MARTIN THOMPSON
FTSE 100 -101.35 6708.35
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014
Ancient and modern Column - Page 6
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AMANDA VIGAR Defending rural values Column - Page 4
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
A LANDMARK ruling that will ensure commercial rent is payable when a company falls into administration has been welcomed by a Huddersfield law firm. Baxter Caulfield, based at Station Street in the town centre, said the ruling by the Court of Appeal meant that Yorkshire landlords would now have more confidence in investing in the high street. A consortium of landlords has appealed and won a case that will see them paid £3m in back rent due prior to the collapse of digital game retailer GAME from the new owners of the business.
Previously, if a company entered administration the day after the quarterly rent payment is due on a property, the rent for that quarter could legally go unpaid – with the landlords being only an unsecured creditor and paid a percentage of assets realised during the administration. This process effectively allowed the administrators a three-month grace period in which they could trade while seeking a buyer. Paul Booth, head of the commercial litigation team at Baxter Caulfield, said: “The Appeal Court ruling means rent will now be classed as an expense of an administration, which is paid ahead of creditors and administrators must pay rent for any time that they occupy a property. “This decision is very welcome and a victory for common sense. It will have positive repercussions for the high street.
■■ Paul Booth, of Baxter Caulfield
It will mean that commercial landlords will now have the peace of mind that they need not forfeit rent owed on their properties should a retailer fall into
administration. “The ruling means that rent will now be charged on a pay-as-you-go basis, putting an end to ‘tactical’ administrations which enables retailers to operate for free if they file for administration just after quarter day.” In making the ruling, Lord Justice Lewinson said the law had been left in a “very unsatisfactory state” by previous High Court rulings on the issue. He said rent should be treated as accruing from day to day and was payable as an expense of the winding up or administration. Mr Booth said: “The administrator will now know – and will be able to make provision for – the costs involved in an administration by ensuring that the cost of any rent due is set aside. “The decision ensures that an important level of clarification has been brought to bear in what has hitherto been a somewhat testing and grey area.”
Plaudits for staff THE owner of Huddersfield’s Cedar Court Hotel has staged an awards night for the company’s staff. Cedar Court Hotels, which has five hotels across Yorkshire, paid tribute to its staff at the inaugural Cedar Court Hotels Annual Staff Awards, which were held at the Cedar Court in Harrogate. Hundreds of members of Cedar Court Hotels staff were put forward for awards by their colleagues.
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Chemical company gets technical at innovation centre Winning A speciality chemical company has opened a new technical laboratory at Huddersfield University’s 3M Buckley Innovation Centre as part of an investment in business. Leeds-based Surfachem, which specialsies in sectors including personal care, homecare, industrial and pharmaceuticals, has made the move as part of its continuing growth and in response to customer and supplier requests for increased technical support. The laboratory will become a focal point for the development of new formulations and applications incorporating the latest ingredients and technologies. Surfachem will also use the facility to offer existing and
new customers and suppliers help in creating formulations and troubleshooting. The laboratory is close to the company’s existing distribution centre in Elland. Dr Richard Smith, managing director, said: “We are very pleased to be able to offer our customers and suppliers additional services from a world class facility. “In addition, our being located within the centre and the university opens up opportunities for the innovation of new products and services for our partners.” Surfachem, which employs 100 people, is also investing in a new member staff for the facility, who will join its existing technical team. It is hoped to expand the team further
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within the next 12 months. Fakhara Jones, technical director, said: “We are thrilled with the new facility and are expanding our team to further develop our extensive personal care offering and enhance our technical support for both customers and suppliers. “The synergies which this will create with our existing technical staff out in the field will enable us to bring new formulations and ideas straight to our customer base.” Surfachem has been trading in the UK and Eire for more than 30 years and provides product development support through trials and into full-scale production. It also has a subsidiary company in Norway.
recipe
■■ The university’s 3M BIC
A RESTAURANT chain has shown confidence in the future by completing a refurbishment scheme in Kirklees. Aagrah, the UK and Europe’s largest Kashmiri restaurant business, has provided a whole new look to the Aagrah Restaurant in Denby Dale – in a move to show its commitment to the local community.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Chocolate retailer hails supermarkets strategy Supermarket sales of Thorntons chocolate boxes helped lift the company’s profits at a time when it is cutting its high street store estate. The group, which has a store at the Piazza Shopping Centre in Huddersfield, said revenues increased by 4.5% to £139.7m in the six months to January 11 – with underlying profits up by 47% to £7.2m. Thornton’s commercial operation, which includes sales to other retailers such as supermarkets, lifted turnover by 14.5% to £70.6m in the period and now represents the biggest part of the business. Total sales in the retail division declined by 4% to £69.1m as a result of an ongoing store closure programme which left it with 36 fewer sites than a year earlier. It ended the period with 281 stores as it works towards a profitable estate of between 180 and 200 sites in the medium term. Excluding changes in store space, retail sales were 2.1% higher than a year earlier after a strong Christmas selling season was boosted by “out-
standing” sales from its advent calendars and Snowman ranges. The group’s UK commercial arm lifted sales by 17.3% to £62.4m against a restated fgure of £53.2m last time. “Thorntons said sales of Christmas specialities grew by 68% and reported “good take-up” of early spring deliveries. International sales grew to £4.5m from £4.1m. In the retail division, a strong first half in Thorntons stores and good growth online resulted in 2.1% likefor-like growth. The group said it was on track to close about 40 stores during the financial year – with 15 stores closing during the period under review –
taknig it towards its target of having 180 to 200 stores in the mediumterm. Consumer Direct sales increased by 23.4% to £4.1m while franchise sales increased to £5.1m from £5m. Chief executive Jonathan Hart said: “Across our two divisions, all of our core channels have delivered positive results. “We are particularly pleased to have maintained strong sales growth in our UK commercial channel and achieved positive like-for-like growth in our retail division. “During the period, we re-launched our Classics and Nostalgia ranges which were well received by our cus-
Boost for factory jobs and output
tomers. “The response to our seasonal specialities, especially our new Snowman licensed range, exceeded our expectations. “Overall we continue to be encouraged with the progress which has been made in implementing our strategy of rebalancing the business, revitalising the brand and restoring profitability. “We look forward to the key spring seasons of Mother’s Day and Easter with confidence. “Going forward, our focus remains firmly on continuing our current strategy and maintaining the positive trajectory that we have established over the past two years “As a result of the growing production volumes, we are also investing in increasing our manufacturing capacity to support our long-term objectives. As expected, the marketplace remains highly competitive and our consumers continue to seek value. Our plans have been made accordingly. Our current outlook for the financial year remains in line with market expectations.”
