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RICHARD WAXMAN Eastern influence
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PHILIP STEPHENSON Global connections Column - Page 5
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Company building on landmark year
IT’S a landmark year for a long-standing company in Huddersfield. The anniversaries are coming thick and fast for architects Aedas, which started out as Abbey Hanson Rowe 175 years ago in the town and has now been ranked top in its sector. Aedas, which has its Huddersfield offices at NU House, High Street, has been placed first by Building Design magazine in its World Architecture Annual Service of Top Global Practices in 2012. Closer to home, three of its directors are celebrating personal milestones with the company. Malcolm Ellis, managing director of Aedas Architects, has notched up 40 years with the company he joined in July, 1972 while Robert Grayson, managing director of Aedas Building Consultancy, has 30 years with the company, which he joined in September, 1982. Alan Hunt, director of Building Consultancy is marking 20 years’ service after joining in July, 1992. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the firm’s rebrand to Aedas from Abbey Hanson Rowe while the building consultancy is celebrating 25 years. The division was formed as Abbey Hanson Rowe
■ TOAST TO SUCCESS: Aedas directors (from left) Allan Hunt, Robert Grayson, Malcolm Ellis, Andrew France and Stephen Bottom have cause to break out the bubbly – on a number of counts
(Building Surveying) Ltd in August 1987. Today it is part of the Aedas group’s international practice, which works in 20 countries and has 32 global offices – 10 of them in the UK and including Huddersfield, Leeds, Birmingham, B r i s t o l , L o n d o n , G l a s g o w, Manchester and Liverpool.
The building consultancy’s head office is still in Huddersfield, where it has been involved in a number of repair and refurbishment projects, including alterations to the foyer and ancillary rooms at Huddersfield railway station, refurbishment of Regent’s House – the former Examiner building on Queen Street South – for Huddersfield Uni-
versity and work on Huddersfield Town Hall. Mr Grayson said: “Building consultancy doesn’t relate to high-end design, but caters for existing building stock. It is a very busy and important part of what we do. “That is an important market for us because there are many more existing buildings than new ones. It is particularly important at a time of recession when people are looking to refurbish what they have.” The division employs 76 staff and operates across the country – with projects under way in locations as far afield as Plymouth and Aberdeen. Recent contracts included work on Slough railway station – one of the “gateways” to the London Olympics. Aedas – the word stems from the Latin aedificare, meaning to built” – has strong links with its hometown, having worked for clients including Kirklees Council, Huddersfield University, Huddersfield and Calderdale NHS Trust and Huddersfield New College. And its design talents have taken it across the globe – to countries including Australia, Italy, Syria and Bahrain.
Technology creates recruitment ‘chore’ BUSINESSES are struggling to find staff with suitable qualifications and relevant experience, says a Cleckheaton-based recruitment specialist. Richard Sherrard, partner at Project:Search, said that in recent years successful recruitment had become increasingly difficult because high unemployment figures combined with modern technology meant people are applying for jobs that are irrelevant to them. His comments follow a survey by Bradford Chamber of Commerce, which revealed that about half of businesses are struggling to recruit staff with the right skills for the job. The survey is sponsored by Proj e c t : S e a rc h , a d iv i s i o n o f C l e c kheaton-based chartered accountancy firm
Clough & Company. It found that almost 40% of firms in the service sector were unable to find suitable staff while the figure rose to more than 60% for manufacturers. Mr Sherrard said: “Nowadays, most recruitment adverts will attract huge numbers of applications and online technology means it’s easier than ever for people to apply for jobs. “There are lots of people who submit their details for every job advert they see regardless of whether they’re suited to it, in the false hope that they will be successful. “Plus in the current market businesses are under more pressure than ever to recruit the right people because it can be hugely expensive when it goes wrong, both
in terms of damage to the business and rectifying the problem – so it’s easy to see why it has become a major chore.” Said Mr Sherrard: “This is also one of the key reasons that the recruitment industry is doing so well at the moment. “Whilst many owner managers and company directors might feel confident in their abilities to recruit, most recognise that they can’t afford to get it wrong.” Mr Sherrard said most of Yorkshire’s recruitment activity was coming from smaller businesses rather than larger national organisations, adding: “At the moment, it’s mainly entrepreneurs, SMEs and equity-backed companies aiming to increase profits that are showing the biggest desire to invest and make things happen.”
■ INVESTMENT: Richard Sherrard, of Project:Search
INSIDE It’s out of this world A DESIGN agency and magazine publisher marked 15 years of success – with a celebration cake. The Planet Group, based at Birkby, was founded in September, 1997, by Colin McNeill and Eddie Rayner. From 10 staff running the design agency out of one office, the company now operates in 10 countries, with two international offices, 50 staff and produces six trade magazines.
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Cheque this out! A FIRM providing energy advice has struck success on the high street. Elland-based energy management consultancy Orchard Energy has signed a deal with alternative retail finance company Cheque Centre to manage energy contracts, renewals and purchasing for all of its stores across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
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Primark defies the high street gloom PRIMARK toasted a “particularly strong” summer of trading at its UK business – as the budget clothing chain continues to defy the grim economic climate. The retailer, which has a store at New Street in Huddersfield and some 242 stores across Europe, expects to see revenues rise by 17% for its current financial year, which ends on Saturday. The figure includes “buoyant” trading in continental Europe, even though much of the region is mired in a debt crisis. Associated British Foods, which owns Primark as well as grocery brands Kingsmill, Ryvita and Twinings, said profits for the second half of the financial period should be “substantially ahead” of last year. It said its grocery customers continued to seek value through promotions and price, but warned that recently
higher wheat prices meant margins at its Kingsmill bread division were likely to come under further pressure. AB Foods estimated that when excluding the addition of 19 new stores over the year, sales for Primark will be 3% higher in the financial period. It said the performance of recently opened shops also exceeded expectations. The company will boost its presence on London’s Oxford Street later this month with a new four-floor outlet. It will also have 28 stores in Spain after opening five new stores in the debt-laden country this summer. Primark has been the star performer within AB Foods over recent years as it has ridden the boom in demand for budget clothing on the high street. Primark’s margins benefited over the summer from lower costs linked to the reduction in cotton prices at the turn of the year.
