PETE EVANS
FTSE 100
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014
-1.66 6677.52
Selling professionally Interview - Page 3
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NICK GARTLAND Markets keep their cool Column - Page 4
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
A Huddersfield-based recruitment agency, which specialises in the engineering, manufacturing and technical business sectors, is gearing up for further expansion following a hugely successful first 12 months of trading in which turnover exceeded £1m. E3 Recruitment was set up in June last year to help some of the region’s – and the UK’s – most successful companies identify and attract high quality personnel. The UK jobs market is becoming highly competitive as companies look to rebuild their workforces, at all levels – and with a mix of skill-sets – in response to business growth fuelled by an ever-improving economic outlook. From E3’s headquarters at Heritage Exchange in Lindley, directors and partners Andrew Pilling, Tracie Norton and James Soden, have created a business model based around an understanding that a successful recruitment approach is a fundamental part of every successful business. ‘We live in an age driven by technology,’ said Andrew. ‘But good people are still the cornerstone of great businesses. Together, the three partners here have over 60 years’ collective experience in the specialist recruitment marketplace and we have a philosophy which is based on understanding and partnership. “We need to understand what our clients do and who they need to recruit to
■■ The E3 team of (from left) Jordan Kellett, James Soden, Riz Haider, Andrew Pilling, Breanne Rodgers and Tracie Norton at the company’s lindley offices
help them satisfy their own customer’s requirements. We also need to be able to promote the client’s business to candidates so that we draw up shortlists of only the right people for the job. That all requires investment and integrity.” The E3 team now stands at six – with the directors having been joined recently by Breanne Rodgers, Jordan Kellett and Rizwaan Haider – with a further two consultants now being sought as part of E3’s on-going growth plans which envis-
age additional offices being opened in South Yorkshire and the Midlands. ‘Collectively, we can challenge any other business in our specialist sectors,’ said Tracie. “The three directors are like-minded individuals who each possess excellent specific sector expertise, who each have a first-rate reputation within their specialist sectors and who have a network of contacts – the lifeblood of every successful recruiter – which we believe to be as
good as any of our own competitors.” E3’s clients range from blue-chip businesses to small and medium-sized enterprises with a focus in and around Yorkshire. Sectors covered include general engineering and manufacturing, oil, gas and petrochemical, automotive and aerospace, food, pharmaceuticals and power generation “We are building the E3 business so quickly because of our track record.” said Tracie. “We receive a lot of referrals from clients through our reputation for looking after not only their needs but also those of the candidate. “It is a tripartite relationship, really, between us, the client and the candidate.” Tracie originates from Cheshire, but has lived now in Huddersfield for over 20 years with James and Andrew having lived in the town for 14 years following completion of their degrees. The business was named best business-to-business start-up of 2013 in the prestigious Barclays Bank awards. “That recognised the hard work we put in during the first six or seven months of the business,” said Andrew. “It was excellent and unexpected recognition so early in our existence, but showed that we have a good team that is passionate and driven in what we do.” E3 works closely with Huddersfield University to offer placements and some interim project assignments, and the E3 name can now be seen at the John Smith’s Stadium as part of a sponsorship programme in support of Huddersfield Town and Huddersfield Giants.
Manufacturers welcome ‘work first’ apprenticeships A new apprenticeship that enables students to spend more time in the workplace has been launched by Kirklees College in cinjunction with the Calderdale and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance (CKMA). The college already successfully delivers engineering apprenticeships at its purposebuilt facility in Huddersfield. However, some employers were frustrated that – despite being employed by them – the majority of students spend their
first few months in full-time study before joining the workforce and further part-time study under day-release. After working with the college to come up with a more workable solution for employers, CKMA is now promoting a new CNC engineering apprenticeship. The new scheme sees students spend two days at college and three days in the workplace from the start of the course – enabling the employer to fully
integrate them into their team and work practises from the start. The students will be fully tested to the required standard in maths, English and IT before starting the course where they will go on to be prepared and trained in running and maintaining CNC machinery safely, drawing skills – including CAD software – manual handling and health and safety to NVQ Level 2. CKMA chairman Gary Smith
said “We wanted to pro-actively work with the college to come up with a solution to meet the needs of our members to attract fresh talent into the manufacturing environment. “A frustration for a number of years has been that whilst apprenticeships in engineering have been available it was not possible to fully integrate the new employee into the workforce from the start, even though they are on the payroll. “Thanks to the co-operation
of Kirklees College, students from the Kirklees and Calderdale area now have an exciting opportunity to get into engineering as a career and employers are more able to mould them into their own business practises to fill the skills gap which has been a concern for many years. “ For further details of the course, contact Andy Roberts at ARoberts@kirkleescollege.ac. uk or phone 01484 437026 ext 8705.
Siberian venture A Dewsbury firm is providing vital equipment for a two-month expedition which aims to raise thousands for charity. Parker Racor, which specialises in fuel, oil and air filtration, has supplied heavy-duty filters for the Vivaro Siberia Challenge, which aims to raise £10,000 for Help for Heroes. The challenge, spearheaded by Vauxhall and managed by expedition experts Max Adventure, involves a 12,000-mile journey across Europe, Turkey, Mongolia and Siberia – taking vehicles over varied terrain ranging from dual carriageways, graded dirt and broken tarmac.
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Home delivery A housing association has secured £16m to build much-needed affordable homes across Yorkshire. Yorkshire Housing, which unveiled a £1.75m residential development at Bath Street in Huddersfield earlier this year, has received £16m of Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) grant funding. The new homes will form part of the association’s ambitious plans to build 1,500 new homes in the region between 2015 and 2018. to tackle a lack of affordable homes in the region.
