Kirklees Business News by Huddersfield

FTSE 100

JOHN QUINN Returning to his roots

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MARK THOMPSON Risky ventures? Column - Page 7

An EXAMINER publication

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees

Golf supplier tees off for new record

A GOLF retailer based in Huddersfield is swinging towards another record year. Direct Golf UK, which has its registered offices in Milnsbridge and stores at Leeds Road Mini Park and the nearby Galpharm Stadium, posted a 23% rise in revenues for the first half of its financial year. It puts Europe’s leading multi-channel golf retailer on course to post its third-consecutive record year – with profits on track to be 40% up on 2011. Chairman John Andrew said: “2011 was a record year for our business, with both revenues and profits up, yet the start of 2012 indicates we’re on-course for another milestone in our 21st year of business. “In 2010, we set out our aggressive growth plans for the business and since then have gone from strength to strength, adding nine new retail sites taking us from 12 to 21 stores and posted consecutive record financial years.” The business was established in 1991 by British PGA professional John Andrew and remains 100% privately-owned by its founder. Mr Andrew has taken the business from a single store in Huddersfield to 21 stores across the UK employing more than 250 staff. It also has a 75,000 sq ft warehouse and the largest database of golfers – making it the leading multi-channel golf retailer in Europe. Four new stores have opened during the

current financial year at Teesside, Edinburgh, Dundee and Elmwood, near Cupar, Scotland. In addition, it has launched a new and improved online shopping experience at www.direct-golf.co.uk as well as an online TV platform, Direct Golf TV, which consists of more than 300 product videos and reviews. All that has helped to increase online sales by 15% year-on-year as Direct Golf UK looks to add the number one online retailer crown to its ever-growing list of accolades. Mr Andrew said the key to its success was “good old-fashioned hard work and commitment” with “people at its core”. Managing director and PGA professional Neil Bell said: “We have invested significantly in expanding our retail coverage and improving all aspects of our business and as a result have taken market share from our competitors, in a very tough market. “We continue to not only buck the trend of retailers, but also post record results, in a time where there is little, if any, growth on the high street. “We have aggressive expansion plans for the business and these results yet again demonstrate that golfers appreciate our mix of world class customer service, huge stocks, super fast delivery allied with the best prices in the UK.”

■ OPPORTUNITY: Peter McBride, Kirklees cabinet member for regeneration

They’re in the frame A FIRM supplying the construction sector is bucking the trend to create jobs and land more contracts. Milnsbridge-based Continental Installations Ltd has doubled its workforce since the onset of the recession and has invested in new equipment to supply aluminium products for contractors building hotels, student accommodation, offices, schools and care homes.

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■ IN THE SWING: John Andrew, of Huddersfield-based Direct Golf UK, said the firm has boosted sales

Free surgeries to safeguard healthy firms SMALL businesses in Kirklees are getting the chance to discuss problems and challenges with experienced business professionals at a series of surgeries to start later this month. The monthly hour-long surgeries will be launched on July 25 when businesses can book appointments of 20 minutes for free guidance, encouragement and mentoring support. The surgeries are being run by KGA, a not-for-profit organisation which supports socially-responsible endeavours across Kirklees. The surgeries will be held at the seventh floor offices of Revell Ward at 30 Market Street, Huddersfield. Each surgery will be made up of a

INSIDE

chaired panel of three specialists who can range from seasoned entrepreneurs and strategists to sales and marketing specialists, solicitors and insolvency practitioners. The aim is to support business owners who don’t already have access to professional advice or who might want an independent ear. Participants can discuss problems and challenges with a view to helping achieve objectives or finding the best source of specialised support. These can include day-to-day issues on running businesses or an impartial discussion with other experienced professionals. Clr Peter McBride, Kirklees cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This is a good opportunity for

Kirklees businesses and I welcome the generosity of the established professionals who are giving up their time to mentor and advise others. “Pooling the considerable knowledge and experience in our district and sharing it with fledgling entrepreneurs can only be a good thing for our economy. “It is truly innovative that local businesses are prepared to support each other in this way, but it is what I have come to expect from our forward-thinking business community.” To take part, register online at h t t p : / / K G A s u r g e r y. e v e n tbrite.co.uk. Participants may bring along a colleague to their booked session.

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Spa lands final place AN independent spa in Huddersfield has been named as a finalist in a regional competition. Alexandra House Holistic Health and Wellbeing Spa, based at Edgerton, is among the finalists in the regional Good Spa Guide Awards 2012. The spa was nominated after winning glowing praise in The Good Spa Guide – the independent comprehensive guide to spas across the UK .

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

national

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BMW’s £250m boost to UK car business

Asda finance plans

BMW is to invest a further £250 million in its three Mini factories in the UK, safeguarding thousands of jobs.

The money will be invested in manufacturing operations by the end of 2015 at the German car maker’s plant in Oxford, steel body pressings operation at Swindon and engine plant at Hams Hall near Birmingham. The company also announced further volume growth with up to 10 different Mini models, with the potential for additional production capacity at Oxford. The news comes on top of an announcement a year ago of £500 million investment and means additional job security for the 5,500 UK Mini workers, said BMW. Harald Krueger, a member of the Board of Management at BMW Group, said: “A year ago we announced a further investment of £500 million in our UK production network by 2014 and today

we are announcing an additional £250 million, taking us through to 2015. This brings the total to £1.75 billion since 2000. “Over the last 11 years, Mini has been a unique global success and the BMW Group has even greater plans for the future development of the brand. “Plant Oxford has played a major role in this with cars being exported to over 100 countries around the world. “This additional investment is great news for all our employees in the UK and shows the BMW Group’s commitment to Britain as a vital manufacturing base for us.” Business Secretary Vince Cable, who visited the Oxford factory, said: “BMW’s ambitious plans for Mini will ensure its UK sites at Oxford, Swindon and Hams Hall remain at the centre of Mini production worldwide. The investment of £250 million in addition to the £500 million last year demonstrates BMW’s commitment to the UK and safeguards

