives to bank lending.
export orders are especially welcome, as the broader rebalancing story still requires a significant boost in net trade to support the recent rebound in business investment.” Strong demand meant manufacturers were able to increase average selling prices, although the rate of inflation eased for the third straight month. The survey also found that purchasing costs fell for the fourth month running in May, reflecting lower prices for commodities, energy and dairy products. Markit economist Rob Dobson said the latest figures will increase the pressure on the Bank of England to move interest rates for the first time in five years. Mr Dobson said: “As manufacturing only makes up a small share of the UK economy, around 10%, these positive data are unlikely to shift the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee on to the path of normalising monetary policy on their own. “The first piece of that puzzle nonetheless seems to be in place.”
Merger activity is ‘set to increase’
Media group seals acquisition
Almost 75% of UK-listed manufacturing and industrial companies expect an increase in merger and acquisition activity over the next 12 months, a survey has revealed. And almost half of them cited a rise in private equity activity as a primary driver for this increase, according to Deloitte’s bi-annual Manufacturing and Industrials M&A Predictions
Entertainment One, which distributes the Peppa Pig children’s cartoon, has bought Canadian media group Phase 4 Films for about £14.8m as it looks to expand its North American operations. Phase 4, which distributed the TV series The Vikings, The Borgias and The Tudors, generated sales of 51.7m Canadi-
report. Dan Renton, corporate finance director at Deloitte in Yorkshire, said: “While corporate sector fundamentals have been strong, economic uncertainty over the last few years has significantly dampened corporate risk appetite. “However, since the start of the year, stronger economic growth forecasts across many
western economies, particularly in the UK, have given a major boost to confidence and – as a result – interest in M&A activity. “Our latest survey suggests that risk appetite among UK chief finance officers rose to a sixand-a-half year high in the first quarter of 2014.” Emerging markets were the most likely place for acquisitions, the survey found.
an dollars (£28.4m) in the year to the end of March. Phase 4 specialises in the sales, marketing, licensing and distribution of feature films, television and special interest content across all media in the North American market. In the year to March 31, 2014, Phase 4 generated unaudited revenue of 51.7m
Canadian dollars. The company is led by president and chief executive Berry Meyerowitz. Following completion, Mr Meyerowitz will become president of eOne’s film businesses in the US. Darren Throop, chief executive at eOne, said: “We are delighted that the Phase 4 team is joining eOne.”
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN
American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys
£54.82 +0.22 £72.94 -0.34 £41.40 +0.04 £59.80 -0.19 1710.23 +51.92 £54.51 +0.02 £24.39 -0.04 44.75 £45.89 +0.08 £47.72
AEROSPACE & DEFENCE
Avon Rbbr BAE Systems Chemring Cobham Meggitt Rolls-Royce Senior
640 428 2251/2 3217/8 4901/4 1063 2897/8
600 Group API Grp Brady Plc Highland Gold Mining Johnson Service Grp London Security M”S Intl Nichols Redhall Group Scapa Grp Youngs GKN
AIM
22 /4 69 78 641/4 58 £25 2071/2 1069 39 1391/2 10821/2 1
AUTOMOBILES & PARTS
Barclays Bk Ireland HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart
-8 +47/8 +1 +3 +53/4 +23 -61/4
+3/4 +11/2 -11/4 +51/2 +7 /2 -15 1
3921/4
-3/8
2461/8 225/8 6263/4 773/8 3447/8 13401/2
-7/8
BANKS
-23/8 -1/2 -13/4 -2
Barr (AG) Diageo SABMiller Croda Elementis 98 Johnsn Mat
BEVERAGES
+4 -12 -3/8
£26 286 £321/2
-3/8 +3/8
Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco Thorntons
2371/4 1644 2641/4 803/8 1681/2
+11/8 +7 -13/4 +5/8 -1/4
AB Food Carrs Millg REA Hldgs Tate Lyle Unilever
+7 +14
Centrica National Grid Pennon Grp Severn United Utils
CHEMICALS
CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
Balfour Beatty C”R”H Costain Low Bonar Marshalls Drax Gp SSE
ELECTRICITY
636 1570
ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced Ox Instmts Volex
7771/2 3001/2 3383/4 1347 911/8
-1 +1/4 -1/2 +38 -15/8
EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS
Alliance Trust Br Assets Candover Inv Dunedin Inv Dunedin Sml Edin Invst Electra Private Equity Forgn & C Henderson Smllr Cos North American Inc Scot Am Scottish Mortgage Witan
Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom
629 1907 £323/4
4535/8 142 5621/2 285 2071/2 6131/2 £273/8 3793/4 551 8181/2 2561/2 1041 717
+5/8 +3/4 -12 +6 +1/4 +31/2 -1/4 +13/4 +4 -53/4 -1 +5 +3
FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
BT Grp 3995/8 Cable & Wireless Comm 521/2
+25/8 -1/2
1411/4 92 3251/8
+11/4 -3/4 +41/4
1985/8 3391/8 3001/2 1211/2
-31/8 -7 -3 +51/4
FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS
FOOD PRODUCERS £301/4 1866 4847/8 687 £263/4
+1/8 -19 +13/8 -51/2
336 /4 896 7831/2 1977 877
+1 /4 +6 -1/2 +9 +9
GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES 3
GENERAL FINANCIAL
3i Group Close Bros ICAP London StockExch Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV REXAM Smith DS Smiths Grp
4273/8 1296 3957/8 1950 102 £21 £257/8 1960
GENERAL INDUSTRIALS 5421/2 3211/4 1327
GENERAL RETAILERS
Ashley L Carphone Whse Dixons Retail Home Retail Inchcape Kingfisher
261/4 3201/8 481/2 1923/4 624 3861/2
1
-41/2 -31 -33/4 -8 +13/4 +1/8 -8 +11 +33/4 +6 +3/8 +1/8 +4 /4 +2 -51/2 1
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
110 /2 1681/2 896 £26
+ /2 -1/4 +6 -1/8
1
1
FTSE closed at
6864.10 up 19.59
M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith
4501/4 1851/2 £663/4 £633/8 1026
+11/8 +3 +3/8 -1/4 -9
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
Smith Nph
1027
