KATRINA CLIFFE
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FTSE 100 MARTIN THOMPSON -70.69 Border guards? Column - Page 6 6672.15
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014
Marketing moves Interview - Page 3
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
A foundry business in Kirklees has invested in new machinery and created more jobs following a five-figure boost. Batley Foundry secured a £20,000 grant from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Business Growth Programme, which is supported by the government’s Regional Growth Fund. The money has helped the firm buy state-of-the-art machinery and employ two new members of staff. It has helped purchase a furnace control system, which works at a 20% faster pace than the previous model and has ensured that Batley Foundry can produce its goods more efficiently. The company, which employs 22 staff, has invested more than £150,000 alongside the grant to help drive its innovation programme and boost revenue. Mike Powell, sales and commercial
director, said product output would continue to grow as Batley Foundry is now able to pour greater volumes of metal thanks to the machinery – opening its business up to more markets. Batley Foundry works in overseas markets, including Europe and the USA in power generation, machine tooling, marine engineering and construction. LEP chairman Roger Marsh said: “Batley Foundry is one of Yorkshire’s most established businesses - producing cast iron for nearly 100 years - and remains one of the few foundries left in the City Region. We are delighted to have been able to assist in purchasing vital equipment to enable the company to increase production and open up new opportunities for business growth.” Kirklees Council leader Clr David Sheard said: “Keeping our established businesses in the district and helping them to grow is vital to future prosperity. The impact is felt by the local community, the supply chain, the local shops and the employees, so I am pleased the com-
■■ Kirklees Council leader Clr David Sheard (left) and Roger Marsh, chairman of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, welcomed the funding deal for Batley Foundry
pany has benefited from the Business Growth Programme.” Mr Powell said the investment had been fundamental to improving machinery efficiency. He said: “The previous
model was 41 years old and the new system is much more reliant and time effective. We are now able to use the furnace to full capacity which has created a wider market sector for the company.”
Eyes on Horizon A social enterprise involved in property management and construction has won a monthly business award. Huddersfield-bas e d Fresh Horizons Ltd was named Business of the Month in the competition run by law firm Eaton Smith. Fresh Horizons Ltd is a not-for-profit social enterprise delivering a wide range of services from facilities management and construction to nurseries and libraries, housing and more.
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Music shop moves up the scale with key business loan Link-up It’s one of the most iconic names in music. Now a Huddersfield music shop has upgraded its official Fender dealership status following support from a local business lender. Keith Dawson Music, based at Marsh, has been upgraded to a Fender Select dealer, the second highest tier Fender has available, after receiving financial support from the Business Enterprise Fund. “We’re the largest private music store in Huddersfield and have been a Fender stockist since the shop opened in 2007, so when they approached us to take on the
commitment of becoming a higher acclaimed Fender dealer for the Kirklees area, it was an offer we couldn’t refuse,” said Keith Dawson, who also manages a music school above the shop. “Fender recognised that we have built up a loyal custom in the area and were impressed with the full level of service we provide. As well as retailing, we offer a full repair service and run a successful music school during the evenings. “To become an official Fender Select stockist, we needed to commit to a higher level of stock – but this came at a cost we
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couldn’t afford. We contacted our bank for support with the growth, but they couldn’t help at the time. “My accountant passed on the details of Simon Jackson at BEF and within a month they provided the finance that enabled us to sign up for the commitment.” The BEF loan has funded a shop re-fit, creating more space for the new stock and a contemporary environment to run the daily music school, which currently hires six tutors from local schools and bands who specialise in guitar, drums and ■■ BEF investment manager Simon Jackson (left) with Keith Dawson piano.
A Huddersfield nightspot has linked up with one of the UK’s biggest pub owners and brewers in a move that could go national. Maverick’s, which has 80s-themed sites at King Street, has secured backing from Greene King to expand the Maverick’s brand to five more sites in Yorkshire – with the longterm aim of establishing a national franchise.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Employment prospects still good despite slump Job prospects have declined sharply in Yorkshire and Humberside, said a survey today. Figures from recruitment firm Manpower, showed that while the employment outlook in the region remained positive, it has taken a tumble of 8% on the previous quarter and now stands at its lowest level for more than a year. The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is based on responses from 2,103 UK employers. It asks whether employers intend to hire extra workers or reduce the size of their workforce in the coming quarter. Operations manager Amanda White said: “Despite the fall in optimism compared to last quarter, we shouldn’t forget that the jobs outlook is still in positive territory and the market remains buoyant in Yorkshire and Humberside. “Sheffield and Hull are particularly positive, although in the Leeds area we’re finding that most roles are coming up outside the city itself. “And believe it or not, as many candidates are still cautious about looking for new roles despite the improving economy, many employers are struggling to fill vacancies. For exam-
■■ Skills shortages are making it hard for firms to fill vacancies, says Manpower
ple, we’re seeing skills shortages across engineering and IT roles as well as jobs requiring secretarial skills or sales experience. “Gaining transferable skills always helps those who are out of work or looking for the next opportunity on the jobs ladder. “Research is also crucial. Ahead of an interview, we always encourage candidates to take the time to find out
about the company and the role and what relevant transferable skills they have. “The national picture in early 2015 is positive, following 2014’s jobs bonanza, when we saw the highest level of job creation in 40 years. “The national seasonally adjusted net employment indicates that, with an outlook of plus 7%, 2015 will begin even more optimistically than the
GoCompare boss set for big pay day The founder of GoCompare is set for a final bumper pay day after the business she set up in 2006 was sold to car insurance firm esure. Hayley Parsons will step down as chief executive of the price comparison site as a result of esure’s £95m deal to buy the half of GoCompare it does not already own. The sale values the entrepreneur’s remaining 23% stake in the business at almost £44m. She set up Newport-based GoCompare after leaving rival Confused.com and focused the website on the levels of cover provided by an insurance product rather than just listing them according to their price. It is best known for its adverts featuring fictitious opera singer Gio Compario. Ms Parsons said: “I am very proud that a company I started at my kitchen table eight years ago has achieved so much in such a short period of time. “Today, we are a leading price comparison business in the UK and this is credit to all the wonderful, hardworking people we have in Newport.” Last year, GoCompare reported sales of £110m and pre-tax profits of £25m. Ms Parsons spent 14 years with Cardiff-based insurance firm Admiral, where she was instrumental in the launch of the first motor insurance comparison site in the UK, Confused.com.
