FTSE 100
ASHLEY LINDSAY Well-furnished business
- 8.87 5892.2
Full inter view - Page 3
SIMON KAYE Praise be to the ECB Column - Page 5
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Agencies backing studio school plan CREATIVE businesses are taking further steps to get Huddersfield’s innovative Studio School up and running. Representatives of creative and media sector firms in the town took part in a business employer forum at the new Creative and Media Studio School at Rawthorpe’s Netherhall Learning Campus. Darren Evans, of The Engine Room, and Danny Bulmer, of Date of Birth – both brand design agencies from Huddersfield – were joined by Mike Roberts, of Birstall-based PMG Print Management at the meeting. Also involved were Joan Young, principal at Netherhall Learning Campus; Sarah Huntington, director of the Studio School; and Susan Kenyon and Laura Scholey, both from Ask Marketing, who are heading up the employer engagement campaign. The Studio School concept aims to make students more work ready by encouraging firms in the creative and media sector to provide opportunities for them to work on “live” projects. The forum was a chance to hear the employer’s view on what is realistic and workable for a business to take on
a student and explored work placements versus work experience. Other ways which were discussed for businesses to get involved are through mentoring, becoming an ambassador, providing representatives for a Dragons’ Den panel and giving talks to students. Ms Young said: “It was a very useful discussion with businesses that are interested in the Creative and Media Studio School. “The importance of placements – in a chosen area of work which a student is interested in and potentially wants to pursue as a career rather than work experience where the student experiences work but not in their chosen field – were identified. “As a result of the forum, we are going to progress the Studio School’s placement or experience proposition further with a sample of Studio School students.” Mr Evans said the Studio School concept was a good one. “There are too many accountants in charge of businesses,” he said. “We need more creative entrepreneurs and business leaders.
■ HOT TOPIC: Orchard Energy’s Gareth Henderson
Focus on retailing RETAILERS will find out about a new apprenticeship for the industry and get a few pointers to future success at an event in Huddersfield. Business guru Nicky Pattinson will be the key speaker when Kirklees College stages its Retailer in Kirklees event next month at the Galpharm Stadium. It aims to help local retailers develop better customer service and increase their profits. The event will also see the launch of the college’s new apprenticeship in retail.
● Full story - Page 8
■ TABLE TALK: Laura Scholey (front) with (clockwise) Joan Young, Holly Rumble, Susan Kenyon, Sarah Huntington, Graham Pearce, Danny Bulmer and Darren Evans at the employers’ forum
“What I like about the Studio School is that it nurtures creative talent, but in a commercial setting. We’re excited about being a part of this.” Mr Bulmer added: “The Studio School in Huddersfield is a real posit-
ive step in the right direction in solving the skills gap between education and business. It’s innovative, exciting and focuses on bringing together businesses and creative students to solve this nationwide issue.”
Scotland bears fruit for energy firm Orchard AN energy management company based in Brighouse is to open a second Scottish office in Aberdeen sooner than expected. Orchard Energy managing director Gareth Henderson said expanding into North East Scotland had always been part of his strategy – but was now imminent following stronger than anticipated growth. The firm, which advises on business energy purchasing and efficiency measures, including metering and renewables, moved its Glasgow office to larger premises last year and appointed regional manager Ross McColl to develop new business throughout the country. Its work with Paisley Abbey – which resulted in an £11,000 tax rebate for the abbey after billing errors were uncovered – was widely publicised last year.
INSIDE
Orchard has also attracted a string of high profile new clients north of the border, including Dobbies Garden Centres PLC, Bonar Yarns Ltd, Silberline Ltd, Hamilton Park Racecourse, Maxi Haulage, Daiwa Sports and Rockwell Solutions. Mr Henderson said: “There seems to be a real hunger among Scottish businesses for information on efficiency, green energy and purchasing in the face of rising energy costs and increased regulation. “One of the fastest growing areas of our business in Scotland is energy solutions, which advises organisations on efficiency and renewable energy alternatives.” Mr Henderson said he was now looking at a number of possible sites in Aberdeen and was actively recruiting a
local team. “We have offices throughout the UK and in every case we have recruited locally to make sure we have people who really know and understand the region and its business climate,” he said. “We are doing the same in Aberdeen and hope to have the office and team operational within months.” Mr Henderson also revealed plans to expand into the Midlands and South East. The firm already has offices in Bristol, Cardiff, Newcastle and Bradford along with its Brighouse head office. He said: “Over the next 12 months, we intend to have teams operational from bases in Redhill and Northampton and to expand the team at our head office in West Yorkshire, where the head count will need to rise to support UK growth.”
The most trusted news brand in the business
examiner.co.uk
7 , Fe b r u a r y, 2 0 1 2
Look after your cash KIRKLEES businesses have been urged to protect their hard-earned cash. TaxAssist Accountants in Huddersfield said companies should do everything possible in the current difficult climate to avoid penalties from the tax man – and make sure they claim everything to which they’re entitled.
● Full story - Page 4
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Page 2
BT ordered to cut the prices of chat MILLIONS of customers should see their phone bills come down. The prices consumers pay for broadband and landline telephone services are expected to fall after Ofcom announced plans to reduce the amount BT can charge rivals to rent lines. The communications regulator has proposed cuts of up to 19% in the amount that BT’s wholesale network Openreach, which owns the majority of landlines in the country, will be able to charge from April. And there are expected to be further decreases the following year. This is the third time Ofcom has set the prices that Openreach charges other companies for using their lines and its proposals are expected to benefit BT’s rivals such as TalkTalk and Sky,
who may choose to pass on the lower costs to consumers. However, BT said it is considering appealing against Ofcom’s decision because it disagrees with the way it had done its calculations. BT said it needed to get a “fair” rate of return if it is to continue investing in
the UK’s infrastructure. It is currently rolling out superfast broadband to two-thirds of the population by 2014. A BT spokesman said: “Whilst the prices are within the range outlined by Ofcom in November, we disagree with some of the underlying assumptions that they have used to determine these
Yorkshire is best
charge controls. “Our primary concern throughout this process is to ensure that we are able to achieve a fair rate of return in order to continue our investment in the future of the UK’s communications infrastructure.” Ofcom’s plans would see the amount BT can charge for a telephone and broadband line fall 4.5% to £87.41 per year. However, the cost of using a broadband line only should also drop 18.9% to £11.92. Ofcom has submitted the proposals for approval by the European Commission and is due to publish its final decision early next month. Ofcom regulates the prices BT can charge because it has “significant market power”.