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Banks now reluctant to take risks, warns HSBC HSBC has warned over the dangers of “unwarranted risk aversion” as bankers seek to protect themselves following the recent wave of industry scandals. The bank’s chairman Douglas Flint said he fears that such behaviour in decision-making could have the result of restricting access to the financial system. His comments came as the bank announced a 12% drop in half-year profits to $12.3bn (£7.3bn), after it was hit by lower financial market volumes. Mr Flint said: “Greater focus on conduct and financial crime risks at all levels of the firm globally is clearly the right response to past shortcomings. “There is, however, an observable and growing danger of disproportionate risk aversion creeping into decision-making in our businesses as individuals, facing uncertainty as to what may be criticised with hindsight and perceiving a zero tolerance of error, seek to protect themselves and the firm from future censure. “We can address this behaviour
■■ HSBC has posted a 12% fall in half-year profits due to lower financial volumes
through training and leadership, but we also need clarity from public policy and regulatory bodies over their expectations in this regard.” Mr Flint said unwarranted risk aversion threatened to restrict access to the formal financial system to
“many who could benefit from it”. He said the cumulative workload arising from regulatory reform was “hugely consumptive of resources that would otherwise be customer facing”. He highlighted its requirement to perform multiple stress tests,
Farms sale reaps £249m for Co-op The Co-operative’s 118 years of cropgrowing came to an end with the sale of its farming business to the Wellcome Trust for £249m. The struggling mutual will use the proceeds to pay down debt and invest in its remaining operations, which include food shops, funeralcare and insurance. The deal involves 15 farms, including three packing sites, and almost 40,000 acres of land. The Co-op said it was pleased to have found a buyer that will continue to invest and develop the farms business, which dates back to 1896. The sites grow a variety of cereals, including wheat for bread flour, and a number of fruit and vegetables, such as potatoes, cider apples and peas. However, the enterprise was not considered a core business to the Co-op as it supplies only a small proportion of the food sold in its stores. The move follows last month’s sale of its pharmacy stores to Bestway for £620m. The Wellcome Trust, which is the world’s second highest-spending charitable foundation, has a property estate valued at about £1.8bn. Danny Truell, chief investment officer of the Wellcome Trust, said the organisation valued stewardship over quick profits and had extensive and successful interests in UK property and farmland.
as well as the impact of the UK’s ongoing competition review and moves towards the establishment of a ring-fence of its risky trading activities by 2019. The UK’s big four banks - which include HSBC - currently face a fullscale competition probe that could result in a shake-up of the sector and even see them broken up. And newly-confirmed rules - which will come into force in January in time for the next round of City bonuses - will mean pay-outs can be clawed back up to seven years after they are handed out. The bank has more than 250,000 staff worldwide. It said concerns over the pace of the economic recovery in many major markets and a backdrop of geopolitical tensions meant it was not the right time to expand its risk appetite to offset the effect of lower revenues. HSBC has slashed more than 40,000 jobs and disposed of over 60 businesses over the last three years under a cost-cutting drive by chief executive Stuart Gulliver. Shares closed up 5.7p at 635p or 0.9% following the results.
Union backers ‘scaremongering’
Smaller stores now the fashion
Campaigners for the Union have been accused of “scaremongering” about the impact of independence on Scotland’s financial sector – with a former Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) boss insisting this would be “an opportunity not a threat”. Sir George Mathewson, a former RBS chief executive and chairman, argued that financial services in Scotland had been “neglected by the Westminster
The biggest supermarket firms have slammed on the brakes in their race for space and downsized plans for new sites to their lowest level since the 2008 financial crisis. Grocery retailers proposed 15.2m sq ft of new shopping space at the end of March against a high of more than 18m sq ft in 2010, when giant out-of-town stores were seen as the future for the industry.
government and its Londoncentric policy”. He also claimed that banks such as RBS and Lloyds could “scarcely be described as Scottish banks”, adding that if there was a Yes vote in next month’s referendum it should be the rest of the UK government that should be primarily responsible for dealing with the situation. Sir George also gave his backing to Scottish Government
plans for a currency union with the rest of the UK to be established if there is a Yes vote on September 18, allowing an independent Scotland to continue to use the pound. These proposals have already been dismissed by the three main Westminster parties. Last week, Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond was accused of a “huge deception” over his plan.
But the “big four” have since come under increasing pressure from discounters such as Lidl and Aldi, which plan to double the number of their smaller retail stores in the next decade as they enjoy record sales. The figures from property agent CBRE also showed the amount of new shopping space with planning permission and under construction
fell by 30% on the year to 2.5m sq ft in response to changing customer habits. CBRE retail director Christopher Keen said the shift to smaller stores was partly a response to changing consumer shopping patterns, but also because they cost less to build, had less impact on the trade of existing stores and were easier to secure planning permission for.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN
American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys
£51.54 £75.06 £38.10 £58.51 £20.24 £58.53 £25.61 44.53 £43.39 £47.48
AEROSPACE & DEFENCE
Avon Rbbr BAE Systems Chemring Cobham Meggitt Rolls-Royce Senior
660 4255/8 2011/4 2901/2 5031/2 1039 258
AIM
600 Group API Grp Brady Plc Highland Gold Mining Johnson Service Grp London Security M”S Intl Nichols Redhall Group Scapa Grp Youngs GKN Barclays
