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SIMON SUTCLIFFE

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2014

Going up in the world Interview - Page 3

1

DANIEL KRIGERS It’s all change!

Column - Page 4

An EXAMINER publication

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees

By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk

STUDENTS and businesses are benefiting from a new funding deal involving Huddersfield University.

The university is earning money for its student scholarship programme by lending to UK businesses via Funding Circle, the online marketplace for business loans.

Following a year of successful lending, the university has decided to up its initial £100,000 investment to £1m.

The investment, named the Huddersfield Supporting Business Fund (HSBF), is part of a pioneering partnership between the university and Funding Circle. It not only supports entrepreneurship around the UK, but helps to develop tomorrow’s business leaders with all interest earned from the investment put towards student scholarships.

The initial £100,000 investment was made a year ago and continues to earn high, stable rates for the long term. The university has committed to back British business and students even further by increasing this investment to £1m over a

■■ Students at Huddersfield University have more to look forward to than just their new Student;s Union building at the Queensgate campus

phased time period.

More than 25,000 people, six local authorities – including Kirklees – and the national Government are lending money to businesses up and down the country through Funding Circle – but Huddersfield is the only university signed up to lend to date.

The university, which has been named Times Higher Education University of the Year, has a long history of working with business and is in the top 10 in the UK for graduate employment.

Among those to benefit, Bradfordbased Texere Yarns borrowed £40,000 through Funding Circle in January. The

loan was part-funded by the university and has allowed the company to refresh its image – having just passed from father to daughter.

Guy Richardson, director at Texere Yarns said: “When we were told the university had part-funded our Funding Circle loan, we were over the moon.

“We already have a lot of links to the university as they run some of the country’s best textile courses and also visit us in big student groups to buy their yarns once a year.

“We also have a student studying at the university currently on a placement with us, so it couldn’t have been a better fit. Considering the usual pitfalls of borrowing from a bank, I was very pleasantly surprised by the process and result delivered by Funding Circle.”University vice-chancellor Prof Bob Cryan, said: “We are keen to offer support to businesses and to help drive UK plc to greater success. To be able to fund a business that is close to home and is working with our staff and students is a superb fit.

“We are delighted to be able to extend our investment in the Funding Circle at this anniversary point and look forward to supporting greater numbers of businesses through this added funding.”

R&D tax relief advice on tap for micro-brewers at BeerX Micro-breweries will get the low down on securing funds for research and development at a trade show this week.

Jumpstart, the company created to help UK businesses make successful applications to HM Revenue & Customs for research and development tax relief applications, will be putting advice and

information on tap at the four-day BeerX event, which gets under way on tomorrow.

Fenay Bridge-based Brewfitt, which supplies beer cooling and dispense equipment, will be among those exhibiting at the event, which is to be held at iceSheffield.

BeerX is a key event in the Society of

Independent Brewers (SIBA) beer festival calendar – with more than 300 of the UK’s best beers scheduled to be represented.

Each beer has already won its heat in regional SIBA Beer competitions and will be available for sampling by thousands of beer enthusiasts.

Jumpstart numbers many well-known

R

We supply appropriately qualified and skilled people to any workplace.

brewers, including marker leader, Brew Dog, among its clients.

The company will tell visitors that while many brewing companies have already been successful in their tax relief claims to HMRC, the sector as a whole is still failing to secure a potential financial windfall from the millions that go unclaimed each year.

Monthly winner A firm supplying office technology is the latest winner of a monthly business award.

Copiserv was named Business of the Month in the competition run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith in conjunction with the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and government export support arm UK Trade & Industry.

The framed certificate was presented at Eaton Smith’s High Street offices.

examiner.co.uk

Funding deal squares the circle for business lending

INSIDE

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Building a future A company supplying crushed stone to the construction industry has weathered the recession to expand its business.

Family firm PMW Quarries, based at Carr Hill Road,Upper Cumberworth, is building on its 35 years experience in the sector by investing in new machinery and staff.

■■ Caption here As things get better, continue to keep your labour costs down by using our reliable temp staff as and when you need them. We take on the admin burden - you pay us later!

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TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

national

Travelex considers stock market flotation move Henryk Zientek Business Reporter

henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk

Foreign exchange provider Travelex has confirmed it is considering a stock market flotation in a move that could value the business at £1bn.

Travelex, which is the largest nonbank foreign exchange business in the world with more than 1,500 stores and 1,250 ATMs in 27 countries, lifted underlying profits by 21% to £80.1m last year.

Group income was up by 12% to £695m following expansion in emerging markets and a boost from increased ownership of smartphone or tablet devices, which make it easier for customers to order cash while on the move.

Travelex - majority owned by private equity firm Apax since 2005 - is one of a number of companies running the rule over an initial public offering (IPO).

Power firms told to use QR codes Energy companies will be forced to introduce smartphone-readable codes to help consumers easily compare their bills against offers from competitors under plans announced tny the government.

The Government said it was taking action to bring in Quick Response (QR) codes because suppliers had been dragging their feet over introducing them voluntarily.

It is the latest broadside against the industry by Energy Secretary Ed Davey amid continued controversy over rising household gas and electricity tariffs.

Mr Davey said: “We’re determined to make energy markets work better for consumers - and despite all the evidence showing that QR codes on bills would make a real difference to people, energy companies still haven’t done anything about it.

