Kirklees Business News 11/11/14

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ANDREA STALEY

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FTSE 100 MARTIN THOMPSON +44.01 It’s a knotty problem! Column - Page 6 6611.25

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Classic career move Interview - Page 3

An EXAMINER publication

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees

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

A PROJECT has been unveiled to bring improved broadband connections for business across Kirklees. The move by CityFibre comes after its announcement to build an 80km pure fibre network to deliver connectivity for public sector services in the district collaboration with Easynet. Now the state-of-the-art network will be rolled out to increase speed of connection for thousands of businesses in Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Batley. The construction of the socalled Kirklees CORE will be “demand-led” – with the size and route the network takes determined by demand from local businesses. To gauge demand, CityFibre

has launched a campaign called “Gig Up Kirklees” at a special event at the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre in Firth Street, Huddersfield. The campaign encourages businesses to register their no-obligation interest online. The more businesses register in an area, the more likely the network will be extended to reach them. Construction on the network is due to begin at the end of this year with the first businesses being connected from March, 2015. This leaves a “window of opportunity” for businesses to influence the network roll-out by registering on the Kirklees CORE website. CityFibre chief executive Greg Mesch said: “Building a gigabit fibre network in Kirklees represents a step-change as significant as the shift from dial-up to broadband. No longer reliant on the antiquated copper net-

■■ Martin Hathaway (left), chief executive of Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, and Kirklees Council leader Clr David Sheard

works, Kirklees businesses will have the capacity to position themselves at the heart of the UK economy as the technological revolution continues to gather pace.” Clr David Sheard, leader of Kirklees Council said: “We are

dedicated to making Kirklees one of the best places in the UK to do business. We have unrivalled transport links, an extensive and highly skilled working population and some fantastic places of education preparing the next generation.

“A crucial ingredient to our success is internet connectivity, so we welcome CityFibre to Kirklees. “The CORE offers our businesses an opportunity to evolve the way they operate. This technology will allow them to compete on national and international stages.” Martin Hathaway, chief executive of the Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. said: “There is a thriving business community in Huddersfield and we operate to support our members and help drive growth. “We will certainly be encouraging our members to sign-up for this clearly performanceenhancing network and look forward to seeing local businesses flourish with the introduction of the new technology.” To register interest, local businesses should visit www. kirkleesCORE.com

£30m funding pot to help manufacturers Kirklees manufacturers have been urged to bid for funding under a Government scheme to help tackle skill shortages. EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, is urging Yorkshire and Humber’s manufacturers to take advantage of a £30m scheme – the Employer Ownership Fund – which gives employers 50% matched funding for training projects

designed to address skills shortages affecting their business. The first £20m of the fund is open for employers looking to develop projects aimed at improving engineering careers and increasing the number of women in the sector. The final £10m, to be made available soon, is to develop engineering skills in smaller companies. However, companies are

being told to act quickly as the deadline for applying for funds from the £20m pot is December 5 and funds are being distributed on a “first come first served” basis. Andy Tuscher, Yorkshire and Humber region director at EEF, said: “With the spotlight on careers in engineering, it’s a good time to remind employers that this funding is available,

but may not be for much longer. “The important thing for companies is that this scheme is simple, easy to access and could fast-track growth plans. “Over seven in 10 manufacturers say they are going to increase investment in training and recruitment in the next two years. This funding could bring their plans forward.”

Happy birthday Denby Dale woman Jo Haigh is celebrating 25 years in business. Now the multi awardwinning businesswoman is planning further development for her FDS Group, which provides services to national and international clients in areas including corporate finance for business disposals, mergers and acquisitions as well as development capital and valuations. The group also has divisions providing director training and board evaluations – while Jo is also renowned as a speaker on business issues.

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Science project ■■ Andy Tuscher, of the EEF

The mulit-million poundcontribution made by Huddersfield chemical company Syngenta to the Kirklees economy has been revealed in a new study following a link-up with Huddersfield University’s Business School.


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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

national

Retailer pledges 35,000 jobs and 550 new stores Discount supermarket chain Aldi has pledged to create 35,000 new jobs in the UK as it strives for an estate of 1,000 stores by 2022. In its latest salvo against the major grocery chains, Aldi said it plans to invest £600m in UK expansion - with store numbers set to more than double through the opening of 550 new outlets over the next eight years. The plan was discussed during a visit to Aldi UK’s Warwickshire headquarters by Prime Minister David Cameron. The company’s grocery market share now stands at 4.8% following the rapid growth of discounters in the UK, led by Aldi and German rival Lidl. Aldi, which has several stores in Kirklees, opened 42 new stores last year and is on course to open another 54 this year, with another 60 to 65 new stores planned to open in 2015. The Aldi group now has more than 7,000 stores across three continents. Its job plans in the UK include the creation of at least one apprenticeship position per store, per year. This will be supported by a new academy located at Aldi’s office and distribution centre in Bolton, which is due to open in March. Chancellor George Osborne said: “It is fantas-

