MARK FIELDING
FTSE 100 -58.50 6487.97
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014
Not just a numbers game Interview - Page 3
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COLIN BARRATT Death and taxes Column - Page 4
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
By Henryk Zientek Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
Cancer patients who lose their hair due to chemotherapy will benefit from a major research project to improve the scalp cooling technology that combats hair loss. The research is being undertaken by global scalp cooling manufacturing company Paxman Coolers, based at Fenay Bridge, in conjunction with the biology department of Huddersfield University. The research is being led by researcher Omar Hussain, who has a background in the pharmacology of cancer treatment, which he will use towards his PhD. Mr Hussain joined Paxman as a researcher on a joint government-sponsored Knowledge Transfer Partnership between the company and the university designed to establish the scientific basis of scalp cooling and its success rate with different drugs. He was supervised by the university’s Dr Nik Georgopoulos and Dr Andrew Collett and he co-authored an article in the specialist journal Toxicology in Vitro on the findings of the project. Paxman managing director Richard Paxman said the research represented
■■ Richard Paxman (right), managing director of Paxman Coolers, and Omar Hussain, a researcher at Huddersfield University with the Paxman scalp cooling equipment
an exciting development that will enable further improvements in the treatment and the technology. He said: “When a patient comes to us and asks what the chances are of keeping their hair, at the moment we are very fair and say they are 50%. Now we want to take that up to 80% and we believe that greater understanding of the scientific mechanisms will allow us to do that.”
Mr Hussain, who has presented his research at several international conferences in tandem with a Paxman team, described how he replicated the effect of scalp cooling in laboratory conditions. Cells were taken from hair follicles and subjected to a simulation of chemotherapy treatment. Experiments were conducted with different levels of temperature, from 37deg C – the normal temperature of the human body – and
then lowered. As the temperatures fell, cell survival increased. “Compared with 37deg there are huge differences,” he said. “At low temperatures, cells are being rescued and maintained well and this promotes the cooling effect.” Mr Hussain said that the optimum temperature for scalp cooling is yet to be finalised, although it is below 22deg C. After extensive testing and research, Paxman Coolers plans to launch a fourth generation scalp cooler in 2016. Mr Paxman said that acceptance of scalp cooling technology was initially slow during the early years of development, but sales have grown by at least 20% a year for the past five years and are expected to accelerate further. Export business is especially strong. The first scalp cooling firm was developed by Paxman Coolers chairman Glenn Paxman and his brother Neil after Glenn’s wife Sue lost her hair during chemotherapy. The Paxmans drew on their expertise built up through family business Brewfitt, which supplies drinKs dispense and cooling equipment. The scalp cooling device helped cancer patients retain their hair during chemotherapy by restricting the flow of blood – and the chemicals used in the treatment – to the scalp and hair follicles.
Golf retailer strengthens team following investment Huddersfeild-based golfing goods retailer Direct Golf has announced two new appointments to its senior management team. Recent investment from global sports retailer Sports Direct has allowed Direct Golf to put plans into place to grow the company with the appointments of Lee Brown and Peter Riordan in key consultancy roles. Mr Brown will work closely with direct sales director James Toase, focusing solely on Direct Golf’s digital offering with the goal to improve the already award-winning website and expand into Europe. Mr Brown is best known as the man behind the successful website Online Golf. After launching the site in 1999, he built the site into a business with annual revenues of £14m, before selling it to American Golf in 2010, where he was
appointed e-commerce director. After leaving American Golf in May, 2011, Mr Brown set up his own e-commerce consultancy business. Ellegra Ltd. Direct Golf chairman John Andrew said: “Lee brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in Ecommerce and with his expertise in the golf industry he is a great addition to our senior management team. “It goes without saying we are very excited to be working with Lee and look forward to taking our website to the next level.” Direct Golf also has plans to expand its retail offering by investing in new stores across the UK - with plans to expand its portfolio from 20 to 40 stores over the next three years. Neil Bell, managing director, is to concentrate on the store expansion plan
■■ Direct Golf’s Neil Bell and Peter Riordan
and will be working with Peter Riordan, who also joins the team on a part-time consultancy basis. Mr Riordan was the retail director at American Golf and played a major part in growing its store portfolio and is now
the managing director of specialist retail services company Wise Old Dog Ltd. Mr Bell said: “Our stores have always been the main pillar of our growth over the last 24 years and plans to expand our store portolio have always been in the pipeline. “With our recent investment from Sports Direct and market opportunities in front of us, we believe now is the time invest in new stores. “Peter has great experience in the retail market and I’m looking forward to working closely with him to deliver the new store rollout plan over the upcoming months.” Direct Golf UK, based at Leeds Road, has enjoyed major growth in 24 years of trading. Starting with one small shop in Huddersfield, it now has 20 retail outlets nationwide and a significant portion of the web and mail order golf market.
Speak easy Huddersfield businesswoman Gina Battye reached the finals of Speaker Factor – the Professional Speaking Association’s (PSA) national competition. Gina, of Quarmby-based Health By Gina Ltd, reached the final five as she impressed judges with her speech on how to become healthier and happier – addressing a room of 200 professional speakers. The national competition was attended by speakers from all over the globe, including the UK, the USA, Germany, Sweden, Holland and South Africa. It was held during the PSA’s annual conference in London.
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Making waves A Huddersfield company is making a splash at the world’s biggest flood prevention exhibition and conference. The Flood Company is exhibiting at the inaugural Flood Defence & Prevention Expo event, which got under way today at Excel in London with more than 150 exhibitors. Luke Ruddiman, managing director and founder of The Flood Company, said: “It marks a huge step forward for us. “We have grown our business massively over the past year, “
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
United Biscuits snapped up in £2bn deal by Yildiz McVitie’s and Jaffa Cakes maker United Biscuits is to be swallowed up by Turkish food conglomerate Yildiz Holdings in a deal believed to be worth £2 billion, it was announced today. Yildiz was reported to have prevailed against rival bids from Burton’s and America’s Kellogg’s. It said the deal, under which existing management at United – which has a factory in Halifax – would remain in place, would form the world’s third largest biscuit maker. United - whose well-known brands include Jacob’s, Twiglets, Mini Cheddars, and Carr’s - was put up for sale by private equity owners Blackstone and PAI Partners. Based in Hayes, Middlesex, it employs around 7,100 people with about 4,600 in the UK at sites including London, Manchester, Carlisle, Glasgow, Halifax, Liverpool and Leicestershire. Yildiz, which also owns Belgium’s Godiva Chocolate and America’s De Met’s Candy Company, said it had a strong record building on brands. The company has minimal sales and no manufacturing in the UK but a strong presence in North America, the Middle East and North Africa, as
■■ United Biscuits, the food giant behind the McVitie’s and Jaffa Cakes brands, has been bought for a reported £2bn.