“That’s why we’re acting to make sure people have a quick, straightforward way to compare the best deal for them with a simple swipe of their phone..”

QR codes will allow smartphone users to upload their current tariff name and consumption level so that they can find out if better offers are available elsewhere.

are currently evaluating our strategic options which may include an IPO.” Travelex has for some time faced speculation that it is seeking to join the FTSE 250 Index in a move that it is thought could value it at about £1bn.

The business was founded in 1976 by its current chairman Lloyd Dorfman. Mr Jackson, who took the helm four years ago, has reshaped the company by selling off a business-to-business foreign exchange platform in 2011 for £600m and snapping up companies to bolster its consumer operations.

It bought a 49% stake in Brazil’s largest independent retail foreign exchange market last year and it aims to buy the rest before November.

Alongside a potential listing of ■■ Foreign exchange firm Travelex is the latest business to consider floating on shares this summer, it has reportedly the stock market as confidence returns to the economy reached out to potential buyers to gauge their interest in a potential Chief executive Peter Jackson said: and higher transaction values through takeover.

“The secular growth in international our stores and online.

American Express and a number of travel continues to drive increasing “With this positive backdrop and Asian banks have been approached. demand for foreign exchange services our strong financial performance, we according to media reports.

Fyffes and Chiquita merger deal

Investors team up with Goals

Tropical fruit supplier Fyffes is to merge with US-based rival Chiquita in a deal creating the world’s largest banana company.

The proposed new business will be called ChiquitaFyffes and generate revenues of $4.6bn (£2.75bn) from the sale of more than 160m banana boxes a year, as well as melons and pineapples.

Five-a-side pitch operator Goals Soccer Centres has secured backing for its expansion plans after netting £11.4m from City investors.

The company currently has 43 centres in the UK - hosting more than 100,000 players every week - but believes there is the potential for another 100 sites.

It issued new shares to

Dublin-based Fyffes, which also sells products under the Sol brand, employs more than 12,000 people worldwide, including 4,000 in the UK and Ireland at locations including Wakefield and Portsmouth.

Chiquita is the larger of the two firms with annual revenues of $3bn (£1.8bn) and 20,000 staff. Shareholders in the North Carolina-based company will

own 50.7% of the combined business following the merger, which values Fyffes at $526m (£314.5m).

Existing brands will be retained, but customers will have access to a more diverse product mix and choice.

Fyffes chairman David McCann will become chief executive of the merged business.

investors yesterday in order to help fund the growth plan, which will see two new centres built both this year and in 2015.

Goals is also planning a second site in Los Angeles next year and will step up its expansion in the United States with two new centres in 2016.

News of the roll-out came

as annual results showed a 4% rise in sales to £33.7m and underlying profits of £9.6m, up 2%.

Goals said trading in the first eight weeks of this year has been good, with like-forlike sales up by 6%.

The company has a 42% share of the branded five-aside market, having grown by 76% in the five years to 2012.

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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2014

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS IT’S one of the biggest building schemes under way in Huddersfield.

A new £27m sports centre is taking shape at Springwood – and project manager Simon Sutcliffe is proud to be the Huddersfield lad in charge of getting it built.

Simon, who lives at Lindley, has overseen many high-profile building projects across Yorkshire as a project manager with construction and property services company BAM Construction North East Ltd – but it’s rare for Simon or any of his colleagues to be handling projects in their home town.

Says Simon: “I have been in the job for 20-odd years and it’s the first time I’ve only had to travel two miles to get to work! I have been walking or running into work – but I’ve taken to the car during the recent bad weather.”

As project manager, Simon’s responsibility ranges from site health and safety to ensuring materials arrive on site as and when required. He liaises with BAM’s in-house team of site managers, quantity surveyors and designers as well as sub-contractors and their workers.

He also forges links with residents – as BAM supports the Considerable Constructor Scheme and seeks to keep disruption for the site’s neighbours to a minimum.

When it’s finished, the sports centre’s facilities will include a competition swimming pool, a leisure pool, squash courts, a sports hall, wet and dry changing areas and a fitness suite.

“We’re more than 40 weeks into a 103-week project,” he says. “We have about 70 people working on site at present. That will rise to between 150 and 200 at our peak period, which will be late summer this year.

“The brickies are now on site and we will start the electrical and mechanical work in April.

We have 40-odd sub-contractors who will work on the scheme at various times.”

The company is also committed to promoting construction sector employment and has a number of apprentices working on site currently.

It also gets involved in work experience schemes and hosts site visits by local school parties.

It also works with Kirklees College and Huddersfield University.

While work on site had been going on for many weeks, Simon’s involvement with the scheme, which is being carried out for client Kirklees Council, began a lot earlier.

“We started the tender processes in summer 2012 and started on site in May last year,” he says.

“Overall, it will be a three-year involvement for me – although some of the design team have been working on this for much longer.”

It’s the latest in a long list of prestigious construction schemes for Simon, whose interest in the industry was first fired as a youngster when he used to build walls in the garden of his parent’s home.

Simon was project manager for the building of the new pavil-

profile

Simon takes his sporting chance ion for Leeds Metropolitan University and Yorkshire County Cricket Club at Headingley – a job which earned him the title of Construction Manager of the Year.

He was also in charge of the construction of a new police headquarters and custody suite for Humberside Police and has overseen a range of schemes in the healthcare, education and commercial sectors.

