Kirklees Business News 06/03/12

FTSE 100

ANGELA THOMPSON Industry’s sad legacy

-36.31 5874.82

Full inter view - Page 3

WILL MORRIS Repor ting rules change Column - Page 4

An EXAMINER publication

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees

Galloping ahead in the export stakes MEMBERS of the Saudi royal family hold a Huddersfield company in high regard – for helping them pursue their main sporting passion.

For the past two years, logistics specialist Lombard Shipping plc, which operates seven depots in the UK and Ireland, has ensured that a vast range of equine products arrive safely and on time at the stables of King Abdullah in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

These range from horse feed and medicines to wood chippings and even a forklift truck.

The company, with offices at Fitzwilliam Street near Huddersfield town centre, co-ordinates the shipment of products to the stables from around the world – not only to the king but also to a vast equestrian centre built by a close family member.

The firm’s detailed knowledge of the global logistics scene has ensured that Lombard Shipping has seen enviable levels of stability and growth during the downturn.

Lombard Shipping has been closely associated with Saudi Arabia for 15 years. The company handles all transportation for a giant multi-million pound Saudi-based company as well

as other businesses in the kingdom.

But its customer base extends to every continent.

“We’ve been dealing with Saudi Arabia since 1997 and it’s just carried on growing since then,” said director Alan Foulkes.

“In places like Saudi, there has been so much expansion that they need people like us who know the market.

We pick up our business through word of mouth and we often get recommended by our main customer there.”

For the vast bulk of its clientele, L o m b a r d S h i p p i n g o ff e r s a n all-inclusive service.

After being issued with an invoice the firm takes care of all logistic arrangements, charging an agency fee.

The company, which uses Bradford-based Chamber International for documentation such as certificates of origin, has long-standing customers across the UK and worldwide, although none from the Yorkshire area.

The firm, which was set up 25 years ago, reported a “significant” upswing in business over the past couple of years while other businesses have been struggling to handle the downturn.

Broad Oak managing director Paul Mulcock has been working with Andrew Jones, business development manager for AJ Pies & Pastries, on the recruitment process.

Said Paul: “It’s been a very rewarding challenge to recruit the new teams in place at AJ Pies & Pastries in addition to the larger fast-moving consumer goods businesses we work with nationwide.

“We are pleased to contribute to the growth of a local business, especially one which is so cherished in the region.

“By planting great people into their business, we have ensured that the foundations are in place on which to further grow the AJ

Housing ‘the key’ SUPPORT for housebuilding is the best way for Chancellor George Osborne to help the Government create jobs and boost the economy, claims the Federation of Master Builders.

FMB director Brian Berry said action was needed to meet rising demand for new homes, help first-time buyers struggling to get on the housing ladder and encourage take-up of the Green Deal energy saving programme.

● Full story - Page 7

■ HOLDING THE REINS: Alan Foulkes (left), director of Lombard Shipping, with office manager Steven Jordan

“The recession hasn’t affected us at all,” said office manager Steven Jordan. “In fact, we’ve never been busier. And everyone we speak to from freight forwarders to engineering companies have been busy.

“Overall, business handled from the Huddersfield office has gone up by at least 40% over the last two years.

“In shipping, there used to be lulls over holiday periods, but we haven’t even seen this for a few years.”

Pie company has the right recipe for success A FOOD manufacturing business in Huddersfield is well-placed for future growth following investment in the business and a link-up with another local firm.

AJ Pies & Pastries, based at Lockwood, has invested in new equipment at its Queen’s Mill Road premises and has also gained grade A British Retail Consortium accreditation for food safety.

T h e c o m p a ny, h a s a l s o recruited a new management team, including technical and sales professionals, and has linked up with Slaithwaite-based search and selection business Broad Oak Solutions.

INSIDE

Pies & Pastries business and brand in the coming months.”

The company has enjoyed a busy Christmas period – with its pork pies flying off the shelves of retailers and other outlets across the region. Now the business is preparing its next stage of development – with further factory investment and other commercial projects lined up.

Paul said: “AJ Pies’ combination of great product range, the passion and commitment of a loyal work force and the willingness to continually invest in people and plant is a recipe for success.

I’m delighted to have played a part ■ UPPER CRUST: Andrew Jones (left), business in their ongoing and deserved suc- development manager for AJ Pies and Pastries Ltd; and Paul Mulcock, of Broad Oak Solutions cess.”

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6, March, 2012

Firm’s still standing HOLMFIRTH firm Black 56 Design completed a major assignment at one of the UK’s biggest events.

The company was appointed to design and construct a 288sq metres stand for giftware importer Widdop Bingham’s appearance at the International Spring Fair held at the NEC in Birmingham.

● Full story - Page 8

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

national

Shares soar after BP’s disaster deal

SHARES in oil giant BP rose sharply after its £4.9bn deal with 110,000 businesses and individuals over the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

The leading blue-chip closed 8.1p or 2% higher at 504.6p as City analysts said the out-of-court settlement worth 7.9bn US dollars was less than expected and a crucial step towards removing uncertainty over the business.

The US Department of Justice is still bringing a federal negligence case against BP following the explosion in April, 2010, which killed 11 workers and caused millions of barrels of oil to leak into the Gulf of Mexico.

If BP is found grossly negligent it could be fined as much as £11bn under the Clean Water Act. Investec Securities analyst Stuart Joyner said: “Despite the tough rhetoric, the hope will be that the government will now settle.

“BP can now argue to have (pretty much) completed the remediation and compensation process to the environment and individuals.

“We suspect it is not in the White House’s interest to drag the process out to the US general election and beyond.”

BP thrashed out an agreement with the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee late on Friday night in one of the largest ever class-action settlements.

It expects the money to come from the £12.6bn compensation fund that it set up following the worst spill in US history.

BP chief executive Bob Dudley said: “From the beginning, BP stepped up to meet our obligations to the communities in the Gulf Coast region and we’ve worked hard to deliver on that commitment for nearly two years.