JJB survival hopes dealt a blow FEARS for the future for JJB Sports were fuelled as it emerged one of the frontrunners to buy the ailing retailer failed to submit a bid. Private equity firm Better Capital, founded by venture capitalist Jon Moulton, did not submit a bid by the Friday deadline, according to reports. However, sources close to the situation said significant levels of interest had been expressed in the sale of the business and several companies, both trade and private equity, had requested information. JJB Sports, which employs 4,000 staff, was valued at less than £1m yesterday after shares fell by a fur-
ther 20% amid fears that a buyer will not be found and it will be placed in administration. The Wigan-based company, which has 180 stores, put itself up for sale after failing to secure the funds needed to overhaul its stores and warned that shareholders, who include the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, may see their stakes wiped out in any rescue deal. Meanwhile, JJB founder Dave Whelan reportedly said he would not make an offer for the retailer, but would instead look to pick up individual stores if JJB was bought or fell into administration.
■ STAR NAME: Primark has again proved a top-performer for AB Foods
Shore Capital analyst Darren Shirley, who continues to forecast group profits of £970m for this financial year, described Primark as “possibly the most potent retail format in the UK and increasingly Europe”. Despite Primark’s progress, shares in AB Foods fell by 2% after continued poor trading in its Australian meat
Offer for Xstrata
business prompted a £100m write-down on the value of property, plant and equipment. Elsewhere in the grocery division, Twinings Ovaltine was AB Foods’ most profitable business as its tea ranges remained popular with consumers in the USA and Ovaltine enjoyed strong growth in Thailand. However, the market has remained “intensively competitive” for Kingsmill maker Allied Bakeries, with promotional activity hitting on margins. Jordans and Ryvita performed strongly, but Silver Spoon saw volumes and margins come under pressure from increased competition. In other divisions, profit from British Sugar will be ahead of last year after it produced 1.3m tonnes, up from 1m tonnes a year ago. Despite Primark’s performance, shares in AB Foods closed down 26p at 1280p or 2%.
BP sells more Gulf assets OIL giant BP said it has agreed to sell assets in the US Gulf of Mexico for a total of £3.5bn to an American petroleum firm. The deal with Plains Exploration & Production – which covers five oil and gas fields in the Gulf – will bring BP closer to its target of £23.7bn worth of disposals by the end of next year. As part of BP’s plan to raise cash to pay the costs of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, it has entered into agreements to sell assets with a value of more than £20bn since the start of 2010. BP boss Bob Dudley reassured investors the sale did not signal a
departure from the region. He said: “While these assets no longer fit our business strategy, the Gulf of Mexico remains a key part of BP’s global exploration and production portfolio and we intend to continue investing at least four billion US dollars there annually over the next decade.” BP is selling its interests in three BP-operated assets, the Marlin hub, comprised of the Marlin, Dorado and King fields, Horn Mountain and Holstein. The deal also includes BP’s stake in two non-operated assets, Ram Powell and Diana Hoover.
COMMODITIES trader Glencore insisted its increased offer for Xstrata marked a “substantial premium” for the mining giant – as it confirmed last-ditch revised proposals to salvage the £50bn deal. Glencore said it would offer 3.05 shares for every Xstrata share, a 9% hike on its previous bid of 2.8 shares, after one of its target’s biggest investors – the Qatar sovereign wealth fund – refused to back the deal. The revised proposals were reportedly drawn up at a meeting brokered by former prime minister Tony Blair and involving Glencore’s chief executive Ivan Glasenberg and the Qatari prime minister. Mr Blair works as a consultant for Xstrata adviser JP Morgan and also has close contacts with the Qatari royal family through his role as a Middle East peace envoy. Glencore, which is already Xstrata’s largest shareholder with a 34% stake, warned it would not “increase the merger ratio further’’. The fresh bid proposal came on Friday amid signs that shareholders would reject the previous offer at a meeting due to be held on that day. Qatar, which also owns Harrods department store and a significant stake in supermarket Sainsbury’s, is Xstrata’s second biggest shareholder with a 12% stake, while other shareholders were also thought to be hostile. A deal would create the world’s fourth biggest natural resources firm
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £36.13 +0.07 Gannett 1016.80 +13.74 Hess Corp £33.57 +0.53 Microsoft 1926.08 -6.96 Motors Liquidation 46.84 Wal-Mart Stores £46.00 -0.11 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 3061/2 +63/4 BAE Systems 3273/4 -43/4 Rolls-Royce 828 +1/2 AIM Brady Plc 97 -1/2 3 Dawson Intl /8 Man Brnze 11 -1/4 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 224 +1/8 BANKS Barclays 2073/4 +13/8 HSBC 5633/4 +1/4 Lloyds Banking Gp 37 Ryl Scotland 253 +81/2 Stan Chart 1425 BEVERAGES Diageo 16951/2 -61/2 SABMiller £27 -5/8 CHEMICALS Croda £241/4 -1/4 Elementis 98 2301/4 +21/8 Johnsn Mat £243/8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2985/8 -11/8
2431/4 -31/4 ELECTRICITY Drax Gp 4973/4 +117/8 SSE 1363 +5 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 2301/2 -101/8 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3671/8 +1/8 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 2283/4 +3/4 Cable & Wireless 341/4 -1/4 Comm 3 Colt Group 122 /8 +3/8 KCOM 82 +5/8 Talktalk Telecom 1913/4 -13/4 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2911/8 -7/8 Sainsbury 3305/8 -3/4 Tesco 3431/2 -31/2 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1280 -26 Tate Lyle 639 +41/2 Unilever £221/2 -1/4 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3321/2 -23/4 National Grid 681 -111/2 Pennon Grp 735 -7 Severn 1690 -26 United Utils 687 -14 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3 3i Group 222 /4 +13/8 ICAP 3433/8 -11/2 Costain
London StockExch 1016 -3 +31/4 Man Group 837/8 Provident Financial 1369 +28 Schroders 1513 +7 Schroders NV 1217 +6 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 612 +4 REXAM 4231/4 -25/8 Smiths Grp 1048 -10 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 23 +1/4 Carphone Whse 1583/4 +1 1 Dixons Retail 20 /4 +1 +1/2 Home Retail 995/8 Inchcape 3883/8 +13/8 Kingfisher 2813/4 +27/8 M&S 3711/8 +97/8 Mothercare 2121/2 -1/2 5 Next £35 /8 -1/4 WH Smith 610 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 6781/2 -2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 631/4 Barrat Dev 1731/4 +41/4 Persimmon 760 +4 Reckitt Benckiser £36 -3/8 Taylor Wimpey 58 +7/8 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 913 +71/2 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 1961/2 +133/4 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
BBA Aviation 2027/8 +13/4 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 3513/4 +4 Lgl & Gen 1341/2 +5/8 Old Mutual 1725/8 +3/4 Prudential 8131/2 -31/2 Resolution 2141/4 +33/4 Standard Life 2751/2 -17/8 MEDIA BSkyB 772 +31/2 D Mail Tst 490 -21/4 5 HIBU /8 3 ITV 88 /4 +3/4 Johnston Press 55/8 -1/4 Pearson 1197 -4 1 Reed Elsevier 601 /2 3 STV Group 86 /8 +23/8 Trinity Mirror 403/4 +1/4 Utd Business 712 +15 3 UTV 134 /4 +11/4 WPP 843 +7 MINING Anglo American £20 +1/4 Antofagasta 1249 +23 BHP Billiton 1910 +4 Eurasian Natural 3423/8 +33/4 Res Fresnillo 1756 +32 Kazakhmys 6861/2 +29 Lonmin 619 +23 Rio Tinto £303/4 +1/2 VEDANTA 1003 +271/2 RESOURCES Xstrata 10261/2 +121/2 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
