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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Apprentices ‘vital to UK engineering’ APPRENTICESHIPS provide the key to securing the future of manufacturing firms in Kirklees, says a training chief. David Todhunter, chief executive of Brighouse-based KITS, said companies across the district needed to consider apprenticeships as a way of bringing new blood into the business. He said: “The Government is making a significant investment in apprenticeships and talks about manufacturing as the key to economic recovery. “At the same time, many manufacturers looking at expanding into new world markers face a demographic timebomb – with an ageing workforce – and need to consider succession planning. “We are talking to one company where the average age of the workforce is 47. “When we are repeatedly told that people are a company’s greatest asset, employers have to see the value of investing in people.” KITS, a not-for-profit organisation which has been providing training for 40 years, focuses on offering three and
four-year apprenticeships in fabrication, mechanical and electrical engineering as well as motor vehicle repair. It has 250 apprentices and about 25 employees. August will see the arrival of its latest intake of 100 school leavers, who will already have been offered jobs with employers. As well as learning skills for work, trainees also cover skills such as health and safety and “safeguarding” work such as drug and alcohol awareness. KITS also works with the police and fire service to bring home the message of safe driving. KITS, which has its headquarters at Armytage Road, also aims to instil a good work ethic among its trainees – with learners clocking on and clocking off as they would do in the workplace. Their punctuality record is checked at weekly reviews and their employers informed if there are persistent problems. The aim is that by the end of their training, the apprentices will have the skills to contribute productively to their companies from day one – as well as understanding their rights and responsibilities.
■ SKILLS: David Todhunter, chief executive of KITS
KITS was recognised in a recent Ofsted inspection when it was rated “satisfactory” overall and its training
centre was viewed as “exceptional”. It also has ISO9001/2008 and is Customer First accredited. Two years ago, it became the first engineering training organisation to gain the prestigious Training Quality Standard – following a rigorous assessment and certification process. Said Mr Todhunter: “We work with employers ranging from multi-national companies involved in distribution and manufacturing to firms producing safes and expensive clocks. “We can tailor-make training programmes for companies that are increasingly looking to upskill and multi-skill their staff. “They may want mechanical engineers with electrical engineering capabilities or vice-versa to reduce downtime on manufacturing, processing or packaging lines and improve efficiency. “What they will get with apprentice training is a skilled employee who will in many cases remain loyal to the company and grow with it. I have known employees who start as apprentices and end up as directors.”
Company puts training at top of the agenda A COMPANY making kitchen extraction equipment is underlining its commitment to the industry through its apprenticeship scheme. Westin Design, based at Leeds Road, Huddersfield, has recruited 17-yar-old Liam Briggs, who is learning about kitchen extraction and all aspects of related engineering, welding and fabricating. He is the latest in a series of apprentices who have trained and remained with the company – ensuring it retains the skills needed to secure the future of the business.
O p e r at i o n s m a n ag e r Jason Brooks, who joined Westin Design as an apprentice in 1996, said: “So often everything is automated these days. “Westin Design’s growth, together with our need to ensure the skills we possess stay strong and sharp, has led to us taking on more apprentices. “ We s e l e c t e d L i a m because as well as enthusiasm and a readiness to learn, he displayed a creative approach, which fits very well with Westin’s design and performance-led philosophy.” Said Liam: “I wanted to
go straight into the world of work and applied to KITS in Brighouse. “I have been employed with Westin Design as an apprentice since November last year and am undertaking my City & Guilds Levels 1 and 2 in welding and fabrication. “I have one day a week out away from the factory at college and an assessor comes out to view me here at work as well as on-going assessment and exams. “I definitely made the right decision and can see myself here at Westin Design for many years to come.”
INSIDE Pride and passion A COMPANY helping other firms transform their business operations has opened a new base in Huddersfield. Insight with Passion, led by co-founding partners Kate Hardcastle and Richard Gomersall, has opened offices in the town’s Media Centre to provide more local clients with the advice, tools and techniques to help them achieve their goals and be the best they can be.
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Awards shortlist A SOLICITOR at a law firm with offices in Huddersfield and Dewsbury has been shortlisted for a national award for her work with victims of domestic abuse and her efforts to promote awareness of the law around forced marriage. Razia Jogi, of Switalskis Solicitors, is one of three lawyers nationally in the running for the title Family Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year.
■ NEW RECRUIT: Westin Design operations manager Jason Brooks with apprentice Liam Briggs
● Full story - Page 8
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Tesco still upbeat as UK sales slump S U P E R M A R K E T g i a n t Te s c o struggled to convince the market it is back on track – despite reporting a record £1bn of Jubilee week sales. The UK’s biggest retailer suffered a 1.5% fall in underlying sales in the 13 weeks to May 26, although this did not include the period around the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee when it enjoyed its biggest ever week outside Christmas. Despite its latest quarterly sales decline, Tesco said its £1bn turnaround, which has seen it revamp 100 stores and recruit 4,300 extra staff, is beginning to gain traction as it competes more convincingly with rivals. Although investors were spared another profits warning, shares closed flat at 302.8p after falling slightly during early trading.. Chief executive Philip Clarke said: “Our customers are seeing the evidence of the changes we’re making and they’re telling us they like what they
see.” Tesco kept its profits outlook for the year ahead unchanged, reassuring investors after the chain’s first profits warning in 20 years in January. Clive Black, an analyst at Shore Capital, said: “We see Tesco UK as toughing it out a little more effectively than it was.” But he added that it will take at least two years for the turnaround to be completed. The retailer is struggling in a competitive market, as it battles it out with buoyant rivals Sainsbury’s, Asda and discounters Aldi and Lidl at a time when shoppers are cutting back. However, Freddie George, an analyst at Seymour Pierce, said: “We continue to believe that Tesco is still a strong business with an unassailable market leading position in the UK, that has temporarily come off the rails.” As some in the City worry that
■ SHOP TALK: Tesco said its performance has been robust
Jobs gloom for Yorkshire
Flybe posts loss in tough year REGIONAL airline Flybe slumped to a “disappointing” full-year loss – despite boosting its share of the declining UK passenger market. It racked up losses in the UK of £2.2m for the year to the end of March, compared to profits of £5.7m the previous year, as it battled a 5% decline in the domestic market and high fuel prices. But the carrier, which operates from 14 UK bases serving 102 airports in the UK and 17 other European countries, lifted its share of its domestic market to 28% after passenger numbers rose by 2% to 7.3m. Its shares closed up 4.8p at 66.8p
Tesco’s dominance over the last decade is under threat, it has faced pressure to make radical changes such as exiting its banking or loss-making US divisions. However, Mr Clarke’s turnaround plan has focused on sharpening up its pricing and customer service and refreshing its jaded and tired stores. It has already given 145,000 staff specialist training, improved the offers through its Clubcard scheme and relaunched its Value range as Everyday Value with more colourful packaging. Mr Clarke added: “We are rapidly implementing our six-point UK plan and I’m particularly proud of the relaunch of our Everyday Value range and the fact we have now put extra staff into 700 of our stores – in 500 of them within the last three weeks alone.” He said sales overseas proved resilient, despite slowing economic growth in China and the eurozone debt crisis.
