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COLIN BARRATT Getting tax figures right Column - Page 4

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees

Marshalls ticking all the right boxes

■ ROYAL APPOINTMENT: Marshalls chief Graham Holden

A HUDDERSFIELD company is among five West Yorkshire firms to gain a national award for their responsible business practices.

Paving supplier Marshalls plc, which has sites at Birkby and Elland, has gained a Big Tick Award from Business in the Community.

The awards highlight the best examples of the positive impact businesses have on the environment, among employees, through supply chains and in the local communities in which they operate.

Joining Marshalls among the winners were greetings card firm Hallmark, Kier Building Maintenance, Logistik and Pinsent Masons.

The presentations took place at The Centenary Pavilion at Leeds United Football Club.

A further eight firms gained Big

Tick re-accreditations for continued commitment after gaining Big Tick Awards last year.

The accolades were presented by ITV presenter Gaynor Barnes and BITC regional director Liz Needleman.

Marshalls, Hallmark and Logistik have also been shortlisted for the chance to win the overall Example of Excellence in their category, which will be presented at a gala dinner at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

In a separate move, Marshalls chief executive Graham Holden was announced as regional ambassador for The Prince of Wales for the second consecutive year for his leadership and commitment to responsible business in the region.

Ms Needleman said: “Each year I am thoroughly inspired by the busi-

nesses across the region striving to incorporate responsible business in all they say and do.

“There is a growing requirement to do more with less which requires an innovative, creative approach to tackling societies biggest challenges, powerful collaboration, and effective leadership.

“Our winners have these qualities in abundance, and the diverse nature of the projects recognised through the Awards for Excellence highlights the powerful impact created when businesses and communities connect to meet local needs.

“All of our winners should be proud to be pioneers in this growing movement of individuals transforming businesses and by doing so transforming communities for good.”

Rixonway boss wins enterprise award A KIRKLEES business leader has been honoured for steering his company to record growth.

Paul Rose, chief executive of Dewsbury-based Rixonway Kitchens, won the category for manufacturing at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

Mr Rose was one of 12 entrepreneurs from Yorkshire to be shortlisted in the competition – alongside regional leaders in areas such as surgical instruments, marketing and car rental.

The competition culminated in a black tie dinner hosted by BBC presenter

Jeremy Vine at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester.

Mr Rose was recognised for the “stellar” growth rates achieved at Rixonway, which is a leading manufacturer of kitchens for the affordable and social housing sector.

Under his leadership the company has been transformed from a small regional kitchen manufacturer into one of the market leaders.

Mr Rose led a £27m management buyout of Rixonway in 2006 and the firm has grown revenue from £19m to £29m over

the last three years.

He said: “Good customer service has been key to the expansion. By constantly reviewing our service and product offering, we are able to remain ahead of our competitors. The ability to react quickly to market changes also sets us apart.”

The firm’s success comes on the back of appearances in both the Sunday Times Profit Track 100 and Buyout Track 100 where Rixonway was listed 36th and 17th respectively. Both tables rank Britain’s 100 private companies with the fastest-growing profits.

INSIDE Factory tour BATLEY-born tycoon Lawrence Tomlinson welcomed members of the Institute of Directors for a behind-the-scenes look at his successful business.

Delegates toured the LNT Group headquarters in Leeds and visited the factory where subsidiary Ginetta produces sports cars.

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Match point BUSINESS people in Huddersfield took part in a tennis tournament.

The event was organised by law firm Armitage Sykes at Huddersfield Lawn Tennis and Squash Club.

■ WINNER: Stuart Rose, of Rixonway

● Full story - Page 8

Solicitors for business inYorkshire www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk Huddersfield | Wakefield | Halifax | Leeds

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

national

Uncertainty builds for growing sector

■ BRICK WORK: Construction activity slowed slightly in June but remained above market forecasts

B R I TA I N ’ S c o n s t r u c t i o n industry grew again in June, latest figures have revealed.

But uncertainty over the economy sent confidence to its lowest level for six months.

The Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index, where a reading of more than 50 represents growth in construction activity, slowed slightly to 53.6 in June, from 54.0 in May, but was still above market forecasts of 53.5.

Commercial construction slowed, but remained the strongest performing sub-sector.

Civil engineering rallied from a weak May, though house building fell for the second time in three months.

Employment also fell over the month, the survey said, as the

number of new orders slowed.

Confidence slumped from a 12-month high in May to the lowest since January as concern grew over the availability of public and private sector finance.

Sarah Bingham, economist at Markit, said: “June data rounds off a further solid quarter of growth, albeit down on the first quarter.

“This contrasts with the surprising weakness seen in the official data for the first three months of the year.”

She added: “The worry is that the level of business confidence has fallen to a six-month low in the sector, which suggests that companies are expecting growth to weaken over the next 12 months.”

Howard Archer, chief eco-

nomist at IHS Global Insight, said that while the construction PMI points to clear growth, there are indications in the survey that the sector is losing momentum.

He said: “This is obviously unwelcome news, particularly given that the survey evidence on the construction sector has tended to be significantly healthier than the hard data in recent months.”

Construction makes up about 7% of the total economy and has been one of the most volatile areas of the economy in recent quarters.