well as China and Japan. It said it would try to drive growth for United Biscuits by using its worldwide distribution network. Chairman Murat Ulker said the deal combined two complementary geographical footprints and opened up significant opportunities for further growth. He added: “We want to grow United Biscuits to be a global player as part of
Yildiz. This will include enhancing its position in the UK, where Yildiz currently has minimal presence, so we will continue to invest in the UK and Europe. “We are very excited to work with United Biscuits’ strong and experienced management team to achieve our aim of building the world’s leading biscuits business.” The acquisition is the latest chapter
Bank sets by £236m for major probe HSBC has set aside £236 million to settle a probe into foreign exchange market rigging today - taking the bill for the scandal for British banks to more than £1.1 billion. The provision by the group would represent the largest penalty ever by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), overtaking previous fines over the Libor rate-rigging scandal. HSBC is the first bank to specify a sum specifically in connection with Britain’s City regulator, saying the £236 million sum covered its “estimated liability in connection with the ongoing foreign exchange investigation by the UK FCA”. Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland last week said they were putting aside £500 million and £400 million for the forex scandal amid investigations by regulators across the world. The previous highest penalty, from the FCA’s predecessor the Financial Services Authority, saw UBS charged £160 million over Libor rate-rigging in December 2012. Global penalties for the Swiss bank totalled £940 million. The Libor scandal has resulted in billions of pounds in fines for banks around the world but FCA chief executive Martin Wheatley has said the forex allegations are “every bit as bad”. HSBC today said it was in talks with the FCA over a resolution of its forex probe “relating to one part of its spot FX trading business in London” with a “significant financial penalty” in prospect.
in a two-century history of the biscuit maker. It was formed in 1948 with the merger of two Scottish family businesses - Edinburgh’s McVitie & Price and Glasgow’s MacFarlane Lang dating back to the early 19th century. McVitie’s had begun producing the Digestive biscuit in 1892, adding chocolate in 1925. The Jaffa Cake began life in 1927. During the First World War, the firm was asked by the Government to use its knowledge and production facilities to supply “Iron ration” plain biscuits. After United was created in 1948, the firm expanded at home and abroad, with acquisitions including Terry’s of York - later sold. In 2000 it was bought by Finalrealm, a consortium of investors. Blackstone and PAI bought United for £1.6 billion in 2006. Yildiz describes itself as the largest food and beverage company in Turkey with over 300 brands in 49 different categories. It incorporates flagship biscuits and confectionery brand Ulker, and was founded in Istanbul in 1944. Yildiz employs around 41,000 people across more than 65 countries.
Ryanair fares vow for passengers
Online boosts Ikea sales rise
Budget airline Ryanair has vowed to cut average fares by up to 10% as part of a bid to fly an additional five million passengers over the winter period. The Dublin-based carrier believes there are “many opportunities” open to it, such as competing more vigorously at primary airports and in attracting business traffic which tends
Furniture firm Ikea has reported that UK sales climbed by 11% to £1.4bn in the year to August 2014. Online sales increased by 26.8% during the year, while sales of products designed to help customers save energy, reduce and sort waste and use less water went up by 29%.
to travel more during the winter period. Its “ambitious” new forecasts for the six months to March 31 include the plan to fly an additional 2.2m passengers compared with its previous estimate – leading to a total rise of 16% or 5.3m customers on a year earlier. It now expects annual profits of up to 770 million euros (£602
m), a rise of 18% on its previous guidance. Profits for the summer half-year were 32% higher at 795m euros (£621.6), the company added. Ryanair said average fares will fall by between 3% and 5% in the current quarter before an aggressive promotional drive will cut fares by between 6% and 10% in the new year.
The business insisted that the uplift in online numbers did not impact on store numbers however, with 5% more visitors than during the previous year. Gillian Drakeford, UK country retail manager, said the company was investing £27m to lower prices in the next year, and claimed that
this was “the largest investment into lowering prices we’ve ever made in a single year”. She said: “We are delighted to report such positive growth here in the UK for the third year running. What is really encouraging is that this growth has come from our existing business.”
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN
American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys
£56.85 £74.36 £43.05 £60.26 1969.60 £53.24 £29.61 46.91 £47.42 £50.02
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 GKN
662 4573/4 241 287 4471/2 835 2643/8
-0.28 -8 -1 -23/4 -37/8 -35/8 -8 -31/8
181/4 511/4 73 38 561/4 £231/4 175 925 101/2 1241/4 9793/4
+1/4
3161/8
-17/8
AUTOMOBILES & PARTS BANKS
+0.59 -0.66 -0.20 -0.23 -0.63 +0.19 +0.24
-3/4 +1 -10 - /4 -1/4 3
Barclays Bk Ireland HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart Barr (AG) Diageo SABMiller Croda Elementis 98 Johnsn Mat
237 235/8 6277/8 763/4 3801/4 9413/8
-33/4 -3/4 -115/8 -3/8 -73/4 +13/4
5801/2 18131/2 £347/8
-10 -241/2 -3/8
BEVERAGES
CHEMICALS
£227/8 2671/2 £293/4
+35/8
1541/2 1383 2911/4 57 193
+3/4 -3 +1/4 +11/2 -6
CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
Balfour Beatty C”R”H Costain Low Bonar Marshalls Drax Gp SSE
ELECTRICITY
584 1567
-101/2 -32
ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced Ox Instmts Volex
594 3101/4 2841/4 1090 767/8
-9 -43/4 +13/4 +10 +11/8
4613/4 1327/8 5201/2 2603/4
-1 +1/8 -51/2 -21/2
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
1831/4 625 £251/2 4015/8 524 860 241 2421/2 720
+21/4 -5 -3/4 -31/4 +11/2 -1 -71/2
FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
BT Grp Cable & Wireless Comm Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom
3671/4 481/8 1341/2 921/2 3007/8
-1/4 -1/8 -31/2 -1/2 +3/4
155 /8 2445/8 1733/4 112
+ /4 -7/8 +1/8 +21/2
FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS
Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco Thorntons AB Food Carrs Millg REA Hldgs Tate Lyle Unilever
1
FOOD PRODUCERS
1
£263/4 1615 403 6051/2 £243/4
-7/8 +1/2 +3 -1/2 -3/8
2951/2 9141/2 833 1964 837
-7 -111/2 -1/2 -32 -171/2
GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES
Centrica National Grid Pennon Grp Severn United Utils 3i Group
GENERAL FINANCIAL 3893/4
-71/4
Smith Nph
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
881/2 193 9141/2 £223/8
-1/2 -6 -111/2 -3/8
FTSE closed at
6487.97 1458 4227/8 £201/8 1233/8 £21 £237/8 1915
GENERAL INDUSTRIALS
Smith DS Smiths Grp
2623/8 1160
GENERAL RETAILERS
Ashley L Dixons Carphone Home Retail Inchcape Kingfisher M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith
271/4 3887/8 1813/4 689 2951/2 4037/8 176 £643/8 £75 1125
Aga Rangemaster Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey
-6 +41/4 -3/8 -1/4 -1/4 -8 -21/4 -5 -1/4 -61/4 -11/2 -6 -7 -23/4 +1 -1/8 -1/8