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
Aga Rangemaster Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey
1621/2 3615/8 1392 1348 £511/4 110
-19
-3/4 +43/8 +12 +10 +1/4 +13/4
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Fenner I”M”I Molins Renold Spirax-Sarco Weir Grp Ferrexpo
3491/4 1598 1701/2 633/4 £287/8 £26
INDUSTRIAL METALS
-3/4 +1 -3 +13/4 +3/8 -1/8
1371/4
+1/4
3141/4
+1
527
+3
INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
BBA Aviation Aviva
LIFE INSURANCE
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
2331/4 2015/8 1389 3021/2 3931/4
+31/8 -3/8 +31/2
8791/2 8841/2 182 4 1174 9521/2 3401/4 160 667 2191/2 1297
-3 +14 -1/8 -1/8 +3 +11/2 -33/4 -11/4 -61/2 -31/2 +10
MEDIA
MINING
Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kazakhmys Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES
14911/2 7971/2 1887 802 2833/4 258 £311/4 1104
-63/4
+34 +9 +19 -4 +71/4 +11/8 +5/8 +4
MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Inmarsat Vodafone Group
7321/2 209
NONLIFE INSURANCE
Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Ins Gp
1462 1050 £301/8 4803/4
+4 +13 +1/8 +7/8
1230 5047/8 201 3553/8 £235/8
+9 +17/8 +35/8 +33/8 +1/8
OIL & GAS PRODUCERS
BG BP Cairn Energy Premier Oil Royal Dutch Shell A
+1 -1/2
Royal Dutch Shell B Total Tullow Oil
£241/2 £413/4 849
+1/8 +6
OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
AMEC Petrofac Wood Gp(J)
1225 1262 7911/2
+41/2
1540 351
+7 -1
PERSONAL GOODS
Burberry Gp PZ Cussons
+17
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY
Astrazeneca GlaxoSmithKline Shire Brit Land Gt Portland Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO
£433/4 15931/2 £347/8
+7/8 -71/2 +5/8
719 /2 6591/2 5991/2 3163/4 1074 373
+4 /2 +81/2 +51/2 +13/4 +6 +31/2
REAL ESTATE 1
1
SOFTWARE & COMPUTER SERVICES
Sage Group
4133/8
+35/8
1007 1678 1108 2031/2 8581/2 2863/4 2863/4 1040 2495/8 1521/8 3391/4 6481/2 6701/2 521 213 1181/4
+13 +6 +1 -11/2 -1/2 +5/8 +5/8 +3 -3/8 +7/8 +13/8 +2 +51/2 -1 -1/2 +1/4
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
1702 £331/8
+19 -1/8
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT
ARM Hldgs IBM Spirent Comms
Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
9151/2 £1107/8 1033/8
TOBACCO
£357/8 £263/4
TRAVEL & LEISURE
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 FTSE 100 FTSE 250
118 £241/4 9991/2 1559 136 1401/4 £225/8 862 £231/2 4011/4 1541/2 1503/4 4201/2 2773/4 101/2 163 614 5951/8 3891/8 4121/4 £42 3573/4
INDEX
6864.10 16084.40
-41/2 +3/4 -11/8 -1/8 -1/4 -11/2
+4 +29 +1/4 +1/8 +5/8 +7 -1/8 +73/4 +17/8 -1/4 -1/4 +1/2 -3/8 +21/2 +16 +125/8 -5/8 +2 +1/8 +21/4 +19.59 +74.15
3
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Celebrations at the double for well-connected businessman! Lance Fawcett has double cause to celebrate. The former electrical apprentice has marked 25 years since founding his business, Fawcett Electrical, at the same time as celebrating his 50th birthday. And he is looking forward to further developing the Skelmanthorpe-based company, which employs 10 people and carries out electrical installation work for domestic properties, offices and a wide variety of commercial and industrial premises. Lance was born in Lincolnshire, but has lived in Yorkshire since he was 11. He attended Scissett Middle School and Shelley High School, but admits: “I sat five 0-levels and didn’t get any!” He says: “I was always interested in electrics – I can’t explain why. My father was a butcher and we had no tradition of electricians in the family. “When I left school, my father asked what I was going to do. I said I didn’t know, so he said I should knock on some doors and find a job.” Lance’s first employment was with a small firm mending domestic appliances. He went on to work for a family business involved in repairing appliances and electrical installation as an apprentice electrician, studying on the job and at Huddersfield Technical College. He was with the firm for seven years before deciding at the age of 25 to set up on his own. “The main reason I jumped ship was because it was an oldfashioned family firm,” he says. “I wanted to move the business forwards with the times. They had been established a long time, but the business was slowing down as their client base diminished.” Lance launched his company with modest resources. “I had a garden shed as my storage and I was just a man with a van,” he says. “I set up in the early 1990s during a recession and it was slow progress for quite a few years. “But I started to build a client
base. In this industry, it’s all about word-of-mouth recommendation.” Says Lance: “I was on my own for 18 months before setting on our first apprentice – and we had an apprentice every year for the next 10 years. “That is one of the rewards of being the boss – bringing in young kids and being almost like a father to them, seeing them progress through the ‘silly’ teenage stage and training them up to be capable individuals.” Now the company has negotiated its second recession and Lance detects distinct signs of recovery. It also moved 12 months ago from premises at Station Road in Skelmanthorpe to bigger, more modern offices at the nearby Crofthead Business Park – which has provided more space for storage and parking. “The level of enquiries is picking up and there is definitely a more positive feel to things,” he says. “In previous years, we would respond to enquiries to work on a scheme only for the project not to go ahead because the finances weren’t there. Now things are happening.” Fawcett Electrical is carrying out work on projects ranging from
