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DAVID LAWTON It’s a picture perfect start
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An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
1 1 , Ju n e, 2 0 1 3
Firm answers call from global clients post or email.” Wrights has also worked with O2 on supplying products for its new flagship store at Tottenham Court Road in London as well as marketing the mobile company’s O2 Refresh service which enables its customers to change their phones whenever they like. For SpecSavers, Wrights is responsible for sending out batteries for hearing aids, while the company has also provided translation services for JCB. Mr Hall said Wrights – which specialises in helping clients promote their goods and services – was now ramping up its own marketing efforts. “We deal with some big clients, but we are small enough to care,” he said. “The vast majority of our clients rate us eight out of 10 or better. “We have an excellent staff of 14 people covering areas including copywriting, project management, artwork and design. “We also work with external people, such as suppliers and web designers who are at the top of their game. “We react quickly to changing demands from our customers because of our size.” Mr Hall said the recession meant some of Wrights’ clients made cutbacks or took work “in-house”. He said: “Everyone held back on their marketing budgets – but we were still getting regular work. Now we seem to have got busier as companies review their budgets again.” The company, which has enjoyed a 20-year relationship with O2, is conscious of its roots in the local community. Wrights sponsors badminton side Huddersfield Eagles, based at Newsome. Said Mr Hall: “I have played badminton for 30-odd years. The club has about 40 kids on the books who play on Sunday mornings.”
The firm has itself seen an additional £100,000 worth of new transactional work in terms of fees for the current quarter. Stephen Newman, senior partner at Baxter Caulfield, said: “The new data makes for very positive reading and suggests that confidence may be returning. This bodes well for our tentative recovery which has been amply demonstrated by current GDP
A HUDDERSFIELD firm has marked 10 years in business – without putting a foot wrong. Shepley-based Surefoot Systems UK has supplied slip-proof coatings for floors across Britain and Europe – with its product used extensively for shopping malls, council buildings, bars and restaurants, car showrooms, swimming baths and colleges. It has also provided its Antislip product for one of the world’s most iconic structures, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
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The Gold standard ■ BRAND LEADER: Mike Hall, managing director of Wright Publications, has built up an enviable list of high-profile clients
Prospects improving for region’s companies A HUDDERSFIELD law firm has reported record numbers of transactions in its latest six-monthly survey of the Yorkshire economy. Baxter Caulfield’s latest Economic Index features business data on jobs creation, new investment and contract wins from January to the end of May. It shows significant growth in the economic activity of private sector companies in Yorkshire.
Making big strides
examiner.co.uk
A HOLME Valley company providing design, translation, print and fulfilment services is racking up an enviable client list. Wright Publications, based at Thongsbridge, has worked with some of the biggest names in business, including O2, Dell, SpecSavers and JCB as well as a clutch of companies nearer to home. It provides everything from welcome packs for new customers of mobile phone companies and portable exhibition stands to translation services and corporate “give-aways” such as branded mugs, pens and golf balls. The firm has also printed complicated price lists for a building products firm, Managing director Mike Hall said: “We have distributed chocolates on behalf of one company, provided the curtains to cover a plaque for an unveiling ceremony and even came up with a memorial bench on behalf of another client.” Fulfilling one-off and weird and wonderful requests underlines the company’s versatility and willingness to go “the extra mile” for customers. However, Wrights has made its reputation meeting the needs of big players such as O2. Said Mr Hall: “We have been working with O2 from its origins as BT Mobile several years ago. “We were creating brochures and writing instruction manuals on how to use your mobile. We took technical information and turned it into plain English! “We were then responsible for putting welcome packs for customers into the boxes containing their mobile phones. “We were then asked to mail out the welcome packs separately – and from doing 300 a week we are now doing five to six million over the course of a year, either by
INSIDE
figures.” The research reveals that at least 1,027 private sector jobs have been created in the region while media reports show £10,000,000 of new investment by private sector business. Since January, private sector firms have also landed contracts worth £801m. Mr Newman said: “As a firm, we are also experiencing a period of record
transactional activity. We shall complete more deals in this quarter than we completed during the preceding 12 months. “These transactions have come from a wide range of companies. “Aside from the positive economic data, this demonstrates that businesses are starting to invest once more in growth and expansion as new opportunities emerge.”
A HUDDERSFIELD businesswoman has the WOW factor. Kirkburton-based Claire Harper, who set up online children’s clothing business IndiaCoco just a year ago, has won a WOW award from well-known entrepreneur Jacqueline Gold, chief executive of Knickerbox and Ann Summers. Claire set up IndiaCoco – named after her two daughters – to offer original, high quality clothes for children aged up to eight.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
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Suitor urges water firm to enter talks THE consortium circling Severn Trent has warned it will pull the plug on its £5.3bn bid interest unless the water company enters into talks. LongRiver has until 5pm today to table another offer, but insists there will be no new proposal without “meaningful engagement” with Severn’s board. The consortium, which is led by Canadian investment group Borealis, was spurned for a third time on Friday evening after tabling a revised proposal worth 2200p a share – a valuation deemed too low by the Severn board. Shares in the water company closed down 124p to 1946p or 6% yesterday following the latest rejection. Borealis chief executive Michael Rolland said there had been no discussions since the consortium first submitted a proposal to Severn on May 14. He said: “The Severn Trent board has shown no interest in discussing our pre-conditional offer with us.
“In the absence of any such engagement, there will be no further proposal from the consortium and no offer for Severn Trent shareholders to consider.” Severn, which supplies 4.2m customers across the Midlands and parts of Wales, said LongRiver’s proposals failed to recognise the long-term value or future potential of the company.