as the group’s underlying losses came in slightly lower than expected and analysts said it is set to benefit from recent falls in oil prices and any recovery in its markets. Flybe Finland, the company’s joint venture with Finnair started nearly a year ago, already operates 25 routes in six countries and has scope for further expansion amid consolidation in the industry. Group losses of £7.1m compared with £22.3m profit the previous year. Forward Ticket sales for the summer were up by 4.5%. Investec analyst Andrew Fitchie said he expects the airline to return to profit in the current year.
THE outlook for employment in Yorkshire has worsened, according to a survey today. The latest study by employment agency Manpower reported a net employment outlook of minus 2% following several quarters of positive findings. The survey asked whether employers intend to hire additional workers or reduce the size of their workforce in the coming economic quarter. Nationally, the figure of plus 1% keeps the UK jobs market in positive territory following a figure of plus 2% in the second quarter of 2012. Amanda White, operations man-
ager for Manpower, said: “It is not surprising to see sentiment in Yorkshire drop. “We are seeing real competition for the best candidates and people need to work hard to boost their skills. “One problem is that there is no liquidity in the Yorkshire employment market. “Candidates are thinking twice before leaving their current roles and we are also seeing a number of candidates pulling out of interviews at the last minute.” She said: “It is important to emphasise that there are still jobs out there.”
Page 2 Boss wins big bonus THE boss of Thames Water has been awarded a bonus nearly equal to his annual salary after a year in which a hosepipe ban was announced and customer satisfaction “deteriorated”. Chief executive Martin Baggs was awarded an annual bonus of £418,359 for the year to March 31 on top of his £425,000 salary, according to the company’s annual report. Mr Baggs, who was appointed in March, 2010, is also in line to receive hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of shares in the next four years under a long-term incentive plan. The UK’s largest water and wastewater services provider announced a hosepipe ban in March after a drought took hold across many parts of the country. The period also saw its measure of customer satisfaction drop, the death of two contractors in separate incidents and a rise in the number of pollution reports.
Job at Topshop SIR Philip Green’s Arcadia Group has appointed Burberry executive Justin Cooke as chief marketing officer of fashion chain Topshop Mr Cooke, who will take up the post in September, is expected to assist with the brand’s global expansion plans, particularly in terms of digital marketing and social media.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £35.78 -0.22 Gannett 814.64 -5.16 Hess Corp £28.54 -0.28 Microsoft 1889.66 -21.27 Motors Liquidation 48.34 Wal-Mart Stores £43.94 -0.03 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 299 +4 BAE Systems 2801/2 +1 1 Rolls-Royce 821 /2 +3 AIM Brady Plc 82 Dawson Intl 11/8 Man Brnze 25 +11/4 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 1833/8 +15/8 BANKS Barclays 1901/2 +1/4 HSBC 5333/4 +23/8 Lloyds Banking Gp 281/2 +1/2 Ryl Scotland 2213/8 -15/8 1 Stan Chart 1347 /2 -13 BEVERAGES Diageo 15881/2 -31/2 SABMiller £241/4 -1/8 CHEMICALS Croda £221/2 -1/4 Elementis 98 2041/4 +13/4 Johnsn Mat £23 -1/4 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2825/8 -1/8
Costain
188 ELECTRICITY Drax Gp 541 -41/2 Intl Power 4161/4 +1/8 SSE 1344 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 1917/8 -31/4 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3421/8 -3/8 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 2071/4 +3/4 Cable & Wireless 287/8 -1/4 Comm 3 Cable & Wireless 34 /4 -5/8 Wwide Colt Group 1151/2 -3/4 KCOM 697/8 -1/8 Talktalk Telecom 157 -3/4 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2813/4 +1/8 Sainsbury 2883/4 -7/8 3 Tesco 302 /4 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1194 +6 Tate Lyle 640 +61/2 Unilever £203/8 -1/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3151/8 -1/8 National Grid 6591/2 -21/2 Pennon Grp 7361/2 -71/2 Severn 1789 +7 United Utils 675 -51/2
GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 1827/8 -1/4 ICAP 3371/4 +21/8 London StockExch 963 -141/2 Man Group 763/4 -31/8 Provident Financial 1119 +13 Schroders 1246 +16 Schroders NV 983 +7 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 6331/2 -61/2 REXAM 4123/8 -37/8 Smiths Grp 1005 -4 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 23 Carphone Whse 1331/2 +1 Dixons Retail 13 +3/8 1 Home Retail 73 /2 +3/4 Inchcape 3221/2 -25/8 3 Kingfisher 278 /4 -1/4 M&S 3311/2 -33/4 Mothercare 2121/4 +3/4 Next £301/2 +1/4 1 WH Smith 487 /2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 603 -11/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 80 +2 Barrat Dev 1291/4 +1/4 1 Persimmon 591 /2 -1/2 Reckitt Benckiser £345/8 -1/4 1 Taylor Wimpey 45 /2 +1/2 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 8711/2 +4
INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 1943/8 -8 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 2001/8 +1/4 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 2687/8 -25/8 Lgl & Gen 1167/8 +1/4 3 Old Mutual 148 /4 +13/4 Prudential 700 +31/2 Resolution 1941/2 -37/8 1 Standard Life 218 /8 -21/4 MEDIA BSkyB 6871/2 -81/2 D Mail Tst 3747/8 -77/8 1 ITV 72 /4 -3/8 5 Johnston Press 5 /8 -1/4 Pearson 1167 +13 3 -53/4 Reed Elsevier 487 /4 STV Group 97 +1/2 Trinity Mirror 253/4 -1/4 Utd Business 5521/2 +11/2 UTV 124 -1 WPP 7631/2 +11/2 Yell Group 11/4 -1/8 MINING Anglo American £203/4 Antofagasta 1054 -6 BHP Billiton 1765 -2 Eurasian Natural 4063/4 -17 Res Fresnillo 1396 -46 Kazakhmys 6921/2 -121/2 Lonmin 729 -181/2 Rio Tinto £281/2 -1/8
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
364 921/4 6591/2 1449
+8 -11/2 -21/2 -9
closed at at FTSE closed
5432.37 Down 2.71 VEDANTA 930 RESOURCES Xstrata 9615/8 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 4593/4 Vodafone Group 171 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1075 RSA Insurance Gp 1011/8 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 12581/2 BP 4147/8 Cairn Energy 291 Royal Dutch Shell A £203/8 Royal Dutch Shell B £211/4
-51/2 +21/2 -61/4 -1/2 +1 -1/4 -8 +57/8 -31/8
Total £28 +1/8 Tullow Oil 1435 -8 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 963 -1 Petrofac 1532 -3 Wood Gp(J) 680 -3 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1377 -7 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £265/8 GlaxoSmithK XD 41/2 Shire 1891 +12 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 4811/4 -71/4 Captl Shop Cent 310 -23/4 Hamrsn 4097/8 -55/8 Land Secs 7071/2 -91/2 5 SEGRO 212 /8 -41/8 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 2121/4 -51/8 Logica 1063/4 -1/4 3 Sage Group 258 /4 -13/8 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 4755/8 -13/8 Bunzl 1043 +3 Capita 650 +1/2 De La Rue 1020 +5 Electrocomp 2021/4 -3/4 1 Experian 938 /2 +1/2 G4S 2743/4 -11/4 Hays 73 +3/4 Homeserve 139 -21/4 Menzies J 611 +13