fourth quarter of 2014, when the outlook was plus 6%.” The survey said Britain’s biggest firms are set to lead the job creation charge in early 2015 and – with an Outlook of plus 21% – more of the UK’s largest employers were planning to take on staff than at any point in the last decade. Many big businesses built up large cash reserves in the downturn and now have money to invest in infrastructure and growing their workforces. Manpower said the run-up to Christmas had seen some of the UK’s biggest and best-known companies taking on staff in their thousands as they prepare for the seasonal rush. Among them, Royal Mail, is recruiting 19,000 extra workers to deliver the nation’s Christmas gifts. Across the regions, the North East boasted the brightest outlook at plus 16%, its best showing for seven years. The South West followed with an outlook of plus 15%. Wales rose by 4% while Scotland fell from a high of plus 8% in the third quarter of the year to plus 2% this quarter. Northern Ireland is the only region in negative territory, falling back to minus 4% after a surprise leap into positive numbers last quarter.
M&S hit by online delivery woes
‘Black Friday’ boost for retailers
Beleaguered retailer Marks & Spencer has been hit by online delivery problems in the key pre-Christmas period in a fresh blow to its recovery plans. The issues mean customers are not able to make in-store click-and-collect orders for the next day, while deliveries to home addresses, normally taking three to five days, are taking up to 10 days. Reports of the problems
A “Black Friday” shopping surge helped retailers enjoy their best November sales growth in five years – offering hope for the key pre-Christmas period. Like-for-like sales grew by 0.9% in November compared to a year earlier, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC) sales monitor with KPMG. The figure was an improvement on a flat per-
blunted hopes of a revival in M&S’s fortunes – a month after signs of improved trading in womenswear and a surprise rise in half-year profits cheered the City. Marks’s revamped website had already been proving a headache with sales down by 6.3% in the six months to the end of September following a launch earlier this year. The latest delays were report-
edly caused by problems at the retailer’s distribution centre in Castle Donington, Leicestershire, which opened in May last year. M&S said there were “always going to be challenges” at the “relatively new distribution centre”. A four-day period that included “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” had proved very popular and prompted it to extend delivery times.
formance in October and a 2.1% decline in September. But it still meant sales for the three-month period were down by 0.5%, dragged lower by the struggling food sector as supermarkets were squeezed by a price war. The November increase was the best monthly sales rise since August and the best November year-on-year growth since 2009.
Household appliances were the best performing category as promotions on items such as televisions bumped up sales on Black Friday at the end of the month. Clothing was the worst performing area, despite a boost from Black Friday promotions, with milder-than-usual weather conditions still hampering demand for hats, gloves and knitwear.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN
American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys
£60.02 +0.73 £68.69 -2.26 £46.32 -0.44 £59.01 -1.03 £20.75 -0.17 £46.89 -1.57 £30.88 -0.11 47.99 £54.12 +0.29 £51.17
AEROSPACE & DEFENCE
Avon Rbbr BAE Systems Chemring Cobham Meggitt Rolls-Royce Senior
AIM
600 Group API Grp Brady Plc Highland Gold Mining Johnson Service Grp London Security M”S Intl Nichols Redhall Group Scapa Grp Youngs GKN
7371/2 4793/4 2373/4 305 5081/2 8921/2 2841/2 17 48 72 32 591/2 £233/8 1491/2 9081/2 131/2 1301/2 1049
AUTOMOBILES & PARTS BANKS
3537/8
-21/2 -17/8 +23/4 +11/8 -91/2 -71/2 -21/2 -1/4 +2 -3/4 +1/2 -61/2 -4 +8 -23/4
Barclays Bk Ireland HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart Barr (AG) Diageo SABMiller Croda Elementis 98 Johnsn Mat
2471/8 271/2 6391/4 803/8 400 9643/4
-21/4 +1/4 -33/4 -1/2 -31/2 -81/4
591 19431/2 £331/2
-9 -271/2 -3/4
£257/8 2511/4 £331/2
-1/8 -13/4 -1/2
193 1544 288 511/2 227
-25/8 -35 +3
BEVERAGES
CHEMICALS
CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
Balfour Beatty C”R”H Costain Low Bonar Marshalls Drax Gp SSE
ELECTRICITY
5751/2 1672
-21/4 -8 -7
ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced Ox Instmts Volex
659 3087/8 3013/8 1190 681/2
-1 +13/4 -37/8 +3 +1/4
4781/2 1381/2 437 2653/8
-25/8 -1/2 -10 -25/8
EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS
Alliance Trust Br Assets Candover Inv Dunedin Inv
Dunedin Sml Edin Invst Electra Private Equity Forgn & C Henderson Smllr Cos North American Inc Scot Am Scottish Mortgage Witan
1837/8 6541/2 £271/8 4231/8 552 878 2431/2 2507/8 7481/2
-7/8 -31/2 +1/4 +7/8 -1 -41/2 -11/2 -3/4 -7
4161/2 50 135 883/4 3081/2
-31/2 -1/4 +1/4 +1/4 -3/4
184 /8 2353/4 1871/4 117
+ /8 -21/2 -21/4 -1
FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
BT Grp Cable & Wireless Comm Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom
FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS
Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco Thorntons AB Food Carrs Millg REA Hldgs Tate Lyle Unilever
7
FOOD PRODUCERS
1
£321/4 1723 3771/2 590 £271/8
-5/8 +2 -41/2 -141/2 -1/8
2835/8 927 900 1986 898
-23/8 -3 -3 -5 -2
GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES
Centrica National Grid Pennon Grp Severn United Utils 3i Group
GENERAL FINANCIAL 4575/8
-1/4
Smith Nph
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
93 /2 227 927 1741 1
+ /4 -21/4 -3 -97 3
FTSE closed at
6672.15 1515 4183/4 £223/8 1497/8 £241/2 £273/8 £211/2
+2 +2 -1/8 +11/2 +1/8 -1/4 -1/8
3141/4 1122
+21/2 -23
GENERAL INDUSTRIALS
Smith DS Smiths Grp
GENERAL RETAILERS
Ashley L Dixons Carphone Home Retail Inchcape Kingfisher M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith
29 4375/8 1911/2 7201/2 3217/8 4831/2 1813/4 £665/8 £823/4 1313
-12
Aga Rangemaster Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey
122 /4 4665/8 1952 1591 £521/2 1361/4
-1 -51/8 +1 -22
3
-11/4
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
