Kirklees Business News 04/02/14

Amy Wray

FTSE 100 -44.78 6465.66

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014

PASSION FOR PROPERTY Interview - Page 3

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Martin Thompson POWERING THE WAY Column - Page 6

An EXAMINER publication

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS 4, February, 2014

The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees

Plea for action to tackle insolvency

By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk

Success in store FLEET management group FMG has been awarded a major contract to manage about 900 Asda vehicles for the retailer’s home shopping operation.

The vehicles, which operate out of locations across the South of England, represent about 50% of the Leeds-based retailer’s entire home shoppingfleet.

Full story - Page 5

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PERSONAL insolvency procedures are in need of reform to provide better protection to both creditors and debtors, according to a report by insolvency trade body R3.

Under current rules, thousands of indebted individuals struggle to access a debt relief solution that is suitable for their needs. Insolvency practitioners are also concerned that reckless spending is not sufficiently discouraged, to the detriment of creditors.

Chris Wood, Yorkshire R3 vice-chairman and partner at Cleckheaton-based Clough Corporate Solutions, said: “Personal insolvencies and consumer debt have recently increased, while an interest rate rise looms on the horizon.

“Action is needed now by the Government to make sure the personal insolvency regime can deal with any sustained rise in the numbers of people with severe debt issues.

“A good personal insolvency regime must strike the right balance between helping financially struggling people get back on their feet and protecting creditors like banks and businesses from people running up debts without being worried about the consequences.”

Mr Wood said: “The current regime has the right building blocks to achieve this balance, but more work can be done. Too many people are currently unable to access a personal insolvency solution that is right for them.”

R3’s report calls for the government to allow the up-front £700 bankruptcy administration fee to be paid in instalments. Under current rules, many people can’t afford this fee and are unable to

INSIDE

■■ Chris Wood, Yorkshire R3 vice-chairman and partner of Cleckheaton-based Clough Corporate Solutions

access bankruptcy and protection from their creditors.

It also wants to make Debt Relief Orders (DROs) easier to access. DROs are an alternative to bankruptcy and cost £90 to enter. However, debtors must have under £300 of assets and £15,000 of debts to enter a DRO. R3 said the DRO limits should be raised to £2,000 for assets and £30,000 for debts.

R3 also called for the standard bankruptcy term to be lengthened from one year to three years - with a maximum 15-year term for the most culpable debtors. R3 claimed reckless spending and

behaviour that could lead to bankruptcy was not discouraged by a one-year term - putting creditors at risk.

The body also called for simplified Individual Voluntary Arrangements, making it easier for debtors’ repayment proposals to be approved by creditors. It also said creditors should not be able to make changes to proposals.

Said Mr Wood: “Parts of our personal insolvency regime are both too lenient and too inflexible.

“Whilst on the one hand, wealthy Europeans are heading to England and Wales to take advantage of the bankruptcy

regime and its very short bankruptcy term - so-called ‘bankruptcy tourism’ on the other hand, financially struggling people are unable to afford the fee to enter bankruptcy and have too many debts and assets to enter a DRO. These people are left without protection from their creditors.”

According to R3 figures, 2.4m British adults say they are currently in a debt management plan. These are unregulated debt solutions but formal options may be more suitable.

Just over 100,000 people entered a formal insolvency procedure last year.

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Gold award A RECRUITMENT agency has become one of the first in the country to gain a gold standard for the way it vets teachers and support staff before sending them in to schools.

Brighouse-based Provide Education has been awarded the highest national accreditation for safeguarding children.

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

national

Near £10bn insurance mis-sell bill for Lloyds The bill for mis-sold insurance at Lloyds spiralled to nearly £10 billion after the taxpayer-backed bank admitted it is set for another 550,000 complaints.

The latest provision to cover the cost of compensating customers missold payment protection insurance was much greater than expected at £1.8 billion.

However, Lloyds sought to highlight its return to health by forecasting a small profit in full-year results on February 13 and offering guidance on the steps it is taking towards dividend payments and the sale of the Government’s stake.

Chief executive Antonio HortaOsorio, who has overseen a 70% rise in the company’s share price in the last 12 months, said the business had been “reshaped, simplified and strengthened” over the last three years.

But the bank’s new provision on PPI is far higher than the additional 65 million revealed last week by fellow state-backed player Royal Bank of Scotland, a move which took its current total to £3.1 billion. The bill for the whole industry is now in excess of £20 billion.

Lloyds set aside £3 billion in 2013, despite a reduction in average month-

■■ Lloyds chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio

ly complaint volumes to around 37,000 in the final quarter of last year.

However, its latest customer surveys suggest that the Halifax and Bank of Scotland owner can expect another 550,000 complaints on PPI, while it has also revised its forecasts for those claims deemed successful.

Richard Hunter, head of equities at

Hargreaves Lansdown stockbrokers, said: “The PPI number is disappointing not only in terms of the cumulative figure now nudging £10 billion, but also because it perpetuates concerns around when this saga will actually come to an end.”

The bank has also made a further provision of £130 million relating to the sale of interest rate hedging products to small and medium-sized businesses, bringing the total amount set aside to £530 million.

Despite the provisions for legacy issues, Lloyds still expects to make a small statutory profit for the last year and to better City expectations with an underlying profit of £6.2 billion for 2013.

The bank has been a grateful beneficiary of the Government’s Help to Buy scheme for house-buyers, as well as the Funding for Lending initiative, as mortgage borrowing has taken off.

Lloyds last paid a dividend to shareholders after it published its half-year results in 2008, just prior to it requiring a £20 billion rescue by the taxpayer.

It is still 33% state-owned but Lloyds said preparations for the possible future sale of shares to the public were under way. In September, the Government began the process of

Flybe airline scales back cuts in jobs Regional airline Flybe expects fewer job losses than previously announced as its turnaround plan to rid itself of unprofitable routes and surplus aircraft gains momentum.

The Exeter-based group is reducing the number of positions facing the axe by 10% to around 450, with roughly 40-60 compulsory redundancies.

The fall comes after Flybe set out major expansion plans for Birmingham on Friday with seven new routes, including Florence, Cologne and Porto, making the airport its biggest base with 12 aircraft in total. It will also see Flybe become Birmingham Airport’s largest carrier.