Aldermore profits rise Challenger bank Aldermore said it continues to grow at a rapid pace after lending £4.4bn to homeowners and small firms since its launch in 2009. The Cheshire-based group said lending was up 30% in the year to date and by 10% in the most recent quarter to September 30. Customer deposits were up by 8% in the quarter to total £4.2bn. Despite the growth, Aldermore was recently forced to scrap a flotation plan because of turbulence on global stock markets – a move which would have raised about £75m and valued the bank at £800m. Aldermore is one of several challenger banks set up in the wake of the financial crisis, aimed at breaking the dominance of the major high street lenders such as HSBC or Barclays. Rival challenger bank Virgin Money last week revived plans for its £2bn flotation which it had delayed just a month earlier, also because of unstable global markets. Aldermore said that profits in the first nine months of the year were almost double the figure of £18.6m it made in the first half of the year, although it did not disclose this figure. It said that its third quarter results were in line with management expectations.

tic to see great success stories like Aldi creating jobs and increasing opportunities for young people.” The new jobs will include management roles, both in-store and within Aldi’s offices, as well as in-store and regional distribution centre roles. Aldi UK’s joint managing director Roman Heini said: “As well as growing store numbers, we are investing in our operations to ensure we continue to meet and exceed customer expectations.” In September, the company announced UK sales of £5.3bn for 2013 – a rise of 36% on a year earlier. Pre-tax profits were 65% higher at a new record of £260.9m. It recruited 9,000 new members of staff in the UK in 2013, including more than 291 apprentices and 165 graduates. The company expects to have more than 7,000 new workers in 2014, including 500 in apprenticeships and 160 in graduate positions. The expansion comes at a time when the major UK supermarkets are cutting back on their plans for new store openings. Sainsbury’s is due to present the results of a strategic review on Wednesday, when it is expected to announce plans to cut capital expenditure through its focus on the roll-out of convenience stores rather than out-of-town sites.

CBI says firms back staying in EU

Secro facing further difficulties

Most companies would vote to stay in the European Union in a referendum because it was “ overwhelmingly” in the UK’s national interest, according to a business leader. Sir Michael Rake, president of the CBI, told the business group’s annual conference there was a choice between two “very different futures”. He told the 1,000 delegates: “One, in which we risk looking inward, shutting ourselves off from the world in the face of

The new boss of Serco has warned the scandal-hit outsourcing firm is facing two more difficult years as it battles to rectify the mistakes of the past. Presenting an update on his strategy, Rupert Soames slashed the company’s profits guidance for this year and next and wrote down the value of the business by £1.5bn. He highlighted the impact of several contracts where Serco is making large

inevitable global change and where we reject the power of free and competitive markets to drive progress. “The other, in which we embrace the openness which has always been the foundation of Britain’s success - to trade, to people, to investment and to ideas from abroad, and of competitive markets at home. British business will always choose openness.” Sir Michael said four out of five CBI members would vote to

stay in the EU, which has 500m consumers, although there was a need for the EU to be reformed. “This agenda must be ambitious, but has to be achievable, benefiting the whole of the EU, not just a special deal for Britain. Do not be fooled - by withdrawing from Europe, we do not somehow become more open to trade elsewhere. Instead we turn inwards, going against the grain of an increasingly connected world.”

losses and areas where the company is sub-scale. Mr Soames wants to refocus the company as a provider of services to governments in areas such as justice and immigration, defence and transport, while looking to sell the majority of its business outsourcing operations. The plan will be financed by a £550m cash call to investors early next year, on top of the £165m raised in a share placing in the summer.

Shares closed 32% lower at 215p following the update as Mr Soames warned Serco will have “to get smaller and more focused” in order to get back on track”. Mr Soames took the helm in May after a scandal-hit 2013 in which Serco was forced to refund the Government £68.5m for overcharging on criminal tagging contracts, as well as repay £2m of past profits from a prisoner escorting contract.

SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN

American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys

£58.23 +0.06 £74.23 -0.68 £44.35 -0.04 £60.84 -0.07 1941.48 +30.27 £53.14 -0.37 £30.96 +0.26 47.29 £50.21 +0.54 £50.43

AEROSPACE & DEFENCE

Avon Rbbr BAE Systems Chemring Cobham Meggitt Rolls-Royce Senior

AIM

600 Group API Grp Brady Plc Highland Gold Mining Johnson Service Grp London Security M”S Intl Nichols Redhall Group Scapa Grp Youngs GKN Barclays

670 462 2431/4 2901/4 4841/8 871 2723/4 183/4 501/2 731/2 34 581/2 £231/4 175 948 101/2 1201/2 1000

AUTOMOBILES & PARTS BANKS

3243/8 2343/4

-1/2 +51/4 +1/4 +7 /8 +4 +13/4 7

-1/8 -3/4 -1 +3/8 +243/4 -1 +201/4 +35/8 +5/8

Bk Ireland HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart Barr (AG) Diageo SABMiller Croda Elementis 98 Johnsn Mat

