PHILIP BARDEN
FTSE 100 +65.46 6632.82
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014
Rising to the challenge Interview - Page 3
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COLIN BARRATT Taxation home truths Column - Page 4
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
A Huddersfield entrepreneur has used losing his job as the push he needed to start his own business making fruit vodkas and selling them across Yorkshire. Kevan Baldwin, who is married with two children, was made redundant from his role as a sales director with an industrial company in 2013 – and told his Jobcentre Plus adviser he had an idea for a company he wanted to pursue. After being put on the New Enterprise Allowance, he was placed with a mentor from the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency and then launched his business, Fruity Tipples. The company’s main customers are farm shops, delicatessens, wine merchants, wine bars and pubs. The range of fruit drinks also featured at the Good Food Show in Harrogate earlier this year. Kevan said that when he lost his job he was “like a rabbit in the headlights” but the support of the enterprise agency helped him find his feet. He said: “We always had the idea that we might make fruit vodkas as a business after trying sloe gin on holiday, making the odd bottle for friends and experimenting with recipes. “Being a sales director, I was aware of
what to write from a sales perspective, but I got some really valuable help from my enterprise agency mentor in putting the proposal together and I still refer back to it now.” Fruity Tipples uses real fruit in its drinks with no artificial colourings and flavourings. The range includes sour cherry, lemon and blackcurrant. Kevan manufactures the drinks at his home and does all his own bottling and labelling. “As we move further afield from West and North Yorkshire, we may find that we have to employ someone or go down the wholesale route,” he said. “But, for now at least, things are ticking over nicely and I really love working for myself. I have had very high pressure jobs, but knowing that this is all for myself is liberating and exciting.” He said the help he got from being on the New Enterprise Allowance was invaluable. “Setting up a business is a full-time job, but you get the freedom to do that on the scheme, as well as lots of support and free courses, said Kevan. “My mentor was a great sounding board. They don’t make decisions for you, but they are there to ask crucial questions and pin you down on specifics which is very important.” For more information on the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency, go to www. wyea.co.uk
■■ Kevan raises a glass to the help provided by the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency
Half of region’s firms in favour of zero-hours contracts Almost half of Yorkshire firms are in favour of zero-hours contracts – despite the controversy surrounding them, a survey has revealed. Of the 48% supporting their use, 38% of firms believe that these contracts allow them to respond quickly to fluctuating demand for their services while over half believe that they grant their employees greater flexibility in the workplace. The figures come from the Close Brothers Business Barometer, a quarterly poll of SME owners and senior management that gauges sentiment on a number of issues that affect their business. Mike Randall, chief executive of Close Brothers Asset Finance, said: “Zero-hours contracts have been the subject of some debate between employers, employees and the government in recent months
and it shows no sign of abating. “According to the Office of National Statistics, approximately 1.4m people in the UK are currently employed on contracts with no fixed hours, representing a significant part of the national workforce who are in employment but have no guarantee of a stable income. “While zero-hours contracts can provide flexibility, they can also make things like budgeting and financial planning difficult as it’s almost impossible to know how many hours they’ll be working from one month to the next. “Employees are often obliged to work the shifts they are offered and some are unable to accept additional work elsewhere without breaking the terms of their contract.” The study also found that over a fifth of
On the register A centre providing training in renewable technologies has gained a key accreditation. Waxman Training Academy, based at Grove Mills, Elland, has been accredited to the Government-recognised awarding body HETAS. Serena Sumner, business development manager at HETAS, joined Waxman staff to present an official plaque that recognises Waxman Training Academy as a HETAS registered training centre. The new course will offer existing gas and oil installers the opportunity to become equipped with the skills necessary to fit and maintain biomass appliances.
examiner.co.uk
Enterprise agency backing for a fruitful new venture
INSIDE
businesses in the region have staff employed on zero-hours contracts, while 16% are planning to implement them in the near future. Mr Randall said: “In this evolving economic climate, businesses are understandably taking steps to adapt and strive for growth and zero-hours contracts provide an opportunity to increase their workforce to meet demand while keeping overheads to a minimum. “Research from our Business Barometer also found that over two fifths of local businesses plan to recruit new staff in the next 12 months and yet almost two thirds still cite cash flow as a major concern for their business, which may explain why many have already implemented these contracts as a way to safeguard their future.”
