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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
They’re the best for manufacturing
A CONTRACT and transport fabric firm based in Kirklees has won an award recognising Yorkshire’s star manufacturers. Camira, which has manufacturing operations at Meltham and offices at Mirfield, took the honours in the large manufacturer category of the Made in Yorkshire Awards at a ceremony at the Royal Armouries in Leeds. Camira was deemed to be the most impressive manufacturer in terms of sales growth, market leadership and overall value to the Yorkshire and Humber economy during the 12 months to July, 2013. The company sells about 7m metres of fabric a year to customers in 65 countries and has a turnover of £55m. High profile contracts secured during the award period included supplying 24,000 metres of fabric for 600 new Routemaster buses, supplying fabric for 13,500 seats at the Leeds Arena and securing the contract to supply Marks & Spencers with an innovative wool flax fabric for its new Plan A sofa. I n Ap r i l , C a m i r a a c q u i r e d Birkby-based wool yarn spinner Stork Brothers to protect its supply
■ COUNTY CHAMPIONS: Camira Fabrics director Andrew Schofield with the Made In Yorkshire Award
chain and strengthen its capability from yarn to finished fabric. Camira chairman and chief executive Steve Bullas said: “We are thrilled to be recognised for our achievements as a fabric manufacturer in the textile heartland of Yorkshire.
“We now employ more than 600 people and over the last four years have consolidated our position as Europe’s leading contract fabric supplier. “We see significant growth potential for international markets and
have recently opened showrooms in London and Shanghai with exciting plans for 2014 and beyond.” As a regional winner, Camira now goes forward to the Made in the UK competition in the awards run by Insider Media. The national contest will be held next July in Liverpool during the International Festival for Business. Camira designs and manufactures innovative and environmentally sensitive fabrics for commercial offices, hospitality, government, institutional interiors, healthcare, cinemas and auditoria as well as buses, railways and tube trains. The firm has manufacturing facilities at Meltham and Nottingham as well as Lithuania. The company was founded in 1974 as Camborne Fabrics and became Camira following a management buy-out in 2006, which took it back into independent ownership. Camira landed the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in Innovation in 2005 and for Sustainable Development in 2010 and has gained recognised accreditations for quality, environmental management and health and safety.
R&D investment helps firm’s seating plan A KIRKLEES firm has spelt out how investment in lean manufacturing and research and development has helped boost its market share. Specialist furniture manufacturer Shackletons welcomed Dewsbury MP Simon Reevell to its headquarters at Weaving Lane, Dewsbury, to show how the company is forging ahead in meeting the needs of the care sector. The Conservative MP was given a tour of the site by operations manager Michael Bentley where he found out about the company’s innovations in production line management and product design. He also had opportunity to speak to some of its skilled and experienced furniture craftsmen. Mr Reevell said: “I very much enjoyed my visit to the Shackletons factory. It was so interesting to see a company like Shackletons, well-known for its long-standing reputation for traditional furniture-making and values, meeting the challenges of business in the 21st
century. “I was particularly impressed by how the skilled workforce has adapted to modern production techniques. The current expansion is a great success story, not only for the company itself, but also for the regional economy and the local population from which it recruits its workforce.” Shackletons managing director Martyn Higgins said: “We were very eager to demonstrate to Mr Reevell how our company is setting a national standard. It was a huge compliment when he likened our operations to those of Nissan and serves to confirm our belief that lean manufacturing should play a key role in a business like ours.” Shackletons have been in business for more than 50 years and is a leading provider of specialist furniture. The firm employs 70 people at its manufacturing and operations site ■ COMFORT STATION: MP Simon Reevell (right) with in Dewsbury and its retail site at Bradford (from left) employee Mick Murphy and operations director Road, Batley. Michael Bentley
INSIDE Exporting potential KIRKLEES firms were among more than 150 businesses to join the We are International export network campaign spearheaded by the Leeds City Region. The firms come from local authority areas making up the Leeds City Region. Together, the local councils aim to earn an additional £1.6bn in exports in the next five years and create thousands of jobs. Potential new exporters to get involved include Dewsbury’s Eye Pharmacy, which is exploring selling pharmaceuticals overseas.
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They’re promoted A FIRM supplying promotional merchandise and clothing has plenty to shout about. Cleckheaton-based LSi Ltd is the latest winner of the Business of the Month Award run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith in conjunction with the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and government export support arm UK Trade & Investment.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Tesco boss set to feel the pressure By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
TESCO boss Philip Clarke’s turnaround plans will be under fresh scrutiny tomorrow when the supermarket is expected to reveal a fall in UK sales. Analysts are predicting like-for-like sales to have dropped by around 1.5% in its third quarter, marking a setback for the group after it managed to halt declines in the previous three months, when sales remained flat. Its own brokers, Deutsche Bank, have raised the alarm over recent trading and cut forecasts for annual underlying earnings.
Mr Clarke will face tough questions over his £1 billion plan to reinvigorate trading as the group enters its peak Christmas trading period. S o m e m a j o r i nv e s t o r s h a v e already reportedly raised concerns over the chain’s m a n a g ement team following a dire set of first half figures. Tesco’s interim profits tumbled by almost a quarter to £1.39 billion after
underlying sales declines in the UK and every one of its overseas markets. The group insisted its turnaround efforts were paying off with an i m p rove d p e r f o r mance in the UK, where trading profits rose 1.5% to £1.13 billion in the six months to August 24. But the focus fell on steep profit declines at its European and Asian businesses - once the driving force behind the group.