233/8 6353/4 765/8 3781/2 9421/4

+53/4 +3/8 +35/8 -33/4

581 1859 £355/8

+1 +35 +1/2

BEVERAGES

CHEMICALS

£235/8 263 £305/8

+21/8 +1/2

1651/4 1385 2961/2 541/4 2283/4

+31/2 -16 -33/4 -11/2 +173/4

5851/2 1562

+121/2 -7

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS

Balfour Beatty C”R”H Costain Low Bonar Marshalls Drax Gp SSE

ELECTRICITY

ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced Ox Instmts Volex

6201/2 3051/4 2923/8 1137 763/4

+1/2 +43/8 +1/8 +24 -3/4

465 134 5121/2 2573/4 1833/4

+11/8 +1 +1/2 -11/4 -41/8

EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS

Alliance Trust Br Assets Candover Inv Dunedin Inv Dunedin Sml

Edin Invst Electra Private Equity Forgn & C Henderson Smllr Cos North American Inc Scot Am Scottish Mortgage Witan

6361/2 £257/8 4127/8 5431/2 873 2451/4 2421/4 734

+4 +1/4 +31/4 +14 +21/2 +21/4 +21/4 +6

FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS

BT Grp Cable & Wireless Comm Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom

375 /8 46 1323/4 921/4 2965/8

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

170 /8 2543/4 1927/8 1151/2

+2 /4 -67/8 +81/2 +23/4

£293/4 1600 4023/8 629 £251/2

+1/8 -51 -1/8 +19 +3/8

3005/8 9291/2 850 1972 8631/2

-15/8 +101/2 +121/2 +12 +8

407 1458

+7 +6

1

FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS

Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco Thorntons AB Food Carrs Millg REA Hldgs Tate Lyle Unilever

5

FOOD PRODUCERS

1

GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES

Centrica National Grid Pennon Grp Severn United Utils 3i Group Close Bros

GENERAL FINANCIAL

5

HOUSEHOLD GOODS

Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp

91 /4 2283/4 9291/2 £221/4 3

Aga Rangemaster Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey

+6 /2 +173/4 +101/2 +1/4 1

FTSE closed at up 44.01

4245/8 £201/2 1333/4 £211/8 £251/2 £201/2

+3/4 +1/8 +41/2 +3/8 +1/2 +1/4

280 /2 1230

+2 /4 +13

GENERAL INDUSTRIALS

Smith DS Smiths Grp

1

GENERAL RETAILERS

Ashley L Dixons Carphone Home Retail Inchcape Kingfisher M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith

271/4 4011/8 190 675 2931/4 4771/8 1731/2 £651/4 £773/4 1215

1

-1/4 -21/4 +23/4 +21/4 +107/8 +1/2 +1/2 +13/8 +20

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

Smith Nph

1050

-1/2 +135/8 +39 +38 +11/8 +37/8

3091/8 1245 811/2 591/4 £283/4 £221/4

-73/4 +18 +1/4 +11/2 +1/8 +1/4

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

6611.25

ICAP London StockExch Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV

1431/2 4201/8 1713 1448 £525/8 1171/4

+5

Fenner I”M”I Molins Renold Spirax-Sarco Weir Grp Ferrexpo

INDUSTRIAL METALS 77 /8

-2

3511/4

-1/4

7

INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION

BBA Aviation

LIFE INSURANCE

Aviva Friends Life Gp Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Standard Life

BSkyB D Mail Tst ITV Johnston Press Pearson Reed Elsevier STV Group Trinity Mirror

MEDIA

5241/2 3223/8 2381/4 1957/8 14421/2 4027/8 888 805 2055/8 31/2 1183 1042 356 156

-1/2 +7/8 +21/4 +31/4 +5 +53/8 +2 +21/4 -1/8 +3 +11 -10

Utd Business UTV WPP

552 207 1257

MINING

Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kaz Minerals Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES

+11/2 +2 +20

13601/2 7151/2 1672 735 2447/8 195 £301/4 821

-4 +12 -4 +1 +53/8 +75/8 -1/8 +61/2

MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Inmarsat Vodafone Group

718 2077/8

NONLIFE INSURANCE

Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Ins Gp

1195 8591/2 £351/2 4563/4

OIL & GAS PRODUCERS

BG BP Cairn Energy Premier Oil Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell B Total Tullow Oil

-20 +19 +1/4 +105/8

10551/2 +6 -13/4 4395/8 177 +191/8 2565/8 +1 £223/8 3 £23 /8 +1/8 £367/8 +1/2 508 +11/2

OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

AMEC Petrofac Wood Gp(J)

+6 +7/8

1079 1138 6851/2

PERSONAL GOODS

+22 +20 +141/2

Burberry Gp PZ Cussons

1520 355

+1 +1/8

PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY

Astrazeneca GlaxoSmithKline Shire

£46 /8 14231/2 £423/8

+ /8 +61/2 +5/8

7281/2 684 6061/2 3421/4 1111 3831/4

+1 +71/2 + /8 +7 +31/4

3801/4

+43/4

954 1721 1111 1693/4 5421/2 233 233 1022 2633/4 1265/8 3433/4 609 3381/4 475 1883/8 1153/4 1679 £34

