FTSE 100
ANDREW FIRTH Jostling for top spot
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Column - Page 5
NEIL WILSON The facts in the case Column - Page 4
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Company makes right connections A COMPANY providing cabling, wiring and printed circuit boards for a host of industrial customers is reaping the rewards after an “horrific” three years during the recession. Contract electronic manufacturer Electroparts Ltd, based at Skelmanthorpe, is enjoying a 20% increase in turnover over the last year and is heading towards annual sales of £1m after winning new orders – including ones for industrial lighting and electric vehicle development. The firm, which was launched in 1990 as a partnership by Carol and Peter Swallow, has also increased its workforce from 14 to 22 and has recruited its first apprentice after investing to widen its capabilities. Carol, who is managing director, said: “It is all about developing a strategy. We had an horrific time during the recession. For three years, we had 25% downtime and people had to take a 25% pay cut, but we kept all the staff. As we started to come out of recession in 2011, we started to develop our strategy. “We have always handled printed circuit boards, but we embarked on a major investment drive to support the introduction of our new surface mount facility. “This focused on increasing efficiency, improving space utilisation and implementing a staff development programme that sees every member of our 22-strong workforce trained in the
internationally recognised IPC certification.” She said: “It is an approach that has really paid off, with our surface mount capability helping us quadruple printed circuit board assembly turnover in just over a year.” Carol said: “We have also put a lot of money into the sales side. We have increased sales to our existing customers, but by offering more services we were able to approach companies we would never have been able to approach before. That has also led to them buying our cabling and wiring as well.” Electroparts Ltd is among firms to take advantage of help from the Manufacturing Advisory Service – which has reported improving prospects for growth among Yorkshire’s small and medium-sized manufacturers. The latest quarterly MAS Barometer shows that 63% of companies questioned expect to increase sales over the next six months. Some 39% have reported a rise in turnover in recent months while 91% are looking to take on staff or maintain current numbers. Appetite for investment has also seen an upturn, with 41% planning to boost spending on new technologies and 46% intending to invest in new machinery and premises – up by 2% on last quarter. Asked about problem areas, more than half of firms quoted poor profit
overboard the engine cuts out. If the kill cord is merely attached to the boat and not to the driver, then if the driver goes overboard, the engine continues running and the boat does not stop. This could then result in the boat turning in circles and perhaps into the path of the driver and any passengers that may be in the water. Figures from the Marine and Coastguard Agency show that between 2008 and 2012 there were 19 fatalities linked to motorboats. The practice of not attaching the kill cord – or not attaching and using it correctly – is a factor in a number of
What’s cooking? DEWSBURY-based kitchen manufacturer Rixonway is to create 10 jobs and invest in extra machinery after winning contracts worth more than £7m. The company will manufacture and supply 125,000 kitchen units for social housing organisations in London and the South East over the next three years. The contracts – for a mix of local authorities, housing associations and arms length management organisations – will see 16,000 properties fitted with new kitchens.
● Full story - Page 7
■ CONNECTIONS: Electroparts Ltd managing director Carol Swallow and sales manager Dominic Hancock with a new automated optical inspection system for printed circuit boards
margins as the main issue, followed by an inability to meet lead times (31%) and access to working capital (22%). Martin Coats, area director for MAS, said: “There appears to be a greater appetite from SMEs for investment in order to remain competitive and I think we are also seeing a desire to create jobs to meet expected demand.” He said: “What we are seeing is that
Yorkshire and Humber manufacturers have made massive strides forward in implementing best practice production techniques and can compete with the best in terms of quality, cost and delivery. “They now need support on longer-term strategies and in developing new products and markets and this is being reflected in the assistance MAS is providing.”
Valley firm bids to thwart speedboat tragedies A HOLME Valley company is helping boating enthusiasts to enjoy their hobby more safely – and avoid the kind of accident that claimed the life of a father and daughter. Father-of-four Nick Milligan and his eight-year-old daughter Emily died in a speedboat accident in the Camel Estuary near Padstow, Cornwall. Investigators said the man was not wearing a “kill chord” – a device which cuts power to the engine should the driver go overboard. The kill cord is designed to be attached to the boat’s throttle/engine cut-off and then to either the driver’s leg or wrist, so if the driver goes
INSIDE
those incidents. Fastnet Marine Ltd, of Holmfirth, is the sole UK and Eire importer and distributor of an American-made “wireless kill switch” – the Autotether – and is actively seeking dealers and stockists in the UK and Eire.. The unit uses cutting-edge RF technology and does not require hard wiring into the boat. Each Autotether unit can protect the boat driver and up to three passengers and allows unrestricted movement about the boat by just wearing a small, wireless sensor. If the driver falls overboard, it shuts the engine off within one-and-a-half seconds.
If a passenger falls overboard while wearing a passenger sensor a loud audible alarm sounds to notify the driver. Tony Watson, managing director of Fastnet Marine Ltd, said: “There are now serious moves to look at legislation, education and alternatives to the normal type kill cord – which I wholeheartedly support. “We believe that wireless technology is the answer and the American made units that we supply have a proven track record in the USA, Canada and other countries throughout the world.”
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Looking forward KIRKLEES businesswomen have just days left to enter a high-profile competition. Twelve categories are up for grabs in the Women in Business Awards for Yorkshire and the North East run by networking group Forward Ladies. One of the category winners will also be considered for the overall title of Outstanding Business Woman of the Year. The deadline for entries is Friday.
● Full story - Page 8
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
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Welcome boost for manufacturing firms BRITAIN’S beleaguered manufacturing sector may finally be emerging from its recession after recording its best performance in 14 months. New figures revealed there was also a return to job creation in May for the first time in four months as the upturn – a second monthly rise in output for the sector – stoked hopes for a sustained recovery. A headline reading of 51.3 for May in the latest Markit/CIPS purchasing managers’ index was above the 50 level which separates growth from contraction. April’s figure was revised up from 49.8 to 50.2. The index had plunged to a low of 47.9 in February, inching up to 48.3 in March. It is the latest encouraging sign for the UK economy after it grew 0.3% in the first quarter of 2013, avoiding a triple-dip recession. The Bank of England has since upgraded growth prospects and there
has also been optimism from business groups. However the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development marked down its UK forecast last week. Improvements in headline gross domestic product (GDP) have been undercut by the fact that sectors including manufacturing have continued to struggle at well below their pre-recession peak, and acted as a drag on the headline figure. But the data indicates that it may at last be entering a sustained period of recovery and produce a positive second quarter when the next tranche of official data is published next month. They showed the growth of both production and new orders accelerating. While the domestic market was the main driver, export business also saw a modest increase, including higher demand from North America, East Asia, Russia, Germany and France.