Rentokil Smiths News Wolseley
73 963/4 £223/8
+1/4 -1/2 +1/4
IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs Psion Spirent Comms
5051/2 58 163
+1 +11/2 +43/4
TOBACCO Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
£311/8 £233/4
-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
1305/8 £211/4 638 4997/8 623/4 210 1128 4891/4 1503 1455/8
+1/2 -2 -1/8 +3/4 -23/8 -13 +13/4 -1 -1/2
1701/2 222 1841/4 117 2357/8 1643/4 1887
+3/8 +45/8 +27/8 -5/8 -21/8 -11/4 +1
TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.48 dollars Bangladesh................. 120.13 taka Brazil.............................. 2.81 reals Canada....................... 1.51 dollars China ............................. 8.85 yuan Czech Republic ...... 28.61 korunas Denmark....................... 8.70 krone Euro............................... 1.18 euro Hong Kong................ 11.45 dollars Hungary................... 324.03 forints India.......................... 75.73 rupees Japan........................... 117.76 yen Mexico ....................... 19.14 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.86 dollars Norway ......................... 8.90 krone Pakistan.................. 138.02 rupees Philippines ................. 57.19 pesos South Africa................. 12.06 rand South Korea.............. 1579.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 192.25 rupees Sweden....................... 10.45 krona Switzerland.................. 1.41 francs Taiwan ...................... 40.60 dollars Turkey....................... 2.67 new lira USA ............................ 1.48 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS NOBODY networks like Jill Evans. And she's got the awards to prove it! The hard-working mother-of-one, who goes by the grand-sounding title of brand guardian at Birkby-based design agency The Planet Group, understands the value of getting out and meeting people as the first step to winning new business. She joined the BNI networking organisation three-and-a-half years ago and within six months was not only attending her "home" BNI group, but had been appointed assistant director for the South Pennine area, responsible for other groups in the Huddersfield, Holme Valley and Halifax areas. Her efforts earned Jill the title of Assistant Director of the Year in the BNI UK and Ireland Awards for 2010-2011 – a trophy to add to the award she won the previous year. “My home BNI group, The Terriers, meets every Wednesday at Lockwood Park,” she says. “It’s quite a strong group with 42 members. Being involved in BNI is good for our business to the extent that the vast majority of our work is a career. I specialised in She also deals directly with business we have got performance for my degree, Planet’s major clients and through BNI. which was very good for aims to extend its orbit “There is so much building confidence. I am further. competition among design ““We are a small to agencies in Huddersfield that able to use some of what I learned when I speak to BNI medium-sized full service it's important to have members. agency covering everything personal recommendations “I had a number of jobs from branding and graphic and build relationships. after university. I have worked design to websites, “At Planet, I am in charge brochures and corporate of bringing in new business. It in telesales and time-share sales. I worked behind the literature,” says Jill. “We doesn't matter how I do that. bar at the Rock Cafe in town challenge our clients – ask I could spend every day on for 12 years and I have very them what they do, what they the phone cold calling – or I fond memories of my time are trying to do and how they could network and get to there. I worked at the Rock want to get there. We make know people who could be Cafe even after I joined sure we communicate with useful contacts.” Says Jill: “I do attend Planet in 2001 to work as a the client. I am the first networking events other than magazine advertising person and the last person BNI. All networking is good, person.” the client sees.” but if I turn up somewhere A few months into her job Says Jill: “We have a team and I don't know anyone I and Jill became more that is willing to give 100%.to usually end up standing by involved with design. Now get things right. We have our the coffee so someone will she provides a link between mobiles on all day and we do come up to speak to me!” the design department and work weekends. We have Persistence pays off, the clients – providing a clients who will ring on Friday however. “When you are sounding board for the afternoon for something they networking with the same design team's ideas and want done by Monday. We'll people, they learn to trust ensuring that their creative get the pizzas in and work you. Providing referrals helps efforts tie in with the client's into the night to do it.” small businesses in the area original brief. Jill recalls one client who become more profitable. And “I never wanted to do was trying to build up if you provide referrals for graphic design,” she says. “I business simply on the basis them, they will provide them came to Planet for a sales of his business card – and for you. It is about giving job. Design was something I seemed surprised at how something back.” got interested in very quickly.” much more his competitors Jill also spends a lot of time mentoring other businesses under the BNI banner. She says: “It really is a case of the more you do the more you get out of it. Companies that have benefited from mentoring will return the compliment. Some times you don't get a direct referral. It might come via a management consultant that advises a client to go to design agencies. BNI is all about visibility, credibility and profitability.” Jill was born in Oldham, but came to Huddersfield University to study music. She plays flute and piano and provides a little private tuition to students keen to study and “get through the grades”. But she says: “I studied music because I knew it was ■ BY DESIGN: Networking is about giving something back, something I enjoyed, not says Planet’s “brand guardian” Jill Evans because I wanted to make it
profile
Page 3 Jill Evans
Jill puts in the hours at Planet were doing to make a great impression. “First impressions really do count,” she says. “If a potential customer is being bombarded with literature from potential suppliers, we try to make sure that our client's literature is the one they pick up. It's about getting a foot in the door.” Says Jill: “People say to me ‘You’re such a natural networker and you’re a good judge of people’s personalities. The reason is that I’ve worked in a bar for so long! People come into a bar and talk about whatever topics they want and you have to be able to join in. “Being in sales is understanding people and what they want. it is no good going into a company and preaching to them about what we do. I need to understand what it is they want from working with us.”