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
-9
1451/4 4143/4 1731 1458 £513/4 1181/4
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
down 58.50 Close Bros ICAP London StockExch Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV
1048
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
Fenner I”M”I Molins Renold Spirax-Sarco Weir Grp Ferrexpo
-3/4 -4 -18 -5 -3/4 -1/8
3111/2 1212 831/2 561/2 £283/4 £223/8
+31/2 -10 -1 -1/4 +1/4 -3/8
855/8
+11/2
INDUSTRIAL METALS
INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
BBA Aviation
3531/2
-1/4
5171/2 3223/4 2305/8 1913/4 14241/2 3851/8
-31/2 -5/8 -3/8 -13/4 -18 -85/8
8861/2 7921/2 2045/8 35/8 1160 1028 365
+1/2 +11/2 +15/8 +1/8 -10 +1 -5
LIFE INSURANCE
Aviva Friends Life Gp Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Standard Life
BSkyB D Mail Tst ITV Johnston Press Pearson Reed Elsevier STV Group
MEDIA
1691/4 5641/2 205 1233
Trinity Mirror Utd Business UTV WPP
MINING
Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kazakhmys Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES
1316 696 16101/2 695 2383/4 1731/4 £293/4 8271/2
+51/4 -41/2 -21/2 +15 -1/2 -61/2 -21/2 +85/8 -13/8 +5 /2 1
MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Inmarsat Vodafone Group
684 /2 206 1
NONLIFE INSURANCE
Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Ins Gp
1337 940 £341/8 4755/8
+2 -121/2 +1/8 -73/4
1036 4433/4 1481/4 2565/8 £22 £227/8 £361/2 4831/4
-4 -51/4 +31/4 -11/4 -3/8 -1/4 -1/2 -21/2
1056 1080 665
+16 +20 +3
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)
-1/2 -11/4
Burberry Gp PZ Cussons
PERSONAL GOODS
1509 3647/8
-22 -41/8
£45 /4 1414 £411/4
- /4 -31/2 -3/8
720 685 6051/2 338 1103 3781/8
-8 /2 -11/2 -71/2 -23/8 -4 -21/8
375
-23/4
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY
Astrazeneca GlaxoSmithKline Shire Brit Land Gt Portland Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO
1
REAL ESTATE
1
1
SOFTWARE & COMPUTER SERVICES
Sage Group
SUPPORT SERVICES
Berendsen Bunzl Capita Connect Group De La Rue Elctro Com Electrocomp Experian G4S Hays Homeserve Interserve Menzies J Northgate Prem Farnell Rentokil Travis & P
9801/2 1677 1079 172 529 2281/4 2281/4 9301/2 2523/8 1225/8 3413/8 631 494 4871/4 188 1227/8 1625
-291/2 -18 -18 -43/4 +61/2 -5/8 -5/8 -8 -31/8 -3/4 -35/8 -21/2 -11/4 -23/4 -11/4 -1/4 -27
Wolseley
£33
-1/8
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT
ARM Hldgs IBM Spirent Comms
Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
8801/2 £1023/8 76
TOBACCO
£351/8 £265/8
-3/8 -1/2
973/4 £251/8 1007 1540 1291/4 1145/8 £241/2 8081/2 £24 4141/4 118 1491/8 3773/4 2443/8 1461/4 161 672 6367/8 3771/4 406 £437/8 360
+8 +1/4 +1 +40 +11/4 +23/8 -1/8 +61/2 +3/8 +51/8 -1/8 -13/4 -21/4 -45/8 -41/4 -37/8 -41/2 +431/2 -93/4 +73/8 +1/4 -1/2
TRAVEL & LEISURE
Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airl Ladbrokes Marston’s Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Punch Taverns Rank Org Restaurant Grp Ryanair Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread William Hill FTSE 100 FTSE 250
INDEX
+51/2 -3/8 +7/8
6487.97 15453.15
-58.50 -48.22
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Accountancy isn’t just about the numbers – and Mark Fielding, newly-appointed managing director of Huddersfield chartered accountancy firm Simpson Wood Ltd, is more aware of that than most. Mark, who stepped into the role just weeks ago following the retirement of senior partner Giles Cliffe, says the business has been built on people and the connections forged with clients and colleagues. While Simpson Wood has a proud tradition and history, it is moving with the times and braced to pursue new opportunities. “Our core strength is serving our clients,” says Mark. “We have a wonderful client base and how we serve that client base is what matters. “We are here, not just to do the accounts, but to save our clients money – and the recession means the profession has to provide more value to its customers. “People trust us,” says Mark. “We are comfortable with who we are and my desire is that we are as good as we can be, and that means serving our clients to his predecessors. Chartered Accountants and I was our utmost capabilities.” He says the biggest influences secretary for three years under Linthwaite-born Mark says he on his career were his father and three presidents – David Walker, was always going be an account- Simpson Wood’s succession of Paul Smelt and David Hutchinant – and was always going to senior partners, notably David son.” work at Simpson Wood. Simpson, Julian Holdroyd and The firm boasts a large number His father Keith was a partner at Giles Cliffe, to name but a few. of owner-managed business the Market Street firm from 1970 “We have a good mix of experi- among its clients – which also until his retirement in 1992, which ence here,” he says. “The one thing throws up issues about succeswas shortly after Mark started at I want to do as a firm is for us to be sion planning and how the ownthe firm. about people. ers of those businesses can proMark attended Colne Valley “It is not a dull profession where tect their wealth and take their High School and took a degree in you just do the books. You are at money out of the business when Business and Industrial Systems your best when you talk to people. they retire. at De Montfort University. It is about connections and how That’s where Simpson Wood’s The degree covered marketing, you work with one another. skilled tax team and financial manufacturing and accountancy. “You get to know people – indi- services operation come into their Says Mark “It means I came out viduals you can ring up and turn own. knowing a little bit about all to for advice or help, those you Major issues looming for all aspects of business and I under- can trust.” businesses include auto-enrolstood what my clients were Mark also enjoys the profes- ment – the Government’s initiatalking about! I didn’t realise it at sional camaraderie among the tive to get everyone saving for the time, but it was a very good town’s accountants. retirement by being automatically degree to take.” “What I appreciate about enrolled into a workplace pension Mark passed his accountancy Huddersfield is its ‘village men- by their employer. exams first time and rose through tality’ and the fact that people Simpson Wood is alerting clithe ranks at the firm to become a genuinely care about each other,” ents to their responsibilities when partner in 1998, working princi- he says. the scheme kicks in and highlightpally as a general practitioner. “I like the accountancy profes- ing how its payroll bureau service “I have never known anything sion in Huddersfield. We all get and financial services company but Simpson Wood,” he admits. “I on very well and we have good can help take the pressure off. first came to these offices as a working relationships with each “It’s a growth area and it’s baby. other. something we’re focused on,” says “Later, I used to look at what my “There is certainly enough work Mark. dad was doing and thought ‘I in Huddersfield for all of us.” “Clients have been talking could quite enjoy doing that’. “I have always been involved about this for the last two years, “I used to work at Simpson with the Huddersfield Society of but it is getting to the staging dates Wood during the school holidays.” Mark freely admits that he walked into a job, but knows that he is there on merit. “I have only ever had one interview in my life and that was to join Woodsome Hall Golf Club junior section at the age of 15,” he says. “It has been an advantage being ‘Keith’s lad’ and there are still a number of clients who knew my father and have been clients of Simpson Wood for a long time – but I have been able to plough my own furrow.” At 43, Mark is already making plans for ‘succession at the firm and is conscious of the debt owed to ■■ Mark Fielding enjoys being part of the professional community in Huddersfield