It has been reported that an increase of about 40p a share would be enough to bring Severn to the table, although LongRiver is determined that there must be a meeting with the water firm’s board before any move can take place. Under Takeover Panel rules, LongRiver must decide whether to put in a new, fourth offer before the expiry of today’s “put up or shut up” deadline or
Building jobs to go
walk away. British water companies are prized by investors such as pension funds, sovereign wealth groups and private equity firms for their monopoly over customers and relatively stable earnings, which are tied to inflation. Severn is the latest British utility to attract interest after buy-outs for rivals Yorkshire Water, Northumbrian Water and Thames Water. Borealis already co-owns the UK’s biggest ports operator Associated British Ports and the London to Paris High Speed 1 rail line. It invests on behalf of thousands of Canadian workers and pensioners in the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System. The other members of the LongRiver consortium are the Kuwait Investment Authority and the Universities Superannuation Scheme.
Lower wages ‘hitting regions’
Vue chain sold for £935m
BILLIONS of pounds are being lost from local economies because of job losses and cuts in wages, according to a new study. The TUC said the UK’s pay packet was £52bn smaller last year compared to the eve of the recession in 2007 – with some regions suffering 10% losses. The union organisation said a fall in the real value of wages, reduced hours and changes in employment, such as more part-time working, had caused the reduction. A modest increase in employment had failed to offset a “sharp” cut in wages in recent years, said the TUC.
THE backers of cinema chain Vue reaped the benefits of a two-year expansion drive by selling the business for £935m. Under private equity firm Doughty Hanson, Vue Entertainment has grown from 70 cinemas at the time of its takeover in December, 2010, to 146 across Europe. The number of screens has risen from 678 to 1,321. Doughty and its co-investors paid £450m for the business in 2010. Now they have more than doubled their investment after agreeing the sale of Vue to Toronto-based Omers Private Equity and Alberta Investment Management.
G e n e r a l s e c r e t a r y Fr a n c e s O’Grady said: “Over the last five years, people have taken a massive hit in their pay packets, while millions more have had to reduce their hours or take lower paid work. “Many people have lost their jobs altogether. Taken together, our pay and jobs crises have shrunk Britain’s total annual pay packet by more than £50bn. It’s no wonder businesses are struggling when so much demand has been sucked out of the economy.” He said employers and governments had to recognise the importance of decent wages in delivering sustainable economic growth.
Vue’s expansion included the acquisition of Apollo Cinemas in May last year, as well as Germany’s second largest operator CinemaxX in July and Poland’s Multikino last month. The company has also rolled out digital technology across the estate and opened new cinemas such as the 17 screen Vue Stratford in London. Vue’s management team, including founder and chief executive Tim Richards, will retain a substantial stake and continue to run the business. Mr Richards said more strategic takeovers were possible as the firm continues to plot further growth.
CONSTRUCTION firm Balfour Beatty warned it expects to close three offices as part of moves putting at least 150 jobs at risk. The proposals, which involve sites at Dartford, Rochdale and Doncaster, come as Balfour attempts to turn around its UK construction arm following a profits warning at the end of April. The three locations employ between 50 and 90 people, although Balfour said it was too early to confirm the number of redundancies. Balfour said the Dartford site was set to close because of insufficient construction activity and a high cost base, while the two smaller locations in Rochdale and Doncaster are no longer sustainable. The three locations account for about 8% of the company’s UK regional business, which generated £1.5bn in revenues last year. Balfour has been carrying out a review of the UK construction business in order to address the issues behind April’s warning that profits will be much lower than expected earlier in the year. It has appointed Nick Pollard, who has been chief executive of Bovis Lend Lease UK and held senior roles at Network Rail, to run the business. Balfour said it will explore all options for the redeployment of staff affected by the office closures, including across the wider Balfour group.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £50.42 +0.26 Gannett 1314.44 -21.85 Hess Corp £44.07 -0.40 Microsoft £22.78 -0.14 Motors Liquidation 48.21 Wal-Mart Stores £48.95 -0.11 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 458 +3 +21/4 BAE Systems 4041/4 Rolls-Royce 1181 +7 AIM Brady Plc 761/2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 3083/4 -1/4 BANKS Barclays 3085/8 +7/8 HSBC 7001/4 -73/4 Lloyds Banking Gp 611/2 -3/4 Ryl Scotland 334 +65/8 Stan Chart 1480 +61/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1948 -81/2 SABMiller £321/4 -3/8 CHEMICALS Croda £245/8 Elementis 98 2311/4 -3/4 Johnsn Mat £271/8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2261/4 +101/4 Costain 257 +3 ELECTRICITY
Drax Gp 556 -21/2 SSE 1514 -2 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 193 +1 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 4333/4 -1 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 308 -43/4 Cable & Wireless 413/8 -1/8 Comm 7 Colt Group 102 /8 +1/4 KCOM 821/8 -1 Talktalk Telecom 2211/4 -63/8 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2631/2 +1/2 Sainsbury 3633/4 +3 Tesco 350 +35/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1833 -11 Tate Lyle 8011/2 -81/2 Unilever £263/4 -1/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3673/4 +51/8 National Grid 7431/2 -4 Pennon Grp 670 -21/2 Severn 1946 -124 -141/2 United Utils 7341/2 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 3447/8 +71/4 ICAP 3731/4 -41/8 London StockExch 1388 +6 7 Man Group 92 /8 -2 Provident Financial 1480 +7
+1/4 Schroders £221/2 Schroders NV 1717 +2 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS REXAM 5111/2 +2 Smiths Grp 1305 -4 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 283/4 +1/4 Carphone Whse 2421/2 -1/2 Dixons Retail 423/8 -1/8 Home Retail 1503/4 -11/8 Inchcape 538 -1 +61/4 Kingfisher 3527/8 M&S 4513/8 -1 +23/4 Mothercare 3823/4 5 Next £46 /8 +5/8 WH Smith 749 -4 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 745 -131/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 84 +1/2 Barrat Dev 3207/8 +43/4 Persimmon 1223 +18 Reckitt Benckiser £453/4 +1/4 Taylor Wimpey 961/4 +3/4 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 1287 +31 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 1501/2 -93/8 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 280 +81/8 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 3361/2 +13/4