Flybe’s refocus towards the larger sites in its network has seen it close bases in Inverness, Aberdeen, Isle of Man, Newcastle, Jersey and Guernsey, although it will continue to fly to those airports.

Its base in Exeter is still expected to be the hardest hit for job losses with around 100 posts set to go.

Flybe has already discontinued 30 unprofitable routes for this summer as part of its restructuring drive. By the end of the season it will also have grounded 14 aircraft.

Chief executive Saad Hammad said the airline was now on track to deliver £40 million of annual cost savings by the end of March.

He said: “Taking decisive action gives us a strong platform to implement our strategy, achieve profitable growth and build sustainable value for our shareholders.”

selling down the 39% shareholding by offloading a 6% stake to institutional investors.

A public sale of shares in Lloyds, encouraged by demand for the recent privatisation of Royal Mail, will fuel hopes that the bank can be returned to private ownership in time for the 2015 general election.

It also revealed that it will apply to the banking regulator later this year in a bid to resume dividend payments to shareholders at a “modest” level.

Shares were more than 3% lower as some analysts had been expecting dividends to be reinstated earlier and by more than today’s guidance.

The bank added that it plans to move to a dividend payout ratio of at least 50% of sustainable earnings in the medium term.

Mr Horta-Osorio described the return of dividend payments as an “important step” in the bank’s efforts to rebuild trust and confidence in the group.

He added: “We expect to apply in the second half of 2014 to restart dividend payments and to deliver progressive and sustainable payments to shareholders thereafter.

“This will be another important step in our journey to rebuild trust and confidence in our group.”

Barclays boss declines 2013 bonus

Employers face push on wages

Barclays chief executive Antony Jenkins has announced that he will forgo his annual bonus for 2013 after the bank faced “very significant costs” over a series of scandals and carried out a cash call on shareholders.

Mr Jenkins, who took over after predecessor Bob Diamond resigned in the wake of the Libor rate-rigging scandal, said he was proud of the progress made

Employers will be pressed to increase pay this year amid a rise in vacancies, coupled with skills shortages, according to a new report.

Employment firm Reed said vacancies on its website have increased by almost a third over the past year to stand at over 160,000.

Wage rates have remained “largely stagnant” and have fallen in some regions, but

in overhauling the bank’s reputation. But he said legacy and conduct issues had hit the bank hard last year and that, combined with the rights issue in the autumn, it led him to conclude it would not be right to accept a bonus offered by the board.

Mr Jenkins said: “2013 has been a year of considerable positive change for Barclays, and I am particularly proud of

the progress we have made in starting to rebuild trust, in defining and implementing a common culture, in repositioning the business for the future, and in significantly improving our balance sheet.

“I have concluded that it would not be right, in the circumstances, for me to accept a bonus for 2013, and I have therefore declined the one offered to me by the Board.”

Reed said this was likely to change.

Chairman James Reed said: “While employers have gone out of their way to hold on to valued staff during the downturn, the improving economic situation is creating a new set of pressures on pay.

“A wider choice of opportunities is giving candidates a renewed confidence, whilst skills shortages are becoming

ever more apparent in key industries, such as engineering.

“These factors are combining to give employees the upper hand when it comes to negotiating salaries and adding pressure on employers to increase their rates of pay.

“It will be the employers who are fastest off the starting blocks who will win the new race for talent.”

SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN

American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys

£51.40 £68.13 £37.28 £55.86 1678.21 £45.80 £22.78 45.99 £45.16 £49.03

AEROSPACE & DEFENCE

Avon Rbbr BAE Systems Chemring Cobham Meggitt Rolls-Royce Senior

AIM

600 Group API Grp Brady Plc Highland Gold Mining Johnson Service Grp London Security M”S Intl Nichols Redhall Group Scapa Grp Youngs

-0.73 -0.32 -0.13 -0.64 -9.81 -0.49 -0.42 -0.63

665 4233/4 248 2941/4 513 1165 2931/4

+10 -51/4 +63/4 +1/2 -21/2 -22 -51/4

18 /2 74 651/2 62 531/4 19621/2 194 1162 391/2 126 9921/2

+ /4

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AUTOMOBILES & PARTS

GKN

BANKS

Barclays Bk Ireland HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart Barr (AG) Diageo SABMiller Croda Elementis 98 Johnsn Mat

3931/8

-11/4

2653/4 241/4 6211/2 80 3331/4 12271/2

-63/4 -1/4 -51/2 -31/4 -63/4 -121/2

6091/2 17921/2 £27

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BEVERAGES

CHEMICALS

£241/8 2527/8 £321/4

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS

Balfour Beatty C”R”H Costain Low Bonar Marshalls Drax Gp SSE

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283 1565 294 861/2 1751/4

-1 /2

796 1332

-161/2 +25

ELECTRICITY

-83/4 -6 +3/4 1

ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced

7781/2 3197/8 306

-171/2 -4 -41/8

Ox Instmts Volex

1647 1161/4

-28 -2

437 1341/2 450 258 2341/4 588 £24 366 5451/2 774 2361/2 1029 6521/2

-2 -3 -3 -13/4 +1/4 +31/2 -1/4 -27/8 -61/2 -1 -3/4 -4 -41/2

Tate Lyle Unilever

3843/4 523/4 1273/4 971/2 3101/4

+11/2 -5/8 +11/4 -11/4 -13/4

Centrica National Grid Pennon Grp Severn United Utils

2385/8 3451/2 319 1383/4

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EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS

Alliance Trust Br Assets Candover Inv Dunedin Inv Dunedin Sml Edin Invst Electra Private Equity Forgn & C Henderson Smllr Cos North American Inc Scot Am Scottish Mortgage Witan

FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS

BT Grp Cable & Wireless Comm Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom

FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS

Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco Thorntons AB Food Carrs Millg REA Hldgs