down 70.69 Close Bros ICAP London StockExch Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV
1102
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
-61/2 -17/8 +1/2 -61/4 -133/8 +3/4 +1/8 +3/4 +9
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
Fenner I”M”I Molins Renold Spirax-Sarco Weir Grp Ferrexpo
2285/8 1222 811/2 561/4 £30 1741
-47/8 +3 -3/4 +1/8 -97
INDUSTRIAL METALS 64 /8 3
INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
BBA Aviation
3451/4
+11/8
507 3813/4 2451/2 1951/8 15321/2 4181/8
+1 +11/4 -11/2 -21/2 -18 -81/4
827 2137/8 161 1210 1105 940 372
+2 +3/4 -1 -10 -3 -91/2 -71/2
LIFE INSURANCE
Aviva Friends Life Gp Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Standard Life
D Mail Tst ITV Johnston Press Pearson Reed Elsevier Sky STV Group
MEDIA
- /8 3
Trinity Mirror Utd Business UTV WPP
1471/2 4567/8 1801/2 1348
MINING
Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kaz Minerals Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES
-1 -23/4 +1/2 -19
1244 7261/2 1437 7151/2 2455/8 1671/4 £287/8 6711/2
-24 -51/2 -37 -4 +1/4 -107/8 -1/8 -7
8151/2 230
-1 -5/8
MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Inmarsat Vodafone Group
NONLIFE INSURANCE
Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Ins Gp
1285 881 £371/2 4507/8
+7 -2 +1/4 -11/2
895 4171/4 168 1881/4 £21 £213/4 £347/8 3913/4
-121/2 -71/4 +1/4 -7/8 -1/2 -5/8 -5/8 -41/4
10553/8 767 5891/2
-11 -13
OIL & GAS PRODUCERS
BG BP Cairn Energy Premier Oil Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell B Total Tullow Oil
OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
AMEC Petrofac Wood Gp(J)
PERSONAL GOODS
Burberry Gp PZ Cussons
1680 330
+2 -7
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY
Astrazeneca GlaxoSmithKline Shire
£47 1460 £453/4
-1/2 -101/2 -1/4
771 /2 7181/2 618 346 1180 3843/4
-4 -21/2 -51/2 -41/2 -5 -45/8
4461/2
-13/8
1056 1820 1057 156 5181/2 2073/4 2073/4 1057 274 1431/4 3211/2 5921/2 3571/2 561 1673/8 1145/8 1824
+4 +6 +2 +31/4 +31/2 +11/8 +11/8 +2 -21/8 +31/4 -63/8 -2 -11/4 -61/2 +3/4 -1/4 -14
REAL ESTATE
Brit Land Gt Portland Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO
1
SOFTWARE & COMPUTER SERVICES
Sage Group
SUPPORT SERVICES
Berendsen Bunzl Capita Connect Group De La Rue Elctro Com Electrocomp Experian G4S Hays Homeserve Interserve Menzies J Northgate Prem Farnell Rentokil Travis & P
£367/8
Wolseley
-1/8
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT
ARM Hldgs IBM Spirent Comms
TOBACCO
Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
963 +161/2 £1041/4 -1/4 663/4 -1/2 £367/8 £281/4
-5/8 -1/2
1097/8 £28 1096 1705 106 1123/4 £261/8 7431/2 £26 4773/4 119 1481/2 3663/8 2561/2 1143/4 164 658 7577/8 4113/8 4521/4 £461/4 3555/8
-7/8
TRAVEL & LEISURE
Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airl Ladbrokes Marston’s Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Punch Taverns Rank Org Restaurant Grp Ryanair Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread William Hill FTSE 100 FTSE 250
INDEX
6672.15 15952.47
-8 -56 -3/4 +33/4 -1/8 -101/2 -3/8 -9 -3/8 -1/4 -13/4 +2 +11/2 +21/2 +3 -21/2 +11/4 +21/4 -1/2 -11/8 -70.69 -50.41
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Variety is the spice of life, they say. And Katrina Cliffe certainly enjoys the varied nature of her work as founder and director of Huddersfield-based KC Communications – a company providing marketing consultancy and marketing manager services to clients including SMEs and education trusts. Katrina, who lives at Lindley, set up the business after gaining wide experience in the sector working for a number of companies, notably the multi-award winning agency Attik. Now she is putting her expertise to good use developing marketing strategies to help client companies raise their profile and by providing support in terms of PR, social media, web development and graphic design. Katrina attended Salendine Nook High School and took a modern apprenticeship in business administration. Her first job was with Leeds-based recruitment agency Moves, where she first got involved in marketing, advertising and design. She began as a receptionist, but got promoted to a marketing role helping candidates prepare for their jobs. Katrina went on to spend four years at design agency Attik as account executive at its Fitzwilliam Street offices before leaving to work for Internet Direct in Marsden. She went on to take a number of “small jobs” before a former boss from Moves offered her a post as marketing services manager in Ireland with telephone billing specialist I-Conx Solutions. “I was based from home, but I travelled to Dublin once a month and internationally as required for conferences and events,” says Katrina. “I was there for five-anda-half years. The job was great and I was working from home with two children by that stage. “But I felt I needed to do something different. I decided I wanted to do something for myself, so I told myself to get on with it and do it!” The result was KC Communications, now based in shared offices at Bates Mill on Colne Road. Says Katrina: “While it was still just an idea in my head, I contacted some of the local networking groups to meet other businesses – and one of them, Sheards Accountants, became my first client. Paradigm Creative also came on board. “I had two clients in the first month in business. In September this year, another two clients came on board. All the work ‘kicked off’ in September and it was quite daunting. “I was developing four separate marketing plans for four different businesses in different industries. I was working all night and weekends to get them turned around.” Katrina has now established the marketing strategies for all four clients – who also include Leeds-based Temple Learning Academy and the Sikh-ethos Khalsa Education Trust. Says Katrina: “These are businesses that don’t need a fulltime marketing manager. Instead, we provide the services
profile