“Headingley pavilion was one of the most interesting projects I have brought through,” he says. “I have been lucky in terms of the quality and range of work. All of the projects are very bespoke – rather than building square

boxes.”

Simon was born in Greetland and attended school in Halifax before gaining a degree in civil engineering at Salford University.

It was a four-year sandwich course and Simon undertook his yearlong work experience as a labourer with BAM in 1986.

He joined the company after completing his degree and embarked on its grduate training scheme in 1990.

Simon achieved chartered civil engineer status in 1993 and progressed through the ranks, which included working in the design office at BAM in London for a year.

■■ Simon Sutcliffe is on familar ground with his latest building project

“I worked my way up the ladder,” he says. “I had a year in design, but also worked in planning, quantity surveying, engineering and site management. I “ became a senior engineer and three or four years later ran my first job as site manager in Sheffield.

“My first job as project manager was on the Virgin Active health and fitness centre in Leeds. It was the first time I was involved in building a swimming pool – and the only time until now with the new Huddersfield sports centre!”

While he works mainly in Yorkshire and the North East, Simon has been involved in projects in Manchester and Lincoln, too.

“We use local teams on our projects and we try to keep those teams together,” he says.

“We have a lot of people who have worked for the company for a long time.

“Working together means you know everyone’s strengths. You also get an insight into the economic factors affecting the locality in which you are working.”

Simon plays squash and golf – and admits to being a Leeds United season ticket holder. He’s looking forward to trying out he new sport centre’s squash courts in due course.

But construction is what really fires him. “It’s always challenging and always different,” he says. “You are working on a job for 12 months and after that you have a new job to go to.

“You’re not stuck in one place.

In a way, I’m running my own business here – managing my team of guys and being responsible for budgets.

“But I like to get stuck into the nitty-gritty of the detail. I see every drawing that comes in and co-ordinate the different disciplines required to complete a project. I like the technical side of things.”

And the new sports centre?

“This will be a high quality job,” says Simon. “It is certainly something that Huddersfield needs. It will occupy a prominent site on the ring road – and it will look just right.”

Simon Sutcliffe Role: Project manager Age: 45 Family: Daughters Bethany, 19, and Melissa, 17 Car: Lexus CT200H Holidays: I have a time-share in the Lake District, where I do a lot of walking.

In the summer, I like a beach holiday where I can relax First job: Collecting glasses in a bar – and labouring for BAM Best thing about the job? Getting stuck into a project, having a good team around me and creating something to be proud of. It’s even better when the project is in your own backyard Worst thing about the job? Sometimes it takes hours getting to and from work Business tip: Being able to work with people is a big thing. You should always take other people’s point of view into account

BAM Construction North East Ltd

Work: Construction and property services Site: Thorpe Park, Leeds Phone: 0113 2908800 Email: nhsc@bam.co.uk Web: www.bam.co.uk

4

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

local

KIRKLEES BUS

The only constant is yet more change ■■ Louise Woollard and Sean Jarvis

Financial goal for Town footballers Financial goals will come into focus as Huddersfield Town teams up with its latest commercial partner.

The club has agreed an 18-month partnership with Leeds-based Louise Woollard Financial, which will see Louise conducting financial planning workshops with the club’s academy players to offer them advice and guidance.

The financial adviser has previous experience of working with the club, when the company sponsored the Town Foundation’s Ladies Who Lunch event.

This new partnership will also involve sponsorship and events. Louise Woollard Financial is set to sponsor the Players’ Young Player of the Year Award at the club’s annual awards ceremony at the end of the season.

Town commercial director Sean Jarvis said: “We are delighted that Louise Woollard Financial have accepted our offer to come on board as a partner of the club.

“Louise is very well respected in the field of financial services and we are glad that we are partnering with someone who shares the same values as our club.”

Six of the best in franchise awards SIx new categories have been introduced to an award scheme honouring the best in the business when it comes to franchising.

The British Franchise Association (bfa) HSBC Franchisor of the Year Awards is now open for entries.

And to mark the 25th anniversary of the awards, six new titles are up for grabs – reflecting “the significant and growing contribution franchisors make in driving innovation, entrepreneurialism and export growth in the UK economy”.

The annual awards, to be held on June 26 at Heythrop Park, Oxfordshire, will highlight outstanding and ethical business practice in franchising across the UK. The awards are the bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year Award, Emerging Franchisor of the Year, the Innovation Award, the International Achievement Award, Brand of the Year and the Franchisee Recruitment Award.

Brian Smart, bfa director-general, said: “The awards showcase the country’s most outstanding franchise businesses, regardless of size or sector, championing them amongst their peers.”

Go to www.thebfa.org. The deadline March 28.

April is usually the time of year when many employment law reforms and amendments come into force.

However, this year, only two significant changes will take effect.

Firstly, from April 6, 2014, the right for employees to submit written questions regarding potential discriminatory treatment to their employer will be abolished. These are more commonly known as discrimination questionnaires and have often placed a significant burden on employers required to respond to them.

The abolition of questionnaires formed part of the government’s pledge to cut red tape in tribunal proceedings.