Signs of a relapse in the UK will add to its woes. Deutsche Bank is pencilling in a 1.5% fall in UK sales and now believes group underlying earnings over the current financial year will fall 3% to £3.35 million. Shore Capital is also estimating a decline of between 1% to 2% in what they predict will be a “subdued” update. But they said all of the “big four” chains have been squeezed in recent weeks by a shift among shoppers from middle-market retailers to discounters such as Aldi and Lidl, as well as premium players Marks & Spencer and Waitrose.
The bank that talks back to us Concerns over funding THE talking cash machine is on its way. Lloyds Banking Group has this week introduced Talking ATMs across Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to make it easier for blind and partially sighted customers to withdraw cash and check balances. The group has worked closely with the Royal National Institute of Blind People to ensure that the machines serve the needs of those who are visually impaired. Lloyds Banking Group will have a total of nearing 1,300 Talking ATMs working across the UK by the end of 2013.
Talking ATMs are quick and easy to use; cash machines with an audio jack socket and a volume control button can ‘talk’ to customers, providing audio instructions to help them complete their transactions. Graeme Whippy, Senior Disability Manager at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Lloyds is proud to offer Talking ATMs to customers who need this type of assistance, as we aim to be as accessible as we can possibly be. “We’ve worked closely with the Royal National Institute of Blind People to ensure that we get our Talking ATMs right”.
OVER half of firms in Yorkshire plan to seek funding for business growth during the next 12 months. But a new survey shows that of that number, 63% are concerned that their request for bank lending will be turned down. According to results of the latest Close Brothers Business Barometer, the quarterly survey, which canvasses the opinion of SME owners from a variety of sectors across the UK, further revealed that many UK business owners are unsure as to how to fund plans for growth. Four in ten business owners sur-
veyed in the region admit their knowledge of funding sources other than the conventional could be better, whilst a further 17% are completely unaware of any alternatives to bank lending. Survey spokesman Mike Randall said: “It is encouraging to see that so many firms in Yorkshire have plans to invest in their business, but to make these plans a reality firms need to have the necessary working capital required for growth. Our findings would seem to suggest that firms are not being pro-active enough in seeking alternative sources”.
Page 2 200 jobs ‘to be cut’ UP TO 200 workers at the Grangemouth petrochemical and oil refinery site are set to lose their jobs under cost-cutting moves, a union has claimed. Unite said five plants at the huge site in Scotland will close, while shift payments will be cut by £2,500 a year and new employees will receive lower wages. Owners Ineos threatened to close the petrochemical site in October with the loss of over 800 jobs unless workers accepted changes to pay, pensions and terms and conditions. Unite said: “It’s a bleak Christmas.”
Society’s awards LEEDS Building Society has completed a hat-trick of prestigious awards. The Society received the ‘Innovation Award for Lenders,’ and was named ‘Best Intermediary Lender’ at the Mortgage Finance Gazette (MFG) Awards. This was followed by the mutual winning the flagship award of ‘Best All Round Mortgage Provider’ at the 2013/2014 Personal Finance Awards. Spokesman Emma Bretton said: “This is a great accolade for the Society”.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £52.76 +0.33 Gannett 1635.10 -18.32 Hess Corp £49.71 +0.14 Microsoft £23.57 +0.27 Motors Liquidation 45.83 Wal-Mart Stores £49.37 -0.13 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE 1 Avon Rbbr 572 /2 -83/4 BAE Systems 424 -33/8 Rolls-Royce 1214 -21 AIM Brady Plc 74 +3/4 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 3751/2 -35/8 BANKS Barclays 2701/4 -11/2 HSBC 6771/4 -45/8 Lloyds Banking Gp 785/8 +11/8 3 Ryl Scotland 331 /8 +41/4 Stan Chart 1438 -101/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1926 -20 -3/8 SABMiller £311/8 CHEMICALS Croda £231/2 +1/4 Elementis 98 2581/2 -1 5 Johnsn Mat £31 /8 -1/8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2627/8 -45/8 Costain 290 -33/4 ELECTRICITY Drax Gp 691 -1/2
SSE 1320 -7 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 2517/8 -95/8 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 4433/4 -23/4 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 3671/4 -51/2 Cable & Wireless 473/8 -1/4 Comm Colt Group 1251/4 -13/4 KCOM 981/4 -7/8 3 Talktalk Telecom 266 /8 -55/8 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2591/2 -6 -105/8 Sainsbury 3963/4 7 Tesco 340 /8 -7 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food £23 Tate Lyle 780 -5 Unilever £241/4 -3/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3377/8 -3/8 National Grid 7711/2 -31/2 Pennon Grp 6391/2 -51/2 Severn 1744 -22 1 United Utils 650 /2 -8 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 3683/4 -11/4 ICAP 413 -11/8 London StockExch 1612 -15 Man Group 87 -13/4 Provident Financial 1595 -4 Schroders £243/8 -1/4 Schroders NV 1958 +1
GENERAL INDUSTRIALS REXAM 499 -5/8 Smiths Grp 1360 -14 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 271/4 Carphone Whse 2831/2 +11/2 Dixons Retail 511/2 Home Retail 1897/8 -1 -41/2 Inchcape 5901/2 5 Kingfisher 369 /8 -61/4 M&S 4801/8 -67/8 1 Mothercare 384 /4 +4 Next £54 -1 WH Smith 9491/2 +21/2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 813 -21/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 1491/2 +33/8 Barrat Dev 3293/4 +5/8 Persimmon 1158 -2 -1/4 Reckitt Benckiser £483/4 Taylor Wimpey 1061/8 -1/4 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 1463 -5 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 1733/4 -7 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 327 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 4261/4 -31/8 Lgl & Gen 2105/8 -31/4 Old Mutual 1961/4 -27/8 Prudential 1291 -16 1 -17/8 Resolution 340 /4
3473/4 -33/4 MEDIA BSkyB 805 -14 D Mail Tst 9081/2 -7 3 ITV 189 /8 -5/8 1 Johnston Press 14 /4 +1/8 Pearson 1343 -7 Reed Elsevier 885 +1 1 STV Group 306 /2 Trinity Mirror 1851/4 +31/2 Utd Business 6761/2 -31/2 UTV 218 +5 WPP 1339 -12 MINING Anglo American 1293 -56 -131/2 Antofagasta 7801/2 BHP Billiton 1822 -37 Fresnillo 760 -73 Kazakhmys 224 -131/4 5 Lonmin 308 /8 -41/4 Rio Tinto £321/4 -1/4 1 VEDANTA 859 /2 -251/2 RESOURCES MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 685 -9 Vodafone Group 226 -3/4 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1215 -28 RSA Insurance Gp 1041/8 -21/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1232 -161/2 BP 4751/4 -63/4 Cairn Energy 2731/8 -15/8 3 Royal Dutch Shell £20 /8 -1/8 A Standard Life