jobs for the future.” BMW said the extra volume for its growth plans for the Mini and the complexity of new models means that additional production beyond Oxford’s maximum capacity was needed in the medium term and the company was now considering how to achieve this. “Our preferred option is to establish a contract manufacturer as a satellite production as close to our UK operations as possible, at the Nedcar plant in The Netherlands, with whom BMW is in discussions,” said Mr Krueger. “Oxford will provide special Mini production expertise for any new operation, particularly in the areas of dealing with the high complexity and customer individuality which Mini demands and in operating state-of-the-art, multi-model production lines. Just as Munich is the centre of the BMW world, Oxford is and will remain the home and the heart of Mini.”

■ MINI MARVELS: The production line at the BMW UK Mini plant

Anger at high pay, low sales Housing market gets a lift MARKS & Spencer boss Marc Bolland will come under pressure today from frustrated shareholders over “excessive” pay and disappointing sales figures. Despite efforts to pull in customers with celebrity-laden adverts, featuring the likes of actresses Joanna Lumley and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and popstar Gary Barlow, the group is expected to reveal its worst quarterly trading performance in three years. But still Dutchman Mr Bolland saw his basic annual package rise by 4%

last year to £1.7 million and could reportedly take home as much as £6 million including bonuses and long-term incentives. Advisory group Pensions Investment Research Consultants (Pirc) has recommended shareholders abstain on voting on the group’s remuneration report at its annual meeting in London today. The meeting comes as M&S’s market value slipped behind its smaller rival Next for the first time as City investors worry that the retailer is losing female customers to rivals.

BOVIS Homes has reported an 18% jump in completions despite the sluggish housing market. The group completed 944 sales in the first half of 2012 even though buyers are still struggling to get affordable mortgages and are taking longer to make decisions amid the economic uncertainty. Its strategy of building family homes in the more affluent south means it is on course for a “significant” hike in profits, helped by a 1% rise in average prices to £164,400. Reservations were up 24% to

993 in the first half, of which more than 10% had used the Government-backed NewBuy scheme, which encourages the return of 95% mortgages. Although trading slowed around the Jubilee celebrations, it is confident about its prospects after agreeing to buy some 2,500 new plots and said cheaper land bought in the wake of the financial crisis will help boost margins. Shares rose 2% yesterday after it followed rivals Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey in reporting resilient trading.

THE retail sector’s drive to win business from Britain’s battered banks continued with the launch of a new personal finance brand. The creation of Asda Money comes as Marks & Spencer looks to open 50 bank branches over the next two years and Tesco moves towards offering mortgages. Asda has offered personal finance products for a decade but is now providing an unlimited cash back credit card as part of today’s brand launch. It will target the 18 million people who shop at Asda’s 542 stores every week by promoting the brand at check-outs and through a new website. Kirsty Ward, head of Asda Money, said the credit card will appeal to shoppers frustrated with “gimmicky” points-based reward cards offered by other retailers. She added: “Times have changed and shoppers don’t want complicated points schemes or rewards that don’t translate into real every day savings.” The card will offer 1% unlimited cashback on Asda shopping and fuel purchases, as well as 0.5% cashback on shopping outside of Asda. Rivals Tesco and Sainsbury’s stepped into the personal finance sector more than a decade ago and have targeted more of the market as confidence in mainstream banks slips. And Marks & Spencer is to offer current accounts from this autumn as part of a joint venture with HSBC.

SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £37.46 -0.34 Gannett 938.16 -11.61 Hess Corp £27.74 -0.19 Microsoft 1921.14 -25.15 Motors Liquidation 48.36 Wal-Mart Stores £46.01 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 297 -3 +4 BAE Systems 2967/8 Rolls-Royce 885 +81/2 AIM Brady Plc 841/2 +1/2 Dawson Intl 11/8 1 Man Brnze 30 /2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 2083/4 +15/8 BANKS Barclays 1633/8 -13/8 HSBC 5611/8 -41/2 Lloyds Banking Gp 301/4 -1/8 3 Ryl Scotland 205 /4 +41/4 1 Stan Chart 1423 /2 -31/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 16481/2 -22 SABMiller £261/4 -1/4 CHEMICALS Croda £223/4 -3/8 Elementis 98 1943/4 -73/4 Johnsn Mat £22 -3/8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 311 +101/4

215 +11/2 ELECTRICITY Drax Gp 562 -31/2 SSE 1418 +2 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 1801/2 -57/8 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3581/4 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 2161/8 +7/8 Cable & Wireless 30 Comm Cable & Wireless 377/8 Wwide Colt Group 124 -1/4 KCOM 721/2 Talktalk Telecom 187 +1/4 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2663/4 -27/8 Sainsbury 308 -27/8 3 Tesco 317 /8 +1/4 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1278 -14 Tate Lyle 672 +1/2 1 Unilever £21 /2 -1/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3187/8 -1/4 National Grid 683 -21/2 Pennon Grp 768 -2 Severn 1691 +2 United Utils 6761/2 +1/2 GENERAL FINANCIAL Costain