■■ Mike Randall, chief executive of Close Brothers Asset Finance
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Local shops More than three-quarters of small and mediumsized firms in Yorkshire believe in buying local. A poll of more than 1,000 SMES in the UK by signage company Signs Express – which has a franchise in Huddersfield – found that 80% of business decision makers in Yorkshire think it’s important to choose a local supplier when buying goods and services. Some 66% said doing so was “better for the economy” while 59% said it enabled them to approach their supplier more easily.
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Balfour Beatty rejects fresh bid from Carillion Troubled construction giant Balfour Beatty has spurned a fresh merger bid from rival Carillion as it reported a slump in half-year profits. Balfour revealed that executive chairman Steve Marshall had met Carillion chairman Philip Green for talks a week ago following the rejection of an earlier proposal. But the potential £3bn tie-up continued to founder on Carillion’s wish to cancel Balfour’s planned £200m sale of its US business Parsons Brinckerhoff. Balfour insisted that the sale was a “key strategic objective” and concluded that the merger was not in the best interest of shareholders, despite Carillion’s revised offer to pay for bidder costs and allow Balfour shareholders to receive a 2014 dividend. Mr Marshall said: “Those adjustments were not significant in the context of the overall transaction and didn’t mitigate the concerns that the board had - but we thought very hard before coming to our conclusion. “The board’s conclusion is very clearly set out and the rejection therefore is firm.” Balfour said its current plan to refo-
cus and simplify the group “remains the most attractive option” though it would still weigh up “strategic value creating opportunities across the group”. The deadline for the offer expires on August 21. Meanwhile, Balfour brought forward interim results for the half-year to June 27, which showed underlying pre-tax profits falling by 53% to £22m. It said the results were in line with its latest trading update when it warned of a shortfall in its UK construction arm. The company is still looking for a new chief executive after the departure of Andrew McNaughton earlier this year in the wake of a profits warning. Mr Marshall declined to comment when asked if he was under pressure from investors to press ahead on talks with Carillion. But he insisted Balfour was confident in its plans, as the UK’s biggest construction group, to continue as a stand-alone company, pointing to its £13bn order book. However, Mr Marshall admitted
the first half had been “disappointing”. Operating losses for construction services widened to £69m from £39m in the same period last year, dragged down by the UK. Balfour said it had seen an improvement in the quality of new orders, with joint venture awards such as a £160m Sellafield nuclear facility contract and a £184m “smart motorway” upgrade for the M60 and M62. Margins on new bids were improving but would “take time to feed through into profitability”, the company said. Balfour added that, as previously warned, its major projects saw further cost increases of £10m and delays during the first half. Its engineering services business, based in Cheadle, Cheshire, saw an “extremely challenging six months”. The total size of the company order book combined with orders awarded but not yet contracted was up 26% year-on-year, it said. But these long-term projects would not benefit financial performance until 2016.
First-time buyer loans hit £4.2bn New mortgage rules have been more “gentle dampener than hard brake” after lending to first-time buyers remained at a pre-financial crisis high in June. Some 28,600 loans worth a total of £4.2bn were advanced to people buying their first home during the month – the best figure since late 2007, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). Lending to all home-buyers rose month-on-month to 60,500 loans, up by 5% compared to May and 15% higher than a year ago. The value of these loans totalled £10bn, a rise of 6% on a month earlier. At the end of April, a mortgage lending clampdown was introduced across the industry with the aim of preventing a return to irresponsible lending. The rules, introduced under the Mortgage Market Review, force lenders to ask home buyers and people looking to remortgage more detailed questions about their spending habits. Lenders also have to apply “stress tests” to make sure a loan would still be affordable if interest rates rise. CML director general Paul Smee said: ““As we recently suggested in our revised forecasts, lending levels should continue to increase modestly over the course of the year, driven mostly by house purchase but with remortgaging also recovering.”
■■ Executive chairman Steve Marshall said Balfour was confident in its plans
Balfour has previously said it is on a 12 to18 month programme to revive its construction business.
Gatwick soars to new July record
Rules to blame for higher bills?
