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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Firm’s trainees are cream of the crop A CROP science company in Huddersfield is seeing the benefits of its established apprenticeship scheme. And Alistair Conn, site manager at Syngenta at Deighton, was so confident about the way apprenticeships are delivering quality employees of the future that he invited the town’s MP to see for himself. Said Mr Conn: “Barry Sheerman and I met recently and were discussing the importance of apprenticeships so I invited him to visit Syngenta so he could see for himself the value that apprenticeships are offering the individuals and Syngenta.” The crop science company, which plans to grow its business at the Leeds Road site, has enjoyed an excellent start in 2012 by bringing online a new manufacturing facility. Mr Conn said recruiting and training skilled workers was a key fundamental in securing Syngenta’s business in Huddersfield as many of its qualified staff will approach retirement age over the next decade. He said that ensuring knowledge and skills were passed on to future new generations – just as others had done throughout the site’s 100-year history
■ TRAINING DAYS: Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman (centre) congratulates apprentices at Huddersfield crop science company Syngenta
– was vital to sustainable economic growth. Ten engineering apprentices have joined in the company in the past four years and are on track to take up fully-qualified, skilled posts within the engineering operations at Syngenta. Mr Conn said vocational training, such as engineering apprenticeships,
involved hands-on learning, resulted in qualifications and led to well-paid jobs with long-term career prospects. “With an apprenticeship, apprentices learn while they earn and have the opportunity to study for a degree or higher qualification as their career progresses,” he said. “Our apprenticeship scheme has developed model
young people and earned awards.” Callum Hutter, a fourth year mechanical engineering apprentice, has won two awards – Fitter of the Year and Mechanical Apprentice of the Year against stiff competition from 20 other engineering apprentices at Kirklees College. He said: “I had always wanted to undertake a mechanical engineering apprenticeship, this was the ideal job and opportunity for me as I enjoy practical work, “Syngenta engineering apprenticeships are much sought after in the Huddersfield area and I realised that the competition would be tough, but it has been a good decision to complete an apprenticeship with Syngenta.” Labour MP Mr Sheerman welcomed Syngenta’s commitment to training and employing young people at a time of rising youth unemployment. Syngenta is one of the world’s leading companies with more than 26,000 employees in more than 90 countries working to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life.
Kirklees companies still lack confidence BUSINESSES in Kirklees have shown a “disappointing” lack of confidence, said the latest quarterly survey by the Huddersfield-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. The survey, which polled member firms across Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield, showed that domestic orders were flat while overseas sales and orders presented a mixed picture. While export sales and orders rallied slightly during the second quarter, the broadly improving figures had failed to gain “any real momentum”. For the second consecutive quarter, the survey reported an improvement in employment and expectations for new jobs, reversing the trend seen in 2011. But it said companies keen to make capital investments to expand their
businesses faced “unacceptable” delays in implementing steps by the Government to improve business access to finance through credit-easing and “Funding for Lending”. Steven Leigh, head of police for the Lockwood-based chamber, said: “This survey more or less confirms what we already know – that business confidence is low and is likely to remain that way until there is a proper resolution to the eurozone crisis, that the economy continues to rumble along at low levels of activity and that external factors such as exchange rates and inflation continue to add uncertainty into the mix. “This is disappointing considering the bullish nature of our first quarter survey which appeared to contradict
the official figures from the Office for National Statistics and indicated that businesses had started the new year with a more optimistic outlook. “However, there are certain results elsewhere in this second quarter survey which defy the overall economic situation. “For example, export orders and sales have shown modest improvements, employment has continued its upward trend and concerns over price pressures have reduced considerably. The growth in employment is unexpected good news. “We certainly hope that momentum gained in the first half of this year will be maintained.” Mr Leigh said access to finance remained a key impediment “as the list
of failed or abandoned Government schemes to ease the availability of credit grew longer”. He said: “The latest initiative announced by the Chancellor is ‘Funding for Lending’. “Our enthusiasm for this is tempered with caution in view of past disappointments. As ever, the devil will be in the detail. “The Government must ensure that this scheme is made to work, because amongst all the complex factors which are affecting our economic recovery probably the most significant single issue is the availability of affordable finance – and until this problem is sorted out it will continue to be a major inhibitor to growth in the UK economy.”
INSIDE Winning company A RECRUITMENT company in Huddersfield has won a monthly business award. Stafflex Ltd, based at Chapel Hill, was judged winner of the Eaton Smith Business of the Month Award. Judges recognised the firm for its growth record since its formation in 2002 and its work for the local community, including sponsoring Huddersfield Town and supporting local schools and charities.
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Stores take stock RETAILERS facing huge rent payments for their properties must adapt their businesses “to stay in the game”. Chris Wood, Yorkshire committee member for insolvency trade body R3 and partner at Cleckheaton-based Clough Corporate Solutions, said store bosses face a hefty bill with the latest deadline for quarterly rent payments at a time when shops face tough economic conditions and online competition.
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national
PM launches bank rate scandal probe PRIME Minister David Cameron has launched a full parliamentary inquiry into the rate-rigging scandal amid a wave of criticism of British banking. The Prime Minister batted away calls for a Leveson-style inquiry into the issues, insisting he wanted to reach the truth quickly. His comments came in a statement to MPs after Barclays boss Bob Diamond admitted he was disappointed that the rate-rigging scandal happened on his watch. However, he signalled that he would fight for his job, saying he wanted to “make sure that it cannot happen again”. Barclays chairman Marcus Agius resigned yesterday and announced an internal review into the bank’s “flawed” practices. Mr Cameron said the Serious Fraud Office were looking at whether criminal prosecutions could be brought.
He went on: “I want us to establish a full parliamentary committee of inquiry involving both Houses chaired by the Chairman of the House of Commons Treasury Select Committee. “This Inquiry will take evidence under oath, have full access to papers, officials and Ministers – including Ministers and special advisers from the last government – and it will be given, by the government, all the resources it needs to do its job properly.” Mr Cameron added: “This is the ■ OUT: Barclays chairman Marcus right approach because it will be able to Agius (left) is stepping down but chief start immediately it will be accountable executive Bob Diamond will stay on to this House and it will get to the truth quickly, so we can make sure this can scale of what is required.” TUC general secretary Brendan never happen again.” Labour leader Ed Miliband vowed to Barber said: “The Government’s continue pushing for a “full and open” reluctant conversion to a new parliaindependent inquiry, saying: “I’m not mentary inquiry into banking is a welconvinced by his way forward because I come recognition of public anger, but do not believe it measures up to the still falls short of a proper judge-led
Takeover battle looms for Goals GOALS Soccer Centres revealed a rival was considering making a bid for the five-a-side football pitch operator in a move that threatens to kick-off a takeover battle. Goals, which has 43 UK sites, has received an approach from Patron Capital Partners, which owns a controlling stake in rival Powerleague – although it added that there was no certainty an offer will be forthcoming. The move comes just weeks after an approach from the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, which is one of Canada’s biggest pension funds and owns National Lottery operator Camelot.