21 701/2 77 72 581/2 £233/4 194 985 201/2 1261/4 995
AUTOMOBILES & PARTS BANKS
+0.21 -0.88 -0.02 -0.15 +0.72 +0.34 +0.16 -0.27 -21/2 -1/2 -21/4 -5/8 -2 -1 -43/8 -13/8 +13/4 -1 -3 /2 1
-3 -191/2
3443/4
+7/8
224
-1/4
Bk Ireland HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart Barr (AG) Diageo SABMiller Croda Elementis 98 Johnsn Mat
213/8 635 733/8 3521/2 1219
BEVERAGES
6641/2 17601/2 £317/8
CHEMICALS
Drax Gp SSE
+21/2 -3 -41/2 -171/2 -1/8
£211/8 2681/2 £283/4
+21/8
244 1377 2543/4 861/2 1633/4
+41/4 -9 -21/2 +1 +13/4
689 1440
+1/2 +2
CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
Balfour Beatty C”R”H Costain Low Bonar Marshalls
+3/8 +53/4
ELECTRICITY
595 2821/4 315 1233 77
-20 -11/4 +13/4 +3 -11/2
EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS
Alliance Trust Br Assets Candover Inv Dunedin Inv Dunedin Sml Edin Invst
438 /2 134 564 2651/2 1995/8 6071/2 1
£261/8 3785/8 506 814 2473/4 2107/8 6971/2
-1/8 +21/2 +1 +10 +23/4 +3/8
377 /8 473/4 1381/8 1013/4 3083/8
-4 /4 +1/8 -31/4 +3/4 -41/8
1681/4 3073/4 2503/4 108
-11/8 -31/8 -27/8 -1
FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
BT Grp Cable & Wireless Comm Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom
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FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS
ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced Ox Instmts Volex
Electra Private Equity Forgn & C Henderson Smllr Cos North American Inc Scot Am Scottish Mortgage Witan
-2
-5 -1/2 +15/8
Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco Thorntons AB Food Carrs Millg REA Hldgs Tate Lyle Unilever
FOOD PRODUCERS
- /8 +21/2
3071/4 8441/2 8021/2 1876 8581/2
+3/8 +41/2 +1/2 -1 +21/2
3721/4 1261 3451/8 1896
-1
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GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES
Centrica National Grid Pennon Grp Severn United Utils
GENERAL FINANCIAL
3i Group Close Bros ICAP London StockExch
Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
113 /4 1633/4 8441/2 £251/4 1
+ /4 +13/4 +41/2 -3/8 1
-11/2 -1/4
-15/8 -7
6677.52 down 1.66
Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV
121 £21 £23 1814
GENERAL INDUSTRIALS
Smith DS Smiths Grp
261 /4 1290 1
GENERAL RETAILERS
Ashley L Carphone Whse Dixons Retail Home Retail Inchcape Kingfisher M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith
251/2 3367/8 521/8 1675/8 647 3001/2 4223/4 240 £67 £611/8 1087
+41/4 +1/8 -1/4 -1 +2 /8 +5 3
+1/2 +2 +3/8 +51/8 +61/2 -1/4 -43/4 +23/4 -1/8 +1 -13
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
Smith Nph
1058
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
Aga Rangemaster
154
3447/8 1495 1246 £511/2 1097/8
-65/8 -32 -13 -5/8 -21/4
3361/2 1417 1621/2 601/4 £261/2 £251/4
-31/2 -28 -2 -1/2 -1/8 -3/8
1331/4
+3/4
3123/4
-11/2
4935/8 3227/8 233 1941/4 13481/2 3643/8
-1/8 -33/4 +7/8
858 8201/2 2041/4 41/8 1114 943 3561/4 191 6191/2 2191/2 1177
-18 -10 -13/8 -1/8 -23 -4 -91/4 -7 -5 +11/2 -3
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
FTSE closed at 1
£27 /8 18121/2 465 6381/2 £253/8 5
Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey
Local shares
-7
-23/4
Fenner I”M”I Molins Renold Spirax-Sarco Weir Grp Ferrexpo
INDUSTRIAL METALS
INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
BBA Aviation
LIFE INSURANCE
Aviva Friends Life Gp Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Standard Life
BSkyB D Mail Tst ITV Johnston Press Pearson Reed Elsevier STV Group Trinity Mirror Utd Business UTV WPP
MEDIA
+6 -11/8
MINING
Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kazakhmys Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES
1585 811 £201/8 9411/2 3233/8 2221/4 £335/8 1070
+5 +11/2
-4
721 /2 1963/8
-4
Sage Group
1441 1022 £297/8 4501/2
-19 -8 -1/8 -11/4
12211/2 4841/2 1731/4 318 £241/8 £253/8 £385/8 722
+13 +15/8 -5/8 -31/2
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NONLIFE INSURANCE
Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Ins Gp
OIL & GAS PRODUCERS
BG BP Cairn Energy Premier Oil Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell B Total Tullow Oil
OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
AMEC Petrofac Wood Gp(J)
1115 1093 726
PERSONAL GOODS
Burberry Gp PZ Cussons
1410 365 £435/8
697 630 596 3225/8 1035 3553/4
+1/8 +3/8 -7 -3 -18 -4 -1 +47/8 +1/4
+131/2 +1/4 -2 -5 +21/2 -1 -1 +1
SOFTWARE & COMPUTER SERVICES 366
SUPPORT SERVICES
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY
Astrazeneca
1430 £49
REAL ESTATE
Brit Land Gt Portland Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO
+51/2 +8 -43/4
MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Inmarsat Vodafone Group
GlaxoSmithKline Shire
Berendsen Bunzl Capita Connect Group De La Rue Elctro Com Electrocomp Experian G4S Hays Homeserve Interserve Menzies J Northgate Prem Farnell Rentokil Travis & P Wolseley
1038 1579 1170 148 7151/2 2363/8 2363/8 1008 249 1201/2 3013/8 611 664 493 178 1177/8 1703 £303/4
-7 -6 -10 -2 -61/2 -3/4 -3/4 -1 -21/4 -3/8 +15/8 -23 -3 -31/4 -11/4 +13/4 +14
843 £1121/4 961/4
-5 -1/8 -23/8
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT
ARM Hldgs IBM Spirent Comms
TOBACCO
Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
£341/8 £253/8
-1/4
TRAVEL & LEISURE Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airl Ladbrokes Marston’s Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Punch Taverns Rank Org Restaurant Grp Ryanair Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread William Hill
827/8 £211/8 9491/2 1275 121 1221/4 £217/8 806 £235/8 327 1301/2 1401/2 373 2571/4 91/2 159 601 5381/2 355 3581/4 £421/4 3411/2
-17/8 -1/4 -71/2 -23 -11/8 -31/8 -3/8 -10 -1/8 -111/4 -1/4 -21/4 -4 +1/8 +1/8 -25/8 -7 -21/8 -51/4 -21/2 -1/2 -11/2
INDEX FTSE 100 FTSE 250
6677.52 15362.57
-1.66 -40.13