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-13/4 -13/8 -22 +1/4 -21/4 1
+5 /2 +14 +43/4 +1/4 +14 +61/2 +21/2 -6 -3 -411/2 -11 -251/2 -23/4 -26 -51/4 -91/2 -5/8 -29
+6 -1/8 +4
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
390 1351/2 7431/2 £225/8
+19 -1 -4 +3/8
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6400.45 Down 11.54 RSA Insurance Gp 1157/8 +7/8 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1170 +7/8 BP 4617/8 Cairn Energy 2653/8 -17/8 1 Royal Dutch Shell A £21 /8 +1/8 Royal Dutch Shell B £217/8 +1/8 Total £321/8 Tullow Oil 1012 +8 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1002 +21/2 Petrofac 1299 -2 1 Wood Gp(J) 806 /2 -3 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1427 -2
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £331/8 +1/8 GlaxoSmithK XD 7 Shire £21 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 5891/2 -2 Hamrsn 4981/2 -21/2 Intu Properties 3291/2 -53/8 Land Secs 920 -11 SEGRO 278 +3/8 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 3967/8 +51/8 Sage Group 3465/8 -191/2 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 7501/2 +1/2 Bunzl 1270 +17 Capita 9551/2 +41/2 De La Rue 9561/2 +13 1 Electrocomp 258 /4 -41/2 Experian 1200 +6 3 G4S 242 /4 -13/4 3 Hays 88 /8 -23/8 Homeserve 2803/4 +63/4 Menzies J 713 -121/2 Rentokil 881/2 Smiths News 1691/2 -21/2 Wolseley £31 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 869 +41/2 Spirent Comms 1343/8 +3/8 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £351/4 -1/8 Imperial Tobacco £231/2 +1/8 LEISURE & HOTELS
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1241/8 £211/2 8551/2 1226 1151/4 1223/4 1456 7611/2 1821 2671/8 200 3731/4 2043/8 1601/4 292 3461/4 £291/4
+1 +51/2 +32 +3/4 -7/8 -4 +5 -5 -35/8 +3/4 -1 +31/8 -3/4 +53/8 +23/4 +5/8
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
David’s shot at business pays off LANDSCAPE facilities. My last job was attended a Dragon’s photographer David at the Moorside Hotel in Den-style presentation at Lawton has always had an Disley, Cheshire, where I Housing Units in Oldham. eye for a good picture. was general manager.” Says David: “I took a lot But he never thought Liz worked as a senior of samples over and they about making a living from manager in the NHS and gave me Buying Room his hobby until wife Liz when their children were One in which to set up. bought him a new digital born, David agreed to stay Then, one woman came camera for his 50th at home as “house in. She was the cost birthday. husband”. Cutbacks controller. Another came in Now he has meant Liz’s post became who was the gallery successfully showed his redundant, although she manager, then in came the work at local arts festivals was able to get a job as a accountant and the and sold prints of his manager in the NHS, but assistant buyer. evocative scenes of at a lower pay grade. “Finally, the director, spectacular sunsets, When she broke her Harry Fox, came in and moody moorlands and arm badly and had to took all my prices apart. languid lakes to stores spend a lot of time off He said ‘you don’t really such as The Flower Box in work, David began know what you’re doing, Meltham, Lionhart exhibiting his photos. do you?’ I agreed that I Boutique in Holmfirth and “While Liz was off work it didn’t have a clue! He said the Month of Sundaes in was an opportunity to look he would help us along. Marsden. at our pictures,” he says. He took us under his wing Earlier this year, David David exhibited some of and introduced us to other got the opportunity to his work at Month of contacts as well as meet the owner of Sundaes in Marsden and agreeing to buy some of furniture retailer Housing was pleasantly surprised our photographs. He’s Units in Oldham and is by the outcome. “We sold very good at anything to now supplying a range of quite a lot of them,” he do with sales. He knows his stunning photographs says. “That gave us the what will sell and to whom. in the store’s gallery. He cash to start doing it “When Mr Fox left the has also been spotlighted ‘properly’. We got a big presentation, I just as its featured artist, break when Lionhart collapsed in a heap. I’ve projecting his profile still Boutique agreed to sell been in some meetings in further. them and another break my time, but I have never David’s work captures when we met up with Alan been through anything like the natural shapes and and Julie Sykes at that! lights of the landscape. Bluebell Trading in “They told me that I’d His collection is almost Milnsbridge, who now do only had a 50-50 chance abstract in how the shape our framing.” of selling anything and that of the landscape and the David soon learned all someone had travelled all colours of the sky come about the ‘business’ side the way from New Zealand together. And none of his of things when he to try and sell kitchen work has been digitally enhanced. Running his own photography business is a far cry from his previous employment in the leisure industry – but Sheffield-born David, who lives at Meltham with wife Liz and children Abigail and Tom, wouldn’t change things for the world. “I trained as a chef,” says David. “My first job was as a comis chef at the Old Bell in Barnby Moor, Nottinghamshire. I worked for Trusthouse Forte for many years then I went on to work in leisure management before going ■ PICTURE PERFECT: Photographer David Lawton is back to hotels with leisure learning how to turn a hobby into a successful business
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David Lawton
utensils. In just a few minutes, Mr Fox had said ‘no’ and walked out of the door – and that was that!” David said the photography business was now picking up pace. “In the past year, we seem to have turned a bit of a corner. We got a grant from the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and a two-day business course as well as some mentoring. “As well as supplying Housing Units and local stores, a garden centre operator in Nottingham is looking at stocking our photos as part of its autumn ranges. Now I have become a photographer and a businessman. “We are concentrating on production and marketing. We must be a real business because I have had to set up a home office with a desk and a laptop and a printer!” David favours “old school” photography. “I’m not very computer literate, so I don’t do any digital enhancing to the photographs,” he says. ”Part of our selling point is that each photograph is ‘a moment in time’. “I buy cameras second-hand. A lot of good cameras are bought by wealthy people who don’t know how to use them and they sell them on. I used to look for fantastic cameras that did this, that and the other. Now I want a camera that’s built like a tank with water-proof lenses – and low-tech!” Says David: “Taking a good picture is about being in the right place at the right time. I know the local area well, I know where the sun goes down and I can tell if the weather is going to help make a dramatic picture. You can wait 15 minutes and the weather will