Jill makes time for a wide range of interests. Holidays mean snowboarding, scuba diving and – for a change of pace – relaxing by the pool. “I like working hard and I enjoy the rewards,” she says. “Sometimes I think I'm working for a million hours – but I'm not thinking that when I'm sitting on the beach! “I like to go running. I've done a few half-marathons, but I would never compete for a fast time. “I love gardening and grow vegetables. It's something I can do on my own and see the rewards for my efforts. I stick to the easy stuff like potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. I like cooking as well. I follow a recipe and when it says ‘add a spring of rosemary’ I can just go into the garden to get it.”
Role: Brand guardian Age: 38 Family: Partner Colin and one-year-old son Noah Holidays: My dream is to run a bed-and-breakfast in the South of France Car: Alfa Romeo Mito First job: I had two Sunday newspaper delivery rounds. My first proper job was as a waitress Best thing about job: Working with people who are passion about making sure clients’ businesses work more effectively Worst thing about job: When my alarm sounds at 4.30am for another networking event! Business tip: Treat people how THEY want to be treated
The Planet Group Work: Graphic design Employs: 25 Site: Bay Hall, Birkby Phone: 01484 321000 Email: jevans@planet- group. co.uk Web: www.planet-group. co.uk
HENRYK ZIENTEK
6 July 2012 Deadline Fast Approaching!!
On the board with
Taxable benefits provided to employees need to be reported on form P11D by 6 July 2012. Common benefits include cars, fuel, medical insurance and low or interest free loans. Employers can also cut down on their reporting requirements, by meeting their employee’s tax liability on small benefits or non-cash incentive awards, which might remove the need to complete P11D's for some employees. To do this employers need to enter into a PAYE Settlement Agreement (PSA). A PSA can include; taxi fares, incidental travel, taxable staff parties and non-cash gifts or incentives. Employers wanting to enter into a PSA for 11/12 must do so before 6 July 2012.
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Forum unveils loan scheme A SCHEME offering start-up loans of up to £2,500 to young entrepreneurs has been launched. The Forum of Private Business has teamed up with the Government to set up the project aimed at 18-24 year olds who can put together a credible business plan. Those firms that thrive will pay back the loan at “peppercorn” rates. The Forum, a not-for-profit small business support group, will offer successful applicants free access to its online Credit Control Guide and discounted membership as part of the project, which is the latest attempt by the Government to encourage more people to start up in
business – the sector on which it is pinning hopes of economic recovery. Forum senior policy adviser Phil McCabe said: “We think this new Government initiative is a fantastic opportunity to get the young Richard Bransons and Mark Zuckerbergs of the UK to have a go.” He said: “With bank lending still scarce, this initiative is a viable alternative for entrepreneurs who might be having problems accessing finance from a high street lender. “We need to see more young go-getters here in Britain bringing their ideas to market.”
Firms face pensions poser ALMOST two-thirds of the UK’s small businesses have taken no steps to enrolling their staff in a workplace pension scheme required under new legislation, claims a report. Research among 500 firms with up to 49 employees showed that 42% had not yet thought about the new regulations for automatically enrolling staff in a pension scheme. In addition, 23% said they were considering the scheme, but had yet to take
action. The survey by the Chartered Insurance Institute found that 59% of firms knew little or nothing about the pension reforms, which begin to take effect for large firms from October, 2012. Six out of 10 firms employing fewer than 50 staff do not offer their employees a workplace pension scheme, with just 27% making a provision for both full and part-time staff.
KIRKLEES BUSIN
‘Cause for optimism’ A HUDDERSFIELD law firm is advising “cautious optimism” for businesses in the region following its latest half-yearly assessment of the private sector in Yorkshire. Baxter Caulfield, which has offices in Station Street, conducted a study of company announcements relating to jobs, investment and new contracts. And it said the figures provide strong evidence of new innovation, private sector investment and new private sector jobs throughout the region – balancing the difficult news of jobs at risk in the ■ PLEASED: Stephen public sector. S i n c e Ja nu a r y, t h e Newman, senior partner research shows that 6,453 at Baxter Caulfield private sector jobs have been created in the region 900 jobs in Huddersfield while new investment by as part of a planned the private sector totalled 120,000sq ft expansion of the Kingsgate Shopping £717.84m. Key investment includes Centre and the developthe planned creation of m e n t o f a mu l t i p l ex
cinema in Beverley as part of a £120m re-development scheme in the area. Stephen Newman, senior partner at Baxter Caulfield, said: “Despite the miserable news on the economy being broadcast on an almost daily basis, it is not all doom and gloom out there. “As a business owner and as someone who cares passionately about the Yorkshire region, I am pleased that, in this year alone, hundreds of jobs are being created, millions of pounds of investment has been promised and hundreds of thousands of pounds of contracts have been negotiated. “While businesses cannot afford to rest on their laurels in what is a very tough economic climate, our assessment of the regional economy proves that there is cause for cautious optimism for the region as a whole.”