putting up a light fitting for an individual householder to completing electrical installations on apartment blocks and new-build housing developments to fitting electrics for offices, shops and factories. It remains a highly competitive business – with contractors keen to secure the lowest price when putting work out to tender. But Lance says: “We are working across the M62 corridor. We have done a lot of work in Scunthorpe recently on properties flooded by the tidal surge.” He says: “The recession was interesting because we lost a number of our regular customers, which means the direction of the company has changed. “A lot of work has come from self-builders – people who have done extremely well in their careers and are now building £1m to £2m properties. In the past few years we have done some interesting bespoke installations.” Another growth area is in solar panel installations and energy -efficient LED lighting. Fawcett Electrical is registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme and has carried out solar photovoltaic system installations on a scheme of eight houses at Harrogate and other properties, including a radio station in
■■ Lance Fawcett, of Skelmanthorpe-based Fawcett Electrical
Leeds. “People are asking themselves how they can save money on their energy bills,” he says. “Solar is now so much more affordable. While the feed-in tariffs have fallen, so has the cost of the kit. “The technology is improving all the time and it has become a good investment – typically with a pay-back of seven years and a 12% to 13% return on the investment. “I think solar PV should be mandatory on all new-builds. Everyone is worried about global warming and burning fossil fuels – but the sun is always up there!” Although Lance no longer goes out in the van on jobs, he still works from 7.30am to 6pm – and some Saturdays – securing new clients and contracts and overseeing the strategic direction of the business. And it’s been a real family affair. He says: “My wife Debra was a real rock during the early days, doing the wages in her spare time and typing up documents. She now works with me in the business and we have shared the highs and lows. We have always worked well together – it’s been a team effort.” The couple enjoy caravanning and weekends walking in the Yorkshire and Derbyshire countryside. They also enjoy meals out and socialising. Lance has no intention of taking a back seat, however, and still gets satisfaction from a job well done. “Our business is strange because you are working to tight time constraints and working in a small ‘window’ among other tradespeople. “It’s very rare to get a thankyour from the customer, even if you do a fantastic job because having tradespeople in can be fraught for the customer. It’s a testing time. When someone does have the time to put pen to paper to thank you it’s very gratifying.” He also has some sound advice for others tempted to step out on their own. “Being self-employed requires determination,” he says. “And if at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again!”
Lance Fawcett Role: Managing director Age: 50 Family: Married to Debra with daughters Chloe, 23, and Hollie, 19 Holidays: We never visit the same place twice. We particularly enjoyed Rome and a 10-day cruise to see the wonders of the ancient world Car: Range Rover Sport First job: Working for a firm repairing domestic appliances Best thing about the job? Providing customer satisfaction Worst thing about the job? I hate paperwork with a vengeance. I have to bully myself into dealing with it! Business tip: Deliver a quality product to customer and always be absolutely honest with them. If they have had a good experience, they will come back
Fawcett Electrical Work: Domestic, commercial and industrial electrical installation Site: Unit D3, Crofthead Business Park, Skelmanthorpe Phone: 01484 863769 or 07973 741357 Email: enquiries@fawcettelectrical. co.uk Web: www. fawcettelectrical.co.uk
4
TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
KIRKLEES BUS
Paul forges links between Slaithwaite and Sydney An executive recruitment specialist based in the Colne Valley has secured a new client – 12,500 miles away in Australia. Paul Mulcock, who heads Broad Oak Solutions in Slaithwaite, landed a contract to recruit for BE Campbell (BEC), one of Australia’s largest and leading family-owned meat wholesalers. Established in 1969 by Bruce and Marie Campbell in New South Wales, the business has won the prestigious Chrisco Award for Grocery Supplier of the Year and has won the Best Meat Supplier Award to Woolworths for the past three years. The company also exports pork, beef and chicken to Asian Pacific markets including Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, China and Malaysia. Based in Australia’s culinary capital, Sydney, it also provides a daily delivery service to more than 900 restaurants in the city and has its own successful brand called Bruemar. The firm sources all its meat from family farmers throughout Australia. Paul said: “BEC is striving to be at the vanguard of their market and food innovation is the key to ongoing success. “The managing director of this hugely successful business, Ted Campbell, has scoured Australia for professionals to help his business develop new products and decided
Cause to celebrate Pub employee Gavin Smith is celebrating success, The deputy general manager at The Fenay Bridge, a Fayre & Square pub at Penistone Road, Fenay Bridge, has been awarded a Level 3 Leadership & Management qualification by his employer, Spirit Pub Company. Gavin was one of more than 30 apprentices who were congratulated on gaining the qualification at a special event in the West Midlands. Spirit HR director Debbie Moore said: “It is important at Spirit that we celebrate the success of our apprentices. It takes time, commitment and dedication to see through an apprenticeship programme, especially while also managing the day to day requirements of their job. “Gavin has done a fantastic job achieving his qualification and he is definitely on the right path to taking on his own pub in the near future.” The Level 3 Leadership & Management qualification is a 12-month learning and development programme that includes on-the-job training and individually- tailored learning.