The sector swung from strong growth in the middle of last year to contraction in the last quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of this year.

IMAX eyes up expansion plans

Brighthouse bucks trend

LARGE-SCREEN cinema group IMAX is poised for a major expansion of its UK chain, it is claimed.

There are 14 IMAX cinemas in the UK, but chief executive Richard Gelfond wants to increase this to about 50 in over the next five to seven years.

Mr Gelfond said: “There’s a lot of interest in the UK” and added that talks were under way with a number of potential distributors.

Interest in IMAX screens has surged recently with a number of blockbusters made specifically for the format.

The Canada-based firm has more than 520 screens in operation

BRIGHTHOUSE, the UK’s largest rent-to-own retailer, is to press on with expansion plans – despite the gloom afflicting other parts of the high street.

The Watford-based group, which has a store at New Street in Huddersfield and 228 outlets UK-wide, will open another 30 this year as part of a long-term aim for a chain of 650 outlets across the UK. Sales in the year to March rose by 15.4% to £227.7m with like-for-like sales rising by 9.2%.

The firm said that despite the wave of retail firms folding, its business remained “relatively buoyant”.

around the world, with operators licensed to use the IMAX name and where operators pay maintenance and royalty fees to IMAX. Odeon UCI is the UK’s largest operator with 11 screens.

New releases such as Cars 2 and theTransformers: Dark of the Moon, were both made specifically to be shown on a large screen format and have done very well on release in the USA. The increase in the number of home entertainment systems has boosted the appeal of large screen cinemas because they offer a different experience, analysts suggest.

It said gaps now appearing on the high street following store closures would help its expansion programme, especially if sites become free near to the giant chains which have high footfall.

In recent weeks, Jane Norman, TJ Hughes and parts of Habitat group have gone into administration, while Thorntons, Carpetright and Mothercare have all announced widespread store closures.

Brighthouse has also benefited from the economic downturn because it extends credit to 200,000 customers, many of whom are cannot get credit elsewhere.

Page 2 Olympic gains NATIONAL Express coach division Eurolines UK has joined forces with Eurotunnel to transport European sports fans lucky enough to get tickets to the 2012 Olympic Games.

The two firms expect to carry an additional 18,000 European visitors to London next summer, mostly from Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels.

John Gilbert, managing director of Eurolines UK, said: "We'll play a key role in helping people from across the continent visit the UK next summer.

“We are committed to providing passengers with an affordable, convenient and easily accessible service to key points in the heart of London.

"By linking with Eurotunnel, we are able to increase our normal timetable to provide additional services for customers when they need them most.”

Earnings forecast RECRUITMENT agency Staffline said it expects earnings for the full year to match raised market expectations.

Shares in the Nottingham-based recruiter rose by more than 1% on the statement yesterday and are now close to a new three year high at 259.5p.

SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £32.52 Gannett 903.50 Hess Corp £46.87 Microsoft 1616.85 Motors Liquidation 46.60 Wal-Mart Stores £33.25 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 3091/2 BAE Systems 319 Rolls-Royce 648 AIM Brady Plc 73 Dawson Intl 17/8 Man Brnze 461/2 Uniq 771/2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 2343/8 BANKS Barclays 2623/4 HSBC 627 Lloyds Banking Gp 497/8 Ryl Scotland 391/8 Stan Chart 1660 BEVERAGES Diageo 1297 SABMiller £227/8 CHEMICALS Croda 1985 Elementis 98 178 Johnsn Mat £201/8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 314

Costain

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+1/2 7

-2 /8 -21/8 -7/8 -5/8 -12 +15 +1/4 +72 +51/2 +1/8 +2

221 +3 ELECTRICITY 3 Drax Gp 499 /4 +15/8 Intl Power 3203/4 Scottish & Sthrn 1402 +4 Energy ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 2035/8 +5/8 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3903/8 +13/8 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 2001/2 +5/8 Cable & Wireless 41 +3/8 Comm Cable & Wireless 48 +15/8 Wwide Colt Group 143 -3/8 KCOM 761/2 Talktalk Telecom 144 -11/8 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2971/2 +21/2 Sainsbury 3301/4 +11/4 3 Tesco 404 /8 +31/4 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1086 +8 Tate Lyle 632 +13 3 Unilever £20 /8 +1/4 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3287/8 +3 National Grid 6141/2 -1 Pennon Grp 705 +4 Severn 1496 +2 United Utils 611 +1/2

GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 2875/8 +21/2 ICAP 4983/4 +15/8 London StockExch 1059 +26 Man Group 243 +3/4 Provident Financial 978 +31/2 Schroders 1596 +13 Schroders NV 1345 +6 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 690 +1 REXAM 3913/4 -31/4 Smiths Grp 1212 +12 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 21 +11/2 Carphone Whse 4281/2 -3 3 Dixons Retail 15 /4 -7/8 3 Home Retail 165 /4 +1 Inchcape 4181/8 -71/4 Kingfisher 2663/8 +1/4 M&S 3663/4 -3/4 Mothercare 4043/8 +11/4 Next £23 WH Smith 492 -1 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 672 -21/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 1111/4 -13/8 Barrat Dev 1165/8 +3/4 Persimmon 4913/4 +91/4 7 Reckitt Benckiser £34 /8 +3/8 Taylor Wimpey 387/8 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 8281/2 +12 IMI 1078 +11

INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 4843/8 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 2203/4 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 4445/8 Lgl & Gen 1197/8 Old Mutual 1351/8 Prudential 7361/2 Resolution 2925/8 Standard Life 2141/2 MEDIA BSkyB 850 D Mail Tst 4673/4 ITV 735/8 Johnston Press 51/2 Pearson 1202 Reed Elsevier 573 STV Group 127 Trinity Mirror 421/4 Utd Business 5591/2 UTV 1301/4 WPP 779 Yell Group 63/4 MINING Anglo American £311/8 Antofagasta 1431 BHP Billiton £243/4 Eurasian Natural 8091/2 Res Fresnillo 1404 Kazakhmys 1395 Lonmin 1451 Rio Tinto £453/8

+43/4 +23/8 3

-1 /4 -1/8 -3/8 +3 -7/8 +7/8 +1 +31/4 -1/8 -1/8 +25

+21/2 +1 +4 +5/8 +1/8 +11 +1/8 +91/2 +5 -4 +6

Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp

312 1081/4 6141/2 £217/8

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

FTSE closed at

6017.54 Up 27.78 VEDANTA £207/8 -1/8 RESOURCES Xstrata 1394 +5 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 563 +4 Vodafone Group 165 +7/8 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1671 -2 RSA Insurance Gp 1367/8 +11/8 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1439 +111/2 BP 4627/8 +31/4 3 Cairn Energy 404 /4 -133/4 1 Royal Dutch Shell A £22 /2 +1/4 Royal Dutch Shell B £221/2 +1/8 Total £36

Tullow Oil 1253 +1 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1110 +7 Petrofac 1549 +22 Wood Gp(J) 694 +32 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1484 +13 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £311/2 +1/4 Axis-Shield 3181/2 -27/8 GlaxoSmithK XD 91/2 Shire 1961 +14 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 6291/2 +14 Captl Shop Cent 4013/4 +11/4 DTZ Hldgs 451/2 +1 Hamrsn 4907/8 +51/4 1 Land Secs 880 /2 +14 SEGRO 319 +35/8 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Autonomy Corp 1739 +36 Invensys 3271/8 +33/8 Logica 1347/8 +5/8 Misys 4173/4 -21/2 3 Sage Group 289 /4 -5/8 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 537 +2 Bunzl 7931/2 -71/2 Capita 709 -8 De La Rue 7601/2 -2 Electrocomp 2741/4 +3/8 Experian 806 +41/2 G4S 2821/4 +17/8 5 Hays 103 /8 -1

Homeserve 503 Menzies J 545 Rentokil 957/8 Smiths News 90 Wolseley £203/4 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 6091/2 Psion 741/4 Spirent Comms 1491/2 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £277/8 Imperial Tobacco £213/8 LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital 150 Carnival £245/8 Compass Grp 6061/2 easyJet 3661/4 Enterprise Inns 671/2 FirstGroup 3493/4 Go-Ahead Gp 1580 Greene King 506 Intercontl Htls 1300 Intl Cons Airlines 2577/8 Gp Ladbrokes 1541/4 Mitchells & Butlers 318 Natl Express 2591/8 Rank Org 1493/4 Stagecoach Group 2613/4 TUI Travel 227 Whitbread 1642 INDEX FTSE 100 6017.54 INDEX FTSE 250 12102.27

+3 +40 +1 -1/4 +1/8 +16 -153/8 +1/8 +3/8 +1/4 -1 +1/8 +11/2 +43/4 +13/4 +63/4 -6 +81/8 +25 +33/8 +13/8 +7/8 +31/4 +1/4 -63/4 +1/4 +16 +27.78 +61.99

TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.42 dollars Bangladesh................. 112.78 taka Brazil.............................. 2.24 reals Canada....................... 1.47 dollars China ............................. 9.31 yuan Czech Republic ...... 24.61 korunas Denmark....................... 7.86 krone Euro............................... 1.06 euro Hong Kong................ 11.90 dollars Hungary................... 261.92 forints India.......................... 63.10 rupees Japan........................... 123.69 yen Mexico ....................... 16.67 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.81 dollars Norway ......................... 8.22 krone Pakistan.................. 130.33 rupees Philippines ................. 59.42 pesos South Africa................. 10.15 rand South Korea.............. 1493.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 166.42 rupees Sweden......................... 9.61 krona Switzerland.................. 1.30 francs Taiwan ...................... 40.34 dollars Turkey....................... 2.46 new lira USA ............................ 1.54 dollars

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS JUST because you’re serious about being in business doesn’t mean you have to take yourself too seriously.

Mandy Naylor is committed to her childcare business, Little Tinkers Private Day Nursery, but maintains a healthy sense of humour.

Her business card shows she’s a lady with letters after her name – GDB, CC&BW (Hons) to be precise.

“It stands for General Dogsbody and Chief Cook and Bottle Washer,” she says.

“I got fed up being handed business cards by people with a long string of academic qualifications after their names, so I decided to award myself a few! But nobody has ever asked me what they stand for!”