Local shares
Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
2691/4 172 7711/2 £213/8
-101/4 -21/4 -31/2 -1/8
FTSE closed at
6595.33 down 55.24 Royal Dutch Shell £211/4 -1/8 B Total £363/4 -1/8 Tullow Oil 8651/2 -4 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1119 -13 Petrofac 1233 -33 1 Wood Gp(J) 781 /2 -141/2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1525 -2 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £351/8 GlaxoSmithK XD 1 Shire £271/8 -5/8 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 601 -10 Hamrsn 502 -81/2
Intu Properties 3167/8 Land Secs 943 SEGRO 334 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 4987/8 Sage Group 3471/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 923 Bunzl 1391 Capita 1001 De La Rue 905 Electrocomp 2885/8 Experian 1115 G4S 2611/2 Hays 1223/4 Homeserve 2593/4 Menzies J 7841/2 Rentokil 1067/8 Smiths News 223 Wolseley £327/8 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 1011 Spirent Comms 107 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £321/4 Imperial Tobacco £231/8 LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital 1253/4 Carnival £221/8 Compass Grp 926 easyJet 1415 Enterprise Inns 141 FirstGroup 1135/8 Go-Ahead Gp 1622 Greene King 882
-43/8 -10 -1/2 -15/8 -11/4 +2 +3 +4 +2 -31/2 -12 +1/4 -11/4 +31/8 +71/2 +3/4 +33/4
-7 -13/8 -3/8 -1/8 -11/4 -1/4 +5 -9 +3 -3/4 -18 +10
Intercontl Htls 1909 Intl Cons Airl 3675/8 Ladbrokes 1743/8 Mitchells & Butlers 4091/4 Natl Express 261 Rank Org 139 Stagecoach Group 3693/4 TUI Travel 3751/4 Whitbread £353/4
+6 +11/4 -3/8 -33/4 -51/8 -8 +41/4 +8 +1/8
FTSE 100
INDEX 6595.33
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FTSE 250
INDEX 15334.75
-131.81
TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia.................... 1.70 dollars Bangladesh................ 120.11 taka Brazil............................ 3.43 reals Canada..................... 1.66 dollars China ........................... 8.94 yuan Czech Republic .... 30.31 korunas Denmark..................... 8.56 krone Euro.............................. 1.15 euro Hong Kong.............. 12.08 dollars Hungary................. 325.49 forints India........................ 89.72 rupees Japan......................... 160.19 yen Mexico ..................... 19.15 pesos New Zealand ............ 1.86 dollars Norway ....................... 9.56 krone Pakistan................ 167.73 rupees Philippines ............... 61.36 pesos South Africa................ 15.56 rand South Korea............ 1512.00 won Sri Lanka .............. 203.19 rupees Sweden..................... 10.21 krona Switzerland................ 1.41 francs Taiwan .................... 42.37 dollars Turkey...................... 3.11 new lira USA .......................... 1.57 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
It’s time to turn up the heat! BASKETBALL coach Eduardo Perez y Medina is keeping his cool. The driving force behind high-flying club Huddersfield Heat is in positive mood following the announcement this autumn of ambitious plans for a multi-million indoor sports arena to provide a base for the team and a venue for a host of sporting, musical and cultural events. Investors are in place – meaning the scheme will be entirely privately-funded – and work to identify potential sites for the proposed 2,500-seater arena is well under way. The plan is to provide an arena boasting three courts as well as state-of-the-art sport, fitness, strength and conditioning facilities aimed specifically at performance clubs and athletes. The plan forms part of Huddersfield Heat’s long-term ambitions to establish themselves in the professional ranks of the sport, and become a major force in UK basketball. Eduardo has learned lots about business since launching the basketball club in 1991 after arriving in Huddersfield from his native Spain to study at Huddersfield University. “I’m a little unusual in being a triple graduate,” he says. “My mum wanted me to have a career in IT. That’s where she saw the future. IT was booming and I did a course in computing with modern languages. It wasn’t what I really wanted to do, although it gave me a lot of skills. “I then did a course in health and sports – and while I was on that course it was suggested I would make a good physio. So I did that, too and finished up with three degrees!” Eduardo demonstrated as much determination when it came to launching the university’s basketball team – and retains a tenacity to turn
Huddersfield Heat into a major and watch Huddersfield Heat force in the sport in the UK. if we were based in “In Spain, basketball is as Huddersfield again. Our big as football and I have been investors are champing at the involved in basketball all my bit for the arena to be built.” life,” he says. “I went to a Eduardo says sell-out school that gave me games featuring America’s top opportunities in every sport NBA teams and the going, but once I’d played enthusiasm for basketball basketball, that was it – I was evidenced during the hooked. I knew it would be my Olympics showed there is life from then on.” untapped demand for the He says: “Huddersfield Heat sport. was born out of the university. He acknowledges the There were a few of us who commercial challenge of played basketball at a different persuading potential sponsors level and wanted more to “break with the norm” of competition. backing football and rugby – “Huddersfield Heat is sports that generate acres of professional in every sense of news coverage while the word,” he says. “We basketball fights for every started local and went column inch. regional. We went national in But he says: “Business 2005.” owners want to see their Since then, the team has money work hard for them. won promotion from both the There is a lot to be gained fourth and third divisions of from being associated with a the English Basketball League sport that is growing. and is undefeated in division “We are focusing on what I two so far this season. call our ‘pioneer sponsors’ It has already won one who we want to get on board trophy this season and has as partners. ambitions to win admission to “We are working with the the top flight. Like rugby’s university’s sports journalism Super League, clubs have to and sports marketing be voted into the first division. departments to create links That’s just one of the with as many courses as we advantaged that could come can, to provide placement from having a place to call opportunities for students. home. “We have played at Huddersfield University and then at Rishworth School and more recently at Park Lane College in Siddal,” says Eduardo. “We will have one more move before the arena development and that’s to Calderdale College. “Huddersfield has two very big and well-established professional sports teams in Town and the Giants – but they are both outdoor sports. If Huddersfield has the ambition to be the ‘second town’ in Yorkshire we need a third – indoor – professional sports club. “We need to get back into Huddersfield. We miss not being here and there are a lot ■ HOT SEAT: Eduardo Perez y Medina, of Huddersfield Heat of people who would come