+2 +12 +8

1

REAL ESTATE

Brit Land Gt Portland Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO

1

5

SOFTWARE & COMPUTER SERVICES

Sage Group

SUPPORT SERVICES

Berendsen Bunzl Capita Connect Group De La Rue Elctro Com Electrocomp Experian G4S Hays Homeserve Interserve Menzies J Northgate Prem Farnell Rentokil Travis & P Wolseley

-21/2 +33/4 +33/4 +1 -1 +1 -7/8 +11/2 -33/4 +13/4 +33/4 -1/4 +29 +3/8

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT

ARM Hldgs IBM Spirent Comms

TOBACCO

Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco

8781/2 £1033/8 74

+7 +11/4

£361/8 £281/8

+1/4 +3/8

1023/4 £251/4 1024 1552 1295/8 1223/8 £245/8 786 £241/2 4137/8 1161/2 1467/8 3721/2 2441/2 150 161 676 6533/4 369 4117/8 £433/8 3581/2

+1 +1/4 +19 +17 +11/4 +5/8 -1/8 -1/2 +1/2 +111/4 +11/8 +1/8 +71/4 +1/4 -2 -21/8 +11 +41/8

TRAVEL & LEISURE

Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airl Ladbrokes Marston’s Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Punch Taverns Rank Org Restaurant Grp Ryanair Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread William Hill FTSE 100 FTSE 250

INDEX

+121/4 +3/8 +63/8

6611.25 +44.01 15596.23 +131.70


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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

profile

No longer hooked on the classics! With her love of classical history, a lifetime of digging up old artefacts or minding the exhibits in a musty museum beckoned for Andrea Staley. However, she turned her back on a Time Team-style career to pursue the law – and she has no regrets about doing so. Andrea, who hails from Stockton, Teesside, left school in her home town in 1995 and studied classics at Manchester University, where she gained a 2.1 degree. The course meant three years spent delving into the depths of ancient Rome, exploring the architecture of the Greeks and unravelling the mummies of ancient Egypt. It left Andrea with an overwhelming desire to travel – but uncertainty when it came to what career path lay ahead. She says: “I did classics at A-level and I did some Latin at school. It was exciting to be in a classroom being shown some bits of ‘rock’ that turn out to be ancient bread. “I contemplated being an archaeologist, but camping isn’t for me! “Being curator of the British Museum would be my fantasy job, but I didn’t fancy a career digging around on my hands and knees.” Andrea saved up for a year and went backpacking with a university pal. In Australia, she took part in a skydive on the Whit Sunday Islands. She says: “It was something I had always wanted to do since I was a little girl. “Going backpacking, you meet other backpackers and they always ask ‘have you done your skydive yet?’ It’s almost like it’s compulsory!” The year-long trip took her to Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and New York. While based in Sydney for five months, Andrea gained employment with an online grocery company. “I had the opportunity to secure employment with a company that dealt with grocery shopping online – which in 1999, when mobile phones were still the size of bricks – was very much a new

thing,” she says. “The business boomed overnight and I threw myself into working from 8am until midnight for a number of weeks.” “I relished the opportunity to be a part of this new venture and when the boss brought in pizzas and cola for our tea and thanked us for all our effort, it was all worthwhile. “My office was based on the Rocks in Sydney and after catching the ferry to work I would arrive at my desk with a view of the Harbour Bridge. “You can therefore imagine the culture shock when I returned to the UK and had to catch the bus to an industrial estate to work at Orange mobile phones – with a view of the car park!” It was back in the UK that Andrea’s pursuit of the law began. It all started over a pint in the local pub when her brother-inlaw mentioned the post graduate diploma in law course that his sister had completed. Following that conversation, Andrea began to think about the conversion course. After gaining an A-level in law

Andrea Staley

at night school, she went on to complete the post graduate diploma and conversion course – which is where having a good quality degree came in. Andrea went on to gain a role as a paralegal with solicitors Levi & Co in Leeds. This soon turned into a training contract and Andrea’s passion for employment law – which had begun to grow on the course – was firmly cemented. Andrea went on to have an eight-year career with Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors, working as an employment law solicitor responsible for advising both employees and employers on a daily basis in respect of both contentious and non-contentious issues. The corporate life of a big regional law firm was an experience not to be missed. But when the opportunity to join a family business came up – where Andrea could carve out a career path in a niche company specialising in employment law – she decided to jump ship and become a part of the team at Howarths People and Safety Man-

agement. She says: “On my first day, I was greeted with a welcome card on my desk which everyone had signed. “I was so touched I had to blink back the tears. To be welcomed in the way that I have, made to feel supported and valued in a relatively short space of time, is truly refreshing.” Andrea, who lives in Leeds, also enjoys the team spirit at the firm’s Cleckheaton offices. “There are certainly some differences here at Howarths from what one would expect to see at a city law firm – such as seeing the chairman, Andy Howarth, dancing with the cleaner on day two and then collecting rubbish from the car park on day three! “This is the Howarths way – to all muck in and support the community offering a professional and pro active service to businesses of all sizes, and I couldn’t think of a better place to work.” Andrea also enjoys a happy home life. She met husband Ed seven years ago. The couple were married in 2011 and now have a two-year-old daughter, Sophie.