Mandy arrived at self-employment after a varied career which included retailing, debt collecting and property development.

Having established two successful nurseries – in Brighouse and Hipperholme – she is looking for yet more challenges.

“I said about 12 to 18 months ago that when the nurseries were established I was going to chill out for a while and take things a bit easier,” she says.

“Instead, I’m in the process of setting up a new business, The Taste Coffee Bar Ltd, and I’m looking or some suitable local premises.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, run a nice coffee shop. And the time is right. Coffee culture is still booming.”

Mandy was born in Pontefract, but attended Brighouse Grammar School from the age of 12 when her family moved to the area.

She completed her O-levels, but the family moved again before she could sit A-levels.

“I was very undecided about what I wanted to do,” she recalls. “I went to York College to do computer programming. They still had those big magnetic tapes, so you can guess how long ago that was!

“I had a placement with a firm in Leeds which processed payroll for a number of big companies, but I decided it was very boring. I could not envisage doing that for the rest of my working life.”

The early 1980s found Mandy working for an estate agency before she took a Christmas job with shoe retailer Clarks’ Peter Lord chain.

She became a branch manager at the age of just 20 and moved south to take charge of stores in Wimbledon, St Neots, Brent Cross and Cambridge.

At the end the decade, her father had retired from his job as a publican and the two of them considered setting up a Clarks franchise.

Instead, she ended up working for her father in the

profile

Hard work is child’s play! building industry – selling double glazing, conservatories and extensions.

The attraction of self-employment was becoming stronger.

“I set up my own business selling clothes to nursing homes and residential homes,” says Mandy.

“At the same time, I also worked part-time as a debt collector.

“When I had my daughter Bethany, I found I couldn’t do everything, so I worked for HBOS, stopped my evening job and worked two days a week on the clothes business.”

Another chance event brought Mandy into property development, She and her father saw a run-down cottage which they planned to restore and sell.

Instead, they renovated the property for Mandy to live in – and she rented out her four-bed property to raise some funds.

She so impressed her bank that loaned her the money for the renovation

■ MANDY NAYLOR: Likes the challenge of setting up new businesses

that she was able to go on to buy, renovate and sell a number of cheap terraced properties.

“I was still working for HBOS as well as myself,” she says. “I had to re-evaluate what I was doing and decided to leave HBOS, finish my clothes business and concentrate on property development.”

By 2005, Mandy had a little boy, Alfie – and she was left in the lurch when the nursery he was attending closed down.

“I needed to find a new nursery for Alfie – and I found one in Brighouse which was up for sale,” she says.

Mandy took the plunge and decided to buy the nursery!

“I took the view that I needed a place for my son, that this was a nice site and that if it didn’t work out – with my property hat on – I could sell it.

“Within six months, I was hooked and within 12 months I had got another nursery, in Hipperholme.”

The two nurseries are now well-established. Together, they are registered for 119 children and have 26 staff.

As well as day care, they provide out-of-school clubs.

Mandy has also set up additional services to set them apart from the competition, including a takeaway service so parents collecting their children at the end of the day can also take home a family meal.

Mandy is also looking to introduce a pick-up and drop-off service for busy parents who cannot ferry their offspring to and from the nurseries.

And the nurseries’ website is being updated to include a host of useful tips for parents and parents-to-be.

Mandy admits: “I have been on a very steep learning curve – from being self-employed to becoming

an employer.

“Within the childcare industry there is more paperwork, regulation and legislation to deal with and it is all very complex.

“I also sit on the Calderdale Early Years Reference Group, which includes representatives of the private sector, the voluntary sector, the maintained sector and Calderdale Council, where all issues affecting early years provision are discussed.

Mandy sees interesting times ahead for the nursery sector as parents tighten their belts and turn to grandparents and neighbours to share child-minding chores and rely less on paid day care.

But it hasn’t deterred Mandy from starting the search for premises to provide a third nursery.

Page 3 Mandy Naylor

She seems as far away as ever from being able to “chill out” in her coffee shop.

But she says: “You have to do what you enjoy – and I enjoy what I do. I like the challenge of setting up new businesses.

“I have two children and we do make time to be together.

“I am in a position where I can get away from the office early some days of the week. On those occasions I work from home.

“For me, it’s about quality of life rather than achieving a certain standard of living.

“People look at the material things, what you have got – but it is nothing to do with that. I work because I enjoy it.”

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Role: Managing director Age: 46 Family: Bethany, 13, and Alfie, five Holidays: Florida and regular family holidays to Cornwall Car: Lexus – a grey one, which shows how interested I am in cars!

First job: Working weekends in a corner shop – aged 11!

Best thing about job: The smiles on the faces of the kids when they give a hug!

Worst thing about job: All the paperwork, but it has to be done Business tip: Be prepared to put in the hard work.

Little Tinkers Private Day Nursery Work: Childcare Sites: Brighouse and Hipperholme Phone: 01484 717352 or 01422 202249 Email: enquiries @littletinkersnursery .com Website: www.little tinkersnursery.com

local

Page 4

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Don’t be understated when it comes to tax!

VER the past few years, HM Revenue O & Customs has been cracking down on those who have not disclosed all of

their income and capital gains and have as a result underpaid tax.