Magpie enjoys feathering nest
Cuts hit schools supplier
A BUSINESS that buys and sells used CDs, DVDs and video games online enjoyed its busiest ever day last month as people sold unwanted Christmas gifts to free up cash. Entertainment Magpie buys the items through its Music Magpie website and they are then cleaned, repackaged and sold through its That’s Entertainment brand, which runs a website and 26 high street stores. The business said in one day in January it bought a record-breaking 602,417 items – six times the normal amount – as people made good on new year’s resolutions to declutter and get rid of unwanted Christmas
A MAJOR supplier of whiteboards and technology for school classrooms swung to a loss as it suffered the effects of Government spending cuts. Oxfordshire-based RM said it had battled a challenging year in which the “severe tightening of public sector budgets” was compounded by an unsuccessful international expansion programme and a lack of innovation. The group was hit by Government moves to scale back or cancel unfinished Building Schools for the Future projects, including seven for which RM was the preferred bidder worth £200m.
gifts. The most commonly traded items on the day were Guns N’Roses’ greatest hits, Nirvana albums and Lord of the Rings DVD box-sets. The firm also said people wasted no time selling unwanted Christmas presents, after nearly a million items were sold on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with U2’s Joshua Tree album and Dirty Dancing DVD topping the list of unwanted gifts. The company’s business model of buying second-hand goods cheaply from the public has allowed it to thrive at a time when retailers including HMV and Game are struggling to compete with cheaper downloads.
RM made a bottom-line loss of £23.4 million in the 14 months to November 30, compared to profits of £23.9 million the previous year, after it took a £31.6 million hit following a strategic review that saw it sell several businesses. Revenues fell 8% to £350.8 million Shares fell 13% after the update although it claimed its review left it optimistic about the future. A strategic review announced in September has seen it dispose of several businesses including a hardware firm in the US and its Australian operations.
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 Society was also Highly Commended in the First Time Buyer Mortgage Buyers’ Choice category – again chosen by customers. The award follows several others already presented to the Yorkshire this year, including Moneynet’s Best Overall Mortgage Provider, Best Online Mortgage Provider and Best Offset Mortgage Provider.
Lighting up times BUSINESSES are spending up to half of their electricity bills powering offices after their staff have left work for the day, according to research. Data from thousands of smart meter readings revealed that 46% of business electricity use happened outside the traditional working day of 8am to 6pm. The bills covered lighting empty car parks and shopping centres keeping display lights on and vending machines left on overnight and at weekends.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £32.48 -0.52 Gannett 953.13 +11.37 Hess Corp £38.30 +0.16 Microsoft 1896.79 -13.26 Motors Liquidation 47.37 Wal-Mart Stores £39.04 -0.14 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 302 -7 BAE Systems 3177/8 -11/4 Rolls-Royce 7851/2 +1/2 AIM Brady Plc 81 Dawson Intl 13/8 Man Brnze 251/2 +1/2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 2245/8 -1 BANKS Barclays 2313/8 -6 -2 HSBC 5571/2 1 Lloyds Banking Gp 35 /4 +7/8 Ryl Scotland 283/4 +1/8 Stan Chart 15881/2 -151/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1474 +13 SABMiller £25 -3/8 CHEMICALS Croda 1999 +1 Elementis 98 1603/8 -11/2 Johnsn Mat £221/2 -1/8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2841/4 -31/2 Costain 2007/8 +37/8
ELECTRICITY Drax Gp 530 -101/2 Intl Power 3413/4 -21/8 SSE 1247 -5 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 170 +5/8 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3633/4 -13/4 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 216 +2 Cable & Wireless 451/8 +13/8 Comm Cable & Wireless 213/8 -1/8 Wwide Colt Group 911/2 -5/8 KCOM 75 +13/4 7 Talktalk Telecom 118 /8 -17/8 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 295 -1/4 Sainsbury 2951/8 3 Tesco 324 /4 -17/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1175 -7 Tate Lyle 6871/2 +7 1 Unilever £20 /4 -1/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3003/8 -1/2 National Grid 637 -41/2 Pennon Grp 694 -5 Severn 1514 -20 United Utils 601 -8 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 2041/4 -1
ICAP 383 +3/4 London StockExch 9441/2 -21/2 Man Group 137 +1/4 Provident Financial 985 +1 Schroders 1609 -20 Schroders NV 1285 -16 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 604 +8 REXAM 3811/8 -25/8 Smiths Grp 1000 -17 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 211/8 +1/8 Carphone Whse 173 -1/2 3 Dixons Retail 14 /4 +3/8 Home Retail 1141/2 -25/8 Inchcape 3581/4 -3 7 -1 Kingfisher 271 /8 3 M&S 345 /4 +43/4 Mothercare 2021/2 -43/4 Next £275/8 WH Smith 528 +1/2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 6421/2 +21/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 801/2 +1/2 Barrat Dev 1195/8 -1/4 Persimmon 550 +11/2 Reckitt Benckiser £341/8 -3/4 Taylor Wimpey 443/4 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 9191/2 +61/2 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 3661/4 +71/4
INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 1853/8 -33/8 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 3741/4 -23/4 Lgl & Gen 1201/2 -7/8 Old Mutual 1543/4 -31/8 1 Prudential 727 /2 -41/2 Resolution 2787/8 -13/4 Standard Life 2267/8 -23/8 MEDIA BSkyB 689 -101/2 D Mail Tst 470 -33/4 ITV 773/4 -15/8 Johnston Press 6 -1/2 Pearson 1206 +1 Reed Elsevier 528 -11/2 STV Group 921/2 +11/2 Trinity Mirror 47 Utd Business 582 +2 UTV 112 +2 WPP 776 -3 7 Yell Group 5 /8 MINING Anglo American £287/8 -1/4 Antofagasta 1363 -36 BHP Billiton £22 -1/8 Eurasian Natural 7211/2 -91/2 Res Fresnillo 1817 -33 Kazakhmys 1190 -24 Lonmin 1080 -23 -3/8 Rio Tinto £391/2 VEDANTA 1317 -42 RESOURCES Xstrata 12611/2 -211/2
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
3281/2 1007/8 637 £201/2
+3 +7/8 -41/2 -1/8
FTSE closed at
5892.2 down 8.87 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 422 -5/8 Vodafone Group 1777/8 +23/4 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 9981/2 -391/2 RSA Insurance Gp 112 -3/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1430 +5 BP 4891/2 +5 Cairn Energy 3447/8 +561/8 Royal Dutch Shell A £225/8 Royal Dutch Shell B £227/8 Total £337/8 -1/8 Tullow Oil 1466 +4
OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1063 +8 Petrofac 1475 +1 1 +71/2 Wood Gp(J) 679 /2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1446 -15 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £30 -1/8 GlaxoSmithK 31/2 1 Shire £21 /4 +1/4 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 5051/2 +21/2 Captl Shop Cent 3401/4 +11/4 1 Hamrsn 381 /4 -11/2 1 Land Secs 687 /2 SEGRO 2271/2 +23/4 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 2151/4 +21/2 Logica 831/2 +21/4 Misys 335 +51/2 1 Sage Group 303 /4 -1/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 4681/2 +33/4 Bunzl 873 -6 1 -4 Capita 634 /2 De La Rue 980 Electrocomp 2341/8 +17/8 Experian 906 +21/2 5 G4S 274 /8 +5/8 Hays 827/8 -27/8 7 Homeserve 284 /8 -51/2 Menzies J 5981/2 -4 Rentokil 771/4 -11/8 Smiths News 951/4 -11/4
£227/8
Wolseley
-1/8
IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs Psion Spirent Comms
577 42 1321/4
-11 +1/4 +11/8
TOBACCO Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
£303/4 £241/8
+1/4 +1/4
LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airlines Gp Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread
174 1992 629 472 44 3061/8 1282 5171/2 1367 1863/8
+21/4 +1 +41/2 -41/8 +2 -4 -2 -4 -6 -31/4
1461/4 2681/2 225 140 2811/4 2061/2 1706
-7/8 -1/4 -1/4 +51/8 +11/8 -3/4 -10
FTSE 100
INDEX 5892.20
-8.87
FTSE 250
INDEX 11237.74
+2.59
TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.39 dollars Bangladesh................. 125.39 taka Brazil.............................. 2.42 reals Canada....................... 1.50 dollars China ............................. 8.89 yuan Czech Republic ...... 27.61 korunas Denmark....................... 8.52 krone Euro............................... 1.15 euro Hong Kong................ 11.60 dollars Hungary................... 314.25 forints India.......................... 67.70 rupees Japan........................... 114.96 yen Mexico ....................... 17.83 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.76 dollars Norway ......................... 8.73 krone Pakistan.................. 134.41 rupees Philippines ................. 57.45 pesos South Africa.................. 11.15 rand South Korea.............. 1540.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 170.03 rupees Sweden....................... 10.11 krona Switzerland.................. 1.39 francs Taiwan ...................... 40.74 dollars Turkey....................... 2.62 new lira USA ............................ 1.51 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS THERE’S always something new to learn in business. After 20 years involvement with family firm Lindsays Furniture Mill, managing director Ashley Lindsay is still keen to pick up tips and techniques to make the business work better. The internet is providing a rich source of information and inspiration for the ambitious 38-year-old, who is already well on the way to realising his ambitions for the Milnsbridge-based business. Ashley follows a weekly online podcast, Manager Tools, which focuses on management and leadership skills. The podcast dispenses with management theory in favour of specific actions business leaders can take to improve their management performance. Says Ashley: “I have learned so many things from it. I feel I can learn every day. For instance, this morning I was listening to a podcast about interview techniques. It’s easy to distinguish the best job applicant from the worst, but how do you distinguish between the best, the second-best and the third-best?” And he adds: “With the information and lessons I’ve picked up, I could probably walk into McDonald’s and give them some useful advice!” Customer service and staffing matters are key areas for Ashley as he further develops the business which was founded by his parents 30 years ago and for many years was know as Lindsays Allsorts. “My parents were both interested in antiques,” he explains. “My dad was a machine engineer, but he’d had enough of red-hot filings flying around and decided to do something else. He started selling antiques from the garage, then started doing house clearances.” A shop was opened in Crosland Moor and a second added in Byram Street, close to Huddersfield open market. Later, Lindsays acquired the top floor of an impressive mill building at Britannia Road, Milnsbridge. From selling stock accumulated from house clearances, Lindsays began buying catalogue returns and end-of-line furniture, which were stored at Stanley Mill to supply the shops. In time, customers began calling at the mill itself. Says Ashley: “We had a workshop for repairs and we had a large stock of beds, suites and other furniture in a mill building with bare walls, floors and white-painted iron pillars. Six or seven years ago our ‘unique selling point’ was that we had 300 suites that were cheaper than anywhere else.” More recently, the mill has been transformed as part of a long-term investment in stock, fixtures, fittings and additional attractions designed to turn Lindsays Furniture Mill into a destination store. Two floors of the spacious mill provide display space for a huge variety of sofas, living and bedroom furniture, ranging from traditional to more contemporary styles including well-known brands. The ground floor has been given a major make-over with the addition of a coffee shop as well as attractive room sets featuring quality sofas, chairs and dining furniture. The first floor is set for similar treatment, while Ashley has plans to
profile
Ashley’s no time to take it easy! introduce giftware and add an outdoor garden centre to the rear of the building. While some may draw comparisons with Batley’s Red Brick Mill, Ashley says he is aiming for something different. “We are here for the people of Huddersfield,” he says. “And we are an ‘antidote’ to those furniture ‘sheds’ where the staff try to sell you something at all costs. We are a family business and we want to look after our customers.” As part of efforts to meet customer demand, orders go out accompanied with a feedback form, asking clients to rate the service they receive and asking if there’s anything that can be improved. There are also feedback sessions for the firm’s 10-strong staff. Says Ashley: “It’s quite an American thing, really. But it’s not about giving someone a telling off for something they’ve done wrong – it’s about making sure they do it the right way in the future. “If we get the structure in place and the processes right and everyone follows the processes the less time I have to spend on the day-to-day issues and the more I can look at the bigger picture.”
