Kirklees Business News 05/02/13 by Huddersfield

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees

Olympic Park deal floors firm’s rivals

A SPECIALIST flooring company has completed a high-profile contract at the site of last summer’s Olympics. Denby Dale-based PSR Industrial Flooring Ltd was called in to return the floors at the International Broadcast Centre to the condition they were in before the arrival of the world’s audio-visual media during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. During the Games, the IBC was a 24-hour media hub located in the Olympic Park – housing around 20,000 broadcasters, photographers and journalists who brought the spectacle to an estimated 4bn people worldwide. Fo l l o w i n g t h e G a m e s , t h e state-of-the-art utilities – which cost £355m to build – are to become office space. PSR Industrial Flooring Ltd was appointed by clients FCC Elliott – a joint venture between Spanish infrastructure giant FCC Construction and Irish contractor P Elliott – to return 46,000sq metres of floor space to a “rejuvenated” state ready to receive further coverings. The project started mid-November and had a specified six-week project timescale. The floors were taken back using high performance grinders powered by generators. For the operators, the machines had the advantage of being 99% dust-free

and emitting water vapour as opposed to other toxic fumes. Paul Radley, managing director of PSR Industrial Flooring Ltd, said: “We were delighted to win this high-profile contract from our clients FCC Elliott following the lengthy tender process. “However, we were constantly mindful of the huge penalty disclosures that would be incurred should the technical transformation of the floors not be completed on time. “We used colossal amounts of diamond tools and epoxy resins in order to bring the flooring back to its original glory and we had 12 engineers working around the clock, seven days a week to ensure there were no delays. “I am very pleased to say we were able to hand the project over two days early.” PSR has seen year-on-year growth since it was formed in 2007. The company now has 14 full-time employees and in 2013 it plans to expand into its own larger premises and diversify into ship decking systems. It also aims to keep up-to-date with many new decorative flooring systems, such as stone carpet. Mr Radley said: “We have previously worked for the Olympic sponsors Coca Cola on various flooring projects, including a warehouse site

■ CREDIBILITY: Nigel Bullas

Lucky 13 for Helen A HOLMFIRTH-based HR consultancy is heading into its 13th year in business with a new contract win. The Personnel Partnership has been appointed to provide HR support to Age UK’s Wakefield district just two days after marking its 12th birthday. It will act as a “virtual” HR team for the charity, which has 25 employees and more than 120 volunteers delivering support services to older people across the Wakefield District.

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■ FLOOR SHOW: Managing director Paul Radley, right, with employees, from left, Maria Joyce, Balkar Singh and Lee Guest at the Denby Dale base

also at the Olympic Park containing all food and beverage for those at the Games. “We have always delivered on time and to budget and our clients have always been pleased with the end result.” PSR specialises in projects such as upgrading industrial flooring, preparation, grinding, coatings, painting,

floor screeds, joint repairs, joint re-sealing, flooring slabs, resin and specialist commercial flooring for medical installations. The company has worked worldwide for clients including more than 40 “blue chip” businesses such as Royal Mail, Bosch, DFDS Seaways, Autoglass, Coca Cola Enterprises and Nestlé.

Don’t all rush to ditch those audits A KIRKLEES accountancy firm has urged businesses to think twice before cancelling their next audit. The Government has made key changes to company audit requirements in a bid to save millions in reporting and accountancy fees. Nigel Bullas, of Cleckheaton-based Clough and Company, said: “On September 6, 2012, the government unveiled significant changes to company and LLP audit and reporting requirements.” The changes mean thousands of companies and LLPs no longer

INSIDE

require an audit and they apply to companies with a financial year that ended on or after 1 October 2012. Mr Bullas said: “We understand that many businesses feel that an audit is an imposition and although we support any concept that can save money, we are urging businesses to consider their decision very carefully before dispensing with an audit which ultimately helps to improve both performance and profitability.” He said: “An audit provides a positive way of improving the business systems and controls that are in place

and it also increases credibility with HMRC as well as being beneficial when companies are for sale or seeking investment, as it provides additional peace of mind to potential buyers. “Financial statements that have been audited are generally more respected by banks and credit reference agencies – plus shareholders who are not involved in the day-to-day running of a business can be assured of a businesses’ state of affairs if the accounts have been thoroughly audited.”

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An island paradise A MIRFIELD woman took a trip to Hawaii as part of the centenary celebrations for training organisation Dale Carnegie. Juliette Dennett, managing director of Dale Carnegie Northern England was among those attending the trip to the organisation’s annual convention. The event saw sales personnel Graham Perkins and Linda Parkes applauded for their success.

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

national

Engineering a new and brighter future A HUDDERSFIELD firm has been bought out by its directors. Manrochem, the town centre-based international process engineering specialist, has undergone a management buyout for an undisclosed sum, assisted by a team of Yorkshire advisers. The management team comprising Edward Jennings, business director; David Wakefield, technical director; and Andrew Pearson, engineering director, have been collectively involved in Manrochem Limited for over 30 years. With skills based in process engineering, the business delivers specialist design, build and commission projects across the chemical, pharmaceutical, food and allied industries. Established in 1990, Manrochem employs 20 people in the UK at its