Their attention now is on individuals who use the internet, car boot sales or classified advertisements to sell goods or their services.

HMRC has stated that those who are just selling some of their personal belongings such as unwanted books, CDs, toys or household items would not be regarded as carrying on a trade.

Consequently, the sums received from such

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TAX TALK Colin Barratt

sales would not be liable to income tax and as long as the proceeds from the sale of each item or collection of items did not exceed £6,000 there will be no Capital Gains Tax implications either.

So, when does this kind of activity amount to a trade?

Over the years, many tests have been established to help determine whether a trade exists.

Commonly, a trade would exist where an individual undertakes their activity with the intention of making a profit, where goods are either bought or made and then sold on a regular basis.

For instance, where an individual who makes greetings cards and occasionally sells them to

work colleagues and friends for an amount to cover cost and sometimes at a loss, their activity would normally be treated as a hobby rather than a trade.

But if sales were made on a regular basis for profit and the money was used to buy further supplies for re-sale, a trade is being undertaken.

In such circumstances an individual would be treated as self-employed and any profits made would then be liable to income tax and national insurance contributions.

If the turnover from this activity in a 12-month period was sufficiently high, then the individual may also need to register for VAT. The current VAT registration annual threshold is £73,000.

Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth chartered accountants, Huddersfield

From the date trading starts, you have three months to notify HMRC that you are trading and for income tax and CGT purposes, you have until October 5 following the end of the tax year to tell HMRC that you are liable to tax.

For a trade starting in 2010/11, the deadline is October 5, 2011.

Failure to notify HMRC can lead to financial penalties being imposed.

Those whose tax returns have understated their profits from such trades may also face penalties for inaccuracies in returns.

Penalties are linked to the behaviour which gave rise to the failure to notify or tax irregularity.

For careless errors, the maximum penalty will be 30% of the tax unpaid after the due date rising to 70% for deliberate errors but not concealed.

Errors which are both deliberate and concealed face a maximum penalty of 100% of tax unpaid.

Penalties can be reduced if a person makes an unprompted disclosure to HMRC and co-operates in the course of the disclosure process.

No penalty will be charged if a person has a reasonable excuse.

Think about building that NEST HAVE previously covered Ithisthis subject in detail within column, but just to recap

on the basics, from 2012 onwards all employers with workers in the UK will need to automatically enrol eligible employees into a pension scheme and make contributions on their behalf.

Whilst the reforms will take effect from October 1, 2012, the start of compliance with the reforms will be staggered across a period of four years according to company size.

The date from which the new duties apply to an employer is known as the staging date and for some employers, that staging date will come round very quickly.

So, how do employers begin to prepare for this?

First of all, they need to know when they need to act and that means working out when their staging date is.

FINANCIAL FOCUS Karen Wynard

T h i s i n fo r m at i o n c a n b e obtained by going to The Pensions Regulator website and that should be the starting point for any business in order to ascertain how long they have to prepare.

Depending upon when the employer’s staging date falls, they then need to look towards the pension arrangements that they have in place already.

All existing pension schemes are likely to need changes in order to comply with the requirements of the new regime and if an employer already has a scheme in place, how much will it need to be changed?

Will the existing pension provider be able to make the changes

or will a new pension scheme need to be set up?

If an employer doesn’t already have a pension scheme in place, this raises further questions.

For example, do they wish to begin looking at their options sooner rather than later, or should they wait until they are actually affected by the reforms?

Will they set up a pension scheme privately or will they use the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) which is the new Government backed pension scheme open to all employers

from October 1, 2012?

Whilst some employers may perceive the NEST route as being an easy option, it might not be the best route in all cases and employers should make sure that they u n d e r s t a n d t h e d i ff e re n c e s between the private route and the NEST route before deciding how to proceed.

Whilst the content of this column is deliberately brief, there is a lot to think about and even if the employer’s staging date isn’t imminent, they should still be aware of the details of the reforms in order that their future business planning can take these into account.

Employers may therefore wish to engage with their financial advisers at the earliest opportunity.

Karen Wynard is head of corporate services at Eastwood & Partners (Financial Services) Ltd

Water, water everywhere A WATER cooler supplier counting the Duchy of Cornwall among its clients now offers its customers online ordering thanks to a new website devised by a Holmfirth firm.

Ossett-based Thirsty4Water has been supplying fresh drinking water and it’s range of water coolers to customers for more than three years, but until

now could only offer a telephone or mail ordering service.

The company’s new website was created by internet marketing firm WSI Yorkshire. It offers a number of latest online features including account facilities and online ordering and even provides an online chat facility for customers who may need a little extra help.

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

local

Delegates enjoy day at the racers BATLEY-born tycoon Lawrence Tomlinson took company directors from across Yorkshire for a behind-the-scenes look at his successful business.

Mr Tomlinson hosted a visit by members of the Institute of Directors to Leeds-based LNT Group, which included an afternoon of fast cars and networking at the Ginetta car factory in Garforth.

The event was an opportunity for young entrepreneurs from the Young Directors Forum and senior management from industries covering electronics, engineering and motorsports to get close to Ginetta’s champion race and road cars and find out more about LNT Group, one of the region’s fastest-growing companies.