Shares in Goals rose by 7% yesterday – 9.5p higher at 136.5p – and are now more than 23% higher than when Ontario first expressed an interest amid hopes that both companies will make competing offers. The deadline for Ontario to make a bid, which has already been extended once, is next Monday. Powerleague has 45 floodlit five-a-side football centres, with 470 pitches used by more than 130,000 players each week. It has said it believes there is potential for more than 100 centres in the UK, with five-a-side participation having exceeded 11-a-side for the past two decades.
inquiry immune from the party politics and lobbying that surround any parliamentary process. “That is why we need Leveson to deal with media barons and something similar to deal with over-mighty bankers. “The inquiry should not be judged on the number of heads that roll but whether it leads to the root and branch reforms that the banks have successfully lobbied against for years. “The fact is banks stopped servicing the UK economy properly long before the crash. We need a banking sector that does far more of its core job –supporting consumers and businesses – and far less of the socially-useless financial wizardry that got us into this mess.” Announcing his resignation, Mr Agius, 65, who was chairman for six years, said he was “truly sorry” for the affair, which has “dealt a devastating blow to Barclays’ reputation”.
BA in Belfast connection BRITISH Airways has relaunched services between Northern Ireland and London Heathrow after an 11-year gap. BA took over the route from BMI following the acquisition of its competitor recently. The deal increased control of landing slots at Heathrow for BA’s owner the International Airline Group. The service between George Best Belfast City Airport and Heathrow is a staple for Northern Ireland business people and a hub for worldwide travellers. IAG chief executive Willie Walsh said: “I publicly committed to serving
Belfast if we acquired additional runway slots at Heathrow and the acquisition of BMI has given us the perfect opportunity to make that happen.” He said the airline recognised the importance of the Heathrow link to the Northern Ireland economy. “Belfast is now part of our global network so this is good news for the economy,” Mr Walsh added. “It will provide much needed access to key global markets, supporting more inward investment and jobs.” BA is maintaining the summer schedule of six daily return flights, but will increase frequency during its winter schedule from October.
Page 2 Firms to cut costs YORKSHIRE firms are almost twice as likely to encourage voluntary redundancies and outsource loss-making services during the next 12 months compared to two years ago, according to a report. The survey of more than 320 business bosses by national law firm Irwin Mitchell also found that 37% of companies had made compulsory redundancies in the last year while 58% also reported using a range of alternative cost-saving techniques. Seven out of 10 firms in the region said they were “less confident” or expect “no improvement” in the UK economy in 2012. Some 24% were under immediate pressure to reduce staffing numbers in the next year – with 13% “quite likely” or “very likely” to make compulsory redundancies. Among those businesses planning to reduce employee costs over the next 12 months, 56% said that they would introduce a voluntary redundancy programme. This compares to 32% of companies who did the same during the last two years. There was also a rise from 12% to 22% in the proportion of businesses preparing to outsource their loss-making services. Yorkshire firms were more likely than they were 12 months ago to axe benefits such as bonuses, freeze pay rises, cut director pay and benefits and reduce salaries over the coming year.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £37.45 +0.33 Gannett 936.22 -3.19 Hess Corp £27.44 -0.27 Microsoft 1931.66 -19.23 Motors Liquidation 47.83 Wal-Mart Stores £44.22 -0.24 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 298 -51/2 BAE Systems 2903/4 +21/8 Rolls-Royce 869 +11 AIM Brady Plc 841/2 +2 Dawson Intl 11/8 1 Man Brnze 30 /2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 1813/4 +11/8 BANKS Barclays 1683/8 +51/2 HSBC 5701/8 +9 Lloyds Banking Gp 311/2 +3/8 Ryl Scotland 219 +33/4 Stan Chart 1419 +341/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1658 +16 SABMiller £253/4 +1/4 CHEMICALS Croda £23 +3/8 Elementis 98 200 +11/2 1 Johnsn Mat £22 /8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 3005/8 +25/8
214 +1/4 ELECTRICITY Drax Gp 567 +61/2 Intl Power 4175/8 SSE 1401 +10 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 1913/4 +43/4 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3551/4 +3 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 2151/4 +37/8 Cable & Wireless 293/4 +1/8 Comm 7 Cable & Wireless 37 /8 Wwide Colt Group 125 +1/8 KCOM 715/8 +1/8 3 Talktalk Telecom 192 /8 +17/8 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 267 +7/8 Sainsbury 3041/2 +31/8 3 Tesco 314 /4 +45/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1288 +6 Tate Lyle 6471/2 Unilever £211/2 +1/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3195/8 +15/8 National Grid 681 +51/2 Pennon Grp 7681/2 +61/2 Severn 1662 +9 United Utils 6791/2 +41/2 Costain
GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 1971/2 +3/8 ICAP 3393/4 +21/4 London StockExch 1024 +20 Man Group 741/2 -13/4 Provident Financial 1234 +19 Schroders 1370 +34 Schroders NV 1095 +20 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 606 +16 REXAM 4235/8 +25/8 Smiths Grp 1018 +3 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 211/4 -1/2 Carphone Whse 142 -2 1 Dixons Retail 18 /8 -1/8 1 Home Retail 84 /2 -1/8 Inchcape 3431/2 +127/8 Kingfisher 289 +15/8 M&S 3277/8 +27/8 Mothercare 195 -31/4 Next £32 WH Smith 553 +81/2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 639 +11/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 67 -43/4 Barrat Dev 1445/8 +51/2 Persimmon 635 +26 Reckitt Benckiser £341/2 +3/4 Taylor Wimpey 50 +21/4 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 8411/2 +10
INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 2133/4 -13/8 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 203 -1 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 2823/4 +101/8 Lgl & Gen 1281/2 +11/4 Old Mutual 154 +25/8 Prudential 7511/2 +131/2 Resolution 198 +21/8 3 Standard Life 234 /8 +1 MEDIA BSkyB 6871/2 -9 D Mail Tst 431 +8 ITV 773/4 +11/4 Johnston Press 5 +1/8 Pearson 1262 -4 Reed Elsevier 516 +41/2 STV Group 91 -1 Trinity Mirror 26 -11/4 Utd Business 596 +111/2 UTV 1473/4 -21/4 WPP 796 +23 Yell Group 15/8 MINING Anglo American £211/8 +1/4 Antofagasta 1097 +9 BHP Billiton 1830 +24 Eurasian Natural 4255/8 +101/4 Res Fresnillo 1490 +33 Kazakhmys 730 +81/2 Lonmin 767 -71/2 Rio Tinto £305/8 +3/8