Page 3
Eduardo Perez y Medina
“We want to build links with Kirklees College, Calderdale College and local schools. We have ideas for a big apprenticeship scheme and 30 or 40 jobs initially; we are talking about organising junior sections with a full-time sports academy. “We are talking about something that will be positive for the whole town at a time when we need positive stories.” He is pleased that the club has secured investors rather than having to rely on grants or funding. “Clubs cannot survive on hand-outs,” he says. “If you don’t generate your own money, there’s no long-term future. You have to be commercially-viable.” Eduardo says his role with Huddersfield Heat has changed as its plans unfold. He’s making business decisions, getting the word out through social media and networking events and dealing with property agents, investors and potential sponsors. “I’ve definitely become a major networker,” he says. “It’s the best way to get to talk to the decision-makers. “The more we let people know about us, the less we will be ignored. “I’m still down as player-coach and I still enjoy playing,” he says. “But I’m 40 and I don’t play as much. It’s not as easy trying to keep up with all those 18-year-olds! My role is evolving.” And he’s happy to call Huddersfield home – even if the weather’s no match for the climate on Gran Canaria. “I love Huddersfield,” he says. “I could do what I am doing now in Spain and it would be easy. I would have an arena by now and plenty of sponsors. But here it requires a massive effort because of the status of the game in this country. It is my little challenge!”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Role: Player-coach Age: 40 Family: Married to Bethany with daughter Amaya, three, and son Lucas, one Car: Mercedes ML Holidays: Lake DIstrict and North Wales First job: Basketball coach in Spain Best thing about job: I do what I love doing. It’s what I have always wanted to do Worst thing about job: Trying to change preconceptions. This country is obsessed with football! Business tip: Don’t listen to anyone who tells you ‘it can’t be done’
Huddersfield Heat Work: Professional basketball team Site: Currently playing home games at Calderdale College Email: eduardo@huddersfield heat.co.uk Web: www.huddersfield heat.co.uk
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Machine tool firm in the spotlight THINGS took a turn for the better an open day staged by Kirklees College in Huddersfield. Delegates from more than 20 companies attended the event in the new CNC machining department that forms part of the college’s Engineering Centre at Turnbridge to find out about the latest products from machine tools manufacturer Hurco. Throughout the day, many students who are part way to becoming machine operators took time to get involved with cutting demonstrations. Others were keen to learn about manufacturing methods that they will experience when they move into industry. Visitors were a mixture of experienced Hurco users and engineering businesses local to Huddersfield wanting to understand how the joint venture between Hurco and Kirklees College can benefit their apprentices.
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be set against the profits on the other in the same year thereby reducing the rental profit for the year. The most significant of expenses likely to be incurred will be loan interest on the purchase of the property and the costs of the upkeep of the property. Interest and mortgage arrangement fees payable on loans used to buy land or property used in the rental business or on loans to finance repairs, improvements or alterations is deductible when calculating the profit or losses of the business. It is the use of the funds which determines whether a tax deduction is given for the interest paid rather than what the loan is secured on. As long as the funds
TAX TALK Colin Barratt
are used wholly for the purpose of the business, then the interest will be allowed for tax. But it is only the interest payable on the mortgage, not the capital repayment that is deductible. It doesn’t matter if the interest is paid on a personal loan, a mortgage, or even an overdraft, as long as the borrowing was made to fund the letting business. The cost of repairing and re-decorating the property are also deductible, but improvement expenditure will not be. Improvements will be structural alterations or extensions. Renewing what was there before will be regarded as a repair but putting something into the property that wasn’t there before will be a capital item and not deductible. For example, if work is undertaken to strip out and replace an existing fitted kitchen or bathroom suite with a similar kitchen or bathroom the cost of the work, including re-tiling, carpets and re-decoration will be an allowable cost to set against rental income. But, the cost of additional fittings will not be.
Where, on the face of it, there is an improvement to an item, but the enhancement arises only through the advancement in technology over time and the new item replaced is the nearest modern equivalent to the old item, HMRC accept that this expenditure will be a repair for tax purposes. For example, where single-glazed windows are replaced with equivalent double glazed windows. If repair work is carried out on a property before it is let for the first time, the expense will not be allowable. The reason is that the repair does not arise from letting. It may be beneficial to leave non-essential work until after the property has been let, although this is not always practical. Maintaining records of expenditure incurred is essential as otherwise deductions may be denied if HMRC enquires into a landlord’s tax affairs, leading to further tax payable as well as interest charges and potential penalties being levied.
Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth chartered accountants, Huddersfield
Get ready for the recovery BUSINESS leaders can be excited about the future again – but firms need to switch from “survival mode” to reap the benefits of the recovery, it is claimed. Neil Muffitt, managing partner at FDYL in Cleckheaton, a leading firm of interim finance directors, said a reluctance to embrace the resurgent economic climate – for fear it will be short-lived – may ■ CHALLENGE: FDYL stifle some businesses’ managing partner Neil ability to grow again. Muffitt But he said: “Talks of ‘green shoots’ are a thing of five years of putting up a the past and the ‘R’ word is good fight, fall at the final hurdle. no longer recession, but “Many of those that made recovery. it through the recession did “The construction and so by going all out to protect industrial sectors are the business. expanding at their fastest “The galvanising effect of rate since the worst of the being presented with failure recession and professional can be positive, but it also services in Leeds and locks business leaders into Sheffield continue to thrive. a certain state of mind. Now “Consumer confidence, whether credit based or not, it’s time to change that mindset, not to defend, but is also increasing and to grow.” confidence is a very Mr Muffitt outlined six tips powerful thing. to help firms change their “However, there will still recession survival be businesses that, after
techniques into a recession exit strategy. ● Stop hibernating – The worst is over. It’s time to emerge, hungrier than ever. The first, and probably most difficult, challenge will be changing your mindset. Loosen up, let the business breathe again and let it grow naturally. ● Nurture existing clients – While now is the time to begin searching for those new opportunities and be receptive to new ventures, you shouldn’t neglect your existing client-base. ● Rejuvenate your workforce or those that stayed with you through it all. The recession will have been a unifying medium for your team, but it may have taken its toll on them too. It’s time to motivate them again. ● Proceed with caution – As momentum and confidence grows, borrowing may become easier. But let’s not forget how we got here. Overspending led us into the recession and growing too quickly can be just as
harmful as treading water. ● Suppliers can demand, but they shouldn’t expect – Beware of others using the recovery to increase their prices – because they will. Don’t be afraid to say no and search for other suppliers. ● Long live short-term contracts – Long-term contracts are a thing of the past. Long-term client relationships are not. Don’t scare off new or existing customers that may still be feeling the pinch by pressuring them to over-commit. Said Mr Muffitt: “It’s true that Britain has never been through a recession quite like this before and to some extent we are venturing into the unknown. “But with an injection of energy and fresh thinking, businesses in Yorkshire will be primed to seize the opportunities that are emerging. It won’t be easy, but don’t be afraid. Remember, your recession survival strategy is a ready-made recovery plan.”
Stadium new pa
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Coach
THE Huddersfiel Yorkshire Cham staging its final event on Thursd Veronica Baldwi Coaching, will ex business benefit monthly breakfa when delegates Cedar Court Hot Go to www.mycc
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pension early. If you agree to this you could face a tax bill of more than half your pension savings. “Pension loans” or cash incentives are being used alongside misleading information to entice savers as the number of pension scams increases. This activity is known as “pension liberation fraud” and it’s on the increase in the UK. In rare cases – such as terminal illness – it is possible to access funds before age 55 from your current pension scheme. But for the majority, promises of early cash will be bogus and are likely to result in serious tax consequences. Tax charges of over half the value of your pension could fall on you for taking an “unauthorised payment” from your pension fund in this way. In addition, fees deducted from your pension for the transfer are unlikely to be recovered. Such fees tend to be very high
FINANCIAL FOCUS Karen Wynard
and could be 20% or more of your pension savings in some cases. Most of the time, people targeted by pension fraudsters or scammers are not informed of the potential tax consequences involved. Five steps to avoid becoming a victim: ● Never give out financial or personal information to a cold caller ● Find out about the company’s background through information online. Any financial advisers should be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority ● Ask for a statement showing how your pension will be paid at your normal
Karen Wynard is director at Eastwood Financial Services Ltd
Let’s get this party started! THE number of small firms in Yorkshire planning to hold staff Christmas parties this year has risen significantly in comparison to 2012, according to a survey. The latest quarterly Close Brothers Business Barometer revealed that more than 69% of small and medium-sized enterprises in the region will host a festive party for staff this year, an increase of 31% on this time last year. The survey of SME owners across the UK also showed that 31% of firms in the region are benefiting from current trading conditions, a rise of 17% on the previous quarter, suggesting that business confidence is improving. Lee Hayes (pictured), regional sales director for Close Brothers Invoice Finance in Yorkshire, said: “Christmas parties have fallen victim to the recession over the last few years and this noticeable increase is a positive sign that business confidence is picking up. “For many bosses, the annual Christmas party is significant as it is a chance to build relationships with staff and reward them for their hard work and loyalty throughout the year. “However, over the last number of years, many employers have been forced
retirement date, whether there are any tax charges and question who will look after your money until you retire and draw your pension ● Speak to an adviser at Eastwood Financial Services Ltd about the deal you’ve been offered, for unbiased advice ● Never be rushed into agreeing to a pension transfer For further information, please see The Pension Regulators publication titled Predators stalk your pension, which can be found at website www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/regul at e - a n d - e n fo rc e / p e n s i o n - l i b e ration.aspx
Profits drive for golfing firm A GOLFING goods retailer based in Huddersfield has driven through the recession to post increased annual profits. Direct Golf UK, which is based at Leeds Road, lifted earnings by more than £1m in the 12 months to October compared with the previous year after achieving savings of £1.5m. Chairman John Andrew said: “I have never known such tough economic times. Working in a declining and very competitive market and with margins razor thin, we had to put our overheads under the microscope earlier in the year. “My experienced senior management team and I started the process of realigning our cost base. We are now reaping the rewards for that effort.” Mr Andrew, a British PGA professional, founded the firm in 1991 and took the business from a single store in Huddersfield to 20 stores across the UK employing more than 250 staff, including 50 PGA professionals. It also has a 75,,000sq ft warehouse and is billed as the leading multi-channel golf retailer in Europe.