Mr Tomlinson gave delegates an overview of his group of companies, which includes LNT Construc-

tion and Ideal Care Homes as well as the Ginetta operation. He fielded questions and offered advice on how to succeed in business – with particular emphasis on vertical integration.

Mr Tomlinson, whose business was recently awarded the title of Best Management Team in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100, said: “It was a pleasure to have 35 members of the Yorkshire Institute of Directors visit the LNT Group’s headquarters for the second consecutive year.

“Our head office provides the perfect networking environment for their members to come together, talk business and meet new contacts.

“I was only too happy to present an overview of my group of companies, field questions and offer my advice on how to succeed in business. This coupled with tours

■ MOTORING ON: IoD delegates at the Ginetta factory during their tour of the LNT Group

of the Ginetta car factory made it an interesting and entertaining afternoon for us all.”

The afternoon marked a return for some members of the IoD who visited the LNT Group in a similar move last year. Both visits were

organised by David Powell, of Auditel, who is vice-chairman of the IoD YDF Yorkshire.

Mr Powell said he planned more behind-the-scenes events showcasing successful firms.

Fans in holiday mood!

ALMOST 10,000 Huddersfield Town supporters have saved money on their holiday bookings thanks to the football club’s partnership with travel company Thomas Cook.

Now the landmark is set to be smashed during the 2011-12 season.

Since the launch of the partnership in 2006, Thomas Cook has offered Town fans discounts on holidays through the Terriers Holiday Club.

And the continuation of that deal means that discount will still be available for any Huddersfield Town fan looking to a bit of sun!

By booking a break through the Terriers Holiday Club, Town fans are not only receiving a discount for themselves – they are also helping the club, as an amount of money is donated to Huddersfield Town every time a Town fan takes advantage of the deal.

Just over 9,600 Town fans have used this arrangement in the past five years.

Now the total is set to reach five figures with the deal being renewed for a further season.

Town fans can take advantage of the Terriers Holiday Club when they visit their local Thomas Cook or Going Places shops. There are outlets in Huddersfield, Slaithwaite, Holmfirth, Brighouse, Cleckheaton, Dewsbury and Halifax.

A special offer is also running until August 31 to celebrate the renewal – with those booking their holiday through the ‘Terriers Travel Club’ before that date eligible for a prize draw to win £500 towards the cost.

Huddersfield Town business development manager Mark Davies said: The Terriers Holiday Club has proven a fantastic initiative between Huddersfield Town and Thomas Cook since its inception in 2006.

“It has provided Town fans with a way to save them money, but also give back to the club they love and support. We are delighted that they have decided to continue to support the club throughout the 2011-12 season and look forward to rewarding Huddersfield Town fans for their fantastic continued support!”

■ TRAVELLING MAN: Andy Booth at Thomas Cook in New Street

Nomination for go-ahead firm A COMPANY has been recognised for its investment in the insurance profession and its commitment to training and development – with a nomination at the British Insurance Awards.

Wilby Ltd, the Halifax-based insurance and risk management specialist, has been nominated for the Investing in the Profession Award which is open to any firm operating in the general insurance market. The awards will be presented tomorrow in London.

Over the past two years, Wilby has invested

heavily in its staff and has developed an apprenticeship programme with Calderdale College.

It has also developed links with Huddersfield University and local schools to raise the profile of the industry to attract newcomers and accelerate development of their existing workforce.

Wilby’s efforts have already been recognised at the annual Calderdale Training Employers Awards, when the company took home the Outstanding Contribution to Training

Award.

Wilby Ltd director Mike Shaw said: “We believe that our staff are the most important asset the company has and we are delighted that our investment in their development has been recognised by this nomination.

“In the current economic climate, it can be tempting to cut back on staff development.

“However, we have seen the business benefits of our continued investment through several internal promotions and improvements in efficiency and staff motivation.”

Page 6 New service is set to blossom A NEW service for the so-called “sandwich generation” has been launched by professionals in Huddersfield.

Elderflower has been set up as a one-stop shop to provide across-the-board specialist advice for older people who may have to care for teenage or adult children and grandchildren as well as elderly parents.

The umbrella service has been set up by law firm Ridley & Hall and brings together solicitors, financial accountants and solicitors to provide advice for those planning retirement or those already retired.

The service is being run by Ridley and Hall, Bell and Buxton, Sheards, Shore Stewart and UK Wealth Management.

Elderflower is the brainchild of Ridley & Hall managing director Sarah Young (pictured), who said: “There are specific financial and legal issues that concern older people.

“Making a Will is an obvious step – although two-thirds of people still do not make one, according to recent research.

“Planning for old age can be a challenge. This is partly because of the different issues that arise. It is also because the time, effort and expense of seeing financial advisers, accountants and solicitors can induce inertia. Trying to get good quality, relevant advice from government departments or advisory services can be a struggle.

“In these challenging economic times research evidence indicates that over 50s are at particular risk of both redundancy and becoming long term unemployed.”

Michelle Mitchell, of charity Age UK, said the affects of long-term unemployment on the over 50s could be “devastating” – with people pushed towards early retirement, often with inadequate pension provision, leaving them more dependent on the state and unable to contribute to the economy.”