Passenger numbers at a major UK airport reached record levels last month. Gatwick handled just under 4.1m passengers in July – the highest monthly figure at the West Sussex airport. The record was achieved despite a 5.4% dip in UK traffic, while European charter numbers were also down, by 5.2%. However, European sched-
Five former energy regulators have suggested that tougher rules by Ofgem may be to blame for higher gas and electricity bills and weakened competition. The group said regulation had become “significantly greater in detail, scope and severity” since strategy began to take a “radically different path” in 2008.
uled traffic rose by 10.5% last month and North Atlantic numbers increased by 6.6%, with other long-haul traffic rising by 8.9%. The latest figures took the total number of passengers at Gatwick for the 12 months ending July 2014 to 36.92m - a 6.1% rise on the total for the 12 months ending July, 2013. Nick Dunn, the airport’s chief
financial officer, said the figures partly reflecteded the strength of Norwegian’s new low-cost long haul flights on new-generation aircraft. And he claimed: “Building a third runway at Heathrow will diminish the choice available to British passengers, making it more expensive to go on holiday, to travel for business and to export goods and services.”
In a submission to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which is conducting a full-scale probe into the sector, they called for an “unbiased” analysis of the effect of regulators’ interventions. The letter is signed by former executives at Ofgem and its predecessors Ofgas and Offer, whose experience
covers the years 1989 to 2010. They said questions had been raised “as to the appropriateness and effectiveness of a number of these interventions”. They argued that some regulation could increase costs “leading to lower customer benefits including via higher prices and weaker rather than stronger competition”.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN
American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys
£52.10 £76.41 £38.86 £58.93 £20.09 £59.97 £25.84 44.67 £44.22 £47.64
AEROSPACE & DEFENCE
Avon Rbbr BAE Systems Chemring Cobham Meggitt Rolls-Royce Senior
660 4285/8 211 2961/8 471 1046 272
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
193/8 691/2 77 69 581/2 £233/4 1971/2 1035 18 131 1020
AUTOMOBILES & PARTS BANKS
+0.24 +0.12 -0.48 +0.07 +0.45 +0.11 -0.26 -4 /2 +71/4 +53/4 +65/8 -11/4 1
+41/4 -3/4 +11/2
+6 -1/2 +5
3443/4
+23/8
2161/4
+2
Bk Ireland HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart Barr (AG) Diageo SABMiller Croda Elementis 98 Johnsn Mat
203/4 6257/8 731/8 3395/8 12171/2
+1/8 -15/8 +7/8 -6 +11/2
647 1728 £313/4
-1 +181/2 +3/8
£213/4 2847/8 £30
+1/2 +83/8 +7/8
BEVERAGES
CHEMICALS
CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
Balfour Beatty C”R”H Costain Low Bonar Marshalls Drax Gp SSE
243 1360 2611/4 821/4 169
ELECTRICITY
6391/2 1462
+53/4 +16 -3/4 +1/4 +2 -111/2 +7
ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced Ox Instmts Volex
604 294 3225/8 1261 761/2
+14 +2 +15/8 +18 -11/8
4381/2 1323/4 5613/4 2613/4 1957/8
+51/2 +1/2 +31/4 +13/4 +1/8
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
6081/2 £261/2 379 515 800 244 213 692
+9 +1/4 +41/4 +151/2 +3/4 +31/4 +61/4 +7
FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
BT Grp Cable & Wireless Comm Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom
3743/8 477/8 135 100 2991/8
FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS
Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco Thorntons AB Food Carrs Millg REA Hldgs Tate Lyle Unilever
+3 +1/2 -17/8 -3/4 +13/8
1663/4 3027/8 2461/4 1113/4
-23/4 +1/2 -3/4 +2
£271/8 1783 444 666 £255/8
+1/4 -41/2 +1 +7 +1/8
3073/4 854 7851/2 1886 8441/2
-1/8 +8 -1/2 +4 +61/2
368 /2 1268 3601/8
+3 /4 +16 +85/8
FOOD PRODUCERS
GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES
Centrica National Grid Pennon Grp Severn United Utils 3i Group Close Bros ICAP
GENERAL FINANCIAL 1
3
Aga Rangemaster Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
1353/4 169 854 £261/8
+41/4 +2 +8 +3/8
6632.82 up 65.46
1903 1115/8 £201/2 £23 1800
GENERAL INDUSTRIALS
Smith DS Smiths Grp
2741/4 1255
GENERAL RETAILERS
Ashley L Dixons Carphone Home Retail Inchcape Kingfisher M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith
253/8 3431/4 181 6481/2 299 4227/8 2361/4 £68 £623/4 1083
+44 +13/4 +1/8 +7/8 +49 +71/2 +7 +5/8 +5/8 +61/2 +5/8 +41/4 -93/4 +1/2 +7/8 +12
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
Smith Nph
1009
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
-21/2 +63/8 +46 +55 +3/8 +23/8
343 /4 1359 1561/2 605/8 £285/8 £261/8
+6 /8 +10 -11/2 +1/8 +3/8 +3/8
1361/4
+75/8
3205/8
+43/4
4957/8 315 237 1911/2 1339 3643/8
+31/8 -41/4 -3/4 +23/4 +121/2 +23/8
849 823 2061/2 41/4 1120 9551/2 360 1851/4 608 2141/4
+51/2 +10 +43/4
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
FTSE closed at
London StockExch Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV
1451/4 3401/2 1521 1272 £507/8 1103/4
+23 /2 1
Fenner I”M”I Molins Renold Spirax-Sarco Weir Grp Ferrexpo
3
INDUSTRIAL METALS
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 Utd Business UTV
MEDIA
+14 +22 +3 +4 -1/2
WPP
1222
MINING
Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kazakhmys Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES
+27
16021/2 +511/2 823 +161/2 £201/2 +3/8 1022 +10 +21/4 3155/8 2291/8 +3/4 £35 +11/4 1042 +29
MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Inmarsat Vodafone Group
7001/2 1931/2
+41/2 +15/8
1451 1010 £305/8 4255/8
+17 +1
1161 469 1761/4 3191/2 £24 £251/4 £39 712
+61/2 +5 +11/4 +81/4 +1/8 +1/4 +1/2 +2
NONLIFE INSURANCE
Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Ins Gp
-25/8
OIL & GAS PRODUCERS
BG BP Cairn Energy Premier Oil Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell B Total Tullow Oil
OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
AMEC Petrofac Wood Gp(J)
1108 1109 7531/2
PERSONAL GOODS
Burberry Gp PZ Cussons
1451 3651/4
+39 +33 +181/2 +17 +2
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY
Astrazeneca GlaxoSmithKline Shire
£413/8 13771/2 £475/8
+1/4 -21/2 +11/2
6971/2 640 594 3235/8 1051 3601/4
+141/2 +9 +9 +21/2 +20 +35/8
REAL ESTATE
Brit Land Gt Portland Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO
SOFTWARE & COMPUTER SERVICES
Sage Group
388
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
+1
1041 1606 1179 1441/2 7331/2 2323/4 2323/4 1011 2607/8 1213/8 3123/8 6541/2 659 4991/4 184 1223/4 1703 £305/8
+18 +33 +12 +41/2 +14 +27/8 +27/8 +10 +63/4 +41/8 +1/4 +111/2 +31/2 +123/4 +25/8 +13/4 +35 +3/8
8971/2 £112
+10 +7/8
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT
ARM Hldgs IBM
Spirent Comms
TOBACCO
Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
983/4
+11/8
£341/2 £25
+1/4 +1/8
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
84 £217/8 958 1258 120 1191/8 £22 8031/2 £221/4 3311/4 1301/2 1401/8 385 2563/4 87/8 1671/8 627 5401/2 3471/4 3601/2 £417/8 3401/4
INDEX
+1 +3/8 +41/2 +30 +6 +11/8 +3/8 +13 +1/4 +141/8 +31/4 +15/8 +41/2 +1/2 -3/8 +13/4 +7 +133/4 +13/4 +43/8 +5/8 +61/4
6632.82 +65.46 15460.73 +217.35
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Philip’s been called to the bar The irony isn’t lost on Philip Barden. As a teenager, his first paid job was washing up at the Golden Cock, Farnley Tyas. “I lasted two weeks,” he says. “And I thought: ‘Never again!’” But now the 37-year-old is pulling pints – and even occasionally washing pots – as the boss of two Huddersfield town centre hostelries. Philip is owner of Herbert’s Bar in Cross Church Street and managing director of Northern Taps, which is just around the corner in King Street. He opened both premises over a frenetic 13-month period during the height of the recession. A bit impetuous, perhaps – but he’s got no regrets. Philip was brought up in Lepton and attended King James’ School at Almondbury before going to Huddersfield Technical College and Salford Construction College to become a fully trained contract flooring layer. He worked for Granada TV Rentals and got an NVQ in retail sales before joining his father, Tony Barden, who had his own flooring company, AJB FLoorcoverings, at St Thomas’ Road, Longroyd Bridge. “I started sweeping up at the age of 18,” says Philip. “I had a year-and-a-half at Salford College and won Floor Layer of the Year – which is my only major accolade!” Philip took a sabbatical at the age of 23 and lived in the French Alps for five-and-a-half months where he enjoyed snowboarding. “I had friends who were taking a year out from university to travel and I’d missed out on all that,” he says. “I was thankful to my dad for letting me do that. It was the making of me. Before that, the most time I’d spent away from Huddersfield was two weeks.” The flooring business went from strength to strength, at its peak employing 74 people including sub-contractors.Philip ran his own department, primarily selling to the retail sector, with a couple of people working directly for him. However, the company took a