“The proposed settlement represents

Bookmaker bets on expansion PADDY Power increased its annual profits by 16% as it vowed to ensure it is within the “big-get-bigger” category of bookmakers.

The Dublin-based firm, which has doubled its UK estate to 165 shops in the last two years, said it was a period of “game-changing” developments for the industry, particularly in online betting and new markets.

Paddy Power boosted its number of online customers in the UK by 50% to 710,043 and said profits from internet betting rose by 29% to £61.9m – despite investment costs and less favourable results.

Almost half of its online sportsbook customers used smartphones

to place their bets last month.

Across the group, Paddy Power took £3.8bn of wagers last year, an increase of 19% on the World Cup year in 2010, while pre-tax profits were up to £101m.

Chief executive Patrick Kennedy said that with only 9% of the £238bn global gambling market currently online, there was significant scope fo r c o n t i n u e d s t r o n g m a r ke t growth.

He said that scale will be a pre-requisite to take advantage of the opportunities. “Put simply, we are determined that Paddy Power will be in the ’big-get-bigger’ segment of operators,” he said.

■ SETTLEMENT: Investors have taken heart by BP’s £4.9bn deal over the Deepwater Horizon disaster

significant progress toward resolving issues from the Deepwater Horizon accident and contributing further to economic and environmental restoration efforts along the Gulf Coast.”

In addition to the legal action from the Department of Justice, BP faces action from the states of Alabama and Louisiana and from its partners on the

rig.

A trial in the case that was due to start on Monday has been postponed indefinitely to allow BP to finalise its deal with the PSC. BP had been due in the dock in New Orleans alongside contractors Halliburton and Transocean as a single judge decided who was to blame for what happened when the rig exploded.

All the companies are in dispute with each other over their liability to each other.

The 2010 spill soiled sensitive tidal estuaries and beaches, killed wildlife and closed vast areas of the Gulf to commercial fishing for months.

Dispersants and siphoning equipment and other methods were successful in getting rid of much of the oil in the ocean, but some environmentalists believe oil beneath the surface could return one day to Gulf shores.

Page 2 Dividend booster THE boss of commodities giant Glencore became one of the biggest earners among London’s top 100 companies after he picked up a dividend worth £69m.

Chief executive Ivan Glasenberg, who owns roughly 1.1bn shares or a 15.5% stake, will receive the bumper award after the company unveiled its first full-year dividend of 6.9p a share in its maiden set of annual results as a public company.

The Swiss-based company, which floated on the London Stock Exchange last year, is one of the world’s largest commodities traders with big operations in wheat, iron ore, copper, zinc and oil.

Mr Glasenberg, the group’s largest investor who gets a £925,000 salary, became a paper billionaire with a stake worth £6bn when the firm listed on the FTSE 100 Index in London’s largest stock flotation to date.

Ocado looks to the future Shares sell-off ONLINE grocer Ocado said its operational problems were largely behind it as it looks to focus on driving sales growth this year.

The retailer, which delivers Waitrose and its own products to much of the UK, is looking to bounce back from a loss of £2.4m in 2011 after it struggled with capacity constraints at its Hatfield distribution centre.

Renewed optimsim meant shares closed 0.8p higher at 103.8p as better capacity levels at Hatfield helped to lift gross sales by 11% to £162.1m for the 12 weeks to February 19.

Chief executive Tim Steiner said:

“Evidence suggests we have largely overcome the operational challenges we faced in expanding our Hatfield capacity in the second half of 2011 and are set to meet growing demand through the rest of the year.”

He said Ocado expects to see an acceleration in sales growth as the year progresses.

The average order size for the 12 week period was £115.49, down from £118.06 a year earlier, but the average number of orders per week increased by 13.4% to 116,987.

A second distribution centre at Dordon, Warwickshire, is due to open in the early part of next year.

DUNELM deputy chairman Will Adderley and his wife Nadine have sold 7.5m shares in the home wares company founded by his parents.

The disposal, which raised £36m, amounts to 3.7% of the company and will leave the Adderley family in ownership of 54.9% of the FTSE 250 Index business, which has a store at the Ringway Centre in Huddersfield.

SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £33.14 -0.25 Gannett 920.42 +3.65 Hess Corp £40.32 -0.90 Microsoft £20.02 -0.19 Motors Liquidation 47.26 Wal-Mart Stores £37.25 +0.07 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 3151/2 -2 BAE Systems 308 -2 1 Rolls-Royce 818 /2 -4 AIM Brady Plc 90 Dawson Intl 15/8 Man Brnze 291/2 -1/2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 214 -43/8 BANKS Barclays 2527/8 -37/8 HSBC 5585/8 -103/8 Lloyds Banking Gp 351/2 -1/8 Ryl Scotland 273/8 -5/8 Stan Chart 1612 -131/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 15271/2 +23 SABMiller £257/8 +1/8 CHEMICALS Croda £211/4 -1/4 Elementis 98 1833/4 +71/2 Johnsn Mat £223/4 -1/4 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 272 -7

201 +1/4 ELECTRICITY Drax Gp 503 -7 Intl Power 3661/8 +5/8 SSE 1315 +6 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 1793/4 +3/8 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 371 -33/8 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 2157/8 -3/4 Cable & Wireless 341/8 -1/4 Comm Cable & Wireless 331/2 +1/2 Wwide 3 Colt Group 99 /4 +3/4 KCOM 697/8 +1/8 3 Talktalk Telecom 143 /4 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2871/4 -2 Sainsbury 2941/8 -5/8 Tesco 3163/4 -11/2 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1197 -1 Tate Lyle 695 -3 Unilever £201/2 +1/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3101/4 +41/8 National Grid 649 +2 Pennon Grp 725 -41/2 Severn 1584 +3 United Utils 621 +1/2 Costain

GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 1957/8 -21/8 ICAP 4007/8 -33/4 London StockExch 905 -9 Man Group 1483/8 -41/8 Provident Financial 1126 -4 Schroders 1567 -22 Schroders NV 1233 -18 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 672 -18 REXAM 412 -31/4 Smiths Grp 1070 -11 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 22 Carphone Whse 174 -1/2 Dixons Retail 151/4 -3/8 Home Retail 103 -11/4 Inchcape 373 -53/4 1 Kingfisher 282 /4 -33/8 1 M&S 359 /4 -11/4 Mothercare 218 -11/2 Next £271/2 WH Smith 534 -10 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 6161/2 -10 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 847/8 +17/8 Barrat Dev 143 -41/8 Persimmon 643 -111/2 Reckitt Benckiser £351/4 +3/8 Taylor Wimpey 473/8 -21/4 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 974 -17

INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 3025/8 -193/4 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 2033/8 -3/4 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 3673/8 -31/4 Lgl & Gen 1213/4 -3/8 5 Old Mutual 160 /8 -1/2 Prudential 720 -71/2 Resolution 2667/8 -23/4 Standard Life 236 -3/8 MEDIA BSkyB 683 -2 D Mail Tst 4293/4 -101/4 ITV 857/8 -15/8 Johnston Press 75/8 -1/4 Pearson 1206 -2 Reed Elsevier 5381/2 -3 STV Group 105 -21/8 Trinity Mirror 45 -3/4 Utd Business 588 -3 UTV 139 +41/8 WPP 812 -16 Yell Group 45/8 +1/8 MINING Anglo American £253/4 -3/4 Antofagasta 1292 -42 BHP Billiton 1971 -591/2 Eurasian Natural 675 -24 Res Fresnillo 1832 -64 Kazakhmys 9511/2 -481/2 Lonmin 1068 -32 Rio Tinto £341/4 -13/8

Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp

3411/2 103 649 1939

-6 -1/4 +2 -95

closed at at FTSE closed

5874.82 Down 36.31 VEDANTA 1400 RESOURCES Xstrata 11371/2 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 4681/8 Vodafone Group 171 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1044 RSA Insurance Gp 1107/8 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 15151/2 BP 5045/8 Cairn Energy 332 Royal Dutch Shell A £223/4 Royal Dutch Shell B £231/8

-54 -59 -123/4 +1/2 -15 -1/8 -71/2 +81/8 -47/8 -1/8 -1/4

Total £351/4 -1/8 Tullow Oil 1457 -49 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1109 +3 Petrofac 1595 +21 1 Wood Gp(J) 763 /2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1436 -3 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £283/8 +1/4 GlaxoSmithK XD 141/2 Shire £221/8 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 4743/4 +3/4 Captl Shop Cent 3361/8 -13/4 Hamrsn 4013/8 -21/4 Land Secs 6911/2 +2 1 SEGRO 241 /2 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 2017/8 -21/2 Logica 891/8 +1/4 Misys 335 +187/8 Sage Group 307 -11/2 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 5211/2 +31/2 Bunzl 9601/2 -1 Capita 757 +21/2 De La Rue 9481/2 -5 Electrocomp 2443/8 -61/8 Experian 931 -11/2 G4S 2863/8 -21/4 1 Hays 83 /2 -3/4 Homeserve 219 -7/8

Menzies J 587 Rentokil 751/8 Smiths News 94 Wolseley £241/4 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 5431/2 Psion 551/8 Spirent Comms 150 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £32 Imperial Tobacco £253/8 LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital 160 Carnival 1869 Compass Grp 640 easyJet 4413/8 Enterprise Inns 53 FirstGroup 2891/8 Go-Ahead Gp 1295 Greene King 502 Intercontl Htls 1441 Intl Cons Airlines 1651/8 Gp Ladbrokes 1513/4 Mitchells & Butlers 2625/8 Natl Express 240 Rank Org 1353/8 Stagecoach Group 2673/4 TUI Travel 198 Whitbread 1665 INDEX FTSE 100 5874.82 INDEX FTSE 250 11414.10

-3 -7/8 -1/4 -1/2 -101/2 +43/8 -6

+1/8 -21/8 -52 +4 -21/2 -1 -2 -5 +1/2 -6 -21/4 -23/4 -51/4 +11/4 -21/2 -23/4 -21/8 -7 -36.31 -124.33

TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.40 dollars Bangladesh................. 121.57 taka Brazil.............................. 2.44 reals Canada....................... 1.49 dollars China ............................. 8.90 yuan Czech Republic ...... 27.20 korunas Denmark....................... 8.47 krone Euro............................... 1.14 euro Hong Kong................ 11.63 dollars Hungary................... 311.37 forints India.......................... 69.34 rupees Japan........................... 122.06 yen Mexico ....................... 18.00 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.78 dollars Norway ......................... 8.47 krone Pakistan.................. 135.25 rupees Philippines ................. 57.98 pesos South Africa.................. 11.17 rand South Korea.............. 1539.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 181.70 rupees Sweden....................... 10.09 krona Switzerland.................. 1.38 francs Taiwan ...................... 40.68 dollars Turkey....................... 2.65 new lira USA ............................ 1.51 dollars

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS THE building of Britain’s industrial base came at a heavy price.

While the country’s mills, factories and mines have generated wealth for the nation and employment for millions over many decades, many of the people who worked there have been left with life-threatening conditions.

And the cost continues to grow. While it would be nice to think that some of the worst industrial diseases have been consigned to history – along with the cloth caps and clogs – the reality is very different, as lawyer Angela Thompson knows only too well.

“There are still a lot of industrial disease claims,” she says. “Many of these cases – such as asbestos-related diseases – have their origins 30, 40 or even 50 years ago when the people involved may have had only a slight exposure to asbestos and there may have been no problems for many years.

“The number of cases is increasing because of this long latency period.

“In particular, you see a lot of cases where old buildings have been renovated or people doing electrical work were not aware that they were drilling into asbestos.

“There has even been a case of a teacher who came into contact with the material simply be disturbing small amounts of asbestos dust when sticking drawing pins into the wall at her school.”

Angela hopes that such high-profile cases – and others relating to issues such as Repetitive Strain Injury, Vibration White Finger and the guarding of machinery – will encourage employers who are lax about health and safety to adhere to the regulations.