■■ Paul Mulcock and partner Caroline Spalding, of Broad Oak Solutions
that UK innovation is ahead of most of Europe and Australia. “Consequently, Ted wants to employ a senior UK food innovation expert and relocate that person to Sydney on a Skills Migrant Visa. “He’s chosen Broad Oak Solutions to carry out this critical project.” Broad Oak already exclusively handles executive recruitment for UK pork and pork products business Tulip UK Ltd as well as a number of other large UK-based meat producers
serving the major grocery chains. Said Paul: “We have a great reputation within the UK food manufacturing sector and have helped innumerable SMEs in Yorkshire to find the talent to support their businesses. “Being chosen to act for one of Australia’s most successful food businesses has taken my business into markets I could never have predicted when I started the company six years ago. “I think this proves that if you deliv-
er a top class service in your home back yard, word spreads. I just did not think it would spread 12,500 miles away! “Slaithwaite and Sydney are an unlikely coupling. “However, any business can operate on a global basis with today’s technology and BEC have chosen Broad Oak Solutions because they believe no other UK head hunter understands the meat market better than we do.” Paul said: “This will be a challenging project. I often hit a stumbling block when asking a candidate if they will relocate for a key role. “This assignment will be a little more exotic in that I will be hoping to relocate a UK resident to Sydney! “Australia’s economy is thriving and the standard of living is very high, Add to that the weather and sheer beauty of Sydney and throw in a superb career opportunity and the initial challenge seems far less daunting!” He added: “This contract signals the start of something really exciting for Broad Oak Solutions. “Our UK activity is healthy despite tough trading conditions, but working with BEC will give us the chance to support their growth in Australia and take us into the Asia Pacific market place –all from our base in Slaithwaite.”
Guidance over illegal workers Under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, offences may be committed where an individual is employed without the relevant permission to work in the United Kingdom. A civil penalty may be imposed if an employer negligently employs someone without the right to undertake the work for which they are employed. Further, a criminal offence will be committed if an employer knowingly employs an individual who does not have the right to undertake the work for which they are employed. The civil penalty is currently up to £10,000 for each individual who does not have the right to work; this increases to £20,000 for offences committed on or after May 16, 2014. A new code of practice also applies from May 16, 2014, replacing previous, similar guidance. The code sets out factors to be considered when determining the level of civil penalty to apply where an offence has been committed. The code states that a variety of factors will be considered when determining the level of penalty to be applied. The mitigating factors (retained from previous guidance) are the offence being a first offence, the employer proactively reporting suspected illegality, co-operation with any Home Office investigation and the
EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Daniel J Krigers employer having effective documentchecking practices in place. The lists of document combinations which can be used to determine whether an individual has the right to work in the United Kingdom will be updated. Importantly, the requirement to undertake a right to work check every 12 months in respect of individuals with only a temporary right to work have been removed. The checks will be linked only to the expiry of any temporary permission, which is often every two or three years. An important addition to the code of practice concerns students undertaking work in the United Kingdom. Students usually enter the country under a Tier 4 visa, which will typically allow them to undertake between 10 and 20 hours of work per week during
term-time, rising to full-time hours during holidays. The code now states that employers should obtain a copy of the student’s individual timetable to ensure that they are not working in breach of their permission (for example, working fulltime hours during term-time). Whilst the code contains some helpful revisions to ease some of the burden on employers, it is important to remember the level of importance placed upon the document checking process in order to provide a defence where it is found that a worker has been employed illegally. The code makes extensive comment on the need to check the validity of documents, and to make and retain original copies. Taking these steps provides comprehensive mitigation to any Home Office investigation.
Daniel J Krigers is an employment law solicitor at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors
Town’s Three Peaks appeal
Huddersfield Town chairman Dean Hoyle (above) is set to scale new heights – and is urging companies to help him. Fresh from winning the Achievemen Award at the Examiner’s Community Awards, Dean has announced that he wil take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks in aid o the Town Foundation. Corporate fundraiser Mandy Taylor and trustees Sean Jarvis and Ann Hough have also put their name forward, but the foundation is looking for corporate supporters to take on the challenge and fundraise along the way too! The walk will begin in the early hours o Friday, June 27, and the goal is to achieve all three peaks – a distance of about 24.5 miles – within a maximum of 12 hours. The walkers will be accompanied by a team from Kuta Outdoors, who will provide expert guidance. A minimum sponsorship per person would be required with the aim to raise funds for a special trip to the seaside for a group of youngsters, Dean said: “Many of the children that we serve have never seen the sea. We want to get them on coaches, let them play footbal and cricket on the sand and then enjoy a fish and chip lunch, alongside those who participated, should they wish to join us” Mandy said: “This will be a first for the charity and with this in mind, we are limiting the numbers who we will be able to walk with on the day.” Email mandy.taylor@htafc.com for further information.
Retailer joins top 20 listing
Electronics specialist Maplin, which has a store at Leeds Road Retail Park in Huddersfield, has been voted as one of the top 20 shopping experiences in the UK according to a new consumer survey con ducted by consumer group Which? More than 12,500 people rated 100 shops in the survey, judging the retailers on serv ice, price, products, and after sales/returns from their last visit. John Cleland, chief executive of Maplin said: “We’re delighted that our commit ment to customer service has been recog nised nationally by such an influentia group. “Our in-store experts endeavour to offe top quality customer service, as well as the best price and product range we can. It’s great to know that we are offering such a great shopping experience to the people o Huddersfield.”