FOOD PRODUCERS

£267/8 1760 470

-1/4 -221/2 +1/2

GENERAL INDUSTRIALS

Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp

163 /4 1751/4 792 £211/4

-1 -11/2 +3 +1/4

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FTSE closed at

6465.66 down 44.78 754 /2 £233/8

-3

3133/4 792 6841/2 1762 7221/2

+25/8 +3 -31/2 +35 +61/2

3711/4 1296 3863/4 1814 81 1625 £241/8 1858

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GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES

GENERAL FINANCIAL

3i Group Close Bros ICAP London StockExch Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV

REXAM Smith DS Smiths Grp

500 324 1411

GENERAL RETAILERS

Ashley L Carphone Whse Dixons Retail Home Retail HR Owen Inchcape Kingfisher M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith

25 /4 2931/2 431/8 1767/8 159 5681/2 3645/8 4677/8 255 £617/8 £473/8 1033 3

+7 -41/2 -27 - /2 -51/4 -5/8 -23/8 1

-161/2 -5 -3 -63/4 -5/8 -11/2 -10

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

Smith Nph

886

HOUSEHOLD GOODS

Aga Rangemaster Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey

166 /2 3761/8 1531 1300 £465/8 1111/4 1

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

Fenner I”M”I Molins Renold

407 1457 1661/2 573/4

+10

+31/2 -21/2 -23 -13 +1 -7/8 -4 -40 +2 /4 3

Spirax-Sarco Weir Grp Ferrexpo

£285/8 £211/4

-1/2 +1/4

1545/8

+25/8

313

+43/8

INDUSTRIAL METALS

INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION

BBA Aviation

LIFE INSURANCE

Aviva Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life

BSkyB D Mail Tst ITV Johnston Press Pearson Reed Elsevier STV Group Trinity Mirror Utd Business UTV WPP Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kazakhmys

MEDIA

MINING

4363/4 2141/4 1711/8 1204 3473/4 361

-81/4 -1 -13/8 -24 -3/4 -45/8

880 977 1951/4 23 1107 889 324 1751/2 684 257 1265

+4 +151/2 -11/4 -1 -5 +2 -21/2 +4 -31/4 -12

1397 -39 848 -21/2 1 1774 /2 -21 782 +121/2 1775/8 -1/2

Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES

3003/4 £321/4 803

MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Inmarsat Vodafone Group

695 2221/8

-51/2 -41/2

1436 1060 £273/4 961/4

-9 +2 -1/4 -3/4

1025 4735/8 2101/8 2681/8 £21 £221/8 £345/8 785

+3 -43/8 -51/2 -31/2 -1/8 -1/8 -1/2 -51/2

NONLIFE INSURANCE

Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Insurance Gp

OIL & GAS PRODUCERS

BG BP Cairn Energy Premier Oil Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell B Total Tullow Oil

OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

AMEC Petrofac Wood Gp(J)

1029 1175 6341/2

-1 +20 -81/2

1407 3615/8

-41 +1/8

£383/4 15711/2 £301/8

+1/8 +71/2 -1/4

PERSONAL GOODS

Burberry Gp PZ Cussons

-63/8 -1/4 -41/2

PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY

Astrazeneca GlaxoSmithKline Shire

TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia 1.77 dollars Bangladesh 120.13 taka Brazil 3.53 reals Canada 1.74 dollars China 8.88 yuan Czech Republic 30.75 korunas Denmark 8.63 krone Euro 1.16 euro Hong Kong 12.08 dollars Hungary 341.83 forints India 90.67 rupees Japan 159.31 yen Mexico 19.53 pesos New Zealand 1.88 dollars Norway 9.81 krone Pakistan 162.91 rupees Philippines 63.73 pesos South Africa 17.12 rand South Korea 1549.00 won Sri Lanka 202.24 rupees Sweden 10.22 krona Switzerland 1.42 francs Taiwan 43.43 dollars Turkey 3.51 new lira USA 1.57 dollars

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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk

IT’S hardly surprising that Amy Wray has a passion for property.

The managing director of Holmfirth-based Applegate Properties grew up in a house built by her father and worked for several years in the estate agency field before taking the plunge to set up her own business - Applegate Lettings - in July, 2010.

And she is proud about having done it the hard way - without a hefty financial contribution from the bank.

Amy said: “I started by asking my father for a large amount of funding - which he refused to give me. However he did offer to loan me the money for my own rent and anything else that was vital.

“He said business cards and fancy software were not vital and I needed to earn before I could spend! So I started with just a laptop, a second-hand printer, a camera and a notebook and pen.

“I wasn’t very happy with my dad at the time, but now I realise it was the best thing he could have done and he taught me a very valuable lesson.

“I started from the back bedroom at home and progressed from there. Eventually, I converted the garage into an office as the business expanded.”

Now Amy has expanded to turn Applegate Lettings into Applegate Properties - and is busy putting the finishing touches to its new premises in Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth.

The premises, originally a house and most recently used as a shop selling outdoor clothing, now accommodates Applegate’s six-strong team.

Applegate originally focused on residential and commercial property lets, but has expanded to include house sales since November.

Amy says she was spurred on to spread her wings after being named Forward Ladies Young Business Woman of the Year last November.

The high-profile awards recognise the achievements of professional business women in the North West of England, the Isle of Man and Yorkshire & North East. Amy was one of 12 category winners.

And she says the timing to take a dip into the house sales sector could not be better.

She says: “The rental sector is still buoyant, but house sales are also picking up. The housing market has seen a confident start to 2014.

“A lot of people became ‘unwilling’ landlords during the recession because they were unable to sell properties. A lot of properties had been repossessed and a lot of people were buying to rent.

“While rents are not falling, the market is becoming more competitive.

“For potential house buyers, there are a lot of incentives on offer and there is less ‘scaremongering’.

profile

Amy is making a new home “A lot of people had been really worried about purchasing even if they had the funds because of the economic climate.

“Now I have every confidence the market will pick up. We are seeing first-time buyers coming back to the market.”

But Amy cautioned: “Properties still need to be valued correctly and priced competitively.

First impressions are also really important, so windows need to be repainted, gardens kept tidy and things like guttering need to be in good order.

“It also pays to keep properties clutter-free so potential buyers can visualise their own items in the house.”

Amy is determined that Applegate will be distinctive from the other estate agencies.