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

headquarters in new North Parade, Huddersfield, and also has a subsidiary company in Chennai in India. It has a blue chip client base including companies such as Syngenta, Lubrizol, Glaxo Smith Kline, 3M Healthcare, Rhodia UK Limited, Thornton & Ross, Finlay and Deltech. The management team was advised by Rachel Neems and Maxine Burton, of Leeds law firm Clarion, with Richard Bright and Mike Brown of Murray Harcourt, in Harrogate, providing financial advice for the transaction. Mr Jennings said: “Having

established Manrochem’s reputation as a dynamic and well-regarded international process design company, this acquisition marks another key milestone in the development of the business. “With an experienced management team at the helm, we will be able to build on the company’s success, ensuring its future.” Mr Wakefield added: “We work in a rapidly-changing world and our ability to respond swiftly to meet new challenges is greatly appreciated by our clients. We are excited by the prospect of extending our skills and expertise to a wider client base as we move forward.” Mr Pearson said: “We have a ■ TEAM: From left, Andrew Pearson, David loyal, dedicated and highly quali- Wakefield and Edward Jennings fied workforce.”

New finance chief for Barclays

HMV sell-off saves jobs

BANKING giant Barclays is facing more boardroom upheaval after announcing that its finance director since 2007 is to leave the group. Chris Lucas will remain in the post until the lender finds a replacement, a process which could take a “considerable time” to complete. News of his departure and that of Mark Harding, general counsel, comes just days before new chief executive Antony Jenkins bids to repair the bank’s battered reputation with a presentation on the company’s new strategy. Barclays shares opened 1% lower yesterday. Mr Lucas is one of several past

AROUND 200 jobs were secured after HMV’s administrators offloaded the retail group’s last remaining music and entertainment venues. HMV’s majority shareholding in G-A-Y Group, which comprises a nu m b e r o f b a r s a n d H e av e n nightclubs, has been sold to the founder and other shareholder in the business, Jeremy Joseph. The sale comes amid speculation that HMV’s administrator Deloitte could announce the closure of between 60 and 100 HMV music stores this week, resulting in the loss of around 1,500 jobs.

and present Barclays staff being investigated over whether the bank broke the rules when it took big cash infusions from Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund in 2008. Barclays has also seen several top executives, including chief executive Bob Diamond, leave since a rate-fixing scandal erupted last year. The bank was hit with a 453 million US dollars (£289 million) fine after it emerged that executives had been involved in a campaign to rig a key interest Libor rate. Mr Jenkins said both directors felt that it was right time for them pass on their roles to other executives.

Page 2 Fares report in dispute TRAIN fares on some of the country’s busiest routes have increased up to three times faster than the cost of living since the rail industry was privatised 20 years ago, according to a new report. The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) published a list of the biggest rises, saying a walk-on fare from London to Manchester had jumped by 208%, to Exeter by 205% and to Cardiff by 196%. The Retail Price Index has increased by 66% in the same period. Train companies disputed the report, saying it only covered a handful of fares.

Nuclear plants rejection

Having sold a number of music and entertainment venues last year, including the Hammersmith Apollo, HMV was left with the G-A-Y bars and Heaven nightclubs. Mr Joseph said:“HMV made a strategic decision to sell certain businesses, which included the sale of their shares in G-A-Y, almost a year ago. “I am delighted to have acquired 100% ownership of the business that I founded 20 years ago and to have secured the future of my 200 employees.” The HMV chain has an outlet in Huddersfield’s Kingsgate Centre.

CENTRICA has decided to pull out of the UK’s nuclear new build programme and will not take part in the construction of up to four new reactors, the firm announced. The British Gas-owned company acquired a 20% interest in French firm EDF Energy’s eight nuclear power stations in the UK and an option for a 20% stake in the building of new power stations. But it has taken the decision not to participate in the construction of up to four new European reactors.

SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £37.67 -0.40 Gannett 1193.34 -67.22 Hess Corp £42.96 -0.37 Microsoft 1756.46 -18.11 Motors Liquidation 47.65 Wal-Mart Stores £44.04 -0.75 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 436 -11 BAE Systems 3307/8 -7 1 Rolls-Royce 972 /2 +11/2 AIM Brady Plc 96 -1/2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 2471/4 -2 BANKS 1 Barclays 291 /2 -81/2 HSBC 7061/8 -131/2 Lloyds Banking Gp 505/8 -1 Ryl Scotland 3285/8 -117/8 1 Stan Chart 1647 /2 -401/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1881 -25 SABMiller £311/2 CHEMICALS Croda £243/8 -1/4 Elementis 98 2201/4 -33/8 3 Johnsn Mat £22 /8 -7/8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2663/4 -3 Costain 263 -21/2 ELECTRICITY

Drax Gp 602 +41/2 SSE 1415 -13 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 2265/8 -71/4 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 4021/2 -6 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 263 -13/4 Cable & Wireless 405/8 -1/8 Comm 1 Colt Group 108 /8 -13/4 KCOM 77 3 Talktalk Telecom 253 /8 +2 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2501/8 -15/8 Sainsbury 3307/8 -21/4 1 Tesco 357 /2 -31/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1750 -15 Tate Lyle 787 -17 -1/2 Unilever £255/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 349 -41/8 National Grid 6921/2 -4 Pennon Grp 681 -7 Severn 1620 -8 United Utils 7291/2 -2 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 266 -23/4 ICAP 324 -51/4 London StockExch 1209 -17 -15/8 Man Group 887/8