He says: “We have opened lines of communication with the staff. We have lots of one-to-ones and staff meetings. We ask staff if there’s anything they are struggling with or if they have any concerns. Having weekly one-to-ones means we can deal with problems that people might otherwise push to the background – only for them to come to a head later. I would rather hear bad news or criticism about me or the business so I can do something about it! “We devote 10 minutes for the employee, 10 minutes for me and 10 minutes to identify something we need to improve. It may be something they need to know more about – a product or a process. We put the steps in place to work through it.” Ashley says: “We get motivational speakers in to explain how to get an order – by finding out what the customer wants, asking about their house and its decor, where the furniture is going to go and explaining how a product could be the right one for them.” Putting so much focus on staff motivation and customer satisfaction should pay dividends when Lindsays Furniture Mill opens its new premises at Leeds Road, in the spring.
■ MILL WORK: Ashley Lindsay, of Lindsays Furniture Mill believes customer service and motivated staff are key
Page 3 Ashley Lindsay Role: Managing director Age: 38 Family: Partner Rachel and daughters Naomi, 19, Ellie, 16, Amelie, five and Tiga 4 Holidays: Backpacking in South Asia Car: VW Transporter First job: I had my own paper round Best thing about job: I am always excited about going to work Worst thing about job: Letting a customer down – we don’t do it very often! Business tip: Always look for ways of doing things better
Having worked in the former town centre stores and experiencing the sense of isolation that can bring, Ashley knows the importance of ensuring good communications between head office and the new shop – which is why the business has also invested in new computer systems. Ashley also knows that a high street presence can help promote the mill, too. “I dropped out of college because I was bored with it,” he admits. He resisted joining the family business at first, saying: “I didn’t want come into the business and have people think I was handed it all on a plate. I worked in the shop in town and as it got busier at the mill, I came back. I showed that I had some entrepreneurial flair, I could buy and sell.” Ashley says the trick is to look after the customer and give good advice. “We aim to provide a relaxed atmosphere,” he says. “Customers want to buy something that will last them for the rest of their lives. As a buyer, I am trying to find as many things as I can for people – but to buy the right product at the right price at the right time.” Ashley recognises that change should start at the top – and that begins in the boss’s office. “I have never had a tidier desk,” he says. “I know where everything is and my mind is clear, which helps me concentrate on coming up with new ideas. This place used to resemble a bomb site.” He also understands the art of delegation, saying: “I have learned that you should only do things you have to do. Delegate everything else and teach others to delegate as well.” Ashley says he is ambitious for the business, saying: “I am motivated by doing things well and learning to do them. I want to be successful in getting my ideas to work and the business to flourish. I have learned a lot, but I want to learn more.”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Lindsays Furniture Mill Work: Independent furniture retailer Site: Milnsbridge Phone: 01484 648670 Email: sakes@lindsays furnituremill.com Web: www.lindsaysfurniture mill.com
Traditional values and modern methods in Wealth & Investment At Investec Wealth & Investment we offer expertise and out of the ordinary levels of personal service. Our heritage extends as far back as 1827 but our eyes are firmly fixed on your future. Located in 11 offices across the UK, we are well placed to offer one-on-one insight and expert advice on your investments, pensions or other financial matters. Please visit our website, call Simon Kaye on 0113 245 4488 or email simon.kaye@investecwin.co.uk investecwin.co.uk
The value of your investments may go down as well as up and you might not get back the money you’ve put in. Individuals • International • Charities • Financial Advisers Court of Protection
Member firm of the London Stock Exchange. Member of NYSE Liffe. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Investec Wealth & Investment Limited is registered in England. Registered No. 2122340. Registered Office: 2 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7QP.
local
Page 4
Writing on the wall over VAT THE writing is on the wall for companies still filing paper VAT returns. HM Revenue & Customs is reminding the 1,313 VAT-registered businesses in Huddersfield who still file paper VAT returns that all VAT returns must be submitted online from this spring – meaning paper returns will soon be a thing of the past. At present, only newly-registered businesses and those with turnovers of more than £100,000 have to submit their VAT online – as well as pay electronically. Anyone else can send HMRC a paper VAT return if they wish. But that changes from April when all 1.9m VAT-registered businesses in the UK will have to submit their VAT returns online and pay electronically for accounting periods beginning on or after April 1, 2012. Every VAT-registered trader not already required to submit online will receive a letter from HMRC in February advising them of the change and what steps they need to take. To submit their VAT returns online, companies need to be registered and enrolled for HMRC’s VAT Online Service. To do this, they should go to www.online.hmrc.gov.uk and click “Register” under the “New user” section, then follow the instructions. After April, HMRC will stop sending out paper returns to customers who are now required to submit online. For details on the support available visit www.hmrc.gov.uk or phone the VAT Online Services Helpdesk on 0845 010 8500.
762-2)6-4 0/1+4%3* 9-2!62! 1$%/ 81& , )-25( *%% - "-8 #1/"-/'. ?3E'9$97 8&AEA>&E" :7=B"9D( C=% E79 9!:97&9A>&A5 &A C=%7 B%(&A9(() #9 >EA 39":2 6E"" %( A=# 8=7 E >=A(%"'E'&=A 0.+-- ,+4++4 ###2B95B&9(!'7ECA=72>=D *!+$)!" ,#%&('# ,* 6"E79 1=E;) /E"&8E!) /@ -/<
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
Making first aid your top priority OW may be a good time to N review many things, including the provision of first
aid in our workplaces. How many first aiders do we need? The number and type of the first aid staff required will depend on a number of factors. These include the type of activities in the workplace, numbers of employees and the distance from the emergency services. The Health & Safety Executive has provided an easy to use “First Aid at Work Assessment Tool”. The level of necessary first aid staff may vary between weekends and weekdays, depending on the number of staff working. It should be remembered that HSE approved training needs to be refreshed every three years. It should be someone’s responsibility in the business to review when certificates are due to expire and organise training before this time. Remember, a First Aid at Work trained person will have to re-sit the three-day course rather than the two-day refresher if they miss the expiry date! Can we administer first aid to the public? The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 place
RISKY BUSINESS Will Morris
duties on employers regarding first aid for their employees, but not members of the public, potential customers etc. However, the HSE strongly recommends that non-employees are included in an assessment of first-aid needs and that provision is made for them. Employees giving first aid to a non-employee, in accordance with their training as part of their work duties, would be covered by the Public Liability Insurance policy should negligence occur. What else should we be doing? A suitable number of well-stocked first aid kits should always be available. You may need kits in higher risk locations such as workshops in addition to central points such as reception or the staff kitchen. It should be someone’s respons-
ibility (possibly one of your first aiders) to routinely check that the kits are in place, well-stocked and any items that have passed their expiry date have been replaced. As with all checks, we would recommend records are kept. Having done the good work, you should tell your employees about it. Display notices on staff noticeboards giving the names of your trained employees and where the first aid kits are kept. In the event of an accident, all staff should know how to react, including contacting the first aiders, but also for calling the emergency services. Emergency procedures may also include meeting the ambulance at the site entrance to direct them straight to the casualty.