She says: “Our experience over the past three-and-a-half years is that we haven’t needed a high street presence or a shop window to rent out properties successfully.

“We aim to be proactive - visiting people at their homes rather than just at the office. We also aim to make the most of the technology available.”

People visiting the office can settle in one of the antique chairs in the reception area and enjoy a coffee.

Amy said: “We wanted to get

away from the idea of a desk with two chairs in front of it.”

Amy has achieved a long-held ambition by setting up Applegate.

She says: “I didn’t know what I wanted to do at school. I got my GCSEs and went to Greenhead College where I did business studies.

“I had ideas about going to university to do a business degree, but I decided I wanted to start earning some money to run a car!”

At the age of 18, Amy got a job working in a bank, but went into estate agency when she was 20.

Over the next few years, she flourished and went on to specialise in land, new homes and developments.

“I have always been interested in property,” she says. “My dad built our house and also had a couple of rental properties.

“I have always been interested in how the industry works. When I was 16, I started saving for my own home - and bought it at 21!”

Commenting on the decision to launch her own business, Amy says: “I felt there was a niche in the market - especially in view of the fact that the industry still had a poor reputation when it came to customer service. I could see scope for offering a different service.”

And the decision has paid off, she says. “More than 70% of our new business each month comes from referrals and recommendations,” says Amy. The firm is a licensed member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents, which means it is regulated and has to undertake annual training.

It is also a member of the National Association of Estate Agents which is governed by the ational Federation of Property Professionals.

Building a business in the teeth of the recession and overseeing a major move to new premises hasn’t left Amy much time for life away from work.

“I am very family-orientated,” she says. “I spend a lot of time with my brother and sister and mum and dad - who have been fantastic in supporting me.

“I have a dog called Boo and enjoy taking him for long walks.

And I enjoy cooking. Seafood is my speciality and I make a really good paella.

“I also like gardening, but I haven’t had time to grow my own veg this year because business takes over.

“The last thing I want to do when I come home at 8 or 9 o’clock at night is go into the garden picking slugs off the plants!

But I keep promising myself I will make time to start again.”

Amy Wray Role: Managing director Age: 29 Family: Single Holidays: I’ve been to New York and want to go again. I also visit family who live on the Costa del Sol First job: I’ve mucked out the ponies at a livery stable, cleaned pans in the kitchen at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and worked in a pizza takeaway Best thing about the job? The people I work with are fantastic. They work hard and have the same passion for this business that I have Worst thing about the job? Owning your own business means working long hours Business tip: Anything worth doing doesn’t come easily. You have to work at it

Applegate Properties Work: Property Agents Site: Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth Phone: 01484 682999 Email: info@applegateproperties.co.uk Web: www.applegateproperties.co.uk

Who will be the next Business of the Month?

If you are proud of what your business has achieved; why not tell us about your success story and you could be a winner of our prestigious award.

For further details please contact: Ian Greenwood, Eaton Smith Solicitors, 14 High Street, Huddersfield HD1 2HA T: 01484 821389 E: iangreenwood@eatonsmith.co.uk ■■ Amy Wray of Applegate Properties, Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth.

Business Of The Month Awards - Rewarding Success Since 1995

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

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Is minimum wage hike just too soon?

I COULD not believe my ears when recently the Chancellor George Osborne stuck his neck out on the national minimum wage.

He called for a hike in the NMW to £7 to compensate low-income workers for the economic crisis.

This is all well and good and of course I’d love for everyone to be paid a living wage, but - and it’s a big “but” can I venture to suggest that now is not the time to be saddling small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) with unrealistic additional costs?

Of course, it is not the right time when the economy is still in its earliest, most tentative steps on the road to recovery.

I work with scores of SMEs and, on a daily basis, they complain that they feel like the “forgotten army” - powering the economy, creating jobs and prosperity but remaining unthanked for that vital job.

I agree wholeheartedly with the CBI’s stance on this proposal which postulated that an “unaffordable rise would end up costing jobs” and recommended that the Low Pay Commission should make the final decision.

The Commission was set up in the first place to stop such political posturing!

Interestingly, the Chancellor did not suggest a new level for the NMW, but his officials have been studying the implications of an increase from the current level of £6.31 an hour to £7 by 2015.

Even mooting a rise is a dangerous game to be playing at a time when SMEs

THE BUSINESS BATTLEAXE Amanda Vigar are only starting to re-gain confidence So, come on Chancellor choose your and start hiring again. moments please! A couple more years The looming threat of a pay hike will of growth in the economy will mean not help to stabilise matters, but will that SMEs are more likely to be able to instead force busibear an increased nesses into a bunwages burden. That ker-like mentality. would be the ideal They will, in time to talk publicly simple terms, be about a wages hike. more inclined to Smaller businesses shelve their aspirashould be supported tions or plans to and encouraged to hire and will be grow whilst still givmore likely to carry ing lower paid earnon with their existers more in their ing staff levels. pockets.

If the new NMW I’d recommend levels are impletaking more earners mented, it could out of tax and NIC well mean that (particularly employbusinesses may, ers’). however relucThat way, more tantly, choose to people will be able to shed staff. Now, ■■ Chancellor of the Exchequer George come off benefits - a that would be Osborne net saving to UK unforgivable.

PLC!

Amanda Vigar is managing partner at Holmfirth-based accountants V&A Bell Brown LLP

Batley’s Caltech celebrate milestone A COMPANY helping client businesses across the globe to become more efficient has reached a milestone.

Batley-based Caltech IT has clocked up 15 years in business - having been formed by managing director Phil Callaghan in January, 1999.

The company and its 12-strong team have implemented customer relationship management (CRM) software for businesses in the UK and overseas, including France and Australia.

Industry sectors covered have included not-for-profit organisations such as charities and others involved in healthcare and education; housing associations; distribution and logistics, leisure retail and telecoms.

Mr Callaghan said: “I would like to thank everyone who has had something to do with Caltech’s success over the past 15 years - in particular David Taylor our technical director, our part-

ners, clients, staff, friends and family.

“Over the past 15 years, we have worked with some great people, and at every step, we have learned something new.”