profile
It’s not all about numbers says Mark
and becoming very ‘real’ for them. For all accountants, it will mean providing a lot of hand-holding.” Mark sees other areas of opportunity. One growth area is working for schools which have adopted academy status. Another is the rise in demand for management accounts and consultancy. Mark is also keen to further develop the firm’s tax and estate planning department, who are helping people retire and do what they want to do. Says Mark: “We have the skills in our office to offer a complete all-round service.” Family and friends play an important role for Mark away from work – first and foremost his wife Dawn and their children Joseph, 14, and Alice, 10. Mark played cricket for Broad Oak for many years from being a teenager, but recalls how a professional career in the sport eluded him. “I missed going to the North of England trials because I broke my wrist,” he says. “Someone called Darren Gough got my place! I don’t think I would have made the grade, though. “I started playing golf when I was 16 and I play off 8 at Woodsome. “I continue practising to try and stay ahead of my son, who also plays and may one day be a better golfer than me! “I cycled quite a lot earlier this year as Simpson Wood staged a charity ride for the Tour de France, but since that ride in June I have only had the bike out once!” Mark is treasurer at Emmanuel Methodist Church in Barnsley, near the family’s home in Dodworth. Says Mark: “I grew up in the Colne Valley and now live in Barnsley where the countryside has a more gentle feel to it. “But I very much enjoy being part of the professional community in Huddersfield and the difference we can make for our clients.”
Mark Fielding Role: Managing director Age: 43 Family: Married to Dawn with children Joseph, 14, and Alice, 10 Holidays: I like Cornwall. St Ives is very special. I like Northumberland, but we also like to go abroad for some sunshine. We have also been to California and Las Vegas Car: I have a Chevrolet Captiva – but I have just ordered a Volvo V40 First job: Working at Simpson Wood during the school holidays Best thing about the job? Helping people, trying to solve their problems and being there for them Worst thing about the job? Dealing with red tape and faceless bureaucracy Business tip: Be comfortable with what you do and be comfortable with yourself. If you don’t like who you see in the mirror, you cannot function.
Simpson Wood Limited Work: Chartered accountants Site: Market Street, Huddersfield Phone: 01484 534431 Email: enquiries@simpsonwood.co.uk Web: www.simpson-wood.co.uk
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
KIRKLEES BUS
Post Office sets up drop-off point A NEW drop-off point to return home shopping has been set up by the Post Office in Almondbury. The new service is being offered at the One Stop shop on Fernside Avenue and aims to make it easier for customers to return items during the busy Christmas period. The new drop off point is for home shopping customers returning orders using Royal Mail’s pre-paid returns services. It operates alongside the existing Post Office services in the village. The move comes as the Post Office announced that customers will be able to send more for less when using Royal Mail at its branches this Christmas. The maximum size for Royal Mail’s Small Parcel format almost doubled from October 20 – meaning that consumers and SMEs will be able to put bigger items, or more items,– into every small parcel they send at the Post Office by Royal Mail. At the same time, there is a special offer running until January 18, 2015, with Royal Mail second class small parcels weighing up to 2kg costing the same at £2.80. Previously, there were separate prices for parcels up to 1kg and between 1kg and 2kg. This means a saving of £1 at Post Office branches on second class small parcels weighing between 1kg and 2kg.
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Inheritance tax is a growing concern In the past, Inheritance Tax (IHT) was considered to be the domain of the very wealthy, but with increasing property prices and the stagnant IHT threshold, the incidence of this tax is becoming more common. An individual’s estate normally comprises assets such as the value of their home, savings and investments as well as personal possessions such as jewellery. Where an individual’s net estate exceeds the nil-rate band of £325,000 (£650,000 for married couples) on death, IHT of 40% is levied on that excess. This nil-rate band will now continue to apply until April 5, 2018. Those who are less reliant on capital for security in retirement or to fund future care costs and where adequate financial provision for their spouse has already been made, could make sizeable gifts during their lifetime to children or grandchildren to save tax in the future. Annual gifts of up to £3,000 per individual are completely ignored for IHT purposes. If this exemption has not been used in the year it can be carried forward to be used in the following year, potentially giving scope for up to £6,000 to be gifted, £12,000 for married couples. Gifts made by parents to their child on the occasion of marriage are also exempt from IHT up to £5,000 per parent (£2,500 for gifts made by grandparents). Lifetime gifts to individuals in excess
TAX TALK Colin Barratt of such exemptions will be free of tax provided the donor survives seven years thereafter. Some measure of IHT relief might be available where the donor survives at least three years from the date of gift. For those who contemplate making more substantial gifts, but may have concerns about the ultimate destination of assets or wish to protect assets from young or inexperienced beneficiaries, the use of discretionary trusts during lifetime or through their wills can play an important role. Indeed such asset protection afforded by trusts is often the key reason for setting them up. Individuals transferring property into trust during lifetime in excess of £325,000 will generally suffer an IHT charge of 20% on that excess. IHT may also be payable by the trust on each 10-year anniversary of when it was set up at the rate of 6%. That 6% charge may be reduced by the trust’s own nil rate band (maximum
£325,000) though proposed new rules for new trusts will limit the availability in the future if more than one trust is created. Gifting assets other than cash to individuals may crystallise a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) liability. That liability can be avoided if the asset is made to a trust. So gifts into trust can avoid CGT and IHT (up to £325,000) and will protect assets for the individuals who can benefit. Trusts pay income tax at the top rate, but income can be channelled to any beneficiary to use up the Personal Allowance and lower tax bands of children or grandchildren to minimise the overall tax bill. Although the issue of IHT is often considered to be a taboo subject, careful and early lifetime planning can help mitigate the loss of wealth from a deceased’s estate and the use of trusts can also play an important role in tax mitigation and in protecting hardearned assets.
Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth chartered accountants, Huddersfield
New business model comes to town They’re bringing the glamorous world of modelling to the heart of Huddersfield. Business partners Lauren Crainer and Jane Earnshaw have launched Chique Photography and Makeover with a studio at St George’s Square – combining Lauren’s photography skills with Jane’s expertise in make-up to transform their customers into models and create a stunning portfolio of pictures for them. Lauren and Jane are also backed by a team of professional make-up artists and female creative photographers to help clients “escape from the everyday by creating a stunning new look”. Lauren, who lives at Moldgreen, also has her own photography business specialising in wedding and portrait photography while Jane, who lives at Shepley, previously operated a beauty salon in Wetherby for 15 years and taught beauty therapy. She also went back to college to study theatrical makeup. Now they are helping people look their brightest and best – whether it be family groups, mother-and-daughter photos, couples, children’s parties, vintage or hen parties. The new business staged a launch night with special offers, live shoots, studio tours, raffles, champagne and entertainment which also raised funds for Chique’s chosen charity, One Good Turn.
■■ Lauren Crainer (front) and Jane Earnshaw, of Huddersfield-based Chique
■■ Mandy Taylor (secon Foundation, with (from Tim Bagshaw, PR ambas Wilson and baker Craig
Suppor superm for the e breakfa
A PROJECT to provide for youngsters at scho boost. Sainsbury’s at Shor field has donated su Huddersfeld Town ch dation. Items donated inclu the foundation’s Early club scheme. The food donation s plus food that would waste – but is still hea within its use-by dates ties and organisation from it. Phil Thompson, s Shorehead, said: “We and really believe in th not; want not’. We are local charities within o benefit from our scheme.” Nationally, Sainsbu organisation FareSha utes surplus food to projects. Sainsbury’s with FareShare since 1 Andy White, comm ager for Sainsbury’s, hundreds of hungry your local communit food to charities and are saving thousands needlessly going to lan Colleagues at the st Foundation to be the tion partner in Octob now benefit from reg surplus food from the Mandy Taylor, of t tion, said: “We’re deli ing this kind donation Sainsbury’s Shorehea to raise awareness of o “These items really youngsters at our Ea fast clubs. We’re now working with the sto strong and beneficial
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014
SINESS NEWS
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local
Duo making memories on a much bigger canvas A PICTURE paints a thousand words, they say. Now two Huddersfield businessmen are providing large landscape photographs on canvas which are helping rekindle memories for care home residents with dementia. The work of photographer David Lawton, of Meltham, and the technical skills of Paul Robertshaw, of Milnsbridge-based XL Print, are in demand from care home operators as well as individuals. Said David: “We are working to get my images onto canvas, which is something that is coming back into fashion. We can create large photos on canvas measuring 43ins by 36ins, which are ideal for hanging above the sofa at home.” David already supplies framed photographs for clients including Oldhambased furniture retailer Housing Units. But he added; “We are seeing a lot of interest from care homes, hospitals and clinics where images of landmarks such as Castle Hill can trigger memories for people with dementia or other mental conditions.
“Even something as simple as a sunset can evoke a memory.” David has exhibited the canvases at Marsden shop Month of Sundaes, which also served as an official launch of the new products. Paul said: “David found me on Facebook. “He was searching for someone after finding that some suppliers were expensive, but producing work that was not the best quality.” Paul set up Excel Print Ltd to produce standard items such as leaflets, business cards, letterheads and posters, but has acquired machinery that enables the firm to create larger images stretched on canvas. He said: “We have completed orders from people via Facebook and eBay as well as selling to local customers,” he said. “We also network through BNI. We get a lot of people wanting wedding photos or family portraits putting on canvas . “Business also want their logos on canvas or simply want an image to hang on the office wall.”
■■ Photographer David Lawton (seated) and Paul Robertshaw, of XL Print
Innovative firms urged to bid for product development grants Small and medium-sized firms in Kirklees have been urged to enter the second round of a multimillion-pound innovation competition. New product development contractor Pera Technology is searching for engineering and manufacturing SMES in Yorkshire seeking finance to develop new product and process ideas. The chosen businesses will receive a fully-funded application
to the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 science and innovation fund. The closing date for entries is Friday, November 21. The fund, launched earlier this year, provides grants of £40,000 to £2m to turn new product ideas into commercial prototypes. To enter the competition, businesses simply need to provide details of their new product idea on Pera Technology’s Horizon 2020 competition website www.per-
Coffee company raises a cup for major northern festival Coffee firm Coopers has shown its commitment to the burgeoning northern coffee market by sponsoring Cup North, the first major coffee festival to take place outside London. The inaugural event, which started as a Kickstarter campaign, was held at the weekend in Salford, Manchester. The festival was established to showcase the best that the coffee industry has to offer – with a range of exhibitors and industry competitions taking place across the two days. Alastair McElhoney, regional business manager for Coopers said: “There’s so much happening in the northern coffee market, with the artisan coffee scene going from strength to strength
in all the major cities and towns. “As a local company, supporting the market in our region is extremely important to us and we’re really proud to be a part of making this event happen.” For the event, Coopers, based at Clayton West, sourced some of the best coffees from plantations across the globe and served a unique single origin Nicaragua Finca El Bosque – one of just six bags available in the world. It also conducted bespoke tastings and masterclasses for visitors. Coopers supplies coffee, equipment, training, category management and more to independent businesses across the UK and is part of UCC Coffee UK & Ireland.
atechnology.com/h2020comp. Entrants will also be provided with a Non-Disclosure Agreement in order to protect their intellectual property. Susan Roberts (pictured), Pera Technology’s manager for Yorkshire, said: “We’ve witnessed a fantastic response following the first round of the competition and it’s great to see that Yorkshire and Humber is home to so many innovative businesses.
“I would urge SMEs to enter the competition before the November deadline and give themselves a great chance turning a bright idea into a commercial reality.” Submissions will be assessed on a range of criteria including feasibility, commercial potential and originality. For businesses that aren’t successful Pera Technology will provide detailed feedback on how best to take their new innovation to the next stage.