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
441 89 681 1563
-113/4 -1/2 +51/2 +33
closed at at FTSE closed
5640.64 Up 69.49 VEDANTA 906 -6 RESOURCES 7 +41/4 Xstrata 802 /8 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 4921/2 +1 Vodafone Group 1793/8 +1/8 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1169 -23 RSA Insurance Gp 1085/8 +1/2 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1323 +23 BP 4321/2 +101/2 Cairn Energy 2695/8 +43/4 Royal Dutch Shell A £215/8 +1/8 Royal Dutch Shell B £223/8 +1/8
Total £287/8 +3/8 Tullow Oil 1493 +23 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1026 +24 Petrofac 1437 +49 1 +16 Wood Gp(J) 701 /2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1336 +11 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £287/8 +1/4 GlaxoSmithK XD 25 Shire 1841 +9 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 519 +81/2 Captl Shop Cent 3211/4 -3/4 Hamrsn 450 +71/8 1 Land Secs 750 /2 +12 SEGRO 2183/4 +11/2 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 2253/4 +31/8 Logica 1057/8 -1/8 1 Sage Group 280 /4 +3 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 5021/2 +21/2 Bunzl 1055 +12 1 Capita 658 /2 +21/2 De La Rue 1021 +7 Electrocomp 2091/4 +41/4 Experian 916 +151/2 G4S 2833/4 +45/8 Hays 753/4 +2 5 Homeserve 153 /8 -23/8 1 Menzies J 608 /2 +81/2
Rentokil 741/8 Smiths News 951/4 Wolseley £237/8 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 511 Psion 871/4 Spirent Comms 1641/2 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £33 Imperial Tobacco £25 LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital 1093/4 Carnival £217/8 Compass Grp 670 easyJet 532 Enterprise Inns 621/4 FirstGroup 2331/2 Go-Ahead Gp 1235 Greene King 553 Intercontl Htls 1551 Intl Cons Airlines 1585/8 Gp Ladbrokes 1571/2 Mitchells & Butlers 2485/8 Natl Express 2141/8 Rank Org 1177/8 Stagecoach Group 2703/8 TUI Travel 1733/4 Whitbread £207/8 INDEX FTSE 100 5640.64 INDEX FTSE 250 11093.47
+5/8 -13/4 +1/8 +51/2 -1/4 +4 +5/8 +1/2 -1/4 +1 +1/2 -31/4 +91/4 +31 +21/2 +16 -7/8 +1/4 -15/8 -1/8 +7/8 +4 +41/4 +5/8 +69.49 +161.34
TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.45 dollars Bangladesh................. 120.76 taka Brazil.............................. 2.81 reals Canada....................... 1.52 dollars China ............................. 8.89 yuan Czech Republic ...... 29.09 korunas Denmark....................... 8.77 krone Euro............................... 1.18 euro Hong Kong................ 11.53 dollars Hungary................... 318.95 forints India.......................... 77.07 rupees Japan........................... 118.67 yen Mexico ....................... 18.54 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.82 dollars Norway ......................... 8.90 krone Pakistan.................. 139.45 rupees Philippines ................. 56.30 pesos South Africa.................. 11.96 rand South Korea.............. 1563.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 197.46 rupees Sweden....................... 10.38 krona Switzerland.................. 1.42 francs Taiwan ...................... 40.87 dollars Turkey....................... 2.68 new lira USA ............................ 1.50 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Mark covers all the angles SCOTSMAN Mark McGinley has travelled the world with his work in textiles. But now he’s happy to call Huddersfield home as he embarks on the latest phase of a varied career. Mark, 40, a keen Celtic supporter who grew up near Glasgow, has spent half his life in the textiles industry – much of that time as a consultant helping to set up and commission factories in the Far East. He embarked on his career armed with City & Guilds in textile techniques, materials and processes, woollen blending and spinning and loom mechanics. Mark has amassed a wealth of experience, having worked in China for several years, setting up and managing factories. He has also completed contracts for clients on Las Vegas Strip and elite hotel and casino chains worldwide. His business, MGL Textile Consultants Ltd, covers installing, servicing and maintaining machines, through to training textile engineers and improvement of quality control and management systems – all with the aim of improving efficiency, product quality and ultimately profit and turnover for his clients. Now he is using his knowledge and experience – along with his many contacts in the industry – to produce top quality rugs and carpet for the UK market with MGL Rugs & Flooring. Mark and his partner Deborah Tipple opened a showroom at Salendine Shopping Centre, Salendine Nook, a year ago to provide a shop window for the retail business, which supplies floor coverings for the retail trade and individuals. They include hand-crafted bespoke products ranging from colourful and quirky rugs for children’s bedrooms to carpeting featuring corporate logos. The showroom has benefited from being part of a vibrant
it is more than holding its own in the teeth of the double-dip recession. “The way the economy is at present, it has been hard work,” Mark admits. “March and April is traditionally quiet in the textile trade, but June has been much better. “We are trying to do things a bit differently to the ‘mass’ retail sector by stressing the bespoke service we offer. “We don’t stock mass-produced rugs and carpets. We try to source things that are just that little bit different and we hold a small amount of any one product so that people can get something more exclusive. They won’t buy a carpet from us and find their neighbour already has the same!” Mark says: “I have very good friendships with six or seven factories which are now key suppliers to the retail business.” Offering something different is the key for retailers in the current climate, says Mark. “The high street is saturated with same-again stores,” he says. “If you just come along and open a retail business that’s the
Page 3 Mark McGinley Role: Age: 40 Family: Partner Deborah and children Danny, 20, Jamie, 18, Josh, 14, and Connor, 12 Holidays: Visiting family ion Scotland. I see enough airports with my work Car: Renault Laguna First job: Delivering fruit and veg to make enough money to watch Celtic Best thing about job: Building a business and providing customers with the personal touch Worst thing about job: Lack of spare time Business tip: Look to provide something different.