3i Group 1955/8 -17/8 ICAP 3093/4 -37/8 London StockExch 992 -7 Man Group 643/8 +3/4 Provident Financial 1182 -17 Schroders 1315 -20 Schroders NV 1026 -26 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 5881/2 -8 +1/2 REXAM 4267/8 Smiths Grp 1036 -1 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 211/4 -1/4 Carphone Whse 1361/4 -11/2 Dixons Retail 177/8 +1/4 Home Retail 845/8 +15/8 Inchcape 350 +13/8 Kingfisher 2683/4 -11/4 M&S 321 +3 1 Mothercare 190 /2 -41/2 3 Next £31 /4 -1/4 WH Smith 540 -21/2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 6421/2 +1/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 703/4 +41/4 Barrat Dev 1373/8 -21/8 Persimmon 631 -71/2 1 Reckitt Benckiser £35 /8 -1/8 Taylor Wimpey 471/8 -3/4 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 810 -28 INDUSTRIAL METALS

Ferrexpo 1995/8 -201/8 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 1963/4 -21/4 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 2821/2 -51/2 Lgl & Gen 126 -3/4 Old Mutual 1533/4 -7/8 1 Prudential 729 /2 -1/2 1 Resolution 203 /4 -5/8 Standard Life 231 -13/4 MEDIA BSkyB 685 -61/2 D Mail Tst 438 -1/2 7 ITV 72 /8 -2 Johnston Press 5 -1/4 Pearson 1244 -9 Reed Elsevier 5151/2 -1/2 STV Group 91 -1/4 Trinity Mirror 26 -1/2 Utd Business 5801/2 -11/2 1 UTV 150 /2 +21/2 WPP 795 -31/2 Yell Group 15/8 +1/8 MINING Anglo American £203/8 -5/8 Antofagasta 1095 -14 BHP Billiton 1823 -191/2 Eurasian Natural 4101/4 -93/8 Res Fresnillo 1474 -9 Kazakhmys 7161/2 -81/2 Lonmin 701 -261/2 Rio Tinto £303/8 -3/8 1 VEDANTA 897 /2 -17 RESOURCES

Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp

458 793/4 683 1557

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closed at at FTSE closed

5627.33 Down 35.30 Xstrata 8155/8 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 479 Vodafone Group 1811/4 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1154 RSA Insurance Gp 1081/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 13071/2 BP 424 Cairn Energy 2731/8 Royal Dutch Shell A £211/2 Royal Dutch Shell B £223/8 Total £281/2 Tullow Oil 1437 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

-183/8 -27/8 +1/2 -9 +1/8 -131/2 -41/4 -4 -3/8 -3/8 -1/8 -28

AMEC 1020 -1 Petrofac 1434 +13 Wood Gp(J) 7161/2 -21/2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1255 -34 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £291/4 +1/8 GlaxoSmithK XD 2 Shire 1826 +6 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 5131/2 Captl Shop Cent 3215/8 -21/2 Hamrsn 4491/8 -21/2 Land Secs 758 +21/2 3 SEGRO 227 /4 -1/2 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 2363/4 +1/4 Logica 105 -1/8 Sage Group 283 +13/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 5051/2 +4 Bunzl 1062 -1 Capita 682 -21/2 De La Rue 9841/2 -4 Electrocomp 2063/8 -15/8 Experian 956 +13 G4S 2883/4 -11/2 Hays 707/8 -2 1 Homeserve 160 /4 -45/8 Menzies J 6091/2 -101/2 Rentokil 751/2 +1/8 Smiths News 933/4 -3/4 Wolseley £233/4 +1/4 IT HARDWARE

ARM Hldgs Psion Spirent Comms

4957/8 871/2 1683/8

-131/8 +1/4 -15/8

TOBACCO Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco

£331/2 £255/8

-1/8 -1/8

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

1073/4 £215/8 6691/2 5341/2 603/4 2111/2 1247 559 1548 1593/4

-3/4 -1/8 -2 +31/2 -11/2 -31/2

1543/4 2501/2 2153/4 1221/4 2713/8 1693/4 £203/8

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FTSE 100

INDEX 5627.33

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FTSE 250

INDEX 10983.34

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TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.44 dollars Bangladesh................. 119.50 taka Brazil.............................. 2.81 reals Canada....................... 1.50 dollars China ............................. 8.82 yuan Czech Republic ...... 29.63 korunas Denmark....................... 8.92 krone Euro............................... 1.20 euro Hong Kong................ 11.40 dollars Hungary................... 325.94 forints India.......................... 76.50 rupees Japan........................... 117.45 yen Mexico ....................... 18.54 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.81 dollars Norway ......................... 9.04 krone Pakistan.................. 136.80 rupees Philippines ................. 55.68 pesos South Africa.................. 11.99 rand South Korea.............. 1540.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 194.88 rupees Sweden....................... 10.40 krona Switzerland.................. 1.44 francs Taiwan ...................... 40.49 dollars Turkey....................... 2.66 new lira USA ............................ 1.48 dollars