Manufacturers are creating new jobs at the fastest pace since May, 2011, after figures showed the sector maintained its improvement last month. February’s reading of 56.9 for the closely watched CIPS/Markit purchasing managers’ index (PMI) survey - where the 50 mark separates growth from contraction - was better than the 56.6 seen a month earlier. Levels of production and new business rose at an above-trend rate, which filtered through to the labour market, with jobs creation at a 33-month record. The better-than-expected result marks a return to form for the sector after a slight dip in the reading for January. Maintaining the performance will be a key factor in rebalancing UK growth away from the consumer and financial sector towards investment and exports. Despite the impact of flooding on large parts of the UK, the strengthening domestic market was the primary driver of the manufacturing recovery, with an 11th successive monthly rise in production volumes. New export business also posted a solid gain in February, although the rate of increase eased from January’s near three-year record. Manufacturers reported improved inflows of new work from clients worldwide, includ-
Bank of Ireland reduces its losses
Mortgage approvals increase
Bank of Ireland has reported an underlying pre-tax loss of 569m euros (£469m) for last year – down from almost 1.5bn euro (£1.2bn) in the previous year. The bank said it recorded an operating profit for the year of more than 1bn euros (£824m) before impairment charges on loans of 1.6bn euros (£1.3bn) were taken into account. Its annual report said the level of defaulted loans has fallen by 6% since June 2013.
The number of mortgage approvals granted to home buyers lifted to a new six-year high in January, Bank of England figures show. Some 76,947 approvals with a total value of £12.4bn got the go-ahead last month, marking the highest number seen since November 2007. However loans, including overdrafts, to non-financial businesses fell by £600m in January, on top of the fall of £1.7bn seen in December.
Bank of Ireland was bailed out by the Irish Government from 2009 to 2011 with about 4.8bn euros (£4bn) and the state holds 14% of the bank’s stock. Group chief executive Richie Boucher, said the bank’s underlying performance improved by almost 1bn euros in 2013, adding that 2013 “was a year of further substantial progress for Bank of Ireland”. He said: “Taxpayers’ support for and investment in Bank of Ireland has been rewarded and repaid. We
are profitable and generating capital in 2014. Davy stockbrokers said the bank’s finances showing it was making profits before provisions ahead of expectations. Mr Boucher said a key priority remains the solution of Irish mortgage arrears and challenges facing small and medium enterprises. And he said that eight out of 10 debt-hit Irish mortgages which have been been restructured are now being repaid.
And lending to small and medium-sized enterprises was down by £300m compared to the average monthly decrease of £500m over the previous six months. The updated figures came as the Bank said net lending to households and businesses under its Funding for Lending scheme remained positive, with £5.8bn lent in the final quarter of 2013. Cumulative net lending now stands at £10.3bn over
the 18 months from the scheme’s start in 2012. While mortgage borrowing conditions have been eased by FLS, small businesses seen as key to economic recovery - are struggling to borrow much-needed cash. Lloyds Banking Group said it increased its total lending through FLS by £4.2bn, more than other banks in the scheme so far in the quarterly updates. Lloyds is also the biggest lender to SMEs.
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Tracy takes a healthy choice IT’S something of a cliche to say provide people with peace of school on the Isle of Wight from there’s nothing more important mind.” the age of 10 until she was 18, but than good health. Tracy has embarked on her new never lost sight of her ambition. But Tracy Lomax is on a mis- venture having amassed 27 years She went on to train as an ostesion to make more people aware experience in the health field as a opath at the British School of of the value of preventative trained osteopath and medical Osteopathy in London and qualihealthcare and become more practitioner. fied in 1986 before setting up her proactive when it comes to lookShe had already successfully own clinics in London, Surrey and ing after themselves. run a number of osteopathy clin- Buckinghamshire. The Edgerton Tracy is clinical director of Edg- ics before training as a clinical clinis is her eleventh. erton-based CTI Wellness. thermographer. Says Tracy: “Eight years ago, I The company offers clients a She takes as her template the met my husband, who comes clinical thermal imaging (CTI) work of The Chiron Clinic in Lon- from Yorkshire. I sold my house in service to provide them with a don’s Harley Street, which is run Marlow, Buckinghamshire, and whole-body healthcheck, which by Dr Nyjon Eccles, who helped we moved up here. can help with the early detection pioneer CTI in this country as part “Now I live in South Crosland and diagnosis of potential prob- of his research into natural and with Alan, our daughter Tilly, two lems such as breast disease, non-invasive ways to improve cel- horses and two dogs!” stroke, cardiac dysfunctions and lular health. She says her favourite way to deep vein thrombosis. Says Tracy: “Dr Eccles is a friend relax is yoga. “My ideal day would It can also be used to help iden- of mine and I am echoing in York- be to walk the dogs, ride my horstify specific areas of activity which shire what he does in London.” es and do some yoga – and fit as may be causing back pain, arthriTracy grew up in the Middle much work as I can in between!” tis, joint pain and sporting inju- East and became fascinated by Mention of her horses raises ries. the subject of osteopathy when another interesting aspect of TraClinical thermal imaging is a she was jut 10 years old. cy’s work. For CTI is increasingly non-invasive test of the body’s “My mother had a very bad being used to help detect potenphysiology. back, which would go into tial problems of lameness in race It is used globally for breast spasms,” she says. horses. screening and evaluating pain “She came to England to see an Tracy has worked as a veteriand disease. osteopath and I remember sitting nary osteopath for race horse It uses digital infra-red thermal and watching as he cured her trainer Richard Hannon, who has imaging to displaying the changes back pain. I just thought there looked after a number of the in skin surface temperature – or must be magic in his fingers.” Queen’s horses, hotspots – produced by an inflamTracy was sent to boarding At CTI Wellness, Tracy has matory or neurological process. Tracy works with a team of 40 medical doctors in the USA who are trained in thermography and carefully analyse the images she provides. They then furnish the client with an overview letter, image-by-image analysis, identification of problems and asymmetries and detailed recommendations for the client’s medical practitioner for follow-on diagnostic steps and a treatment plan, if appropriate. Tracy said CTI was increasingly seen as a key part of an individual’s “wellbeing” regime. “It is part of a bigger picture around health awareness,” she says. “It is a safety net and a way to ■■ Tracy Lomax and Neil Foster, of CTI Wellness, based at Edgerton