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to cut back on any unnecessary expenditure and understandably staff entertainment is often first on the list. Staff morale can make a real difference to a company’s bottom line, so it’s great to see so many employers recognising this and treating their staff with festive celebrations this year.” Mr Hayes said: “It appears that the tide could be starting to turn for SMEs in Yorkshire and Humberside. Our research suggests that many firms are making the most of the current economic climate with increasing numbers reporting an improvement in their trading conditions. “With a potential upswing in our sights, we believe it’s important that employers take this opportunity to wind down with their staff in advance of what is shaping up to become a very productive 2014.”
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
local
Kirklees firms in export challenge MORE then 150 businesses – including many from Kirklees – have joined the We are International export network campaign spearheaded by the Leeds City Region to boost overseas trade. The firms, which include more than 30 export ambassador businesses, come from local authority areas making up the Leeds City Region. Together, the local councils aim to earn an additional £1.6bn in exports in the next five years and create thousands of jobs. Potential new exporters to come forward since Leeds City Region Export Week during November include Eye Pharmacy in Dewsbury, which wants to explore selling pharmaceuticals overseas and SOMI Trailers, Scunthorpe, which aims to export a major new trailer in Europe. We are International lead export ambassador Eric Hawthorn, managing director of Radio Design Ltd, Shipley, said: “There is no shortage of interest and enthusiasm from businesses who want to embrace the benefits of overseas trade and access the help available. “We are pleased with where we are but we still need to appoint more export ambassadors and spread the message to more businesses who may not yet have identified themselves as exporters but who could benefit significantly from doing so – and also businesses which would like to export but fear it will prove too complex or time-consuming.” The most recent We are International event was held at the Leeds offices of commercial law firm Pinsent Mason. The event, sponsored by Yorkshire Bank, drew an audience of almost 100 new and would-be exporters who discovered the secrets of effective selling and top ten tips for successful exporting from experts. Author, life and sales strategist Darren Kelly, whose new book Hello Profit is published this
■ TRADE TALKS: Ernie Kirkpatrick (left) with Darren Kelly (centre) and Alan Young at the We are International networking event
autumn, discussed his “3D formula” for global sales growth. Ernie Fitzpatrick, a partner in Batley-based Fitzpatrick International, described how product analysis and studying customer needs helped him increase sales of a British-made Christmas pudding to Australia from £10,000 to £1.4m in two seasons. And Murray Angus, managing director of specialist hygiene products The Proton Group in Normanton, said that businesses should not get wrong-footed by exaggerated cultural differ-
ences. Alan Young, regional director for Yorkshire Bank in the East of England, who welcomed delegates, said the bank’s experience was that for many customers economic conditions appeared to be getting better. This was reflected by the number of businesses coming to the bank seeking advice and international trade finance to target new overseas markets. The export network is a key element of the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership’s We are International campaign.
Undercover boss is on the move A FORMER director of discount retail giant Poundworld, who grew up in Huddersfield and appeared in Channel 4’s Undercover Boss series, has left the company to start a retail consultancy specialising in print, display and marketing products and services. Martyn Birks, who was born at Longroyd Bridge, supplied Poundworld with signage and point of sale materials for almost 25 years before spending three years at the company as its marketing director and starring in Undercover Boss in 2011. He is now using his 35 years experience working in the retail and
advertising industries to broker deals between retailers and suppliers of point of sale materials, print, public relations, branding and outdoor advertising as well as advising retailers of all sizes on marketing strategies. Martyn, who is trading as Martyn Birks Associates, said: “During my time in the retail industry I’ve worked across a wide range of marketing functions, built up a brilliant team of people in lots of specialist areas and established a valuable contact book that contains many of the UK’s best retail suppliers that produce top quality products cost-effectively and efficiently.
“I’m now sharing my experience and knowledge with other retailers who want to streamline their marketing functions and save money.” Martyn brings a wealth of experience to his new role after previously founding and managing signage and point of sale specialist Spectrum Advertising in Milnsbridge. The business later became Spectrum Dean Clough when textiles and property magnate Sir Ernest Hall invested and became Martyn’s mentor. Martyn later sold the business and joined the board at outdoor media specialist Ad Group Holdings before ■ EXPERTISE: Martyn Birks moving to Poundworld.
Connection sitting comfortably A COMPANY in Huddersfield designing and making contemporary commercial furniture has appointed a strategic brand consultancy to help grow the business. Connection, based at Fenay Bridge, has enlisted Leeds-based Propaganda, which was founded in Huddersfield in 1993, to move it onto the next level. Connection, which also has a showroom in London, has been
manufacturing innovative and contemporary furniture for nearly two decades, during which time the market has changed significantly. Propaganda will undertake its unique Brand Discovery process to gather business insight from Connection’s customers and suppliers to build a strategic plan for future success. Connection director Annabelle Hill said: “We’re looking to build on our history and position the
business for significant growth. “Our workforce of 60 people are some of the most skilled in the industry and the average length of service of 10 years is testament to the importance we place on investment in people.” Craig Harrold, client services director at Propaganda, said: “Connection are looking to build their brand impact and grow their business with a market leading proposition.