■ BOOST: For manufacturing firms
Manufacturing was strongest among consumer goods producers, but other areas of the sectors also saw improvements. Rob Dobson, Senior Economist at survey compilers Markit said: “The UK manufacturing sector had a spring in its step in May, as a brightening domestic market led to faster growth of output and new orders.
“One of the more positive features of the expansion is its broad base, with producers of consumer, intermediate and investment goods all reporting stronger output growth. “The tentative return to job creation in the sector in May also suggests that manufacturers are becoming more confident in the outlook.” Mr Dobson suggested the improvement added weight to the Bank of England’s stance not to extend its quantitative easing programme further for the time being as it adopted a wait-and-see policy to find out whether it was working. David Noble, chief executive at the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, said: “Optimism abounds in the manufacturing sector as continued growth, improving economic conditions, new orders and job creation all contribute to a 14-month high for the PMI in May.”
02 workers to vote over strike
Millions for mobile scheme
THOUSANDS of workers in O2 call centres, including Leeds, are to be balloted on strike action in a dispute over jobs. Members of the Communication Workers Union in Bury, Glasgow, Leeds and Preston Brook, near Warrington, will vote over the next few weeks on whether to launch a campaign of industrial action. T h e u n i o n s a i d t h e re we re rumours of site closures and off-shoring work to South Africa and India. Andy Kerr, CWU deputy general secretary, said: “This ballot is about protecting decent UK jobs. “We’ve been forced to hold a bal-
VODAFONE is increasing its network spending by 50% to more than £900 million this year as it prepares for the launch of super-fast mobile internet. The mobile giant said it will inject an extra £300 million into its UK network, up from £601 million last year, under plans to launch 4G (fourth generation) mobile coverage by the end of the summer. It will also spend more on integrating the Cable & Wireless fibre network, which it bought last year for £1 billion. Mobile phone operators are rolling out 4G networks, which offer much
lot because of the unusually short consultation period and lack of progress on assurances over job security, terms and conditions, and the future of sites. “We wanted to have a negotiated way forward but our hands have been tied. “We’re already two weeks into the 41-day consultation period and we’ve made no progress at all on key issues”. O2 announced last week plans to outsource around 3,500 jobs to Capita. The ballot result is due on June 18.
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faster downloads, uploads and video streaming, after an auction of spectrum or mobile airwaves by regulator Ofcom earlier this year. Vodafone spent £802 million on buying spectrum and plans to cover 98% of the population with next-generation wireless internet by 2015. Vodafone UK chief executive Guy Laurence said: “We’re bringing together the best of mobile and fixed communications to help our business customers make their communications work for them.For consumers, it’s another important step towards the arrival of our ultra-fast 4G service later this year”.
Lending caution LENDERS continued to shrink loans to businesses despite drawing down billions from a flagship scheme designed to revitalise Britain’s sluggish economy, figures revealed. Banks and building societies participating in the Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS) shrunk net lending by £300 million in the first quarter of the year, although the pace of lending decline eased from three months earlier. Part-nationalised Lloyds Banking Group lent almost £1 billion less during the quarter, despite having borrowed £3 billion from the Bank of England and Treasury scheme. Taxpayer-backed Royal Bank of Scotland also shrunk its net lending by £1.6 billion in the quarter.
Shopping boost THE high street bounced back to sales growth in May as offers and discounts tempted shoppers into stores, figures show. Like-for-like sales were up 1.8% on the same period in 2012, with online spending helping businesses to shift stock left over during a weather-hit slump the month before. Sofas, flat-packs and bedroom furniture led the way as consumers opted to invest in home improvement amid a series of promotions. The figures from the British Retail Consortium come after April saw a huge fall.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £49.45 +0.13 Gannett 1348.53 -52.12 Hess Corp £44.23 +0.31 Microsoft £22.93 +0.19 Motors Liquidation 48.86 Wal-Mart Stores £49.14 +0.38 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 460 +31/2 BAE Systems 4053/4 +5/8 Rolls-Royce 1187 -18 AIM Brady Plc 77 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 2981/4 -5/8 BANKS Barclays 3171/8 -33/8 HSBC 7181/4 -75/8 5 Lloyds Banking Gp 61 /8 -1/2 5 Ryl Scotland 332 /8 -4 Stan Chart 1534 -3 BEVERAGES Diageo 1940 -11 -1/4 SABMiller £331/8 CHEMICALS Croda £243/8 -1/4 Elementis 98 236 +3/4 1 Johnsn Mat £26 /8 +1/2 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2321/2 -5/8 Costain 254 -11/2 ELECTRICITY
Drax Gp 563 -91/2 SSE 1528 -26 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 2073/4 -27/8 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 4467/8 -45/8 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 2941/4 -73/4 Cable & Wireless 427/8 -1/2 Comm 3 Colt Group 107 /4 -3/4 KCOM 843/8 +1/2 1 Talktalk Telecom 227 /4 -11/4 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2701/4 -31/2 Sainsbury 3711/2 -23/4 1 Tesco 358 /2 -7 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1837 +25 Tate Lyle 824 +71/2 1 Unilever £27 /2 -1/4 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3711/4 -83/4 National Grid 7821/2 -2 Pennon Grp 685 +11/2 Severn £203/8 -1/8 United Utils 7551/2 -1/2 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 3347/8 -57/8 ICAP 3665/8 -7/8 London StockExch 1381 -25 Man Group 1135/8 -17/8 Provident Financial 1517 -23
-1/4 Schroders £233/8 Schroders NV 1807 -33 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS REXAM 5261/2 -31/2 Smiths Grp 1371 -8 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 29 Carphone Whse 241 -7 Dixons Retail 411/2 Home Retail 1571/8 +3/4 Inchcape 5441/2 -41/2 Kingfisher 3481/4 +25/8 M&S 4663/4 -41/8 Mothercare 3583/4 +9 1 Next £46 /4 WH Smith 767 +101/2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 7541/2 -17 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 83 -3/8 Barrat Dev 316 -33/4 Persimmon 1174 -46 -3/8 Reckitt Benckiser £463/4 Taylor Wimpey 96 -31/4 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 1277 -16 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 169 -1 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 279 -13/8 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 3327/8 -7/8
1783/8 -5/8 2021/4 -31/4 1103 -14 2857/8 -33/8 3863/8 -63/8 MEDIA BSkyB 777 -31/2 D Mail Tst 7611/2 -31/2 3 HIBU /8 3 ITV 128 /4 -23/8 Johnston Press 173/8 +1/8 Pearson 1203 -26 1 Reed Elsevier 738 /2 -2 STV Group 1351/2 Trinity Mirror 113 -9 Utd Business 7241/2 -4 UTV 1561/2 +21/2 WPP 1112 -16 MINING Anglo American 1540 +131/2 Antofagasta 9701/2 +25 BHP Billiton 1903 -121/2 1 Eurasian Natural 244 /4 +43/8 Res Fresnillo 1153 Kazakhmys 3293/4 +21/4 Lonmin 2823/8 -125/8 Rio Tinto £283/4 +1/4 VEDANTA 1291 +29 RESOURCES MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 6091/2 -31/2 Vodafone Group 1885/8 -33/8 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1324 -14 Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