Tracy Lomax
teamed up with businessman Neil Foster, who is a qualified equine dentist as well as being an experienced graphic design and branding specialist. He also owns the New North Road property from which CTI Wellness operates. Equine thermography is now an intrinsic part of the company’s services. For her human clients, Tracy sees huge potential in CTI as part of a wider wellbeing regime. The equipment used is portable and an individual screening takes just 30 minutes. It means the service can be taken to GPs’ surgeries, community health centres or clinics run by osteopaths and chiropractors. Meanwhile, Tracy is staging an information evening at the Edgerton clinic on Thursday, March 13, to explain how CTI works. “Many people are prepared to spend money on preventative healthcare, says Tracy. “They are looking objectively at their health and lifestyle and what they can do to improve their wellbeing. “If there is something wrong, they want to know early so they can make the right choices about how to deal with it. “Well-woman or wellman healthchecks can include whole body scans to see what the individual looks like from the inside out. It could help cut the cost of healthcare by providing early detection of potential problems.” One area in which it could help is back pain. – rated as the major cause of workplace absenteeism and a huge cost to business. It can also help pinpoint conditions to which people in particular age groups are susceptible. but for whom there is no national screening programme. It may be a cliche, says Tracy, but no less true. “Early detection saves lives.”
Role: Clinical director Age: 46 Family: Married to Alan with daughter Tilly, six. Holidays: We love Portugal First job: I was a cocktail waitress at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London Best thing about the job? Empowering people to look after their health through preventative healthcare. You don’t have to put up with your aches and pains Worst thing about the job? There are not enough hours in the day Business tip: Show commitment. My definition is “doing the thing you said you would do long after the mood in which you said it has left you”
CTI Wellness Work: Clinical therrmal imagery Site: Edgerton Phone: 01484 517808 Email: info@ctiwellness.co.uk Web: www. ctiwellness.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
Business Of The Month Awards - Rewarding Success Since 1995
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TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
Marshalls retains Superbrand tag PAVING supplier Marshalls plc has been voted a Business Superbrand – for the fifth year running. The Huddersfield-based group, which has operations in Elland and Brighouse, has been listed among the UK’s strongest business-to-business brands. It follows an independently co-ordinated process managed by The Centre for Brand Analysis (TCBA). The affirmation of Superbrand status follows the latest assessment of the annual survey, which has been identifying the UK’s strongest business-to-business brands since 2001. The survey rates more than 1,200 brands, which are assessed on the three key criteria of quality, reliability and distinction. Established in Halifax in the 1890s, Marshalls is the UK’s leading manufacturer in its field, supplying the construction, home improvement and landscape markets. Stephen Cheliotis, chairman of the Business Superbrands Council, said: “For Marshalls to achieve Business Superbrand status is really positive, especially considering over 1,000 brands were evaluated in the process.” Marshall marketing director Chris Harrop said: “As one of the most prominent businesses founded and headquartered in West Yorkshire, we are incredibly proud to be recognised as a business Superbrand for our fifth year in a row. “
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KIRKLEES BUS
Let’s support our vital rural services The vital importance of thriving villages cannot be underestimated. Not only should our villages and market towns look picturesque but they should also be able to provide services to their residents. They should not fall to the level of pretty ‘window dressing’ for the tourist trade. However, important as tourism is to these local economies, it would be a travesty and a scandal if people struggled to work and live there! The Post Office, in particular, provides a place for people to pay their bills, collect benefits, get their car taxed and buy stamps locally. Sadly, the number of branches has dwindled from about 25,000 in the mid1960s to around 11,500 today, according to figures from the Post Office. Although so much can be done online nowadays, this doesn’t replace the community spirit that local businesses can provide and you can’t get the emergency pint of milk and a loaf of bread online! I am delighted to have helped a local businessman secure a Post Office licence in a small West Yorkshire village.
THE BUSINESS BATTLEAXE Amanda Vigar The successful acquisition has rescued the village Post Office from closure – more about this success story very soon! Older people, more often than not, have to rely on other dwindling local services, and our vanishing rural bus routes too. They are, quite literally, a lifeline for our elderly population. Anyone of a certain age will remember with fondness days gone by when one could count on being able to buy groceries, sort out finances, pick up parcels, send letters to friends and relatives overseas or even buy a local paper without having to drive to a soulless shopping centre miles away. I am judge and juror on the West
Yorkshire Business Jury (www.businessjury.co.uk) which periodically asks a dozen local businessmen and women a topical question. One of our most recent verdicts was that the high street needs to adapt or die. One juror, Frances Bennett, of geotechnical services company Ashton Bennett, applauded Mary Portas’ review for the government which recommended the ideas of the Transition Town movement. The movement champions community-owned bakeries, food-growing projects and even community-owned energy. Let’s apply that brilliant ethos to our villages as well!