Help at hand from Katrina and work as an outsource marketing manager. I can put myself in the client’s position. “I know what they want to achieve in the long term. I can also look at things from the consultancy view – working on a campaign and how that will link into a further campaign. “It is a really nice way to work, but clients have to trust you to do that. That’s what makes it different. I have been lucky with the clients I have on board. They are fantastic people to work with.” Along with the 12-month marketing strategy, clients get detailed reports each month about their performance in areas such as web hits and publicity. Social media is a vital part of the mix – and Katrina is keen to expand that angle. Now Katrina has taken on an apprentice, who she hopes will provide additional support for the growing business. “Social media ties into everything my clients are doing,” she says. “It is a large part of clients’ activities. To get the most from using social media, they have to have someone dedicated to it and the rest of the people in the company buying into it. “It’s about attracting the right
audience and helping to grow the business.” Once committed to marketing via social media, companies have to keep at it. “I came across a company that last tweeted in 2013,” says Katrina. “Tweets and blogs aren’t the be all and end all because you have to make everything else work, too. But social media is the way to get out there.” Says Katrina: “In the last few weeks, I have had more business enquiries from potential clients, including small businesses, a charity and a firm of architects. It’s busy, but everything is running smoothly.” Help is now at hand with the appointment of an apprentice. “It’s something I started thinking about a few weeks ago,” says Katrina. “I felt that I might be trying to run before I could walk, but I wanted to give someone else the sort of opportunity I had when I was an apprentice. “There’s so much talk about young people not working and not wanting to work. I want to give someone else the opportunity.” Katrina is still studying. A few years ago she gained the Chartered Institute of Marketing diploma in marketing and communi-
■■ Katrina Cliffe of KC Communications, based at, Colne Road, Huddersfield
Katrina Cliffe
cations – while working full-time and raising two young children. Now she is studying for a diploma in digital marketing. “People tell me I have an old head on young shoulders,” she says. “I bought my first house when I was 18. I’ve always been determined to succeed.” Among other activities, Katrina is a non-executive director of Glint, the non-profit organisation run by Huddersfield woman Heidi Dawson, who has developed “horse assisted development” as a fun and effective alternative to traditional business coaching, therapy and training. Katrina is also vice-chair of Lindley out of school club, “I met Heidi a few years ago when I went to her for some coaching,” says Katrina. “Glint provides horse assisted work in team building, working with companies, individuals and young people. I have seen how it works and it’s amazing.” Most important of all, Katrina also finds time to support a charity close to her heart, Tommy’s. The charity funds research into pregnancy problems and provides information to parents. Katrina suffered from pregnancy-related problems that led to her first child, Casey, being stillborn at 20 weeks. Katrina and husband John’s eldest daughter, Stevie, now nine, was born prematurely – while it was thanks to medical advances that younger daughter Jaime, three, was born full-term. Earlier this year, John, his father Richard and friend Mark Storey raced across Europe in a £500 banger to raise £6,200 for Tommy’s. The four-day race saw 100 cars travel 3,000 miles across Europe – via northern France, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland to Milan before heading back via Lyon, Paris and Dunkirk. Katrina took part in the 10k Great Yorkshire Run in Sheffield to support Tommy’s. “That was my way of giving something back,” she says. “I try to do what I can for Tommy’s.”
Role: Director Age: 31 Family: Married to John with children Stevie, nine, and Jaime, three Holidays: My favourite places are New York and Lanzarote First job: Receptionist at Moves Recruitment Car: Ford Focus Best thing about the job? The wide variety of clients I work with. They are all passionate about their customers and – in the case of the schools, their pupils Worst thing about the job? When everyone wants something doing all at once. You try to make sure everything is running smoothly, but it doesn’t always happen Business tip: If you have an idea and are passionate about it, go for it. It’s about taking a chance and maximising opportunities. And make sure you have a good team around you
KC Communications Work: Marketing consultancy and marketing manager resource Site: Colne Road, Huddersfield Phone: 01484 829029 Email: katrina@kccomms.co.uk. Web: www. kccomms.co.uk
Who will be the next Business of the Month? If you are proud of what your business has achieved; why not tell us about your success story and you could be a winner of our prestigious award. For further details please contact: Ian Greenwood, Eaton Smith Solicitors, 14 High Street, Huddersfield HD1 2HA T: 01484 821389 E: iangreenwood@eatonsmith.co.uk
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
Agency helps lift hotels’ bookings A Huddersfield creative agency has helped a hotel group win a national award. Best Western GB took the top accolade for a consumer-facing direct marketing campaign in the Direct Marketing Association Awards. The “Happiness is…” campaign was created by the Sharp agency, which has offices at Bates Mill, Colne Road. The campaign was launched last winter with the aim of increasing winter bookings at Best Western GB’s 284 properties in a climate of austerity. Rather than focusing on a discount, the campaign promoted the emotive reasons behind consumers being motivated to book a UK break. In collaboration with the Best Western marketing team, Sharp’s creative campaign delivered a bookings increase of 105% year-on-year. Best Western GB chief executive Richard Lewis said: “We are extremely pleased to have gained recognition for our efforts in conjunction with our creative agency Sharp.” Sharp creative director Richard Sharp said: “The Direct Marketing Association awards are the pinnacle of recognition for the direct marketing industry in the UK and we are delighted to have won the gold award for our work. Our work stood out against world-renowned agencies, which is a testament to the team’s dedication to getting fantastic results for our clients which go above and beyond the brief.”