Will Morris is risk management consultant at Wilby Ltd
Apprentice impresses A RECRUITMENT company in Huddersfield is leading by example when it comes to promoting apprenticeships. Chapel Hill-based Stafflex has recruited its first apprentice with the appointment of 16-yeear-old Abigail Coldwell. The former Newsome High School pupil attends Kirklees College one day a week, where she is undertaking an NVQ level 2 in business administration – with the intention of progressing to level 3 next year. Abigail is spending time in each department at Stafflex, which employs 18 staff and supplies
workers including engineers, production managers, receptionists, hair-stylists, project managers, direct marketing consultants and computer technicians. Director Paul Balderstone said: “We contacted Kirklees College about taking on an apprentice and we interviewed a number of suitable applicants of a high standard. We selected Abigail who is now learning all about the tasks involved in the recruitment industry.” Abigail, who lives at Crosland Moo, said: “I was looking to do an apprenticeship and the more I heard about the opportunity at Stafflex the more interesting it sounded.”
■ ON COURSE: Abigail Coldwell at Stafflex
Support for social entrepreneurs A NEW programme has been launched in West Yorkshire to help social entrepreneurs hone their business skills. The School for Social Entrepreneurs, with a site in Leeds, and Lloyds Banking Group have joined forces to set up a five-year programme to support 500 social entrepreneurs across
the UK as they start-up and grow social and community enterprises. The scheme, which gets under way in April, will see 100 social entrepreneurs each year receive support from the SSE through its learning programmes, as well as a grant ranging from £4,000 to £25,000. The scheme is open to social
entrepreneurs based anywhere in the UK who are addressing a social need or problem in their local community or in wider society. The SSE has been supporting social entrepreneurs since 1997. To register interest in applying for the awards programme contact Alexa Kellow on 0207 0899120.
Pay attention to tax matters
KIRKLEES businesses must take steps to protect their hard-earned cash. Nick Brook (pictured), who runs TaxAssist Accountants in Lockwood, said: “Local businesses know how tough it is out there and the climate is unlikely to change any time soon. “Anything they can do in 2012 to protect their hard-earned income by avoiding penalties from the tax man and claiming everything they’re entitled to – is absolutely vital.” TaxAssist Accountants has put together a 2012 top 10 tips for small businesses to consider. Advice includes making their e-mail or mobile phone an “early warning” diary for tax deadlines; taking advantage of the new 50% tax relief on initial investment if they’re director of a start-up company; and ensuring they receive up to half the minimum wage for the first six months for any new staff, through the new Youth Contract for jobless young people. Employers should also apply for an Employer’s National Insurance Contributions (NICs) holiday; check if they are eligible for up to 100% rate relief on their property; and claim tax relief on any losses if they’re a partnership or sole trader. Bosses should think about incorporating their business if the are paying income tax at 40%; reclaim VAT if any of their employees use a rate per mile to calculate business use of their own car and assess the tax implications of changing the ownership of their vehicles. Companies can also claim up to 100% tax relief for certain plant and equipment, such as vans and computer equipment. Mr Brook added: “Employers should also try to put aside at least 25% of any profits for their tax bill – it always pays to be prepared.”
Director wins national award
A COMPANY with operations in Huddersfield is celebrating after one of its directors won a top award. Lisa Winnard, director of human resources and development at financial services company Sesam Bankhall Group, was named HR Director of the Year at the HR Distinction Awards 2012, which were held in Birmingham. Sesame Bankhall Group includes Sesame Insure, which has offices Holly Bank Road, Edgerton.
NESS NEWS
.
– x
e
o ; s,
ey
d
d
me
s s at
local
Page 5
Bank moves fast to tackle crisis INCE the beginning of December, S financial markets have been exhibiting much more healthy vital signs.
These are most obvious in global equity prices, which have clawed back half the ground lost from the highs of 2011. There are two reasons for this improvement. Firstly America, the world’s largest economy, continues to demonstrate great resilience. Employment trends are improving and housing is no longer a deepening black hole in the credit creation system, undermining any progress. Developments in Europe which have reduced the perception of the immediate systemic risk have, however, been the key. Foremost among these have been great steps forward at the European Central Bank (ECB), where Jean-Claude Trichet’s successor Mario Draghi has moved quickly to deploy its firepower in reducing the temperature of the fevered debt markets. This has been done both by reducing policy interest rates, but more importantly by getting the ECB to fully assume its proper role as lender of last resort to the European banking system through a programme of almost unlimited liquidity provision known as the LTRO (short for Long Term Refinancing Operations) programme. Under the scheme, the ECB in December agreed to lend money for three years (in normal times, the ECB only provides very short-term liquidity) to banks against a very wide range of collateral, thereby removing the risk that they are forced to contract their balance sheets (prematurely call-in loans) if they feel nervous about securing funding in today’s unfriendly markets. The ECB has thus almost eliminated the n e a r- t e r m r i s k o f a n i nvo l u n t a r y
CITY TALK Simon Kaye
credit-crunch turning the already inevitable recession in Europe into a depression. Aside from inoculating the system against the knock-on effects of the Sovereign Debt crisis, the LTRO mechanism can support sovereign government bond prices. This occurs indirectly by underpinning growth which reduces fiscal budget deficits and future bond issuance, more directly by encouraging a profitable “carry trade” for the banks (increasing demand). The opportunity for a carry trade arises because banks can decide to use the LTRO programme to borrow more money than they need for current funding at very low interest rates from the ECB. This money can then be invested in government bonds yielding higher interest rates – the difference being a profit. The amount of potential demand that could be created for (currently stressed) sovereign bonds by successive LTRO programs should not be underestimated. There is, of course, another element necessary for the successful operation of this virtuous circle. Banks may be able to raise liquidity to buy sovereign debt, but they (and others) will only do so if they believe it will not default. Politicians must now use the time that the ECB (through the LTRO) has bought them to secure the future of the euro. This must be done with sensible, but legally enforceable rules for fiscal discipline (tighter integration) implemented on a timescale that does not crush the hopes of electorates in stressed
Simon Kaye is divisional director at Investec Wealth & Investment
Tap into expertise KIRKLEES companies could get big benefits from a regional initiative. Huddersfield University is one of six Yorkshire universities to offer free access to the expertise available at their “nanofactory” to help companies develop new products or processes. Nanofactory, which brings together scientists and engineers from Huddersfield, Bradford, Leeds, Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam, and York universities, is offering local companies the opportunity to Take a Tech Check! Companies with technical challenges are being
offered free advice to give their products an edge through introducing new technologies, such as nanotechnology. “In the current economic climate, many companies are looking to introduce new products to remain competitive, especially compared with foreign firms”, said nanofactory director Prof Simon Biggs. “We are really looking to work in partnership with our local companies to develop new R&D and to get new technologies out of the region’s universities and into production in our local companies.” With spending on R&D by
Yorkshire firms three times lower than the national average, the free support aims to boost the region’s economy by creating new opportunities for companies that will help create and safeguard jobs. “In the last three years, more than 60,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost in Yorkshire”, said Prof Biggs. “We want to help companies develop new opportunities to help rebuild the local economy.” Contact Sean Kelly on info@nanofactory.org.uk or 0113 343 2402 or go to www.nanofactory.org.uk.