Amanda Vigar is managing partner at Holmfirth-based accountants V&A Bell Brown LLP
Firms’ chance to rise to survey challenge The challenges facing Yorkshire businesses in 2014 will be spelled out in an ambitious new survey. Huddersfield Town has teamed up with club partners Bond Dickinson and Ask Insight to “Challenge 2014” through a new survey aimed at companies across the region. Created by Huddersfieldbased research specialists Ask Insight, the survey will reflect on the issues that businesses faced during 2013 before exploring the key challenges that Yorkshire firms face this calendar year. The online survey will take just five minutes to complete and for every person that does so before the March 24 deadline, a donation of £2 will be made to Town’s charity partner, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Data generated from the survey will be analysed and reported on by Town, Ask Insight and Bond Dickinson. A synopsis of the findings will be made available to all participants on request and several respondents will subsequently be invited to take part in Challenge 2014 focus groups. Huddersfield Town commercial director Sean Jarvis said: “As a club, we have
■■ Huddersfield town commercial director Sean Jarvis (centre) with Susan Kenyon, of Ask Insight, and Matthew Blakeley, of Bond Dickinson
invested in the development of beneficial relationships and partnerships with other businesses that face very similar challenges. “Recognising this, we put our heads together with our partners Bond Dickinson and Ask Insight to create a way to open up a dialogue with some of those businesses with the aim of identifying and sharing the real business challenge in 2014. “Subsequently we have created the ‘Challenge 2014’ survey. “This survey differs from other on-line businessfocused questionnaires in that it allows an open, honest, dialogue with fellow businesses – a conversation
that encourages businesses to respond in an open and frank manner in confidence. “It is not a government or public sector survey, but a survey driven with the intention to focus on the challenges that real businesses are facing within their sector.” Shiv Sibal, partner at national law firm Bond Dickinson, said: “The British economy is starting to show some encouraging signs of improvement, but this has come with warnings of caution from Chancellor George Osborne and Bank of England’s Governor Mark Carney. “Whilst there are considerable reasons to be positive,
there remain challenges for businesses across our region. “Through this survey, we hope to find out and share the key concerns of local businesses. “We continually aim to play an active role in the economic growth in our region and support the region’s businesses. “Being able to partner with Huddersfield Town and Ask Insight on such a survey brings us an opportunity to address the concerns, as well as highlight the challenges and opportunities for our region’s business community.” Ask Insight’s Susan Kenyon said: “This light, easy to complete survey only takes five minutes to complete, in contrast to many other business surveys. “Our aim is for businesses to tell us as it is for them and offer opinions on what we need to do together to overcome the challenges we all face. “In return, we will donate £2 to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance for each completed survey submitted before March 24, 2014.” Visit www.challenge2014. co.uk to complete the survey.
■■ Paul Davies, of BDO
Enthusi for expo
Food and drink m shire see export grow end of the tunnel after according to a report. The study by Paul D business advisory fir said companies in the to reap the rewards of tic economy. More than 80% of f the region experience ing operating marg compared to the year It said the two bigge manufacturers and p sures on pricing from 39% of those polled a and volatility in high r key issue for 26%. In addition, the rep chain integrity is cr trust, brand value and investor and consum ingly reaching beyo ance. In the face of dome nesses have set their s growth. More than 60% of said they are forecast fifth of their sales over huge leap forward c currently exporting at This trend will com ment to the Governm double exports by 202 Manufacturing is at this target, with food largest sub-sector wit Mr Davies, who is drink at BDO nation drink companies ar sides. “Customers expec innovation while also es are kept low; all th ment of close scrutin about by recent food s “As consumer con nomic growth takes h ing to see if margin p and drink companie opportunities in inter Growth opportunit come in the form of co activity. Declining deal vo drink companies in reverse in the next 12 Chris Archer, of Yo Yorkshire, said the sec attractive for bank len “Food and drink co more attractive opti people still need to ea focus on trading busin
4
TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
Marshalls retains Superbrand tag PAVING supplier Marshalls plc has been voted a Business Superbrand – for the fifth year running. The Huddersfield-based group, which has operations in Elland and Brighouse, has been listed among the UK’s strongest business-to-business brands. It follows an independently co-ordinated process managed by The Centre for Brand Analysis (TCBA). The affirmation of Superbrand status follows the latest assessment of the annual survey, which has been identifying the UK’s strongest business-to-business brands since 2001. The survey rates more than 1,200 brands, which are assessed on the three key criteria of quality, reliability and distinction. Established in Halifax in the 1890s, Marshalls is the UK’s leading manufacturer in its field, supplying the construction, home improvement and landscape markets. Stephen Cheliotis, chairman of the Business Superbrands Council, said: “For Marshalls to achieve Business Superbrand status is really positive, especially considering over 1,000 brands were evaluated in the process.” Marshall marketing director Chris Harrop said: “As one of the most prominent businesses founded and headquartered in West Yorkshire, we are incredibly proud to be recognised as a business Superbrand for our fifth year in a row. “
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KIRKLEES BUS
Let’s support our vital rural services The vital importance of thriving villages cannot be underestimated. Not only should our villages and market towns look picturesque but they should also be able to provide services to their residents. They should not fall to the level of pretty ‘window dressing’ for the tourist trade. However, important as tourism is to these local economies, it would be a travesty and a scandal if people struggled to work and live there! The Post Office, in particular, provides a place for people to pay their bills, collect benefits, get their car taxed and buy stamps locally. Sadly, the number of branches has dwindled from about 25,000 in the mid1960s to around 11,500 today, according to figures from the Post Office. Although so much can be done online nowadays, this doesn’t replace the community spirit that local businesses can provide and you can’t get the emergency pint of milk and a loaf of bread online! I am delighted to have helped a local businessman secure a Post Office licence in a small West Yorkshire village.