change.” David has several willing helpers. “Tom will look out the window and say ‘red sky tonight, dad – it’s going to be fine tomorrow’. Even our local postman will text me early in the morning to suggest it might be a good day to get out with the camera!” Friends have also rallied round. One of the Lawtons’ friends has even had a photograph named after her because she was the one to suggest that certain image. Atmospheric shots of Digley and Wessenden are popular along with images of the Lake District. “We’re lucky being where we live,” says David. “I can stop at the side of a country road and watch the wildlife – foxes, owls and weasels.” David has also perfected a way of shooting Christmas lights using a slow shutter speed and nifty camera work to create dazzling photos that resemble firework displays. Housing Units was particularly impressed with the images, which also go down well on the walls of teenagers’ bedrooms. Says David: “I learned photography over a four-year period while I was at home with the kids. I have always liked walking and being outdoors and I like the peace and solitude.” David’s photo albums include a “trick” picture taken by his father of David as a young boy apparently standing among giant plants and mushrooms. “Photography must be in the genes,” he says, joking: “I’m certainly not going back to the hotel trade. I’m probably unemployable by now!”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Role: Owner Age: 55 Family: Married to Liz with children Abigail, 13, and Tom, 12 Car: Fiat Panda Eco 1.0 Holidays: The Lake District and the Isle of Wight First job: Comis chef Best thing about job: Being outdoors Worst thing about job: Anything to do with the computer Business tip: Keep plugging away. Sometimes your confidence ebbs, but you have to keep pushing on
David Lawton Natural Landscape Photography Work: Photography Site: Meltham Phone: 01484 852371 Email: littlerockers dl@yahoo.co.uk Web: www,sunsetstories. co.uk
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KIRKLEES BUSIN
Commuters cut spending BELEAGUERED commuters across the UK are making lifestyle changes to fund spiralling transport costs – with 50% of Yorkshire and Humber commuters cutting back on essentials to be able to fund the travel costs. That’s according to a new consumer survey from advisors, PwC. PwC’s Voice of the Consumer survey found that 51% of full-time workers in Yorkshire have experienced increased travel-to-work costs over the past year – with 30% telling researchers their travel costs had increased “a great deal”. Across the UK, about half of those in full-time employment said they had cut
back on living essentials and luxuries to fund their rising travel expenditure. The North has the lowest travel costs among the eight UK regions – with annual travel costs averaging £1,009 compared to the South East (£1,422) and the Midlands (£1,376). However, 54% of commuters across Yorkshire have reduced socialising and going to the pub to fund travel while 62% have cut back on eating out. Iain Hill, PwC partner in the transport and logistics team in West Yorkshire, said: “In this era of austerity, many people are having to make difficult choices on essential spend and lifestyle.”
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Safety first for builders RISKY BUSINESS Mark Weeks
EARLY one in five conN struction sites recently visited across Britain received
enforcement action from HSE after failing safety checks. Ensuring the highest level of health and safety is vital. During 2011/12, 49 workers were killed while working in construction and 2,884 major injuries were reported. In a month-long initiative, inspectors visited 2,363 sites where refurbishment or repair work was taking place and saw 2,976 contractors. A total of 631 enforcement notices were served across 433 sites for poor practices that could put workers at risk – with 451 notices ordering that work stop immediately until the situation was put right. P h i l i p Wh i t e, H S E ’s c h i e f inspector of construction, said: ‘This initiative has once again shown us that the majority of construction employers do take their responsibilities to their workers seriously. “However, our inspectors also encountered numerous examples of
poor practice – from lack of edge protection on stairwells and scaffolding to unsafe storage of flammable materials and inadequate personal protective equipment. “None of these are acceptable on a modern construction site. ‘HSE will not hesitate to use its enforcement powers against reckless employers. “It is they who continue to make construction one of the most dangerous industries in which to work.” Between February 18 and March 15, inspectors made unannounced visits to construction sites to ensure they were managing high-risk activity, such as working at height. Checks were also carried out on whether there was general good order on site, whether PPE was being used effectively and if welfare facilities were adequate. These findings highlight the need to have good health and safety practices in place on construction sites to reduce the likelihood of accidents and also to prevent downtime caused by notices to stop work immediately.
Mark Weeks is a risk management consultant at Wilby Ltd
Improving prospects PROSPECTS for Yorkshire manufacturers have improved over the past three months, figures revealed today. But challenges remain as companies fail to meet their forecasts for the second quarter of 2013, according to the latest Manufacturing Outlook survey published by the EEF manufacturers’ group and accountants and business advisers BDO in Yorkshire. Output and orders returned to positive territory in the last quarter – reporting a balance of plus 18% and plus13% respectively. But manufacturers in the region had been expecting an even better performance, with forecasts for the second quarter set at a balance of plus 42% for output and 33% for orders. Yorkshire and Humber manufacturers appear confident that output and orders will continue to rise – with a balance of plus 33% and plus 16% respectively. In addition, the survey showed further positive signs in the region’s
investment intentions. In the past quarter, the balance of companies looking to invest has increased, with the percentage balance of those in Yorkshire planning to boost capital expenditure increasing to plus 18% from plus 9% in the first quarter of this year – bucking the national trend which has seen an overall decrease in investment intentions this quarter. But the balance of companies increasing employment over the past three months has fallen from plus 8% in the first quarter to plus 4% – well below the average reported nationally of plus 11%. EEF Yorkshire region director, Andy Tuscher, said the “widespread improvement” was welcome news, but added: “A couple of aspects – namely the relative weakness in export orders – suggest that confidence may still be tempered for now.” Jason Whitworth, partner at BDO, said Yorkshire firms had a lot to be positive about, but were less optimistic about export orders.