Pros and cons of boardroom status Tips for a better business - from Balance Accountants
4. Market yourself to your existing customers Research has shown that :
1. It is 10x more expensive (in terms of time and money) to gain a new customer than it is to sell more to an existing customer 2. One of the reasons why customers leave is because of perceived indifference—they just think that you don’t care about them. However, the majority of businesses in the UK focus their marketing efforts upon gaining new customers. What about looking after your existing customers as well???????? Any marketing plan should focus equally as much upon existing customers as it does upon gaining new ones. Call your customers on a regular basis: make sure that they are happy with your services: ask if there is anything else that you can do for them: send them newsletters, press cuttings and other articles that are relevant to your industry/market.You just need to keep in touch with them but you also need to systemise the process so that it is done on a regular basis, not just every now and then. If you can retain your existing customers and increase the amount that you sell to them then your business will grow without the need to spend large amounts on expensive and difficult to monitor general marketing to the public.
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
AMBITIOUS managers have been urged to make sure they know what they’re doing when offered a seat at the boardroom table. Denby Dale-based businesswoman Jo Haigh said: “The excitement of being offered a new post on the board of directors is fairly self-evident for the ambitious manager. “It may involve the obligatory new car, salary and other benefit increases, along with the prestige of a nice flashy title.” But she said becoming a board director has “various ramifications” and managers offered a directorship should consider it carefully. Jo, who has held numerous directorships, is a partner in fds Corporate Finance Services and the fds Group, a specialist training and development business. She said managers offered a directorship should ensure they were comfortable with the firm’s management accounts, business plan and cashflow forecast as well as its bank facilities, direction and officers’ liability insurance and health and safety policies. They should also be aware of issues including corporate responsibility, risk, customer care, employee diversity, board minutes and three-year financial accounts. And they should be aware of possible
On right track for IT support
A VEHICLE tracking supplier has strengthened its links with a Huddersfield IT support service. Remote Asset Management teamed up with Lockwood-based P2 Technologies five years ago t provide a flexible and responsive IT service on a range of technologies from Dell, Microsof and Cisco. P2 has also provided further guidance on IT strategy. Martin Davies (above), director and co-founder of RAM, said: “We rely heavily on our IT systems to provide award-wining customer service 24 hours a day seven days a week. “We are proud to have been voted the UK’s number one vehicle tracking supplier and this is in no small part down to our complex IT systems. We see P2 as an extended part of the business as we can always rely on them to respond swiftly and deliver the same high quality service that we provide our customers with.” Martin Page, director at P2, said: “As a company which works within a fast-paced demanding industry, we understood RAM’s requirements for high quality service and the importance that IT plays in the business. “By understanding the nature of the business from day one we have been able to provide an efficient, reliable service for RAM whilst providing them with the confidence that we are always on hand, should they need it.”
Salon success was nailed on!
■ ADVICE: Denby Dale-based Jo Haigh, of fds Corporate Finance “conflicts” affecting their ability to fulfil a director’s role, including family commitments. Said Jo: “Questions to ask yourself are do you understand the difference between the role of the director and that of a manager? If not, have you discussed director development? “What is the succession plan for the board? Have you taken the temperature of the board dynamics? Finally, are you ready to accept the substantial personal risks attached to being a director?”
A NAIL salon in Huddersfield has been highly commended in a national award. Nailspa, based at Nortonthorpe Mills, Scissett, was named independent nail salon of the year in the inaugural Scratch Stars Awards held at London’s Café de Paris. Daybreak presenter and Strictly Come Dancing celebrity dancer Dan Lobb hosted the awards and presented the certificate to Belinda Price and her team. The awards were organised by Scratch Magazine. Belinda said: “We are thrilled to be recognised for our hard work in this way. As the only North of England salon to be awarded by Scratch Stars we feel very privileged.”
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Divide still a problem NINE out of 10 small firms in Huddersfield believe there is still a North-South divide and major geographical barriers in business, claims a new study. From gaining government funding to accessing high s p e e d b ro a d b a n d , t h e research by TalkTalk Business examined whether the North-South divide is alive and well and whether technology holds the key to breaking down regional barriers. SOme 89% felt there was a North-South divide with 79% of Huddersfield small and medium-sized enterprises feeling that the government provides more funding and investment to firms in London and the South East, while 56% believe companies in and around the capital have access to the most skilled pool of employees. Only 20% of SMEs in Huddersfield would relocate their business to a different region. Of those, 14% would opt for the South East, 15% would move abroad and 23% would prefer a switch to the Midlands. Those working in the construction industry felt worst-hit by the North-South divide, with 91% of firms in the sector claiming it still exists. SMEs have a more bal-
■ TECHNOLOGY: Andy Lockwood, of TalkTalk
anced view when it comes to the perceived technology divide between firms in the North and South. Some 38% of SMEs in Huddersfield claimed that a greatly improved high speed broadband infrastructure in the UK has created a level playing field for firms operating in any geographical location. Some 24% claim it provides enhanced e-commerce and sales opportunities, 19% believe it enables remote working, while 14% felt next generation technology enabled their firm to be more agile. T h e d eve l o p m e n t o f enterprise zones initiated as
part of last year’s budget, which included the promised delivery of “super-connected cities”, has not eased concerns. Some 56% of UK SMEs feel that the government’s “Broadband Britain” pledge to roll out super-fast broadband to all communities by 2015 is too late and hampering economic growth. Andy Lockwood, product and marketing director at TalkTalk Business, said: “The purpose of the research was to gauge SMEs views on perceived geographical inequalities in business and the role technology can play in breaking down those barriers and provide a more equal landscape.” “Improved mobility of firms across the country is essential in rebuilding the British economy. “We’re therefore committed to providing a network which powers firms of all size and sector and ensures UK business has access to a broadband infrastructure which enables it to compete and achieve sustainable growth. “Following an investment of more than £600m in to the network, we are now able to deliver superfast broadband to more than 90% of the UK, providing access to 2.1m businesses nationwide.