nations that they might see rewards for their austerity in a reasonable time frame. Greece is currently a test case as to whether the limits of patience there have been reached. Politicians’ success in convincing the markets that progress is being made will be reflected in banks’ use of LTRO funds to purchase Sovereign Debt. They did not do so with the first tranche of funding, which was deposited back with the ECB as a liquidity buffer, but a large take up of the LTRO facility at the end of February will be a sign that banks intend to play the “carry-trade” and hence also a sign of their confidence in the system (one of the few occasions where more borrowing would be sign of greater health!). Thus it will also be a more meaningful reading of the ability of this programme to stimulate repair, rather than just shore up damage.
Search launched to find the best NEW categories have been announced for the 2012 Asian Women of Achievement Awards. The search is on to find Britain’s most inspirational Asian women in the areas of enterprise and business, sport, the public sector, culture, humanitarianism and politics. The awards are founded and chaired by India-born author and entrepreneur Pinky Lilani. Last year’s event was attended by guests including Home Secretary Theresa May and entrepreneur James Caan (pictured). Pinky Lilani said: “The Asian Women of Achievement Awards were created to identify and reward the extraordinary Asian women who play a crucial role in enriching every corner of our society. “Asian women living in Britain today must feel empowered to believe that they too can make an impact on multicultural life. These awards truly highlight the incredible achievements made by the female pioneers who are shaping and evolving our society for the better.” The closing date for entries is March 2, 2012. The awards take place on May 16, 2012, at the London Hilton Park Lane. For information on how to enter, go to awa.realbusiness.co.uk
It’s time you got more from your accountant Thinking… outside the books
added value services include… Tailored programme to maximise profitability Tailored tax efficient solutions
Regular updates & support to help your business FREE use of our facilities for your meeting Support all day, every day
Call Freephone: 08000 32 32 03 and quote KBN /1211 to give us the chance to help you achieve your goals, or contact us through our website at:-
www.walker-sutcliffe.co.uk
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Page 6
Ferno takes the weight
January sales record A COMPANY making camper vans has posted positive sales figures. Despite the tough economic climate, Shepley-based Wellhouse Leisure has reported a 50% increase in sales during January. Managing director David Elliott (pictured) said: “January is normally a good month for us anyway, selling 12 to 14 campers. This time, we had a target of 16 but have sold 23, including 11 new ones. The total sales value is £625,000 – that’s 50% up on January, 2011. “We also see that people
local
■ VAN MAN: David Elliott, MD of Wellhouse Leisure seem to have a more positive optimistic outlook compared to the end of last year. I don't think there is an issue with people wanting to spend money, they are just being more cautious as to how they spend it.”
A FIRM making medical equipment for the emergency services has reported a big rise in demand for special equipment to cope with the UK’s growing obesity problem. Cleckheaton-based Ferno (UK) Ltd has developed a range of products, including ambulance trolleys, wheelchairs, evacuation chairs and hospital trolleys specifically designed for bariatric patients. The term “bariatric” refers to the population of obese patients who require spec i a l i s t m e d i c a l i n t e r ve n t i o n a n d equipment. Managing director Jon Ellis said: “The rise in obesity in the UK population has required Ferno, over a number of years, to design, develop and manufacture a range of specialist medical equipment to treat
the nation’s bariatric condition and provide the medical profession with a solution to what is a growing problem. “This is right across the board – from equipment in hospitals to the trolley or wheelchair in the back of an ambulance. “Ambulance trusts have had to invest significant amounts in bariatric ambulances in recent years and hospitals are increasing the number of extra-wide, reinforced beds as the demands of larger patients put greater pressure on the system and its staff.” Research by the National Patient Safety Agency shows that nearly a quarter of adults and one in seven children are now estimated to be clinically obese – someone with a body mass index of 30 or over – with the cost to the health service topping £4bn
a year. The problems facing the NHS were illustrated by a report that some hospitals are asking zoos and vets to scan patients who are too obese to fit into hospital scanners. The Royal Veterinary College said its CT scanners, customised for horses, could accommodate patients weighing 30 stone. Mr Ellis said: “The larger bariatric equipment we have designed and developed allows a smooth, dignified approach to dealing with larger patients and we have had really positive feedback from patients and medical professionals. However, with obesity levels in the UK expected to rise further, we expect to see further demand for our products.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK
ADVERTISING FEATURE
National Apprenticeship Week Monday 6 to Friday 10 February, 2012
BLESS ARE JO ION EOPLE A MILL P G IN N E U N O N YO T TO BE MILLIO N A E N W O ’T DON OVER E YOU ONE TIM THIS IS
Full time jobs with an Apprenticeship throughout Kirklees and Calderdale are available NOW!