Originally introduced to help promote early settlement and the number of claims proceedings to final hearings, discrimination questionnaires have been criticised for doing exactly the opposite. The government intends that discrimination questionnaires will be replaced by a more informal process led by ACAS. Also taking effect on April 6 is a change to statutory sick pay (SSP) records. Employers will no longer be required to keep a specific record of employees on statutory sick pay. Previously, employers were obliged to keep records relating to the date of any absence and the amount of SSP paid for a period of three years.

Employers are now encouraged to adopt their own system of recording which is more akin to their business needs.

EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Daniel J Krigers There are still a number of proposed developments in employment law which are likely to come into force over the next 18 months.

The Government intends (most likely in October, 2015) to introduce caste as an aspect of race discrimination. This change has come about as a result of recent case law, in which a domestic servant was discriminated against on the basis of her caste.

At the end of 2014, it is expected that employment tribunals will be given the power to order an employer to carry out a financial audit into pay, when a finding of gender discrimination is made in relation to pay The Government intends, in autumn 2015, to introduce a scheme in which working families are able claim 20% of any childcare costs for children under 12. Claims under the scheme will be capped at £1,200 for any child per year.

The scheme will initially be introduced for children under five in 2015, but will

eventually be rolled out gradually for all children under 12.

By the end of 2014, it is expected that all employees with 26 weeks service will be given the right to request flexible working patterns.

Currently, the right to request flexible working is limited to parents or carers.

Employers will only have to consider flexible request in a reasonable manner and will no longer have to follow the statutory procedure.

In early 2015, it is likely that the Government will introduce a new system of parental leave which will allow parents (or adopters) to share a maximum of 52 weeks leave and 39 weeks statutory pay, following the birth of the child.

Employees will be required to give their employers eight weeks notice of any leave they wish to take, either in total or in a block. In this regard employees will be limited to taking leave in no more than three blocks.

Daniel J Krigers is an employment law solicitor at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors

It’s about creating the right impression It’s important to project the right image in business, But while much emphasis is placed on helping women look and feel great, less effort has gone into getting the men properly “suited and booted”.

Huddersfield image consultant and life coach Jacqui Cooper has joined forces with Scott Hufton, of tailoring business Owen Scott, and Steve Taylor, of Taylor Hughes Hairdressing, to help blokes in the boardroom or on the road selling to project a businesslike image and feel confident about the way they look.

Said Jacqui: “The service was born after I identified a gap in the market in 2012 for bespoke image consultancy for men.

“I brought together two of Yorkshire’s finest image professionals to combine their specialist skills in hair design and bespoke tailoring to help the region’s men develop a style that suits their personality, lifestyle and pocket.

“Everything is geared towards personal advice and solutions.”

She said: “It’s not just about buying a great suit – it’s about looking great in a great suit. This is where my knowledge of colour analysis, styling personality

and build make the difference.

“Once a client understands how much better they look due to the correct colour and cut of clothing, they will continue to make the right clothing choices and be comfortable and confident in their signature look.”

While not neglecting her image services for women, Jacqui said a different approach was needed with male clients.

She said: “Women generally enjoy the whole experience of shopping and will do so far more regularly than men.

Women often do the buying for their partner – but what if he is single or separated, widowed or divorced?”

Jacqui, based at Berry Brow, said colour was an important element of the service.

Wearing the wrong colours could project a cold image or create shadows on someone’s face while the right colours could create a warmer look.

She said: “Our market is anyone who wears clothes!

“It is all about creating the right impression.

“If someone turns up to a job interview or appointment in scruffy shoes and clothes people will make a judge-

■■ Chef Tim Bilton

Tim join big-hitt

AN award-winning H been named as one influential people.

Tim Bilton, chef an Pear Hepworth, has Northern Restaurant power-list of influen selected from recom nificant research by He will automatically pete for one of the thr ing Achievement Awa To be considered f individuals have to d had a significant pos company and the wid ity industry, innovat their area of expertise mercial or critical suc “Tim stood out to t passionate cheerlead someone who has r and accolades along Butcher’s Arms and innovative Spiced Pea ington, managing dire taurant and Bar. “It’s a fantastic feel some of the North of restaurateurs, hotelie Tim, who now joins b Andrew Pern, Stephe son Blu Hotels and c Northcote Manor.

Second

■■ Image consultant Jacqui Cooper with colleagues Steve Taylor (centre) and Scott Hufton

ment about that person and question things like their self-respect, commitment and reliability.

“It has an impact on all aspects of their life.”

Insurer LV= has wo tomer satisfaction – fo ning.

The company, wh Folly Hall Mills in H Leadership Factor Be Service Investment A Customer Satisfactio held by the Institute o is the second year picked up the accolad The awards, now in place in and recognis tions delivering exc customer service.

Judges were impre LV= on its in-house used at the company’ employees to share skills in order to help tomer’s queries, whic customer service.

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5

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2014

SINESS NEWS

local

Silver lining for Cloud specialists

ns the ters

Holme Valley chef has e of the North’s most

nd owner of The Spiced been included in the and Bar Awards top 50 ntial people, which is mmendations and sigthe event organisers. y go through to comree coveted Outstandards. for the “NRB Top 50”, demonstrate they have sitive impact on their der Northern hospitalting and excelling in e with sustained comccess. the judging panel as a der for the North and as racked up the awards g the way, first at The more recently at the ar” said Thom Hetherrector of Northern Res-

ling to be listed among f England’s best chefs, ers and caterers,” said big-hitters such as chef en Miles at the Radischef Nigel Haworth at

d award

on a top award for cusor the second year run-

hich has operations at Huddersfield, won the est Return on Customer Award at this year’s UK on Awards, which were of Customer Service. It running that LV= has de. n their third year, took se and reward organisacellent and innovative

essed with the work of learning tool, which is ’s call centres to enable their knowledge and each other resolve cusch in turn has improved

A Brighouse firm is savouring the sweet smell of success following a funding deal.