Airlines gear up to expand operations THREE airlines are increasing their operations at Leeds-Bradford Airport. Eastern Airways has taken delivery of a second Embraer 145 regional aircraft, increasing the number of Embraer jets in its fleet to four. The UK’s second largest regional airline operates a fleet of 30 aircraft consisting of a mix of jet and turbo-prop aircraft. The second Embraer 145 aircraft to enter service with Eastern Airways complements the two similar looking 37-seater Embraer 135 jets, which the company reintroduced in June, 2010. This latest addition to the fleet will be assigned mainly to the charter flying programme serving blue-chip companies, oil and gas organisations, corporations, sports teams, the music industry, delegations and individual groups flying
across the UK, Western and Eastern Europe. It follows the announcement that leisure airline Monarch is to launch new flights from Leeds Bradford International Airport this winter. The airline will operate thrice-weekly services to Grenoble in France and Munich in Germany from December 12 to cover ski resorts in the French Alps, Switzerland, Bavaria and Austria. It also plans announce further services for summer 2013 to cover Mediterranean holiday resorts. Meanwhile, Jet2.com has also unveiled a new service to Grenoble from Leeds Bradford – taking its total ski destinations from the airport to four. Jet2.com also offers flights to the popular resorts of Chambery, Geneva and Salzburg.
local
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Fantastic franchisees get chance to win top honours BRITAIN’S most inspiring franchisees are set for recognition in a national competition. The British Franchise Association is urging franchisors to nominate deserving franchisees in the 2012 bfa HSBC Franchisee of The Year Awards. Now in their 23rd year, the awards offer franchisees the opportunity to showcase their achievements which “set the standard” for best practice in the industry. Franchisors have an opportunity to put forward franchisees that demonstrate the passion and professionalism that is pivotal to their brand’s success. This year’s awards will include gold, silver and bronze winners, as well as winners across five regions – London and South East, South West and South Wales, Midlands and North Wales, North, and Scotland and Northern Ireland. Franchisors are able to enter up to five franchisees for the awards, with one nomination per region. The 2011 overall winners were Mike and Catharine Chalton, of Home Instead Senior Care in the Wirral. Nominations close on June 29. Finaliss will be invited for an interview with the judging panel in August 2012. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner held at the NEC in Birmingham, on October 4, 2012. The 2012 gold winner will be named bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year and receive £5,000 from HSBC, together with a commemorative trophy. The silver and bronze winners will get £3,000 and £2,000 respectively.
The five regional winners will each receive £500. Cathryn Hayes, head of franchising at HSBC, said: “HSBC is delighted to support these awards, giving the opportunity to showcase the very best franchisees across the country. “Despite today’s economic climate, the franchise sector is home to some of the UK's most successful brands and there is plenty to be optimistic about.” Go to www.thebfa.org or phone 01865 379892.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Eddisons has the right prescription A CHARTERED surveyor with offices in Huddersfield has been appointed rating agent to one of Britain’s biggest pharmacy chains. The rating team at Eddisons will provide advice on business rates issues for the property portfolio of Cohens Chemist. which has 150 branches across the UK in high street locations and attached to healthcare centres. The portfolio also includes offices, warehouse and distribution facilities. Branches include ones at Sheepridge, Slaithwaite, Westtown in Dewsbury and Halifax. John Hayward, head of rating at Eddisons, said: “With an established specialist team already advising healthcare providers, we look forward to using this unrivalled knowledge to deliver significant savings for Cohens. “Since the new Rating List took affect in April, 2010, clients are looking to us to reduce their business rates liability, particularly in the current economic climate where all costs are being scrutinised.”
Festival focuses on architecture A NATIONAL festival promoting architecture will include events in Huddersfield. The Royal Institute of British Architects’ new national festival of architecture, Love Architecture, runs from Friday, June 15, to Sunday, June 24, and offers the chance for everyone to get involved in a host of activities that celebrate the architecture of the buildings, streets and neighbourhoods where we live. Marsden-based architect Daniel Kerr, principal of practice Superhistory, will be opening his modern home to visitors between June 18 and 22 as part of the national festival programme. Huddersfield University will also stage its Architecture Graduate Show from June 16 to 22 at the Queen Street Studios. Go to www.lovearchitecture.org
property
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Pressure starts to tell on landlord and tenant HE falling property market has led to T an 18-fold increase in the number of disputes between landlords and tenants
being settled in the High Court, according to new EWF research. Among the issues being litigated in court are: ● Disagreements over the amount of rent during the renewal of a commercial lease ● Claims by Landlords for disrepair of properties at the end of a lease ● Payment defaults on rent The number of disputes appear directly to correlate to the economic downturn having put tenants and landlords alike under much greater financial pressure and weakening landlords' financial position considerably. Similarly, the downturn has also adversely impacted tenants’ – particularly retailers – ability to meet rental payments. Given this, both the landlord and tenant are likely to wish to negotiate hard – making fewer concessions and hence the increase in disputes. The Diamond Jubilee, Euro 2012 football tournament and the London Olympics may ease some pressure on retailers, but in many parts of the country commercial landlords are facing high vacancy rates and tenants appear
INFORMED DEVELOPMENT Jason Bannister
to be making greater use of statutory insolvency procedures to walk away from rental obligations. Landlords may believe that viable tenants are making use of statutory insolvency procedures while tenants question the landlord’s flexibility over lease terms. The financial demise of a tenant is an occupational hazard for a commercial landlord, but this is in far sharper focus at the moment. On a tenant becoming insolvent, a landlord needs to consider the options quickly. There are a number of options, some of which are highlighted below: ● Liability of a liquidator or administrator for ongoing rent ● Pre-pack administrations ● Utilising rent deposit monies
● Enforcing lease obligations against previous tenants and guarantors ● Distraining for rent One thing is for sure. A landlord needs to move quickly – understanding the provisions of the lease is not enough. A landlord needs to know the complex statutory provisions around enforcements during insolvency. Keeping a dispute out of a court is often far better than pursuing a case which may not deliver the result sought. However, when finances are tight parties tend to be less willing to compromise. At these times, experienced professional – and most importantly dispassionate – advice should be sought to take the emotions out of the process.