“We’ll use Brand Discovery to gain insights into current trends and future opportunities. By using our expertise in business transformation, we’ll look to develop their proposition for the future benefit of the brand.” Connection aims to increase turnover, currently £11m, over the next three years by capitalising on the current trend for major office refurbishments.
Page 6 It’s a five-star performance A SALES executive at a Huddersfield car dealership has notched up sales to five members of the same family. Michelle Westall, who is employed by Bradford Road-based Huddersfield SEAT set the ball rolling by selling sporty SEAT Leons to Louise Barkes, her sister Caroline McDonald and then Louise’s husband Dennis in the space of a month. Now Caroline’s son Josh and Dennis’s son Andrew, have both splashed out on SEAT Ibiza Tocas within two days of each other. Passers-by rub their eyes in disbelief when they see five shiny new SEATs neatly parked on the drive in a leafy cul-de-sac in the coastal Cumbria town of Whitehaven. Michelle said: “I’m thrilled to have sold five cars to members of the same family. My bosses think it’s quite an achievement, though now I feel more of a friend to the family than a saleswoman.” SEAT UK sold more cars during September, 2013, than in any other month in its 28-year history. The 8,498 registrations recorded during the month represent a 9.8% improvement on SEAT’s previous best ever month, September, 2012. The record-breaking month also caps off a stunning third-quarter performance for the company. SEAT sold 12,716 cars between July and the end of September – 421 more than it sold during April and June, its previous record quarter. SEAT achieved 22,752 registrations in the first half of 2013, which means SEAT UK is on course to smash its yearly sales record.
Wonderful Copenhagen A NEW direct route to Copenhagen has been announced by bosses at Leeds Bradford Airport. The new service, which will be launched at the end of March, 2014, provides passengers from the airport with a gateway to Scandinavia for the first time. The flights operated by Scandinavian Airlines will run twice a week – Monday and Friday. Tony Hallwood, aviation development and marketing director at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “Regional businesses and tourism partners will also be pleased that this new direct service will offer a range of onward connections across Scandinavia to Sweden, Norway, Finland and Eastern Europe.” SAS sees Leeds Bradford as an important hub for development.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Page 7
Opening doors! PROPERTY rental company Towndoor has secured a series of new tenancy deals. Dam Bamforth (pictured), operations director of the Meltham-based firm, said: “We have had a busy few months and a number of new deals have been secured. We’d like to take this opportunity to welcome all of our new tenants.” Urban Fabrics has taken up a unit at Meltham Mills, following refurbishment of a disused part of the site while System H Engineering has signed up for a 2,800sq ft unit at the site. Another company, Clear View, has doubled its square footage at Meltham Mills after landing a number of major contracts. Appliance Discount store
has taken a unit at Towndoor’s Leathley House premises – meaning clients have been secured for all six units within just four months of purchase. HD9 Construction has also secured a unit at Meltham Mills while Ozone Cooling
snapped up another unit at Meltham Mills two months before it become vacant and will be on site in January. Finally, client Latham’s has expanded for the second time by taking an additional 10,000sq ft at Towndoor’s Crosland Road Estate to enable the machinery sales arm of their business to expand. Towndoor was founded in 1988 by Stuart and Lucy Bamforth, who acquired half the former David Brown Tractors site at Meltham Mills. Within four years the whole of the site had been developed into an industrial estate fully occupied by 38 individual companies together providing 400-plus jobs – providing the basis for Towndoor’s success.
Farewell to retiring staff THREE employees at Naylor Industries are retiring in the coming weeks – after amassing more than 100 years of combined service. Neil Tann, of the yard team; Melvyn Blezzard, of clay production; and David Hoyland, who is based at the laboratory were honoured at a lunch with directors and colleagues from the Cawthorne-based clayware group, which draws many of its employees from Kirklees.
Pictured are (from left) Carl Robb, production manager; Andy Cliff, quality manager; Kevin Broadhead, yard manager; cell leaders Alistair Barraclough and Mark Tutil; David Hoyland; Melvyn Blezzard; chief executive Edward Naylor; Neil Tann; Helen Waller, HR manager; Bridie Warner-Adsetts, chief operating officer; and Martyn Walter, stock control manager.
Redrow strengthens senior management
HOUSEBUILDER Redrow looks to build its Yorkshire business the company has strengthened its senior management team. The promotion of John Handley to commercial director and David Faraday to technical director gives Redrow Homes (Yorkshire) a complement of seven directors across all disciplines. Having both risen through the Redrow
ranks since joining the company in 1999, the pair are positive about the future and are relishing the challenges their new roles bring. Mr Faraday, 36, joined Redrow as a graduate trainee after graduating from Nottingham University with a degree in civil engineering. He said: “As we look to expand the business, one of our priorities is to get new
sites through the planning process so that we can start work as soon as possible. “We have six sites due to come on stream early next year and as technical director I will be ensuring that our build teams have all the drawings and advice they need to progress those developments.” As commercial director, Mr Handley, 34, is responsible for appointing subcontractors
and cost control, ensuring all developments are built to budget. He has a degree in quantity surveying from Leeds Metropolitan University and originally joined Redrow as an assistant quantity surveyor. Redrow’s Yorkshire business directly employs 90 people at its divisional headquarters at Wakefield and at developments across the region.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Movers and shakers
Page 8
Firm recognised for backing Reservists Sam’s a winner A GRADUATE trainee has been awarded one of the top prizes available to students at Huddersfield University. Sam Riley (pictured), received one of the Chancellor’s Prizes for her excellent final results in completing a first class honours degree in accountancy and finance. Sam, a trainee with Bradford-based accountancy firm Watson Buckle, is already a multi-award winner having won the KPMG Prize for the most outstanding final year student, as well as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Prize for best student on audit framework. During her time at university, Sam worked for Watson Buckle for more than a year as part of her degree before joining the firm permanently this year after completing her finals. Susan Sedgwick, managing partner at Watson Buckle, said: “Everyone at the firm would like to congratulate Sam on this great achievement. “Sam is an exceptional young accountant and this award is further recognition of her talent. “We are delighted that we could give Sam the opportunity to return to Watson Buckle on a trainee contract, and with our guidance and support, we are confident that she will go on to enjoy a successful career with the firm.”