Provident Financial 1454 -10 Schroders 1913 -58 Schroders NV 1564 -30 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS REXAM 4611/4 -121/4 Smiths Grp 1210 -33 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 271/2 Carphone Whse 2141/2 -51/2 Dixons Retail 27 -5/8 Home Retail 1243/8 -3/4 1 Inchcape 479 /2 -61/8 Kingfisher 274 -3/4 M&S 3757/8 -63/8 Mothercare 303 -7 Next £41 1 WH Smith 671 /2 -1 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES 1 Smith Nph 721 /2 -61/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 82 -3/4 Barrat Dev 2171/2 -67/8 1 Persimmon 841 /2 -181/2 Reckitt Benckiser £417/8 -1/2 Taylor Wimpey 717/8 -2 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 1185 +1 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 2615/8 -91/8 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 2271/2 -1/4 LIFE INSURANCE

3517/8 1481/4 1841/4 9341/2 2595/8 3373/4 MEDIA BSkyB 816 D Mail Tst 6041/2 1 /4 HIBU ITV 1171/4 Johnston Press 123/4 Pearson 1191 Reed Elsevier 698 STV Group 1211/2 Trinity Mirror 983/4 Utd Business 784 UTV 139 WPP 9941/2 MINING Anglo American 19241/2 Antofagasta 1127 BHP Billiton £215/8 Eurasian Natural 3291/4 Res Fresnillo 1663 Kazakhmys 7271/2 Lonmin 3663/8 Rio Tinto £361/8 VEDANTA 1241 RESOURCES Xstrata 11631/2 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 655 Vodafone Group 1701/2 Aviva Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life

-161/4 -31/2 -5 -301/2 -21/4 -107/8 -91/2 -1/4 +1/2 -19 -151/2 +11/2 +1/2 -4 -11/2 -151/2 -291/2 -32 -1/2 -9 -42 -261/2 -133/4 -5/8 -18 -311/2 -21/2 -3

Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp

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NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1220 -14 RSA Insurance Gp 1305/8 -17/8 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1104 -19 BP 462 -101/2 Cairn Energy 287 -33/8 Royal Dutch Shell A £22 -1/2 Royal Dutch Shell B £221/2 -1/2 1 Total £33 /2 -1 Tullow Oil 1175 -4 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

AMEC 1080 -5 Petrofac 1633 -16 1 Wood Gp(J) 813 /2 -141/2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1397 +10 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £303/8 -1/4 GlaxoSmithK 101/2 1 Shire £21 /2 +1/8 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 561 -3 Captl Shop Cent 356 -33/8 Hamrsn 4787/8 -51/4 Land Secs 8011/2 -3 -5/8 SEGRO 2481/8 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 3451/2 -51/8 Sage Group 3251/2 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 618 -11/2 Bunzl 1132 -17 1 Capita 784 /2 -61/2 De La Rue 952 -11/2 Electrocomp 2513/4 -63/4 Experian 1092 -18 G4S 2761/4 -65/8 Hays 885/8 -13/8 Homeserve 2355/8 -3/8 Menzies J 710 -21/2 Rentokil 897/8 -17/8 Smiths News 164 -3 1 Wolseley £29 /4 -3/4 IT HARDWARE

ARM Hldgs Spirent Comms

892 1623/4

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TOBACCO Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco

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LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airl Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread

1117/8 £253/4 7721/2 9521/2 941/2 1941/8 1320 693 1894 2105/8 2123/4 3261/4 203 1521/4 3041/2 2971/4 £261/4

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS GROWING up on one of Manchester’s most deprived council estates didn’t confer many advantages on the young Peter Horton. However, he was blessed with a willingness to work and a drive to succeed which has remained with him throughout his 30-year career as one of the best-known figures in the UK insurance industry. As chief operating officer of LV= General Insurance and managing director of Huddersfieldbased roadside recovery firm Britannia Rescue, he now has responsibility for eight sites employing 3,000 people. And his enthusiasm for an industry he helped to reshape – through his involvement with other major brands, including Direct Line and Churchill – remains undiminished. Peter, who grew up on the Withenshawe estate in Manchester, first sampled the world of work as a 14-year-old – earning a bit of money caddying on golf courses and offering to wash cars. savings each year. outset. LV= already had an He says: “When I left He also oversaw the existing insurance school, I originally introduction of the first company, but it wasn’t in a planned to be a chartered claims unit in the UK very good condition. If we accountant and went to insurance industry to have had not come along, it Manchester Polytechnic courtesy cars, faxing from would probably have to take a foundation screens and no claim ended up being sold or course and become forms. broken up.” articled.” When Churchill was After completing a But unimpressed by a sold to RBS in June 2003, management buy-in, Peter starting salary of £10 a Peter stayed on for a and his colleagues set week, he applied for and further three years as about turning around the got a job as a household managing director of business. “It was losing underwriting clerk with claims – overseeing 3m £200m a year, losing Refuge Assurance. claims a year, 8,000 staff 10,000 customers a month He later moved to at 27 sites and an annual and had a staff turnover Cloverleaf Insurance, spend on £3.2bn. exceeding 50%,” he says. where he earned £17 a During that time, he was “We had to stop the rot, week – and also responsible for the make the investment and supplemented his integration of Churchill create a great culture.” earnings with three and Direct Line under the By focusing on staff part-time jobs working in banner of RBS Insurance. development and supermarkets. In 2006, he left RBSI investment in people and “I didn’t go to with four others with a technology, LV= now has university,” he says. view to forming a new more than 4m customers “Instead, I studied in the insurance company and is on course for profits evenings for a Chartered “putting the customer and exceeding £100m this year. Insurance Institute our people at the heart of It won 35 awards during qualification which was the business”. 2012, including General the equivalent of a degree Says Peter: “We went Insurer of the Year and is and provided the through various ‘Dragon’s recognised as an industry possibility of moving up in Dens’ but LV= wanted to leader in terms of the future.” work with us from the employee engagement. When Direct Line was formed in 1986 – and began to transform the insurance industry – Peter’s qualifications helped him land a job as claims manager, working with founder Peter Wood and co-director Martin Long. Peter Wood remains a personal friend, while Peter himself went on to work with Martin when the latter set up Churchill Insurance. Peter was operations director at Churchill from 1989 to 1993, taking responsibility for claims and customer service. He introduced a new claims system which resulted in Churchill achieving a lower loss ratio than its competitors, enhancing its relationships with ■ IDEAS MAN: Peter Horton prizes Britannia Rescue’s suppliers and making millions of pounds of cost high reputation and its Huddersfield headquarters