Before setting up Caltech, Mr Callaghan was one of the key technology advisers for Business Link in Leeds, where his role encompassed talking to companies, understanding what they were trying to do and giving advice on the technology available and what grant assistance could be accessed.

Eventually, the draw of running his own business inspired him to set up Caltech.

He said: “Our biggest and most exciting challenge has been the complexity of the CRM sites we now implement.

“Using Microsoft SureStep has been fundamental to our success as well as our focused specialism in vertical markets such as social

■■ Phil Callaghan, managing director of Caltech IT Ltd in Batley

housing, bot-for-profit and business-to-business.

“We have built many rewarding business relationships and some of our first customers from 1999 are still reaping the benefits. Our cli-

ents’ loyalty and support will enable us to continue to provide successful CRM solutions with demonstrable return on investment hopefully for the next 15 years!”

■■ Lee Hayes, regional Brothers Invoice Financ

Legitima ‘green ta under qu

MORE than half of sized business owne tion the legitimacy of their energy bills, a su And 84% of SME o think that energy sup advantage with recen The figures come fr ers Business Barome vey that canvasses t ness owners across t key issues.

Lee Hayes, region Close Brothers Invo shire and Humbersi ings suggest that a n ness owners are une set of energy price in come at a time when ue to struggle with th “There has been a energy costs and gre sceptical about the va and their purpose. adding approximate energy bill of the av UK business, compa scrutinise their value “It’s understanda owners would like to ency around their en can ensure they are for money.”

The survey furt restricted cash flow is cle to company grow in five firms in the re Mr Hayes said: “In rises, we recommen anced blend of fun needs. If you haven’t business finances fo time to consider us financial product to m “With operational increase for the fore sensible to look to invoice finance. It can to-day working cap business operations that appropriate fin meet any growth a have.”

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5

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINERTUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014

SINESS NEWS

local

A supermarket sweep for FMG

sales director for Close ce in Yorkshire

acy of axes’ are uestion

small and mediumers in Yorkshire quesf “green taxes” within urvey has revealed. owners in the region ppliers may be taking nt price hikes. rom the Close Brotheter, a quarterly surthe opinion of busithe UK on a range of

nal sales director for oice Finance in Yorkide, said: “Our findnumber of local busieasy about the latest ncreases, which have n many firms continheir cash flow. lot of debate around een taxes with many alidity of ‘green taxes’ With these policies ely 15% to 21% to the verage medium sized anies have a right to e. able that business o see greater transparnergy bills so that they receiving best value

ther revealed that s still the main obstawth for more than one egion. n light of these price nd considering a balnding to meet your t thought about your or a while, it may be sing more than one meet your aims. l costs continuing to eseeable future, it is o solutions such as n help to bolster daypital, ensuring your s run smoothly and nance is available to aspirations you may

FLEET management group FMG has been awarded a major contract to manage about 900 Asda vehicles for the retailer’s home shopping operation.

The vehicles, which operate out of locations across the South of England, represent about 50% of the Leedsbased retailer’s entire home shoppingfleet.

The contract includes planned maintenance, breakdown, operational and accident repairs as well as the provision of fleet intelligence.

Key elements of the support provided by Huddersfield-based FMG will be to improve reliability, optimise availability and minimise cost.

The solution, which has been carefully tailored to the specific needs of Asda Home Shopping, encompasses a number of key innovations designed to bring significant operational benefits to the fleet.

Asda is at the forefront of online shopping one of the most competitive areas of the UK retail market.

Home delivery fleets undertake many thousands of hours of intensive urban driving every year, as well as being subjected to the normal rigors of a commercial van fleet.

Sean Clifton, Asda’s grocery home shopping fleet contract manager, said: “Asda is focused on delivering outstanding performance for our customers and we expect nothing less from our Home Shopping fleet operations.

“The team at FMG have demonstrated their understanding of the key drivers to success - safety, service and a cost-down approach to fleet management and a commitment to deliver the best results possible.”

Kevin Gordon, client development

HIGH-FLYING businesses across Kirklees have been invited to apply for the 2014 North of England Excellence Awards.

The awards, now in their 20th year, are open to organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors and recognise those which achieve high standards in all areas of their operation.

Applicants receive extensive feedback from a team of independent assessors.

Last year’s winners included AESSEAL, of Rotherham, and South Yorkshire Probation Trust.

For those not yet ready to enter the main awards, there are also the Special Category Awards which recognise achievement in a particular area such

as customer service, high growth, innovation, leadership, learning and development, sustainability and international trade.

David Teale, of awards organiser North of England Excellence, said: “The awards are ideal for ambitious businesses which have been working to improve their performance and now want to take it further.

“They allow you to achieve recognition for the progress made so far and benchmark your business against others, while the assessors’ report provides a sound basis for future improvements.”

For further details go to www.noee.co.uk or contact Suzanne House on 01925 715242.

Marketing boost for charities

■■ Kevin Gordon, client development director at FMG

director at FMG, said: “We fundamentally understand how important working vehicles are to our clients’ businesses and we fully appreciate how essential it is to meet and exceed their expectations.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have been awarded this contract, which will see us work with one of Britain’s biggest retailers.”

This key win for FMG, adds to the company’s growing list of fleet support services provided to many of the largest leasing, insurer and vehicle

operators in the UK. FMG now provides industry-leading support services to a portfolio of more than 500,000 vehicles including incident management, 24-hour breakdown, risk management, fleet management, insurance services and telemetry-enabled “Intelligence”.

The company was recently reappointed to the Highways Agency NVRM contract to co-ordinate the recovery of vehicles from across England’s strategic road network.

Manufacturing drive is coming to town A NATIONWIDE drive to help manufacturing firms grow their business and retain key staff is coming to Huddersfield.

The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) is holding a Financial Expert workshop in the two in partnership with business adviser Grant Thornton.

The event, which is aimed at owners, managing directors and directors, will run from 9.15am to 1pm on Tuesday, February 11, at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Experts from Grant Thornton will provide information and insight to ensure that the business’ financial strategy protects and supports future growth.

The sessions cover succession and talent management, tax and your growth agenda - innovation and international - and financing your growth.