Cloud services provider Vapour Media is set to boost sales and growth following a second significant investment from Finance Yorkshire.

The company is a specialist provider of cloud-based communications solutions – from network access to nextgeneration cloud voice and Software as a Service (SaaS) applications.

Launched less than a year ago, Vapour Media provides its services to small and medium-sized businesses via a partner network with the ability to connect to providers including BT, Vodafone, Virgin Media and Talk Talk.

Finance Yorkshire invested £250,000 from its Seedcorn Fund in the early stages of the business and has now made a follow-on investment of £300,000 to enable the company to continue its sales and route to market progress.

Vapour Media employs more than 10 people and was established by founding directors Dom Waterson, Tim Mercer and Jason Sharp.

Mr Waterson said: “We’re very confident that a lot of our business will come in the second year after an initial year of setting it up. Finance Yorkshire’s investments have been vital, supporting us from the outset and now as we continue to grow.

“The Finance Yorkshire backing has also given us great credibility – we’re not being viewed as a new business anymore.”

Key to Vapour Media’s early success is its commitment to customer service.

■■ Dom Waterson (left), of Vapour Media, with (from left) colleagues Jason Sharp and Tim Mercer and David Best, of Finance Yorkshire

Mr Mercer said: “Over and above the solutions we have delivered so far, the feedback is that our customer service is exceptional and we take great pride in that. We understand our market and believe our products and solutions are the best.”

David Best, investment manager at Finance Yorkshire, said: “Vapour Media is headed by an entrepreneurial and strong management team who have a proven track record of driving sales and building businesses in their sector.

“We are confident that they will deliver further growth and success

given their competitive offering in the market place.”

Finance Yorkshire provides seedcorn, loan and equity-linked investments ranging from £15,000 to £2m, specifically to help small and medium sized businesses meet the gaps in the market for the funding they need for growth and development.

Finance Yorkshire has been developed as a European initiative and is capitalised to the tune of £90m by grants from the UK Government, the European Regional Development Fund and finance from the European Investment Bank.

Law practice marks anniversary in style A law practice with offices in Huddersfield has marked its 10th anniversary – after a successful 2013.

Family law solicitors Makin Dixon, which has premises at Queen Street in Huddersfield and has its head office in Bradford, was named Legal Aid Law Firm of the Year by the Legal Aid Practitioners Group as well as being named Niche Law Firm in the Yorkshire Lawyer Awards.

Also in 2013, the firm launched three new offices – at Leeds, Wakefield and Rochdale – to take its total to 10, It already had offices in Huddersfield, Bradford, Keighley, Skipton, Halifax, Todmorden and Harrogate.

Makin Dixon partner Jane Campbell said: “We are delighted to reach this important milestone in the development of the firm.

“Family law can be a very demanding area in which to practice and many of our clients turn to us when they feel they have nowhere else to go.

“We are very proud of the invaluable work carried out by the hardworking staff throughout our 10 offices.

HR consultancy to help firms in Enterprise Nation scheme A human resources consultancy based in Holmfirth has become an accredited adviser for the Government’s Enterprise Nation programme, which provides grants of up to £2,000 to businesses to spend on expert advice to help them grow their companies.

The Personnel Partnership set up in 2001 by Helen Straw, can now be selected by companies as part of the “expanding your workforce” category which aims to support businesses to recruit and develop their staff by providing match funding for HR, learning and development services.

The Personnel Partnership will work with firms to develop the best solution for them, which may include work on how to hire, train and manage staff or undertake a skills audit, workforce plan-

ning or performance management systems.

Businesses can find out more information and sign-up for the programme online at https:// m a r k e t p l a c e. e n t e rprisenation.com Commenting on the accreditation, Helen said: “Many companies do not realise the benefits they can bring to their business by investing in HR advice to reduce sickness levels, deal with staffing challenges and develop their workforce.

“By receiving advice in this area, businesses can ensure they have the right people with the right skills that support firms to grow.

“I hope this scheme now gives them the confidence to ask The Personnel Partnership for the expert advice we have been giving to firms for 13 years.”

Law firm partners chamber for Wakefield Business Week A law firm with offices in Hudersfield has been named principal partner for the second annual Wakefield Business Week.

Chadwick Lawrence will partner the Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce at the event, which begins on June 2 and features a series of free sector-specific seminars at various venies for local businesses to share their knowledge. and discuss ideas.

WBW14 is part of MY Conferences, run by the chamber in partnership with Danny Matharu,

who originated the conferences to benefit businesses across Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield.

Jeremy Garside, of Chadwick Lawrence, said: “Chadwick Lawrence is pleased to again pledge support to Wakefield Business Week.”

Chamber executive director Andrew Choi said: “Thanks to the WBW14 partners, we’ll assist in supplying event organisers with a venue for free.

“We’ll also help in promoting the events through the WBW14 website, emails and PR.”

Fruit for your TV takeaway?