■■ Andrea Staley, employment law adviser with Howarths People and Safety Management at Cleckheaton

Role: Employment law adviser Age: 37 Family: Married to Ed with two-yearold daughter Sophie Holidays: My last holiday prior to becoming a mum was a trip to St Lucia. My holiday this year was a trip to Chester! Car: Honda Civic Best thing about the job? Working with a friendly and supportive team. Being made to feel valued Worst thing about the job? The weekly team quiz keeps you on your toes! Business tip: Always think of the worst case scenario to avoid any nasty surprises

Howarths People and Safety Management Work: HR, employment law and health and safety specialist Site: Cleckheaton Phone: 01274 864999 Email: info@howarths-uk.com Web: www.howarths-uk.com


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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

local

KIRKLEES BUS

SCALA gets connected with new competition They’re making new connections. Huddersfield-based supply chain consultancy SCALA Consulting has announced that its annual Fresh Connections competition will be open to teams from companies based in both the UK and Ireland. The sixth annual competition will run from April to July and will be held in more than 30 countries. Next year’s international final will be held in Amsterdam. The Fresh Connection is a global professional challenge in which teams have to steer an imaginary manufacturing company through a series of business challenges - such as dealing with the effects of earth-

quakes, staffing strikes, product defects and penalties for CO2 emissions. Teams are made up of four members who each take on a role – sales, operations, supply chain and purchasing. Teams can also name a fifth member as team leader. Previous participants include Mars, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Dell, DHL, HJ Heinz, Jordan’s & Ryvita, Kimberly-Clark, NorbertDentressangle, Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Unipart, Continental Tyres and Waitrose. SCALA, based at the Media Centre in Northumberland Street, works for many top UK and international companies to provide high quality expertise in supply chain and logistics consulting.

Who would choose to be an employer? In recent times, I’ve come to wonder more and more why anyone in their right mind would become an employer! Think about it: all of us who employ people will soon be in the depths of auto-enrolment pensions. Even if no employees take up the scheme, the employer has to jump through the hoops of setting up a scheme and communicating loads of very technical details to employees. That’s after dealing with a stream of employee questions because the adverts have been on TV. Many are facing the situation that their Stakeholder Pension provider won’t convert an existing scheme to auto-enrolment and, because they’ve only been required to join in later in the process, that other providers are closing their doors to new applicants. And now time is ticking with the penalties for missing deadlines being harsh. The push for employees to be paid a living wage, not just the minimum wage, is growing. Many smaller employers are facing constant downward pressures on their prices so will have to face the prospect of cutting employee numbers if they have to pay employees they keep more. The prospect of overtime hours costing more for reasons from living wages to the recent holiday pay ruling (albeit that is likely to be appealed), may mean

THE BUSINESS BATTLEAXE Amanda Vigar that some employers decide against allowing overtime because the added costs exceed the additional profit that can be made. Then add in the fact that apparently ever-greater rights for employees to ask for (or is that demand?) flexible working patterns can and does cause real headaches for scheduling/resourcing. With pricing pressures on one side and the cost of employing people on the other there can come a time when a company is struggling to survive. Then the hard decision of reducing head count often has to be made and, oh boy, the cost and risk of doing that is daunting. A long-standing employee could be entitled to several months’ worth of pay when you combine redundancy and notice pay – all at a time when the business is trying to save money and may be short on cash. Oh yes, and small employers can no

longer reclaim the cost of Statutory Sick Pay. You’ll have heard about the £2,000 employer’s NIC rebate and that’s great, but the cost of one employee being on extended sick leave soon takes away that benefit. After that sick pay is a real cost to the business and there’s nothing they can really do but pay it. I could go on – and yes, I know it’s a potentially depressing list! That said, for me I know (looking round my offices) that the trials and tribulations are outweighed by the reward of building a happy and productive team. Running a small business means working with staff who can (and should) become an extended family and, if you get it right, then each member of your team will actively strive to grow a prosperous future for the whole business and everyone involved with it.