372 142 7821/2 £231/4
+2 +1 -2 -1/8
FTSE closed at
6525.12 Down 57.97 RSA Insurance Gp 114 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 12071/2 BP 469 Cairn Energy 2727/8 Royal Dutch Shell A £213/4 Royal Dutch Shell B £221/2 Total £33 Tullow Oil 1062 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1025 Petrofac 1337 Wood Gp(J) 851 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1429
-11/4 -51/2 -41/2 -1/4 -1/4 -1/4 +1/8 +17
-14 -1/2 -24
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £331/2 -3/8 GlaxoSmithK XD 10 Shire £211/2 -1/4 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 6091/2 +1/2 Hamrsn 504 -9 Intu Properties 3411/4 +21/4 Land Secs 928 -51/2 SEGRO 278 -13/8 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 3971/2 -1/4 Sage Group 3553/8 -93/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 7571/2 -6 Bunzl 1283 -1 Capita 964 +2 De La Rue 945 -10 Electrocomp 271 +13/4 Experian 1204 -18 G4S 247 +3/8 Hays 921/8 -13/4 Homeserve 266 +11/4 Menzies J 720 -7 1 Rentokil 88 /2 -21/2 1 Smiths News 171 /2 Wolseley £335/8 -1/4 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 919 -69 Spirent Comms 1323/8 -13/4 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £36 -1/4 Imperial Tobacco £233/4
TOURIST RATES
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
1271/4 £215/8 8531/2 1221 1131/2 1243/8 1523 758 1887 2751/4 2041/8 3733/4 1993/8 1491/2 2993/4 3537/8 £285/8
-11/4 -7/8 -13 -45 +3/8 -1/2 -14 -6 -20 -43/8 -23/4 -61/4 -11/2 +3/4 +4 -45/8 -1/8
FTSE 100
INDEX 6525.12
-57.97
FTSE 250
INDEX 14233.61
-117.31
Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.50 dollars Bangladesh................. 111.81 taka Brazil.............................. 2.92 reals Canada....................... 1.50 dollars China ............................. 8.35 yuan Czech Republic ...... 27.61 korunas Denmark....................... 8.30 krone Euro............................... 1.12 euro Hong Kong................ 11.23 dollars Hungary................... 310.55 forints India.......................... 76.05 rupees Japan........................... 145.57 yen Mexico ....................... 17.37 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.78 dollars Norway ......................... 8.50 krone Pakistan.................. 141.34 rupees Philippines ................. 54.94 pesos South Africa................. 14.36 rand South Korea.............. 1498.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 181.94 rupees Sweden......................... 9.59 krona Switzerland.................. 1.39 francs Taiwan ...................... 39.83 dollars Turkey....................... 2.70 new lira USA ............................ 1.46 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
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Timely message from the financial experts IT’S time to start planning for the future. That’s the message from Huddersfield-born Richard Green and colleague Nick Butcher to hard-working business owners and their employees. Both men are involved in advising people on “later life planning” – helping clients to make adequate financial provision for their retirement. And at a time of economic uncertainty, cuts to the welfare bill and worries about the sustainability of state pensions, the issues have been thrown into sharp relief. Both men have extensive experience in the finance industry. Huddersfield-born Richard, 45, is audit partner at accountancy firm Garbutt & Elliott in Leeds. He works mainly with owner-managed businesses specialising in the care sector and has nearly 30 years experience in the accountancy profession. Richard grew up in Salendine Nook, where he still has family, and attended Salendine Nook High School before joining Huddersfield accountancy firm Revell Ward in 1984. Although he now lives in Selby, he is a Huddersfield Town fan, and says: “I am proud of Huddersfield. I started my working life in the town.” Nick, 44, worked as an independent financial adviser for HSBC in the Huddersfield area between 2008 and 2013 having previously worked for Norwich Union and Royal London. Sheffield-born Nick attended Penistone Grammar School and began his career in the financial advisory sector in 1992. Now living in Barnsley, the Sheffield Wednesday fan joined G&E Wealth Management in January this year after seven years at HSBC. He specialises in pensions, life assurance, equity release, long-term care and investments. Nick worked for TV and radio rental business Visionhire before a family member suggested he get a job with Royal London. “Back in the early 1990s, electronic equipment was getting more affordable and people were switching from renting to buying,” he says. “I had joined Visionhire on the YTS and worked my way up to branch manager. But I saw no future in it. “I worked for Royal London, knocking on doors and collecting
Garbutt & Elliott/ G&E Wealth Management Work: Accountancy and wealth management Site: Leeds Phone: 0113 2739 600 /0113 2739 600 Email: rgreen@garbutt elliott. co.uk or info@ge-wm.co.uk Web: www.garbutt-elliott .co.uk/www.ge-wm. co.uk
■ EXPERIENCED: Nick Butcher (right) and Richard Green are focusing on issues relating to ‘later life planning’ premiums for about a year before becoming an assistant manager. “I stayed with the company for 12 years until they no longer had a direct sales force.” Based in Leeds, he is working with both corporate and private clients and is looking to make new professional connections in Huddersfield and elsewhere in West Yorkshire. G&E Wealth Management, which offers a full range of independent financial services to both corporate and private markets, has offices in Leeds and York and is the wealth management subsidiary of Garbutt & Elliott established by the accountancy firm seven years ago. Says Nick: “Later life planning is a specialist area and not all independent financial advisers are qualified to work in that area. “We aim to help people make sure
they can fund the care home of their choice and ensure there is an inheritance left to the family. “We also work with care homes because the worst scenario is what happens if the money runs out. Many local authorities will only provide funding of approximately £350 a week and if the costs are higher, people may have to move from their preferred home to another one. “The care home owner’s income is at risk if the resident has not taken up any planning at the start. “Adequate financial planning can ensure that payments to the care home owner are guaranteed for life as well as providing an inheritance for the family. “The care home owner is happy, the resident doesn’t have to worry about where they will find the funding and the family know how
much money will be left.” Richard says: “The number of people living longer is growing well beyond levels sustainable by the state. At the same time, the austerity measures are forcing local authorities to look very closely at what they will subsidise. “We are moving away from funding by local authorities while care homes have to run a profitable business.” Nick said another issue was ensuring clients had a suitable power of attorney in place if ever they lost the capacity to make their own decisions. “We can advise on power of attorney and the benefits for which people may be entitled,” he says. The financial services industry had gone through a lot of changes to make their dealings much more transparent, says Nick.