“Some companies are not strict about enforcing the regulations in the workplace,” she says.

“I have dealt with quite a few cases where the company has gone on to be prosecuted. In one case, we had three employees who had all suffered severe hand injuries on winding machines in the same factory.”

Says Angela: “A lot of conditions are preventable. For instance, as long ago as the 1970s, employers have known that using pneumatic drills and jack hammers can have a damaging effect on the operator.

“They should have been monitoring how much time people were using that equipment and making regular checks on them.

“Vibration White Finger can be quite disabling. One client who worked on the roads since leaving school had VWF quite badly by his mid-20s. In the cold, his hands would turn numb and he would get painful pins and needles in his fingers.

He was unable to continue his job or work outdoors.

“Some people are so badly affected, they cannot tie their shoelaces or they have trouble doing up buttons and handling change.”

Angela says she gets great satisfaction from acting for claimants and their families – and getting them a good result.

“I am the type of solicitor who does get involved,” she admits.

profile

Legal angle on sad legacy “I do a lot of hand-holding and I like to be there for my clients. It’s particularly important where you are dealing with a case for a family where someone has died.

“I have clients who I acted for years ago and I still see them and we will stop for a chat.

That’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

Angela, who heads the newly-formed industrial diseases department at Huddersfield law firm Austin Kemp, says she always knew what career she wanted to pursue – even as a child.

She was born in Huddersfield, but her family moved from Cowlersley to Brighouse when she was still small. Angela went on to attend Brighouse Girls Grammar School.

“From a very young age, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer,” she says. “My mum said I used to watch Crown Court on television and all the other courtroom dramas. I always know that was the career for me.”

Angela studied law at Staffordshire University. “I always felt I would be working in

criminal law because I found that very interesting,” she says.

“I did some work experience with a law firm in Dewsbury and that meant going to Dewsbury Magistrates Court and Bradford Crown Court. I thought that was what I would do.”

Angela went on to complete her legal practice course at Huddersfield University and got a position as a paralegal at Jack Thornley & Partners in Huddersfield. Her job was to assist the solicitors with their cases.

She says: “There was nothing you weren’t involved in.

Thornleys dealt with personal injury claims on behalf of trade unions and their members.

“We had what we called “fast track” and “multi-track” departments. Fast track was for lower value, less complicated claims while multi-track, where I worked, dealt with high value, complex claims, including industrial disease cases.

“We dealt with everything from fatal accident or brain injury cases to asbestos-related illnesses and all kinds of occupational and industrial

■ NEW CHALLENGE: Angela Thompson, of Austin Kemp solicitors, based at the Media Centre, Huddersfield

Page 3 Angela Thompson Role: Head of industrial disease department Family: Single mum with son Elliot, 16 Holidays: I have been to New York several times and plan to visit my mother in Jamaica Car: Renault Megane First job: During the summer holidays packing Christmas cards and gift tags at DecoPak in Brighouse Best thing about job: I love helping my clients get a good result Worst thing about job: There can be a lot of paperwork Business tip: You know you’re on the road to success if you would do your job and not be paid for it

diseases.”

Angela spent more than seven years at the firm before joining Delta Legal in Stockport to help develop a specialist industrial disease department there.

She later moved to Colemans, a law firm located near Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, where she handled a wide range of cases relating to asbestos.

Angela later went to Hilary Meredith to work in the Cheshire firm’s complex litigation department.

But making a two-hour commute from Huddersfield each morning to her office in Wilmslow began to pall after a few years.

“I was looking for somewhere closer to home,” says Angela.

“The location was a factor in my joining Austin Kemp, but also the fact that this is a good role and a new challenge for me. I am heading a new department here and looking to develop it further.”

Angela, who now lives in Holmfirth, also aims to get involved in Huddersfield’s tight-knit professional community. “I am keen to start networking, to get out there and make sure we are known,” she says.

She also enjoys a certain change of pace that working in her home town affords. “When I was at Wilmslow, it would take a couple of hours on the motorway to get there,” she says. “And I wouldn’t get home into 7.30pm.

Now I have a 20-minute journey to work I can get up now at the time I used to be leaving home.”

Weekends are for relaxation, which means reading and music – although Angela is also thinking about resuming salsa classes.

“My musical tastes are pretty eclectic, but my first love in R&B,” she says. “I make the most of my weekends.”

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Austin Kemp Solicitors Work: Legal services Site: Huddersfield Phone: 01484 483 033 Email: www.austin kemp.co.uk Website: angela.thompson @austinkemp.co.uk

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Can your business afford to ignore Health & Safety?

With Competent Health and Safety advice from just £25 a month you don’t need to Wilby Risk Management offer a range of services including: Competent Advice Risk Assessments Assistance with CHAS applications contact us today on 01422 358525 or email healthandsafety@wilbyltd.co.uk

KIRKLEES BUSIN

Firms must tackle injury time issues HANGES in the Reporting C of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Reg-

ulations 1995 come into effect next month.

S u b j e c t t o Pa rl i a m e n t a r y approval on April 6, RIDDOR’s “over three day injury reporting requirement” will change.

From then, the trigger point will increase from over three days to over seven days incapacitation (not counting the day on which the accident happened).

Incapacitation means that the worker is absent or is unable to do work that they would reasonably be expected to do as part of their normal duties.

Employers and others with responsibilities under RIDDOR must still keep a record of all “over three day” injuries – if the employer has to keep an accident book, then this record will be enough.

The deadline by which the “over seven day” injury must be reported will increase to 15 days from the day of the accident.

New guidance that explains the changes is available from the HSE website. The changes will be

RISKY BUSINESS Will Morris

reviewed after three years.

Some key points to remember regarding RIDDOR are: ● In the event of a fatality or major injury, you must report by the quickest practicable means (e.g. telephone) and in written form within 10 days. This will increase to 15 days following the changes ● Written reports of accidents should be made on the HSE’s F2508 form ● Major injuries include fractures of bones other than fingers, thumbs or toes; amputation; dislocation of hip, knee or spine and any penetrating injury to the eye ● An employee with an injury requiring admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours is a major injury ● If a non-worker, such as a

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member of the public, is injured and is taken to hospital the event is reportable (regardless of the length of admittance to hospital) ● Dangerous occurrences include collapse, overturning or failure of load bearing parts of lifts and lifting equipment; explosion of any closed vessel or associated pipework; plant coming into contact with overhead power lines.