Optimism export fig
LATEST regional ex been welcomed by expert Mark Robso solid foundation to Trade in goods stat HM Revenue & Cus total exports for the were worth £4.21bn quarter of 2013 – up the final quarter of for the same period The figures also rev emerging economie Europe – where exp at £70m for the first as increases in the European Union. Other global region export values, but M regional director fo Investment, remain He said: “All growth welcomed and it is see that 2013 got o start. “It gives us a solid build on in the mon businesses increas overseas to drive s domestic UK marke “There is growing a global marketplace opportunity for com shape and size. “The value of expor Eastern Europe sup especially pleasing Mr Robson said: “W products, services region to capitalise opportunities and i see similar growth East and elsewhere The HMRC statistic machinery and tran mineral fuels and m goods remain the k commodities for Yo Humber, with Amer Germany the top th UKTI Yorkshire and currently supportin campaign to spread message that “Exp Local businesses a access to grants an and/or an opportun one-to-one with an advisor. The activity is part push by Trade & Inv Lord Green to incre British companies t quarter, and double trillion a year by 20 Mr Robson said: “E businesses to expo Britain and helps to sustainable growth regions. “We want to reach t across Yorkshire an who are ready to se have yet to take the “There is clearly sc and the UKTI team waiting to help new as those looking to out new internation Visit www.ukti.gov.u about regional UKT and services.
NESS NEWS
m over gures
xport statistics has international trade on as offering “a o build on”. tistics released by stoms reveal that e Yorkshire region n for the first p from £4.13bn in 2012 and £4.15bn d last year. veal growth in es in Eastern ports were valued t quarter – as well beleaguered
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local
Page 5
Getting better for risk assets
N GBP terms, global equities Ithree have risen by 5.8% over the last months. In local currency
terms, the Japanese market outperformed during this period, recording a gain of 16.5% compared with a 3.7% rise for the UK market. Emerging markets underperformed, recording a loss of 3.6%. Despite the increased volatility into the end of May, the FTSE All Share Index finished 2.5% higher for the month and hence records a pretty astounding 12 consecutive months of gains. Cyclical sectors lead the way in May, with the General Retail sector and Automobiles recording strong gains over the month, whilst defensive sectors such as Beverages, Food Producers and Utilities all lagged. This shift is notable in itself, with clear signs on both sides of the Atlantic that the latest leg in the equity rally is being driven more by cyclical than defensive names. To an extent this was inevitable – with a lacklustre set of earnings releases through the latest UK earnings season doing little to move forward forecasts, there was a limit to the extent that further multiple expansion of defensive growth names alone could be relied upon to drive the index higher. This performance disguised a notable increase in volatility towards the end of the month. This was driven partly by fears that the Federal Reserve (the US Central Bank) could be close to redu-
SIX in 10 workers in Yorkshire and Humber facing later retirement ages fear not being up to the job physically or mentally, a survey has revealed. The poll for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy shows that 55% were worried about being too tired to continue normal hours if they had to work into old age – while 63% feared developing a serious illness that could affect their ability to do their job.
CITY TALK Nick Gartland
cing the scale of its asset purchase programme in the months ahead. Indeed, the most recent set of Federal Reserve minutes indicated that a number of central bank officials expressed a willingness to reduce the size of monthly asset purchases in the near-term (currently $85bn per month), while a few also expressed a concern that conditions in certain US financial markets were becoming too buoyant. The probability of purchases being “tapered” in the months ahead has therefore increased, with Ben Bernanke recently indicating that this could happen by September if economic conditions continued to improve. In response, US treasury yields and mortgage rates have recently increased to their highest level in over a year (May was the worst month for US Treasuries since December, 2010). There have also been increasing concerns over whether the Bank of Japan can successfully navigate its own policy of Quantitative Easing, with volatility in the Japanese equity market being particularly noticeable. We do not believe that an early withdrawal of QE in the US is a reason to worry that US bond yields will shoot through the roof, starving the equity market of oxygen. What is QE after all?
Nick Gartland, Senior Financial Planning Director, Investec Wealth & Investment
Seal of success A COMPANY making sealants and adhesives has secured a prestigious quality standard. Aspley-based Polyseam has gained ISO 14001 certification – recognising the firm’s commitment to environmental management. Managing director Andrew Sutulic said: “We are delighted that our hard work has been recognised and that our customers, staff and other stakeholders can now be confident in our commitment to the management of our environmental responsibilities. “Manufacturing – and in particular those including chemical processes – are often poorly viewed by the wider community. “By achieving this recognition, Polyseam is not only helping to enhance its own reputation and credibility but also that of UK manufacturing.” The work undertaken to achieve
Age concern
ISO 14001 saw the company make significant investment and improvements in several key areas – including a reduction in the cost of waste management, reductions in consumption levels of energy and materials and an improvement in distribution processes with associated cost reduction. Polyseam has been developing and manufacturing sealants and adhesives for the own-brand market for 20 years and employs more than 30 people. In addition it is developing a number of new brands, including the IPT range of sealants and the ASF Passive Fire Protection product range. The ASF 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.
It is simply the monetary authorities standing in for overly-cautious or temporarily malfunctioning financial marke t s by d i re c t ly bu y i n g b o t h government debt and consumer loans (treasuries and mortgage backed securities). The budget deficit in the US was recently revealed to be decreasing rapidly. With financial institutions more positively inclined towards lending, reduced demand from the Fed should on the one hand simply mirror reduced supply of bonds from the treasury and on the other hand be replaced by a reinvigorated banking system. Some commentators have worried that markets are rising too fast. We should welcome the current turbulence as a chance for investors to take a step back, reflect on what has happened over the past six months and to reassure themselves that the extraordinary gains being seen are in fact rational and not just based on momentum and the most dangerous rationale of all, peer group pressure. In every year since 2010, stocks have performed very well in the early part of the year, only to then suffer setbacks. Whether such a reversal is repeated this year remains to be seen. Nevertheless, we remain optimistic that conditions will remain supportive for “risk assets” over the 12-18 month investment horizon.