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Sold on the idea of running a business When Pete Evans was a 16-yearold student, his school report classed him as “shy and retiring”. It’s hardly a description that applies today – with the Netherton man in big demand from individuals and businesses keen to benefit from his coaching skills in the areas of selling and business and leadership development. As managing director of his own company, Altum V Ltd, Pete works with organisations of all sizes and in a range of sectors, including financial services and accountancy, law and even video production. He says: “I work with a lot of people who run businesses. They want to learn how to sell ‘professionally’ not in a ‘hard sell’ sort of way. The aim is to inspire people and give them the confidence to sell. That’s where I can have a positive impact. “I work with a strong team of associates and partners when projects require people with different skills to mine – it might be marketing or PR, for instance. I collaborate with people who share the same values and ethics to create added value for the client. The focus is always on the client first.” Says Pete: “In my view, the world of sales is changing dramatically. Ten or 15 years ago if someone turned up at the door to sell you something they would spend the first 10 or 15 minutes handing out brochures and giving you a history lesson about their company and telling you how good they were. “Selling is now about the buyer. They can go on the web, to LinkedIn or Twitter and they can find out so much about you. “Selling is about building a rapport and a relationship with the customer. It’s about listening carefully to your client about the challenges they face. “The word ‘convince’ contains the word ‘con’. If I have to convince you to buy something I am not creating a deep level of trust that is required. That’s a much better relationship because it is more sustainable.” As a “shy and retiring” young-
ster, Pete grew up in Wigan and could build up a rapport better after A-levels studied Spanish at with business owners. They would Hull University. As part of his give you a straight answer. It degree, he spent a year in Grana- stretched my skills and I was in an da teaching English to Spanish environment where I still had to students and selling for a lan- learn. It led me to get referrals to guage school. “It was my first foray other businesses as well.” into selling,” he recalls. Peter moved to the Leeds office After completing his degree, of Friends Provident in 1996 and Pete joined the graduate training within 12 months had become scheme with Royal Insurance in the office’s “top producer”. Liverpool. He worked in the HR He says: “I hadn’t been given a department dealing with recruit- large client base. I had to build up ment, leadership training and my network. That taught me a lot getting involved in negotiations about myself as an individual – with the union. that I could build networks and be Pete became a graduate recruit- successful. ment officer responsible for “It was a great business to work recruiting, training and develop- with. Friends Provident had great ing 50 graduates trainees each products and it was an ethical year before being made redun- business. We got fantastic sales dant in 1992 when the company training and we were well-led. axed hundreds of jobs as part of a The training was all about how to re-structuring. interact with people and build “I was kept on for six months to long-term relationships.” carry out job searches for other After what Pete calls his employees who were being made “apprenticeship” in selling, he set redundant,” he says. “I had strong up his own business as a “rep” for links with the local schools and Friends Provident. “Suddenly, I employers.” had moved from being employed With a background in financial to being self-employed,” he says. services and a growing interest in “It was a big leap. Although I had a working in sales, Pete joined lot of the skills, it was still a huge Friends Provident in Liverpool as learning curve, I had offices and a member of its direct sales force staff and I learned a lot about – visiting individuals and busi- myself. I learned that just because nesses to offer you are a good advice on sales person, pensions, that doesn’t investment mean you and protecare a good tion prodbusinessucts. man. “After a “I learned couple of so much years, I had about who done all the you could courses and trust and I training learned and I began about keepto have a lot ing an eye on of success,” the numsays Pete. “I bers.” enjoyed Pete says g i v i n g he became advice to disenchantbusiness ed with the owners financial more than I services secdid to pritor as the vate indiincreasing viduals. I ■■ Pete Evans is passing on his skills regulatory
Pete Evans Role: Managing director Age: 50 Family: Partner Mandy and children Emma, 12, and Sam, nine Holidays: Spain and the Far East First job: Working night shifts at a Mother’s Pride bakery Best thing about the job? I love inspiring people to achieve success and get outside their comfort zone Worst thing about the job? Dealing with negative people. I am a firm believer that if you want things to change, it’s down to you Business tip: Having belief in yourself when others doubt you. Be determined burden grew. “I found myself doing more and more paperwork and less time sitting in front of people,” he says. “Some of my clients were asking me to do sales training in their companies, so I took a change of direction with all the skills I had developed.” Now he is in demand from companies across West Yorkshire and further afield. “I do a lot of work getting the culture right in a business,” he says. “Selling is still seen as a dirty word. But you can have a sales culture which involves being authentic, genuine, open and transparent – and selling on value rather than price. “You can have a fantastic product, but if you don’t back that up with great customer service, it won’t work. “Sales is much more than the sales person – it’s everyone in the organisation. Every employee is indirectly selling because the way they behave or dress has an influence on the organisation and my impression of it. The better the impression they create, the more likely I am to buy something.” Pete enjoys travelling and Rugby League as well as spending family time. But he’s also passionate about learning and helping people. He carries out pro bono work for charities and several start-ups. “I wanted to give something back to people who have not had the opportunities I have had,” he says, His business is also an approved GrowthAccelerator coach. One of Pete’s major inspirations has been American business “guru” Bob Burg. “A number of years ago I read his book, Endless Referrals,” says Pete. “I used a lot of the techniques in the book to build my financial services business. “In 2010, he co-wrote a book called The Goal Giver, which spells out five principles of success. Those principles were ones I could build into my business. “Two years ago, I became a certified Gola Giver coach and I’m the only practising one in the UK. One of my goals for 2015 is to bring Bob over to the UK to speak.”