IFAs were also becoming more professional by gaining recognised qualifications. Nick is qualified to diploma level and holds the necessary qualifications to advise in the areas of long term care and lifetime mortgages. Looking at the general economic climate, Richard says: “There is a constant message among businesses – and particularly owner-managers – that everyone is having to work harder just to stand still. I look after a lot of businesses in West Yorkshire that are very successful but others will continue to struggle for some time yet. “Owners are having to focus closely on their businesses and the people in those businesses.” He says: “I work with about 100 businesses across a number of sectors and at very different stages in their life cycles. Some are third and fourth generation firms.” Returning to the issue of planning for retirement and old age, Nick says: “Families don’t really like to talk about the subject. “But if people know there is a route that gives them certainty in terms of paying for care and protecting an inheritance it becomes an easier conversation to have.”
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HENRYK ZIENTEK
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Skipton appeal STAFF at the Skipton Building Society in Huddersfield are gearing up for a very special event. They plan to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the company tomorrow and want customers to join them at the Ramsden Street branch. And they are also appealing for people with memories of the Skipton’s past to get in touch, as they plan to put together a history of the Society. They want to build an online “scrapbook” detailing past staff and events.
KIRKLEES BUSIN
New moves on discrimination N this article, we look at recent Iments case law and legislative developwith regard to anti-discrim-
ination provisions. Firstly, the House of Lords has accepted the Government’s decision to amend S.9(5) of the Equality Act 2010 so that it must legislate, following a period of consultation, to insert caste as a subsection of the protected characteristic of race. The amendment also introduces a “sunset” clause whereby a minister can review the operation of protection against caste discrimination after five years to judge whether it remains necessary. If the protection has become unnecessary, then a minister may repeal it. Legislating in this way allows the Government time to widely consult on what form protection against caste discrimination should take. The consultation will also consider issues such as the guidance needed by business on caste identification and monitoring and the evidence that should be collected for any eventual statutory review. The Government also stated that it intends to continue with its “Talk for a Change” education programme in relevant communities, which it considers will have an important role in effecting cultural change over time. The Government will also work
EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Neil Wilson
closely with the EHRC on broader issues of caste and caste-related discrimination. Moving on to review a recent case law development, Durrani v London Borough of Ealing considered the issue of victimisation. This treatment occurs where A treats B less favourably because A suspects or knows that B has done or intends to do a “protected act”. A protected act includes bringing discrimination proceedings, giving evidence in connection with discrimination proceedings or making an allegation of unlawful discrimination. In this case, the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) held that a non-specific complaint of “discrimination” (meaning unfair treatment, but not linked to a protected characteristic such as age, race, and disability) is not a protected act for victimisation purposes. Less than two weeks before his dis-
missal on purported grounds of redundancy, the claimant submitted a grievance complaining of bullying and harassment and mentioning “discrimination'” which was later clarified as discrimination in the sense of being used as a scapegoat but not on grounds of race. The claimant brought several unsuccessful claims in the Employment Tribunal, which included complaints of harassment, victimisation and discrimination. The EAT upheld the Tribunal’s decision to strike out the victimisation (and other) claims. It held there could be no protected act, and thus no victimisation claim, because the claimant had never asserted the unfair treatment he believed he had received was on grounds of his race. That simple point was fatal to the victimisation claim.
Neil Wilson is an employment lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors
Trailer is the main feature ICE cream maker Yummy Yorkshire gone all continental. The Denby Dale-based firm has spent more than £20,000 refurbishing a French charcuterie van (left) from the 1960s as a mobile ice cream trailer. The firm worked with Evo Composites, which specialise in building and converting ice cream vans, to renovate the former French butcher’s trailer. The van, which is almost 50 years old, will be taken on the road to food festivals, galas and private functions across the region. It has been modernised for Yummy Yorkshire’s needs, but its original retro features have been retained where possible. As well as a scooping cabinet displaying seven different ice cream flavours, a serving hatch and additional fridges have been added to allow Yummy Yorkshire to serve not only ice cream but hot drinks, luxury milkshakes and snacks. The trailer began life as a Citroen HY van and was first converted into a “vehicle de boucherie” in 1967 by a French company, R.Masson & Fila S.A. The trailer was then bought by Bolsover-based Evo Composites in February last year. They saw the potential in removing the driver’s cab and converting the back end as a trailer. Jeremy Holmes, co-founder of the multi-award winning Yummy Yorkshire, said: “We saw the shell of the trailer as soon as we arrived at Evo Composites and immediately fell in love with it. “We loved the drama of the lever handled opening and how wide the serving space was. “Yummy Yorkshire ice cream is a very visual brand and we wanted the trailer to be representative of that and showcase our ice cream in the best possible way.”