Calderdale and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance Workshop: Would you like your customers to pay more quickly? 01484 538351 www.revellward.co.uk
We are delighted to announce our partnership with Calderdale and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance (CKMA). We have joined the membership as Sponsors and feature in the ‘Ask the Experts’ area of their website. As part of our support, Jennifer Davies is running a series of workshops. Would you like your customers to pay more quickly? This is one in a series of workshops designed, for CKMA members, to share best practice in various areas of a business’ finance. Not just about credit control, but going right back to the start of the sales process, we will discuss what best practice is at each stage, all the way through to collecting the cash. The aims are maximising efficiency and minimising bad debts and time spent on chasing. We will aim to answer the question: “What does best practice look like?” If you are a CKMA member or are thinking about joining and want to attend the workshop, book your place. Book your place: http://www.revellward.co.uk/workshop-pay-more-quickly/
Revell Ward LLP, 7th Floor, 30 Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2HG. 01484 538351 or enquiries@revellward.co.uk
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
local
Lack of funds and fear of failure hits start-ups Access to finance is the major barrier to starting a business, according to northern entrepreneurs. In a survey by accountancy firm EY, 55% of respondents cited funding as a key hurdle to launching a business, followed by fear of failure (53%) and uncertainty of income (37%). In contrast, only 6% of respondents thought that bad market conditions could hold back entrepreneurs, while just 10% cited the possibility of going bankrupt as a barrier to starting a business. EY polled more than 50 northern entrepreneurs to gather their views on the factors they feel can help or hinder growth. Almost all of them have wellestablished businesses with 81% of respondents running their companies for at least a decade. Stuart Watson, EY’s Yorkshire and Humberside senior partner, said: “Matching funding to business growth plans remains a key area of concern for ambitious entrepreneurs, not least as rapid growth tends to absorb cash. “Business leaders that develop controls over cash and cash forecasting as they grow are able to plan early for fund raising and are more likely to attract investors.” Some 37% of northern entrepreneurs – the highest percentage of all UK regions – said that using their retained profit to grow their businesses would be the most attractive route if they were considering secondary funding sources. Just over one in five said that they would look to bank funding (22%), while 12% would consider private equity investment.
■■ Stuart Watson, EY senior partner for Yorkshire, said funding options were often complex and time-consuming
Mr Watson said: “There are a wide variety of options for funding growth. However, these are often complex and take time to review and, those that can would prefer to use retained profit – as illustrated by our survey.
“While there have been many initiatives around access to finance at a policy level, the responses from our survey suggest that politicians should focus on how to encourage greater investment in the fast growth companies in the economy.”
It’s what the all the best-dressed dogs are wearing It’s a dog’s life! When Honley woman Dena Forbes decided to take voluntary redundancy after 19 years in employment it was the chance to realise a dream of running her own business. Now she has set up dog grooming and doggie boutique business Pooch Perfections at New Mill Road, Honley – and after just a few weeks of trading has taken on an apprentice to help meet demand. Dena said: “When I took voluntary redundancy, I was offered retraining as well. I had already done a bit of dog grooming for friends and family. I attended a grooming academy in Manchester and gained my City & Guilds levels two and three in dog grooming and also trained to microchip dogs. Dena has also recruited Victoria Hallas, of Newsome, as an apprentice, under a government scheme. “It is going great” she said. “I have been
open only four weeks, but I haven’t yet had a vacant slot.” While dog grooming salons are not unusual, Dena admits she has taken more of a gamble by also opening a dog boutique. “It has been quite scary,” she said. “The boutique side is quite unique to Yorkshire and probably a bit of a gamble. I travelled to London on many occasions to visit designer stockists and see what they do down there.” The boutique stocks practical clothing for walking Fido in foul weather, But it also sells “fashion” items such as doggie carruiers, jackets, leads and collars from canine designer brands such as Pet London, Puppia, Touchdog and FabuLeash. Dena, who owns a cocker spaniel called Fudge, said the idea of decking out your dog in “bling” might seem more “Essex than Yorkshire” but had generated a lot of interest, particularly among female dog owners.
■■ Dena Forbes of Pooch Perfections, Honley, with her spaniel, Fudge.
Uni scientists help major neutron research project atomic structure of materials. The facility, called the European Spallation Source (ESS), represents a major advance on the more usual nuclear reactor-based technology. It is hoped that the first neutrons will be produced by 2019 and it is estimated that eventually some 3,000 scientists a year will use the ESS for research into fields that include computer components, fuel cells, textiles, medicines, transport, food technology, DNA and cosmetics. Prof Cywinski was heavily involved in spreading public awareness of the
Business leaders are putting the focus on Calderdale at a major event this month. The Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is organising the Calderdale Business Summit in partnership with Calderdale Council and Dean Clough Mills. The free event takes place from 7.30am to 9.30am on Wednesday, November 19, at Dean Clough Mills. The two-hour breakfast event is open to businesses of all sizes and will feature a five-strong panel including Merran McRae (pictured), chief executive of Calderdale Council; Lee Kenny, chief executive of Snowflake Media in Halifax; Vicky Atkinson, audit director of Halifax accountants Riley and Co; and Mark Haigh, managing director of Ellandbased Century Dyeing Company. The panel will be chaired by Mark Thompson, head of service for Calderdale Council. Panel members will give their view of the “State of the District” within their sector and take questions from the floor. A chamber spokeswoman said: “This event will engage with the Calderdale business community around how we can grow in the district – and participation now that the new Economic Strategy has been announced by Calderdale Council.” For more information email myconferences@mycci.co.uk or visit www.mycci.co.uk
Sporting endeavour 031114Adog_02
Scientists at Huddersfield University have played an important role in getting one of Europe’s biggest construction projects off the ground. Physicist Prof Robert Cywinski, dean of the university’s graduate school, joined large numbers of other European scientists for a ceremony to lay the foundation stone of an advanced neutron research facility in Lund, Sweden. The group were celebrating the start of work on a 2bn-euro “super microscope” which will enable thousands of researchers to see and understand the
Summit for businesses
project – including the production of a promotional movie fronted by actor and Huddersfield university chancellor Sir Patrick Stewart. Prof Cywinski said he was delighted that construction work had started and that he was able to take up an invitation to attend the foundation stone ceremony – marking the fruition of a project that he can trace to the 1980s. Also present at the ceremony were the university’s Prof Sue Kilcoyne and Prof Colin Carlile, a central figure in the development of the ESS, who is the recipient of an honorary doctorate
from Huddersfield. Several of Prof Cywinski’s colleagues at Huddersfield have also been closely involved in the development of the ESS. They include Prof Roger Barlow, Dr Cristian Bungau and Dr Adriana Bungau, who have carried out crucial calculations. They hope to continue being involved in the design of instrumentation and the accelerators. Huddersfield’s Prof Rebecca Seviour spent a year in Lund seconded to the ESS project as a physicist, helping the development of the powerful ESS accelerator during its design phase.