■■ The Makin Dixon team at the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards

“We believe that we have become an established part of the legal landscape across Yorkshire and, now, Lancashire.”

She said: “There has obviously been a lot of publicity in recent months about changes to the Legal Aid Scheme.

“We remain proud to offer Legal Aid

to our clients.

“It is important to stress that – although there have been changes – Legal Aid is still available in certain cases. People should always ask about the availability of Legal Aid as it may be available to assist them at a time when the correct legal advice is very important.”

A company providing lunchbox snacks is supplying fruit treats to the latest series of Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

The celebrities and production staff of the ITV show will be enjoying one of their five-a-day thanks to Huddersfieldbased Fruitypot, a subsidiary of Bradley-based food service supply firm Cateres Choice.

Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, which is now in its 11th series, approached Fruitypot

after the firm supplied last year’s show.

Over the course of the series, Fruitypot will promote its partnership across all marketing activity, including its social media platforms.

Sarah Booth, managing director of Fruitypot, said: “We are delighted to be a supplier to Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

“The ultimate aim for the brand is to promote healthy lifestyles and help people achieve their five a day.”

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6

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

property

Brighouse firm welcomes boost for Green Deal A Brighouse company is celebrating after its recommendations to give the Government’s Green Deal a boost were taken up.

Energy savings and eco-roof specialist Ploughcroft was called in to advise the government on its Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme in October, 2013.

Now its recommendations to increase the amount of cash consumers can claim for Green Deal measures has been taken up in revisions to the cash-back deal.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announced reforms to the scheme to increase the attractiveness of a number of

energy efficiency improvements.

Under the changes consumers can now claim up to £4,000 for solid wall insulation, up from £650; up to £1,000 for “room in roof” insulation, increased from £220; and up to £650 for double glazing, from £320.

In addition, the department has raised the cash-back contribution cap, allowing households to get cash-back to cover up to two thirds of their contribution to the overall cost.

Ploughcroft managing director Chris Hopkins was invited to Whitehall in October, 2013, where he urged the DECC to boost the amount of money that homeowners

could claim for Green Deal measures.

He pushed for room in roof insulation and solid wall insulation to qualify for primary funding, arguing that such measures could save 50 lifetime carbon tonnes per home.

Mr Hopkins, who advises the Government on its Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, is a member of the Government’s Green Construction Board and is a qualified Green Deal Advisor and Assessor.

He said: “We are delighted that the DECC is adding extra support to help get the Green Deal up and running, this is a particularly encourag-

ing for the industry.

“The increase to the amount of cashback available for ‘room in roof’ insulation and solid wall insulation will help make the Green Deal far more attractive for those in harder to treat homes.

“There are approximately 7m homes in the UK with solid walls and more than 2m homes in Yorkshire alone that would benefit from improved thermal efficiency.”

Green Deal is an innovative cashback scheme which lets people pay for energy-efficiency improvements through savings on their energy bills.

■■ Chris Hopkins, of Brighouse firm Ploughcroft

Celebrating apprentices

■■ Apprentries (from left) Josh Smith, Laura Brentnall, Calum Gardiner, Toni Larkin, Jerome Austin and Gemma Gibson

A KITCHEN manufacturer is celebrating the success of its apprentices.

Rixonway Kitchens, one of the largest private sector employers in Kirklees, said it was cementing its position as a leading business in providing job opportunities for young people across the region.

The company, which employs nearly 500 people at its factory in Dewsbury, has employed more than 10 apprentices on its schemes. Of those, seven have gained permanent positions with the company – working in accounts, administration, transport, maintenance and purchasing.

Rixonway also plans to take on another six apprentices over the next year. The new recruits will take on roles in accounts, administration, internal sales and IT and will be recruited through partnerships with local colleges, JobCentre Plus, training provider Optimus and Entice, an organisation that matches local students with local businesses to create apprenticeship opportunities. Many of the apprentices will work towards gaining an NVQ qualification.

Recent Rixonway apprentices include Calum Gardiner, working in maintenance; Josh Smith, working in general

business; Laura Brentnall, working in administration; Gemma Gibson, working in design; and Toni Larkin and Jerome Austin, both working in purchasing.

Laura, who joined the company from Earlsheaton Technology College in September, said: “Working for Rixonway gives me the opportunity to learn on the job whilst also earning a wage and a qualification.”

Paul Rose, chief executive of Rixonway Kitchens, said: “With unemployment amongst young people still so high, we are delighted to be able to offer some of the best apprenticeship schemes around and support young people in the local community.

“Our courses benefit both apprentices and the company – they get a great opportunity to learn key skills and study for a qualification and we get enthusiastic young people who are committed to working hard and learning on the job, helping us maintain our competitive edge.”

Rixonway Kitchens designs and supplies social housing and local authority clients with kitchens for a range of new build and refurbishment programmes.

7

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2014

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

property

Family firm built to benefit from upturn A COMPANY supplying crushed stone to the construction industry has weathered the recession to expand its business.

Family firm PMW Quarries, based at Upper Cumberworth, is building further on its 35 years experience in the sector by investing in new equipment and is set to add to its 16-strong workforce.

Among recent contracts, the firm, founded by husband and wife Peter and Marlene Watson, supplied 25,000 tons of aggregate to the new Huddersfield sports centre.

It also provided thousands of tons for Kirklees College at Chapel Hill and has transported crushed stone and concrete from the demolition site of old YMCA building in the centre of the town for recycling.