THE BUSINESS BATTLEAXE Amanda Vigar The successful acquisition has rescued the village Post Office from closure – more about this success story very soon! Older people, more often than not, have to rely on other dwindling local services, and our vanishing rural bus routes too. They are, quite literally, a lifeline for our elderly population. Anyone of a certain age will remember with fondness days gone by when one could count on being able to buy groceries, sort out finances, pick up parcels, send letters to friends and relatives overseas or even buy a local paper without having to drive to a soulless shopping centre miles away. I am judge and juror on the West
Yorkshire Business Jury (www.businessjury.co.uk) which periodically asks a dozen local businessmen and women a topical question. One of our most recent verdicts was that the high street needs to adapt or die. One juror, Frances Bennett, of geotechnical services company Ashton Bennett, applauded Mary Portas’ review for the government which recommended the ideas of the Transition Town movement. The movement champions community-owned bakeries, food-growing projects and even community-owned energy. Let’s apply that brilliant ethos to our villages as well!
Amanda Vigar is managing partner at Holmfirth-based accountants V&A Bell Brown LLP
Firms’ chance to rise to survey challenge The challenges facing Yorkshire businesses in 2014 will be spelled out in an ambitious new survey. Huddersfield Town has teamed up with club partners Bond Dickinson and Ask Insight to “Challenge 2014” through a new survey aimed at companies across the region. Created by Huddersfieldbased research specialists Ask Insight, the survey will reflect on the issues that businesses faced during 2013 before exploring the key challenges that Yorkshire firms face this calendar year. The online survey will take just five minutes to complete and for every person that does so before the March 24 deadline, a donation of £2 will be made to Town’s charity partner, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Data generated from the survey will be analysed and reported on by Town, Ask Insight and Bond Dickinson. A synopsis of the findings will be made available to all participants on request and several respondents will subsequently be invited to take part in Challenge 2014 focus groups. Huddersfield Town commercial director Sean Jarvis said: “As a club, we have
■■ Huddersfield town commercial director Sean Jarvis (centre) with Susan Kenyon, of Ask Insight, and Matthew Blakeley, of Bond Dickinson
invested in the development of beneficial relationships and partnerships with other businesses that face very similar challenges. “Recognising this, we put our heads together with our partners Bond Dickinson and Ask Insight to create a way to open up a dialogue with some of those businesses with the aim of identifying and sharing the real business challenge in 2014. “Subsequently we have created the ‘Challenge 2014’ survey. “This survey differs from other on-line businessfocused questionnaires in that it allows an open, honest, dialogue with fellow businesses – a conversation
that encourages businesses to respond in an open and frank manner in confidence. “It is not a government or public sector survey, but a survey driven with the intention to focus on the challenges that real businesses are facing within their sector.” Shiv Sibal, partner at national law firm Bond Dickinson, said: “The British economy is starting to show some encouraging signs of improvement, but this has come with warnings of caution from Chancellor George Osborne and Bank of England’s Governor Mark Carney. “Whilst there are considerable reasons to be positive,
there remain challenges for businesses across our region. “Through this survey, we hope to find out and share the key concerns of local businesses. “We continually aim to play an active role in the economic growth in our region and support the region’s businesses. “Being able to partner with Huddersfield Town and Ask Insight on such a survey brings us an opportunity to address the concerns, as well as highlight the challenges and opportunities for our region’s business community.” Ask Insight’s Susan Kenyon said: “This light, easy to complete survey only takes five minutes to complete, in contrast to many other business surveys. “Our aim is for businesses to tell us as it is for them and offer opinions on what we need to do together to overcome the challenges we all face. “In return, we will donate £2 to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance for each completed survey submitted before March 24, 2014.” Visit www.challenge2014. co.uk to complete the survey.
■■ Paul Davies, of BDO
Enthusi for expo
Food and drink m shire see export grow end of the tunnel after according to a report. The study by Paul D business advisory fir said companies in the to reap the rewards of tic economy. More than 80% of f the region experience ing operating marg compared to the year It said the two bigge manufacturers and p sures on pricing from 39% of those polled a and volatility in high r key issue for 26%. In addition, the rep chain integrity is cr trust, brand value and investor and consum ingly reaching beyo ance. In the face of dome nesses have set their s growth. More than 60% of said they are forecast fifth of their sales over huge leap forward c currently exporting at This trend will com ment to the Governm double exports by 202 Manufacturing is at this target, with food largest sub-sector wit Mr Davies, who is drink at BDO nation drink companies ar sides. “Customers expec innovation while also es are kept low; all th ment of close scrutin about by recent food s “As consumer con nomic growth takes h ing to see if margin p and drink companie opportunities in inter Growth opportunit come in the form of co activity. Declining deal vo drink companies in reverse in the next 12 Chris Archer, of Yo Yorkshire, said the sec attractive for bank len “Food and drink co more attractive opti people still need to ea focus on trading busin
5
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014
SINESS NEWS
O in West Yorkshire
iasm orting
manufacturers in Yorkwth as the light at the r another difficult year, . Davies, head of audit at rm BDO in Yorkshire, e sector had struggled f an improving domes-
food manufacturers in ced similar or worsengins throughout 2013 r previous. est challenges faced by producers were presm customers, rated by as their key challenge, raw material costs, the
port states that supply ritical to maintaining d market position, with mer demands increasond financial govern-
estic challenges, busisights on international
f companies surveyed to export more than a r the next three years, a compared to the 32% t that level. me as some encouragement, which wants to 20. t the heart of achieving d and drink being the thin this. also head of food and nally, said: “Food and re being hit from all
ct constant product o demanding that prichis within an environny on quality brought scandals. nfidence lifts and ecohold, it will be interestpressures ease as food es exploit new growth rnational markets.” ties for the sector also onsolidation and M&A
olumes for food and 2013 are predicted to months. orkshire Bank in West ctor was still viewed as nding. ompanies often pose a ion for lenders since at and drink and banks nesses,” he said.