Jason Bannister is a solicitor with Armitage Sykes in Huddersfield
Warehouses win in safety link A HUDDERSFIELD company providing loading bay equipment for some of the UK’s biggest names is set to benefit from a new link-up. Kirkburton-based Easilift Loading Systems can now offer a total loading bay safety and reporting system for all “goods in” and “goods out” operations at warehouses and distribution centres following a partnership between technology companies Traka and Castell. Easilift already supplies the Traka Dock Management System, which incorporates Traka’s patented iFob technology, for the prevention of drive-away accidents at “goods in” loading bays. Traka has now joined forces with
Castell and created DockSafe, a multi-functional solution for “goods out” bays. In addition to isolating trailers for enhanced on-site safety, the system helps distribution centres to control access, improve security and build a full activity audit trail for traceability and accountability Easilift managing director Rob Fay said: “By integrating iFob technology into both ‘goods in’ and ‘goods out’ operations, we can provide warehouse managers with an unprecedented level of data on driver activity and bay usage, as well as increased piece of mind thanks to the prevention of driveaways – a common cause of loading bay accidents.”
The Goods Out solution combines Traka’s iFob technology with Castell’s Salvo Susie lock. It means a vehicle must be immobilised before the Easilift loading dock door is opened. Once goods are loaded, the door must be closed and the loading bay clear of forklifts or personnel before the vehicle can be unlocked and driven away. Said Mr Fay: “This logical sequence is simple, sequential and inescapable, streamlining the process in terms of safety management.” Traka boss Robert Smith said advances in technology made it possible to introduce features impossible even a half-decade ago.
■ SAFETY: Rob Fay, of Eastlift Loading Systems
Construction confidence slips CONFIDENCE in the construction sector suffered its biggest fall for nearly two years last month – fuelling fears about the strength of the economy. The Markit/CIPS survey, where a reading above 50 represents growth, showed overall activity in the sector fell to 54.4 in May, from 55.8 in the previous month and further down from March’s 21-month high. But confidence was hit by its biggest monthly drop since June, 2010, amid a slowdown in new business growth and opportunities to bid for new work. However, it did remain in positive territory.
Output in the sector was at its weakest for three months, with housebuilders only showing marginal growth, civil engineering projects seeing much slower expansion compared with the previous month, while commercial projects were most resilient. However, activity in the sector still showed “solid growth”, which will help ease some of the nerves following a shocking contraction in the manufacturing sector, which saw the second steepest fall in the 20-year history of the Markit survey. CIPS chief executive David Noble said: “Reports of the UK’s return to recession appear to
have delivered a blow to general confidence in construction, with this month’s PMI posing some big questions for the sector in the coming months.’’ While the sector continued to take on more staff for the third month in a row, he added that the weakening in new orders to a four-month low meant this trend may not be sustainable. Howard Archer, chief European and UK economist at IHS Global Insight, said: “This is undoubtedly a disappointing survey that raises concerns about the current health of the construction sector and its near-term prospects at least.” The weaker construction data
will come as a blow to hopes that the UK can pull quickly out of its current double-dip recession. Official data showed a nearly 5% contraction in the sector in the first quarter of 2012, which has been at odds with the Markit surveys that have shown the sector to be much more resilient. But because the survey still suggests growth, it may ease some of the pressure on the Bank of England to announce more emergency money printing after the shock manufacturing figures. The Bank’s decision is expected to hinge on the reading for the powerhouse services sector.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Takeover set to bring big benefits A PROPERTY agency in West Yorkshire says it is set to benefit following a takeover of the business. Colliers International’s UK operation has been bought by US-based FirstService, which already owned 90% of Colliers International globally. Greg Styles, head of its Leeds office, said the takeover had recapitalised the UK business, which was now able to draw on FirstService’s financial clout. He said: “This deal has raised the company’s profile across Europe and will bring undoubted benefits for Colliers International’s clients in Yorkshire. “Colliers International is now one of the top three commercial property agencies globally, financially secure, with an A-list client base that’s already proved its loyalty to us. “This deal will bring international business opportunities to Yorkshire from clients and contacts all over the world.” Mr Styles said raising the company’s profile would enable the company to introduce clients to international tenants and investors confident in the added security of working with a top global property advisory company. “We now have the global strength and depth of Colliers International to call upon, but we have not lost sight of the fact our local market expertise is still key,” he said. “We remain passionate about the UK and our clients in Yorkshire.”
property
Kate’s back on home ground! A HUDDERSFIELD-born businesswoman has realised a long-held ambition to open a permanent base in her home town. Kate Hardcastle, who travels the world singing the praises of Huddersfield as part of her role with business transformation company Insight with Passion, has opened offices at the town’s Media Centre. Kate and fellow founding partner Richard Gomersall set up Insight with Passion to work with different businesses and give them advice, tools and techniques to help them achieve their goals and be the best they can be. Starting with two bases in Yorkshire and Warrington, the firm has steadily grown since 2009. It secured its first client in Australia last year and now Kate and Richard spend a chunk of the calendar year working in Sydney and Melbourne. Kate and Richard have been much in demand with speaking engagements across the
■ MEDIA MESSAGE: Kate Hardcastle, co-founder of Insight with Passion
globe from London to Dubai. Yet much of their work remains on their own doorstep and in the wider UK.
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Over the last seven months, Kate has been travelling from town to town in Yorkshire for a series of Retail Clinics helping embattled high streets. She also launched the Customer at the Heart Awards which celebrate the best in customer service among independent retailers. Huddersfield winners include Med One, Cook and Bakeware Company and Greenhead Café in Greenhead Park. Kate, who last year was voted Outstanding Business Woman of the Year in the Women in Business Awards, said the new office was part of Insight’s plan for growth. “I’m excited for us to start working from our new office”, she said. “Perhaps it’s because Insight was born during a recession, but we understand the challenges facing companies and while we will always work all over the globe, there’s nothing like working with your local community and seeing how you can make a difference.”
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Building society opens new office YORKSHIRE Building Society has opened a new branch in West Yorkshire. The society, which has its roots in Huddersfield, has set up shop in Pudsey as part of a plan to open 12 new branches over the next two years following the opening of 16 new agencies over the last year. The new office is the only building society outlet in the town. The Bradford-based mutual will open branches in Ilkley and Bingley over the next few weeks. The openings will take the total number of Yorkshire Group branches to 227 with 46 of those being located in the Yorkshire region. The new openings will create 14 jobs.