In addition to these presentations, attendees can arrange to pre-book a one-to-one appointment with the

Ambitious firms invited to enter Excellence Awards

THREE charities in Kirklees have been selected to take part in a project with marketing students at Huddersfield University.

Mark Yarwood, Business Connector for Huddersfield, and Victoria Ward, Business Connector for North Kirklees, joined forces with university lecturer Mark Colley to invite five charities to make a presentation at an event hosted by the university’s marketing society.

The aim was to select three charities who will be offered support by teams of students providing benefits to both parties.

Taking part were Tom Taylor, of Northorpe Hall at Mirfield; Starr Zaman, of Ravensthorpe Community Centre; Melanie Booth, of St Anne’s Com-

munity Services; Hana Nadat, of Think Smart Recycle; and Jeanette Lodge, of The Denby Dale Centre.

The representatives of the charities each made a 10-minute presentation about their organisation and a marketing project for which they would like support.

The students considered what they heard and made a decision to support Northorpe Hall, Think Smart Recycle and The Denby Dale Centre.

Each organisation will be given marketing consultancy by a group of students on their project over the next three months providing the organisation with valuable expertise and giving students a chance to develop their own skills further and give something back.

Good times.

Bad times.

Whatever financial problems you are experiencing in your business, we can help.

Financial Expert clinic following the complimentary lunch.

Andy Wood, partner at Grant Thornton in Leeds said: “The event is part of a series of workshops aimed at helping manufacturing companies understand the best options for accessing finance, evaluating alternative funding streams and unraveling the tax implications of innovation and expansion.”

Mr Wood, who leads Grant Thornton’s manufacturing industry

group, said: “The workshops also cover other key issues affecting SME manufacturers such as succession planning and strategies for retention of skilled employees.

“The Financial Expert scheme has been carefully devised to provide firms with access to support on these critical financial issues that could hold back their growth plans.”

Places are limited. to reserve a free place, email dawn.a.lockwood@uk.gt. com

Call us for a consultation on

01422 348 448

Peter Sargent, Partner Richard Kenworthy, Director Begbies Traynor 36 Clare Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2HX www.begbies-traynor.com

www.examiner.co.uk/newsletters/daily-bulletin/ http://www.examiner.co.uk/newsletters/daily-bulletin/

6

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

property

Solar power helps our farmers to see the light Generally farmers have not had much to cheer about over the past decade or so but this may very well change as solar farm developers are pushing northwards in a scramble for sites, as the south, in particular southwest, reached saturation point.

To date, solar farms have generally been located on brownfield sites such as the old tin mine site in Cornwall with over 5,600 solar panels generating electricity for 400 homes and an old airfield in Leicestershire.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has ambitions for solar to contribute a large proportion of capacity by 2020 and has recently published a ‘solar roadmap’ in support of this aim.

The Government’s support for solar farms, combined with the ability to export and sell electricity generated to the Grid at guaranteed rates has kept the market relatively buoyant and there are currently more than 100 new planning applications going through the system.

Subsidies are still available for this type of work.

Installation costs have also dropped

Cornmill Farm – Whole Farm

Mill Lane, Wheatley Valley, Halifax, HX2 8SE 5 bedroom farmhouse with various farm outbuildings set in 18.5 Acres.

Guide Price: £475,000 – £525,000

INFORMED DEVELOPMENT Martin Thompson considerably with cheaper solar panels being sourced from the Far East.

So what are the basics in developing a solar farm? Solar farms require about 5 acres of land not crossed by rights of way. Clearly, it is important that the site has cost-effective access to the Grid and flat land is better for a bigger solar operation.

Planning is a key consideration although solar farms, if positioned correctly, can be easier on the eye than wind farms. There have been new planning guidelines for renewables which were issued in July 2013. These allow for the views of local communities and the

impact on the local landscape to be taken into account but we have already seen windfarms in Kirklees gain planning.

For solar farms that are leased to operators most are for 20 to 26 years to reflect the subsidy payment period but solar farms can be developed independently and many are. The base rents paid by operators are from £1,000 per acre dependent on location and about ten hectares of land are needed to generate 5MW which is enough to power about 1500 homes.

Land title and SPS/Agi Environment Schemes are some of the other major

Martin Thompson is a partner in Commercial Property at Armitage Sykes in Huddersfield

Bradford, BD4 7DF Tenanted shop investment – rental income £2,400 pa. Established café business for over 70 years.

Guide Price: £25,000 – £30,000

Cornmill Farm – Farmhouse

Garton Drive

5 bedroom character farmhouse in picturesque setting.

Eccleshill, Bradford, BD10 8AU Building land in quiet cul-de-sac position – planning consent for 2 semi detached.

Guide Price: £250,000 – £275,000

Guide Price: £60,000 – £80,000

Cornmill Farm – Outbuilding and 0.26 Acre Paddock

Car Park/Development Site

Lapsed planning consent for conversion to 2 bedroom house or ideal stable block and paddock.

James Street, Elland, HX5 0HB 0.279 Acre site/car park offering development potential.

Guide Price: £40,000 – £50,000

Guide Price: £30,000 – £50,000

Cornmill Farm – Barn, Cowshed, Yard and Paddock set in 1.44 Acres

Residential Building Land

Farm outbuildings suitable for residential conversion subject to planning consent, set in 1.44 Acre paddock.

Whitcliffe Road, Cleckheaton, BD19 3SO 0.27 Acres former school site with planning permission for 5 townhouses.

Guide Price: £40,000 – £50,000

Guide Price: £75,000 – £95,000

Cornmill Farm – 17.1 Acres Grazing and Equestrian Land

Alder Street

Fartown, Huddersfield, HD1 6HZ 1,491 sq ft workshop and yard/car park close to town centre. Suitable for a variety of uses.

Guide Price: £55,000 – £75,000

Guide Price: £30,000 – £40,000

6 Woodlands View

Residential Building Land

Guide Price: £50,000 – £55,000

Guide Price: £50,000 – £60,000

5 Briggs Villas

55 Queen Street

Guide Price: £55,000 – £60,000

Guide Price: £30,000 – £40,000

Boothtown, Halifax, HX3 6HL 2 bedroom stone terrace overlooking the park, requiring comprehensive refurbishment.