Sponsors deal rene
A RECRUITMENT firm kit sponsorship deal Huddersfield Town. The logo of Stafflex, o longest-serving comm will once again appea shorts next season – season in succession Stafflex initially joine Terriers eight years a appearing on the club first time during the 2 campaign. Town and Stafflex Tow “HTAFC Employment 2010, a scheme that a club’s supporters tem permanent employme Stafflex’s expertise a official club website. Town senior commer Tracy Nelson said: “T as proud as ever to s Stafflex on our shorts next season. “Their support since massive asset to the that Huddersfield Tow community club – ge its local business com Stafflex has been one staunchest supporter Stafflex director Paul said: “Stafflex believe the local community delighted to sponsor another year. Good lu Huddersfield Town fo season!” Based at Chapel Hill, agency that operates the Huddersfield, Kirk Yorkshire areas findin and permanent emplo people looking for wo solutions for employe Stafflex provides qua semi-skilled and unsk to schools, offices, in engineering.
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Battle of the webmasters
OR businesses operating F online, Google is the number one vehicle with which to feature
your product or service and accounts for some 70% of all search traffic. The Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) display an index of results calculated by the Google algorithm. Running a website that features high up in the SERPs is the goal of webmasters – it leads to huge volumes of visitors which means that being at the top is a very valuable asset. When a search term is typed into Google, the algorithm searches the World Wide Web and delivers the most appropriate results. Google is successful because of the accuracy of its results, if the results weren’t accurate then nobody would use it. It is therefore the bedrock of Google’s business model and leads to their generation of huge advertising revenues from the other Google services. Being at the top of Google is so valuable that webmasters continuously look for shortcuts to get ahead. There is a daily cat and mouse game being played between Google and the webmasters – the webmasters are all trying to get ahead of each other while Google tries to stay ahead of them all. In order to stay ahead, Google makes more than five hundred changes to its algorithm every year, that’s more than one each day! Many of the updates are minor and to most website owners they go un-noticed, but each year normally sees around 10 major updates that can cause huge upheaval in the SERPs and leads to
DIGITAL DIRECTION
Andrew Firth the re-positioning of many websites. Last week saw one of these major updates (dubbed Penguin 4 with 2.0 spam-alert). This was the first big update since March 14 (Panda 25) and before that was January 22 (Panda 24). The first most people know about it is when the position of their website changes. It is then a matter of working out what specifically has changed and modifying optimisation methods to begin competing again. The latest Penguin update is focused on over-optimisation, in other words for operating in a spam-like manner. Websites that have an unnatural number of links containing the same words and phrases coming into them are the ones that have been affected. On-site practices including spam text, duplicate text and poorly constructed page URLs have also seen a slump. Website owners use spam techniques to create short-cuts, to gain that advantage ahead of their competitors and boost their traffic levels. The Penguin algorithm updates are dedicated to targeting spam to maintain the most natural results in the SERPs. This latest update is a champion of good search engine optimisation practices and further enhances the quality of the SERPs.
Andrew Firth is managing director of Ascensor Website Design & Digital Marketing
Healthy choice? KIRKLEES manufacturers putting the accent on health and safety could be in with a chance of winning an award. The EEF manufacturers’ organisation and RK Harrison Insurance Services have launched a new health and safety award as part of the fifth national Future Manufacturing Awards. The prize will go to the company that has made the most significant progress in improving the health and safety culture of the workplace by introducing new ideas or developing existing provision. The Future Manufacturing Awards is now in its fifth year and recognised as a leading awards programme in the manufacturing sector. It offers manufacturers and apprentices from across the UK the chance to showcase their achievements across seven different award categories – business growth, people and skills, innovation, export, health and safety,
environment and education. The awards, which are free to enter, will be judged in five regions across the UK. Regional winners will be announced at celebration events in November. The regional winners will then compete for the national awards at a prestigious ceremony next January in London. Terry Scuoler, EEF chief executive, said: “The Future Manufacturing Awards has established itself as the biggest and most prestigious event in the manufacturing sector. “As a response to the programme’s popularity, I am pleased to announce that we have increased the number of categories and awards so that more of your business units can take part.” The awards are open now to all UK manufacturers. The closing date is Friday July 19. Go to www.eef.org.uk/awards
Page 5 Warning to firms over employing students MORE than 32,000 students across Yorkshire will look for temporary jobs this summer. Now bosses have been warned not to skimp on the paperwork involved. Nick Brook, of TaxAssist Accountants at Lockwood, said: “Small firms across Kirklees will be taking on students and other temporary staff and with the recent introduction of Real Time Information, it could be tempting to pay workers cash in hand to cut costs and avoid paperwork.
Employers considering this should think again.” RTI, introduced in April, means employers have to report their employees’ gross pay, tax, National Insurance contributions and other deductions when or before wages are paid. Prior to this, most employers provided the information annually. Businesses employing up to 50 staff have certain concessions with regards to the level of reporting until October 5.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Conveyancing achievement LAW firm Chadwick Lawrence has become a member of the Conveyancing Association. The move follows the success of the firm’s conveyancing department in the current challenging market. Sarah Haller (pictured), partner and head of domestic conveyancing, said: “We are delighted to have joined the Conveyancing Association. “We believe it gives our commercial property solicitors a competitive edge which we will share with you in a cost effective manner and our expertise ensures that no detail will go unnoticed.” The Conveyancing Association is a non-profit making body representing conveyancing operations throughout the UK with a view to shaping the future of conveyancing. It is the voice of the commercially-minded, service-focused conveyancer, ensuring that it has real influence on those who make the decisions that affect the market. The association aims to be the first point of contact for all industry stakeholders or interested parties who need to discuss conveyancing. As a member, Chadwick Lawrence – which has offices in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax – will process a wide variety of conveyancing and property transactions acting for both private and corporate clients.