4220'.),*'(A,2( 4?4,<49<'% 530.-,00 + )*(.-.0'&)'.%&,').$ #)&,"%30.-! 7$,)-.-! + 0366%&' 730'%(,& 0,&4.7, ()-)!,(,-' ',)( $,)*.-! 21 30,& !/( .-0'&37'.%6,&0%-)$ '&).-.-!
)'&)% $#" )! =:7==
TO PROMOTE YOUR COMPANY IN KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS contact Anne Joseph
Tel: 01484 437745
E: anne.joseph@trinitymirror.com
Earn while you learn
Good for business and young people
T
HE 2012 National Apprenticeship Week is underway with events taking place all this week to raise awareness both among businesses and young people.
The event, which runs all this week Monday to Friday, is hoping to build on the success of previous events and be even bigger and better this year. The week aims to raise the profile of apprenticeships among employers, individuals, teachers and parents. Minimum starting pay of £104 per Kirklees Council is organising various events during the week including a Back to the Floor event where senior council week managers shadow apprentices, an information stand at Huddersfield’s indoor market and promotion of the business benefits of taking on an apprentice. www.nationalbusinesscollege.co.uk ● Kirklees College, one of the largest colleges in the country, recruitment@nationalbusinesscollege.co.uk is launching its new Apprenticeship in Retail initiative on Monday March 5. The free advisory event will be held at the 01484 430433 Galpharm Stadium from 4pm. Local entrepreneur and sales expert Nicky Pattinson will kick off the event which will help retail business within the local region develop their customer base and grow profits. All retailers are welcome to attend Things are the free skills and business advisory event. Kirklees College works extensively with local businesses to create new, Employ an apprentice tailor made retail apprenticeships through Kirklees College and organises work-based training programmes for retail manager and There are many reasons to employ an apprentice their personnel. including to: ● The National Business College, • gain skilled, qualified an loyal staff in a cost-effective way, based in Greenhead Road, • ensure your staff have the most up-to-date training Huddersfield, is a firm believer in apprenticeships and work based relevant to your business, training. • make your business more competitive by addressing skills The college was established in 1983 shortages, and as a private organisation • enhance the performance and reputation of your business. specialising in business related subjects and information technology. NBC constantly works FOR MORE INFORMATION to engage companies from a wide tel: 0800 781 3020, area and match young people to email: bdtu@kirkleescollege.ac.uk employers. or web: www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk/employers Take a look at the website which regularly has positions advertised
Business Administration & Customer Service Apprenticeships available.
LOOKING UP
■ APPRENTICE: Enter the world of work with an apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities with a wide range of businesses. ● CMS Vocational Training offers a wide range of training and coaching opportunities for young people and adults across West Yorkshire. It works closely with employers to improve skills, raise standards and improve productivity in the workplace. CMS caters for learners in Huddersfield, Batley, Halifax and Wakefield and offers a variety of training programmes. It offers help and advise to local parents looking for information for their children, and also helps local employers identify the right recruits for the jobs they have available and ensure they have the right attitudes, skills and knowledge for the position in question. CMS want all their learners to do well and will do everything they can to help with an individual trainer to help young people achieve their personal goals.
property
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Flooding threat faces thousands of premises BUSINESSES could be left at risk of flooding as public sector spending cuts lead to the postponing of multi-million pound defence schemes aimed at protecting thousands of homes and commercial premises, it is claimed. The warning comes from Bluefin Insurance Services, which has offices at Cleckheaton, as the latest Climate Change Risk Assessment from the Department of Energy, Food and Rural Affairs identified flooding as one of the top 100 threats Britain will face in the coming years if nothing is done to prevent further damage. The report has identified that the cost of flooding in the UK could rise from its current levels of £1.2bn a year to £12bn over the next 70 years. Despite its earlier commitment to protect funding for flood and coastal defence schemes, the Government has confirmed there will be insufficient funds to continue with all planned schemes – leaving thousands of homes and businesses across the country unprotected. Bluefin spokesman Philip Jackson said: “The problem facing homeowners and small businesses is the impending loss of Government protection for
■ RISING DAMP: Businesses need to make sure they’re well covered
areas which are at the highest risk of flooding which are currently guaranteed to be granted insurance under measures introduced after nationwide flooding in 2007. “Under the Statement of Principles
agreed between the Government and the Association of British Insurers, insurers are committed to continue covering properties and small businesses at significant risk of flooding. However, this protection is due to come to an end next year, potentially leaving businesses unable to get insurance cover for their premises. “As a consequence of Government cuts, around 200,000 homes could be in a situation where their insurers will not be under any obligation to offer flood cover, which could potentially result in property owners facing potentially significant uninsured damage, problems with lenders and a fall in property prices.” Said Mr Jackson: “According to the Environment Agency, over 5m people in England and Wales live and work in properties that are at risk of flooding from swollen rivers or the sea. “Without appropriate government protection home owners and small businesses may find themselves unable to secure the required cover for the risks they face adding additional pressure on families and businesses which are already stretched due to the current economic uncertainty.”
Industrial
Brighouse Trade Park, Armytage Road, Brighouse 7,349 – 16,815 sq ft High quality trade warehouse/warehouse units strategically located for J25 M62 with good parking.
TO LET Industrial
622 Bradford Road, Batley 1,258 m2 (13,537 sq ft) Highly prominent industrial premises with offices/showroom. RE-AVAILABLE following abortive negotiations.
TO LET/MAY SELL Industrial
Albert Works, Albert Street, Lockwood 538 m2 (5,800 sq ft) Single storey workshop just off main Lockwood Road.