Queensbury, BD13 2EP Spacious 3 bedroom stone terrace close to village centre requiring comprehensive refurbishment.

81 Stainland Road

West Vale, Greetland, HX4 8ED 1 bedroom stone terrace requiring comprehensive refurbishment.

Guide Price: £25,000 – £30,000

TWO Kirklees businessmen have joined forces to launch a new company focusing on fork lift truck training.

Honley based Mick Aston, director of Astra Access Safety Training, has teamed up with Richard Wadsworth, of Mirfield, to form Lift It, which will be based at Astra’s 50,000sq ft training centre.

The centre in Barnsley has been accredited to deliver RTITB training and passed the stringent audit with flying colours.

Lift It will focus on training for all types of fork lift trucks, while Astra delivers courses on access equipment, including scaffolding, ladders, steps, mobile towers, scissor lifts and cherry pickers as well as everyday health and safety courses which can be delivered at the centre or on site anywhere in the world.

108 Hall Lane

AVAILABLE AS A WHOLE OR AS 4 INDIVIDUAL LOTS AS FOLLOWS:

Comprising 5 stock proof fields of gently sloping grazing land with gated access.

■■ Power ... a solar wind farm

considerations as is re-instatement.

There are subsidies available from Feed in Tariff (FiT) scheme and the Renewable Obligation scheme. The amount of energy generated will determine which scheme you will need to register with.

But finally, installing and operating your own solar farm is legally less complicated than entering into a lease agreement with a third party. Few will want to embark on the size of project undertaken by commercial developers due to the cost and micro-generation projects are more feasible.

As Government has green energy targets to hit this may be the quiet energy revolution we see in 2014.

Lift-off for new training centre

Adjacent to 53 Brow Road, Paddock, Huddersfield, HD1 4TP Planning consent for 2 flats.

Ravensthopre, Dewsbury, WF13 3BT Two bed terrace, close to town centre requiring full modernisation.

■■ Kirklees Mayor Clr Martyn Bolt (second left) cuts the ribbon to reopen the refurbished Kwik Fit centre at Lockwood with (from left) divisional director, Tony Newby, director of communications Roger Griggs and centre manager James Morris

New office fit for purpose KIRKLEES Mayor Clr Martyn Bolt cut the ribbon to mark the reopening of a completely refurbished Kwik Fit centre in Huddersfield.

The centre at Lockwood has undergone “significant” investment from the garage floor up. It was selected for the revamp from Kwik Fit’s UK network of more than 600 centres because of the commitment the staff have made in serving the local community.

The changes include a new-look reception area and the installation of specialist laser wheel alignment equipment that allows a car’s four wheels to be aligned as per the manufacturer’s specification.

The revamped centre at Lockwood will also continue to offer the full range of Kwik Fit services including tyres exhausts, brakes, MoT testing, car servicing, air-con and windscreen repair.

Clr Bolt said: “It was a pleasure to hear of the changes the new owners of Kwik Fit have put into place. I was impressed with the investment in the centre, which is good news for Kirklees, its motorists and, of course, for the staff and their families.

“We are fortunate that the company selected the Lockwood Road garage for refurbishment with all the latest technology and equipment and I hope that in time other branches in Kirklees will also benefit.”

Centre manager James Morris said: “It’s given the staff a real boost that our hard work has been recognised and that the centre has been given major investment.

“All the team in Huddersfield take great pride in our work and now we have working environments that match our ambition to deliver the best possible service.”

7

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014 â€

TO LET

Offices

FOR SALE

Industrial

Ponderosa Park, Smithies Lane, Heckmondwike 800 - 1,500 sq ft

Crescent Works, Meadow Lane, Dewsbury 3,055m2 (32,882 sq ft) on 1.13 acres

High quality office suites with on site parking and conference facilities. Immediately available for occupation

FOR SALE DUE TO EXPANSION AND RELOCATION. Industrial/factory complex with good office space and some parking

FOR SALE

Commercial

TO LET

Industrial

The Old Post Office, Wakefield Road, Dewsbury 1,045m2 (11,250 sq ft)

230 Cumberworth Lane, Denby Dale, Huddersfield 1,017m2 (10,949 sq ft)

Centrally located office suitable for redevelopment/conversion to a variety of uses (STP). Covered/secure parking

Good quality single storey warehouse/ workshop with offices, on large site (up to 1.52 acres), with easy access to M1

All enquiries to Alec Michael alec@michaelsteel.co.uk

www.michaelsteel.co.uk

Commercial Residential, Commercial & Industrial Surveyors, Estate Agents, Auctioneers & Property Management Consultants OLD WAKEFIELD ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD

For Sale

JOHN STREET, RAVENSTHORPE WF13 3LE

Freehold Commercial Property DUE TO RELOCATION 350.52sqm (3,773sqft) Prominent main road position Good on-street car parking

TO LET

Single Storey Industrial Unit

573.4sqm (6,172sqft)

346.78sqm (3,732 sqft)

2 x Electric loading doors

Excellent loading

Popular industrial location

3 Phase electricity

Will split

Good yard space and car parking

QUAY STREET, HUDDERSFIELD

TO LET

First Floor Workshop/Office Accommodation

135.45sqm (1,458sqft)

511.98sqm (5,511 sqft) Inexpensive

2 loading doors

Popular industrial location

Suitable for a variety of industrial, office or leisure users, subject to obtaining the relevant planning consents

EPC Rating: G

EPC Rating: E

Good yard space

14 St Georges Square, Huddersfield HD1 1JF e: commercial@bramleys1.co.uk

TO LET

Modern single storey industrial premises

Ground Floor Workshop

t: 01484 530361

COLNE VALE ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD HD3 4NX

EPC: C

EPC Asset Rating C STEPS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, HONLEY

TO LET / MAY SELL

www.bramleys.com/commercial

ST GEORGES SQUARE, HUDDERSFIELD HD1 1JF

TO LET

Office suites 686 & 739 sqft Prominent location Close to railway station EPC :-

8

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Absolute Media

We’re tuned in

movers and shakers

Gold standard for recruitment agency

By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk

A RADIO advertising business has tuned into success.