PMW Quarries and sister firm P&M Watson Haulage started out delivering clay to Hepworth Pipe Company for use in manufacturing drainage pipes, before moving on to producing and supplying aggregates and other minerals such as shale, clay, sand, gravel, boulder and block stone to an expanding customer base.

Aggregates are used for building roads and motorways and for the foundations of structures such as schools, hospitals, houses, airports and docks.

In the early, years, PMW produced its own materials, but more recently has focused on transporting aggregate from quarries and demolition sites to wherever it is needed across West and South Yorkshire, including building sites and builders’ merchant outlets.

The firm is led by directors Danny Watson, son of the founders, and brother-in-law Paul Greenacre with Darren Crossland as operations manager.

Danny said the company had ridden out the recession and was now experiencing an upturn as the construction industry strengthens.

“In 2008, we had seven trucks and we were able to keep them running,” he said.

“Now we have nine and this spring we will have 10. We employ 16 people, including 10 drivers and we will be taking on someone else in the near future.”

Danny said investment in new

■■ Boultons personnel (clockwise from top left) Raymond Butterworth, Jayne Busfield, Mike Sellers, Lisa Hollings, Andrew Sellers and Gerard Clarke ■■ PMW’s fleet of truck has been increased in size since the UK recession gave way to recovery

technology had helped build on the firm’s reputation for customer service.

He said: “We have invested in state-of-the-art satellite navigation systems with fully automated messaging allowing us to send drivers new deliveries as soon as they are ordered.

“We can also direct the truck straight to the delivery address from head office.

“This system eliminates old problems of telling drivers what materials to collect over the phone.

“The information is there in black and white and we’ve found a great reduction in delivery times.”

PMW’s waste management service includes collecting, segregating, screening, crushing, certifying and re-use of waste material – helping customers reduce their waste disposal costs and carbon footprint.

Said Danny: “There has been a dramatic increase in demand for PMW’s products and services since late 2013 and continuing into 2014 – and with a number of large contracts still to start we are confident that things will continue to improve.”

Along with being main supplier to BAM for the sports centre scheme, PMW is also working for Northfield Construction at the

■■ Danny Watson (left), Peter Watson and Paul Greenacre (right)

new Haribo sweets factory at Castleford.

It has also supplied a large quantity of aggregates to Howard Civil Engineering at the new police training facility at Carr Gate, Wakefield, as well as being principal supplier to more than

40 sites for Wates Living Space Social Housing.

And as well as supporting local projects, the Carr Hill Road company is proud of its sporting ties – as board sponsors of Huddersfield Town and the Huddersfield Giants.

‘Rental sector needs quicker eviction process’ A SWIFTER and more streamlined eviction process in the buyto-let sector would encourage more landlords to enter the market and provide a greater choice of properties for reliable tenants

looking for private rental accommodation, it is claimed.

Tenant eviction and rent recovery specialist Landlord Assist is backing calls for fast-track evictions amid speculation that the

Government is planning to put measures in place to speed up the eviction process for private landlords following concerns that pressures on the courts are leading to lengthy delays.

For many landlords, launching eviction proceedings against troublesome tenants can result in them going months without receiving any rent, the organisation said.

Major moves for property agency Estate agency Boultons has announced a series of key appointments.

Gerard Clarke joins the board of directors at the Huddersfield-based firm.

He will take over the role of finance director while continuing as company secretary.

In addition, Andrew Sellers has been appointed associate director. Mr Sellers has more than 10 years experience in the residential sales and auction market across the Huddersfield area.

Jayne Busfield has also been promoted to associate director.

Ms Busfield has been with the company for nine years and again is experienced in all residential sales matters right across Huddersfield.

Joining the firm is senior valuer Simon Bentley, who operates between its John William Street office in Huddersfield and the company’s sister office in Pontefract.

He has more than 20 years experience in the residential sales market throughout West Yorkshire and brings with him a strong sales record from both corporate and independent backgrounds.

Sales manager Lisa Hollings, who has more than

10 years service with the company and leads the experienced residential sales team, has been promoted to customer services manager with responsibility for all 42 members of staff.

Managing director Raymond Butterworth continues to head residential sales and property auctions.

Boultons said it was well-placed to deal with clients’ property-related matters as the market in the north at last shows signs of improvement in activity levels.

The company said it expected an increase in activity across all areas it covers – including sales and lettings of residential property, sales and lettings of commercial property, sales of building land and auction of residential and commercial property.

The firm’s chartered surveyors Kim Davis, Mike Sellers and Jonathan Peel continue to provide services across the region, including valuation for probate, taxation, division and development purposes together with home buyers’ reports, Charity Commissioners’ reports and expert witness reports.

8

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Paul Johnson

New posting for HR expert Executive search and selection firm Project:Search has appointed human resources expert Paul Johnson as a airector – as it launches a niche division specialising in the recruitment of HR professionals.

Mr Johnson (pictured) brings a wealth of experience to the firm after previously holding senior HR positions at a number of well-known companies, including British Airways, British Aerospace and Northern Rail.

He has also worked at several financial institutions, including Northern Rock, Halifax and Citibank and previously led the HR teams at both Bradford & Bingley and Birmingham Midshires Building Society.

