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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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Five-figure funding fires up enterprising foundry
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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.