Wealth & Investment. A wealth of know-how With more than 150 years’ experience of serving clients by investing their money wisely, Investec Wealth & Investment have the knowledge and expertise you need regarding your investments, pensions or other financial matters. Please bear in mind that the value of investments and the income derived from them can go down as well as up and that you may not get back the amount that you have put in. For further information please visit our website, call Simon Kaye on 0113 245 4488 or email simon.kaye@investecwin.co.uk investecwin.co.uk
Individuals
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Member firm of the London Stock Exchange. Member of NYSE Liffe. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Investec Wealth & Investment Limited is registered in England. Registered No. 2122340. Registered Office: 2 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7QP.
BUSINESS ADVICE MONTH June 2013 The ICAEW Business Advice Month takes places in June 2013 with free events, seminars and workshops in more than 30 locations around the country. The event below will be followed by an opportunity to network with business owners, meet local advisers and other local business organisations
TALK TO US ABOUT WHAT’S HOLDING BACK YOUR BUSINESS
Aimed at small and medium sized businesses it has a focus on Business Growth. Business Topics will include: Peter Beresford of Red Sky on raising finance Michael Bell - President of Huddersfield Society of Chartered Accountants - de-mystifying the business plan. If you are thinking of starting up a business, have recently set-up or just need to know more about how to run a successful enterprise, then this free event is for you.
3M Buckley Innovation Centre, Firth Street, Huddersfield, HD1 3BD 25th June 08:00am - 10:30am A full list of events including how to book can be found at businessadviceservice.com
Contact
Samantha.Hipkins@icaew.com 0113 322 0875
CONFIDENCE WITHCONFIDENCE BUSINESS BUSINESS WITH
businessadviceservice.com businessadviceservice.com
property
Page 6
THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2013 7pm
Cedar Court Hotel, Lindley Moor Road, Ainley Top, Huddersfield, HD3 3RH Workshop and Land, 2 Carr Pit Road, Off Wakefield Road, Huddersfield, HD5 9AD
1 Potential development site 1 Opposite Asda/Iceland 1 Close to university and town centre 1 Parking for 6 cars
Guide Price: £30,000 – £40,000 Flat 1, 23-25 Wellington Road, Dewsbury, WF13 1HL 1 Modern studio apartments 1 Dewsbury town centre 1 Close to rail and bus stations 1 Modern kitchen and bathroom 1 Integral appliances
Guide Price: £20,000 – £25,000 Flat 3, 23-25 Wellington Road, Dewsbury, WF13 1HL
1 Modern studio apartment 1 Dewsbury town centre 1 Close to rail and bus stations 1 Modern kitchen and bathroom 1 Integral appliances
Guide Price: £25,000 – £30,000
Flat 5, 23-25 Wellington Road, Dewsbury, WF13 1HL 1 Modern 1 bedroom apartment 1 Dewsbury town centre 1 Close to rail and bus stations 1 Modern kitchen and bathroom 1 Integral appliances
Guide Price: £25,000 – £30,000 Flat 9, 23-25 Wellington Road, Dewsbury, WF13 1HL
1 Modern 1 bedroom apartment 1 Dewsbury town centre 1 Close to rail and bus stations 1 Modern kitchen and bathroom 1 Integral appliances
Guide Price: £25,000 – £30,000 Flat 13, 23-25 Wellington Road, Dewsbury, WF13 1HL 1 Modern 1 bedroom apartment 1 Dewsbury town centre 1 Close to rail and bus stations 1 Modern kitchen and bathroom 1 Integral appliances
Guide Price: £25,000 – £30,000 Flat 14, 23-25 Wellington Road, Dewsbury, WF13 1HL 1 Modern 1 bedroom apartment 1 Dewsbury town centre 1 Close to rail and bus stations 1 Modern kitchen and bathroom 1 Integral appliances
Guide Price: £25,000 – £30,000 25 Harrison Road, Halifax, HX1 2AT
1 Character office building 1 Town centre location 1 215m2 (2,320 sq ft) 1 4 parking spaces
Guide Price: £90,000 – £100,000 29 Harrison Road, Halifax, HX1 2AT
1 Character office building 1 Town centre location 1 179m2 (1,931 sq ft) 1 6 parking spaces
Guide Price: £90,000 – £100,000 Residential Building Land, Industrial Street, Primrose Hill, Huddersfield, HD4 6AW
1 Planning consent for residential development 1 Popular residential area 1 0.11 Acres (0.045 Hectares)
Guide Price: £35,000 – £40,000
Former Post Office Public House, 11 Market Street, Milnsbridge, HD3 4ND
1 Substantial former public house 1 Prominent position 1 Close to Milnsbridge centre 1 Potential for a variety of uses subject to planning permission
Guide Price: £60,000 – £80,000
Former School House, Whitcliffe Road, Cleckheaton, BD19 3NU 1 Residential conversion opportunity 1 Requires refurbishment/upgrading 1 Good sized plot 1 Close to town centre
Guide Price: In Excess of: £95,000 The Herders Inn, Lancashire Moor Road, Wycoller, Colne, BB8 7EH
1 Derelict public house with paddock 1 Planning for residential conversion 1 Elevated rural position 1 Set in 2.66 Acres 1 Character Grade II Listed building
Guide Price: £150,000 – £175,000 4.9 Acres Pasture Land, Lancashire Moor Road, Wycoller, Colne, BB8 7EH 1 Potential equestrian facility 1 Elevated rural location 1 Stunning panoramic views
Guide Price: £30,000 – £50,000 Braeside Farm, South Cross Road, Cowcliffe, Huddersfield, HD2 2PH
1 Dilapidated detached farm house 1 Elevated semi rural location 1 Extensive panoramic views 1 7.19 Acre site (2.91 Hectares) 1 Potential for extension
Guide Price: £100,000 – £125,000 Fell Greave Farm, Fell Greave Road, Bradley, Huddersfield, HD2 1NH 1 Grade II Listed farmhouse 1 Pleasant backwater location 1 0.71 Acre paddock 1 Potential for extension/conversion of outbuildings
Guide Price: In Excess of: £175,000
Upper Floors over Former Bank, 6-8 Southgate, Elland, HX5 0DG
1 Town centre location 1 2,098 sq ft over 3 floors 1 Potential for residential conversion
Guide Price: In Excess of: £25,000 Scout Hall Farm, Lee Lane, Shibden, Halifax, HX3 6UJ 1 Grade II Listed farmhouse 1 4/5 bedrooms 1 Stunning valley location 1 1.28 Acre plot
Guide Price: £250,000 – £300,000
■ FIRM FOOTING: Karl Ward, managing director of Huddersfield-based Surefoot Systems, which is celebrating 10 years in business, having supplied special anti-slip coatings for locations including the viewing gallery at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris (above)
How the years seem to slip by!