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KIRKLEES BUS
Alarm device gets Dragon’s approval A start-up company in Huddersfield which launched just a few weeks ago has already caught the eye of one of Britain’s best-known businessmen. MonitorGO Ltd, based at the Media Centre in Northumberland Street, began trading in October – but has already been selected by former BBC Dragon’s Den panellist Theo Paphitis as one of his Small Business Sunday winners. Small Business Sunday is a weekly initiative where Theo invites small and medium-sized businesses to tweet him about their business on a Sunday evening. He then selects his favourite six and retweets their messages to his 450,000-plus followers. As well as increased exposure on social media, the winners get a profile on the #SBS directory and get invited to the annual #SBS event, which will take place in January, hosted by Theo himself. There’s also a strong community of social media among winners – the socalled #SBS Family – which offers the opportunity to network and do business as well as providing peer support from like-minded entrepreneurs. MonitorGO’s website traffic doubled overnight the day they won and the interest on Twitter in particular has been staggering. MonitorGO is a new kind of personal alarm device for the elderly. It was created by Huddersfield entrepreneur and former head teacher, Stephen Bradbury. His inspiration for this device was his uncle John, who he had cared for in his later years. John was in his 90s and prone to falls, but insisted on living independently. He used a pendant alarm, but it failed
Helping go for g
■■ Former head teacher Stephen Bradbury (left), whose MonitorGO personal alarm system attracted the attention of Dragon’s Den panellist Theo Paphitis (right)
for a number of reasons. Once, he fell in the garden and was out of reach. On another occasion, he fell and became unconscious and was unable to activate the alarm. He lay there for hours as a result. Stephen thought there should be something better. After more than a year of development, the MonitorGO alarm was created. It is essentially bespoke software that sits on a smartphone and offers the features that Stephen wanted for John - but that the pendant could not provide. This includes fall detection – that raises the alarm even if the wearer can’t activate it manually – unconsciousness
alert, GPS location tracking and optional access to a 24-hour call centre. It’s fully mobile, so users can take it anywhere – and because it’s a mobile phone it can still be used to make and receive calls. Commenting on the #SBS win, Stephen said: “It’s a great endorsement that Theo thinks we have something interesting to offer and a pleasure to join the ‘#SBS family’ – especially so soon after launch. “While we obviously think we have a great product that can make a big impact on older people, it’s always good to have that sentiment validated – especially from such an experienced entrepreneur!”
Just make sure you read the small print! It’s very easy to unwittingly agree to things you didn’t realise you were signing up for! How many times have you been asked to “just sign here” to open an account with a supplier? Well, one of our clients opened several trade accounts for his limited company only to find, when the business stumbled, that he’d effectively signed away his car and his house. The innocuous looking standard terms and conditions on the back of the account opening form actually contained a stringent personal guarantee. He’d signed, so the law assumes he’d read the small print first. I personally walked away from an agreement recently because it said “if you don’t use the sessions within 90
■■ Steve Harvey Frank
THE BUSINESS BATTLEAXE Amanda Vigar days they WILL be forfeit”. When I worked it out, it wasn’t possible to use the sessions within 90 days as my trainer was planning a break during Christmas and the gym potentially needs to close to do building work. Despite verbal assurances that they have never enforced the clause, I wasn’t willing to sign up. So, my trainer has lost the advantage of me paying up front – I’m still going to do sessions as the Battleaxe
needs to keep fit to wield a rolling pin with full force! Insurance policies are another classic of this. People shop around for the cheapest deal only to find that there is a reason for that – they’re not covered when they want to claim because of the various exclusions on the policy. For example, you are only really covered for theft if you have window locks of a certain type fitted. Oh, and don’t forget, in
this season of goodwill, to check your rights to return goods that you buy as presents or in the sales. There may be time limits for returns; you may only be able to get a credit note unless the good are faulty; there might only be a limited time to activate an additional warranty. So, whether it is business or personal, read the small print - or it could cost you dear!
Amanda Vigar is managing partner at Holmfirth-based accountants V&A Bell Brown LLP
A Holmfirth business achieve online succe ment programme to p to small businesses. WSI Yorkshire is wo eral companies as Voucher funding prog seeing promising res increase traffic to the their online presence The Growth Vouc provides businesses voucher for up to £2, receive the expert adv need to help them gro Not all businesses a ing is allocated ran those that do receive invaluable. Steve Harvey Fran Yorkshire, said: “The is continuing to be a who would like advic all things digital. This we all need to know h of it to help our busin “Even though the randomly, it’s most d If a client is unsucce options and we will clients in the best way and their needs.” Electrical engineer based at Beaumont Pa the funding and is wo shire to achieve greate Managing director “WSI are working with our target market th internet and we are marketing methods so business.”
League
A Huddersfield electr has joined the premie electric motor repaire Westin Drives has from Swedish-based which makes bearing tems in 70 countries. The Leeds Road firm in the UK to become S ers after undergoing e a stringent certificatio The accreditation Westin Drives has the ence for the optimum of electric motors. To upheld, certified reb with requirements go cedures, quality cont ponents and the work Managing director am delighted that t employees has recei and that our many c accordingly. “It raises the bar in
5
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014
SINESS NEWS
klin, of WSI Yorkshire
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local
Trainee provides model example A project to extend high-speed broadband to 97% of homes and businesses across West Yorkshire is getting a helping hand from a team of budding BT apprentices. And Cleckheaton teenager James Crossley is among the 66 trainees involved in the Superfast West Yorkshire project. The group is being trained and given the skills to install and maintain fibre broadband, alongside gaining a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles over two-and-a-half years. James, 19, joined BT’s local network business Openreach last summer – attracted by the idea of “learning and earning” on the job while working towards a recognised qualification. He has already gained experience helping to connect people’s homes to the new fibre-enabled green roadside cabinets. James said: “It’s great seeing people’s reactions when they switch on their computer and see how quickly they can do things. I have fibre at home and so that helps when you’re explaining to customers the things you can do with high-speed broadband.” James, who is a keen model maker, has used his modelling skills to teach other new recruits. In his spare time, James built a detailed model of the broadband network to help other apprentices visualise and remember the different joints and connections on which they work as engineers. James said: “I realised that it can be daunting trying to visualise all the different joints if you only have them explained in words. “Being able to see accurate miniversions of the joints on the model helps you to remember everything you need to do much more easily.” His bosses were so impressed that
■■ James Crossley, of Cleckheation, with his model of the broadband network, which is being used to help other apprentices visualise and remember the different joints and connections on which they work as engineers
his model has been adopted by one of Openreach’s apprentice training centres. James is currently learning how to connect up and maintain BT’s copper phone lines and admitted his biggest challenge so far was more of a physical than a technical one. He said: “I’m fine with connecting up the wires and working inside a cabinet, but part of my training for being able to connect a phone line involved being able work up a telegraph pole. “The first time I went up it was pretty nerve wracking. You have to lean out in a safety harness while you’re working at the top of the pole and that was a bit scary at first but now I love it and its one of my favourite things to do.”