Altum V Ltd Work: Working with individuals and businesses to help them grow and develop and sell in professional way Site: Netherton Phone: 07908 452930 Email: peter@altumv.com Web: www. altum-v.com
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4
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Markets remain resilient despite global upheavals
Orchard surges ahead Elland-based utility management consultancy Orchard Energy has completed the first phase of investment in its water division ahead of deregulation of the market in England. The firm announced plans to expand its water management service last year and has since recruited a specialist team to work with businesses in the run up to 2017, when competition in the water market will be introduced. Gareth Henderson (pictured), managing director of Orchard Energy, said the expansion would build on the work already being done by the company’s office in Scotland where the market was deregulated in 2008. “By investing in this emerging market we hope to maximise our growth potential and put ourselves at the forefront of utility management,” he said. “Water is a natural bolt-on to our energy operations and, alongside the services offered by our sister businesses Orchard Environmental and Orchard Networks, will enable us to offer our corporate clients cost management and efficiency planning across all utilities.”
The first half of 2014 has been very much a tale of two quarters, with a difficult start to the year giving way to more benign market conditions. Many global equity indices have reached record highs, although the UK’s flagship FTSE 100 Index continues to stall tantalisingly short of its 1999 peak. Investors in all asset classes have enjoyed positive returns, with bond yields falling once again and gold and other commodities recovering after a poor 2013. Some of the best returns have been seen in long-dated bonds. This all looked very unlikely in February as Russian forces entered the Crimea region of Ukraine, but the situation has remained contained and there has been limited appetite on either side to escalate the conflict. However, geopolitics has emerged as investors’ greatest fear in recent months. The latest unrest in Iraq has focused attention on the risks to global crude oil supplies; although for now the majority of productive capacity, which is in the south of the country, remains unscathed. The one constant in all of this has been the low level of interest available on cash
CITY TALK Nick Gartland deposits, and this continues to influence investor behaviour as the search for income endures. What started with the successful flotation of well-known companies with a long track record (for example Royal Mail and Merlin Entertainments) turned into a speculative free-for-all with sellers taking advantage of euphoric conditions to set lofty prices. Companies such as AO World and Just Eat continue to trade below their issue prices. Sellers and buyers now appear to be reaching a better understanding as AA and TSB both trade close to their issue prices. In the US, the flotation of the
Nick Gartland, Senior Financial Planning Director, Investec Wealth & Investment
Engineering a gold medal An engineering business in Elland has won a major health and safety award. Weir Valves and Controls UK Ltd, based at The Ainleys, has received a prestigious gold medal in the RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards 2014. The gold medal is awarded to a company that has achieved the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accident’s “gold” standard for five consecutive years. Representatives from the team at Weir Valves and Controls UK will be
presented with the award during a ceremony at the Hilton Glasgow on September 17. The RoSPA Awards, which date back 58 years, recognise commitment to continuous improvement in accident and ill-health prevention at work. Colin Somers, Weir’s environment safety and health manager, said: “We are proud to have our efforts in reducing safety related incidents recognised in this way. It is a tribute to the efforts of the entire workforce.”
Wealth & Investment. A wealth of know-how With more than 150 years’ experience of serving clients by investing their money wisely, Investec Wealth & Investment have the knowledge and expertise you need regarding your investments, pensions or other financial matters. Please bear in mind that the value of investments and the income derived from them can go down as well as up and that you may not get back the amount that you have put in. For further information please visit our website, call Simon Kaye on 0113 245 4488 or email simon.kaye@investecwin.co.uk investecwin.co.uk Individuals
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dare-devils’ favourite camera company, GoPro, has reignited the IPO market, rising from $24 to $47 in the first four trading days. Mergers and acquisitions have finally returned with a vengeance, confirming a pick-up in the confidence of executives. Global M&A in the first half of this year is up 75% on the same period in 2013. The main beneficiary has been the healthcare sector, and two leading UK companies, Astra Zeneca and Shire have been on the receiving end of bids. Pfizer had to admit defeat in its pursuit of Astra, but Shire and AbbVie have reached an agreement on a merger.
Other rumoured targets include Intercontinental Hotels and SAB Miller, hardly small companies. M&A tends to be a later cycle phenomenon, but even the levels of activity seen so far are well short of historic peaks, so we believe that markets will continue to garner support from this activity. The fact that markets have remained resilient in the face of geopolitical and economic challenges is encouraging and we continue to be vigilant for new risks. However, it is clear that the central banks are in no mood to choke off the recovery prematurely, so any shock to markets is likely to be “external” (that is geopolitical or even geological) and therefore somewhat harder to predict. In balanced portfolios, we retain a decent exposure to “insurance” assets such as sovereign bonds, but fail to see much upside potential in that asset class. Further equity gains continue to be largely dependent upon rising earnings and much higher valuations would be seen as unsustainable, but we see no reason to step back from markets currently.
Safety consultation for self-employed RISKY BUSINESS Mark Weeks The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is inviting views on the proposed definitions of those self-employed people who will continue to have duties under health and safety law. Under current proposals, selfemployed persons will be exempt from Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA) except those undertaking activities on a prescribed list. On Monday, July 7, the HSE launched an online consultation that explains the prescribed activities, as well as seeking views on the proposed definitions. The consultation will run for eight weeks, closing on 31 August. Responses will be analysed once it is closed. The health and safety law still applies to anyone who undertakes prescribed activities. Prescribed activities are those that have high rates of injuries and/or fatalities, such as agriculture; where there is a
significant risk to members of the public, for example fairground attractions; where there is the potential for mass fatalities, such as explosives; and where there is a European Union obligation to retain the general duty on self-employed persons, for example at temporary or mobile construction sites. The HSE is keen for anyone who carries out these prescribed activities to get in touch so they can make sure that the health and safety law is defined and easy to understand. They also want to provide clear health and safety guidance to all self-employed workers in an accessible way. The feedback they expect to receive from this consultation will help them to do this. Anybody who wants to have their say on the proposal should visit the HSE website. The proposed changes are still subject to parliamentary clearance, and if approved, are likely to come into effect in 2015.