Amanda Vigar is managing partner at Holmfirth-based accountants V&A Bell Brown LLP

SMEs confident of building their revenue GROWTH in business revenue has surpassed expectations for small and mediumsized firms in Yorkshire, says a report. Some 65% of SMEs in the region say that their business revenue has grown in the past 12 months – compared with just43% at the same time last year. The figures are drawn from the Close Brothers Business Barometer, an independent quarterly survey of SME owners and managers from a range of sectors across the UK. Mike Randall, chief executive of Close Brothers Asset Finance, said: “The Office for National Statistics states that the UK recovery is progress-

■■ Mike Randall, of Close Brothers Asset Finance

ing faster than anticipated and our figures seem to suggest that small and mediumsized businesses are really benefitting from improved

trading conditions. “More than two-fifths of the businesses we surveyed in Yorkshire and Humberside report up to 10% growth in revenue, while just over half cite a jump of between 10% to 20% in the last year.” The Close Brothers Business Barometer shows business confidence to be high, with 64% of local SMEs optimistic about their growth prospects for the year ahead. The survey also reveals that almost half of respondents plan to invest in their business in the next 12 months. “It’s very important that these businesses plan ahead to ensure they can make the

most of an increasingly prosperous economy,” said Mr Randall. “In particular, these firms must be proactive with their financial planning. “The Business Barometer shows that 19% of those surveyed in Yorkshire and Humberside say that a lack of finance is currently holding them back from seizing new business opportunities. “This is somewhat concerning as without the necessary working capital, growth will be very hard to achieve. “It’s essential that businesses explore a broad range of funding options to ensure that they succeed in meeting their forecasts for next year.”

M&A activity continues apace, says BDO Pent up demand and the availability of cash have seen merger and acquisition activity rocket during the third quarter, according to accountancy and business advisory firm BDO. The firm’s latest PCPI/

PEPI report, which tracks trade and private equity price patterns when purchasing private companies, found that trade deals jumped by 36% in the third quarter of 2014. Similarly, the volume of private equity

acquisitions increased by 32% to its highest level since 2009. Jason Whitworth, M&A partner at BDO in Yorkshire, said: “Whilst we are seeing capital markets take a pause for breath, the appetite for

deals in the private company arena are undiminished. “The strength of manufacturing continues to drive activity in Yorkshire and Humber, with a third (31.7%) of all deals so far this year coming from this sector.

■■ Gillian Arnold accep

Effort to women earns re

Huddersfield bu Arnold has been prese tional award. Gillian, director of H ing business Tectre, w Korea to collect the a professional body BC tute for IT, for she volu Gillian chairs BCSW works to encourage m IT profession and su part of it. She received the G in recognition of the w promoting women in tives aimed at attracti moting women withi decision-making pos vate and public sector Gillian said: “This great honour and reco done over the last fiv address the issue of g IT profession.” Co-organised with U TECH Awards recog achievements of orga uals in the area of mainstreaming throu communication techn The launch of the aw prompted over 360 no than 70 countries arou The awards were op and men as well as org the field of ICT and ge The award was p Republic of Korea at ary Conference 2014.

Made to

See how they measur The Huddersfield f Physical Laboratories manufacturing firms measurement-related NPL, based at the 3 Centre, is working wit to solve measureme introduce new techn new or updated mea to their staff – result measurement and im and emerging techno scrap, more conform informed staff. Current projects i training, measureme measurement cycle measurement proble Email andy.morris@


5

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

SINESS NEWS

local

Study highlights ‘Syngenta effect’

pting the award

o back n in IT eward

usiness women Gillian ented with an interna-

HR, training and staffwas in the Republic of award on behalf of the CS, The Chartered Instiunteers. Women – a group that more women to join the upport those who are

GEM Tech 2014 Award work the group does in ICT – including initiaing, retaining and proin the sector and into sitions in both the prirs. GEM-Tech Award is a ognises the work we’ve ve years and more to gender diversity in the

UN Women, the GEMgnise the outstanding anisations and individgender equality and ugh information and nology (ICT). wards in June this year ominations from more ound the world. pen to leading women ganisations working in ender. presented in Busan, the ITU Plenipotenti-

The multi-million pound contribution made by a Huddersfield chemical firm to the Kirklees economy has been revealed in a new study. Research by Huddersfield University into operations at Syngenta show that the Leeds Road firm has injected more than £47m into the Kirklees economy through wages, pensions and service contracts – with an additional £10m spend with specialist contractors outside Kirklees, many of them employing local people. The research project was developed following initial discussions between Syngenta and Barbara Butler, enterprise development manager at the university’s Business School. She said: “We were delighted to work with Syngenta on this project and measure their contribution to the local economy. The Business School has access to a range of business intelligence tools and given the opportunity, we can partner with businesses and provide valuable insights in many ways. We greatly valued the chance to be involved.” The study was commissioned by Syngenta and supervised by Prof John Anchor, head of the department of strategy, marketing and economics at the Business School. Researcher Hana Benesova spent more than a year working with managers at the firm, researching its economic contribution to the Kirklees economy. Her research showed that the company directly employed up to 400 people but also provided additional jobs through big contracts with supplier companies for more than 300 additional people. The company – which has won several manufacturing awards in recent

Fewer firms at high risk of insolvency

■■ Researcher Hana Benesova with the study findings and Carl Sykes, of Syngenta

years – employs 82% of its workforce from a Kirklees post code. The research also showed that more than two-thirds of its workforce had an annual income at least 25% higher than the UK national average. Said Hana: “Syngenta knew that their economic contribution to Kirklees was important and wanted help to quantify it. “They came to the Business School and as a result of our research, I have been able to quantify the economic value of their inputs and give a sense of how large companies like Syngenta make an important contribution to the local economy.” But the research showed that the company made more than just a financial contribution. The analysis found