local
Aagrah still has hearty appetite A RESTAURANT operator has signalled confidence in the future by completing a refurbishment scheme in Kirklees. Aagrah has provided a whole new look to the Aagrah Restaurant in Denby Dale – in a move which the company says demonstrates its commitment to the local community. Aagrah is the UK and Europe’s largest Kashmiri restaurant chain. A family-owned business, it was established 36 years ago with the opening of its first restaurant in Shipley and now has 16 sites across Yorkshire, including the resaurant at Denby Dale, two in Sheffield, one at Ilkley and the impressive Midpoint Suite at Pudsey, which has a capacity of 450 people. The company employs 450 staff, including about 15 at the Denby Dale restaurant, which opened about 12 years ago. The restaurant, now boasting its new decor, has 60 covers on two levels, including an intimate dining area and a large dining ara often used for private functions. Aagrah also provide outdoor event catering service for 50 or more people, including catering for award nights, business dinners and social events. Among its prestigious contracts, it has provided catering at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London and for the Bollywood Oscars in Sheffield in 2007 – where it catered for 5,000 people. The company also produces a range of Tarka cooking sauces, available at Asda and Tesco, which are ouselling competitor brands. And it has launched a range of chutneys, pickles and marinades to add to the home dining experience and
■■ Mohammed Aslam (right), managing director of the Aagrah restaurant chain, receives the special recognition award from Prime Minister David Cameron (left) and the British Curry Awards
which are sold at Aagrah branches. Commenting on the Denby Dale site, managing director Mohammed Aslam said: “Customer loyalty is very important to us. I have personally been involved with the refurbishment. “The changes we’ve made all focus on continuing to give our customers a high standard menu and service, while introducing ourselves to a new generation of diners. “It’s an evolution for the future of our family’s business and I’m excited about personally managing this restaurant.” Mr Aslam, who has received the MBE for his work in promoting Kashmiri cuisine and his work with organi-
sations such as the Prince’s Trust, was presented with a special recognition award by Prime Minister David Cameron at the British Curry Awards in London last November. Over its 31 years, the company has raised more than £1.6m for various charities. The business was started by Mr Aslam’s brother, Sabir, now group chairman, while he continud his day job as a bus driver. A £20,000 bank loan helped him develop a former plumber’s shop and bakery in Shipley into a 40-seater restaurant. Mr Aslam, who was also a bus driver, joined the family business in 1983.
Personal touch remains so important YORKSHIRE businesses are losing the personal touch, it is claimed, Only 15% of workers in the region prefer to meet face-to-face with colleagues, clients and suppliers while almost half choose to keep in touch with clients and colleagues via email, according to a new survey. A further 31% would rather conduct business by phone. The figures come from the latest Close Brothers Business Barometer, a quarterly survey that canvasses the opinions of owners and managers of UK small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) on a range of topical issues. The research further revealed that two in five employers in Yorkshire believe that face-to-face communication is becoming less important in the modern workplace – with the majority claiming that other methods of correspondence, such as telephone and email are equally effective and keep costs down. Lee Hayes. regional sales director of Close Brothers Invoice Finance in
■■ Lee Hayes, of Close Brothers
Yorkshire, said: “As technology continues to evolve, the different ways to communicate appear almost endless. However, while it may seem quicker and easier to send an email or make a
call, the value of face-to-face communication should not be forgotten. “Business meetings help to build stronger and more meaningful relationships, showing your clients or colleagues that they are indeed worth your time and effort. “However, there is a case for utilising modern technology to help make your workforce more productive. Video conferencing for example, can help to save travel time, whilst cutting down the cost of travel expenses, and email and telephone can certainly be highly effective for day-to-day conversations.” Some 29% of local bosses polled claimed they were too busy for face-toface meetings, while a further 29% cited a lack of resources. Mr Hayes said: “It is important that SMEs in Yorkshire strive to become masters of all forms of communication in order to ensure they survive and thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Indeed, it could be a high-risk strategy for a business to completely neglect person-to-person contact.”
Small firms urged to take up Growth Voucher initiative Small firms in Kirklees have been urged to take up a new funding initiative to help them get some good advice. The Government has launched its Growth Vouchers scheme – a £30m pot of funding for small firms employing up to 49 people. Firms can apply for a £2,000 voucher to pay for strategic planning advice in the areas of recruiting and developing staff, raising finance and managing cashflow, making the most of digital technology, improving leadership and management skills and marketing and customer service. To complete the application, firms must provide their Companies House registration number or unique tax reference, registered business address, business turnover details, VAT registration number and PAYE number if
applicable as well as a, contact phone number and email address. Once a business has applied, the firm will be contacted by a delivery partner, who will help determine the area in which the business should seek strategic planning advice. Once the diagnosis is determined, the delivery partner will lead the business to the Marketplace section of the Enterprise Nation website where the firm will be able to find a suitable Growth Vouchers adviser. Huddersfield-based chartered accountancy firm Revell Ward is listed on the Marketplace under the “Raising finance and managing cashflow” section and has up to four strategic sessions available. Call Revell Ward on 01484 538351 or email karen.borowski@revellward.co.uk
Firms told to beware IT bug BUSINESSES have failed to plan properly for potential attack by a virus, warns the head of a Dewsbury IT firm. Dean Spencer, managing director of Eitex IT Support, issued the warning as Microsoft prepares to end support for Windows XP on Saturday. He said that the impact could cost industry millions and that unlike the Millennium Bug, which had companies planning years in advance, those still reliant on Windows XP had failed to make proper contingencies. “For more than 10
years, thousands of local businesses have been reliant on the Windows XP software,” said Mr Spencer, whose firm provides IT support for hundreds of Yorkshire businesses. “Many organisations had ignored the shutdown of XP as though it won’t make a difference,” he said. “It will to those still dependent on it postApril 8. “Microsoft has been advising IT professionals for over 18 months now, but this hasn’t been communicated effectively to business owners.”