To make reporting accidents easier, a report can be made to the HSE’s Incident Contact Centre by calling 0845 300 9923 or go to www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/index.htm If in doubt, we would recommend that you submit a report. It is not an offence to inform the ICC of non-reportable accidents, but failure to report a reportable accident is a breach of RIDDOR and can result in a prosecution.

Will Morris is risk management consultant at Wilby Ltd

Sales hit top gear SPRING has brought a six-figure boost for an award-winning camper van firm.

Shepley-based Wellhouse Leisure marked new registration day by dispatching eight new Hyundai camper vans totalling £280,000 to customers as far away as Portsmouth to Prestwick.

Managing director David Elliott said: “Normally, we would have a maximum of two vans going out in one day, so eight is a bit of a record.

“We even had two lots of customers from Scotland flying in to Manchester

airport to collect their new camper. “it’s just great to be building so many new camper vans in such tough times – and as usual all our vans sport the ‘Made in Huddersfield badge’.”

Wellhouse, a double winner in the 2010 Examiner Business Awards, was also recognised when its Hyundai i800 camper van won the Motor Caravan Award at the 2012 Caravan Industry Awards.

Mr Elliott set up Deepcar Motorhomes with his father in 1995 before launching Wellhouse Leisure in 2002.

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Society triumphs again SAVERS have voted Yorkshire Building Society top of the high street – with the award-winning mutual being named Best High Street Savings Provider in the 2012 Moneyfacts Consumer Awards.

The Bradford-based society, which has its roots in Huddersfield and has several branches around

the town, was also highly commended in the First Time Buyer Mortgage Buyers’ Choice category.

The award follows several others already presented to the Yorkshire this year.

The society said: “This award means we are seen as a market leading savings provider.”

Technology on a shoestring!

MARKETING strategies for technology-related businesses across Kirklees come into focus a a seminar this week.

The event, “Shoestrings and Straight lines: how to market a technology product” takes place from 5pm to 7.30pm on Thursday the Rose Bowl, Leeds Metropolita University.

It has been organised by techmes the IT and telecoms business-to-business network in collaboration with Mid Yorkshire branch of the Chartered Institute o Marketing and its Technology Marketing Interest Group (TMIG).

Guest speakers include Andy Peterson, head of business marketing products and propositions at KC Business; Pau Lancaster, web development executive for Shell LiveWIRE, the UK’s biggest online community fo young entrepreneurs; and Rob Heerdegan, an online and strategi marketing consultant.

Huddersfield-based TMIG founder Andy Earnshaw said: “The group was formed to support marketers involved with all kinds of diverse technology-based products and services, for example IT, telecommunications and those in the textile industry.

“It always surprises businesses just what techniques can be transferred from one product to another, even to products outside technology, which means that anyone can learn from these events.”

Contact the CIM on 01628 427340.

IT investment for Shackletons

A FURNITURE maker based in Dewsbury has completed a six-figure upgrade of its IT system Shackletons, which designs and manufactures furniture for older people, care homes and hospitals appointed JMC to install a new planning system to handle the company’s increasing orders.

The company, which has its headquarters at Weaving Lane and showroom at Batley, has seen a 20 growth in orders over the past thre years and plans to achieve a continuous year-on-year increase 5%.

Shackletons owner Martyn Higgin said the firm needed a new IT system to support its expansion plans and replace its existing 11-year-old system.

Paul McCreanney, of JMC, said: “We’re delighted to have won this contract against significant competition. We look forward to developing a close relationship wi Shackletons as their IT partner an help them to continue to build on their success.”

Manchester-based JMC specialise in providing IT and software suppo to help businesses drive forward.

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Spring brings signs of hope

HE signs of spring are T everywhere in investment markets.

From the start of December to Valentine’s Day, global equities (as measured by the Morgan Stanley World Index in dollars) have rallied by 8%.

The recovery in risk appetites is largely attributable to an unexpected outbreak of harmony in the eurozone, triggered by the actions of the European Central Bank in stepping up to its responsibilities as lender of last resort to the European banking system, preventing the eurozone recession from becoming a depression with global ramifications.

The new ECB presidency has gained the rapid respect of market professionals in other ways too – by engineering a “pact of silence” around its actions (gagging the politicians), by moving to reduce policy interest rates and by clearly supporting the broad thrust of the “Merkozy” plan to tackle the root of the crisis with treaty reform.

With Italy also making unexpectedly impressive strides towards implementing credible structural reforms under the temporary stewardship of Mario Monti’s technocratic government, a key risk factor for undermining any progress has been unexpectedly subdued.

Aside from less turbulent investment weather in general, these developments are leading to distinctly healthier vital signs becoming visible within the markets, one such being the performance of the shares of European Financial companies. These (at least the shares of so called “national champions”) have been remarkably resilient even in the face of two looming deadlines.

Specifically, the deadlines for raising bank capital to “stress tested”

CITY TALK

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CREDIT CRUNCH – Collect Your Debts Without Using a Lawyer

Simon Kaye

levels prescribed by the European Banking Association for mid-year and more immediately, the deadline for Greece to receive additional funds to avoid default on interest payments due on March 20 would in the past both have caused marked weakness.

However, the sanguine acceptance by investors in these companies of the heightened tensions surrounding the re-rescue of Greece, during which it has become increasingly clear that there is now a real willingness among some countries to force bankruptcy upon them (and thus almost inevitably ejection from the euro) is highly notable. It suggests that there is now a belief (a justified one in my view) that the system could stand such a “shock” and possibly (whisper it quietly) like a plant pruned in spring, may even benefit from the removal of the deadwood.

The sources of the new season’s positive developments are not limited to Europe, however, although the evident decline in systemic risks here has certainly made it easier to appreciate economic “green shoots” elsewhere.