Absolute Media (UK) Ltd, based at Lockwood, 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 export support service UKTI. The firm, formed in 1999 by Alex Mullen and colleague Rick Fry, specialises in producing commercial radio advertising, the booking of radio airtime and a variety of other audio/visual work.

It started with an office in Aspley but moved to purpose-built, high-spec premises in Lockwood Park in 2012.

Having invested in the

■■ Alex Mullen (right), of Absolute Media (UK) Ltd, receives the award from Steven Pollitt (centre), of Eaton Smith, with Ellie Lyon, of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; and Jason Metcalfe, of Hanson Chartered Surveyors

most advanced industry planning software available, Absolute Media has the tools in place to deliver successful campaigns on a local, regional or national basis.

The judging panel was impressed by the way the company goes about its business and how it works with an impressive client list, which includes Lidl Stores, Pendragon PLC, Harratts Motor Group, United Carpets and Beds and Kirklees Council.

Lynn Snowdon

Lynn signs up HUDDERSFIELD law firm Baxter Caulfield has appointed Lynn Snowdon as associate partner with responsibility for private client work.

Ms Snowdon (pictured) joins the Station Street firm from a North Tyneside-based firm and will look after the affairs of individual clients and trustees, planning and managing as well as all aspects of their finances, including wills and probate and tax matters.

She read law at Newcastle University before sitting her post graduate law qualifications at Northumbria, where she qualified in 2008.

She has since worked in legal practice in the North East where her career has gone from strength to strength.

Ms Snowdon said the appointment was a “significant progression” for her professionally, add-

A RECRUITMENT agency in Brighouse has become one of the first in the country to gain a gold standard for the way it vets teachers and support staff before sending them in to schools.

Provide Education, based at the Coach House, Owler Ings Road, has been awarded the highest national accreditation for safeguarding children by the professional body which regulates the UK’s recruitment industry, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC).

The company underwent a thorough inspection of its policies and procedures, spot-checks and interviews with agency staff to achieve gold standard status as an REC audited recruitment agency.

Barry Simmons, managing director of Provide Education, said: “We are delighted to receive the REC’s gold standard for education recruitment, which recognises our quality of service in general and our commitment to safeguarding children in particular.

“Vetting is at the forefront of our daily working lives and crucial to the two-way service we provide – helping schools and children’s centres to fill positions quickly and safely and supporting teaching and non-teaching staff to find supply and permanent jobs that suit them perfectly.”

Provide Education offers a 24-hour rapid response recruitment service to help more than 500 schools in West and South Yorkshire and the East Midlands fill supply jobs and permanent vacancies.

It has more than 2,000 teachers, teaching assistants and nursery nurses on its books, as well as other non-teaching staff.

The company was formed in 2007 by Mr Simmons, a former teacher, and co-director Katie Jones, an experienced recruitment con-

■■ Barry Simmons, managing director of Provide Education

sultant. REC chief executive Kevin Green said the award acknowledged the dedication and professionalism of Provide Education and recognised that stringent standards of compliance and best practice are met on a daily basis.

■■ The Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce stages its next Connections Count business networking event from 9am to 11am on Thursday at the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre in Halifax.

Connections Count runs every first Thursday of the month with venues rotating between Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. The events see a variety of business owners presenting ‘elevator’ pitches and following up new leads over a breakfast of bacon sandwiches, pastries and hot beverages.

February’s event will see a presentation by chamber member company Moore Finance.

For more details and to book visit www. mycci.co.uk

Bosses have a big need for speed ing: “I believe my role at Baxter Caulfield will allow me to pursue my long-term career ambitions to the very best of my abilities and achieve my goals.”

Stephen Newman, senior partner at Baxter Caulfield Solicitors, said: “I am delighted to welcome Lynn to the role of associate partner.

“She is a welcome asset to the firm’s private client department and I would like to wish her well on behalf of everyone here.”

BATLEY-born tycoon Lawrence Tomlinson has recruited another motorsport fan to the starting grid.

Guy Redwood, founder and managing director of SimpleUsability Behavioural Research, has joined the Ginetta Racing Drivers’ Club, a new-for-2014 route into motorsport, established by Mr Tomlinson, chairman of Ginetta Cars, to bring business people onto the race track.

Mr Redwood is a keen motorsport fan who, despite a strong interest in engineering, has had his racing experience limited to pit lane viewing and a few twoseater road cars.

His commitment to SimpleUsability as he grows the business means he has limited time for activities outside of work.

However, Ginetta Racing Drivers’ Club represented an opportunity to pursue a lifelong interest.

Mr Redwood said: “The hand-

■■ Guy Redwood, founder and managing director of SimpleUsability Behavioural Research

held, low time-commitment introduction to racing was really attractive. It means the majority of my time will be spent having fun – instead of having to learn how to

get a licence, research safety kit, sign up for race series and all the other time-consuming aspects that have prevented me following my dream in the past.”

Redwood noticed the Ginetta factory at Garforth during his commute to his home in York.

Following a quick internet search, he subscribed to the Ginetta social media channels where he found out more about the Ginetta Racing Drivers’ Club.

An invitation to a business presentation at Ginetta’s head office in December further piqued Redwood’s interest – following a presentation by Mr Tomlinson which highlighted his passion for applying engineering to overcome real problems and his vision for Ginetta.

Mr Redwood added: “I was already keen on the idea of joining the Ginetta Racing Drivers’ Club before my visit to the factory, but Lawrence’s presentation real-

ly rang true with me.

“The tour of the factory was awe-inspiring and the enthusiasm of the team we met was amazing. My colleague turned to me, noticing my beaming smile and just said: ‘Are you going to do it?’ and I guess we already knew the answer.”

Despite having no motor racing experience, Mr Redwood is keen to enjoy the atmosphere, “geek out” on the engineering aspect of the Ginetta Racing Drivers’ Club and learn how to race.

He does have an ace up his sleeve, however, as a racer of Siberian Huskies in the UK since 1998 and a winner of Best Puppy In Breed for one of his Siberian Huskies at Crufts 2013.

Mr Tomlinson said: “Guy is the second Yorkshire businessman to sign up for the club proving its success as the ideal starting point for busy people looking for an exhilarating pastime.”