same as everyone else’s it’s not going to happen.” While he continues to clock up the air miles, Mark sees the retail venture as the business he wants to develop – while gradually reducing his commitment to consultancy work overseas. “I have been in consultancy for more years than I care to remember,” he says. “I have been setting up factories all over the world.” Mark entered the textile industry straight from school – acquiring his qualifications and working for a carpet company in Scotland before moving to other manufacturers in Kidderminster and St Helen’s. He already knew the importance of hard work. “As a youngster I delivered fruit and veg to raise some money to watch Celtic,” he recalls. “They used to charge me adult prices because I looked grown-up!” Having gained a solid grounding in the industry, he decided to set up the consultancy to work for himself. Contracts included ones to set up operations in Belgium and supply Axminster looms to the Far East. “It was the engineering side of
■ FLOOR SHOW: Mark McGinley and Deborah Tipple, of MGL Rugs and Flooring, at Salendine Nook
the business that appealed to me as a young man,” says Mark. “But it was all about finding the right avenue. I didn’t want to be stuck in one place, which is why I moved to different companies. “In time, the option to work abroad came up. It was a matter of keeping myself in work or sitting at home!” Mark moved to West Yorkshire about five years ago – originally to fulfil some contracts for local companies – and decided to stay. “Huddersfield is like Scotland in that it has a great textile tradition,” he says. “It is also convenient to get to Manchester and Leeds-Bradford airports!” And he believes the UK textile industry is poised for resurgence. Companies used to move manufacturing offshore to take advantage of lower labour costs to make products more cheaply, says Mark. But as consumers in those markets become more affluent, firms are under more pressure to increase wages – meaning manufacturing in countries such as China will no longer provide the same competitive advantage. “The cost of manufacturing has doubled in some of these markets,” says Mark. “It is becoming viable to look at bringing manufacturing back here.” And he’s already doing his bit to back the UK industry. “We aim use more UK-manufactured products on the retail side of the business,” he says. “We have furnished one customer with a bespoke carpet that has been made by companies in Huddersfield, Bradford and Sunderland. I’m trying my best to make sure we use UK suppliers wherever possible. “My advice would be to keep things local as much as you can.”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
MGL Rugs & Flooring Work: Carpets and flooring specialist Site: Salendine Nook Phone: 01484 462744 Email: info@mgltextiles.co.uk Web:www.mgltextiles.co.uk
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Awards milestone AN award scheme celebrating the success of women in business has reached a milestone. The NatWest everywoman Awards – now in its 10th year – recognises the drive and tenacity needed for successful enterprise. The awards are supported by high-profile businesswomen including Karren Brady (pictured) Hilary Devey and Dame Mary Perkins and supported by government and big business alike. The awards are free to enter and nominations can be made by business owners or those connected to them by July 20, 2012. Categories include ones for the most inspiring woman running a business who is aged 25 or under, 26 to 35, 36 to 49 and 50 or over; the most successful female entrepreneur running a technology business; and a female entrepreneur who runs a rural business contributing to the local economy. Anne Mcpherson, managing director for diversity in business at NatWest, said: “We are delighted to support the NatWest everywoman awards for the 10th year running.” Nominations can be made online at www.everywoman.com/ ewawards until 20 July. The awards will be presented in December at The Dorchester in London.
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Hardly what you call child’s play! FINANCIAL FOCUS Karen Wynard
URRENTLY every family with children C aged under 16 (up to 18 if they are in full-time education) is eligible for Child Bene-
fit regardless of earnings. Families with one child receive £20.30 a week, with the rate being £13.40 a week for any other children. The original plan announced in 2011 was for child benefit to be withdrawn in full from all higher rate tax payers. Due to the criticism of this being unfair on single income families and introducing a benefit “cliff edge” for individuals with income just over the higher tax rate threshold, the rules were amended in the Budget. It’s estimated that these changes will see around 750,000 families keep some or all of their child benefit payments. Importantly, however, even if you are affected by the changes, there are potential planning opportunities available that could mean you retain some or all of the Child Benefit available. How will the new rules work? To put it simply, if both you and your partner’s individual adjusted net incomes are under £50,000 a year you will keep all of your child benefit entitlement. If either you or your partner’s income is over £60,000 you will lose child benefit in full. However, if you or your partner’s income is between £50,000 and £60,000 you will effectively lose 1% of your child benefit payments for every £100 your income is above the £50,000 threshold – so for example if you earn £55,000 you will lose 50% of your child benefit. Treasury Minister David Gauke admitted in a recent Parliamentary interview that, following the changes, a parent with one child earning £60,000 could effectively pay 53p in every pound they earned over £50,000. This would rise to an effective 73p for every pound if they had four children. What counts as income? Many commentators have “stated earnings” or “income”, but the correct basis is adjusted net income. Although the calculation has prescribed steps, broadly your adjusted net income is your gross taxable income (including earnings, interest and dividends) less specific deductions such as the gross amount of any pension contributions and gift aid payments. Will my Child Benefit payments stop? The government has announced it will write to all those set to be affected by the change in the autumn of 2012, with details of how much they’ll lose. However, the practicalities of how this will be administered mean that affected individuals will continue to receive the benefit in full even if their income is over £60,000 – the Government will then take the equivalent value back off the element you are not eligible for through an additional Income Tax charge. What if I’m separated from my partner? If your ex-partner earns over £50,000 but you receive child benefit for your children you will be permitted to keep the payments in full (providing you earn under the £50,000 threshold). Equally if you earn over £50,000 but have separated from a partner who claims child benefit for your children you will not have to pay the additional Income Tax charge. Can I decide to stop my child benefit payments? Yes you can, but you should still complete a child benefit application if you have any more children,
even if you don’t want to claim child benefit for them. This is because your child benefit entitlement affects whether you qualify for National Insurance credits and could affect whether you will be able to claim a full state pension. What if I or my partner earns over £50,000? Is there any way to avoid the Income Tax charge and keep child benefit payments? The key to this is your adjusted net income. All may not be lost as there are methods of reducing your adjusted net income through careful planning. Some of these are outlined below. Making additional contributions into any qualifying pension will reduce your “income” by the gross amount (i.e. the amount including the tax relief) Salary sacrifice is where you “give up” part of your employment income and the employer uses this money towards a qualifying expenditure i.e. pension contributions, child care vouchers or cycle to work scheme, to name a few. The additional benefit is that you will also save national insurance. The main downside though is that because your salary is effectively reduced this could affect the amount of mortgage you can obtain and it could also reduce your entitlement to certain benefits, such as a lump sum payable on death if this is expressed as a multiple of your salary. Income arising from tax-efficient investments, such as ISAs will not count towards the adjusted net income figure so there may be an advantage in sheltering capital within these types of products. Other investments, such as Investment Bonds are technically “non-income producing” assets so as long as any withdrawals you take fall within the (cumulative) 5% annual allowance these amounts will not count towards the adjusted net income calculation either. Of course, any investment carries risks and therefore seeking professional financial advice is absolutely essential. Transfer assets to a spouse/partner Moving income producing assets into your lower earning spouse or partner’s name can also be a way of reducing your ‘adjusted net income’ in order to reduce or eliminate any income tax charge. However, there could be costs (e.g. Capital Gains Tax or Income Tax charges) and you should consult us for advice before re-arranging ownership of any of your assets or investments. Whilst this article hopefully clarifies the recent changes, you need be aware that this is an overview of some of the considerations and further discussion with an appropriate expert is highly recommended to ensure any action you take is pertinent to your personal circumstances. So, should you require assistance please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help. Levels and bases of and reliefs from taxation are subject to change and their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and is not guaranteed. You may not get back the amount originally invested.