The twin engines of global growth (emerging markets and the USA) are both delivering good data, with stronger employment trends in America a particularly encouraging feature.

The potential for the US to

Who will be the next Business of the Month?

provide an “upside surprise” has been increased by better trends in the housing market. Stabilisation here could reverse the simultaneous undermining of consumer confidence and of the banks’ capital bases that have had such a corrosive effect on growth over the past five years.

With an extension of the period of high profitability being enjoyed by g l o b a l c o r p o rat i o n s l o o k i n g increasingly likely, with cheap financing also widely available, an upsurge in M&A activity is also in prospect as a revenge of the optimists.

So what is preventing investors from wholeheartedly embracing risk?

There are three sources of concern. Firstly, our own view on the after-effects of a disorderly default in Greece is certainly not universally held. Secondly, many respected economists believe that we are underestimating the cyclical risk that comes from increased fiscal drag occurring in both Europe and the US this year.

Finally there is a legitimate fear of a sudden political “frost” that could scorch the new growth – emanating either in Europe, or more unpredictably through the choke-hold of oil prices, from the Middle East.

These issues can not be ignored, but market action suggests that investors are increasingly inclined to back a positive outcome.

This seminar is a must for businesses wishing to control their cash flow and save on expensive legal fees.

This course will offer tips on the debt collecting process and provide information and ideas by an experienced litigator who has been qualified for over twenty years.

This course will deal with collecting debts, issuing court proceedings right up to enforcement of a court judgement.

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COURSE DETAILS

Introductory/Intermediate (venues to be confirmed)

1) Huddersfield 09.30 to 12.30

14/05/2012

2) Leeds

21/05/2012

09.30 to 12.30

RATE - £200.00 (plus VAT at £40.00) – Opportunity to network after the event The price includes refreshments, documentation and administration.

Legal Solutions, 53 Carrside Crescent, Batley, West Yorkshire, WF17 7JW Tel: 01924 473 021 Mobile: 07949 854 415 Email: baser2@btinternet.com Course will be presented by an experienced lawyer and legal adviser.

Simon Kaye is divisional director at Investec Wealth & Investment

Concorde deal decoded A LEADING IT group headed by former bosses of a Birstall company has completed a key acquisition.

Concorde IT Group, based in Morley, has snapped up the business of Midlands-based IT services company Enigma Computer Services for an undisclosed sum.

Concorde IT chief executive Colin Meakin said the move would add £500,000 in revenues to the existing £10m turnover of Concorde. All the directors and staff of Enigma have transferred to Concorde.

Said Mr Meakin: “We are delighted to have acquired this business. The mix of service contracts and consultancy perfectly fits our business model. The location provides us with great access to

the Midlands and South East and complements our existing locations in the North East, the North West and the South.”

Mr MEakin said: “Our business saw impressive growth in 2011 and we took the time to strengthen our management team and systems to cope with more acquisitions. The acquisition of Enigma is the first one in 2012 – we are already examining a number of other opportunities.”

Concorde IT Group was acquired by a management team led by Mr Meakin, former group sales director of Birstall-based ICM Computer Group plc.

The management team is chaired by Barry Roberts, former chief executive at ICM.

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■ PERFECT FIT: Colin Meakin, of Concorde IT

www.mycci.co.uk Connecting & Supporting Business

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

property

Page 6

Builders plea to Chancellor

■ BIG MOVE: Orchard Group managing director Gareth Henderson (left) with Stuart Stocks, senior Barclays business manager, at Orchard's Clayton House headquarters

Orchard picks out new HQ building A COMPANY advising businesses on energy management has established a new national head office in Elland after acquiring premises in the town.

The new building, Clayton House in Park Road, will be a flagship base for the rapidly expanding Orchard Energy, which advises businesses on energy purchasing, efficiency and compliance.

Orchard Energy was established in 2004 by Gareth Henderson and now has offices in Brighouse, Bradford, Newcastle, Bristol, Cardiff and Glasgow. Further office openings in Aberdeen, Northampton and Surrey are in the pipeline.

Mr Henderson, managing director, said UK growth had resulted in a need to increase the head count of the administration, finance and sales support teams at head office in Yorkshire.

“The acquisition of new clients and ongoing recruitment meant we simply outgrew our previous premises in Brighouse,” he said.

The move to the Elland site was supported by Barclays

Business and will see all three Orchard Group businesses operate under one roof for the first time.

Mr Henderson said: “Orchard Energy has seen significant growth as businesses have looked for ways to reduce overheads in a tough economic climate but our other businesses, Orchard Environmental and Orchard Networks, have also been expanding and Clayton House will become the headquarters for the entire Orchard Group.”

Stuart Stocks, senior Barclays business manager, said: “We were able to support Orchard Energy with their expansion plans as they are a growing business with an excellent management team and a strong product and brand.

“It’s great to see a company thriving in the current economic climate and we look forward to seeing the company go from strength to strength.”

Orchard’s previous headquarters at Owler Ings Road in Brighouse have been retained and rented.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • AGENTS • CONSULTANT • ADVISOR

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CHANCELLOR George Osborne should look to housing to support the Government’s growth and jobs agenda in his forthcoming Budget, according to the Federation of Master Builders.

Director Brian Berry said the FMB’s recent report, Tackling the Housing Crisis, revealed that by 2015 demand for housing will outstrip supply by more 500,000 homes.

First time buyers were still struggling to get on the housing ladder and the impact of this had resulted in fewer homes being built despite the pent up demand.

Said Mr Berry: “Clearly, more needs to be done to help those currently struggling to purchase their own home – which is why we are calling on the Government to reverse its decision to reduce the Stamp Duty threshold for first time buyers from the end of March.”

He added: “As well as measures to support growth in the house building industry, the chancellor must provide more businesses with the confidence to respond to the forthcoming Green Deal energy saving programme.

“We know the market for upgrading our existing homes to make them greener and more energy efficient is potentially worth billions to the UK economy.