Some of the issues that Elderflower advisers can help with include savings and investments, tax planning, setting up a trust for children and grandchildren, equity release, Lasting Powers of Attorney, welfare benefits, divorce and resolving issues over inheritances.

Training days!

A FIRM supplying commercial laundry equipment is launching a recruitment drive to employ 10 enthusiast engineering apprentices.

Ripponden-based firm JLA is staging a two-day event tomorrow and Thursday for 50 applicants aged 18 and 19. The event will include assessments and presentations from all key departments such as sales, training and technical.

James McGinty, JLA training manager, said: “We believe in providing real opportunities for young people. That’s why apprenticeships are a perfect match

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS TO LET

Attractive Office Suites

Springfield Hall, Thornhill Road, Edgerton, Huddersfield, HD3 3AU

1 15.85m2 (171 sq ft) to 67.54m2 (727 sq ft) 1 Generous car parking provision 1 Ease of access to J24 of M62 & Huddersfield Town Centre Rent: On Application

FOR SALE

Land at Red Doles Road Huddersfield, HD2 1AT

1 Large surfaced secure yard area 1 0.24 ha (0.60 acres) 1 Redevelopment potential (STP) Price: On Application

PRICE REDUCED

TO LET

Attractive Office Suites

■ TROPHY TIME: Peter Robinson, of Robinsons Property Services, holds the award won by the firm in the Building Excellence Awards with company secretary Pauline Lambert (left) and office administrator Sophie Robinson

Excellent work rewarded A PROPERTY services firm in the Colne Valley has been recognised for its workmanship.

Slaithwaite-based Robinsons Property Services was judged winner of its category in the Building Excellence Awards run by the local authority building control departments of Kirklees, Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield and Calderdale councils.

The award came for Robinsons’ work to build an extension to a domestic property set in extensive gardens at Beaumont Park.

The judging panel commended the scheme for its effective use of oak and reclaimed stone. The scheme included providing a large detached garage.

The award was presented to Terry Robinson, of Robinsons Property Services, at a ceremony staged at Headingley cricket ground, Leeds.

Mr Robinson project managed the contract, which also included contributions

from architect Andrew Smith, joiner Johnny Wadsworth and Mr Robinson’s other business, Arizon.

Robinsons, formed more than 20 years ago, carries out work including new build, conversions and alterations to existing properties and remedial treatment – specialising in damp and timber.

Mr Robinson’s son Joe works for the firm as a qualified electrician while daughter Sophie is office administrator.

Mr Robinson said the firm’s success was also down to its in-house teams covering CORGI registered gas fitters, plumbers. electricians and skilled tradesmen working in areas such as roofing, joinery, bricklaying and plastering.

Among its contracts, Robinsons Property Services has completed projects for clients including Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing and on school caretakers’ homes.

Auction raises £8.7m PROCEEDS of more than £8.7m were generated at a recent Yorkshire property auction.

Chartered surveyors Eddisons said that 119 of 167 lots which came under the hammer found buyers at the two-day sale in Leeds and Manchester.

Spokesman Tony Webber said: “This was our best auction in terms of numbers sold and proceeds of sale for quite some time, as buyers reacted positively to realistic pricing.

“Stock which generates good rental returns or offers the potential for longer term

capital growth when the market recovers was in heavy demand.’”

Among the successful lots was a tenanted end of terrace property in Halifax, which sold for £216,000 off a guide price of £190,000-plus.

A prominent retail unit on Gibbet Street, near Halifax town centre, sold for £91,000 off a guide price of £75,000-plus.

The next auction takes place on July 20 at the Premier Inn, Trafford Park, Manchester and on July 21 at Leeds United Football Club, Elland Road, Leeds.

Birstall provides new base A TRANSPORT firm has become the latest tenant to take space at Centre 27 Business Park in Birstall.

Bedfords Transport is renting 2,205sq ft of offices on a seven-year lease. The firm’s arrival follows on from a letting to Compco Fire Systems. Other occupiers include Henry Schein, Freedom Communications and Lloyds TSB.

Landlord LaSalle Investment Management was advised by Jones Lang LaSalle for the Bedfords deal.

Tom Brammeld, of Jones Lang LaSalle’s office agency team in Leeds, said: “This deal brings another quality occupier to the business park.” Jones Lang LaSalle and Sanderson Weatherall are joint leasing agents on Centre 27.

Buckden Mount, 8 Thornhill Road, Huddersfield, HD3 3AU

1 Recently refurbished 1 Ample on-site car parking 1 162 & 383m2 (1,742 & 4,126 sq ft) 1 Ease of access to Huddersfield Town Centre and J24 of M62 Rent: £10 per sq ft per annum exclusive

TO LET

Industrial Premises

Pine Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1SS

1 Workshop/Warehouse 1 473.64m2 (5,098 sq ft) 1 Edge of town centre location 1 Ease of access to A62 Leeds Road Corridor Rent: £15,000 per annum

TO LET

Prestigious High Spec Office Suite

Unit 1 Cartwright Court, Bradley Business Park, Huddersfield, HD2 1GN 1 Office units available from 1 199m2 (2,140 sq ft) 1 Established business park location 1 Ease of access to J24 & J25 of M62 motorway Rent: £15 per sq ft per annum exclusive