4581/4 901/2 681 1676
-93/4 +11/2 -111/2 +22
closed at at FTSE closed
5793.20 Down 1.60 Inmarsat 589 -6 Vodafone Group 1765/8 -1/2 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1131 -6 RSA Insurance Gp 1153/4 +3/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1280 +101/2 BP 4373/4 +31/8 Cairn Energy 2897/8 -13/8 3 Royal Dutch Shell A £22 /8 Royal Dutch Shell B £23 Total £323/8 -1/8 Tullow Oil 1386 -18 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1124 +9
Petrofac 1597 +6 Wood Gp(J) 8481/2 -11/2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1375 +1 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £291/8 -1/8 GlaxoSmithK XD 61/2 Shire 1932 -3 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 5371/2 -5 -13/4 Captl Shop Cent 3411/2 Hamrsn 4631/2 -5 Land Secs 798 -5 SEGRO 230 -5/8 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 2513/4 -3/4 Sage Group 3043/8 -3/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 561 -4 Bunzl 1107 -10 Capita 750 +7 De La Rue 998 -9 -1/4 Electrocomp 2311/4 Experian 1025 +3 G4S 2603/4 +21/4 Hays 811/4 +41/2 Homeserve 238 +21/4 Menzies J 630 Rentokil 823/4 +1/4 Smiths News 1153/4 +1/4 Wolseley £273/8 +1/4 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 549 +2
Psion Spirent Comms
88 162
+3/8 +3/4
TOBACCO Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
£311/4 £221/2
-1/2 -1/8
LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airlines Gp Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread
1033/4 £225/8 705 5601/2 591/2 2561/4 1323 5941/2 1609 1497/8
+71/2 +1/4
1793/8 2883/4 222 1321/4 2903/4 2265/8 £23
+11/2 +101/4 +2 +1/8 -1/4 +27/8 +1/4
-1/2 -1 +51/4 +28 -1 -9 +31/4
FTSE 100
INDEX 5793.20
-1.60
FTSE 250
INDEX 11841.50
+33.49
TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.46 dollars Bangladesh................. 123.32 taka Brazil.............................. 2.90 reals Canada....................... 1.49 dollars China ............................. 9.06 yuan Czech Republic ...... 28.20 korunas Denmark....................... 8.87 krone Euro............................... 1.19 euro Hong Kong................ 11.77 dollars Hungary................... 319.99 forints India.......................... 78.02 rupees Japan........................... 119.13 yen Mexico ....................... 18.47 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.84 dollars Norway ......................... 8.75 krone Pakistan.................. 142.56 rupees Philippines ................. 56.96 pesos South Africa................. 12.29 rand South Korea.............. 1573.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 199.65 rupees Sweden....................... 10.12 krona Switzerland.................. 1.44 francs Taiwan ...................... 41.46 dollars Turkey....................... 2.72 new lira USA ............................ 1.53 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Group with a garden grows!
IT would probably win a prize at the Chelsea Flower Show! Visitors to the Waxman Group’s Elland headquarters reach reception via a miniature Oriental-style garden – complete with arched wooden footbridge, miniature pagoda, rock plants, waterfalls and a pool well-stocked with koi carp. It’s an unexpected delight alongside the more functional offices and warehouses at the group's Grove Mills complex – and one which reflects the tastes and character of group chairman Richard Waxman, whose office overlooks the garden. There is a definite Japanese influence, which owes its origins to the late 1970s when Waxman business Waxman International became distributor for Kanecaron – a synthetic fibre produced by Kaneka Corporation, based at Osaka. The main market for Kanecaron at that time was for imitation fur coats and here a long time and game.You need a focused, rugs, but as the relationship clear mind for golf. If your generally they regard it as a with Kaneka grew, new mind is full of other things, it pleasant place to work. We flame retardent fibres were doesn’t work.” have invested in nice offices developed to provide fabrics Richard is certainly and facilities and it has a for curtains and upholstery clear-minded about the friendly atmosphere. – and Waxman Fibres was aims and ambitions of the Hopefully, people enjoy their set up to spearhead its Waxman Group, which over time here.” And he adds: “It growth into new overseas the years has successfully is nice to see Sam coming markets. extended its scope to into the business and being Waxman Fibres worked encompass fibres, ceramic enthusiastic about its with partners throughout tiles and mosaics, and – future.” Europe and as far afield as more recently – solar and Alongside its international India to develop Protex, a renewable energy. fibres business, Waxman is fibre used to produce The story begins with a leading UK distributor and workwear. It has also Richard’s father Albert, who stockist of ceramic tiles and secured a EU patent on founded A Waxman (Fibres) mosaics. It has a dedicated Protal, a fibre blend which Ltd in 1958, setting himself showroom on site, which gives even higher flame also sells bathrooms. retardency for clothing worn up as a synthetic fibre merchant. In 1966, he Richard launched Waxman by firefighters and workers acquired Grove Mills at Ceramics in 1981 to ensure in the construction, Elland from his the company was not manufacturing, oil, gas and father-in-law, a wool trader overly-reliant on the fibres petroleum sectors. and processor. business. “I used to go to Japan on Richard joined the More recently, Waxman business every year for 30 business in 1976 after introduced a third “arm” with years,” says Richard. “Although I don’t travel there studying textile marketing at Waxman Energy, which was Huddersfield Polytechnic launched in 2010 to supply as often these days, that and completing a solar panels. The business relationship is very much financially-based MBA in has enjoyed strong growth alive.” investment analysis and since then under the The Japanese theme portfolio management in leadership of Sam and extends to the gardens at London. long-standing Waxman Richard’s home in Richard’s son Sam is senior executive Joe Pape Manchester, which also now involved in the as joint managing directors. boast ornamental ponds business, while Albert, now Under the Waxman and koi carp and which Renewables banner, the were featured in Lancashire 87, has his own property holding company, remains company distributes solar Life magazine. “Gardening active in charity work and PV, biomass, air and ground is one of the things I enjoy,” calls into the office twice a source heat pumps as well he says. week. as solar thermal and Another interest is exotic “There are three represents industry giants fish. A sailfish which generations on hand,” such as Panasonic, LG, Richard caught off the Florida coast in the 1980s is Richard says. “We try to run Bosch and Viessmann. it as a family business. We The group has also mounted on the wall of have people who have been spend more than £500,000 reception and a tank of tropical fish – all very much alive – stands against one wall of Richard’s first-floor office. “I tried to keep marine fish, but they are very difficult to keep,” he says. “I used to fish with the family in Florida, but I haven’t been fishing for a long time. Now my main interest is trying to play golf! The highs and lows of business is one thing, but the highs and lows of golf is something else! But my son Sam plays and it’s nice as a father-and-son thing. I try never to think about business on the golf course. ■ FAMILY VALUES: Chairman Richard Waxman is pleased that son Sam has joined the Elland-based Waxman Group If I do, it’s bad for my