A HUDDERSFIELD firm has marked 10 years in business – without putting a foot wrong. Shepley-based Surefoot Systems UK has supplied slip-proof coatings for floors across Britain and Europe – with its product used extensively for shopping malls, council buildings, bars and restaurants, car showrooms, swimming baths and colleges. It has also provided its Antislip product for one of the world’s most iconic structures, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The product, supplied through the firm’s French distributor, helps tourists standing on the viewing gallery to keep their footing. Karl Ward, managing director of Surefoot Systems, said slips and trips were the most common cause of non-fatal major injuries in the manufacturing and service sectors. They also accounted for more than half of all reported injuries suffered by members of the public. Karl had a successful career in sales before launching Surefoot – which he did after following up an advert from a Dutch firm seeking a UK distributor for its anti-slip systems. “It was something new to the UK,” he said. “There was no history to go by and no customers, but I already had a background in flooring and I thought I could do something with it. Ten years on, I look at the kind of companies we do work for and it is almost unbelievable.” Surefoot’s specially-treated flooring has been supplied and installed for major names
including Center Parcs, Mercedes-Benz, Hilton Hotels, McArther Glen, Fitness First, Kent’s Bluewater shopping centre and locally for Kirklees Active Leisure and Huddersfield’s Imperial Arcade. The company has also worked with Huddersfield University to develop a cleaning product specifically for tiled flooring. Surefoot has also set up a national contractor network. “We work with a number of independent companies who apply our products,” said Karl. “They are co-partners who have helped us expand, particularly in Scotland and the south of England.” The company has become well-known as a specialist for treating floors in shopping centres in places like York and Mansfield and for The Mall Group’s retail centres, including ones in Luton and Uxbridge. Despite the economic downturn, Karl said: “We have had the best start to a year we have ever had. We have developed quite a range of slip prevention coatings. It’s not just about tiles – it’s concrete and vinyl floorings. And he added: “Slip testing is also high on the agenda for the Health and Safety Executive to sure that floor surfaces are okay. We have machinery which can be used to test the slip resistance of various types of flooring.” Looking forward, Karl said: “We will continue as we have been doing – developing our contacts in the sectors we cover and providing products for a wider range of applications, such as metal fire escape steps.”
Industrial
Crown Green Warehouse, Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe 1,250 m2 (13,456 sq ft) Good quality modern industrial unit with offices and large self contained yard area on main Huddersfield Road
to let
immediately available
Offices
Whitby Court, Abbey Road North, Shepley, Huddersfield 625 - 2,200 sq ft Good quality 1st and 2nd floor office space well located in south Huddersfield with good on site parking.
to let
immediately available
Development Opportunity
Church building – Leeds Road Huddersfield HD1 6NW 487 m2 (5,238 sq ft) Joint agents
High profile conversion opportunity on A62 Leeds Road suitable for various uses includes offices & restaurant etc (STP)
FoR SAle www.michaelsteel.co.uk
only seeking offers in the region of £150,000
All enquiries to Alec Michael at Michael Steel & Co on 0113 234 8999 or email alec@michaelsteel.co.uk
Commercial
Residential, Commercial & Industrial Surveyors, Estate Agents, Auctioneers & Property Management Consultants ST ANDREW'S ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD
FOR SALE
MANOR ROAD, FARNLEY TYAS
TO LET
Industrial premises
High quality offices
1,910sqm (20,562sqft) Set on site of 0.77 acres Situated on the outskirts of Huddersfield town centre Suitable for existing use redevelopment
209.12sqm (2,251sqft) Prestigious location Good car parking Pleasant working environment EPC Asset Rating E
WESTBOURNE ROAD, MARSH
TO LET
HALF MOON STREET, HUDDERSFIELD
TO LET
Prominent Retail Property
Town centre retail unit
82.68sqm (890sqft) Popular suburban location Excellent display frontage Suitable for a variety of retail uses EPC Rating: C
44.1sqm (475sqft) Close to bus and railway station Excellent display frontage Rateable value £5,300
14 St Georges Square, Huddersfield HD1 1JF
t: 01484 530361
e: commercial@bramleys1.co.uk
www.bramleys.com/commercial
BRIGGATE, BRIGHOUSE HD6 1EL
FOR SALE
Development Opportunity With planning consent for the demolition of the existing building and construction of a dance studio and 8 residential units
CROSS CHURCH STREET, HUDDERSFIELD
TO LET
Ground Floor Retail Premises 34.65sqm (373 sqft) Secondary retail position Close to the Kingsgate Shopping Centre Good display frontage EPC Asset Rating C
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Michael Morse
Chadwick Lawrence A PARTNER at law firm Chadwick Lawrence has been handed a prestigious appointment. Michael Morse (pictured), an employment law specialist at Chadwick Lawrence, which has offices in Huddersfield, has been appointed legal director for the Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry (ASBCI). The ASBCI, formed in 1973, is an active and influential “not-for-profit” industry association representing all key sectors of the clothing and textile supply chain. Member companies range from the world’s largest retail groups and fashion brands through to individual consultants. It is the only commercially impartial networking forum of its kind – allowing clothing suppliers and fabric producers to exchange ideas, resources and knowledge with designers, retailers, technical testing houses, garment cleaning specialists and universities. It also founded and runs the UK’s largest and most successful student membership programme for future clothing industry professionals. Mr Morse joined Chadwick Lawrence in 2005 as a partner, being dual qualified in the UK and his native USA, where he spent more than 10 years as a trial attorney. He said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as legal director for such a trusted and influential industry association. I look forward to the challenges it will bring and to playing a role in the ASBCI and the British clothing industry.”