Good times. Bad times. Whatever financial problems you are experiencing in your business, we can help. 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
6
TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Ancient law still relevant
Product design is the key B r i g h o u s e - bas e d Avocet Hardware has appointed Paul Collins as its product design and implementation manager. The company, which recently announced a further £2.1m investment from its owners, the Jain family, created the position in order to boost the company’s product development capabilities. It comes at a time when the company is pushing to firmly re-establish its position as the leading
player in the home window and door security market. Dr Tinkle Jain, a director of Avocet, said: “Product design and development is a vital element of our strategy to position Avocet at the forefront the market and Paul’s extensive industry experience placed him head and shoulders above any other candidate.” Mr Collins, 51, of Halifax, has worked in the hardware industry since 1984, when he joined Col-
chester-based Titon Hardware as a design draftsman. He spent 13 years as a design engineer with Avocet from 1992 to 2005 before leaving for a technical field engineer’s role in Peterborough with IFI. Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I’m delighted to be rejoining Avocet at such an exciting time for the company. “The Jains’ involvement in the business, both in terms of their investment
■■ Paul Collins, of Avocet
and day-to-day input, has created an exciting environment in which I’m looking forward to being challenged on a daily basis.”
INFORMED DEVELOPMENT Martin Thompson From October 13 last year, the right to demand payment for chencel repairs will have to be registered against the property by way of notice or caution at the Land Registry. This applies equally to commercial property as it does for residential. The chancel repair liability is a financial liability imposed on landowners for the purpose of providing the funds to repair parts of the parish church and was part of medieval law dating back to 855 AD – hence these liabilities are not always recorded in property deeds. The repair liability attaches to the land and after the Land Registration Act 2002 is an overriding interest and binds any person who acquires an interest in the land. As a tenant in a property it is highly likely that any chancel liability will be passed on under the terms of the lease. Simply, if you have an interest in the property you may be liable and it can be expensive with one couple being liable for nearly £500,000. The new system introduced on October 13 last year changed the chancel
repair liability from being an overriding interest. However, this does not mean that liability has come to an end and many landowners may find that they still have chancel repair liability particularly, if as current freeholder, you owned the land pre-October 13, 2013. A church can still rely on the right of the chancel repair liabilities existence, but if the land is sold after October 13 you will only be bound if the right to demand payment for chancel repairs has been noted on the title. Of equal interest is what this new systems means for unregistered land – of which we have a proportion in Kirklees. The chancel repair liability right will continue to bind the owner of unregistered land before and after October 13, 2013, until the land is sold. This also applies if you are left land in a Will or are gifted land. Chancel repair liability can be expensive and as CIL allows for more property to be converted to commercial premises chancel repair liability should be a point covered in developments and explained to beneficiaries for gifts or inheritances.
Martin Thompson is a partner in Commercial Property at Armitage Sykes in Huddersfield
Barratt unveils housebuilding plan Housebuilder Barratt Yorkshire West has provided further evidence of a recovery in the market by revealing a substantial boost to sales in the past six months – along with ambitious plans for the year ahead. Barratt Group sold homes worth £1.3bn in the final six months of the year just ended – boosted by the governmentbacked Help to Buy scheme. Building on strong local demand, the company said it was aiming to open eight new sites across the area in the next 12 months to bring a total of 960 new homes to the area.
They include 299 new homes in Leeds, 244 in Bradford, 245 in Wakefield and 78 in Kirklees. Sam Wood, sales director at Barratt Yorkshire West, said: “We have made a lot of changes to the homes we are building and that really seems to be paying off. We are building the right homes in great locations, “It is clear that plenty of customers think now is a great time to take their next step on the property ladder.” He said publicity around schemes such as Help to Buy scheme have helped to create a surge in enquiries.
Buyers snap up of property auction lots A PROPERTY agency hailed the success of its first three-day auction of the year after more than 80% of the lots on offer were sold. Eddisons sold 108 of the 133 lots to generate total proceeds of £11.24m. Tony Webber, of Eddisons, said: ‘This was an excellent start to our 2014 auction campaign and continues the positive trend we saw towards the end of last year. Demand was high for lots in all categories, which meant that the bidding was competitive. This helped drive prices up and reflected the positive
market sentiment.” Among the lots attracting interest was a part-let retail and office building in Cleckheaton, producing rental income of £13,500 per annum, which sold for £115,000. Also in Cleckheaton, a vacant retail unit and a tenanted three bedroom house producing annual rent of £3,744 sold for £75,000, off a guide of £60,000 plus. Elsewhere, a parcel of land to the north of Bradley Road in Huddersfield sold for £21,000, more than four times the guide price of £5,000 plus.