Planning rules move welcomed A CHANGE in planning regulations to allow plans for larger home extensions to be submitted free of fees has been welcomed. The relaxation of the rules means planning applications for ground floor extensions to the rear of domestic properties can be submitted free of fees – as part of the government’s attempts to kick-start the construction sector. The new rules also double the size allowed for new single-storey extensions – from three metres to six metres in the case of a semi-detached house and from four metres to eight metres for a detached property. However, neighbour’s approval must be sought – and the relaxation of restrictions only lasts until May, 2016. The plans must also be fully passed and built before the May, 2016 deadline. Keith Womersley, of Honley-based Rosedale Fast, Fa ast, Draughting frifriendly iendly service Service, said: “The aim is to M Mr.Womersley get more builders Telel Te working. More 01484 01 484 663319 extensions FREE QUOTES, mean more VISITS, ADVICE work for the building 37 yrs exp industry and its suppliers.” VAT FREE
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Page 6
New apprentices with high hopes A COMPANY providing training in scaffolding has taken on 12 apprentices from across Yorkshire. Astra Training is running a pioneering guaranteed apprenticeship programme in which the trainees gain a diploma in scaffolding alongside practical hands on experience. As part of the programme, Astra will liaise with clients and contacts in the scaffolding and access industry to find employment for the apprentices that pass the 16-week diploma. Mick Aston, Honley-based Astra training director, said: “The Apprenticeship programme gives young people a solid background in scaffolding, giving them both the practical and theory skills they need to move into the world of work. “Those who complete the course will leave with a Level 2 Diploma in Scaffolding. We will also endeavour to find them an employer; we are very proud of our ability to train the apprentices, but it is also down to their own hard work that they are successful.” Astra, which was founded by Mr Aston in 2008, launched its dedicated 50,000sq ft training centre to provide courses for both qualified scaffolders and apprentices. Mr Aston said the apprentices come from a range of backgrounds – including unemployed people, ex- offenders and school leavers. “Many of these young lads come from deprived areas and tough backgrounds, some are third generation unemployed,” he said. “The course is no easy route – it
is an intensive 16 weeks and we demand the highest quality work as well as discipline and good time-keeping. “They have to undertake a variety of assessments both in the classroom and in centre, which is one of the UK’s largest scaffolding training centres. “They learn about the various types of scaffolding and systems that suit different sized projects, as well as health and safety, which is paramount in the construction industry.” The apprenticeship is run through Construction Industry Solutions, meaning that the apprentices are qualified to work on site as soon as they leave Astra. Astra has already had enquiries from a national scaffolding contractor to take on two of the apprentices once they complete the course. Said Mr Aston: “This training programme lays the foundation for a career in scaffolding and for the lads who complete it there is huge potential. They will have to start at the bottom but in this industry that is the best way to do it – learn the ropes and then look to progress. “Most of the top people in the scaffolding industry have really learned their trade from the bottom, and if the apprentices take it seriously they can do very well. The Yorkshire area has a strong construction industry and there are plenty of opportunities for skilled young scaffolders.”
■ RAISING THE BAR: The training will give apprentices the foundations for a career in which they can reach the top
Manufacturer gets green light A DEWSBURY company has been given the go-ahead for major redevelopment plans. Magma Ceramics & Catalysts won the backing of Kirklees Council’s planning committee to carry out the second phase of work at its Earlsheaton site – and help the firm boost its business in the technical ceramics and catalysts markets. The company has already completed a 1,000sq metre drying facility and will now increase its manufacturing facilities by an extra 7,500sq metres. Work on the site will begin with the demolition of an old mill, which will be replaced with a new building. Managing director Mark Stuckey said: “Planning consent for the Dewsbury site was an integral part of our plans to continually improve our products, services and facilities. Gaining this means we can continue moving forward.” Magma Ceramics & Catalysts, which has 65 employees, makes and supplies a wide range of refractory, ceramic and catalyst materials and technology throughout the world. The company was formed in February 2010, following the management buy-out of the
■ SITE VISIT: Aerial view of Magma Ceramics & Catalysts' Dewsbury site, which is now set for a second phase of redevelopment following Kirklees Council’s decision former Dyson Group businesses, Dyson Precision Ceramics and Dytech. It operates from sites in the UK, Brazil and Vietnam,
making products for customers in sectors such as glass manufacturing, petro-chemicals and natural gas.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2013 7pm
Cedar Court Hotel, Lindley Moor Road, Ainley Top, Huddersfield, HD3 3RH Workshop and Land, 2 Carr Pit Road, Off Wakefield Road, Huddersfield, HD5 9AD
1 Potential development site 1 Opposite Asda/Iceland 1 Close to university and town centre 1 Parking for 6 cars
Guide Price: £30,000 – £40,000 Flat 1, 23-25 Wellington Road, Dewsbury, WF13 1HL
1 Modern studio apartments 1 Dewsbury town centre 1 Close to rail and bus stations 1 Modern kitchen and bathroom 1 Integral appliances
Guide Price: £20,000 – £25,000 Flat 3, 23-25 Wellington Road, Dewsbury, WF13 1HL
1 Modern studio apartment 1 Dewsbury town centre 1 Close to rail and bus stations 1 Modern kitchen and bathroom 1 Integral appliances
Guide Price: £25,000 – £30,000 Flat 5, 23-25 Wellington Road, Dewsbury, WF13 1HL
1 Modern 1 bedroom apartment 1 Dewsbury town centre 1 Close to rail and bus stations 1 Modern kitchen and bathroom 1 Integral appliances
Guide Price: £25,000 – £30,000
Flat 9, 23-25 Wellington Road, Dewsbury, WF13 1HL
■ POSITIVE: Paul Rose, chief executive of Dewsbury-based Rixonway Kitchens
1 Modern 1 bedroom apartment 1 Dewsbury town centre 1 Close to rail and bus stations 1 Modern kitchen and bathroom 1 Integral appliances
Guide Price: £25,000 – £30,000
Job-boosting kitchens deal A KITCHEN manufacturer is to create 10 jobs and invest in extra machinery after winning contracts worth more than £7m. Dewsbury-based Rixonway Kitchens will manufacturer and supply 125,000 kitchen units for social housing organisations in London and the South East over the next three years. The contracts – for a mix of local authorities, housing associations and arms length management organisations – will see 16,000 properties fitted with new kitchens. It comes as Rixonway reports a 16% rise in business in the first two months of its financial year compared to the same period last year. The latest contract wins, along with others announced earlier this year, will see annual production rise to between 625,000 and 650,000 units. As a result, Rixonway is increasing its kitchen design and survey team from 43 to 53 and investing £350,000 in a third automated production line to give it greater flexibility and capacity. Chief executive Paul Rose said:“ Last year was really tough for many manufacturing businesses and particularly for those firms working primarily in the public sector where the high degree of uncertainty among existing and potential clients about future Government spending plans created significant delays in the awarding of contracts. “Since the start of the calendar year, we have seen a growing confidence in the sector as the commitment to start new contracts has come through from clients and contractors.” Rixonway said funding changes introduced
in April, 2012, had enabled local authorities to keep all their rental income for the first time ever and independently manage and maintain their own housing stock, allowing them to take a longer term view than previously. The new self-financing system covers a 30-year period, assessing income and expenditure over that time frame and has resulted in significant increases in the provision of funding for capital works and maintenance. Mr. Rose said: “The financial year 2012/13 was the first year the new system has operated and councils took time to adjust and adapt to the new environment. But we are now seeing real evidence of increasing confidence and certainty in the market resulting in more positive contract flow. “We have been very successful in winning many valuable contracts throughout the UK. However, our clients are constantly raising the bar by seeking better value for money and improved service and our success is the result of continually reviewing and enhancing our service provision. “ A good example of this is the reduction in our delivery lead times to just six days. That is just one of the benefits to clients produced by us constantly examining our systems and practices to ensure we are operating as efficiently as possible.” Rixonway Kitchens is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of rigid kitchens for social and affordable housing. It has an annual turnover exceeding £30m. It manufactures about 500,000 kitchen units a year and employs 485 people.