“Therefore, the Government must ensure the £200m Green Deal incentive fund is used to drive demand and

■ BUILDING PLAN: Chancellor George Osborne (above, left) has been urged by Brian Berry (right), director of external affairs at the Federation of Master Builders, to make housebuilding a central plank of his strategy to boost jobs and economic growth

enable the market to grow.”

Said Mr Berry: “Currently, consumer confidence in the economy is rock bottom and the home improvement market is suffering as a result.

“For the Green Deal to be a success, the Government must use the incentive fund to help households that take part early on in the programme to repay the Green Deal charge on their electricity bills.”

Mr Berry said the FMB also called on the Government to introduce the reduced rate of 5% VAT for all home energy efficiency installations to support the Green Deal.

Recent research commissioned by the FMB suggested this change would come at a relatively small cost to the Treasury and would help to achieve a number of environmental, economic and social policy objectives.

Call to delay stamp duty ESTATE agency franchise operator Hunters Property Group has urged the government to delay re-introducing stamp duty for properties under £250,000.

Kevin Hollinrake, managing director of the group, which has a franchised outlet at John William Street in Huddersfield, warned that first-time buyers will find it almost impossible to get on the property ladder if the stamp duty exemption is scrapped this month.

He said: “The government’s announcement regarding stamp duty concessions came as an unwelcome surprise to the property sector.

First-time buyers are already at an all

time low, accounting for less than 10% of the market and reintroducing stamp duty for properties below £250,000 will further reduce this diminishing market to almost extinction.

“The property sector recognises that the concessions might not have had the desired affect in stimulating additional demand, but it did provide some help to first-time buyers who are already suffering from the reluctance of lenders to finance their first home.

“The re-introduction of stamp duty could force thousands of people to postpone their dream of buying their own home. There needs to be some

support for those struggling to get on the property ladder.”

Mr Hollinrake said: “Ultimately, individuals looking to purchase their first home will be the most affected by the re-introduction of stamp duty on properties under £250,000, but there is likely to be a knock-on effect on those sectors that rely heavily on first-time buyers such as furniture and homeware suppliers.”

Hunters Property Group is in the final stages of an extensive rebrand of 90 offices nationwide following its acquisition of the Bairstow Eves brand from Countrywide last September.

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Yorkshire farmland in big demand SURGING demand for commercial farmland in Yorkshire saw prices reach record levels for the second consecutive period.

The latest Rural Land Market Survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, showed that the average price per acre increased to £6,000 during the second half of the year. Farmland in the region has now almost doubled in value in the last five years.

growing interest from commercial farmers looking to expand their enterprises in order to capitalise on the strength in commodity prices.

A net balance of plus 50% of chartered surveyors in the region reported an increase in demand for commercial land over the previous 12 months, while demand for residential farmland dropped away significantly with a balance of minus 63%.

experienced rising farmland prices during the second half of 2011 – with the exception of the North East and Scotland. Farmland in the West Midlands saw the strongest increase in price.

Dan Taylor, of estate agency Carter Jonas, which has offices at Slaithwaite, said: “Agricultural land continues to be viewed as a safe asset class with strong demand being maintained, particularly from commercial farmers who are

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Void rate declines RESEARCH by Paragon Mortgages, the specialist buy-to-let lender, has revealed that void periods are at a two-year low.

Landlords taking part in the quarterly Paragon Mortgages’ PRS Trends survey reported a steady decrease in void periods from the first quarter of 2009 to the final quarter of 2011.

Last year saw the lowest void period figures for the past two years, with the average time a property remained empty being 2.8 weeks. This compares to an average of 3.2 weeks in 2010 and 3.3. weeks in 2009.

Professional landlords experienced slightly higher void periods, on average 2.9 weeks in 2011 – but they also achieved a decrease from 2009 when the average was 3.4 weeks.

A void period is the length of time that a rental property is empty, usually in between tenancies.

www.michaelsteel.co.uk

property

Persimmon makes positive start to 2012 HOUSEBUILDER Persimmon is set to open three new developments in West Yorkshire.

Wayne Gradwell, managing director of Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire, delivered the update after his group announced “positive” financial results.

York-based Persimmon posted a 55% rise in underlying pre-tax profits £148.1m in 2011 against £95.5m the previous year.

The group, which includes Charles Church and Westbury among its brands, generated £119m. Sales revenues rose to £1.54bn from £1.57bn.

Mr Gradwell said the increase in underlying profits, strong cash flow and an announcement to return capital of £1.9bn to shareholders over the next decade put the company in an extremely strong position.

He said: “Persimmon’s strategy has been to deliver improving operating margins, invest in high quality land, increase profitability and generate surplus cash to pay down debt. This has proved very successful on all measures.”

Mr Gradwell added: “The results are

further supported by an excellent start to 2012, with our weekly private sales rate per site about 22% ahead of the prior year in the first eight weeks of 2012.

“We have a lot to look forward to in 2012 as we continue to build on the group’s positive financial results.

“Demand for new build properties in West Yorkshire remains strong following the opening of three new developments in 2011 at Scissett, Pontefract and Penistone.

“In 2012, a further three Persimmon Homes developments will be opened in the coming months in Leeds, Wakefield and Bradford plus another development for our premier homes sister brand, Charles Church in Yeadon.

“We have also expanded our team with the appointment of a new senior design technician and development planner to help strengthen our service, expertise and presence in West Yorkshire.

“Our job going forward in the coming months is to continue to build quality properties in response to the growing appetite of home buyers across the county.”

■ STRATEGY: Wayne Gradwell, of Persimmon West Yorkshire

Page 7 Auction success PROPERTY agency Eddisons hailed a “very strong” start to 2012 after generating proceeds exceeding £8.2m at its first two-day auction of the year.

Eddisons, which has offices in Huddersfield, said 112 of the 162 lots offered at the sale in Leeds and Manchester found buyers – representing a 69% success rate.

Auctioneer Tony Webber said: “This was a very strong performance to start our auction year.

“Although the market remains price sensitive, there was a definite mood of quiet confidence among buyers who clearly came with cash to invest or external funding in place, which meant many lots generated multiple interest.”