Prohms links up with the stadium

measure

re up! facility of the National s (NPL) is offering SME the chance to receive d support for free. 3M Buckley Innovation th local manufacturers ent-related problems, nologies and provide asurement knowledge ting in better targeted mproved use of current ologies, leading to less ming product and more

include measurement ent capability audit, time reduction and em resolution. @npl.co.uk

that having companies like Syngenta added value to the profile of Kirklees in other ways such as high utilization of technology, by employing highly skilled people and by bringing international visitors into the region. Syngenta’s Huddersfield site makes important crop protection products that help growers meet ever increasing demand for food, feed and fuel. Several of Syngenta’s important products are manufactured at the Leeds Road premises, which was established as a chemical works in 1916, The site and its employees are also active in the local community through their employees charity fund scheme, which is matched pound for pound by Syngenta.

■■ Prohms directors Diane Thompson (left) and Sandra Babbings with Gareth Davies, of the John Smith’s Stadium

A company promoting health in the workplace has been named as a partner of Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium. Prohms Occupational Health Providers will promote its services to individuals and businesses through prominent branding at the stadium and through marketing initiatives. Prohms, based at St Thomas’ Road in Huddersfield and at Penistone, is an established group of qualified health care professionals, including occupational health physicians, specialist practitioners, nurses, occupational health technicians and

physiotherapists. The firm offers a wide range of services to help businesses manage the health and wellbeing of the workforce –and reduce levels of sickness absence. Sandra Babbings, director of Prohms, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside the stadium as part of our ongoing awareness and marketing campaign.” Gareth Davies, stadium managing director, said: “We want to give a huge welcome to Sandra and her team as the newest partners of the stadium and we hope she reaps the benefits of the partnership.”

The number of Yorkshire firms with a higher than normal risk of insolvency continues to fall, a survey has revealed. And figures from insolvency trade body R3 showed a “strong” improvement in the picture for customer-facing businesses. The rate of restaurants with a higher than normal risk of insolvency fell by 1.7% to 669 businesses while the number of pubs similarly placed was down by 0.6% to 429 businesses. However, while distress in these sectors is gradually falling, they remain among the sectors most vulnerable with 26% of pubs and restaurants in the region considered to be at higher than normal risk of insolvency. Since September, eight of the 13 sectors analysed in Yorkshire and the Humber showed a slight decrease with only manufacturing (3.3%), hotels (7.5%), property (1%), professional services (0.4%) and transport (0.06%) seeing an increase in numbers of businesses at above normal risk.

This largely reflected national averages across the UK. Yorkshire R3 vicechairman Chris Wood (pictured), of Cleckheaton-based Clough Corporate Solutions, said: “Yorkshire and the Humber have once again shown a steady recovery across a broad range of sectors, showing that the regional economy is moving in the right direction. “The uplift in pubs and restaurants is encouraging, although these sectors remain among those at the highest risk. Hopefully, their steady recovery will be further boosted by a busy festive season.” He said: “While the picture across the sectors is looking more positive than it has for some time, the recovery remains fragile and with cash reserves depleting following the recession, directors must continue to keep a close eye on cash flow and resist the temptation to over trade. “We urge businesses to continue to tightly control costs, keep a close eye on the balance sheet and remain cautious.”


6

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

property

Garden invader could cost you dear Fines of up to £20,000 for businesses – and even criminal records – could be given for failing to control the invasive plant Japanese knotweed. Under updated Home Office guidance, businesses could face fines of up to £20,000 whilst the general public can be fined up to £2,500 for not controlling this invasive plant. The guidance paves the way for those who are failing to eradicate Japanese knotweed to be reported to the local council or the police. These new guidelines, under the anti-social behaviour powers, mark a departure from the way anti-social behaviour powers have been used up until now. The Home Office briefing document on the

grow through tarmac and can cause structural damage to property, whilst giant hogweed can cause harm to human health.” The Home Office document states: “Breach of any requirement of a community protection notice, without reasonable excuse, would be a criminal offence.” Failure to act could leave the homeowner facreform of anti-social behaviour powers allows property. ing a Level 4 fine, which is currently set at £2,500 for the legislation to target plants which can According to the Home Office briefing docu- for the general public or £20,000 fine for compacause illness, threaten biodiversity or even dam- ment: “Japanese knotweed, for example, can nies. age Under the legislation, an individual could complain to the council or the police about an invasive plant which threatens their home or Martin Thompson is a partner in Commercial Property at land. Armitage Sykes in Huddersfield

INFORMED DEVELOPMENT Martin Thompson

Unite Student in upbeat mood A company providing student accommodation in Huddersfield said the outlook for its business was positive after posting an upbeat interim statement. Unite Student reported very strong lettings with 99% of its rooms occupied for the 2014/15 academic year and said it

was on target to deliver like-for-like rental growth of at least 3% for the full year. The company said Saw Mill at Huddersfield – its only regional completion for 2014 – was completed on time and to budget and is fully occupied for the 2014/15 academic year.