profile

Peter’s great claim to fame Peter sees the acquisition of Huddersfield-based Britannia Rescue in 2007 as another major achievement. Britannia provided LV= with “a perfect fit” as the company already had a good reputation for its service and the commitment of its staff. LV= built on those foundations by investing in new telephone systems, facilities and the staff. Peter now rates Britannia Rescue as a market leader in terms of the quality of its people and its service culture. The company is expanding, having recently taken an extra floor at its Folly Hall Mills site following the recruitment of 35 call centre staff towards the end of last year. Britannia is looking to fill a further 40 roles in the next few months – and take on 120 people during the course of the next 12 to 15 months. Says Peter: “Our vision is to be the UK’s best-loved insurer – best-loved by its customers, its people and by the communities in which we have our branches. “A lot of it is about recruiting the right people with the right attitude at the right time. “We try to look after our staff, communicate with them, recognise them for the extra things they do and provide real career progression. “We involve them in any developments and encourage them to make suggestions for improving the business.

Page 3 Peter Horton

“Senior management go back to the ‘shopfloor’ to work alongside staff and some great ideas come out of that for improving the way we do things. “We have a business improvement team of 25 people who continually look at processes and ways of working. It makes work exciting. “Every 12 months, just after Christmas, I treat the business as if I have just joined for the very first time. We look at everything and ask if there is a better way we could be doing things.” Peter divides his time between the insurance firm’s offices in Croydon and Bournemouth – where he generally spends three to four days a week – and its six other sites, including Huddersfield. Away from work, Peter is a Manchester United fan, but can also be found following Harlequins RUFC, which is sponsored by LV=. The company is also a sponsor at Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium. “I spend three nights week away from home, so weekends are about family time, socialising and dinner parties,” says Peter. He also enjoys the view from his Croydon office, which is just 15 minutes from home – and can’t resist a sly dig at one of his former firms. “We look down on the Direct Line building,” he says mischievously. “It means the people there can come to us for their job interviews during their lunch hour!”

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Role: Chief operating officer for LV= General Insurance and managing director of Britannia Rescue Age: 55 Family: Married to Wendy with children Nicholas, Alexander, Greg, Nicola and Michelle Car: Bentley Continental GT Holidays: Antigua and the Maldives First job: At 14, I was a caddy on a golf course and also washed cars Best thing about job: Interacting with people and seeing them develop, giving great service – and beating our competitors Worst thing about job: I hate it when you have “treacle” in a company – having to wade through bureaucracy Business tip: Do what you say you are going to do. Keep your promises

Britannia Rescue Work: Roadside recovery Site: Huddersfield Phone: 0800 0223948 Email: member.services @britanniarescue.com Website:www.britannia rescue.com

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THE BUSINESS BATTLEAXE Amanda Vigar

NY business owner with staff A will be wondering how the overhaul of the PAYE system

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scheduled for October will affect them. HMRC is arguing that the introduction of Real Time Information (RTI) will reduce the chance of PAYE-generated tax code errors that have plagued the current system. That and making sure that employers don’t get too far behind with their payments, thus hopefully avoiding the Comet fiasco where tax and NIC was being deducted from employees and never paid over to HMRC. HMRC is presenting this as a positive move that will benefit employers and employees alike. However, is this really the case? Far from it! At first, it looked like a good idea, but as more details have been revealed and the pilot scheme is well and truly under way, I would argue that the

restructuring will only result in chaos, confusion and be to the detriment of both employers and employees. HMRC claims that RTI will allow them to have accurate information every time somebody is paid, whether weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Whilst this is not wholly bad news, they have to make sure that their systems are robust enough to cope with it. We’ve already had cases where employers who are already on RTI are being chased for missed payments when, in reality, HMRC has allocated them to the wrong payroll period. In addition, there’s a “not so hidden” agenda being pursued by HMRC, namely to gather information for other departments. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will use the information to introduce a Universal Credit System to replace existing benefits. The DWP needs information by October to do its

job, which they thought RTI would provide. However, it appears that the computer coding has been set up in such a way that it won’t give them what they want! My worry is that employers, especially those running small to medium businesses, will be made to work harder to provide information and yet potentially penalised if the information doesn’t match what HMRC holds. Given that it is estimated that at least 75% of HMRC records are incorrect, surely the onus of the exercise of data cleansing required for a new initiative should be on the government and not the employer! The whole exercise looks more and more like a cost-cutting measure passing more administrative burden on to employers rather than being ‘in the best interests of employers and employees.