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Member firm of the London Stock Exchange. Member of NYSE Liffe. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Investec Wealth & Investment Limited is registered in England. Registered No. 2122340. Registered Office: 2 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7QP.
Mark Weeks is a risk management consultant at Wilby Ltd
2014
ENTER NOW Our Awards celebrate dynamic, engaging, inspirational businesses from across the region. The awards are free to enter and culminate in a celebratory awards ceremony and dinner. Deadline for entries: Friday 29th August 2014 For information and an entry form‌ Visit: www.examinerbusinessawards.co.uk Call: 01484 437702 Email: businessawards@examiner.co.uk
6
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Unite Students lights the way ahead A leading provider and manager of student accommodation has embarked on a £21m investment in energy-efficient lighting. Unite Students, which has three locations in Huddersfield – Snow Island and Saw Mill at King’s Mill Lane and Firth Point at Firth Street – has partnered lighting company Philips to install energy efficient light-emitting diode (LED) lighting throughout its properties over the next two years. Unite Students, which provides accommodation for 41,000 students in more than 120 properties UK-wide, is putting £9.6m into the initiative with the rest funded by its co-investment partners.
The company said it was making the investment to improve the physical space within its properties so that students feel more at home, to increase the energy efficiency of its buildings and to reduce the running cost of its portfolio. The firm expects to see payback within five years and the resulting cost savings and service efficiencies will allow Unite Students to make service improvements such as free cleaning and longer reception hours at no additional cost. The move is expected to reduce energy consumption by about 10% to 15% a year and reduce lightingrelated maintenance activity. It will mean annual carbon sav-
ings of about 2,000 tonnes of CO2 a year – equivalent to the total annual emissions of 400 typical UK households. This will reduce Unite’s overall carbon footprint by about 3.5%. More than 300,000 new light fittings and 85,000 sensors and dimmers will be installed in corridors, kitchens, lounges, common rooms and reception spaces as well as outdoor areas. The upgrade will provide high quality lighting for staff and students to create a better working and living environment. Installing dimmer switches and colour change lamp in every bedroom will also allow students to personalise their lighting to suit study, relaxation or socialising. ■■ Mark Sykes (left) and Martin Hemmingway, of Suretile Products with the Tiletracker, a device for leveling wall tiles
Tiling device that’s on track for more success Jagger Hill Farm
Jagger Lane, Kirkheaton, Huddersfield, HD5 0RA Detached barn and cottages in 3.2 Acres. Ripe for residential conversion, elevated rural setting.
Former Registry Office
Wellington Street, Dewsbury, WF13 1LY Period town centre office building opposite Railway Station with PP for conversion to 4 flats.
Guide Price: £150,000 – £175,000
Guide Price: £95,000 plus
Former Slaithwaite Library
Grazing Land/ Paddock
8 Britannia Road, Slaithwaite, HD7 5HG Substantial two storey building in high street location suitable for a variety of uses S.T.P.P.
Wilshaw Road, Wilshaw, Meltham, HD9 4DZ 0.96 Acre secure paddock suitable for grazing or equestrian use.
Guide Price: £95,000 plus
Guide Price: £10,000 – £15,000
Edgerton Cemetery Lodge
St Stephens Street
109 Blacker Road, Edgerton, Huddersfield, HD2 2AX Detached former Groundsman’s cottage requiring modernisation.
Copley Village, Halifax, HX3 0UJ 10 residential investment properties, let to Rent Act Protected Sitting Tenants in Heritage model village and conservation area. To be sold individually. Rare investment opportunity.
Guide Price: £75,000 – £95,000
Guide Prices from: £55,000 plus
Building Land
Land at Whitty Lane
Guide Price: £120,000
Guide Price: £4,000 – £5,000
Dryfield House
1/2/3 Gibraltar
Sherwood Avenue, Bradley, Huddersfield, HD2 1RQ 0.38 Acre former council depot/ storage yard with planning consent for 6 houses in a cul-desac development.
207 Healey Lane, Batley, WF17 7HN Substantial period property, formerly council offices set in 2.14 Acres. Suitable for a variety of uses S.T.P.P. Potential for residential development in grounds.
Guide Price: £275,000 plus
Warley, Haliax, HX6 2TZ 0.8 Acres of woodland and small land parcel fronting Burnley Road offering potential as an advertising site.
Parkinson Lane, Halifax, HX1 3UA Quirky collection of period farm buildings comprising two cottages, large workshop/garage with flat over. Interesting development/ investment opportunity.
Guide Prices: (1) £80,000 – £90,000 (2/3) £75,000 – £85,000
A tiling product developed by two Kirklees businessmen is making an impact on the world of DIY. Mirfield man Martin Hemmingway and Lepton-based Mark Sykes have secured a six-month trial with Screwfix Direct for their Tiletracker device, which is designed to help the handyman keep tiles level when fixing them in bathrooms and kitchens. The product now features in Screwfix catalogues and stores and is already selling. The business partners impressed Screwfix bosses at a Meet the Buyer event. Tiletracker has already achieved export success. Customers include Mazaya Alu-
minium, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, one of the country’s biggest manufacturers. The firm placed sample orders for 500 Tiletracker kits, which have recently been shipped out. Said Mr Sykes: “Online sales have been fine and we have gone into a couple of stores in Cambridgeshire through a buying group for builders’ merchants and has drafted in distributors in Huntingdonshire and St Ives, Cornwall. The business partners have also received a strong endorsement from Dave Stott, of Elite Tiling in Manchester, who was named Tile Fixer of the Year in the 2013 awards run by the Tile Association and demonstrates Tiletracker on TV shopping channels and at trade shows.