Karen Wynard is head of corporate services at Eastwood & Partners (Financial Services) Ltd
■ JOB DONE: Nicky Knutton (left with Mick White at Polyseam
Sealant firm’s latest recruit
A JOBLESS Huddersfield man who has lost count of the numbe of jobs he applied for over the past two years is finally in employment. Nicky Knutton, 23, of Highfields, has begun work as a board sprayer with sealants and fillers manufacturer Polyseam, of Silve Street, Aspley. His success came with the support of Ingeus, which deliver the government’s Work Programme in West Yorkshire and provides a range of specialist employment services to long-term unemployed people Said Nicky: “Sending off application forms and speculative letters was a full time job in itself, but without any reward. The majority of companies I contacted never responded which was very disheartening. “However, my luck changed with Ingeus. My employment adviser helped me to develop my CV and rebuild my confidence and gave me loads of hints and tips to use at job interviews. They then encouraged me to apply for this job.” Nicky was appointed with support from the Government’s Youth Contract, which is part of the Work Programme and incentivises employers to offer job opportunities to people aged between 18 and 24. Polyseam’s production manager Mick White said: “Nicky works hard and really wants to learn new skills. He’s reliable, punctua and gets on with his job, which i all we ever want from our employees.” Company secretary Denis Gallivan said: “Before partnering with Ingeus, we had to work our way through dozens of application forms for each job w advertised. “For small businesses like ours that takes up a lot of time that we can’t dedicate to production. Ingeus takes away that strain on our resources by doing all that for us and only putting forward candidates that are most suitabl for the roles we have. “It’s a free service and it means that we can get on with our job.” “Having a job is so important,” said Nicky. “The last two years have been such a waste of time when all I wanted was a reason t get up each day, to earn a wage, and somehow to make a difference.”
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Burning issue for the taxman TAX TALK Colin Barratt
ITH the Olympic torch having W recently passed through our region, the issue of tax would not
appear to be of immediate relevance. However, as some of these torches are being offered for sale on e-Bay with bids mounting to tens of thousands of pounds, I thought I would look at the tax implications of e-marketplace trading. Just selling some personal belongings such as unwanted books, CDs, toys, household items or the odd Olympic torch would not be regarded as carrying on a trade. Consequently, the sums received from such sales would not be liable to income tax and as long as the proceeds from the sale of each item or collection of items did not exceed £6,000 there will be no Capital Gains Tax (CGT) implications either. If an item is sold for more than £6,000 then CGT may be due depending on whether you have other gains in the tax year. Tax is charged on gains at either 18% or 28% depending on whether an individual’s income and gains fall wholly within or beyond the basic rate band. There is no exemption from CGT if an individual donates all or part of the sale proceeds to charity, although higher rate tax payers may be able to mitigate their tax bill through the Gift Aid scheme. No charge to CGT would arise if personal possessions or an Olympic torch are given to charity for them to keep or sell. So, when does this kind of activity amount to a trade? Commonly, a trade
would exist where an individual undertakes their activity with the intention of making a profit, where goods are either bought or made and then sold on a regular basis. For instance, where an individual who makes greetings cards and occasionally sells them to work colleagues and friends for an amount to cover cost and sometimes at a loss, their activity would normally be treated as a hobby rather than a trade. But if sales were made on a regular basis for profit and the money was used to buy further supplies for re-sale a trade is being undertaken. In such circumstances, an individual would be treated as self-employed and any profits made would then be liable to income tax and national insurance contributions. If the turnover from this activity in a 12 month period was sufficiently high then the individual may also need to register for VAT. The current VAT registration annual threshold is £77,000. From the date trading starts you have three months to notify HM Revenue & Customs that you are trading and for income tax and CGT purposes, you have until October 5 following the end of the tax year to tell HMRC that you are liable to tax. For a trade starting in 2011/12, the deadline is October 5, 2012. With the Revenue trawling the internet to catch those with untaxed profits from e-trading and the sale of Olympic torches, financial penalties for failure to disclose such profits could become a burning issue.
Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth chartered accountants, Huddersfield
It’s all in
the family A GROUP of businessmen have raised more than £8,000 by taking part in Huddersfield Town’s Pedal 4 Pounds bike ride at the end of last season. The cash will benefit the football club’s youth academy and the Elland-based Yorkshire Air Ambulance. The participants have also donated their free season ticket allocation to Hollybank School at Mirfield and the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice at Bradley. Glenn and Curtis Paxman, of Fenay Bridge-based companies Brewfitt and Paxman Coolers, used a company trailer to support the riders and Curtis decided to
raise additional money for local charities by asking local companies to sponsor the vehicle and trailer. The trailer was designed and supported by Birstall-based Fantastic Media while CV Graphics, also of Fenay Bridge, provided all the livery and application for the support vehicle. Sponsorship was also provided by Mark Ronan, of Mirfield-based Ronan Developments, and a number of his business contacts, which resulted in more than 20 firms backing the event..
local Page 5 Pressure point for banks SMALL firms in Kirklees should not take no for an answer on bank lending, said a local expert. Nick Brook, of TaxAssist Accountants in Lockwood, spoke out after figures from the Federation of Small Business showed that the big banks are squeezing small firms’ credit further – with four in 10 small firms being refused credit. The FSB found that confidence among small businesses has dipped in the second quarter, but that 50% of respondents still plan to grow their businesses over the coming 12 months. Mr Brook said: “Sole traders and small companies in Kirklees are among the victims of the £1bn shortfall in bank
lending to small businesses, but for many the door to vital funding to help secure future growth could be opened by following some simple ground rules. “If they have a strong business case, they should not take no for an answer. “It is often not what you ask for but how you ask for it that counts and banks must, of course, be confident they will be able to get their money back. “There is a great deal that business owners can do to present a strong case and swing the lending decision in their favour.” Mr Brook said: “Banks will expect to take some form of security and see at least 30% of your own cash injected into the proposal. If you do not have security
available, enquire about the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme. “Show that the borrowing requested will be paid back and that it’s enough to run the business and fund the owner’s living costs. “Work with your advisers to produce a clear business plan and cashflow forecast backed up by reliable evidence and a good track record. “Never under or over borrow. “Under borrowers could be forced to go back to the bank within a year, cap in hand. Over borrowers pay more in interest than they need to. “Keep in touch with your bank and provide them with up to date information including good news and bad news.”
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Property auction proves a success A PROPERTY auction has realised almost £8m. Eddisons reported that 99 of the 135 lots on offer at its two-day sale in Leeds and Manchester found buyers. That represents 73% of the lots on offer. Tony Webber, of Eddisons, said: “This was an excellent performance with investors responding positively to the realistic guide prices and in many cases bidding on multiple lots. “Buyers were out in force, which clearly demonstrated that property remains preferable to more traditional forms of investment.” The highlights was a fishing lake and woodland extending to nearly six acres in Horbury, Wakefield, which sold for £48,500. The site off Charles Street was offered at a guide price of just £10,000 plus and had been previously marketed for sale by private treaty at £35,000. Residential stock included a vacant property in Cowersley. The two-bedroom back-to-back terrace house on Manchester Road sold for £44,500, in line with the guide price.
Healthy move A SPORTS complex is set to get improved gym facilities following a new partnership between Huddersfield Town and leading fitness equipment brand Life Fitness. Cambridgeshire-based Life Fitness, which supplies both commercial and domestic gym equipment worldwide has joined Town as a new business partner. Part of the new deal will see Life Fitness supply the club’s Canalside complex with new gym equipment, including seven treadmills, 10 bikes, five cross trainers, three rowing machines and a pulley resistance machine. Dave Pullen, of Life Fitness UK, said: “Life Fitness is delighted to be working in partnership with Huddersfield Town and to be installing the fitness equipment at their newly refurbished fitness suite.”
property
Page 6
High rents pose risk to retailers RETAILERS facing huge rent payments for their properties must adapt their businesses “to stay in the game”. That was the message from Chris Wood, Yorkshire committee member for insolvency trade body R 3 a n d p a r t n e r at C l e c kheaton-based Clough Corporate Solutions. Store bosses face a hefty bill with the latest deadline for quarterly rent payments, where three months’ rent is paid in advance for commercial properties. It comes at a time when insolvency on British high streets has already seen more than 21,000 jobs lost since the start of last year – due to difficult economic conditions and the rise of internet sales. Research by R3 suggests that 26% of retail businesses are currently in the “caution” or “high risk” band, in terms of likelihood of company failure in the coming 12 months. Mr Wood said: “Quarter day
■ CHALLENGE: Chris Wood, Yorkshire vice-chairman of R3
will always present a challenge to struggling retailers. Some of their leases were agreed during the good times and will have many years to run at very high rents.
“Negotiating with landlords is key to staving off insolvency, although of course directors must take care to avoid wrongful trading with regard to all of their creditors. “More businesses are attempting to pay rent on a monthly basis or even negotiating turnover linked rents to help them manage their cash flow more effectively. This is more likely to apply to newer leases, however.” Said Mr Wood: “The internet is cannibalising ‘bricks and mortar’ retail. “Retailers need to adapt their business to stay in the game as we have seen a 12% drop in footfall on the high street in the year to April – but this is doubly challenging when faced with too many underperforming stores held on long and inflexible leases. “We are also calling for greater clarity surrounding the issue of rent due in the event of an insolvency and whether it counts as an expense of the administration and over what period.
“Currently, advance payment for a quarter’s rent is required despite actual usage – an administrator might only be using the premises for a short period of time, but be liable for a full quarter’s rent. “Until recently the law allowed an administrator to pay on a daily usage basis for premise occupancy, this was changed by the ruling in the Goldacre case. “The net effect of this rule means it is often harder to trade a business during an administration. “More businesses that are failing could be saved if the Government codifies what constitutes an administration expense, therefore alleviating any uncertainty. “This current situation is clearly not ideal during the current difficult economic conditions as a business sold as a going concern by an administrator will almost invariably recover more for creditors and save more jobs.”