Flat 13, 23-25 Wellington Road, Dewsbury, WF13 1HL 1 Modern 1 bedroom apartment 1 Dewsbury town centre 1 Close to rail and bus stations 1 Modern kitchen and bathroom 1 Integral appliances
Guide Price: £25,000 – £30,000
Flat 14, 23-25 Wellington Road, Dewsbury, WF13 1HL 1 Modern 1 bedroom apartment 1 Dewsbury town centre 1 Close to rail and bus stations 1 Modern kitchen and bathroom 1 Integral appliances
Guide Price: £25,000 – £30,000 25 Harrison Road, Halifax, HX1 2AT
1 Character office building 1 Town centre location 1 215m2 (2,320 sq ft) 1 4 parking spaces
Guide Price: £90,000 – £100,000 29 Harrison Road, Halifax, HX1 2AT
1 Character office building 1 Town centre location 1 179m2 (1,931 sq ft) 1 6 parking spaces
Guide Price: £90,000 – £100,000
Residential Building Land, Industrial Street, Primrose Hill, Huddersfield, HD4 6AW 1 Planning consent for residential development 1 Popular residential area 1 0.11 Acres (0.045 Hectares)
Guide Price: £35,000 – £40,000
Former Post Office Public House, 11 Market Street, Milnsbridge, HD3 4ND
1 Substantial former public house 1 Prominent position 1 Close to Milnsbridge centre 1 Potential for a variety of uses subject to planning permission
Guide Price: £60,000 – £80,000
Former School House, Whitcliffe Road, Cleckheaton, BD19 3NU
1 Residential conversion opportunity 1 Requires refurbishment/upgrading 1 Good sized plot 1 Close to town centre
Guide Price: In Excess of: £95,000 The Herders Inn, Lancashire Moor Road, Wycoller, Colne, BB8 7EH
1 Derelict public house with paddock 1 Planning for residential conversion 1 Elevated rural position 1 Set in 2.66 Acres 1 Character Grade II Listed building
Guide Price: £150,000 – £175,000 4.9 Acres Pasture Land, Lancashire Moor Road, Wycoller, Colne, BB8 7EH 1 Potential equestrian facility 1 Elevated rural location 1 Stunning panoramic views
Guide Price: £30,000 – £50,000 Braeside Farm, South Cross Road, Cowcliffe, Huddersfield, HD2 2PH
1 Dilapidated detached farm house 1 Elevated semi rural location 1 Extensive panoramic views 1 7.19 Acre site (2.91 Hectares) 1 Potential for extension
Guide Price: £100,000 – £125,000 Fell Greave Farm, Fell Greave Road, Bradley, Huddersfield, HD2 1NH 1 Grade II Listed farmhouse 1 Pleasant backwater location 1 0.71 Acre paddock 1 Potential for extension/conversion of outbuildings
Guide Price: In Excess of: £175,000
Firm’s feat of clay for London 2012 CLAYWARE company Naylor has received recognition for its role as a key supplier to the 2012 London Olympics. The Cawthorne-based company, which employs a number of people from Kirklees, has been presented with a London 2012 Supplier Recognition Licence from the British Olympics Association. The firm supplied clay and plastic pipes to the Olympic venues and much of the
Olympic Park, including the velodrome and the athletes’ village. Naylor chief executive Edward Naylor said: “As a result of obtaining this licence, we are now able to promote our extensive involvement in the Olympic construction programme. “Given the high international profile of the Games, this will be particularly beneficial to our fast expanding export department.”
Upper Floors over Former Bank, 6-8 Southgate, Elland, HX5 0DG
1 Town centre location 1 2,098 sq ft over 3 floors 1 Potential for residential conversion
Guide Price: In Excess of: £25,000 Scout Hall Farm, Lee Lane, Shibden, Halifax, HX3 6UJ
1 Grade II Listed farmhouse 1 4/5 bedrooms 1 Stunning valley location 1 1.28 Acre plot
Guide Price: £250,000 – £300,000
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Ian Schofield
Iceland Foods
FROZEN food retailer Iceland has welcomed back Ian Schofield as own label controller. Mr Schofield (pictured) worked with Iceland founder Malcolm Walker, who hails from Grange Moor, during the early days of the business. His appointment as part of the buying team headed by Nigel Broadhurst is part of Mr Walker’s commitment to strengthen the team following his buy-back of the Deeside-based company. Mr Schofield launched the own label team in 1984 before leaving Iceland in 1993 to work for 10 years as sales and marketing director at Sun Branding Solutions. In this position, he has been working with all the leading retailers and brands across the world helping them launch products more effectively. Mr Schofield, who lives in Halifax and plays golf at Huddersfield Golf Club, will be responsible for the whole own label launch process at Iceland, including the innovation kitchen and the packaging technology team. He said: “I have Iceland in my blood from the early days and I am really looking forward to driving growth and innovation in all our markets.” Mr Schofield is a fellow of the Packaging Society and a member of the Marketing Society. Iceland has stores at Batley and at Aspley and Trinity Street in Huddersfield.