to renovate a warehouse on site to incorporate the renewable energy companies as well as building a state of the art training academy for installers of solar and renewable systems. Richard says the group is taking a long-term view with its investment in Waxman Energy and Waxman Renewables. Government changes to the feed-in tariff have affected short-term demand for solar PV, but he says: “We strongly believe in the future of the renewables market. That’s why we decided to set up the training academy and ensure that we are in the right place at the right time. It is a big investment on our part to position ourselves in the market. “The ‘driver’ for renewable energy is the rising cost of our energy bills. Electricity and gas prices are going up and the cost of installing renewables is going down.” Richard clearly enjoys being involved in the development of the new renewables business. “There are issues we have never come across before,” he says. “You have to understand the pitfalls of any new business – and you cannot develop businesses without making mistakes. That is part of the learning curve. That’s part of what interests me as well. More of my time is being spent on the new businesses, but I still have a role in our other, more established businesses.” Richard goes to India this month as part of efforts to develop links with an Indian firm which may lead to Waxman’s fibres business extending its exports into the USA and the Middle East. There is a long way to go before the new venture is up and running, but Richard accepts: “We have to be in it for the long-term. I have never thought ‘short-term’ about our
Page 3 Richard Waxman Role: Chairman Family: Married to Jackie with sons am,26, and Josh, 25 Holidays: India, Thailand and the USA Car: BMW X5 First job: I worked for Pierre Cardin in Paris when I was in France to improve my languages Best thing about job: Seeing business develop Worst thing about job: The lack of urgency by the Coalition Government in making the infrastructure changes industry needs Business tip: Make sure you get paid! Liquidity is key. Most businesses fail through lack of liquidity
“We have aimed to develop a balanced business covering three different sectors. The common thread that ties them together is our knowledge and expertise – accumulated over 50 years – of import and export, distribution, stock control, forward planning, trading and warehousing. “I enjoy seeing businesses develop. I don’t like to stand still.”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Waxman Group Work: Fibres, ceramics, solar panels and renewable energy Site: Elland Employees: 88 Phone: 01422 371811 Email: info@waxman group.co.uk Website:www.waxman group.co.uk
local
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Outlook worsens for region’s jobs The outlook for job creation in Yorkshire has worsened, according to a survey today. The latest quarterly survey by recruitment firm Manpower, which has offices in Dewsbury showed the employers in the region were the most negative in the country about hiring more staff. And Yorkshire was one of only three regions where the number not taking on more staff exceeded the number recruiting. The region’s Net Employment Outlook worsened to minus 8% for the final quarter of the year from minus 3% during the third quarter. The region has reported predominately positive outlooks over the past two years, but following the negative performance last quarter, Yorkshire is now the most negative region in the UK. The survey of 2,100 UK employers showed the national jobs market in better health with an outlook of plus 3% for the final quarter of the year against plus 2% for the third quarter. Manpower operations manager Amanda White said: ““Yorkshire and Humberside, after remaining positive for so many quarters, began to feel the bite last quarter, but now is really starting to see the impact of public sector job cuts in the region. “We have seen a significant reduction in public sector recruitment activity across the region and our clients tell us this is largely due to the need to reduce costs.” “However, it’s not all doom and gloom across all sectors. There are jobs to be found in the financial sector and the utilities sector for those with the right skills. But competition is tough and we would encourage all candidates to skill up and have a flexible approach to finding work in order to put them in the best possible position to land a job.”
KIRKLEES BUSIN
When rules seem far too restrictive OST-termination restricP tions – or “restrictive covenants” – are often included in
contracts of employment to protect the goodwill developed during employment and to protect the employer’s client base. Post-termination restrictions will fail unless there is a legitimate interest which is appropriate to protect and the protection sought is reasonable. In a recent case, the business development director of a security services firm joined in 2008. His contract of employment included a restrictive covenant preventing him from soliciting business from any company which had been a customer of his employer. In April, 2012, the employee resigned and set up a company in competition with his former employer. Approximately 5% of the former employer’s client base then joined the employee’s new company. The former employer sought to enforce the restrictive covenant and the employee argued it was unenforceable. The most significant argument in this case was that the clause was too restrictive. It has been accepted widely that a clause preventing the solicitation of “all” customers will normally fail. The protection argu-
EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Neil Wilson
ably goes beyond what is reasonable as only those customers who had direct dealings with the employee should be protected by the restriction. It is often difficult to imagine an employee having influence over customers he has never met. In this case, however, the court ruled that the non-solicitation clause was sufficiently limited in duration and also sufficiently limited in terms of the class of customer with whom the former employee could not deal. The court held that the former employer would not be provided with the necessary protection if the clause was limited any further and placed particular emphasis on the fact that the former employee really was the “face of the company”. The court also helpfully commented on what would amount to solicitation, holding that an approach to a customer must
involve “direct” or “targeted” behaviour. A general advertisement about availability, the business, the new firm or an announcement to a client about a move would not amount to active solicitation. This case confirms that, whilst the drafting of the clause is always important, the context of the situation must be taken into account. This decision may be limited to a case where there is a very small employer with one individual seen as the face of the business and perhaps some form of acquaintance with a majority or all of the customer base. Employers should be wary of drafting restrictions which are applicable to the particular individual of the business, taking into account their seniority, influence and prominence with their client base.