Agents named for city scheme PROPERTY consultancies Knight Frank and Jones Lang LaSalle have been appointed to market a landmark building in West Yorkshire. The City Exchange office development at Albion Street in Leeds is owned by Land Securities, the company leading the adjacent Trinity Leeds retail and leisure development. The seven-storey City Exchange building provides 120,000sq ft of high quality office space, with 16,000sq ft currently available and a further 47,000sq ft over the next 18 months.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Karen Wynard
Eastwood & Partners EASTWOOD & Partners (Financial Services) has appointed a new director. Karen Wynard (pictured), head of corporate services, joined the firm in 2002 as an experienced administrator, having gained experience in all aspects of financial services. She became an independent financial adviser in 2005 dealing with a mixture of corporate and private clients. Ms Wynard worked closely with the board of the Elland-based company to establish a dedicated corporate services team and became head of corporate services in 2009. Managing director Andy McCracken said: “Karen has fully earned her promotion to the board. She makes sure that we provide an excellent service to our corporate clients and her drive and enthusiasm have been a major contributor to our success in recent years. “Her new status will help ensure that we will continue to improve and meet the challenges ahead.”
Movers and shakers
Razia in line for national award
Hilary Thompson
Age UK C&K A FORMER town centre manager with Kirklees Council has been appointed chief executive of Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees. Hilary Thompson takes up her post after five years as chief executive of Batley Resource Centre, where she managed both staff and volunteers in a charity which seeks to improve the lives of vulnerable adults. She worked for Kirklees Council from 2004 to 2007 as towns manager for Batley and Dewsbury, but prior to this spent the majority of her career in the private sector, with various commercial roles in the WH Smith group. As well as bringing a broad range of experience to Age UK C&K,Ms Thompson also has strong links with the local authority, health bodies and other voluntary organisations in Kirklees – which it is hoped will complement the existing strong profile of the organisation in Calderdale. Ms Thompson takes up her post in mid-August, at which point interim chief executive Richard Hopkin will revert to his part-time finance director role.
■ FINALIST: Razia Jogi, solicitor and partner at Switalskis Solicitors
A SOLICITOR at a law firm with offices in Huddersfield and Dewsbury has been shortlisted for a national award for her work with victims of domestic abuse and her efforts to promote awareness of the law around forced marriage. Razia Jogi, solicitor and partner at Switalskis Solicitors, is one of three lawyers nationally in the running for the title Family Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year. Her nomination was supported by clients Ms Jogi has helped as well as some of the domestic abuse support organisations and barristers who have worked with her in recent years. Ms Jogi leads the 16-strong domestic abuse support team at Switalskis Solicitors, which provides advice and legal assistance across West Yorkshire. She qualified as a solicitor in 2001 and her legal expertise in dealing with domestic abuse situations is accredited by the family law organisation, Resolution. Michael Kennedy, partner at Switalskis, said: “Razia well deserves to reach the shortlist for the Family Law Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year and all at Switalskis sincerely hope she will win the
Winning combination
Carl’s return fixture BUSINESSMAN Carl Hopkins (right) is making a welcome return to the world of networking. The star of TV’s Secret Millionaire will give a talk enticingly entitled “The Seven Deadly Sins of Selling” at tomorrow’s meeting of networking group Brighouse Link. The event gets under way at 11.30am at Prego’s Restaurant, Huddersfield Road, Brighouse, and includes an Italian meal. It is also open to anyone to attend – not just Brighouse Link members. Earlier this year, Carl spoke at a Brighouse Link event about the principles and steps he takes in all of his businesses to improve their chances of success. Brighouse Link, which is managed by local accountancy firm Sleigh & Story, aims to provide advice, training and networking opportunities for local firms.
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■ JOINING FORCES: Deborah Melluish (centre), of Eaton Smith, with Kathryn Shuttleworth (left), of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; and Jo McBeath, of UKTI HUDDERSFIELD law firm Eaton Smith has confirmed a new partnership for its long-running Business of the Month Awards. The awards, now in their 17th year, are organised by Eaton Smith in conjunction with the Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce to showcases the achievements of businesses in Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield. The 17th annual awards event will take place on July 6 at the Cedar
Court Hotel, Ainley Top. Eaton Smith and the chamber have now been joined by UK Trade and Industry, the government’s export support body, which has taken over from Business Link as the third partner in the awards. Deborah Melluish, partner at Eaton Smith, said: “I am delighted that UKTI has joined as our event partner as they bring an added profile and a wealth of knowledge and experience of UK business to the event.”
award. “She has a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the law in her specialist area and a huge amount of compassion, empathy and respect for the extremely vulnerable and often very frightened women she works with. “Her commitment to her clients is outstanding.” Said Ms Jogi: “Victims rarely get a choice of when to flee an abusive situation. Sometimes – even in the middle of the night – urgent legal intervention can be necessary to keep them safe. “We have a team of family lawyers dedicated to supporting vulnerable victims and we wanted to create a line of support that is always available and easy to access – both for victims themselves and for the hardworking organisations that support them.” The winner of the Family Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Award will be announced at a ceremony on Tuesday in London. Ms Jogi was a finalist in the Solicitor of the Year category at the 2009 Law Society Excellence Awards.
Panel recruits entrepreneur A YORKSHIRE entrepreneur has joined the policy panel of a highly-respected industry organisation which is often consulted by government on key business strategy. Margaret Wood (pictured), of ICW (UK) Ltd, will join the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) Manufacturing Policy Panel. She will work alongside leading academics and related organisations communicating, advising and helping formulate strategy and advising government on behalf of industry and manufacturing. Mrs Wood was invited to join the Panel because of her experience in establishing the specialist glazing company in Wakefield more than 25 years ago and because the IET was keen to have greater diversity on its manufacturing panel. She has campaigned for industry, manufacturing, SMEs, education and the role of women in business through her membership and support of numerous business organisations including the Institute of Directors, networking group Forward Ladies and the European Women’s Inventors and Innovators Network. A key aim of all IET policy panels is to support industrial growth. Recent topics it has tackled have included access to finance for SMEs, Government procurement and the low carbon economy.