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

profile

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Firm that John built

THERE’S not much John Quinn doesn’t know about the building industry. His first paid job involved accompanying his father Joe and uncle Jack to work at construction sites across Huddersfield. And he has been involved in the business ever since. “I was brought up in the building industry,” says John. “My grandfather began Joseph Quinn and Sons in 1928 and my dad, also called Joe, followed in his footsteps.” The company, based at Springwood, where John spent his early years, built a large number of houses in the Huddersfield area, including ones at Oakes and Bradley, and employed people in all trades, such as roofers and plasterers. After attending All Saints’ RC School at Bradley, John became a mason-bricklayer by trade, attending Huddersfield Technical College, completing a six-year apprenticeship and gaining City & Guilds qualifications. He admits: “There was no question of my not going into the same line of business as my dad.” John also displayed an entrepreneurial spirit which was to take him in other directions – although the After three years of building trade remained the running the nightclub – at the firm foundations of what same time as keeping the became a varied career. family building firm on the go In the 1970s, John – John sold out to two launched a mobile disco, partners he had brought into called Boogaloo, and played the business. Referring to the latest hits in pubs and the co-owner of clubs across town. Music has Huddersfield’s renowned been a passion since Johnnys night spot, John boyhood. says: “I didn’t want to “Listening to the music of become another Johnny the 1960s was fantastic,” he Marsden.” says. “My older sister brought Instead, he devoted his records back from a club in time to the family building Halifax called Plebs where a firm, now known as Millgate lot of the top artists on the Construction and based at circuit played. It was mainly Paddock. The company jazz, blues and soul. That raised its profile in the local was how I got into Motown. community – becoming the “It was 1973 when I got my first sponsors of Huddersfield first mobile disco kit. Being Giants after the rugby league mobile, I was asked to play club’s move to the Galpharm records at pubs and clubs Stadium. and it was good fun. It was The company survived the mobile discos that helped 1980s. “We went into a establish disco fever.” recession and Huddersfield As nightclubs came into was hit quite hard,” says their own, John saw another John. “But our trade was opportunity – entering the steady because we were licensed trade in the 1980s well-established doing work and opening Flix nightclub at for local authorities and the St George’s Square in NHS. We completed a Huddersfield. massive housing project in “The building was pretty Batley, for example.” much derelict,” he recalls. However, the 1990s “And if I’m honest, it was the brought “the mother of all prospect of refurbishing the building and fitting it out that at really inspired me. “I think my enthusiasm began to pall once the work was done! A lot of my enthusiasm evaporated on the opening night! “It was a three-month build programme and it cost £100,000, which was a lot of money at the time.” Flix became one of the town’s most popular venues. “We had a side entrance and ‘gold’ members were given their own key to get in and out as they liked,” says John. “It was upmarket with an a la carte restaurant. People ■ SINGLE-MINDED: John came from Leeds and Quinn has spent a lifetime in Manchester because it was the building industry

recessions”, according to John and Millgate was caught up in the storm. “I had a five-acre site where I was going to build social housing,” he says. “The funding was slashed overnight and the project was no longer viable. I got ‘caught’ on two other projects for a lot of money and that was that.” The setback prompted John to look for something “recession-proof” where he could still use his construction skills – and he found the answer with Decorative Concrete Ltd. While building up his Lockwood-based business, he qualified as a lecturer, taking classes at Leeds College of Building, and trained as an assessor to make sure other lecturers were up to the mark. Decorative Concrete Ltd is the umbrella organisation for two businesses – Spectacular Driveways, which specialised in laying pattern imprinted concrete for drives and paths, and hi-spec concrete limited, which provides an on-site concrete batching service for Spectacular Driveways and other clients, including builders and utility companies. John has big ambitions for the group, saying: “Decorative concrete is an innovative product and one which takes me back to a product area with which I was familiar. “People are always going to need concrete. Without it, we would have no bridges, reservoirs or motorways. “But this business is also quite technical and it isn’t something everyone can do, which is also what I like about it.” As well as domestic driveways, Decorative

John Quinn

Concrete Ltd has worked on commercial and public sector contracts, including the footpaths at the memorial park in Lowerhouses and areas around Bradford Royal Infirmary. The hi-spec business also shows much promise. It provides precise amounts of ready-mixed concrete blended on-site where it is needed by the firm’s own mobile concrete mixers – eliminating waste and ensuring the customer only pays for the amount needed. Clearly, John has lots to keep him busy – although he finds time for golf and is a Huddersfield Town season ticket holder. As a youngster, he played rugby league for St Augustine’s and both football and rugby for Huddersfield

schoolboys. At the age of 11, he had trials for Leeds United. But serious knee and ankle injuries forced him to give up both sports when he was 19. Now he is a member at Crosland Health Golf Club. Says John: “I play to a decent standard, but I don’t get upset if I’m off form. Its the comradeship and social side of golf I enjoy most.” John also has a box at the Galpharm Stadium, saying: “I was in the Greenall Suite at the old Leeds Road ground when Paul Fletcher, who was Town chief executive at the time, showed me the plans for the new stadium. I chose the box I wanted there and then. I suppose you’d say I bought it ‘off plan’!”

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Employed v Self-Employed

Role: Owner Age: 58 Family: Married to Helen with children Gregory, 25, Jesamine, 23, and Hannah, nine Holidays: Not much time for holidays, but the Sierra Nevada in Spain is breath-taking Car: Toyota Hi-Lux, which is ideal for work First job: I earned pocket money helping my uncle Jack on his plastering contracts Best thing about job: I get satisfaction from completing every project Worst thing about job: There’s too much red tape and legislation Business tip: It may sound cryptic, but “expect what you inspect”

Spectacular Driveways & hi-spec concrete ltd

Work: One-stop shop for concrete products Site: Albert Street, Lockwood Phone: 01484 321456 Email: info@hi-spec concrete.co.uk Web: www.hi-spec concrete.co.uk

On the board with

Do you engage self-employed individuals to provide services to your business, and if so how conﬁdent are you that the terms of work do not make that individual an employee? There are an increasing number of cases, covering all manner of businesses from lap dancing clubs to car valets, where the courts are ﬁnding that an employment relationship does exist.

Lesley Sutton Tax Director

Revell Ward Tip:

01484 538 351

Make sure you regularly review all self-employment contracts – if these are not robust your business may ﬁnd itself liable to pay employers NIC at a cost of 13.8% per year.

theboard@revellward.co.uk Twitter@RevellWard

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Page 4

Wider network A NETWORKING group launched in Huddersfield is extending its scope. MYnetwork aims to strengthen the local business community by getting like-minded business people together to meet valuable new contacts in a relaxed and informal networking environment. Now the network which has enjoyed success in Huddersfield is taking the concept to neighbouring Wakefield. Huddersfield links remain strong as sponsors include the Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, the town’s Media Centre and Golcar’s SMileS SMS. They are joined by Barclays, Ramsdens Solicitors – which has offices in Huddersfield – and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. The first meeting will be held from 12.30pm to 1.30pm on Friday at The Priory Bar in Wakefield. The event is free to attend and no registration is required.