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

HR expert’s new contract A HOLMFIRTH-based human resources consultancy is heading into its 13th year in business with a new contract win. The Personnel Partnership has been appointed to provide HR support to Age UK’s Wakefield district just two days after marking its 12th birthday. The partnership, set up in 2001 by Helen Straw, will act as a “virtual human resources team” for the Wakefield-based charity, which has 25 employees and more than 120 volunteers delivering support services to older people across the Wakefield District. The consultancy will manage a wide range of day-to-day operational HR issues, including disciplinary and dismissals, grievances, absence and performance management as well as recruitment. Helen said: “I feel really proud that The Personnel Partnership has achieved 12 years of successful trading. “When I launched the business in 2001, I wanted to offer human resources expertise that would add

real value to a range of companies. From the beginning, my aim has been to be develop long-term partnerships and ensure that business owners have the peace of mind to know that their most valuable resource – their workforce – is well managed. “Today, I still have clients with me from when I first launched the business, which shows what a true partnership I have with them. My future aims for the business are to carry on growing and gaining new clients and for it to continue to be as successful as it is now!” Over the past 12 years, Helen and her associates have provided operational and strategic support to more than 50 businesses across the country from Aberdeen to Cornwall – dealing with difficult issues such as redundancy programmes, grievances and investigations as well as developing bespoke performance management processes, HR strategies and writing contracts of employment and policies and procedures.

■ LUCKY 13: Helen Straw, of The Personnel Partnership starts her 13th year in business with a new contract

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iscuss some of emmas facing up to retirement.

local

Kingsgate’s purple patch A SHOPPING centre in Huddersfield has introduced a free WiFi service for its customers. Purple WiFi has rolled out its social WiFi service at the Kingsgate Centre to help businesses build brand awareness and attract new customers to their premises. The service is designed to enable anyone using the internet in a social space such as a bar, café, shopping mall or restaurant to “like” the relevant Facebook page or “tweet” about their location. This means that any business can receive constant promotional access to their customers’ friends and followers. The development team at So Purple works with clients such as Kingsgate to design a targeted login page that can be used to promote offers, communicate news and generally engage with shoppers. Total user control enables the business to amend its messaging at any time. The business is also given access to a secure customer portal with tools at their disposal to view their customers’ WiFi usage behaviour in addition to the number of new Facebook fans and Twitter followers with whom the business has achieved “social exposure”. Updates can be carefully targeted to attract new footfall according to the age, gender and WiFi patterns of the users – and to reward existing loyalty. Kingsgate centre manager Jonathan Hardy

■ SHOP TALK: Kingsgate’s Jonathan Hardy

said: “We wanted to provide our customers with easy access to the internet while allowing us to promote real time offers in the centre. This way both our shoppers and our retailers benefit.” Richard Stangroom, sales director at So Purple, said: “Everyone expects WiFi wherever they go, but the business sharing the internet connection doesn’t gain anything in return and can end up with a slower, less secure internet connection for their own business needs. Purple WiFi allows them to gain an understanding of their consumer demographics while building brand awareness through social networking.”

Seminars make the connection BUSINESS seminars “with a twist” are being lined up for 2013. Huddersfield-based accountancy firm Sheards is hosting the first of seven Connection13 events from 11.30am to 1.30pm on Tuesday February 26 at Huddersfield RUFC’s Lockwood Park complex. Each event will offer a mix of short informative presentations from Sheards and a guest speaker, together with an opportunity to network with other businesses and enjoy a buffet lunch. The first event will include an overview of the new Real Time Information system that comes into effect for all employers from April and represents the biggest ever shake-up of the PAYE system. The guest speaker will be Martin Page, of Lockwood-based P2 Technologies, who will provide an introduction to Cloud Computing for Business. Sheards director Kevin Winterburn said: “We have been planning to provide a seminar offer to local businesses for some time, but were eager to do something a little different. “We’re giving our clients, contacts and friends an opportunity to listen to locally-based providers of other essential business services, along with key updates from Sheards and

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Sound advice for business KIRKLEES firms keen to grow in 2013 can benefit from a seminar offering advice on how to prosper in a challenging economic climate. The “Grow Your Business: Make More Money” event, which is being run by UK Trade and Investment, the Manufacturing Advisory Service and Growth Accelerator, takes place from 8am to 10am on Wednesday February 13 at Carrwood Park in Leeds. John Leach, chief executive of specialist business coaching provider Winning Pitch, will explain how he has expanded a portfolio of businesses over the past 25 years, often in challenging economic times. Local businesses will also share their own experiences of

successful growth and advice and information on the government support available to assist businesses will be available. Mark Robson, regional director of UKTI, said: “Despite the difficulties in the economy, many businesses are growing turnover and profit rapidly. These events showcase the help available to businesses in West Yorkshire. Whether you require strategic planning guidance, sales and marketing support or information on how to capitalise on opportunities in international markets, we will be able to help you unlock the ideas that will help your business to the next level.” Go to www.growyourbusiness makemoremoney. eventbrite.com

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

It’s time you got more from your accountant Thinking… outside the books

added value services include…

Tailored programme to maximise profitability Tailored tax efficient solutions Regular updates & support to help your business FREE use of our facilities for your meeting Support all day, every day ■ LISTENING: Kevin Winterburn the chance to talk with other business owners.” For information, call 01484 541155 or email advice@sheards.co.uk.