Neil Wilson is an employment lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors
New recruitment drive TWO West Yorkshire businesses are joining forces to form a new recruitment service. Agencybods, the recruitment service for the advertising and marketing sector set up by Brighouse businessman and former Channel 4 Secret Millionaire Carl Hopkins, is merging with Elite Sales Professionals, which provides specialist sales and marketing recruitment, evaluation and training services to clients from public, private and third sector industries. The new partnership, which will trade under the name Elite-bods, aims to provide a new model of recruitment which capitalises on the extensive experience of its founders. Mr Hopkins has more than 28 years’ business experience and since selling his £19m turnover marketing agency, has invested in and launched a variety of businesses, including agencybods and Joblink Solutions. He is also one of 26 nationwide entrepreneurs handpicked to attend Vince Cable’s Entrepreneurs’ Forum and was voted the 35th most influential UK marketer outside London by readers of The Drum magazine.
■ JUST THE JOB: Carl Hopkins and Elizabeth Bradbury Elizabeth Bradbury, of Elite has award-winning leadership and management experience as well as knowledge of psychometrics and company profiling. Her business partner, Jean Outhwaite, brings more than 20 years of successful sales, marketing and commercial recruitment, personal brand management, sales coaching and development. Mr Hopkins said the new business aimed to “break the mould of poor experiences by businesses and candidates”.
Ms Outhwaite said: “We have created a recruitment business that we would want to work with – taking the stress out of recruitment for business owners, human resource directors and department heads. I would rather not send anybody than send someone who is not qualified for the role. “It’s not about how many people we can send through the door but whether we can place the right person; quality over quantity every time.”
Nuts to miss out on Brazil!
KIRKLEES companies could be flying down to Rio. The relationship between Brazil and the UK is under focus this month as the Olympic flag, which was handed over to Rio during the London 2012 closing ceremony, touches down in Brazil. But it is not just the Olympics that connects the two countries – and following London 2012, businesses across the UK have wonderful chance to make the most of future business openings in Brazil, which is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Exports from Yorkshire to Brazil last year totalled almost £373m. To build on this, UKTI, the Government’s export support arm, is launching two new schemes in the region designed to help exporters gain a foothold in Brazil and beyond. In September, UKTI Yorkshire and the Humber will launch its Passport to Global Sports Projects programme with a one-day introductory workshop in Sheffield. The 12-month programme offers a package of specialist support for exporters from the region looking to target the highly-competitive global sports projects market. Then in November, UKTI will take companies from the region on a trade mission to Brazil. The mission will be multi-sectoral bu will be timed to coincide with Soccerex in Rio, the premier global football exhibition which takes place between November 24 to 28. The mission will take in Sao Paulo, Brazil’s industrial heartland, which offers opportunities in a range of sectors, including engineering and healthcare. Mark Robson, regional director for UKTI Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “London 2012 was a real showcase for the UK and – thanks to the fantastic achievements of our local athletes – for the Yorkshire and Humber region too. “Now with the world’s gaze shifting to Brazil in the run-up to the World Cup and the Olympics – and with £10.43bn due to be spent on infrastructure and venues for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics alone – there is a ‘golden’ opportunity for businesses from our region to make the most of the Games’ legacy and highlight the wide range of services and products they can offer, both to Brazil and other international markets. For more information on the Passport to Global Sports Projects Programme, contact Kathryn Borg, International Trade Advisor at UKTI Yorkshire on 07500 445 074. To register for the trade visit to Brazil, email events@uktiyorkshire.co.uk. Companies are strongly advised to register early as the visit is expected to be in demand.
NESS NEWS
local
Offering up opportunities
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HE economic picture for T many countries in Europe remains difficult and as a result,
businesses across the UK are finding themselves negotiating a difficult path. We believe now more than ever that it is the businesses looking beyond our shores to grow that are seeing the most success whilst also continuing to drive the UK’s road to recovery. This international optimism is supported by the findings of our Global Connections and Trade Confidence research which highlights huge potential opportunities for British businesses. UK small and medium-sized businesses are forecast to increase international business activity by 66% over the next 15 years and in addition to this, the report predicts that demand for imports from emerging markets will grow faster than the level of exports they produce over the next five years. This will see emerging markets developing into more of a “consumer” market, which is fantastic news for businesses in Kirklees that currently export or are looking for opportunities to expand into new markets. The report also suggests that UK exports are expected to exceed imports as they fulfil the increased
BANKER’S BLOG Philip Stephenson
demand for goods and services from emerging markets. This will help balance the trade deficit we’ve seen in previous years, which will hopefully go some way to the UK trading its way out of recession. So what are the next practical steps if you’re a small business looking to trade internationally for the first time? At HSBC we want businesses to make the most of International opportunities, but it’s not a step that should be taken without careful planning. Here are some of our top tips for businesses looking to grow internationally: ● Before setting out to do business in a new market, you should reflect on reasons for stepping overseas, having this in mind will help you make better decisions along the way ● Find out about UK Trade &
Investment conferences and seminars i n yo u r l o c a l a r e a t o m e e t like-minded businesses leaders ● Speak to key advisers such as your accountant or bank about your plans, they may have experience of working with other companies that trade with suppliers or customers in the same location you are looking to trade with ● Ensure the right research and advice is undertaken in advance. This will help businesses identify possible risks in advance and take steps to avoid mistakes ● Having the right resources and commitment to put towards becoming international is crucial and can often be fulfilled by making the most of skills that staff already possess such as languages or familiarity with foreign currencies. If these don’t exist within the organisation, perhaps look to recruit or arrange training for staff.