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2014
SINESS NEWS
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Textile firm makes its mark worldwide
A leading Huddersfield textile firm has joined a global marketing initiative. Woollen yarn spinner Z Hinchliffe & Sons Ltd, which has operations at Denby Dale and at Dalry in Ayrshire, Scotland, has joined The Woolmark Company Quality Assurance Programme for wool. The company will be an active participant in the global Woolmark Gold marketing initiative, used primarily in China to identify Merino wool as a premium luxury ingredient in quality apparel. The Woolmark symbol was launched in 1964 to counteract the global rise in the production and purchase of chemical-based fibres. This year, the symbol is celebrating its 50th anniversary – which is crucial at a time of ever growing interest in the environmental impact of fashion. Appearing on more than 5bn products since its launch, the Woolmark symbol is trusted as an international independent hallmark of quality and a guarantee that any garment which carries the mark has been manufactured with an entirely renewable natural resource, quality and integrity throughout the processing pipeline. Z Hinchliffe, founded in 1766, spins more than 1m kilos of yarn per year for speciality
knitwear and woollen weaving. The company traditionally sources its much sought after lamb’s wool in the Geelong area of Victoria in Australia, purchasing the majority of the available lamb’s wool clip annually. It has a reputation for soft, quality consistency and durable lamb’s wool yarns in a spectrum of shades each season. The firm has maintained a long established tradition of direct wool grower involvement in fibre sourcing for the company’s luxury premium brand customers. Peter Ackroyd, global strategic adviser for the Woolmark Company, said: “I have known Hinchliffe for many years and have always
been impressed by the way leading fashion houses around the world specify Z Hinchliffe yarn as an essential ingredient brand to their products. “With such an emphasis on consistent excellence, Hinchliffe perfectly represents the Woolmark strategy and philosophy of promoting Merino wool through the use of the Woolmark symbol as a quality assurance for an increasing numbers of consumers concerned about the provenance of premium brands.” Z Hinchliffe joins the Woolmark programme at a time when the Yorkshire woollen and worsted manufacturing industry is enjoying a strong resurgence as consumers – especially from China and Japan – demand the craftsmanship and heritage offered by British manufacturing. “The sourcing of British yarns and fabrics responds to an increasing consumer demand for greater accountability and transparency in the expanding quality sector of the fashion market,” said director James Hinchliffe. “We are delighted to see our yarns being increasingly specified by Chinese customers eager to showcase fashion integrity with the quality assurance our company has prided itself in for generations gone and generations to come,”
Food retailer gets a whole new look as Brighouse goes back to the 1940s A Brighouse business – which has been at the heart of the town centre for 32 years – has unveiled a new look. Mr Pizza, taken over by Des and Samantha Claypole last year, has been serving pizzas, potatoes and more to residents, businesses and visitors to Brighouse since 1982. The Bethel Street outlet is now launching a new look just in time for the Brighouse 1940s Weekend and will have a street café and stall as part of the event on Saturday and Sunday. The new look has been developed by working with fellow Brighouse business Waverley Consultancy, which specialises in communi-
Mobile Voice Data M2M
cations, media and strategy for individuals and companies. The work will showcase Mr Pizza’s own food, with pictures taken by a member of staff who is studying photography, and includes a new website – www.mymrpizza.co.uk – and development of Mr Pizza’s social media channels. Mr Claypole said: “Mr Pizza is a name familiar to people across Brighouse and our new look aims to reinforce what we offer and build on the work of the previous owner who set up the business in 1982. “We pride ourselves on being different by
Fixed Lines Traditional SIP
using fresh ingredients, freshly cooked every day so when people buy from Mr Pizza they know they are getting a high quality product. “ It is that approach that has been so successful for the past 32 years and it is one we will be building on in the weeks and months ahead.” Stephen Naylor, Director of Waverley Consultancy, said: “We were delighted to be asked to work with Des and Sam to develop the look of a business so familiar to many across Brighouse. Mr Pizza is known for high quality food and our fresh new look for the shop aims to reflect that.”
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Future of manufacturing is focus for major conference Businesses, schools and colleges in Kirklees are being urged to sign up for a free conference focusing on the future of manufacturing. The one-day event is being run by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, in partnership with Siemens on June 25 at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool. The event will focus on skills, diversity and attracting more science, technology, engineering and maths students to manufacturing as well as tackling the key issues facing manufacturing and engineering companies as they emerge from the recession. It will pull together industry experts and business leaders to debate the future of manufacturing, the challenges and opportunities of “Make it Britain” and how the country can
secure the world-class skills and talent required for manufacturing growth to carry on at a pace. The event is part of the prestigious International Festival for Business, which will put Britain on the world stage, showcasing the strength and the diversity of its businesses and skills. Andy Tuscher, Yorkshire and Humber region director at EEF, said: “The IFB will be bringing the world to Liverpool and we want to ensure that businesses, schools and colleges in Yorkshire are making the most of this golden opportunity. “Our event with Siemens will be the flagship of Manufacturing, Science and Technology Week at the IFB and I would urge anyone interested in our sector to sign up and get involved.” For more details go to: www.eef.org.uk/ifb
Chance for food and drink entrepreneurs to stand out The search is on for Britain’s best food and drink entrepreneurs. Business people in Kirklees have been urged to compete for the firstever Investec Food & Drink Entrepreneur of the Year 2014. The competition – which is free to enter at www.investecfoodanddrinkentrepreneuroftheyear.com – aims to recognise producers and retailers of all sizes – with winner scooping a £5,000 prize. The judging panel includes businessman
Cat 5, 6, 7 Fibre
Luke Johnson, bst known for his involvement with Pizza Express; Lord Karan Bilimoria, co-founder of Cobra Beer; and Julian Metcalfe, founder of Pret a Manger. The competition is sponsored by Investec, the specialist bank with deep entrepreneurial roots and a core focus on working with entrepreneurs and their businesses. The closing date for entries is Friday, September 12, 2014. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, November 6.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
local
Firms urged to focus on their waste lines Kirklees businesses have been urged to band together with councils, charities and voluntary groups to prevent waste – with grants of up to £50,000 available to partnerships with the most innovative1 ideas. The £800,000 Innovation in Waste Prevention Fund is open to applications from two or more parties working together and will support local level creative ideas for preventing waste of materials such as food, textiles, furniture and bulky material, electronic and electrical equipment, plastics, paper and board, construction and demolition material and products used in healthcare and chemicals. The fund aims to boost voluntary opportunities and provides the potential to create new jobs by promoting the introduction of new services and the adoption of alternative ways to reduce waste. Eligible projects that could be funded include textile or electrical repair skills workshops run by local businesses and voluntary groups; businesses working with local charities to prevent food waste by distributing surplus food to those who need it; councils working with local companies to re-use and repair items that businesses no longer need; businesses working with educational establishments to design products that result in less waste; and initiatives to re-use household goods and furniture by bodies