Call Freephone: 08000 32 32 03 and quote KBN /1211 to give us the chance to help you achieve your goals, or contact us through our website at:-

www.walker-sutcliffe.co.uk

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Scaffolding course for unemployed A NEW training course for would-be scaffolders is to be launched. Astra Access Safety Training is offering unemployed people in the Yorkshire area the opportunity to build a future in scaffolding. The project will recruit trainees for a diploma level 1 scaffolding course which provides the skills and experience required to move on to a Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme qualification before finding employment in the construction and related industries. The course is free for young people aged 16 to 18 not in education, employment or training and to adults aged 19 and over who are receiving employmentrelated benefits. The 16-week course will run at Astra’s National Access Skills Academy in Barnsley from the end of February. Trainees will take part in practical exercises and be taught by professional tutors. Find out more by contacting Astra on 0800 1214951.

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Green Deal policies with commercial implications

HE recent plunging temperatT ures got me thinking about the latest Government action on

energy performance for commercial property. There is a common view that the Green Deal is in large part for residential property. However, the Energy Act 2011 does cover commercial property, too. When the Act is implemented it gives powers to prevent landlords from letting premises that fall below a certain energy performance certificate grade. Currently, this is widely to be expected to be band “E”. This applies to commercial and residential property and covers listed buildings. The Act requires this to come into force before April 2018 and there are some reports that this could come into force as early as 2015, but this is pure speculation. The Green Deal is the Government’s funding system for energy efficiency improvements to commercial and residential properties. The Green Deal is based on two main elements. Firstly, the anticipated reduction in

INFORMED DEVELOPMENT

Martin Thompson the cost of energy as a result of the improvements made, has to be greater than the amount of the supplement added to the electricity bill ie. cost of the improvements. This is known as the “Golden Rule”. Secondly, the liability for repaying the cost of the improvements remains with the property and will bind future owners of the property. The energy performance certificate for that property will identify if there is a Green Deal liability attaching to the property and is the mechanism to alert buyers or tenants. The direction of travel the Government has taken can be clearly seen when combining this with other changes that came into effect this month.

Crown Green Warehouse, Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe 1,250 m2 (13,456 sq ft) Good quality modern industrial unit with offices and large self contained yard area on main Huddersfield Road TO LET immediately available

P ED RI U CE C ED

Industrial

George Street, off Wakefield Road/Armytage Road Industrial Estate, Brighouse 4,358 m2 (46,906 sq ft) Prominently located industrial and office complex strategically located for J25 M62. Redevelopment potential (stp)

FOR SALE

on 1.33 acres

Commercial

The Commercial Inn, 43 Church Street, Paddock , Huddersfield 287m2 (3,091 sq ft) gross Highly prominent public house with alternative use potential (STP)

FOR SALE www.michaelsteel.co.uk

From January 9, commercial premises in England and Wales that currently have an energy performance certificate were required to display this publicly. The change which has been introduced by the new Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations applies to all “non-dwellings” over 500sq metres in size, which are frequently visited by the public – although what makes up “frequently visited” has not been defined. However, if your premises do not currently have an energy performance certificate you will not be compelled to obtain one. The point to note here is, originally the regulations were aimed at buildings occupied by local authorities but these have been extended and the new

regulations now capture shops, cinemas, hotels and restaurants. In addition, details of the energy performance certificate rating need to be included on all property advertisements. To benefit from the Green Deal and in particular the funding available, the anticipated energy savings gained need to exceed the initial cost of making the improvement. The owner or occupier of the property needs to appoint an accredited Green Deal assessor to visit the property and develop plans showing the possible energy efficiency improvements. Agreed improvements need to be carried out by accredited Green Deal providers.

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

Industrial

FOR SALE

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All enquiries to Alec Michael at Michael Steel & Co on 0113 234 8999 or email alec@michaelsteel.co.uk

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS property Units still in demand Guide: £25,000+

retail unit

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to planning consent

Halifax Road/Swales Moor Road, Queensbury, BD13 2NN 1 The land comprises 2 ﬁelds of meadow land extending to 5.82 Acres (2.35 Hectares)

further.” He said a deposit of just 5% alongside a decent interest rate will help to get the marketing moving faster. “The NewBuy scheme, launched last March, was slow to get moving as housebuilders and lenders joined the scheme, but we believe 2013 will see momentum build rapidly.” The new year has started strongly for Persimmon, Mr Gradwell said.

CROSS CHURCH STREET, HUDDERSFIELD, HD1 2PT £25,000 p/a

● 88.35sqm (951 sqft)

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DLdouble frontage ● Prominent FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES 2 ● Last 2use A3 395m (4,250ft )

Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ● Adjoining Kingsgate Shopping ■ Suitable for refurbishment for alternative occupational residential Centre, next to Currys uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to ● New 3 year lease planning consent

WEST SLAITHWAITE ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD, HD7 6LS £12,500 p/a

● 363sqm (3,911sqft) net

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL ● May split PREMISES

395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for ● Self contained alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to ● consent Good loading planning

● 65.71 sqm (707 sqft)

395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for ● Easy access to Holmfirth Centre alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to ● consent 8 Miles from Huddersfield planning

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Church Street, Slaithwaite, Huddersﬁeld, HD7 5AS 1 Potential for retail or ofﬁce use 1 Lapsed planning consent for A1 retail 1 Close to town centre 1 Overlooking canal

Guide Price: £1500+

Scotland Farm

Jack Bridge, Colden, Hebden Bridge, HX7 7HR 1 5 bedroom character farmhouse 1 Numerous period features 1 Set in 12.6 Acres (5.11 Hectares) of grazing and woodland 1 Panoramic rural location 1 GIA area c.3750 sq ft (348m2) 1 Double garage and stable block