The Chartered Institute of Marketing has joined forces with Yorkshire Rugby Football Union in the run up to the World Cup in September, 2015. As part of their ambitious plans, Yorkshire RFU is offering its clubs assistance from local chartered marketers to help with promoting and developing the grass roots sport. All clubs in the region will be invited to take part, starting with a series of video teasers highlighting all aspects of marketing and getting them thinking about their own activities in the run up to the World Cup. The videos have been put together by the chartered marketers and WebVM, a Manchesterbased web video marketing specialist. For moe information, go to www.cim.co.uk or yorkshirerfu. pitchero.com
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Flood protection firm is on the national stage A Huddersfield company is making a splash at the world’s biggest flood prevention exhibition and conference. The Flood Company is exhibiting at the inaugural Flood Defence & Prevention Expo event, which got under way today at Excel in London. Luke Ruddiman, managing director and founder of The Flood Company, said: “It marks a huge step forward for us. “We have grown our business massively over the past year, including adding more products to service the increase in demand from both private and commercial clients. “We are now operating nationally and have started exporting into Europe,” The long-awaited exhibition brings together 150 of the most innovative suppliers of flood defence solutions – as well as the brightest minds, engineers and authorities in the industry. The two-day event – run in partner-
ship with the Environment Agency – features demonstrations of products at the Royal London Docks, a full conference schedule of 80 seminars featuring high profile and influential speakers addressing the hottest topics from the flooding world along with interactive seminars and panel debates. “We started the business to protect and help households and businesses from the devastating consequences of flooding,” saiid Mr Ruddiman. “Often the impact is far more devastating than at first realised. “Our business is focused on providing cost-effective, high-quality flood doors and demountable DIY flood barriers to protect property and homes. “We manufacture, supply and fit UK-wide and are developing more products to add to our growing range of services.” The Flood Company has doubled its
■■ The Flood Company founder Luke Ruddiman reports increased demand
workforce in recent months and is planning to recruit more sales staff to cope with the extra enquiries. With fully trained installation teams strategically positioned across the UK, the company has seen growth more than quadruple in under two years. “Flooding in the UK is a real prob-
lem<” said Mr Ruddiman, “There are so many factors that combine to make the risk of flooding ever-more prevalent. “Despite the best efforts of the environmental agencies that are working so hard to reduce the risks associated with flooding, the onus is heavily placed on the property owner to act responsibly to protect their own properties. “As our innovative products are tried and tested to a very high standard, including the coveted BSI Kitemark PAS 1188-1:2014, we are seeing a huge increase in demand from construction companies, architects and property developers. “The Flood Defence and Protection Expo enables us to meet with some of the world’s most respected experts. “It also gives us the chance to meet with other larger customers all under one roof.”
Standard response to cutting energy costs A firework firm that distributes across the UK from its 44-acre Huddersfield headquarters has managed to cut its energy spending in half in the run-up to its busiest season. Standard Fireworks, which has operated from its Crosland Hill site for more than 100 years and is now part of the international Black Cat Firework brand, joined forces with Elland-based Orchard Energy to improve efficiency at the historic site. John Williams, operations manager at Black Cat Fireworks, said: “We have grown significantly over the years and now cater for a year-round market including weddings, events and Bonfire Night celebrations with October being our key month for distribution. “All UK sales, marketing, warehousing and distribution for both Black Cat Fireworks and Standard Firework brands
operate from Huddersfield, but the site’s age means it hasn’t been easy to be energy efficient. Orchard has helped us tackle that issue and reduce our energy spending by 50%.” Nohman Ali, of Orchard Energy, said the site’s energy infrastructure had been built to cope with high energy demands. “The site was originally built as a manufacturing facility and would have used a lot of energy, but the modern business that exists here today doesn’t have the same needs,” he said. “By downgrading the metering, introducing a strategy for forward purchasing and suggesting operational changes to reduce consumption we have managed to secure significant cost savings. “As the company enters its busiest time of year with Bonfire Night, Christmas and New Year, these efficiency measures couldn’t have been better timed.”
■■ Nohman Ali (left) of Orchard Energy and John Williams of Standard Fireworks get ready for the Crosland Hill firm’s busiest time of year
Paving supplier makes pledge to pay a Living Wage Paving supplier Marshalls plc has been accredited as a Living Wage employer. The accreditation comes from the Living Wage Foundation and means that all employees at the Elland-based company – whether they are permanent employees or third-party contractors and suppliers – receive a minimum hourly wage of £7.65. That compares with the national minimum wage of £6.50. The move was announced in the run-up to Living Wage Week, a UKwide celebration of the Living Wage and Living Wage Employers, which takes place this week. The Living Wage is an hourly rate set independently and updated annually. It is calculated according to the basic
cost of living using the Minimum Income Standard for the UK. Decisions about what to include in this standard are set by the public, Established in the 1890s, Marshalls is the UK’s leading manufacturer of superior natural stone and innovative concrete hard landscaping products, supplying the construction, home improvement and landscape markets. Chris Harrop, Marshalls’ group marketing director said: “As a responsible employer, it was important for us to ensure that every single person in our workforce earns a living wage and we are very proud to be Living Wage accredited. It is quite simply the right thing to do.” Employers choose to pay the Living Wage on a voluntary basis.
The Living Wage enjoys cross party support, with public backing from Prime Minister David Cameron and the Leader of the Opposition, Ed Milliband. Living Wage Foundation director Rhys Moore said: “We are delighted to welcome Marshalls plc to the Living
Wage movement as an accredited employer. “The best employers are voluntarily signing up to pay the Living Wage now. The Living Wage is a robust calculation that reflects the real cost of living, rewarding a hard day’s work with a fair day’s pay.” Said Mr Moore: “We have accredited over 700 leading employers, ranging from independent printers, hairdressers and breweries, to well-known companies such as Nationwide, Aviva and SSE. “These businesses recognise that clinging to the national minimum wage is not good for business. Customers expect better than that.” Marshalls has several sites in the UK, including Brighouse.
Factory on the market with CBRE The residential and investment team at CBRE in West Yorkshire has been instructed to sell a major manufacturing site. Holme Mills at Fell Lane, Keighley, was home to cardboard tubes manufacturer J Stell & Sons, but could now be used for residential development. The site has been allocated for the development of 196 new homes which will be delivered upon successful sale of the land. Stell’s has been manufacturing cardboard tubes in them town for the last 140 years with the current site opened in 1949. Due to the company’s ongoing success, it has decided to relocate the business and its 80 employees to a modern design and build refurbished freehold site 80,000sq ft facility at Aire Valley Business Park. The new facility will be fully operational by summer, 2015. The operational efficiencies achieved through the move will allow the creation of about five additional jobs in the short term. The relocation will leave the Holme Mills site vacant and ready for redevelopment. The site comprises 17.20 acres of land in an established residential area located about 1.5 km south west of Keighley town centre and 14 km north-west of Bradford. Mike Gorman, director of CBRE’s residential and investment team in Leeds, said; “Holme Mill Lane presents a unique opportunity for a purchaser to acquire a prime development site situated in a strong location. “The site’s allocation for residential development confirms its suitability for a scheme of this nature, the creation of which will make an important contribution to the housing provision within the Keighley area.”