Making connections TAX tips and social media are the topics for debate when Huddersfield chartered accountancy firm Sheards stages its last Connection13 event of the year. Sheards, which has offices at Highfields, will give a short presentation covering tax tips relevant to the Christmas period, including details of just how much a business owner can spend on the Christmas party! Following the presentation, social media and marketing consultant Nicola Mellor, of Pepamint, will provide a fun, interactive presentation on social media. It will include industry tips on how to achieve sales using platforms such as Twitter and gives an insight into other platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram. The event is free, although donations for the West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice are invited on the day. The event gets under way at 11.30am on Thursday at Huddersfield RUFC, Lockwood Park, and includes a buffet lunch. Booking is essential. Call 01484 541155.
Words on the web KIRKLEES firms have been invited to a free seminar discussing the future of IT in business – and how web applications are taking over from standard desktop software. Server Start, based at Marsh Mills, Luck Lane, Marsh, will hold the event at 1.30pm on Thursday at The Grange on Leeds Metropolitan University’s Headingley campus. A buffet lunch will follow the seminar along with informal networking. Book at www.serverstart.co.uk/seminars
A KIRKLEES firm has taken the salute for its commitment to Yorkshire’s Reserve Forces. Brookhouse Training Centre, based at Cleckheaton, was presented with a certificate by SaBRE, the organisation which aims to encourage all companies and organisations to understand the importance of reservists and to show their support by becoming a supportive employer. The certificate, signed by the Chief of the Defence Staff and the Secretary of State for Defence, was presented by Richard Lenton, Yorkshire and Humber regional SaBRE campaign director. It is one of only 80 presented each year. The centre, which trains and assesses people in the gas, plumbing and electrical trades has supported reservists for more than four years, during which time employee Andy Spiby, of Barnsley, who works as head tutor, has been a reservist for the last year and four months as a Royal Engineer in the Territorial Army. Centre director David Dumaresq-Lucas said: “We are delighted to be recognised in this way and are very proud to be supporting the Reserve Forces. “Not only do reservists provide a vital role to our armed forces, but we and our employees also benefit enormously from the transferable skills they learn, particularly in decision-making, leadership and team work. Ultimately this means better personal development for the employee and a better business for all.” More than 10,000 companies and organisations throughout the UK support and encourage more than 8,000 volunteer
■ ATTENTION: Richard Lenton (left), Yorkshire and Humber regional SaBRE campaign director, presents the certificate to Andy Spiby (centre), head tutor, and David Dumaresq-Lucas, director of Brookhouse Training Centre
Reservists. Mr Lenton, said: “Becoming a Reservist can benefit businesses by developing vital life and management skills for their employees, from motivation, self-discipline and confidence to organisation and leadership. “Through educating employers and speaking directly to the decision-makers within companies, we want to encourage employers and employees to sign up. “It can be hard to comprehend the contrast between a Reservist and employee’s civilian work and the activities they carry out during mobilisation. “Some of the roles Reservists can find
themselves responsible for are providing force protection, emergency relief, contingency planning and regularly providing the lead role in reconstruction efforts in countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq – all skills which transfer across in the work place.” Reservists in Yorkshire and Humber serve in the Royal Naval Reserve, the Royal Marines, the Territorial Army and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and can be mobilised wherever needed to work alongside Britain’s regular Armed Forces. Reservists are an integral part of the UK Armed Forces and are trained to a high standard. Visit www.sabre.mod.uk
Promotion form rewarded A FIRM supplying promotional merchandise and clothing has plenty to shout about. Cleckheaton-based LSi Ltd is the latest winner of the Business of the Month Award run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith in conjunction with the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and government export support arm UK Trade & Investment. Steven Pollitt, of Eaton Smith, presented the award to Chris Dickinson and Lloyd Simpson, of LSi Ltd, at a presentation held at the law firm’s High Street offices.. Formed in 1994 by managing director Mr Simpson, LSi Ltd has grown steadily over the past 19 years to become one of the leading companies in the UK in its field and the largest of its kind in Yorkshire. The firm specialises in providing companies with promotional items to promote their products and services, personalising anything from pens and pencils to umbrellas and corporate uniforms with company logos. For the first few years the business grew steadily in line with most start-ups and after five years with the emergence of email and the internet the business rapidly expanded. This resulted in two office moves and as the business expanded a further move was made in January, 2013, to new impressive offices, a warehouse and a state-of-the-art showroom which is the
■ BRAND LEADER: Chris Dickinson and Lloyd Simpson receive their award from Steve Pollitt (centre) watched by their colleagues, the award judges and sponsors largest of its kind in this country. Over the past 19 years, LSi has employed more than 100 people, most of whom live in the Kirklees area. It has also worked with many local companies to promote and market their brands, including Mintex, Ronseal, Theakstons and Cummins Turbo Technologies. LSi also worked for many companies UK-wide. Members of the judging panel were impressed by the steady growth of the company, its record breaking sales figures for the year so far and its ambitious plans
for further growth, Mr Simpson said: “To win this award is the icing on the cake for 2013. We started the year with a move to our fantastic new offices, in February we won a national award from the BPMA, in October we opened what we believe to be the largest merchandise showroom in the UK, taken on five new members of staff this year and exceeded all our sales forecasts.” The Business of the Month Award is open to firms in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. Contact Ian Greenwood on 01484 821389.