Ed Clancy provides golden moment for chamber dinner DOUBLE Olympic gold medal winner Ed Clancy will be principal speaker at the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce annual dinner. The star cyclist, who took gold and bronze at London 2012, will be joined by Crispin Simon, managing director of UK Trade & Investment, as keynote business speaker at the dinner, which takes place on Thursday, October 25, at The Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top, Huddersfield. Andrew Choi, executive director of the Lockwood-based chamber, said: “Howard Webb was an outstanding speaker for us
last year and so we put a lot of thought into how we could follow a World Cup Final referee. “When Ed led the GB cycling team to gold, we re-arranged our speaker line up straight away. It will be great for the business community to honour his achievements at our annual showcase.” Ed Clancy, who has also been crowned world champion, was given a civic reception in Huddersfield at the weekend when crowds turned out in St George’s Square to salute the local boy. He also took part in yesterday’s Parade of Olympians in London.
Britannia Rescue a winner HUDDERSFIELD-based Britannia Rescue has been named the top recommended provider for breakdown cover by consumer magazine Which? The publication rated breakdown providers on a range of factors, including waiting times, quality of roadside repairs and customer satisfaction. Some 5,772 people who had called out a breakdown
provider in the last year were surveyed. Two types of cover were judged, third party cover and car manufacturer branded cover. Britannia Rescue, based at Folly Hall, achieved an overall score of 73% – meaning it topped the third party cover table. It also received a top score of 79% for customer satisfaction which equates to a five star rating from Which?
Philip Stephenson is HSBC deputy area commercial director for Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield
Big-hitters join speakers TWO of Huddersfield’s business heavyweights have joined the speaker line-up for the Kirklees Business Conference. Graham Leslie, founder of pharmaceutical firm Galpharm International, will deliver a seminar and join the Business Titans Panel Q&A at this year’s event. And Freeserve founder Ajaz Ahmed will join Mr Leslie and Card Factory founder Dean Hoyle at the event, which takes place later this month. Mr Leslie founded Galpharm International in 1982 in a shed on Firth Street in Huddersfield. Over the years, he steered the business to make it the largest privately-owned store brand pharmaceutical company in Europe. Galpharm International was sold in 2008 to Perrigo US for $88m – since when Mr Leslie has embarked on a number of other business ventures. He said: “I am deeply honoured to be asked to support the Kirklees business community and feel we have much to be proud of within our society, our environment, the stadium, the university, our philanthropic culture and great local,
Page 5
Attention all new business owners !
Balance Accountants launch enhanced service for new businesses
■ CONFERENCE CALL: Graham Leslie (left) and Ajaz Ahmed national and international companies.” Mr Ahmed is best known for being the founder of Freeserve, which was once the UK’s largest internet service provider. His eureka moment came when he bought a computer at PC World in Leeds and nobody in the store could tell him how to get onto the Internet. After much persuasion Dixons launched Freeserve in September, 1998. It became the UK’s largest ISP in just three months, floated on the stock market just nine months later with a market value of £1.5bn and entered the FTSE 100 soon after. In March, 2000, it had a market capitalisation of £9bn. Freeserve
was later sold by Dixons to French telecoms company Wanadoo for £1.6bn. Kirklees Business Conference will be held on Thursday, September 27, at The John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield as part of Kirklees Business Week. All places are free to delegates. Go to www.kirkleesbusiness conference.co.uk Kirklees Business Week runs from Monday, September 24, to Friday, September 28. The week includes a series of free business seminars. Anyone can submit an event to be part of Kirklees Business Week. Details are available at www.kirkleesbusinessweek.co.uk
Research shows that 4 out of 5 new businesses fail within their first 5 years of trading and that 57% fail within the first 12 months. The good news is that research also shows that careful financial planning and a good accountant are 2 of the things that really make a difference in helping new businesses to avoid becoming just another statistic. The Balance START-UP SERVICE is squarely aimed at new or fledgling businesses with the sense and foresight to learn the financial ropes, get their accounts in order and then prepare to prosper and grow. It’s our way of helping to tip the balance in favour of short term survival leading to long term success. So if you are about to start or have recently started a new business then it might be worth a call to Balance Accountants to see how the service that we offer can help your business to succeed!!!! Balance Accountants specialise in helping business owners to have better, more profitable and more enjoyable businesses. If your business is not performing as well as you want it to then you should contact us now. Balance Accountants,Victoria Court, 91 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth HD9 3JA Tel: 01484 685 413 Fax: 01484 682206 www.balanceonline.co.uk info@balanceonline.co.uk
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
■ CHALLENGE: Mark Prisk, new housing minister must reduce barriers, says FMB
Minister urged to help SME sector A BUILDING industry lobby group is calling on new housing minister Mark Prisk to prioritise SME house builders in a bid to solve the nation’s housing crisis. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “If we are to stand any chance of addressing the nation’s chronic housing shortage we have to remove the barriers that are currently preventing small and medium-sized house builders from delivering badly needed new housing.” He said: “When the industry last delivered housing in the kinds of numbers we need now, SMEs were delivering around two-thirds of it. “Now we are building half of what we require and we are reliant on just nine housebuilders to deliver 45% of our housing following a 69% decline in the number of SME housebuilders. “SMEs can go a long way to solving the housing crisis because they typically bring forward small urban infill sites that would otherwise be ignored.”