James joins survey team BUSINESSES in Kirklees are being urged to contribute to a major survey of UK entrepreneurs. Now in its fifth year, Entrepreneurship UK – compiled by business advisory group Deloitte – is an authoritative report on the sector, reflecting the current attitudes, performance and objectives of entrepreneurs and their businesses. H u d d e r s f i e l d e n t re p re n e u r Ja m e s Sommerville, of design agency Attik, will provide his views on the results of the 2012-13 survey when the results are published in October. ■ FOCUS: Stephen Hall (left), of Deloitte in In last year’s survey, entrepreneurs said the West Yorkshire, and Attik’s James Sommerville government was relying on private business growth to take the country out of recession – but “In Yorkshire, there were 17,000 start-up busiclaimed the commercial culture of the UK as a nesses in 2010 – a rate of 10.2%, which is the whole was failing to back entrepreneurial highest in England outside of London. business. “Every business owner’s mind is focused on the It said business growth was held back by economy – more so than ever with economic cautious banks restricting lending to low-risk headwinds blowing in from Europe. enterprises and claimed that while the Govern“I expect entry into new markets, development ment appeared to be supporting start ups, grow- of new products and services and forming straing medium-sized businesses faced the greatest tegic alliances to be high on the agenda amongst tax and regulatory burden of any businesses. our entrepreneurs.” Stephen Hall, entrepreneurial business partner Mr Hall said: “We will be looking closely at the at Deloitte in Yorkshire, said: “When we conducsentiment of business owners from across the UK ted our survey in 2011, more than 90% of our respondents anticipated revenue growth in and are expecting to hear some good news despite tough market conditions.” 2012. Mr Sommerville co-founded Attik in 1986 “The results of our 2012 survey will show whether entrepreneurs have been able to buck the with a £2,000 grant from The Prince’s Trust. Over gloomy trend of the UK economy and spearhead the next 20 years, the small branding and design firm grew to cover the UK, London, New York, positive growth in these uncertain times. Sydney and Los Angeles. The survey is open until the end of July and takes just 10 minutes to complete by visiting www.entrepreneurshipuk.com

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Portal points way ahead A NEW online service to help Kirklees businesses find the resources they need to grow has been launched. The Business and Investment Portal has been set up by Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership in response to feedback from businesses on the difficulties of finding information about free local business support. The portal has been produced mainly to help SMEs and provides information and signposting on topics including international trade, recruiting and training staff, obtaining finance and public sector contracts. It also provides a resource to market the City Region, which includes Kirklees, as a business location – supporting the LEP’s ambitions of attracting more investment into the region – and a tool to communicate more effectively with businesses on the LEP’s activities. Neil McLean, chairman of Leeds City Region LEP, said: “Every time we talk to businesses – especially SMEs – about business support, they tell us how difficult it is to find information about local support provision. “With this new online tool, the LEP has taken steps to fill this gap and provide information on a whole range of business support in one place. “We will be doing further work to develop the portal and would very much welcome feedback from businesses in the City Region on how we can make it even more useful for them.” Go to http://business.leeds cityregion.gov.uk

‘Put exporting on the menu’ FOOD and drink businesses in Kirklees have been urged to take a bite out of the export sector. Strong export figures for the UK’s food and drink industry have left the sector well-placed to enjoy a period of prolonged growth, according to Yorkshire Bank. UK food and drink exports increased by 14.8% in 2011 compared with the previous year and were worth a total of £18.1bn, according to recent figures from the Food and Drink Federation. The statistics show Ireland remains Britain’s number one export destination, but emerging trends indicate there is plenty to be positive about elsewhere. For example, 2011 included a 55% increase in exports to China, and a 49% rise in exports to Poland. The figures highlight that the food and drink sector remains remarkably buoyant, despite wider speculation about the prospects for the global economy. David Lee, head of food and drink at Yorkshire Bank throughout the region, said it was important for food and drink companies to maintain a positive outlook. “The financial reality for many exporting companies in recent months has been for continued growth,” he said. “UK exports to Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia increased by 41% and 14% last year, while in the EU exports to the Netherlands and Belgium grew by around 30%. “Plainly there are real opportunities for companies with a strong business model and an understanding of growing markets. The end result of achieving growth abroad will be increased support for the wider UK economy through increased production and jobs creation.” The growth in Asian markets is being partly put down to changing eating habits, with more westernised products being bought by wealthier customers. There is a growing trend for specialist shops to carry well-known brands with meat and cereals amongst the leading growing markets. Mr Lee said: “A change in eating habits in Asian countries has seen a substantial increase in the flow of Western products. “Dairy and meat products grew by 220% in China alone last year, with demand looking to remain strong in the long term. “And interest in this area is not contained to exports – Shanghai-based Bright Foods has recently taken a majority shareholding in Weetabix. Now is the time for UK companies to do their homework and find new markets for established domestic foods.” Mr Lee said: “The Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee have created a natural interest in the UK, which will offer British companies opportunities to turn casual interest into business opportunities.”

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OF THE

SS NE

CONGRATULATIONS! WINNER

EQUI-TREK

Founded in 1999 this family run Huddersfield company manufacture the ultimate in equine transportation. The company design and produce a wide range of trailers which offer safe, comfortable travel for the horse and good facilities for the owner. The business has grown considerably since its inception and has developed into a hugely successful company now selling thousands of their unique side-loading trailers worldwide, including new and larger horseboxes which can carry up to nine horses in supreme comfort.