Among the successful lots was a two-storey office building with car parking at Aspley Marina, which was offered on the instructions of British Waterways.

The canalside property generates rental income of £5,100 and sold for £67,000.

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

■ TIME TO TALK: Speaker Carl Hopkins (left) with Peter Sleigh and Debbie Story, of Sleigh & Story, at the Brighouse Link event

Business advice from speaker Carl BUSINESSMAN Carl Hopkins was guest speaker at a networking event in Brighouse.

The star of TV’s Secret Millionaire gave a talk to more than 70 representatives of local firms at the Brighouse Link event, which was held at the town’s Prego restaurant on Huddersfield Road.

Carl spoke about the principles and steps he takes in all of his businesses to improve their chances of success.

The event included lunch, networking and a business card draw.

Brighouse Link, which is managed by local accountancy firm Sleigh & Story, aims to provide advice, training and networking opportunities for local enterprises.

Peter Sleigh, of Sleigh & Story, said: “Since the demise of Business Link, businesses have struggled to obtain quality business advice.

“We have tried to fill that gap locally. We run a monthly networking event and we also ran our first workshop a few weeks ago.

“We intend to run regular workshops to provide local businesses with training.”

Useful connections STUDENTS from Huddersfield University are celebrating after winning gold in a competition designed to hone their business skills.

The final-year business undergraduates (pictured) were crowned champions of Fresh Connection, a competition which helps to equip the students for entry into work by testing them with real-life scenarios around supply chains.

The contest was organised by SCALA Consulting, based at the town’s Media Centre. Students who took part were following in the footsteps of company giants such as Mars, Unilever, Asda and Müller, who all use SCALA’s Fresh Connection as a business development tool.

The winners received certificates and a cash prize from Bradford automotive supplier Borg Warner.

One of the winning students, Camille Peycelon, said: “The Fresh Connection game has been a great, challenging opportunity to work in a team and to confront a real, competitive business situation.

“The simulation game allowed us to elaborate our own business strategy, but most of all to think of all the realistic and feasible supply chain tactics to adopt to make the business successful.

“The Fresh Connection has been a valuable experience that made me even more aware of the relevance of communication and the understanding of the whole supply chain process.”

Fresh Connection is open to schools and universities, and businesses can sign up to the

Movers and shakers

Page 8

Standing tall at top exhibition

A COMPANY designing exhibition stands has completed a major assignment at one of the UK’s biggest events.

Holmfirth-based Black 5 Design was appointed to design and construct the stand for giftware importer Widdop Bingham’s appearance at the International Spring Fair held at the NEC in Birmingham.

Black 5 Design managing director Christopher Smith said: “Over the years, we have built stands and displays throughout country, but at 288sq metres this is the largest single project our company has managed and built since we began trading five years ago.

“The project took several months in planning, design and the components took a couple of months to prepare and build and a week to construct on site with our team of 12 skilled people.

“We created around 20 themed selling areas using a variety of materials, colours, finishes and graphics to break up the stand into more inviting and welcoming display areas.

“We have worked closely with our customer Widdop Bingham over the years and developed the stand to be one of the most successful selling platforms at the show.”

Said Mr Smith: “The International Spring Fair is attended by tens of thousands of trade

buyers from around the UK and overseas and has become the largest show held at the NEC annually utilising all the halls.”

Black 5 Design is also geared up to supply smaller displays. The company has provided equipment for clients exhibiting at local events such as Emley Show and the Bright Green Energy exhibition held at Holmfirth. It also supplies a local creative learning theatre group, which tours schools with a portable expandable display kit to be used as a backdrop to performances.

Mr Smith studied art and design at Huddersfield Technical College and exhibition design at Humberside University. He worked for other exhibition companies for 18 years, designing exhibition stands for companies such as Filofax and Hozelock, until he formed Black 5 Design Ltd in 2007.

He said: “It was both difficult and daunting setting the company up from scratch in early 2007, but we have managed to gradually grow the business and are now providing our display services to companies based all over the UK. The last 12 months have been our busiest year to date, building several large exhibition stands, supplying graphic display ■ UNITED: Christopher Smith (left), kits in addition to supplying event cord of Black 5 Design Ltd, with Stuart Illingworth, of Widdop Bigham carpets to a whole host of customers.”

An offer they can’t refuse!

ORGANISERS of a major business conference have turned to a Colne Valley firm to keep delegates and exhibitors up to date.

The Yorkshire Mafia, which holds its two-day conference next month, has chosen Golcar-based text messaging specialist SMileS SMS to provide the SMS platform that will provide delegates and exhibitors with all the latest information they need to know about the event.

SMileS owner Mark Evans, a long-standing member of The Yorkshire Mafia, said: “I love the concept of The Yorkshire Mafia – about highlighting the strength and breadth of abilities that lie within Yorkshire.

“Since joining, I have been introduced to so many amazing people that I would have struggled to get to know had it not been for the vision and passion of this group.

“Their ethos is very much in line with our own business culture. Day-to-day we focus on working with – and helping – fellow businesses in Yorkshire.”

The conference will be held on March 21 and 22 at The Royal Armouries in Leeds. More than 150 businesses will exhibit while more than 3,000 delegates will be able to attend seminars led by speakers on topics such as business growth and social media.

Are you ready to export?

Join the Chamber and UKTI for this comprehensive introduction to exporting Date: 20 March 2012 Time: 09.30 - 12:30 Venue: New Commerce House, 168 Westgate, Wakefield, WF2 9SR Aimed at companies that are looking to take the next step in their growth plans and develop international markets - but have so far had little or no experience of exporting. Whether you’re a new start up business wanting to look overseas straight-away or a well established company that has saturated the UK market, this event is for you. It will cover the export of both products and services.

This The workshop has been developed in conjunction with event is UK Trade & Investment, the UK government organisation that helps UK based exporters succeed globally. free To book your place visit our website at www.mycci.co.uk or contact Tracy Smith 01924 311607 Tracy.smith@mycci.co.uk

to attend.