James said: “I’ve really enjoyed my first year and I’m looking forward to where this job will take me next. Eventually I’d quite like to get into training and teaching other apprentices.” Tom Keeney, BT’s regional director for Yorkshire and Humber, said: “Young people like James are at the forefront of the fibre revolution that will drive future economic growth across West Yorkshire whilst at the same time changing for the better the way people communicate, learn to do business and enjoy their spare time.” Calderdale, Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield councils are working with BT to bring fibre broadband to premises not currently included in the private sector’s commercial roll-out plans.
e leader Hot work as oven valeting firm notches up 10,000th job
rical engineering firm er league of industrial ers. gained accreditation technology giant SKF, g and lubrications sys-
m is one of only seven SKF Certified Rebuildextensive training and on process. n demonstrates that e expertise and experim diagnosis and repair o ensure standards are builders must comply overning service, protrol, cleanliness, comkplace. Ian Sheppard said: “I the expertise of our ived this recognition customers will benefit repair service.”
A thriving West Yorkshire business has reached a significant milestone – just six years since its formation. Ovenu West Yorkshire, which covers Huddersfield, Halifax, Bradford, Leeds and Wakefield, has completed 10,000 oven valets since 2008. That’s the quickest to 10,000 of all Ovenu franchises across the country. To celebrate the accomplishment, Richard Greenwood, who owns the West Yorkshire operation and employs three sub-contractors, carried out the 1,000th valet for free – much to the delight of customer Simone Wadcock. Mr Greenwood said: “I am delighted to have achieved such a significant milestone in just six years of trading.
■■ Simone Wadcock with Richard Greenwood, of Ovenu West Yorkshire (left) and Matthew Pimperton, technician
“I knew after taking on the business that there was potential for expansion and scope for success and I am fortunate to have such a hardworking and dedicated team on board. “Of course, none of this would be possible without
the support of my loyal customer base. A lot of our business comes from repeat custom and I can’t thank them enough. “I am now looking forward to seeing the business grow further and celebrating more milestones in the
future.” Said Richard: “Simone is a long-standing customer of Ovenu’s and I hope she enjoys her free valet, which is a fitting way to celebrate our 10,000th clean.” Ovenu is a franchise network made up of more than 100 small businessman and women working throughout the UK. Rik Hellewell, managing director and founder of Ovenu, said: “I would like to congratulate Richard on reaching his 10,000th oven clean, which is a remarkable achievement. “Richard is a really good example of someone who has invested in the brand and built it up on his own patch and I would like to wish him and his team all the best going forward.”
Yorkshire is top-performing region for manufacturing Yorkshire manufacturers continue to perform strongly, a survey has revealed. Research by insolvency body R3 shows Yorkshire was the top-performing region with just 17.2% of manufacturing firms in the region having a higher than normal risk of insolvency – the smallest proportion of any of the 11 regions surveyed in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The East Midlands and Northern Ireland also put in strong performances with a 17.9% higher than normal risk while the poorest performances in the sector were in London at 25.8% and the South East at 21%. Yorkshire also saw a fall of more than 1% in the proportion of high risk businesses in the sector since the previous month – with 356 firms identified as being at higher than normal risk
in November out of 11,577 active manufacturing companies in the region. Chris Wood, Yorkshire R3 committee member and partner at Cleckhaton-based Clough Corporate Solutions, said: “Despite concerns that growth in manufacturing is slowing, the sector appears to be fairly resilient across the country and it is encouraging to see Yorkshire putting in the top performance in the UK last month, which bodes well for employment in the region. “While problems in the eurozone have slowed export orders, strong domestic demand has continued to benefit the sector, although with output not yet back to prerecessionary levels, it is vital that manufacturers continue to keep a close eye on cash flow and seek expert advice at the first signs of trouble.”
Firm turns to trusted source Two Kirklees firms have continued their 22-year association. Huddersfield-based sub-contractor Precision Component Manufacturing Ltd has bought a new Harrison Alpha 1400XS manual/CNC lathe and a V550 lathe from 600 UK, which has its headquarters at Heckmondwike. The new lathes were ordered to meet the Slaithwaite-based frm’s expansion plans and bring a range of benefits, including ease of programming – an essential consideration given the company’s need for quick changeovers.
Precision Component Manufacturing makes parts for a diverse industrial customer base, although its speciality is manufacturing bespoke valve parts. Director Ian Salter said: “We have had an M400 manual centre lathe since the day we opened and 10 years ago installed a Harrison Alpha lathe at our manufacturing site which has always done what we wanted from it, so when the opportunity arose to renew the machines at our facility, we simply asked 600 UK to recommend the latest models most suitable.”