including housing associations, councils and charities. The Innovation in Waste Prevention Fund is being managed by the UK’s resource efficiency experts, WRAP, with funding from Defra. It aims to support communities across England in their efforts to prevent waste, stimulating long-term changes to business models that encourage items to be kept in use for longer. Applicants can come from existing partnerships or ones newly-formed to access the funding. Jude Andrews, WRAP project manager, said: “By working together on a local level people can really make an impact on what’s happening in their own community. “Preventing waste is about finding ways to keep items in use longer and not generating as much waste in the first place. It’s about rethinking the way we do things – redesigning and remanufacturing the things we use – changing attitudes and changing behaviours about what we buy and what we throw away, but most of all, working together and thinking creatively to do something about it.” The fund will run for two years and grants will be awarded in three phases. Applications for this first phase need to be returned to WRAP by September 1, 2014. Visit www.wrap.org.uk/iwp
■■ WRAP aims to encourage a big clean-up
New look has real a-peel for retailer Banana Moon
■■ Banana Moon’s Alex Grace (front) with Fantastic Media’s Paul Whitcroft (right) and James Scarr (back)
Online clothing business Banana Moon has been decked out in new colours. The Birstall-based company commissioned near neighbours Fantastic Media to create new graphics for its head office and warehouse. After ongoing full service marketing activity to increase brand awareness and a discussion to improve the presence of the firm’s headquarters, Fantastic developed a range of wall graphics featuring the Banana Moon brand ambassador, Mo the Monkey. Alex Grace, marketing director at Banana Moon, said the aim was to create a brighter, fun environment
for the staff and to encourage them to further engage and ‘buy into’ the brand. James Scarr, digital strategy manager at Fantastic Media, said: “Banana Moon is growing from strength to strength and as part of our full service offering it is vital that the brand messages are communicated consistently throughout everything, this includes brand and creative, and all other collateral including premises. “Mo the Monkey is a brilliant ambassador for the brand and the results are ‘out of this world!’
Beat the scammers Scammers targeting Yorkshire businesses are the focus of a joint event by the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire and the Business Crime Reduction Centre. The event, which will be held on Thursday at Elland Road, Leeds, will help small and medium enterprises in the region by giving them advice on how to avoid falling victim to-scams and protect themselves against cyber-attacks. The Federation of Small Businesses estimates that fraud and online crime costs individual small businesses £4,000 a year – with at least 37% of small businesses trading online. PCC Mark Burns Williamson said: “Thriving businesses are a key feature of any healthy community and if we are to improve people’s lives and create jobs in West Yorkshire we need local businesses to develop and do well. “Working with partners to ensure that crime prevention is at the forefront of all our efforts to reduce the opportunity for business crime is essential, as is educating businesses on how to prevent it from happening in the first place. “I also want to agree a definition for business crime to allow police and partners to identify the real impact of all types of business crime and I know that well trained staff and awareness of risks are key to preventing crime from happening in the first place.” The free event will teach SMEs how to protect their business and staff from crime with cost-free solutions, explain why small businesses are increasingly suffering from cyber-attacks and share the latest scams targeting local businesses. The day will demonstrate how trained and aware staff is the best line of defence against crime and aims to reduce the number of businesses falling victim to scams. BCRC’s Director, David Ransom, said “We are delighted at the opportunity to work with the West Yorkshire PCC supporting local businesses against crime.” Call: 0114 275 1283 or visit www. bcrc-uk.org/events
Company packs a punch when it comes to investing in employees A leading packaging company has been recognised for its commitment to investing in its team. Birkenshaw-based National Flexible is the UK’s largest distributor of polypropylene, laminates and special packaging films to the food industry and supplies some of the world’s leading household brands including Tesco, Morrisons and Asda. Now the company has been shortlisted for a People’s Pioneer Award for its strategy of growth through its people – reconising that staff are at the heart of the business and that there is a strong leadership culture promoting high performance and professional development within the company. The award is part of the Government-
backed Growth Accelerator The Brave and the Bold initiative to honour companies that have signed up for sustainable growth through business development. National Flexible is one of only five shortlisted nationally. The recognition comes after the company teamed up with Huddersfieldbased growth coach Pete Evans, of Altum V, to develop its already highly motivated staff. “Our people are our greatest asset, hence the priority given to their training and development,” said National Flexible managing director George Slack. He said that it was important to safeguard the future of the business by ensuring staff felt valued and were committed to their own long term develop-
ment through motivation and improved skills opportunities. “Our staff can also take advantage of more esoteric benefits such as wealth building through innovative pension schemes for example,” said Mr Slack. “All of this is reflected in our low staff turnover and our longevity of service. This is naturally a huge benefit for our customers. “We are very pleased to have been nominated for the growth accelerator awards, particularly the ‘people’s pioneer’ category.” Mr Evans said: “I am delighted to have been working with National Flexible since last October and supporting them with their growth plans. I am also delighted to be nominated for an award
■■ National Experience directors George Black (left) and Chris Melody,. whose company has been nominated for a People’s Pioneer Award
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Energy consultants all fired up on Tyneside! Elland-based energy management firm Orchard Energy has completed work on a major infrastructure upgrade to support a new giant furnace for the world’s largest integrated quartz glass producer. The gas supply and metering system will power the furnace and increase production capacity at Heraeus Quartz’ Tyneside site, one of eight production facilities worldwide. Heraeus worked with Orchard to plan and install a new system which featured 30 metres of gas pipeline. Dave Wareing, engineering manager at Heraeus, said the work was an essential part of the firm’s expansion. “The pipeline increases capacity to 2,500 cubic metres of gas per hour, which will enable us to push ahead with plans to scale up production,” he said. “Working with Orchard we were able to keep the gas flow-
ing during switch-over without any disruption to supply.” Quartz glass from the Wallsend site is used in computer equipment, optical fibres, laser technology and other hitech applications. Mr Wareing confirmed that the latest installation would enable the use of a new type of furnace which was undergoing commissioning trials. Peter Bicchiri, of Orchard Energy ,said the site’s existing gas supply had been insufficient to power an extra furnace. “After assessing the metering and pipework needed to run a new furnace we worked closely with the gas supplier and Northern Gas Networks to manage installation and oversee a smooth transition from the old system to the new,” he said. “This was a major project and its completion paves the way for growth at one of the North East’s key manufacturing businesses.”