property
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Cheque out the latest customer A COMPANY providing energy advice has struck success on the high street. Elland-based energy management consultancy Orchard Energy has signed a deal with alternative retail finance company Cheque Centre to manage energy contracts, renewals and purchasing for all of its UK stores. Cheque Centre, founded in 1996, has high street outlets across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It offers instant cash solutions to customers such as short term loans, cheque cashing and foreign currency. Allan Isherwood, of Orchard Energy, said Cheque Centre was the latest retail win for the firm which also advises Barker and Stonehouse, Costcutter, and the Meadowhall and Ridings shopping centres. Said Mr Isherwood: “One of the biggest challenges for retailers like Cheque Centre is managing administration, contract renewals and consumption reporting for multiple sites. “Orchard has restructured the firm’s energy purchasing model to allow around 70% of Cheque Centre’s stores to enter a new agreement with one supplier with a common renewal date and ultimately all the company’s sites will be tendered as one. “We will continue to work closely with Cheque Centre to help them control their energy overheads as they expand.” Orchard Energy, which also has regional
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offices in Bradford, Newcastle, Glasgow, Bristol and Cardiff, is part of the Orchard Group led by managing director Gareth Henderson and comprising Orchard Energy, Orchard Environmental waste management services and Orchard Networks. The latest success follows tie-ups between
Orchard operations and clients including law firm Chadwick Lawrence, stately homes and visitor attractions such as Chatsworth, Harewood House and Castle Howard, and Leeds-based care homes group Orchard Care as well as the Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
RICS says farmland still in high demand DEMAND for commercial farmland in Yorkshire continued to surge ahead as prices reached record levels for the third consecutive period, according to the latest Rural Land Market Survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The average price per acre in the region – which has now doubled since the second half of 2006 - increased to £6,375 during the first half of the year as demand outstripped fresh supply. This dramatic jump in demand was met with a sizeable downturn in land availability in the region. Yorkshire and Humberside surveyors report that the ongoing shortage of available land is a key factor in driving up prices. Andrew Fallows, of agency Carter Jonas, which has an office in Slaithwaite, said: “Few transactions in the region went through last quarter and the main reason behind this was the amount of
■ ANDREW FALLOWS: Partner with Carter Jonas
farmland coming onto the market simply couldn’t keep up with demand from commercial farmers who are looking to expand. “With commodity prices now having risen for some time, and the situation looking
unlikely to change for the foreseeable future, we expect farmland prices will continue to increase over the next coming year.” With supply so low across Great Britain, transaction levels dipped to their lowest level since the start of 2006. During the first six months of the year, surveyors across the country reported only 115 transactions – down from 298 in the second quarter of 2011. Most areas within Yorkshire saw a steady increase in land prices, while surveyors in the West Midlands reported the highest levels during the first six months of the year. Those in Scotland once again reported the lowest. Survey respondents in Yorkshire expect the current trend in commercial farmland values to continue. A net balance of 47% more surveyors in Yorkshire predict prices to rise over the next year, the highest reading since the second half of 2007.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS PROPERTY AND LAND AUCTION WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2012
At The Cedar Court Hotel, Lindley Moor Road, Ainley Top, Huddersfield, HD3 3RW LOTS NOW INVITED – COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL AND LAND REQUIRED
Town Hall Hotel
52 Huddersfield Road, Elland, HX5 9AH Former public house 213m2 (2,293 sq ft) located in town centre and close to Co-Op Supermarket, Bertie’s Banqueting Rooms and La Cachette. Planning consent for extension and change of use to C1 hotel and B1 office, offering residential potential STPP.
■ TRADE TALK: Ben Hebden, of Grange Moor, is one of three former joinry apprentices to take up management roles with Redrow Homes
Apprenticeship route a winner A FORMER Shelley High School pupil is helping prove the value of apprenticeships in the construction sector. Ben Hebden, 23, of Grange Moor, is one of three new management appointees at Redrow Homes. Ben and colleagues Curtis Taylor and Matt Rooney all began their careers as apprentice joiners with the UK housebuilder. Five years on, they have just become assistant site managers – a position which brings with it a competitive salary, company car, laptop mobile phone and other tools of the trade – at a time when many of their peers may be coming out of university with large debts and yet to find work. Ben, who joined Redrow Homes (Yorkshire) as an apprentice in 2007, said: “I actually took my A-levels and had planned to go to university to study construction management. “However, in the end I made a conscious decision to become an apprentice instead. I felt I would get more of a grounding in the practical side of the job and that ultimately people would respect me more as a manager if I had come through the ranks.” He said: “In the end, I’m glad I made the decision I did. Having done A-levels, including business studies, and starting my apprenticeship a little later than most, I think it made my assistant site manager training that bit easier. I was more mature and had experienced working part-time in a lighting shop in Huddersfield, dealing with the public. “I’d definitely recommend an apprenticeship to today’s teenagers. I’ve earned money
and learnt a trade while friends who went to university were always skint. I’ve got good friends who’ve graduated in law and journalism but can’t get jobs in their chosen careers so are now doing something else that isn’t relevant to their degree.” For the past 18 months, Ben has been working at Redrow’s Wheatley Chase development in Halifax but is about to move to Branwell Park in Guiseley. “I love that every day is different in my job,” he said. “Things are constantly changing on site and you are always learning. I’d love to rise through the ranks and would also like to spend time working in different departments, such as technical and quantity surveying so that I get a much fuller understanding of the housebuilding business.” Karen Jones, Redrow’s human resources director, said: “Undoubtedly, a degree can be a major asset and Redrow invests in a number of graduate and undergraduate training programmes of its own. However, the value of a trade apprenticeship is often vastly under-estimated. “Ben, Curtis and Matt had the benefit of earning a wage while they learned their trade. After achieving their NVQ Level 3 in carpentry and joinery in 2010, they went on to become trainee assistant site managers, achieving NVQ Level 3 in site supervision. “Each has now reached the level expected of them to take on the assistant site manager role proper and they’re well on their way to becoming future site managers, in charge of every element of construction on one of our housing sites across England and Wales.”
Guide Price: £70,000 – £80,000
Eastlawns
Thomas Street, Lindley, Huddersfield, HD3 3JJ
Residential building land, 0.62 Acre site (0.25 Hectares). Planning permission for 12 semi detached houses in village centre location close to shops and amenities.
Guide Price: On Application
Former Honley Council Offices
Eastgate, Honley, HD6 6PA Prominent landmark building with waterside frontage situated close to village centre, offering extensive accommodation on three levels. Planning permission for residential conversion.
Guide Price: In Excess of £125,000
South Street
Paddock, Huddersfield, HD1 4UH Residential building land 0.31 Acres and workshop 3,735 sq ft with Outline Planning Permission for residential development.