7
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014
TO LET
Offices
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Industrial
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Single storey industrial/trade warehouse unit with nearby occupiers Plumb Centre and CEF - immediately available
FOR SALE
Commercial
TO LET
Industrial
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Bradley Junction Industrial Estate, off A62 Leeds Road, Huddersfield 347m2 (3,733 sq ft)
Centrally located office suitable for redevelopment/conversion to a variety of uses (STP). Covered/secure parking
Modern industrial/warehouse unit on secure site just off A62 Leeds Road, available from April 2014. Joint Agents: Eddisons
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8
TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Gary Shaw
PwC regional appointment ACCOUNTANCY firm PwC has appointed Gary Shaw (pictured) to head its financial services practice across Yorkshire and the North East. In his new role, Mr Shaw will oversee the firm’s financial services practice across its four regional offices. Mr Shaw, who has been based in Leeds for the last eight years, is part of PwC’s North assurance practice, specialising in financial services across a number of areas including external and internal audit, risk, compliance and transaction-based work such as financial due diligence. He works with a number of the region’s leading financial services organisations such as banks, building societies and insurance companies. Mr Shaw said: “With one of the largest financial services sector outside of London, Yorkshire is a driving force for the industry in the English regions. Having been based in Yorkshire for the last eight years, I have seen first-hand the changes the sector has been through and so I
Hotel staff book in for special awards By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
look forward to taking up this role as sentiment continues to improve strongly, mirroring the UK economic rebound. “The region houses some significant, dynamic financial services organisations and I am keen to play a key part in leading our team of financial services experts in Yorkshire. Many organisations are now feeling more optimistic about their business situation than at any time during the past seven years, so it is an exciting time to be working in this sector.” In his spare time, Mr Shaw is very active in the region’s charity sector. He leads the community affairs team in PwC’s Leeds office.
Sue Ball
Real cause for celebration OFFICE manager Sue Ball (pictured) is celebrating after flying through her professional qualifications while training on the job at TaxAssist Accountants in Huddersfield. Sue has worked with the firm for nearly seven years, having joined the company on a New Deal job creation scheme after already earning an Association of Accounting Technician qualification. She became a fulltime student while also continuing to work parttime at TaxAssist in Lockwood. Sue was then promoted to full-time office manager after graduating from Huddersfield University with first class honours in accountancy in 2010. Now she has achieved her ambition of becoming a chartered certified accountant. Nick Brook, who runs TaxAssist Accountants
movers and shakers
in Huddersfield, said: “We firmly believe in on-the-job training. Too often, young people leave college with no real experience of working life, whereas working while studying allows them to train in their chosen career and also gain valuable work experience.” Said Sue: “Working while studying has been hugely beneficial for me. As well as earning a steady income, I have been able to work in my chosen career.”
THE owner of Huddersfield’s Cedar Court Hotel has staged an awards night for the company’s staff. Cedar Court Hotels, which has five hotels across Yorkshire, paid tribute to its staff at the inaugural Cedar Court Hotels Annual Staff Awards, which were held at the Cedar Court in Harrogate. Hundreds of members of Cedar Court Hotels staff were put forward for awards by their colleagues. The evening recognised the importance of all those who work for the company, whether they are public facing or behind the scenes, in ensuring that guests have a memorable stay and receive a true Yorkshire welcome. The evening featured a five-course menu, with each dish representing a different hotel and the best of its local area. Entertainment demonstrated the rich diversity of the hotels. The awards evening paid tribute to the winners in 14 categories. Titles were shared out among the five hotels with the Cedar Court at Ainley Top winning two. Huddersfield’s Kelly Hargreaves won the
■■ Kelly Hargreaves (centre) with Maria Florou, general manager of the Cedar Court Grand Hotel and Spa in York, and Rod Taylor from the award sponsors Taylor Global Advisors Caption to go here
award for Unsung Hero of the Year and Danielle McCloud was named Waitress of the Year. Group hotel director, John Horvath said: “The awards evening was the first in the company’s 29-year history and something we look forward to repeating on an annual basis.
“It is extremely important that we celebrate the people of Cedar Court Hotels. They make our hotels so unique and loved by our customers. Their rich variety of skills, talent and innovation is fuelled by hard work which can be seen by each and every guest visits a Cedar Court hotel. “
Magnificent seven for valves firm VALVES manufacturer Koso Kent Introl has welcomed seven new recruits to its growing teams across the company’s three sites in Brighouse. James Palmer joins as area sales manager, John Abrahams as design engineer, Mark Jepson as CNC operator, Sara Crawshaw as receptionist and administrator, Peter Ford as fitter, Steve White as workshop supervisor and Chris Wilson as a new workshop engineer. David Limb, KKI’s sales director said: “We’ve started 2014 on another positive note with new faces and skills added to the KKI workforce. “Maintaining a global team of experienced and skilled people is part of our ethos. We nurture,
train and develop each individual and team to create the most hitech valves and to deliver the highest levels of service to our customers.” The company makes and exports standard service control valves, severe service control valves, high-technology surface choke valves and high-performance rotary valves to the oil and gas, petrochemical and power industries. KKI continues to make significant investment in its people, technology and infrastructure. In the last two years, the engineering firm has opened an 18,000sq ft factory and a hi-tech £2m machining centre in Brighouse, where it has been based since 1967.
■■ The new recruits at Brighouse-based valvemaker Koso Kent Introl
Commercial director takes up post A Cleckheaton-based supplier of medical equipment for the emergeny services and funeral sector has appointed Luigi Vernazza as commercial director Mr Vernazza (pictured) joins Ferno with a wealth of experience in many of its main markets, having worked in medical device sales for more than 15 years. During that time, he has worked at companies including Guidant
UK Ltd, Siemens Medical Solutions and, most recently, Merit Medical Ltd in a range of positions covering sales and marketing. Mr Vernazza started his career as a medical practitioner, training and working as a radiologist before making the move into sales. Ferno managing director Jon Ellis said: “Luigi joins Ferno during an exciting period in its development as we continue to introduce a
wide range of patient transport innovations and continue to grow our market share in the UK. “As well as determining and implementing strategy, Luigi’s role will be hands on. “He will enhance the existing team by bringing in strong leadership and management skills, working closely with all the commercial team to ensure that they are able to work to their full potential.”
■■ Luigi Vernazza, of Ferno