■■ Dave Wareing, engineering manager at Heraeus with Orchard Energy’s Peter Bicchiri, (right)
Associate directorship
Shop plan boosts sales for Brindon A Holme Valley butcher has doubled the sales space at his shop. A new £160,000 extension has doubled the retail area of Brindon Addy’s shop in Hade Edge, near Holmfirth. Mr Addy said the project, undertaken during the award-winning shop’s 21st anniversary year, had gone down well with both existing and new customers. He said: “Business is running above the budget we predicted and one thing’s for certain – we have now changed from being a small butcher to
a small food hall.” The scheme has allowed Addy’s to extend and more effectively display its core meat-related and home-made ready-meal ranges and introduce new fresh and frozen food lines, such as fish, vegetables and ice cream. Mr Addy said: “As a direct result, we are now supporting more local suppliers and producers, which provides a timely boost to the local economy.” Mr Addy is national chairman of the Butchers Q Guild, which represents more than 100 elite butchers.
Debt picture brightens The total value of outstanding debt held against UK commercial property fell by 9.1% in 2013 from £197.9bn to £179.8bn as banks continued to patch up their balance sheets following the 2007 property crash, according to latest figures. The independently-compiled De Montfort University Commercial Property Lending Report showed that the total value of outstanding debt in 2013 was £198.4bn, including about £18.6bn secured by social housing. The figure compared with a high of more than £270bn in 2008. The study revealed growing con-
A Huddersfield blinds retailer has teamed up with one of Yorkshire’s celebrated designers. Folk designer Julie Dodsworth has added to her list of best of British manufacturers by teaming up with Lockwood-based DirectBlinds.co.uk to bring a new range of blinds to the homes market. The vintage floral collection has been inspired by the surroundings of Julie’s narrowboat, Calamity Jane, and the designs take on the heritage of the waterways. Julie Dodsworth, said: “I am absolutely thrilled with how the designs have been translated onto the blinds. With a cheerful and strong presence they are the perfect window accessory to brighten up your living space.” Each blind in the collection can be custom-made to specification and all designs are printed using a non-solvent water based printing system which means no effluent is produced during the printing process – reducing the environmental impact. Nicolas Swift, joint managing director at Direct Blinds, said: “The combination of our best of British manufacturing and Julie’s heritage designs forms a perfect synergy. “We are all very excited about the future of this partnership and have already started planning an extension of the range to embrace Julie’s seasonal colour palette, transforming wooden blinds as we know them. Watch this space.” The new range complements Julie’s other collections with top British brands such as Barbour and Churchill china.
Property managers
Chartered surveyors Eddisons have promoted Shazad Mahmood (pictured) to associate director. Mr Mahmood, 31, joined the firm in 2006 and is responsible for agency activities across Huddersfield and Bradford. He is one of 10 new associate directors announced by Eddisons across its divisions. Richard Roe, managing director at Eddisons, which has its Huddersfield offices at New North Road, said: ‘The quality and expertise of our staff is a major factor in our continued success. The promotions are very well deserved and recognise the significant contribution these individuals make to the business.”
■■ Brindon Addy(centre) with members of his team and the newly extended shop
Designer goes Direct
fidence among both lenders and borrowers, a greater availability of finance and increased diversification among lending institutions, with the role played by “non-bank” lenders such as insurance companies and debt funds becoming more pronounced. There was a significant shift in the underlying quality of the loan book, with lenders reporting that 50% of their loans are now secured on prime property, up from 42% last year. The study showed that new lending in 2013 totalled £29.9bn, up from £25.5bn in 2012.
Property agency Knight Frank has been appointed by Conygar Investment Company PLC as asset and property managers for its UK investment portfolio, including premises in Brighouse. The portfolio comprises a total of 47 office, retail, industrial and leisure properties from Scotland, Yorkshire and the Midlands down to the South East. It includes a 50,390sq ft industrial unit at Armytage Road, Brighouse, which is let to Owens Corning Veil. The mandate was competitively tendered to three firms and Knight Frank has been awarded a threeyear mandate. The mandate will be run from Knight Frank’s head office at Baker Street in London, with the Leeds office, led by Philip Speight, playing a major role. Tim Robinson, head of property asset management at Knight Frank, said: “I am personally thrilled that the team has been appointed to advise Conygar on this strategically important piece of business for the firm. “We have committed significant capital and resource to growing this part of our business so that our clients will continue to receive an uncompromised level of service”
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TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Peter Gillett & Stuart Rodrigues
Appointments at Polyseam sealants and adhesives firm Polyseam has appointed Peter Gillett (right, top) and Stuart Rodrigue (right, below) to the roles of key account manager and retail sales executive respectively. Both will be given the task of developing opportunities and sales for the Aspley-based firm’s recently launched GRAFT range of sealants and adhesives. Steve Price, sales director at Polyseam, said; “The GRAFT range was well received when it was launched earlier this year, but we now need to convert that initial interest into sales.” The company’s innovative approach to product development that resulted in the GRAFT range was one of the attractions for Mr Gillett to join the team, having previously been with Soudal. “As we start to see an improvement in the economy, I believe that contractors will be willing to invest in a slightly higher priced product to ensure a premium performance,” said Mr Gillett who handles the company’s national accounts. With his focus on builders’ merchants,
Food service firm is catering for safety! By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
hardware and DIY outlets, Mr Rodrigues said he relished the challenge of bringing a new range to a market place that is dominated by a number of key suppliers. In previous roles, including time at Bostik, he has gained experience of merchandising and the supply chain, which is proving invaluable as he seeks to change suppliers’ and end-users’ habits. Between them, the two newcomers have nearly 20 years experience of the sealants and adhesives market.