2nd PLACE NOVAGLAZE

3rd PLACE WELLHOUSE LEISURE

Initially having only 3 staff in 2003, this Huddersfield based company has expanded to taking on 27 staff and opening branches in Inverness and Devon. This manufacturer of motorhomes and campervans has expanded steadily with annual sales increases through the dedication of the MD David Elliott, who should also be credited for his amazing charity fundraising efforts benefitting the local community.

Through difficult economic times after investment in high-tech machinery, Huddersfield company Novaglaze is now a well-established national supplier of curved glass. They produce a wide range of glass to the highest industry standards on state of the art projects including the famous London Eye and also the recently opened â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Shard of Glassâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in London.

Enter our Business of the Month Award

Established by Eaton Smith in 1995, the award has been won by a diverse range of businesses over that time. No matter how large or small your business or workforce, all applications are treated equally.

If you would like more information on how to enter, please contact:

Monthly winners are automatically entered into our Business of the Year Awards, held every July, when the preceding twelve monthly winners and members of the business community attend the annual breakfast awards ceremony. So if you are proud of what your company has achieved and it is based in Kirklees, Calderdale or Wakefield why not tell us about your success story.

Deborah Melluish Eaton Smith LLP T: 01484 821300 E: deborahmelluish@eatonsmith.co.uk W: www.eatonsmith.co.uk

Eaton Smith is proud to help businesses across the region achieve their objectives by providing support on local, national and international legal matters and transactions.

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH AWARDS - REWARDING SUCCESS SINCE 1995

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

property

Page 6

Major deals done at Lowfields site

TWO significant deals have been completed at Elland’s Lowfields Business Park. Property consultant Knight Frank has completed the letting of a 30,000sq ft industrial warehouse to national pallet distributors ADD Express on behalf of Citivale Asset Management. The property is held in a fund managed by Henderson Global Investors. The basis of the deal was £5.25 per sq ft on a five-year term with an option to buy after three years at £65 per sq ft. This deal came in the wake of Knight Frank letting a 32,000sq ft shed to Radicon Transmission UK Ltd after a very short involvement in the marketing on behalf of owners C and V Lloyd Property Partnerships. The rent is £5.25 per sq ft. Radicon was part of the Lockwood-based David Brown group for many years until its £21.4m purchase by Asia’s Elecon Engineering Group in November, 2010. Radicon, which also has operations in Thailand and Chicago, USA, supplies sectors including food and drink production, material handling, mining, oil and gas, power generation, water and quarrying under the widely-recognised Benzlers and Radicon brands. Tom Lamb (pictured), of Knight Frank’s Leeds office, said: “The Radicon Transmission deal was instrumental in Knight Frank achieving new instructions through Henderson Global

Investors and Citivale. “We have recently been instructed on 10,000, 20,000, and 30,000 sq ft units and subsequently concluded the deal with ADD Express. Mr Lamb said these deals were excellent news for the Calderdale economy, underlining the popularity of the business park. “Lowfields is a tremendous success story,” said Mr Lamb. “The rents are holding up exceptionally well in comparison to other industrial estates in West Yorkshire, underlining the exceptional quality of the units on site. “It also helps that Lowfields is superbly located just off Junction 24 of the M62.” Yorkshire agents Michael Steel acted on behalf of Radicon and ADD.

Attention all new business owners !

Balance Accountants launch enhanced service for new businesses

Research shows that 4 out of 5 new businesses fail within their first 5 years of trading and that 57% fail within the first 12 months. The good news is that research also shows that careful financial planning and a good accountant are 2 of the things that really make a difference in helping new businesses to avoid becoming just another statistic. The Balance START-UP SERVICE is squarely aimed at new or fledgling businesses with the sense and foresight to learn the financial ropes, get their accounts in order and then prepare to prosper and grow. It’s our way of helping to tip the balance in favour of short term survival leading to long term success. So if you are about to start or have recently started a new business then it might be worth a call to Balance Accountants to see how the service that we offer can help your business to succeed!!!! Balance Accountants specialise in helping business owners to have better, more profitable and more enjoyable businesses. If your business is not performing as well as you want it to then you should contact us now. Balance Accountants,Victoria Court, 91 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth HD9 3JA Tel: 01484 685 413 Fax: 01484 682206 www.balanceonline.co.uk info@balanceonline.co.uk

■ RISING TO THE CHALLENGE: Managing director Bevis North (left) and business development manager John Thompson with some of the state-of-the-art machinery at the Milnsbridge premises of Continental Installations Ltd

Rising above the recession

A COMPANY supplying the construction sector is bucking the trend to create jobs and land more contracts. Milnsbridge-based Continental Installations Ltd has doubled its workforce since the onset of the recession and has invested in new equipment to meet demand for its aluminium curtain walls, windows and entrances. It operates in the commercial construction sector, principally supplying hotels and student accommodation, but has also supplied components for schools, care homes and offices. It is also active in the domestic sector under the trading style Crocodile, manufacturing and installing automatic garage doors and innovative gardens rooms and glass verandas across the UK. The company, which is based in 40,000sq ft premises at Spring Garden Mill, New Street, has created 15 new jobs in the past six months due to work generated by Crocodile – taking the total workforce to 45. It has also invested more than £250,000 in the latest computer-controlled machinery and has doubled its turnover year-on-year. Contract wins include three hotels in Birmingham with a value of almost £3m which involve converting existing high rise office blocks into hotels. Continental Installations has also completed projects through major construction firms for Hampton by Hilton, Premier Inn, Travelodge, Indigo and Days Inn as well as several student accommodation schemes across the North West and South Yorkshire. In addition, it landed a large and complex project as part of a new