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Guide: £60,000 – £80,000

Guide: £45,000 – £70,000

Former Public Convenience

11.8 Acres Pasture Land

Halifax Road, Queensbury, BD13 2NN 1 The land comprises 10 ﬁelds of pasture land extending to 11.8 Acres (4.82 Hectares) fronting and accessed from Halifax Road

East of Swales Moor Road, Queensbury, BD13 2NN 1 The land comprises meadow land and woodland extending to 9.75 Acres (4.82 Hectares)

Guide: £400,000 – £425,000

Dean Bottom Works

Storthes Hall Lane, Kirkburton, Huddersﬁeld, HD8 0PP 1 8,406 sq ft plus secure yard 1 Good frontage with parking 1 Site area 0.34 Hectares (0.84 Acres) 1 Investment/development/break up opportunity

factory premises

2 Spinneyﬁeld

Fixby, Huddersﬁeld, HD2 2HX 1 4 bedroom period residence 1 Grade II Listed 1 Numerous ornate features 1 Requiring comprehensive renovation 1 Secluded backwater location 1 0.369 Acre plot

Guide: £180,000+

Guide: £175,000 – £200,000

TANYARD ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD, HD3 4NB £65,000 p/a

● 2,032m2 (21,874sqft)

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES ● Former Joiners workshop

395m2 (4,250ft2) ● 0.13 3 Phase electricity Site Area Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ● Good yard space for for refurbishment ■ Suitable alternative occupational residential Renowned industrial location uses or ● possible complete redevelopment, subject to ● consent May split planning

detached office building

STATION LANE, HECKMONDWIKE, WF16 0NF £195,000

● 176.33 sqm (1,898 sqft)

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL ● Freehold premises FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area Hectares (0.33 Acres) ● 0.13 Vacant possession ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for ● Edge of town centre location alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to ● consent Good Car Parking planning

industrial

HUDDERSFIELD ROAD, HOLMFIRTH, HD9 3JA £8,500 P/A

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL ● Car parkingPREMISES

Guide: £175,000 – £225,000

9.75 Acres Meadow Land

good quality office accommodation

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

Halifax Road, Queensbury, BD13 2NN 1 Residential redevelopment opportunity 1 Potential for 4/5 dwellings 1 Quiet backwater location 1 Backing onto Greenbelt

Guide: £30,000 – £45,000

“This bodes well for 2013 when we hope to bring success to many of our other clients with vacant property needs.”

Land and Buildings at Catherine Slack Farm

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5.82 Acres Meadow Land

industrial premises

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

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Guide: £200,000+

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launch of an addition to the scheme, NewBuy Part Exchange, which will allow builders to buy a client’s existing home in advance of selling them a new home using the NewBuy scheme. “In the first few weeks of the new year, Persimmon has taken 82 reservations with the NewBuy scheme,” said Mr Gradwell. “The additional benefit of being able to offer part exchange too should see these numbers increase

Former Council Ofﬁces, Day Centre & Residential Facility

The Grange, Ossett Lane, Chickenley, Dewsbury, WF12 8LY 1 PP for demolition and 20 new ﬂats 1 Prominent Corner Site – 0.61 Acres 1 6,878 sq ft (639.28m2) building on 3 ﬂoors 1 Building suitable for a variety of uses STPP

Newsome, Huddersﬁeld, HD4 6RD 1 Stone cottage 1 Renovation project 1 Elevated semi rural position

Praise for buying scheme A HOUSEBUILDER with properties in Kirklees has welcomed a new year surge in NewBuy reservations – as more people realise they can buy a home with a 5% deposit. Wayne Gradwell, managing director of Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire, said he expected the trend to continue as more people became aware of the Government-backed scheme. He also welcomed the

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72 Jackroyd Lane

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has expanded its operations manufacturing high quality, liquid-filling and capping machinery. In addition, SW Interior Design was secured as the new tenant of a 3,300sq ft industrial unit at Brockholes Business Park, New Mill Road, Brockholes. All the deals transacted have resulted in the three sites now being fully let and occupied. Paul Andrew, pictured, of Walker Singleton, said: “We have experienced continued demand for industrial units of all sizes, even up to the end of the year, which has traditionally seen low levels of enquiries.

at Cedar Court Hotel, Lindley Moor Road, Ainley Top, Huddersfield, HD3 3RH

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DEMAND for industrial and commercial properties in the Huddersfield area remains strong, according to a local agency. Walker Singleton, with offices in Huddersfield, Halifax and Bradford, said that despite the continued economic downturn, it had completed a number of lettings on behalf of Huddersfield-based MB Services. A 5,000sq ft modern industrial unit at Queen’s Mill, Lockwood, and a 5,000sq ft at Old Fieldhouse Lane were both let off asking rents of £4.50 per sq ft. The unit at Queen’s Mill was let to Karmelle, which

Tuesday 19 March 2013 – 7pm

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

■ industrial LAND

■ offices OFFICES

■ retail

INDUSTRIAL

■ investment

INVESTMENT

■ land DEWSBURY ROAD, BRIGHOUSE, HD6 3QB from £12,500 p/a ● 2,700ft² to 5,427ft²

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL ● Prominent location FORMER HOSTELroadside PREMISES