Guide Price: On Application
FOR SALE/TO LET Concept House
Cowlersley Lane, Linthwaite, Huddersfield, HD7 5TQ
1 High specification designer offices with adjoining workshop 1 Pleasant working environment 1 Ample parking/expansion land 1 Potential for residential redevelopment 1 Rent: £22,500 per annum exclusive. Price: Offers Around £325,000
TO LET Unit 3 Mead Street
Hillhouse, Huddersfield, HD1 6HE
1 Modern detached industrial unit 1 285m2 (3,066 sq ft) 1 Secure yard/parking 1 Convenient for town centre and M62 1 Rent: £13,950 per annum, payable quarterly in advance
TO LET Modern Industrial Units
Fieldhouse Business Park, Old Fieldhouse Lane, Leeds Road, Huddersfield, HD2 1FA
FMB welcomes measures GOVERNMENT proposals to speed up the planning system and allow householders to extend their homes without the need for planning permission are a welcome boost to homeowners and the building industry, it is claimed. Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders said: “Proposals to make it easier for householders to extend their homes make perfect sense at a time when many people are unable to move house in the current
“It is also encouraging that the Government has recognised the need to help people get onto the housing ladder. The extra £280m as part of the ‘FirstBuy’ scheme to help would-be home owners with a deposit is a welcome boost.” Mr Berry said: “The need for more homes is now a top priority given that we only building half the number to meet current demand. The announcement for £300m to provide 15,000 affordable homes and to bring 5,000 homes back into use is a
1 Immediately available modern secure units 1 Leeds Road corridor 1 Unit 3 – 4,227 sq ft, Unit 6 – 10,362 sq ft, Unit 10 – 13,706 sq ft 1 Rents: from £4.50psf exclusive
TO LET 114 Commercial Street
Brighouse, HD6 1AQ
1 Prominent town centre retail unit 1 19.7m2 (212 sq ft) 1 Close to Wilkinsons, Boots and Barclay’s Bank 1 Rent: £4,500 per annum
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Sneha Manohar
HSBC Corporate Banking HSBC’s corporate banking team in Yorkshire and the North East has welcomed Sneha Manohar to a new role as international manager from the bank’s New York office. Ms Manohar (pictured) will support larger businesses in the region while collaborating with the corporate banking team on deal processes such as structuring finance and transactional support. Formerly a business support specialist for HSBC in New York, she has also worked as a private equity investment analyst with Cogent Partners in Texas and an internship in financial sales with Goldman Sachs in Hong Kong. She also speaks five languages. Martin Lunt, head of the region’s corporate banking team, said: “It is great that our Yorkshire and North East team is at the forefront of many major international deals. “The business world is so well-connected now and our team has first hand experience of this with employees visiting countries such as Canada, China, Brazil, Hong Kong and Dubai. Sneha is naturally a perfect fit for the team.”
Janet Sparkes
CKMA CALDERDALE and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance has made its first permanent appointment. Janet Sparkes has joined as administration assistant, based at the Calderdale offices at Old Mill, Wainstalls, Halifax. Spokesman Peter Catton said: “This is an important step as Janet will improve our administration and lighten the load on busy volunteers, enabling us to concentrate on developing the services which CKMA can offer.”
Charity fundraisers called to the spa! A HEALTH spa in Huddersfield is raising cash for charity as part of efforts to mark its fifth anniversary. Edgerton-based Alexandra House Holistic Health and Wellbeing Spa opened its doors in September, 2007, since when it has established a reputation for high quality and professional treatments. The spa has won numerous national and local awards and accolades – including a “four-bubble” rating by the Good Spa Guide and a runner-up spot in the Eaton Smith Business of the Year Awards 2011. Owner Maxine Stead (pictured) said: “We’re really grateful to everyone’s support and custom over the last five years. “To celebrate our anniversary, we’d like to invite everyone to join our open day.” The event takes place from 11am to 4pm and includes a raffle for Kirkwood Hospice at Dalton, free treatments, prize draws, special offers and refreshments.
Movers and shakers
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Planet stars in birthday party! A DESIGN agency and magazine publisher is celebrating 15 years of success – with a celebration cake.. The Planet Group, based at Birkby, was founded in September, 1997, by Colin McNeill and Eddie Rayner, who had worked together at a different agency and felt there was scope to develop a business with everything under one roof, from branding to design to publishing. From 10 staff running the design agency out of one office and producing two magazines – Food & Drink News and Construction magazine – the company now operates in 10 countries, with two international offices, 50 staff and six trade magazines. Planet managing director Colin McNeill said: “With the advent of the internet and email, there have been huge changes in how we do business. “We now develop brands and establish businesses online and our portfolio of magazines has grown from two to six. “If you had told us in 1997 that people all over the world would be reading our magazines online by 2012, we would have found it hard to believe. We’re well-placed to continue our growth and we’re looking forward to the next 15 years.”
■ PARTY FOOD: Editor Michelle Hodgson (left) with (from left) Rachael Whiteley, Damien McKenzie, Sheila Jordan, Adam Thompson, managing director Colin McNeill, Emily Holroyd, Sarah Hoyer, Kara Livesey
The staff of Food & Drink News gathered at the company’s Huddersfield headquarters to celebrate the magazine’s
15th anniversary with a specially made anniversary cake provided by award-winning artisan bakery ProperMaid, Lindley.
Celebrating 25 years raising the alarm A HUDDERSFIELD company celebrated 25 years in business with a cake and a day at the races. Carlton Littleford, director of Carlton Alarms, based at Berry Brow, is pictured (centre) with partner Julie Westwell and staff and their partners and friends. Said Mr Littleford: “I wanted to celebrate the last 25 years and say thank you to my staff for all their hard work. “We all got dressed up for the day at York races and a good time was had by all. “Obviously, our milestone would not have been possible without the loyal support from all our customers and its to them I say the biggest thank you. “We look forward to the challenge of the next 25 years installing and maintaining security systems across West Yorkshire.”
Counting on further success
■ FUN DAY: Karern Borowski, of Revell Ward, enjoys taking part in the Alternative Olympics
IT’S a partnership they can count on... Chartered accountancy firm RevellWard has just embarked on its fourth season as an official partner of Huddersfield Town. The link-up has seen the Huddersfield-based company support the football club in a number of off-the-field events, most notably the Pedal for Pound bike rides. This year’s partnership saw the “Alternative Olympics” – an event where a number of Town’s partners come together to enjoy an activity day. And it proved such a success that plans are already in place for next year’s competition. Karen Borowski, partner at Revell Ward, which has town centre offices at
Market Street, said: “We enjoy supporting Town and we have done so for many years, but it’s their commercial attitude that impresses us the most. “They are open to almost anything that encourages businesses in the local community to get together. We like to do things differently and have a bit of fun along the way and this year we really achieved it.” Town commercial director Sean Jarvis, who was part of the club’s team in the “Alternative Olympics”, was delighted that the partnership had been extended, adding: “We have enjoyed a brilliant working relationship with Revell Ward over the past three years, something which I am sure will continue this year.”