facility for York University. The company has also carried out work for Bradford University. Current work includes a six-figure scheme in Sheffield, a project in Manchester to refurbish a council-owned tower block to provide social housing and a new hospice in Bury. Continental Installations was established only in 2003, but managing director Bevis North and business d e v e l o p m e n t m a n ag e r Jo h n Thompson have worked in the industry for many years. The management team boasts more than 100 years of collective experience in the sector and individual expertise in health and safety, project design and contracts management. Mr Thompson said: “The sectors we are focusing on seem to be pretty resilient. Premier Inn, for example, are talking about needing another 1,000 bedrooms before the end of the year. “We have tackled everything from a big hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond to a glass veranda for a house in Yeovil.” Mr Thompson, whose responsibilities include health and safety, environmental performance, training and business development, said the company was also blessed with a skilled and motivated workforce of factory-based fabricators and teams of installers. “We train everyone to NVQ level and have received accolades from major construction firms regarding health and safety awareness. “We have achieved internationally recognised awards for environmental performance ISO 14001, quality management system ISO 9001, UK nation-

■ BUILDING BLOCK: Continental Installations Ltd has worked on the 20-storey Hampton by Hilton hotel and restaurant in Birmingham

ally recognised safety scheme CHAS, products tested to Q Mark standard for enhanced security and accredited licence holders of Secure by Design.” Mr Thompson said: “We seem to be on an upward spiral. We are working hard throughout the business to ensure we retain our position. “It is competitive, but we are promoting ourselves to the various contractors and we have built up a position of trust. They know we are going to deliver on time.” Mr North added: “We have worked hard throughout the recession. For the first six months, it was hard times, but we have doubled our workforce since the recession started. We have cracked on with what we know best.”

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Architect firm renews Town links A FIRM of award-winning architects has teamed up with Huddersfield Town. One 17 Design, based at Armitage Bridge, has extended its official partnership with the club for the upcoming Championship season. The company has supported Town for the past few seasons before becoming an official partner last summer. It was one of more than 40 companies and fans to donate to the Play-Off Final ticket initiative in 2010 – a pioneering scheme create by Town chairman Dean Hoyle, which raised more than £25,000 and allowed 800 school children to attend the match at Old Trafford. Last season, One 17 Design director Mark Lee was a cyclist in the Road to Wembley bike road – another innovative scheme devised by Mr Hoyle to raise money for 800 local school children to attend Town’s Play-Off Final victory over Sheffield United. One 17 deals in all aspects of design work, from architecture and project management, to structural and interior design and graphic communication. The firm has been in practice in Huddersfield since 1960.

FFICIAL figures show that the conO struction industry remains in recession. Output is down; jobs are down and

less is being built. Conversely, the general consensus among construction adjudicators is that adjudication referrals are on the increase. In addition, applications to the Technology and Construction Court are also on the increase. This should be cause for concern for all design professionals. Below are a few practical tips on how planners and designers can manage their claims risk: ● Appointment. A professional should always put in place written appointments with their clients. It is the appointment that ultimately governs the relationship between the professional and the client and as such great care must be taken in putting this document together. Points to consider are: Work Schedule – the work schedule will list what the professional is to do. As a matter of good practice the schedule should be drafted as comprehensively as possible. “Broad brush language” should be avoided as this causes ambiguity and could lead to an argument that the professional has been engaged to do something that he has not agreed to do. Net Contribution Clause – this is a form of limitation clause that pierces the principle that all “players” in a construction project are joint

Albert Works, Albert Street, Lockwood 538 m2 (5,800 sq ft) Single storey workshop just off main Lockwood Road recently vacated and occupation immediately available

AN Pr N EL O IM U N IN C A EM r Y EN T

Industrial

Cumberworth Lane, Denby Dale 1,017 m2 (10,949 sq ft) Single storey warehouse/workshop & office/ showroom with large external yard

TO LET

on 0.65 ha (1.6 acres) approx

Offices

291 Wakefield Road, Lepton Gross income £33,600 pax Fully occupied commercial property (on inclusive agreements) immediately adjacent A642 Wakefield Road

FOr SALE www.michaelsteel.co.uk

Page 7

Claims risk now a cause for concern

Industrial

TO LET

property

Seeking offers in the region of £350,000

All enquiries to Alec Michael at Michael Steel & Co on 0113 234 8999 or email alec@michaelsteel.co.uk

INFORMED DEVELOPMENT

Mark Thompson and severally liable for the employers should things go wrong. De Maximis Clause – this clause sets a ceiling (or upper amount) for which the professional will be liable in the event something goes wrong with the project. The clause can be set as an aggregate amount (e.g for all claims together) or in the singular amount. Of course an aggregate amount is better. De Maximis clause limits should be set at the professional Indemnity Insurance limit that applies to the Professional’s policy (see below). Liability Length – this governs the length of time that the professional will be liable after practical completion of the project. There are two periods – six or 12 years. Obviously, six years is better for the professional. ● Indemnity Insurance . While it is not a legal requirement, all professionals should carry with them professional indemnity Insurance (PII).

This is especially true for those professionals who are sole traders or are in partnership as their personal assets are at risk in the event of a claim. PII (subject to excesses and common exclusions) will cover the professional for negligent designs, etc and the damage that arises out of them. The question for the professional is how much cover should be carried? The answer to this point is that it depends on the value of the projects that the professional is engaged to act within. The higher the value the more PII cover the professional should have. As part of tender processing an employer will usually stipulate the amount of PII cover that the professional is required to have. If the professional does not have that level of insurance and obtaining the level is too expensive then the professional should consider whether it should accept the appointment at all.