At Project:Search, a division of Cleckheatonbased chartered accountancy firm Clough & Company, Mr Johnson will work alongside fellow directors Richard Sherrard and Adrian Davies to oversee

movers and shakers

Print specialist has a winning formula

By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk

the recruitment of all types of HR professionals.

Mr Johnson said: “The recruitment industry caters for nearly all professions, but HR is an area that’s become increasingly technical.

“Having worked in HR for a wide range of organisations, I completely understand the challenges that companies face recruiting quality HR staff and this is especially true when it comes to finding people that specialise across the varied and often complex functions of HR. people, with genuine expertise.”

Josie Richardson

Director joins Deloitte team Business advisory firm Deloitte has appointed a new director to its restructuring services team within the Yorkshire and North East practice.

Josie Richardson (pictured) will be working across the region and her main focus will be on corporate-led restructurings.

She joins Deloitte from KPMG, which she joined as a graduate. ing leaders” - part of the She was identified as firm’s talent proone of KPMG’s “emerg- gramme.

Switch of focus for manager Focus Care Services, based Huddersfield, has appointed Jan Senior (pictured) as social care and business development manager. Ms Senior has a wealth of experience working with vulnerable adults in both the voluntary and statutory sectors.

She was previously housing caseworker with law firm Switalskis and has also worked in the fields of mental health, drug and alcohol dependency and homelessness as well as being a contract manager in the supporting people programme.

Ms Senior has a BSc and also holds a university level Diploma in Health and Social Welfare.

She is looking forward to joining Focus Care Services and developing new streams of work and business.

A company supplying office technology is the latest winner of a monthly business award.

Copiserv was named Business of the Month in the competition run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith in conjunction with the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and government export support arm UK Trade & Industry.

The framed certificate was presented to Gareth Hunt, Adam James and Richard Hunt, of Copiserv, by Steven Pollitt, partner at Eaton Smith. The presentation took place at the law firm’s High Street premises.

Copiserv, based in Wakefield, was established in 1975, but was acquired by Mr Hunt, the current managing director, in 2010.

The firm supplies printing equipment and print management software to small and medium-sized businesses across Yorkshire.

The company aspires to establish strong relationships with clients to get a thorough understanding of their business, so that it can provide a tailor-made service that is right for them.

The firm feels this gives it a competitive advantage over other companies in this relatively crowded marketplace.

Copiserv provides a range of award winning equipment, including desk-top printers, full colour photocopiers and more efficient ways of storing paperwork to a variety of client sectors.

Customers include professional service firms such as accountants, solicitors and estate agents, schools, print and design com-

■■ Steven Pollitt (centre) presents the award to Copiserv’s Gareth Hunt at Eaton Smith’s offices

panies, charities and manufacturing companies.

The judging panel was impressed by the fact that the Mr Hunt took over the business during a very difficult economic climate and from a standing start has managed to turn over a reasonable profit margin in the first year of trading.

The judges were also impressed by the proactive way the business is promoted.

With a business mission, marketing strategy and a focus on building relationships, it aims

to ensure that every business in its target area is fully aware of the company within the next 12 months.

Mr Hunt said: “We would like to thank Eaton Smith and the panel for awarding Copiserv the Business of the Month Award.

“We work hard to try to be a little bit different in our approach in such a crowded marketplace and are pleased that this has been recognised. Things are tough out there and to win this award is a great honour and it’s also a great platform to work on moving forward.”

Polyseam takes an international approach Huddersfield-based Polyseam has appointed Neil Smith as international sales manager with the task of recruiting resellers to support sales of its Graft range of sealants and adhesives and its Protecta passive fire protection products.

Mr Smith said: “Graft has had a great response

since we launched it earlier this year and we believe that there is a real opportunity for the range in some of the burgeoning overseas markets.

“We are particularly interested in exploring the possibilities in Eastern Europe and South Africa.

Our fire protection range is already a market leader

in Northern Europe which gives us a good platform from which we can develop.”

Based in Moldgreen, Polyseam has been developing and manufacturing sealants and adhesives for 20 years and employs more than 30 people.

The Protecta range includes sealants, collars,

wraps and boards that help to ensure that both new builds and refurbished properties meet the latest requirements for air, sound and fire insulation.

The firm is also active in the Northern European market where its passive fire protection products are the market leaders.

■■ Neil Smith, of Polyseam

Changing stations at Northern Rail Train operator Northern Rail is changing its director team to give a sharper focus to performance and customer service.

The changes will ensure Northern, the UK’s largest train operator which runs the Penistone Line linking Huddersfield and Sheffield, is best-placed to help drive economic growth on the back of major infrastructure investment in the north.

Northern has appointed Natalie Loughborough (pictured), previously at ScotRail, as customer service director and executive sponsor for customer experience across First Group bids.

Alan Chaplin, formerly chief operating officer, is now service delivery director, overseeing operations, engineering, performance and control.

Rob Warnes looks to

the strategic future of Northern with a new role as planning and programmes director and Richard Allan is responsible for revenue, retailing, communications and external relations as commercial director.

Lee Wasnidge becomes transition director to oversee the move into the anticipated interim franchise for Northern that is due to start on April 1.

Alex Hynes, managing director of Northern, said: “We’re giving a renewed and stronger focus to improve our customers’ experience – getting more trains running on time and focusing on delivering consistently good service.

“We’re entering an exciting time for Northern as up to £1.5bn is invested in the rail network in the North .”