Home truths for the commercial sector A rise in the number of commercial properties changing hands for conversion to housing is having an adverse impact on the commercial market, it is claimed. A survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in the second quarter of 2014 showed an increase in the number of transactions of commercial properties being sold with Permitted Development Rights (PDR) to be converted into residential properties. The survey of RICS members showed that a net balance of 49% of respondents said this activity was having a “moderate” impact on commercial market activity, while almost one in five – a net balance of 18% – said it was having a “substantial” impact. However, respondents in the North were less affected by PDR transactions with a net balance of 49% saying it was having “no effect” on the market against 32% of respondents in the south saying the effect was “substantial”. Overall availability of commercial property declined at its fastest rate since the commercial market series began in 1998 – with a net balance of 33% more surveyors reporting shortages. There were sharp declines in office and indus-
trial space availability while the lack of supply to the commercial market is pushing investors away from prime location investments and towards “B” grade investments. Across the North of England, over twothirds of respondents said market pressures had forced investors to look at “B” grade commercial property. Some 54% of those polled said investors were looking to secondary assets, while a further 14% said they were moving into secondary and tertiary properties. Looking ahead, expectations for rent levels over the course of 2014 revealed a net balance of 33% more surveyors expecting rent levels to increase throughout the year. Respondents forecast rents will rise by 5.5% in the industrial sector, 4.3% in the offices sector and 2.8% across retail space. Simon Rubinsohn, RICS chief economist, said: “The latest results provide clear evidence that the economic recovery is broadening out across the country with rising employment increasing the demand for space in all sectors of the market. As a result, the balance of power is now shifting back to landlords.”
7
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
£16m support for new homes A housing association has secured £16m to build affordable homes across Yorkshire. Yorkshire Housing – which earlier this year unveiled a £1.75m residential development at Bath Street in Huddersfield – has received £16m of Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) grant funding. The new homes will form part of the association’s ambitious plans to build 1,500 new homes in the region between 2015 and 2018. The programme will not only tackle the lack of affordable homes in the area, but also boost employment in the region by creating an estimated 1,000 jobs. Ged Walsh, director of new business and development at Yorkshire Housing, said: “We are very pleased to have received an allocation of over £16m from the HCA. “When this is combined with our own resources, it will allow us to build over £70m of new homes
■■ Yorkshire Housing’s £1.75m residential development of Roseda House in Huddersfield
in Yorkshire. “This is a big boost to the region’s economy and it will provide over 1000 jobs in the area. “By working with the local HCA office, we are very pleased to have agreed a new programme that works for us and helps to provide new homes at a reasonable cost to the public purse. “The confidence the HCA have in us to deliver this programme is a reflection of the close working relationship we have built up over the years.” The National Housing Federation Report “Home Truths” identified a yearly shortfall of 16,300 homes in Yorkshire and the Humber. It also highlighted that while workers in the region have seen the average wage rise by just 25% between 2002 and 2012, house prices have rocketed more than three times as fast – by a staggering 81%. Yorkshire Housing chief execu-
tive Mervyn Jones said: “At the moment, there are too many people being forced to live in unsuitable accommodation, including young adults living with parents and families living in cramped conditions. “This is happening because people can’t afford to rent or buy anywhere which meets their needs. To tackle this crisis we need to build more affordable homes. “We are keen to do our bit, which is why we have are committed to providing 1,500 new affordable homes over the next three years.” Yorkshire Housing manages more than 16,000 affordable homes across North, South and West Yorkshire as well and providing a wide range of care and support services. Roseda House at Bath Street provides 16 two-bedroom apartments targeted at working people on low or average incomes and available to let at 20% below standard market rent.
Commercial Residential, Commercial & Industrial Surveyors, Estate Agents, Auctioneers & Property Management Consultants CARTWRIGHT COURT, BRADLEY BUSINESS PARK HD2 1GN
For Sale
ACRE STREET, HUDDERSFIELD HD3 3DU
High Quality Modern Offices
Retail Shop/Offices Premises
198.86 sqm (2,140 sqft) GIA
110.36 sqm (1,188 sqft) with Basement
Situated in a popular business park
May Split
Convenient for Huddersfield town centre and the M62 motorway
Prominent Location Popular Trading Position
8 Car parking spaces
Suitable for a variety of trades
EPC Asset Rating D
EPC Asset Rating C
To Let
ALLEN ROW, HUDDERSFIELD HD1 4SB
WESTBOURNE ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD HD1 4LF
To Let
Modern Industrial Unit
First Floor Office Accommodation
151.69 sqm (1,632 sqft)
43.78 sqm (472 sqft)
Situated on a popular secure business park
Fully Inclusive Rent (excluding business rates)
Approximately 2 miles from Huddersfield town centre
Prominent main road position
Good loading and car parking
In close proximity of Huddersfield town centre EPC Rating B
14 St Georges Square, Huddersfield HD1 1JF
t: 01484 530361 e:
To Let
commercial@bramleys1.co.uk
www.bramleys.com/commercial
8
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Nicola’s charity celebration A social media and marketing business is marking its first 12 months of trading with a party to raise funds for the Bradley-based Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice. Nicola Mellor (pictured) set up Pepamint in 2013 through the new Enterprise Allowance Scheme which supports people coming into work from being unemployed. To celebrate its first birthday, Pepamint is hosting a birthday party from 7pm on Friday, August 15, at the Voda Bar in John William Street, Huddersfield – with all money raised going to the hospice. Said Nicola: “My first year in business with Pepamint has been fantastic and I wanted to mark the end of my first 12 months with a celebration. “Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice do some fantastic work across West Yorkshire for children with life-shortening conditions and I am delighted to be able to support them with the proceeds from my party.” Jason Costello, head of community fundrais-
Firm fuels up for a Siberian challenge By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
ing at the charity, said: “We would like to wish Pepamint a very happy first birthday, “I know how much hard work Nicola has put in over the past 12 months and we are really grateful for their support from their birthday party.” The Pepamint party will have entertainment from magician Thomas Anthony plus a singer to be announced shortly. Go to mintparty.eventbrite.com Forget Me Not Children’s hospice has supported more than 100 children and their families across Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield through its hospice at home service and stateof-the-art hospice, Russell House.