Martin Thompson, is a partner in Commercial Property at Armitage Sykes in Huddersfield

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Wil Richardson, Dan Stott, Andy Ward, Tom Yeates, Andy Ross, Lee Stamp, Susie Holmes & Iwan Grifiths

PwC ACCOUNTANCY firm PwC has announced the promotion of three partners and five directors in Yorkshire. Will Richardson, Dan Stott and Andy Ward have joined the partnership. Mr Richardson leads the forensic services team across the North. He has been with the firm for 18 years and has more than 13 years experience as a forensic accountant. Mr Stott leads the firm’s regional financial decisions and analysis team, which helps clients with business planning and forecasting, board reporting, deal modelling, investment appraisal, options analysis and bringing insight to cash and working capital management. Mr Ward takes on the role of managing partner for the Sheffield office. He succeeds John Cowling, who has retired. Mr Ward has more than 15 years experience with the assurance practice, which has included client secondments and a year in Texas. Five people have also been promoted as directors – Tom Yeates with the assurance department in Leeds , Andy Ross in the advisory practice, Lee Stamp and Susie Holmes in taxation and Iwan Griffiths in financial services.

Ben Jenkins

face2face solicitors A FORMER law student from Clayton West has established West Yorkshire’s first family law franchise. Family and civil law specialist Ben Jenkins, who completed his law degree at Huddersfield University, has set up the first Yorkshire franchise of face2face solicitors. Mr Jenkins (pictured), whose Leeds-based practice covers Kirklees and the local courts, practices all aspects of family law, including divorce, co-habitation and children issues. He has solicitor advocate status from the Solicitors Regulation Authority, which means he can represent clients in all courts instead of having to hand the case to a barrister. He is also a member of Resolution, a body aiming to help people reach amicable separation agreements and avoid the courts.

Movers and shakers

Andrew adding valuable insight

YORKSHIRE Building Society has welcomed a chief economist to its ranks with the appointment of Andrew McPhillips to its treasury team. Mr McPhillips takes up the newlycreated post to provide the Bradford-based mutual – which has its roots in Huddersfield – with economic opinion and analysis of the key activities affecting the market. He said: “Given the current market conditions not only within the UK but globally, I am joining the Yorkshire at a very challenging time. “Trust within the banking sector is at an all-time low and the actions of the big banks have left many people questioning the personal finance industry. “This was one of the reasons I wanted to take up this opportunity with the Yorkshire, not only as an expanding and financially secure business, but personally as I really believe in the benefits of a mutual organisation.” He added: “Given the current climate, my job will ensure that the organisation can gauge the market, set forecasts and contribute to the strategic direction of the group.” Mr McPhillips, 28, began his career by studying economics at Leeds Metropolitan University during which time he spent time

■ FIGURED OUT: Yorkshire Building Society has appointed Andrew McPhillips to its treasury team

working for the Treasury in London. After graduating, he returned to Government to take up roles in the Department of Transport, the Department fo r Wo r k a n d P e n s i o n s a n d t h e

Michael moves on

Jonathan Oxley

IoD

A SENIOR corporate lawyer as been appointment chairman of West Yorkshire Institute of Directors. Jonathan Oxley, a partner at Lee & Priestley in Leeds, takes over from Charlotte Britton, who has stepped down to focus on her business interests. Mr Oxley was managing partner for nine years as Lee & Priestley. A specialist in mergers and acquisitions, he leads a team responsible for corporate finance, the care sector and employee share schemes. His appointment comes at a time when professional development is a major strategy for the IoD in Yorkshire. The region is hosting the “Momentum Gathering” event on October 25 to raise awareness of corporate responsibility and the need to develop export trade.

Page 8

■ FAREWELL: Michael Blackburn (left), who has retired from law firm Chadwick Lawrence, with managing partner Jeremy Garside AN employee of solicitors Chadwick Lawrence has retired after 43 years with the firm. Michael Blackburn started work at the firm’s Dewsbury office in the accounts department. Over the years he worked his way up to head of accounts, managing staff payroll and salaries before moving on to become IT manager. He has been an integral part of the firm, coming into contact with many of the staff over the years and has formed many lasting relationships. Mr Blackburn said: “Over the

43 years I have spent at Chadwick Lawrence, I have witnessed lots of changes. I could not have wished for a better place to work and many of my colleagues have also become good friends.” Managing partner Jeremy Garside said: “This is a very special time for Michael, who has given long and continuous service to the partners and, more importantly, to our clients. “We recognise that our staff are the backbone of the firm and would like to thank Michael for his exceptional devotion to us.”

Department for Education. Said Mr McPhillips: “The knowledge and experience I gained while working in Government was invaluable and in taking up this post with the Yorkshire.”

Spa treatment wows judges AN independent spa in Huddersfield has been named as a finalist in a regional competition. Alexandra House Holistic Health and Wellbeing Spa, based at Edgerton, is among the finalists in the regional Good Spa Guide Awards 2012. Spas nominated in this category have all been reviewed by The Good Spa Guide – the independent comprehensive guide to spas in the UK – and have received the highest “bubble” ratings in their respective region. Alexandra House has received much recognition and praise over the five years since it has been established. The spa was described as “a slice of heaven just off the M62” by the Good Spa Guide which awarded the spa a four bubble rating. Owner Maxine Stead (pictured) said: “‘It’s a great pleasure to have been nominated for an award by the Good Spa Guide and to be amongst 12 top spas nominated in the North East region. “It’s wonderful for the team to be a finalist and it reflects the hard work put in by everyone to create a fantastic experience for all of our visitors.” The spa with the highest number of votes will be crowned winner. Readers can vote for Alexandra House by going to http://www.goodspaawards.com/north-east/ alexandra-house.