FOR SALE

Prominent Retail & Residential Premises 464 Bradford Road, Batley, WF17 5LW

1 124.84m2 (1,343 sq ft) 1 Potential redevelopment opportunity 1 Opposite 90,000 sq ft Tesco Extra (24Hr), Iceland, Netto & Batley Bus Station Offers are invited in excess of £130,000

TO LET

Industrial Premises

Caldervale Works, River Street, Brighouse, HD6 1NL 1 Various workshop units 1 265 – 2,748m2 (2,857 – 29,581 sq ft) 1 Ample secure yard/parking provision Rent: On Application

TO LET/MAY SELL Industrial Premises

Vulcan & Victoria Works, Calder Street, Brighouse, HD6 1NB

1 Predominantly single-storey factory premises 1 3,941m2 (42,416 sq ft) Rent: From only £2 per sq ft

TO LET

Commercial Unit

12 Old Leeds Road, Huddersfield, HD1 1SP

1 Prominent commercial unit 1 274.84m2 (2,958 sq ft) 1 Generous parking provision 1 Edge of town centre location Rent: On Application

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Movers and shakers

Page 8

Long-serving lawyer retires after 47 years

Alastair Jack

Jones Lang LaSalle PROPERTY agency Jones Lang LaSalle has recruited Alastair Jack (right) as an associate director in its licensed leisure and hotels team in West Yorkshire.

Mr Jack, formerly at Fleurets, has more than 10 years experience in property, during which he has been responsible for a wide range of professional instructions including estate valuations and lease renewals for Yorkshire-based pub companies and breweries, rental negotiations for the top two UK pub companies and high value agency instructions.

In his new role, he will work closely with Harry Hawksby (left), head of the firm’s national licensed leisure and hotels team.

Jones Lang LaSalle launched the national team in 2009 to provide sales, lettings, acquisition, valuation, development and restructuring advice across the wide range of licensed and leisure property including restaurants, pubs, hotels, marinas, casinos and golf courses.

A SOLICITOR in Huddersfield has retired after 47 years working in the legal profession.

David Blakeborough has stepped down as consultant at town centre law firm Eaton Smith.

Mr Blakeborough was presented with gifts by colleagues at a presentation held at the firm’s High Street offices.

He started his legal career in 1964 in Brighouse and joined Brook Freeman, of Huddersfield, in 1874. The firm merged with Eaton Smith & Downey in 1980.

Mr Blakeborough was instrumental in the subsequent merger of Eaton Smith & Downey and Marshall Mills & Sykes.

He made a major contribution to the development of the merged firm, not least as head of the residential property department. He was a partner until April, 2008, when he became a consultant.

Mr Blakeborough will continue his practice as a notary public, dealing with legal matters involving overseas jurisdictions for the foreseeable future.

■ FAREWELL: David Blakeborough (left), who is retiring as consultant at law firm Eaton Smith, with senior partner Andrew Sugden (right) and partners and staff at the firm’s High Street offices

Solicitors’ court appearance

A BUSINESS network group for Yorkshire’s IT and telecoms sector has a new high-profile sponsor.

Techmesh has recruited KC, previously Kingston Communications and one of the UK’s leading telecoms service providers.

As a gold sponsor, KC will work closely with the network across the Yorkshire and Humber region, sharing and exchanging ideas and working with members to engage with audiences in the region’s wider business community.

KC provides communication and hosting services for small to medium-sized firms.

Rachel Mayer

Manifest CREATIVE agency Manifest Communications has appointed Rachel Mayer as business development manager.

Ms Mayer (pictured) joins the agency, based at New North Road, Huddersfield, from Wesco Aircraft, where she worked as contract co-ordinator for three years managing multi-million pound UK aerospace contracts dealing with customer relations and in project management.

Her responsibilities also included supply chain analysis, forecasting and budgeting Previous roles includes sales office manager at CP Group and provisioning performance analyst team leader at NTL Telecommunications.

Her role with Manifest will involve identifying and developing new business opportunities across all service offerings, including public relations and social media, design and digital, for both the Huddersfield and London offices.

Hi, Techmesh!

■ FIRST SERVICE: Competitors assemble for a bit of friendly competition at the tennis tournament organised by Armitage Sykes BUSINESS people in Huddersfield took time out from the office to compete in a tennis tournament.

Law firm Armitage Sykes organised the event, which took place close to its New North Road premises at Huddersfield Lawn Tennis and Squash Club.

The doubles tournament used both

indoor and outdoor courts and concluded with a prize-giving ceremony and a buffet.

Between games, competitors could also try their hand at Padel tennis, a game popular in Spain and South America which is a fast-paced combination of tennis, squash and racquetball played on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court.

Welcome for IMF appointment A CHAMPION of women in the workplace has welcomed the appointment of French finance minister Christine Lagarde as the first female to head the International Monetary Fund.

Holmfirth-based Heather Jackson, chief executive of the Women’s Business Forum,

so dominated by men, I’m delighted to see a woman leading the IMF and its response to what are very challenging economic times.

“Christine Lagarde’s appointment comes at a good time for the wider issue not just here in the UK, but across the world.