Lee Crooks
APRIL UK A FIRM providing private medical insurance to several Super League clubs, including the Huddersfield Giants, has appointed a former Great Britain Rugby League international to its ranks. Legendary forward Lee Crooks has joined expanding health and protection specialists APRIL UK as a specialist sports protection adviser. The ex-international has played for many of the country’s top rugby league outfits and was general manager at Featherstone Rovers. APRIL UK provides private medical insurance to 10 of the 13 UK-based Super League Clubs, including the Giants, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves and Salford City Reds. Mr Crooks will also sign up rugby union, football and other sports clubs as well as rugby league outfits where he is still remembered as one of the game’s outstanding talents. The former prop’s CV includes stints at most of the top flight clubs including Castleford, Hull and Leeds as well as a spell as technical director with the Serbian Rugby League. He was the youngest ever Great Britain forward when he made his test debut aged 19 in 1982.
Marc Mils
B42 HUDDERSFIELD man Marc Mills, 25, has joined digital and PR agency B42 in Wakefield. Mr Mills (pictured) joins the agency at Calder Park from Bolser in Leeds, where he worked as a web developer for two years across a number of key clients, including ASDA, Nokia and Sony. The appointment comes a month after the agency recruited three new members of staff and is hot on the back of a number of new contract wins. Mr Mills said: “I’m delighted to join an agency very much at the start of its life and I’m looking forward to growing with it over the next few years. The team here has a wide range of experience and I am hoping to bring something new and fresh to the agency.”
Movers and shakers
Page 8
Firm attains the gold standard!
A KITCHEN manufacturer has received two gold awards from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Dewsbury-based Rixonway Kitchens, one of the leading manufacturers working in affordable and social housing, was recognised for the fourth year running – with its award for workplace safety and an award for managing occupational road risk. The awards were presented at a ceremony at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel. David Rawlins, RoSPA awards manager, said: “RoSPA firmly believes that organisations which demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement in accident and ill-health prevention deserve recognition. “Rixonway Kitchens has shown that it is dedicated to striving for ever higher thresholds and we are delighted to honour it through the presentation of an award.” Nick Greenall, operations director at Rixonway Kitchens, said: “We are delighted to have won a RoSPA Award for the fourth year running. “Health and safety is top of our agenda at Rixonway Kitchens and we’re happy that our efforts continue to be recognised.
■ GOLD STANDARD: John Clayton (left), RoSPA trustee, presents the gold awards to Mark Evans, Rixonway Kitchens operations manager
“We constantly monitor and update our The majority of awards that RoSPA rigorous processes to ensure our standards presents are non-competitive, marking remain some of the highest in the achievement at merit, bronze, silver and industry.” gold levels.
Step forward for the awards!
■ CREDIT: Etta Cohen; founder of networking group Forward Ladies
KIRKLEES businesswomen have just days left to enter a high-profile competition. Twelve categories are up for grabs in the Women in Business Awards for Yorkshire and the North East run by networking group Forward Ladies. One of the category winners will also be considered for the overall title of Outstanding Business Woman of the Year. The deadline for entries is Friday. Last year’s overall winner was Gomersal woman Liz Colleran, who created her company Duvalay after combining a portable memory foam mattress topper with a shaped duvet. Denby Dale-based ice cream maker Louise Holmes, of Yummy Yorkshire, won the Home-Based Business Woman of the Year
Award and trainer Gemma Blagbrough, of Dalton, was the Start-up Business Woman of the Year. The PA of the Year title went to Heather Connaughton, personal assistant to the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor at Huddersfield University. Other categories up for grabs this year include ones for businesswoman working in manufacturing, SMEs, not-for-profit organisations, professional services, property and retail. Professional women from all walks of life are invited to enter the awards by nominating themselves or by getting a friend or colleague to nominate them. A 500-word award entry is required, along with a 50-word biography, a high quality photograph and
supporting documentation. Entry is via the website wiba2013.com /nomination-form/ The winners will be announced at an awards lunch on Friday, November 15, at the Queens Hotel, Leeds. Etta Cohen, founder of Forward Ladies, said: “We have an amazing pool of talented women in the North, either running their own businesses or working for companies at the cutting edge. We want them to shout about their achievements, so that we can give them the credit they deserve.” Forward Ladies runs about 300 events a year, offers mentoring support to members, trade missions, training and development workshops, an inspirational speaker programme, business breaks and bespoke in-house training.
Agency has a sporting chance BIRSTALL-based full service agency Fantastic Media has been shortlisted for three industry awards in recognition of its work. Fantastic has reached the final of the Marketing On Mobile Awards in the travel/leisure/sports mobile category. The awards, which are organised by marketing and media publication The Drum, identify the work being done in mobile and rewards those who are delivering effective strategies and campaign. Fantastic Media has been
shortlisted for its Pitchero app, a global club management network, which provides free websites and revenue tools for sports clubs across the world. The network hosts about 4m unique users per month, with more than 10,000 live websites and over half a million registered users. Since it was launched in January, the Pitchero app has received 80,000 downloads, and hosted more than 1.3m sessions. It has been placed second in the iTunes free sports downloads category, second
only to BBC sport, but surpassing giants such as Sky, ESPN and Ladbrokes. It has been activated in over 60 countries, and increased registration with the Pitchero network by more than 18%. Fantastic Media has also reached the final of the inaugural Prolific North Marketing Awards in the “Low Budget Campaign” category for its work on national fruit snack brand, Fruitypot, based at Bradley. Fantastic has been recognised for an integrated campaign it put together which
has increased brand awareness and increased customer loyalty and repeat purchase. Fantastic has also received a nomination for Pitchero in the ‘App of the Year’ category in the inaugural Prolific North Awards, which rewards excellence in the creative and media industries across the North. The MOMA awards will be held on June 13 at the Emirates Stadium, London, while the Prolific North Marketing awards ceremony will take place on July 3 at The Point, Lancashire County Cricket Club.