395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area Hectares Acres) ● 0.13 Excellent yard(0.33 space ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for alternative occupational ● Close proximity residential to Junctions uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to 24 and 25 of the M62 motorway planning consent

T. 01484 530361 www.bramleys.com

RETAIL

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Ijaz Ali

Colin Appleyard A CAR dealership in Huddersfield has promoted its record-breaking salesman to the role of sales manager. Ijaz Ali joined Suzuki dealership Colin Appleyard Cars in 1992 and for more than five years worked as a car valeter before moving to the workshop and the accessories department. However, his ambition was always to get into sales so when, in 1999, an opportunity arose selling Suzuki vans to local West Yorkshire businesses he jumped at it. A year later, having impressed managing director Robin Appleyard, he was made junior salesman. By 2002, he had become the Folly Hall dealership’s top salesman – outselling all the group`s other branches. He has maintained that record for the past 10 years, culminating in 2009 when he sold 492 vehicles. The year before, he was Suzuki`s top salesman for the whole of the country and was presented with a special award by Suzuki GB sales director David Seward. Mr Appleyard said: “Ali proves what hard work and commitment can achieve. He is a brilliant salesman, but good salesmen don’t always make good managers. However, like everything Ali tackles, he is doing an excellent job in managing the team.” Said Ali: “This is a challenging job, but there is always something new happening. Recently, for example, we were appointed official Subaru and Izuzu dealers which is very exciting. At the end of the day it is all about desire and how much you want something and I’m only part way there!” As well as the Huddersfield branch, Colin Appleyard has Suzuki dealerships in Keighley, Ashton-under-Lyne and Shipley as well as motorcycle showrooms in Keighley and Leeds.

Movers and shakers

Training stars’ trip to Hawaii A MIRFIELD woman was whisked away to Hawaii as part of the centenary celebrations for training organisation Dale Carnegie. Juliette Dennett, managing director of Dale Carnegie Northern England, was among those who made the trip to the organisation’s annual convention. The event saw sales personnel Graham Perkins and Linda Parkes applauded for their contributions to the firm’s success. Graham won a sales award for the fourth consecutive year as the UK’s number one. He is also fifth in Europe and figures in the top 30 worldwide. Linda received a sales management award for being number one in the UK. She is also ranked third in Europe and 14th worldwide. Juliette said: “I’m delighted that two of my colleagues have been recognised in this way, particularly in such a key year for the organisation.” The 100th anniversary Dale Carnegie convention was held at the Sheraton Hotel, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu. More than 1,200 people from 70-plus countries attended the event.

■ ALOHA: Dale Carnegie Northern managing director Juliette Dennett, seated left, with, from left, sales director Mark Fitzmaurice, business coach and trainer Liz Pollard, business development manager Graham Perkins and director Linda Parkes

Jennifer Stroud

Makin Dixon SOLICITOR Jennifer Stroud has been accepted to the Law Society’s Family Law Panel. Ms Stroud (pictured) is a family law solicitor presently practising at Makin Dixon Solicitors at Queen Street, Huddersfield. She joined Makin Dixon in June 2007, having studied law at Huddersfield University and taken the legal practice course in Leeds. She qualified as a solicitor in July 2010, having completed her training contract based at the firm’s Keighley office. She moved to its Todmorden office in September 2010, before moving to Huddersfield in March last year.

Kelly Sanderson

Eaton Smith HUDDERSFIELD-based law firm Eaton Smith has appointed solicitor Kelly Sanderson to its commercial property department. Ms Sanderson, pictured, has substantial experience in the field of commercial property. She worked in London for the past few years and before that spent a number of years practising in Newcastle upon Tyne. She specialises in commercial landlord and tenant matters, sales and acquisitions of all types of commercial property – including dealing with property portfolios – and in particular the acquisition of sites for development. She also has a great deal of experience in property finance, and the financing of residential developments. Department head Vicky Heywood said: “We are delighted that Kelly has joined us. She brings a wealth of experience and has added to the strength and depth of our team, enhancing the service that we are able to provide across the region.”

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■ ECONOMY CLASS: Students, front, from left, Jenny Schofield, Holly Bradley, Lucy Stevenson and other economics students at Greenhead

Business lessons STUDENTS at Greenhead College will be getting down to business. A student-run Economics Event featuring former Asda chief executive Andy Bond will be held at the college next month – with proceeds going to Kiva, a charity which loans money to aspiring entrepreneurs in developing countries including Rwanda, Jordan, Nicaragua and Sierra Leone. The event, which takes place on Tuesday February 26, will include presentations from students and guest speakers.

Spokesman Harry Edwards said students at the college had already raised more than £270 for Kiva, adding: “We are hoping that the event will raise more funds, as well as create publicity for the cause. “We are hoping to attract an audience of 250 people, with tickets priced very reasonably at £2 each. “Our target market is students of all ages, teachers, local businesses and any member of the public with even a vague interest in how economics effects their everyday lives.”

Caroline Lee & Stuart Bragan

Hudds Town Foundation CAROLINE Lee and Stuart Bragan have been appointed trustees of the Huddersfield Town Foundation. Ms Lee is education co-ordinator at One17 Design, based at Armitage Bridge. A former teacher, she is also a trustee of One17’s own charitable trust, governor at Honley High School and author of a series of parenting books published by Kid Premiership. Mr Bragan was a Town director during the difficult times of 2002. The Dewsbury-based businessman, a lifelong Town fan, was a partner at Richard Alan Engineering at the time he joined the club’s board.