6
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Brand new plan ■■ Khoa Van (left), Denika Devine and Sam Baker at Maverick’s in King Street, Huddersfield
A Huddersfield nightspot has linked up with one of the UK’s biggest pub owners and brewers in a move that could go national. Maverick’s, which has 80s-themed sites at King Street in Huddersfield and at Horsforth, has secured backing from Greene King to expand the Maverick’s brand to five more sites in Yorkshire – with the eventual aim of establishing a national franchise. Maverick’s area manager Denika Devine and Khoa Van, who is in charge of new business and acquisitions, impressed Greene King bosses when they presented their concept at a Dragon’s Denstyle event held at the same north London locations used for the popular BBC programme. Said Khoa: “Greene King invited all its tenanted pubs to go for the Dragon’s Den presentation with new concepts that they could potentially roll out nationwide. There were 80 presentations from which Greene King chose seven, including ours.” Maverick’s – which has the motto “drink, dine and dance” – has a commitment to develop five more sites to its new concept. Now its management team, headed by managing director Sam Baker, is looking at sites to replicate the Maverick’s theme in Lincoln, Harrogate, Ilkley,
York and Wetherby – either at existing Greene King outlets or by converting other premises. Maverick’s in Huddersfield opened three years ago “with zero response” on its first night of trading, but six months later had customers queuing to get in. The Horsforth premises, formerly the Brown Cow pub, opened in June this year and has enjoyed similar success. About £150,000 has been invested in the King Street site with £100,000 to upgrade Maverick’s at Horsforth. The venues are proving popular not just with Maverick’s core target audience of over 25s but also with 18 to 25-year-olds. Khoa said: “The 80s theme works because it fills a massive void for the over 25s after 11pm who want to party with like-minded people in a safe, fun environment,” The decision to expand the Maverick’s brand is well-timed as recession gives way to recovery. “People were looking for value,” said Khoa. “Now the return to ‘brand’ spending is more apparent. During the recession, people were looking for deals. Now they are asking for doubles at the bar.” Khoa said it was hoped to have two of the three of the sites open by the end of 2015. Greene King has 1,900 managed, tenanted, leased and franchised pubs, restaurants and hotels under brands including Hungry Horse, Loch Fyne Seafood and Grill and Old English Inns. Its beers include well-known brews Old Speckled Hen, IPA and Abbot Ale.
Right to rent? Or the right to stay in the UK? INFORMED DEVELOPMENT 1 Commercial & Industrial Property Consultants 1 Business & Asset Valuers & Auctioneers 1 Property Managers 1 Residential Sales & Letting Agents 1 Registered Property Receivers
View all of our available properties at walkersingleton.co.uk
Martin Thompson Landlords in a Government pilot scheme in the West Midlands who fail to check whether prospective tenants are in the country legally will face a £3,000 fine under a new rule expected to be rolled out across the UK during 2015. The legislation, brought forward under the Immigration Act 2014, requires landlords to see, for example, a passport, a biometric residence permit or an official form of identification provided by the Home Office. Landlords will need to photocopy these documents as evidence that the check has been carried out and retain copies for a year after the tenancy ends. Existing tenancies remain unaffected. These reforms have, as you would expect, caused tension between Government and certain lobbying bodies with Immigration and Security Minister James Brokenshire outlining: “The right to rent checks will be quick and simple, but will make it more difficult for immigration offenders to stay in the country when they have no right to be here. “They will also act as a new line of attack against unscrupulous landlords
who exploit people by renting out overcrowded and unsafe accommodation.” This statement has already prompted questions about whether members of the public are being made responsible for policing the immigration system after repeated failures by the UK Border Agency. Campaigners, including Alex Hilton, director of Generation Rent; Natalie Bennett, leader of the Green Party; and Graham Jukes, chief executive officer of the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health, claim that landlords are being “conscripted” as “border guards”. The National Landlords Association (NLA) has also entered the debate commenting that “as the lettings market is a very competitive arena, it is entirely conceivable that landlords could end up favouring ‘low-risk’ tenants or those whose legal right to reside in the UK is clear-cut”. What is clear is that this measure is on track to be rolled out across the UK in 2015 and will affect the millions of buy to let properties as well as letting agents.
Martin Thompson is a partner in Commercial Property at Armitage Sykes in Huddersfield
FOR SALE
Industrial
TO LET
Industrial
Spurn Point, Manchester Road, Linthwaite, Huddersfield 1,427m 2 (15,357 sq ft)
Barncliffe Business Park, Near Bank, Shelley, Huddersfield 383m 2 (4,112 sq ft)
Highly prominent industrial and office premises on large site with redevelopment potential (subject to planning)
Good quality single storey industrial/storage unit with large office/showroom area, available from February 2015
TO LET
Industrial Office
TO LET/MAY SELL
Industrial/Yard
Beehive Business Park, Station Lane, Heckmondwike 452m2 (4,870 sq ft)
Calder Trading Estate, off Leeds Road, Huddersfield 483m2 (5,203 sq ft) on 1 acre
Good quality hybrid office and stores building with on-site parking, available for immediate occupation
Single storey workshop, stores and office with large yard area and redevelopment potential (subject to planning)
All enquiries to Alec Michael alec@michaelsteel.co.uk
www.michaelsteel.co.uk
Commercial Residential, Commercial & Industrial Surveyors, Estate Agents, Auctioneers & Property Management Consultants To Let
LYNDHURST ROAD, LINDLEY HD3 3HZ
High quality modern offices
Former Childrens Party Centre
32.05 sqm (345 sqft) to 65.77 sqm (708 sqft)
Suitable for continued use or conversion into Office/Retail
Recently refurbished to a high standard
310 sqm (3,339 sqft)
Good car parking
6/8 Car parking spaces
Modern specification including category 2 lighting, cat 5 cabling
Accessible position Central heating throughout
Disabled access
EPC asset rating D
EPC Asset Rating D
To Let
PEEL STREET, MARSDEN HD7 6BW
HUDDERSFIELD ROAD, HONLEY HD9 6LT
Double fronted retail premises 67.98 sqm (731 sqft) With large 3 bedroom flat to upper floors of the building which can also be let by separate negotiation Popular village centre Main shopping parade
For Sale
Good quality open plan office accommodation with a small workshop 261.7 sqm (2,817 sqft) Situated within a prominent main road position within the Holme Valley
Rateable Value ÂŁ6,500
Forecourt for car parking to the front of the building and a small yard to the year
EPC Asset Rating D
EPC Asset Rating F
14 St Georges Square, Huddersfield HD1 1JF
t: 01484 530361 e:
To Let
WHITELEY STREET, MILNSBRIDGE HD3 4LT
commercial@bramleys1.co.uk
www.bramleys.com/commercial
8
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
movers and shakers
Fresh Horizons sets a winning standard Trio join Avocet Hardware A Brighouse firm has expanded its field sales presence with the appointment of three new business development managers. Avocet Hardware has appointed (above, from left) Mark Peach, Jamie Wilson and Graham Spalding – taking its fulltime field sales presence to eight. This is backedup by an eight-strong telesales team working out of its head office. Rythm Jain Saigal, a director of Avocet, said: “We have new products, new distribution agreements, expanding warehouse capacity and increasing staff numbers – so it’s fair to say that
Mark, Graham and Jamie are joining at an incredibly exciting time for Avocet.” Mr Peach, who most recently worked for Kalsi Plastics and Swish Building Products in sales positions, will be responsible for the Midlands. Mr Spalding will take charge of the South West and London. Mr Wilson, who previously worked with Avocet from 1999 to 2002, will take charge of the North and Scotland. Mr Wilson said: “It’s great to be back. There really is a sense of excitement about the place and I’m really looking forward to translating that to external sales.”