TO LET
www.michaelsteel.co.uk
Available Spring 2011
For more information contact Alec Michael on 07717 870 320 or email alec@michaelsteel.co.uk
Page 7
Falling values hit the sector THE total value of commercial property investment transactions across Yorkshire fell in the final quarter of 2011, latest figures have revealed. Research by commercial property firm Lambert Smith Hampton showed the value of deals in the region totalled £54.8m for the three months to December against £306.5m for the previous quarter. However, the figure is still above the £34.8m logged for the final quarter of 2010. Across the region, £731.8m of
transactions were recorded during the whole of 2011 – the lowest figure in five years and a 32% decrease from 2010’s figure of £1.08bn. Major deals during the fourth quarter included the £30m purchase of Leodis Student Residences in Leeds by Rockspring PIM Ltd, Primary Health Properties' acquisition of Weelsby View Medical Centre in Grimsby for £7.9m and an unnamed investor’s acquisition of Beeston Royds Industrial Estate for £5m.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • AGENTS • CONSULTANT • ADVISOR
TRAFALGAR MILLS • LEEDS ROAD • HUDDERSFIELD • HD2 1YY
Broadfield Mills, Lockwood, Huddersfield Industrial unit to let 9,000 square feet Good yard area and ample parking
Trafalgar Mills, Leeds Road, Huddersfield 1st and 2nd floor offices to let up to 4,376 square feet Main road location Contact: Paul Andrew Walker Singleton 01484 477600 Christine Eccleston MB Services 01484 557102
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Paul France, Damian Douglas & Peter Spedding
KOSO Kent Introl BRIGHOUSE-based valves firm KOSO Kent Introl has made three key appointments. Paul France (above left) is the new workshop engineer with KKI’s service department. He has extensive experience in manufacturing and previously worked for 22 years as a fitter at KKI. He also worked at JH Smith Engineering for seven years and at MRC Transmark for more than 13 years. Damian Dugdale (centre) starts at KKI as an expeditor responsible for managing supplier purchase orders and expediting orders for spare parts. He previously managed purchasing and expediting processes at Edmund Bell Fabrics and was responsible transport planning and stock control for the Clipper Group. Peter Spedding (right) joins the company as computer numerical control operator. He has more than 30 years’ experience in manufacturing, having spent 17 years as a manufacturing technician for Lucas Aerospace, 10 years at Weir Valves and four years at Valvetek Machining Ltd. KKI sales director David Limb said: “We are pleased to continue to create employment in Yorkshire, particularly during a time when confidence in the region’s manufacturing sector is low. “The three new employees have a wealth of manufacturing experience and will prove to be valuable assets to KKI.”
Movers and shakers
Shop talk that’s worth a listen!
RETAILERS will find out about a new apprenticeship for the industry – and get a few pointers to future success at an event in Huddersfield. Internationally renowned business guru Nicky Pattinson will be the key speaker when Kirklees College stages its Retailer in Kirklees event at 4pm on Monday, March 5, at the Galpharm Stadium. The initiative aims to help local retailers develop better customer service and increase their profits. The event will also see the launch of the college’s new apprenticeship in retail. All retailers of any size from across the region are invited to attend the free skills and business advisory event at the stadium. Kirklees College has worked extensively with local business to create its retail apprenticeships and work-based training programmes for retail managers and their customer service personnel. Nikki Davis, head of business and professional studies at the college, said: “We have been working alongside local businesses to gain an understanding of retailer issues and we’ve identified a number of key areas that we can help with at the Retailer in Kirklees event. “This is an advisory evening giving local business people the opportunity to ask specialists about a number of important issues.
■ WORK SHOP: Nikki Davis (left), head of business and professional studies at Kirklees College, with business tutors Karon Szlachcic (centre) and Christine Ward, who will be running the Retailer in Kirklees event in March
“It’s also an ideal opportunity for the college to launch its new apprenticeship programme and let local retailers know all about the benefits of a retail-specific apprenticeship.” A specialist panel of experts will offer practical advice in areas including the
Motivational moment
Richard Giles & Justin Donn
PwC ACCOUNTANCY firm PricewaterhouseCoopers has strengthened its Yorkshire pensions advisory practice with the appointment of Richard Giles (right, top) as director and Justin Donn (below) as manager. Mr Giles specialises in advising companies on financing and risk management of defined benefits liabilities and designing future pension arrangements. Before joining PwC in 2008, he worked for 17 years in Leeds. He is a fellow at the Institute of Actuaries and has a degree in mathematics from Manchester University and an MBA from Bradford University. Sheffield-born Mr Donn joins the West Yorkshire team from London, where he worked for 11 years. He specialises in advising companies on liability management, scheme funding negotiations, scheme closures and benefit redesign. He has a first class degree in mathematics from Manchester University and is an associate of the Institute of Actuaries.
Page 8
importance of customer service to increase sales; human resource strategies; recruiting and retaining quality staff; training and developing; planning for sustainability and growth; and use of social media. Phone 01484 427000 or go to www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk
Fletcher Adamowicz
Grant Thornton BUSINESS advice firm Grant Thornton has appointed Fletcher Adamowicz as senior manager of its tax team in West Yorkshire. Mr Adamowicz began his career with Ernst & Young where he spent eight years working in its mid-market and private client teams. He specialises in providing advice to corporates, management teams and shareholders of fast growing owner-managed and private equity-backed businesses.
Kate Howe
Knight Frank ■ BY THE BOOK: Author and businesswoman Annaliese Morgan BUSINESSWOMAN and author Annaliese Morgan is set to give a pep-talk to other budding entrepreneurs. Annaliese, who runs Fuchsia Pet Health Spa in Brighouse, is the main speaker at an inspirational event called Get YOUR Version of Having it All. The event, to be held at 6pm on Thursday, February 16, at the Pennine Manor Hotel, Scapegoat Hill, also features Stuart Baldwin, of Positive Performance Ltd, and Capital FM DJ Simon Hirst. There will also be
time for networking and refreshments. Annaliese, who is well-known as the author of Desperate House Pets, said: “This event will bring together local businesses and showcase personal stories in what should be a motivating evening.” The mother-of-two left behind a career as a veterinary nurse to open her animal health spa. She won backing for her venture from Australian entrepreneur Jonathan Pfahl and is now planning for expansion. Go to www.annaliesemorgan.com.
PROPERTY consultancy Knight Frank has strengthened its retail team in West Yorkshire with the appointment of Kate Howe as a senior retail surveyor. Ms Howe graduated from Edinburgh University with a degree in biology and later from Northumbria University with a degree in real estate management. She has now joined the team working alongside Knight Frank partner Alex Munro, covering the West Yorkshire retail markets and beyond. Ms Howe joins Knight Frank from the Manchester-based Northhold Group. She has also worked for DTZ in Scotland and Savills in Manchester.