Action to boost arcade BUSINESS owners in a historic shopping arcade are reaping the benefits of their hard work. Shopkeepers at Huddersfield’s Byram Arcade are attracting more people to the Victorian building after taking steps to make the venue more appealing. From giant adverts in empty shop windows to live music every Saturday, businesses have been using their creative talents to show-off what the arcade has to offer. Sharon Jewitt, owner of Cook and Bakeware, said: “As business people, we all know that there’s little point in sitting back and waiting for people to visit – we are always looking for new ways to promote ourselves and the arcade. “The building is full of unique businesses which all offer something different, but we share the same common love for the arcade and a passion to see it thrive. “This year we’ve been working closely with Kirklees Council on a number of projects and it’s amazing to see the impact it’s having – the fresh lick of paint alone has attracted new visitors into the arcade, never mind the three-metre tall advert on Upperhead Row!” Providing the perfect backdrop to the arcade’s unique style, local musicians perform live every Saturday and regular gallery, music and comedy events are organised by businesses, too. The arcade’s next big event will be a Vintage Fair during Huddersfield Food and Drink Festival, followed closely by a brand new event, Taste of Byram, on September 22. Plans are already taking shape for this year’s Festival of Light which – following the success of last year’s Urban Angels performances – will feature performances in the arcade. Kirklees Council leader Clr Mehboob Khan,
■ MUSIC SHOP: Mumford and Sons band members (from left) Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford, Ted Dwane and Winston Marshall enjoyed shopping in Byram Arcade said: “There’s a fantastic entrepreneurial spirit in Byram Arcade and when I talked to business owners they shared their ideas with me for raising its profile and driving footfall. The council is fully supportive of what they are doing and I’m really pleased to see them working together and with us to make things happen. “Huddersfield is lucky to have such a hive of independent businesses which set us apart from other towns and areas and it’s important
that we keep this growing and developing.” The arcade’s hard work to date paid off a few weeks ago when they gained some famous fans in the form of Mumford and Sons. The band, who performed in Greenhead Park, took time out to go shopping in the arcade during a pre-concert visit and also made sure their fans visited Huddersfield’s “hidden gem” by promoting it on their website.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS AUCTION – Thursday 19 July 2012 7pm
At The Cedar Court Hotel, Lindley Moor Road, Ainley Top, Huddersfield, HD3 3RH
LOT 1 76 Ashbrow Road
Sheepridge, Huddersfield, HD2 1DF
Stone built cottage requiring full modernisation in popular residential location. Elevated position with superb views. Gardens to front and rear.
Guide Price: In Excess of £35,000
LOT 2 58 Market Street
Milnsbridge, Huddersfield, HD3 4HT
Prominent commercial property in centre of Milnsbridge. Suitable for a variety of uses subject to planning permission. Refurbishment/conversion opportunity with good investment potential.
Guide Price: In Excess of £35,000
■ CAR POOL: Drain Doctor Plumbing has warned firms to be prepared in case of more summer flooding
Flooding alert for local firms KIRKLEES businesses could face serious disruption and may lose customers if they don’t take steps to prevent flooding of their properties this summer, claims the UK’s largest emergency plumbing and drainage company. After last month’s deluge, Drain Doctor Plumbing is urging businesses in the district to make sure their drains are free of blockages from such things as fallen leaves to reduce the potential risk of flooding when the next heavy rains fall.. Drain Doctor Plumbing chairman Freddie Mitman said: “Many people think flooding is something that won’t happen to them, but the risk is there. Being unprepared simply means the chance of an incident increases. “Although insurance policies can cover damage to property, damage to businesses in terms of lost working hours and even lost clients is often not covered. “This is why it is vitally important for
businesses to take the time now to make sure their drains are clear of any blockages and are in good working order.” Said Mr Mitman: “According to the Environment Agency, over 5m people in England and Wales live in properties that are risk of flooding from rivers or the sea. “Add to this the risk of surface water, sewer and groundwater flooding and the potential for disruption becomes massive in periods of severe wet weather such as we are experiencing at the moment. “The Association of British Insurers predicts that coastal floods and storm damage will increase significantly over the next 50 years. Inland, more frequent heavy rainstorms and increased seasonal rainfall could result in more flooding from rivers. “This spells trouble for businesses across the country which aren’t adequately prepared for the damage flooding can do.”
Site manager lands prestigious award A SITE manager working on a Holme Valley construction project has won a prestigious award. Dave Norris, of Ben Bailey Homes is a winner in the first round of judging for the annual National House-Building Council Pride in the Job Awards. He is now shortlisted for a regional title for his Woodland Place development at Huddersfield Road, Thongsbridge. Pride in the Job recognises outstanding quality in house-building throughout the UK, rewarding the best site managers, who are responsible for managing the construction of new homes from start to finish and have a unique influence on the overall quality of the finished
product. Shortlisted for a first-round Quality Award from more than 13,000 site managers across the UK, Dave joins a select group of just under 450 who have excelled in 12 months of rigorous judging. All aspects of the homes they built are assessed against stringent criteria defined by NHBC. Isabel Hudson, executive chairman of NHBC, the UK’s leading standards setting and consumer warranty body for new UK homes, said: “For over 30 years, Pride in the Job has been one of the cornerstones of NHBC’s work to improve housing standards for the benefit of home-owners. It has been extremely successful over the
years in promoting and encouraging best practice on site. “I congratulate Dave on his win. Anyone gaining an award against such strong competition can be very proud of their achievement and the homes they have built should be among the best homes in the UK. I wish all the shortlisted winners the best of luck for the regional finals.” Regional winners will be announced at award ceremonies in the autumn, with successful individuals then progressing to the grand gala final in January in London – where they hope to be crowned as one of the best house-building site managers in the UK.
LOT 3 42 Manchester Road Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, HD7 5JA
Detached character dwelling in need of modernisation. Semi rural location with excellent views. Suitable for owner occupation/rental purposes.
Guide Price: In Excess of £95,000
LOT 4 25-29 Market Street
Huddersfield, HD1 2HL
Substantial town centre commercial property/site opposite Sainsbury’s. Exciting development/conversion opportunity.
Guide Price: In Excess of £95,000
LOT 5 Former Honley Council Offices Eastgate, Honley, HD6 6PA
Prominent landmark building with waterside frontage. Situated close to village centre, offering extensive accommodation on three levels. Planning application submitted for residential conversion.
Guide Price: In Excess of £125,000
LOT 6 Moorlands
Moorlands Road, Marsh, Huddersfield, HD3 3UH
Modern detached three bedroom house in pleasant residential location with good sized gardens, in need of some refurbishment.
Guide Price: In Excess of £100,000
LOT 7 31 Market Street Heckmondwike, WF16 0EU
Substantial town centre retail/office building with secure yard. Upper parts suitable for residential subject to planning permission.
Guide Price: In Excess of £45,000
LOT 8 Dean Bottom Works Storthes Hall, Huddersfield, HD8 0PP
Range of industrial buildings 781m2 (8,406 sq ft) and land 0.34 Ha (0.84 Acres). Good investment/development opportunity.
Guide Price: In Excess of £180,000
LOT 9 28 Waterhouse Street
Halifax, HX1 1UQ
Town Centre Shop requiring full renovation with residential potential on upper floors. Close to Yorkshire Bank and Broad Street Plaza.
Guide Price: In Excess of £50,000
LOT 10 11a The Hough
Stump Cross, Halifax, HX3 7AP
4 bedroom secluded detatched property with stunning views over Shibden Valley and park. 3 Reception rooms, double garage.