7

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 â€

TO LET

Industrial Offices

FOR SALE/MAY LET

Industrial

Queens Square, Leeds Road, Huddersfield 165m 2 (1,775 sq ft)

Tandem Industrial Estate, Waterloo, Huddersfield 5,530m2 (59,500 sq ft)

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE Recently redecorated offices with good on-site parking just off main A62 Leeds Road

Factory and offices with substantial mezzanine, located just off A642 Wakefield Road

TO LET

Industrial

FOR SALE

Industrial

PRICE REDUCED

Franklyn Court, off Wakefield Road, Lepton, Huddersfield 311m2 (3,349 sq ft)

George Street, Armytage Road Industrial Estate, Brighouse 2,357m2 (25,373 sq ft)

Modern single storey warehouse with shutters and internal office, just off main A642 Wakefield Road

Large industrial complex with substantial office and showroom space, and good yard /car park, located just off M62 (J25)

All enquiries to Alec Michael alec@michaelsteel.co.uk

www.michaelsteel.co.uk

Commercial Residential, Commercial & Industrial Surveyors, Estate Agents, Auctioneers & Property Management Consultants For Sale

TRINITY STREET, HUDDERSFIELD HD1 4DT

GREENHEAD ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD HD1 4EN

Former Doctors Surgery suitable for conversion/development for a variety of purposes

2 Storey Office Building with Car parking 317.8sqm (3,420sqft) NIA

163.14 sqm (1,756 sqft) Prominent main road position

Outskirts of Huddersfield town centre

Good car parking

Security alarm and CCTV system

Walking distance of Huddersfield town centre

DDA compliant EPC Asset Rating E

EPC Asset Rating D

To Let

LYNDHURST ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD HD3 3HZ

COLNE VALE ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD HD3 4NY

High quality modern offices 32.05 sqm (345 sqft) to 65.77 sqm (708 sqft)

To Let

Refurbished Ground Floor Industrial Unit 190.6 sqm (2,051 sqft)

Recently refurbished to a high standard

3 Phase electricity

Good car parking

Good car parking and loading

Modern specification including category 2 lighting, cat 5 cabling

Popular industrial location

Disabled access EPC Asset Rating D

14 St Georges Square, Huddersfield HD1 1JF

t: 01484 530361 e:

To Let

commercial@bramleys1.co.uk

www.bramleys.com/commercial

EPC Asset Rating F


7

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 â€

TO LET

Industrial Offices

FOR SALE/MAY LET

Industrial

Queens Square, Leeds Road, Huddersfield 165m 2 (1,775 sq ft)

Tandem Industrial Estate, Waterloo, Huddersfield 5,530m2 (59,500 sq ft)

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE Recently redecorated offices with good on-site parking just off main A62 Leeds Road

Factory and offices with substantial mezzanine, located just off A642 Wakefield Road

TO LET

Industrial

FOR SALE

Industrial

PRICE REDUCED

Franklyn Court, off Wakefield Road, Lepton, Huddersfield 311m2 (3,349 sq ft)

George Street, Armytage Road Industrial Estate, Brighouse 2,357m2 (25,373 sq ft)

Modern single storey warehouse with shutters and internal office, just off main A642 Wakefield Road

Large industrial complex with substantial office and showroom space, and good yard /car park, located just off M62 (J25)

All enquiries to Alec Michael alec@michaelsteel.co.uk

www.michaelsteel.co.uk

Commercial Residential, Commercial & Industrial Surveyors, Estate Agents, Auctioneers & Property Management Consultants For Sale

TRINITY STREET, HUDDERSFIELD HD1 4DT

GREENHEAD ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD HD1 4EN

Former Doctors Surgery suitable for conversion/development for a variety of purposes

2 Storey Office Building with Car parking 317.8sqm (3,420sqft) NIA

163.14 sqm (1,756 sqft) Prominent main road position

Outskirts of Huddersfield town centre

Good car parking

Security alarm and CCTV system

Walking distance of Huddersfield town centre

DDA compliant EPC Asset Rating E

EPC Asset Rating D

To Let

LYNDHURST ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD HD3 3HZ

COLNE VALE ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD HD3 4NY

High quality modern offices 32.05 sqm (345 sqft) to 65.77 sqm (708 sqft)

To Let

Refurbished Ground Floor Industrial Unit 190.6 sqm (2,051 sqft)

Recently refurbished to a high standard

3 Phase electricity

Good car parking

Good car parking and loading

Modern specification including category 2 lighting, cat 5 cabling

Popular industrial location

Disabled access EPC Asset Rating D

14 St Georges Square, Huddersfield HD1 1JF

t: 01484 530361 e:

To Let

commercial@bramleys1.co.uk

www.bramleys.com/commercial

EPC Asset Rating F


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