Tour de France charity race Two Kirklees businessmen are getting on their bikes to raise funds for charity. Alexis Bradbury (pictured), of Bradley-based Browndog Design, and Dave Sowerby, owner of Sowerby Cycles in Mirfield, will be part of an eight-strong team competing in the Trois Etapes, a gruelling race pitting 15 different charity teams against each other over the course of three mountain stages of the Tour de France, in the Pyrenees. The three-day challenge gets under way on Thursday. Aliex and Dave join one professional and five amateur cyclists raising cash for the Mirfield-based Hollybank Trust, which provides whole life care for more than 100 young people and adults with severe disabilities. Said Alexis: “The great thing for us cyclists is that the team will be able to race in as close to real Tour de France conditions as possible - with team cars, masseurs, nutritionists and race directors for each team. “Over the course of
movers and shakers
A Dewsbury company is providing vital equipment for a two-month expedition which aims to raise thousands of pounds for charity. Parker Racor, which specialises in fuel, oil and air filtration, has supplied heavy-duty filters for the Vivaro Siberia Challenge – a twomonth expedition that aims to raise £10,000 for military charity Help for Heroes. The challenge, spearheaded by Vauxhall and managed by expedition experts Max Adventure, involves a 12,000-mile journey across Europe, Turkey, Mongolia and Siberia. The route’s varied terrain ranges from dual carriageways, graded dirt and broken tarmac to the Steppe of Mongolia – so the team and its three new front wheel drive Vivaro vans will be tested to the limits. Dirt and water are practically unavoidable in stored fuel, causing microbial growth, corrosive acids, electrolysis and rust. These contaminants can plug filters, corrode components and cause engine shutdown or system failure. In extreme environments, the risk of fuel being contaminated is even higher. Parker’s specialist filters separate damaging free water and contaminates from gasoline, diesel, kerosene and heating oil. This will assist the high-tech fuel systems in the new vehicles to continue operating correctly and reliably, even in the toughest conditions.
■■ The Parker Racor team backing the Vivaro Siberia Challenge
The expedition leader Mac MacKenney, a former Royal Air Force pilot who also supported Sir Ranulph Fiennes in his last North Pole expedition, said: “To keep our 1.6 litre bi-turbo engines running on rough diesel, it’s vital that any water or impurities don’t enter the fuel tank. “The vehicles we’re using for the expedition
are unmodified, but by using a Racor filter, we can keep the tank clean and protect the engine.” The team is set to arrive in the remote Siberian city of Magadan at the end of August. The expedition’s progress can be followed by going to www.maxadventure.co.uk/SiberiaChallenge.
Lawyers in contention for top prizes
the three days, the race will cover many of the famous Pyrenees climbs, with a total of over 24,000 feet of climbing! “The Trois Etapes has raised in excess of $4.8m for its charities over the past 12 months, so it is a fantastic opportunity for one of Huddersfield’s charities to raise its profile and attract corporate sponsorship on a global stage.” Alexis said: “Our team is training hard for this event, often following the routes taken by the Yorkshire stages of the Tour. Fittingly, Jake Womersley, the grandson of Brian Robinson, who was the first Briton to win a stage of the Tour de France, is also a member of the team.”
A Huddersfield solicitor has beaten off competition from legal firms across the region to be shortlisted in this year’s Yorkshire Legal Awards. Penny Manock (pictured), head of family law at Wilkinson Woodward Norcliffe & Co, is one of just four nominees shortlisted in the Family Law Award category of the awards. Maureen Cawthorn, managing director at Wilkinson Woodward Norcliffe & Co, said: “From her early days as a trainee solicitor to her appointment as head of our family law team, Penny has continually
demonstrated her heartfelt commitment to clients, the development of the practice and the wider legal profession. “Under Penny’s leadership, our family law department has developed into one of the largest family practices in Kirklees and we’re delighted she has been recognised alongside other well-respected family law experts on the shortlist.” Meanwhile, two teams at Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith have been shortlisted for the awards – the corporate and commercial team and the dispute resolution team. Both teams carry out a huge variety
of work in their respective areas. The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony on October 16 in Leeds. Wilkinson Woodward Norcliffe & Co, with offices in Huddersfield, Halifax and Brighouse, was established in 1888 and has a team of lawyers with a range of specialisms. The practice also incorporates Boococks estate agents and lettings agency in Halifax. Eaton Smith, formed by the merger of Eaton Smith & Downey and Marshall Mills & Sykes in 1997, runs its own Business of the Month and Business of the Year awards.
■■ Solicitor Penny Manock
Karen makes tracks to the IoD awards
■■ Finalist Karen Boswell
East Coast Rail chief executive Karen Boswell is among high-profile business leaders from Yorkshire to be shortlisted for the national IoD Director of the Year Award. Ms Boswell, who steered the rail company to profitability and is now gearing up East Coast Rail for reprivatisation next year, has been shortlisted in the large company category for the October finals in
London. Yorkshire’s SME sector has been boosted with Gav Winter, managing director of the Test People, shortlisted in the small and medium category while Julia Gash, founder and managing director of Bag it Don’t Bin it, has also been recognised for her achievements as one of the UK’s brightest entrepreneurs. Gary Verity, chief execu-
tive of Welcome to Yorkshire and the man who fronted the successful “Le Grand Depart” in Yorkshire, is shortlisted in the public and third sector category. Andrew Seaton, managing director of Resolve IT Solutions, is among contenders for the young director award. Winners of the seven categories will be revealed at a celebratory lunch on October 24 at the Lancas-
ter London hotel. Natalie Sykes, regional director for the Institute of Directors, said Yorkshire directors had a “phenomenal record” of achievement at the national Director of the Year Awards with both Graham Honeyman, of Sheffield Forgemasters, and Batley-born Lawrence Tomlinson, of LNT Group, being named overall Directors of the Year on previous occasions.