Guide Price: In Excess of £160,000
LOT 11 Town Hall Hotel
52 Huddersfield Road, Elland, HX5 9AH
Former public house, 213m2 (2293 sq ft), located close to Co-op supermarket, Berties Banqueting Rooms and La Cachette. Planning consent for extension and change of use to C1 hotel and B1 office.
Guide Price: £105,000 – £115,000
LOT 12 Clough Ing Barn
Lumb Lane, Almondbury, Huddersfield, HD4 6SZ
Lofty barn (150m2) with stable block, ripe for residential conversion. Stunning rural location with panoramic views.
Guide Price: £175,000 – £225,000
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Movers and shakers
Page 8
Stafflex joining list of winners
Lucy Hodgson & Ian Sheppard
Eastwood & Partners INSURANCE brokers Eastwood & Partners have appointed Lucy Hodgson and Ian Sheppard (pictured above) to the board. Ms Hodgson, an insurance broker, has worked for the Huddersfield-based company since 2006. Mr Sheppard is currently group managing director at the Westin Group of Companies, also based in Huddersfield. Mr Sheppard said: “Having been an extremely satisfied client of Eastwood and Partners for many years, I feel I am in a position to highlight and build upon the strengths of the service offered from a client’s perspective, whilst looking to build and improve centralised support services. “I am greatly looking forward to working with the team.” John Eastwood, managing director of Eastwood and Partners, said: “Lucy has fully earned her promotion to the board, combining her dedicated approach to offering her clients the best possible service with her group HR responsibilities. “Ian has been appointed to add further diversity and assist with financial and commercial aspects in the business.” Eastwood & Partners have more than 90 staff based in Huddersfield, Halifax and Sheffield providing insurance broking, risk management and financial services. The new positions are subject to regulatory approval.
A RECRUITMENT company in Huddersfield has won a monthly business award. Stafflex Ltd, based at Chapel Hill, was judged winner of the Eaton Smith Business of the Month Award for its record of growth since being formed by managing director Brian Stahelin 12 years ago and for its contributions to the local community. The company started from a small office in Aspley, offering temporary labour to local industrial companies. During 2002, Paul Balderstone joined Stafflex and his experience in education resulted in the business setting up an education division to provide teachers and support staff to local schools. Hard work and attention to providing excellent customer service helped Stafflex prosper and expand into engineering and – more recently – commercial recruitment. The business has grown steadily from two to 12 employees, including one apprentice, with turnover increasing steadily year-on-year. The business has demonstrated its growth plans with its move from Aspley to new and larger premises at Chapel Hill. The judging panel felt that Stafflex should be commended for the way that they have grown the business over the years – particularly through these challenging times – and also for the contribution that the firm makes to the local community, including being a sponsor of Huddersfield Town, an active members of several Hud-
■ STAFF MEETING: Steven Pollitt (centre) presents the award to Stafflex managing director Brian Stahelin (fourth right) with Stafflex colleagues Maggie Netherwood (third right), Paul Balderstone (second right) and Rachel Randall (right) watched by (from left) Steven Leigh, of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; and Sharon Archer and Mark Johnston, both of Handelsbanken
dersfield marketing groups and supporting local schools and charities. Mr Balderstone, a director of the company, said: “We are all delighted to receive this award and feel it reinforces our resolve to do business the ‘Stafflex Way’.”
Olympic treat for staff
Fiona Rae
Clough Corporate Solutions INSOLVENCY firm Clough Corporate Solutions has expanded into Manchester with the opening of a new city centre office. The firm is part of chartered accountancy firm Clough & Company, which was established in 1953 and employs a team of 88 across offices at Cleckheaton and Keighley. Fiona Rae (pictured) has been appointed as a partner to head up the new office, which offers a full range of corporate and personal insolvency services including administration, liquidation, company voluntary arrangements, bankruptcy and individual voluntary arrangements. In addition the practice specialises in guiding businesses through all types of financing paths. Ms Rae brings 20 years of experience to the role and previously worked at FRP Advisory in Manchester.
■ GOLD SERVICE: MP Mike Wood (left) with (from left) Ferno directors Jon Ellis, Alan Clarke, Margaret Merkle, Simon Shepherd and paralympian Paul Cartwright A CLECKHEATON company celebrated the arrival of the Olympic torch in Batley by shutting up shop for the morning and letting its 80 employees watch the celebrations. Afterwards, Ferno, which supplies emergency patient handling equipment for the health sector, marked the occasion with a barbecue cooked by the firm’s senior management team and attended by guest of honour Paralympian Paul Cartwright and Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood. Ferno managing director Jon Ellis said: “It’s not every day the Olympic torch comes through West Yorkshire and we thought it
would be a good idea to give colleagues the day off to watch the procession and show our support for Team GB.” Paul is a former British champion in wheelchair racing at 100, 200 and 400 metres and competed for Great Britain at the Paralympic games in 1984. More recently, he swapped disciplines and has taken up power lifting. Ferno formed 40 years ago, is a global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of emergency patient-handling equipment and mortuary products. It exports to more than 95 countries worldwide.
The awards are run by Eaton Smith in association with Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and UKTI. They are open to firms in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. Contact Ian Greenwood 01484 821389.
Driving ambition A FIRM selling sports and prestige cars has signed up an official partner with Huddersfield Town. Lewis James has been involved with the club over the past few seasons and has gone as far as putting a £20,000-plus Porsche up for grabs during a half-time challenge back in 2010. Sadly, none of the participating fans were successful and Lewis James kept the keys to the car. More recently, the company helped Town promote its play-off semi-final clash against MK Dons by lending a car featuring decaled
advertising for the game. As official partners the Lewis James brand will be featured more prominently around the Galpharm Stadium on a match day next season. The Huddersfield-based company has chosen to sponsor the home and away dressing rooms as well as a hospitality suite inside the stadium. Nigel Ham, co-owner of Lewis James, said: “It gives us great pleasure to be associated with an up and coming football club that shares the same desires and passion to succeed that we do in our business.”
Get that Friday feeling! HUDDERSFIELD town centre businesses have been invited to wind-down for the weekend. The latest get-together of the First Friday Club will be held from 12.30pm to 1.30pm on Friday, July 6, at The Vox Bar, Wood Street. The event – run by accountancy firm Revell Ward and billed as “just a quick drink with friends on a Friday” – offers the chance for business people to network in a relaxed and informal way. Email firstfriday@revellward.co.uk