Stafflex get square deal from college It’s another brick in the wall for recruitment agency Stafflex. The name of the Chapel Hillbased company appears on a perspex brick, which now adorns a wall at Kirklees College’s premises at Brunel House, Leeds Road, Huddersfield. It recognises the firm’s contribution to the college as a supplier of staff. Several of the college’s suppliers and partners have received similar recognition. The Stafflex brick can be seen in one of the corridors at Brunel House – where it also reminds students undertaking construction sector training in areas such as bricklaying and plastering how the college and their studies relate to the world of work.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Joshua Smith
Ambassadorial role Paralegal and apprentice Joshua Smith (pictured), of law firm Chadwick Lawrence, has been chosen for a scheme which will see him sharing his experiences and encouraging others to pursue a career in law – as an Apprentice Ambassador. Through the National Apprenticeship service, the Leeds Apprenticeship HUB approached 20-year-old Joshua to take part in a programme which aims to train apprentices to become Apprenticeship Ambassadors. Joshua will have the opportunity to attend school and college visits, exhibitions and careers fairs and speak to parents and students about the apprenticeship scheme, as well as discuss his time and experiences with Chadwick Lawrence. Said Joshua: “I am delighted to have been approached regarding this scheme and will be starting my training imminently. Attending these events as an ambassador, means I will get the chance to share my experiences
Gina’s happy talk is a Speaker Factor hit By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
with others and spread the word about the apprenticeship scheme here at Chadwick Lawrence.” Neil Wilson, managing partner at Chadwick Lawrence, said: “We are extremely proud of our apprenticeship scheme and are seeing a number of colleagues progressing their careers through this training route. “It’s essential for us to promote the programme directly to the students, and what better way to do this than through a chosen ambassador from our firm who is on the journey himself.” Joshua has been with the firm for two years, working full-time on the apprenticeship scheme.
Paul Wright
Export finance adviser Paul Wright has been appointed export finance adviser for West Yorkshire by government-backed UK Export Finance (UKEF). Mr Wright (pictured), who also covers North Yorkshire and East Greater Manchester, will provide exporting business or those wanting to export with help in solving issues such as obtaining export insurance to protect their business while they take advantage of international sales opportunities. He joins UKEF’s team of 23 regionally-based export finance advisers, whose role includes introducing exporters to finance providers such as credit insurers, insurance brokers, trade support bodies and sources of government support. Team members combine their understanding of local businesses with a specialist knowledge of the financial challenges facing UK exporters.
movers and shakers
Mr Wright said: “We assist businesses of all sizes and supplement the financial support available to exporters from the commercial sector. “I look forward to working with the excellent businesses in our local area. “By helping businesses to take steps such as retaining the working capital they need to complete an overseas contract, I believe UKEF can help our local businesses, who also provide important jobs in our region, to capitalise on their export potential.”
A HUDDERSFIELD-based businesswoman has reached the finals of Speaker Factor – the Professional Speaking Association’s (PSA) national competition. Gina Battye, of Quarmby-based Health By Gina Ltd, reached the final five as she impressed judges with her speech on how to become healthier and happier – addressing a room of 200 professional speakers. The national competition was attended by speakers from all over the globe, including the UK, the USA, Germany, Sweden, Holland and South Africa. It was held during the PSA’s annual conference at the Cumberland Hotel in Marble Arch, London. The competition consists of 11 regional heats with one winner from each chosen to go through to the semi-finals. The semi-finals were held on the opening evening of the conference and five were chosen to represent the regions at the finals the following day.
■■ Gina Battye taking part in Speaker Factor
Gina entered the semi-finals on a wildcard entry. She came second in the Leeds regional heat in June, but the winner was unable to make it to the semi-finals so Gina was asked to step in to fill their place. She said: “Improving my speaking skills is really important to me and my business.
Competitions like this enable me to address professionals in the industry and gain valuable feedback to hone my skills. “To enter the semi-finals on a wildcard was unexpected, but to then get to the finals was an incredible achievement. “Speaking to 200 professional speakers was quite daunting, but I felt really relaxed on stage and delivered the best presentation I have ever delivered! I was overwhelmed by the glowing feedback from the judges and the presidents and am looking forward to speaking on more stages in the future.” Judging for the competition was based on four main criteria: stagecraft, script, delivery and bookability. Eilidh Milnes, president of The PSA, said: “There are only five places in the national finals and Gina bagged one of them. “Her presentation in front of 200 speakers was punchy, passionate and proficient. She was only pipped at the post to win the overall competition. The calibre of the finalists is a tremendous endorsement for the work PSA does to help people to speak better and speak more.”
Major move is just right for Nicky A RECRUITMENT specialist who ran her own business for nine years has joined the team at Major Recruitment in Huddersfield. Nicky Battye has closed Boomerang Recruitment to take up the post of senior technical consultant at Major Recruitment’s offices in Market Avenue. Nicky, who has taken her clients with her, will be responsible for further developing Major Recruitment’s technical division across West Yorkshire, which covers blue and white collar staff in the engineering field up to management level. Said Nicky: “At Boomerang, I dealt with every discipline, but I decided to close the business
because of the opportunity to join a family firm and focus on one discipline.” Katie Nebard, director of Major Recruitment, said: “We are delighted to have someone of Nicky’s level of experience on board.” Major Recruitment was launched 22 years ago in Morley mainly to handle industrial recruitment, but has expanded over the years to run five division covering industrial, technical, commercial, energy and healthcare. It has offices in Huddersfield, Leeds, Doncaster and Wakefield as well as three sites in the North West.
■■ Nicky Battye (left) and branch manager, Anya Macbeth, of Major Recruitment at Market Avenue in Huddersfield
David’s giving a little extra – from the Halifax A HUDDDERSFIELD man is hoping to bring the people in his town a little bit closer together after being nominated as a Community Ambassador for the Halifax bank. David Williams is already a familiar face in the area after volunteering at a host of good causes in recent times. And David, who has worked at the Halifax branch in North Lane, Headingley, for the last two years, said he was thrilled to be given the chance to make a difference to the lives of those around him. Halifax has handpicked 70 members of staff from across the country who were selected for their love of helping people and wanting to bring about change in
their lives. As well as continuing with their day-to-day jobs, the Community Ambassadors will galvanise people to help the good causes Halifax already supports through the Big Lunch, Giving Extra Awards, and Home-Start volunteering as well as looking at new areas to make a difference. “I have found that taking on the role of the Community Ambassador is extremely rewarding, I have met people I would not previously have met,” said David, who has worked for the Halifax for the last 36 years. “With the Big Lunch this summer, I went into care homes and met some amazing people, offer-
ing advice but also getting advice. “When we had the Tour de France in Yorkshire this summer, we set up exercise bikes in branch which replicated the first day of the tour and we biked 191km to raise money. “It is not just a role to take on for the sake of doing it, it’s something that we want people to aspire to take on. We do it because we want to do it and it’s something we will be carrying on.” The initiative is part of Lloyds Banking Group’s Helping Britain Prosper Plan, which aims to bring communities together and help them thrive. For David, that has meant taking part and organising a variety
of events. “I am more inclined to step out and become more active in the community in this role which I may not have done before,” he said. “For example, I went to see an old lady who was unable to get from her home to branch and instead went to her and discussed savings options available to her. “I am much more aware that we have quite a high proportion of older clients who may not be able to get into the branch as readily.” Halifax is helping people give extra in their communities, whether hosting a Big Lunch event, or making their community a better place to live. Visit www. halifaxcommunities.co.uk