Steve Kerr
Ferno (UK) Ltd A CLECKHEATON company making and supplying medical equipment for emergency services and funeral directors has strengthened its commercial team. Steve Kerr has joined Ferno as a business development manager. He will focus on managing and developing key accounts and developing the sales of Acetech, Ferno’s vehicle intelligence system and electrical control system for ambulances and other emergency response vehicles. Acetech provides on-board vehicle intelligence to improve vehicle efficiency and safety, while reducing operating and fuel costs. Mr Kerr joins Ferno from ATSR, a Ferno Group company based in Ireland, where he was employed as UK sales manager for the Acetech product. The business benefits of his move mean that the UK sales of Acetech will be credited to Ferno, which will make it simpler and quicker for UK customers to order products or spares parts.
YORKSHIRE business benefactors are turning their backs on the boardrooms to join 500 inner city kids on some white knuckle rides at Lightwater Valley. Members of Yorkshire Rotary have organised the all expenses paid trip for kids with learning difficulties and from disadvantaged backgrounds to the North Yorkshire funfair theme park. Fired up by ice cream and free sweets all day the youngsters will have the place all to themselves tomorrow. Backed by the women of Yorkshire inner Wheel, the Rotarians raised £8,000 for the day trip while hundreds of their members are giving up a day in the office to support their guests.
Page 8
Filling vacancies at home and abroad A RECRUITMENT agency with international credentials is the latest winner of a monthly business award. Wakefield-based m2r Ltd was named winner of the Business of the Month Award in the competition run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith in conjunction with the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and government export support arm UKTI. The winning business was set up in 2001 and offers recruitment services to companies throughout the UK and overseas. With an extensive network of contacts, it finds candidates of all disciplines and nationalities from non-skilled to senior executives, for clients ranging from start-up organisations to multi-billion dollar petrochemical companies. It focuses on recruiting staff to a variety of sectors, including education and training, IT, engineering and the oil and petrochemical industries. It has built its reputation by handling the recruitment and expatriation of staff into China, Malaysia, and various Gulf countries, including the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The award judges were impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication showed by m2r Ltd managing director Munir Mamujee in his efforts to seek business development opportunities in countries where it is often difficult to operate by making regular trips to build up contacts and clients. This included Saudi Arabia, where by building up the relationship with the head of the British Trade Office, a successful partnership has been formed allowing Munir to secure lucrative contracts with a number of the largest companies in Eastern Saudi as
■ RECRUITING DRIVE: Deborah Melluish (centre), of Eaton Smith, presents the award to Shradha Balekundri (third right), Amy Anderson (second right) and Pardha Maddala, all of M2r Ltd, with (from left) Ellie Lyon, of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; Cathy Burger, of Huddersfield Town Centre Partnership Ltd; Jayne Pearson, of Kirklees Council: and Jo McBeath, of UKTI
well as supplying teachers and trainers to very well-respected organisations across the kingdom – a first for a UK recruitment company. The panel was also impressed with the firm’s contribution to the region and local community. Staff have developed a number of close partnerships with Wakefield businesses and actively promote the city when in the Middle East by presenting local guides and historical books.
Munir said: “We are all tremendously proud to have been recognised for our hard work. Even though the majority of our business comes from overseas, we are a Wakefield-based company and will always look to develop local relationships and promote the city wherever possible. The Business of the Month Award is open to firms in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. Contact Ian Greenwood on 01484 821389.
Claire’s got the WOW factor!
■ WINNER: Claire Harper, of Kirkburton
Life’s a rollercoaster
Movers and shakers
A HUDDERSFIELD businesswoman has the WOW factor. Kirkburton-based Claire Harper, who set up online children’s clothing business IndiaCoco just a year ago, has won a WOW award from well-known entrepreneur Jacqueline Gold, chief executive of Knickerbox and Ann Summers. Jacqueline began a campaign to support female business owners in June, 2011, by encouraging other women in business across the UK to tweet her every Wednesday, using
hashtag #WOW along with their business name and a brief overview of what they do. Jacqueline then chooses her favourite three to become #WOW (Women on Wednesday) winners. She looks for interesting businesses with strong brand values, good quality products, well-designed websites and the potential to grow and succeed in their industry. Claire, formerly marketing director at Colnebridge-based nursery products firm Mamas & Papas, set up IndiaCoco – named
after her two daughters – to offer original, high quality and great value clothes for children aged up to eight. She said: “We are extremely proud to have won a #WOW award, particularly as Jacqueline is so passionate about championing women in business and supporting brands with strong values, a clear vision and putting the customer first at all times. “We are absolutely delighted and wanted to pass on this great news.”
That sound like a tweet idea
ENTREPRENEURS from across Yorkshire will take part in a unique networking event this summer. Yorkshire Sculpture Park at Bretton will host #Yorkshirehourlive – the first “face-to-face” networking session for Twitter's #Yorkshirehour. More than 7,600 people follow #Yorkshirehour, which takes place between 8pm and 9pm every Wednesday on Twitter. Participants use the hashtag “#Yorkshirehour” in their tweets to promote their business or event and participants link up with others in their
geographical area or their area of work to discuss how they can help one another’s business. The networking event on July 17 at Yorkshire Sculpture Park is being organised by Angie Aspinall, a freelance journalist and co-founder of #Yorkshirehour, in partnership with the sculpture park, #Yorkshirehour guest blogger Ellen Davies, of Czerwik's Cheese & Wine Emporium in Brighouse; Wakefield Council and Ramsdens Solicitors. The event will offer informal networking
over a glass of wine as well as close-up magic from John Danbury, of The Magicians. There will also be a live “Twitterfall” supported by Wakefield Council and Ramsdens Solicitors, allowing delegates to see the photos and comments they've tweeted displayed in full on a screen in the auditorium. Go to /www.ysp.co.uk/events/yorkshirehourlive or the #Yorkshirehour blog at www.aspinallink.co.uk