Anthony Bowyer & Jess Venson
Agency hails new recruits A Huddersfield University graduate has joined a Wakefield-based marketing agency. Anthony Bowyer, who gained a BA honours degree in journalism, has joined Northern Light Media as marketing executive. He is joined by Jess Venson, who joins the graphic design team and is in the final year of her apprenticeship at Barnsley College. Chris Elliott, managing director at Northern Light Media, said: “We have been extremely pleased with the high standards of work produced by Anthony and Jess since they joined. “Despite some negative publicity about the quality of young people in the market place, our two new recruits have far exceeded our expectations. “Not only are they talented, but they also have
movers and shakers
A catering wholesaler based in Huddersfield has secured international recognition – at the double. For the fourth year running, Dalton-based Total Foodservice has been named as one of just 500 businesses across the globe to gain an International Safety Award from the British Safety Council (BSC). The accolade came after the firm demonstrated to judges its commitment and determination to prevent workplace injuries and work-related ill health. Total Foodservice has also received a prestigious Occupational Health and Safety Silver Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). Simon Howarth, managing director of Total Foodservice, said: “It’s a rather astonishing feat for a small business such as our own to have this level of international recognition from bodies such as RoSPA and the BSC. “The fact that we are sustaining those high levels of achievement is a big point of pride for the business and all the individuals involved. “We are rubbing shoulders with large bluechip organisations in being handed these awards. “Health and safety has always been of paramount importance to Total Foodservice, but to reach these levels says an exceptional amount for how our team is working. I’m delighted!” The International Safety Awards scheme, now in its 56th year, seeks to promote high standards of health and safety management practice across the globe in order to prevent workplace injury and ill-health. The winning organisations span all sectors
■■ Paul Nowell (left), operations and health and safety director at Total Foodservice, with (from left) Lynda Armstrong, of the British Safety Council; Peter Kozlowski, the firm’s operations and facilities manager; and David Mellor, its quality assurance and training manager for Total Foodservice
and hail from the United Kingdom, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the West Indies. Alex Botha, chief executive of the British Safety Council, said: “On behalf of the trustees and staff of the British Safety Council, we warmly congratulate Total Foodservice and its employees on gaining an International Safety Award. “The success criteria for our International Safety Awards is challenging and that rightly reflects the importance of ensuring the risks of injury and ill health in the workplace are prop-
erly controlled. “We are proud of our association with Total Foodservice and their commitment to keeping their employees and workplaces healthy and safe.” Total Foodservice is a fifth generation family business serving the north of England with frozen, chilled and ambient foods as well as non-food and cleaning products. The company operates from depots based in Cross Green Road, Dalton, and Clitheroe, Lancashire.
Claire carries away retailing award a great work ethic, are always punctual and have made a seamless transition from academic life into working life – something that is not easy!” Said Mr Elliott: “Such is the success we have had with our young recruits, we are now in discussions with several Wakefield-based educational institutions about the possibility of recruiting other young creatives in the near future.”
A Huddersfield woman who set up her children’s clothing retail business from the dining room table of her Kirkburton home two years ago has won an award for her efforts. And the accolade was all the more pleasing as her company was celebrating its second birthday. Claire Harper, who heads online retailer IndiaCoco, received the Online Retailer of the year Award at the Wakefield Retail Awards. The company was also shortlisted in two other categories at the glittering event, which was held at The Space at Waldorf Way, Wakefield and hosted by BBC Look North presenter Clare Frisby. IndiaCoco was nominated for Fashion Retailer of the Year while employee Sarah Fozzard was a finalist in the category for Employee of the Year. Judges, who included Andrew Choi, director of the Huddersfield-based Mid Yorkshire Cham-
■■ Claire Harper (second right) with her husband Lee (right), IndiaCoco employee Sarah Fozzard and her husband Nick at the awards
ber of Commerce, recognised IndiaCoco for developing its online business since being set up two years ago. In that time, IndiaCoco has also opened a high street store in Wood Street, Wakefield. Said Claire: “We have been
growing the brand online as well as opening our store last October. We are now a multi-channel business and online is going from strength to strength across the UK, Europe, the Far East and America – and there is an opportunity to be a lot more proactive.”
Claire and husband Lee Williams formed IndiaCoco – named after their two daughters – to provide original, well-designed, practical and “best of British” clothing for babies and children up to eight years old. Claire had previously worked for many years in senior marketing roles for some of the UK’s leading retailers, including Argos, Ocado, Sainsbury’s and most recently as marketing director at Huddersfield-based Mamas & Papas. Lee has also worked in senior commercial and financial roles for some of the country’s leading retailers. The award is the latest in a number of accolades for IndiaCoco. Last year, IndiaCoco won a Small Business Sunday Award, a weekly competition run by the former Dragon’s Den panellist Theo Paphitis. The firm was also a finalist in the Examiner Business Awards. Claire said: “It is always great to be shortlisted and even better to win!”