Specialist boosts Orchard Orchard Energy has expanded its energy solutions service by appointing an in-house specialist to work with businesses on improving efficiency. Harry Beresford, who has experience in the firm’s bureau services and pricing teams, has completed his training to become an accredited energy assessor. He is pictured above with Colette Costello, associate director of operations. She said Mr Beresford would work with clients to improve their awareness of energy consumption and help them plan ways to manage and minimise energy use. “Our client base includes a large number of organisations that are required to have energy performance certification when selling or
renting properties and we felt it was important that this expertise was part of our energy solutions offering,” she said. “Harry’s background in the administrative side of energy management, along with his experience of dealing with clients and suppliers as part of our pricing team, made him the ideal candidate.” She said that all nondomestic buildings over 2500sq metres must have a Non-Domestic Energy Performance Certificate (NDEPC) and a Recommendation Report (RR) on construction, sale and rent. Mr Beresford had competed his level 4 City and Guilds training in Non-Domestic Energy Assessment, qualifying him to make the assessments and produce these reports.
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
A social enterprise involved in property management and construction has won a monthly business award. Huddersfield-based Fresh Horizons Ltd was named Business of the Month in the competition run by law firm Eaton Smith in conjunction with the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and government export support body UK Trade & investment. Fresh Horizons Ltd is a not-forprofit social enterprise delivering a wide range of services from facilities management and construction to nurseries and libraries, housing and more. Starting out in 2002 by restoring a derelict farm house to create an enterprise centre and providing local employment for construction workers, the company has gone from strength to strength and now employs more than 60 staff. Focusing mainly in Kirklees, it now manages 14 community centres and commercial properties and has renovated more than 50 long term empty properties to create affordable accommodation, apprenticeship opportunities and employment for construction workers. The judges praised Fresh Hori-
■■ Deborah Melluish (centre), of Eaton Smith, presents the award to Fresh Horizons managing director Mike McCusker (fourth right) with (from left) Andy Davidson, of Yorkshire Bank; Melanie Brooke, of Kirklees College; Steven Pollitt, of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; and Fresh Horizons’ Lisa Newbold, Tony Hood and Morris Simpson
zons for the wide diversity of its operations – from property renovation to running children’s nurseries and libraries. All its activities aim to help people by creating sustainable employment and developing the communities they serve. The judges said: “Fresh Horizon’s growth in the number of employees and apprenticeships and services is commendable and
their activities allow for and provide employment throughout the wider community.” Fresh Horizon managing director Mike McCusker, who accepted the award at Eaton Smith’s High Street offices in Huddersfield, said: “We are delighted to receive this award which reflects the hard work and dedication of our whole team across the many services we deliver.
“It is very rewarding that as a social enterprise we can be judged so favourably against ‘for profit’ companies.” The awards are open to firms in Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield. For further information on the awards, contact Ian Greenwood on 01484 821389 for go to www. businessofthemonth.co.uk
Delroy flies flag for busines school A Huddersfield man is spearheading efforts to foster future leaders. Delroy Beverley, is the newlyappointed chairman of Bradford University School of Management advisory board. Mr Beverley urged young people and leaders in private, public and voluntary sectors to understand and use the wealth of talent in business schools. He said: “Not enough young people see themselves as future leaders, particularly in a management role. I “I have been so impressed at the range of organisational issues discussed and addressed at Bradford University School of Management, within the school and the advisory board. “These range from new business models to ensure sustainability and better use of resources to equality at work, ethical trading and corporate social responsibility strategies. “I would like to see this expertise and innovative thinking used by more schools and organisations from every sector to build
■■ Delroy Beverley, who has been appointed chairman of the advisory board for Bradford University ‘s School of Management
globally competitive businesses and stronger communities.” The business school, which was again named one of the best in the world in the recent 2014 Financial Times Masters in Management world rankings, already boasts an array of global business names on its board and has now welcomed three new leaders.
The “Triple-Crown” accredited school, one of only 59 in the world to have achieved the accolade, has received the backing of HSBC chief Alan Keir, leading consultant and academic Prof Malcolm McDonald and international management specialist Prof Cordula Barzantny. The new appointments will
help the school position itself to support Bradford University’s focus on becoming a technology university. Mr Beverley is a director at Incommunities Group Ltd, one of the UK’s largest social housing providers with 22,000 homes, 1,200 staff and turnover of £93m. He is thought to be the first chairman appointed to a top European business school advisory board to come from an ethnic minority background and a first from the social housing sector. Dean of the school, Jon Reast, said: “International strength on our board is key to maintaining our world-leading position and understanding first-hand how businesses are responding to current challenges – and the role we can play in supporting them. “We are delighted that Delroy has taken on the role of chairman and hugely proud to have Alan, Malcolm and Cordula join us. My thanks go to all our board members for their time, insights and energy.”