huge hit – along with much of the home improvement and construction sector – after the 2008 banking crisis. “We went from 75 people to about 20,” says Philip. “It was horrible. People I had worked with for more than 10 years were made redundant. Eventually, the business folded. “So, it was a case of ‘what do I do now?’ By then, I had two children – aged one and two.” After a couple of false starts in business, Philip found his forte with Herbert’s Bar. “I spoke to Jonathan Hardy, the manager at the Kingsgate centre, who said the premises were available. I said I’d take it. Within two weeks the deal was done and within two months we were open. I’d never sold a pint of beer in my life – although I’d frequented a few pubs! I had to apply for the licence quicksticks while we were fitting out the pub.” Philip’s flooring experience came in handy during the fit-out – while help also came from close friends Ashley Daykin, a joiner, and electrician Robert Matthews. “If it hadn’t been for them, it wouldn’t have happened,” Philip insists. Seizing another opportunity, Philip opened Northern Taps in December, 2012, following a nineweek fit-out which involved making a feature of its exposed beams and brickwork. The aim was to
Philip Barden Role: Owner of Herbert’s Bar and managing director of Northern Taps Age: 37 Family: Partner Emily with son Han, seven, and daughter Kiki, six Holidays: Ski-ing in the French Alps and family holidays on the Costa del Sol First job: Pot washer at the Golden Cock, Farnley Tyas Best thing about the job? I love the instant gratification of getting positive feedback from the customers Worst thing about the job? Paperwork Business tip: Listen to advice - but the decision-making has to be yours complement the “pub food” image of Herbert’s Bar with an upmarket town centre restaurant complete with first floor function room – the Rekorderlig Suite – capable of seating 22 for a full meal or accommodating up to 50 for a buffet. Philip is joind in the Northern Taps venture by business partners Wayne Roddis and Rick Dunn, of Mustard & Punch in Honley. While Wayne is based full-time at the popular Honley eatery, Rick is executive chef at Nothern Taps. Together, Herbert’s Bar and Northern Taps employ 27 people, some of them students but others locals with years of experience in the trade. Philip recognises the gamble he took in pressing ahead with the two projects at a time of recession – and when town centre retailing is under massive threat. “There’s a fine line between stupidity and bravery,” he says with a smile. “But if your ideas are good and you can put yourself in your customer’s shoes you can make it work. “People sometimes try to force the issue because – in their own mind – they think something is a good idea. I try to be objective and I am very self-critical about the business because I want it to be 100% perfect. Of course, no business will never be 100% right. It’s about making it 90% right, mak-
■■ Philip Barden at Herbert’s Bar, Cross Church Street, Huddersfield.
ing sure you have the right people around you and that people do the things they are good at – and are trained to do the things they’re less good at. I knew I needed a management team with a history in pubs and the high street. Now we’ve put that team together.” Says Philip: “I’m very handson. I’m here every day and I can pull a good pint now! It’s quite an art form! I get in after taking the kids to school, have a look at the previous day’s takings, talk to the chef and the day manager to discuss the menu and any issues. It’s about communicating. I encourage staff members to tell me the truth about things rather than surrounding myself with ‘yes men’.” He’s quick to credit others who have helped him, including his father Tony and accountant Michael Bell. “Michael is trying to help me become a businessman,” he says. Philip believes Huddersfield town centre is in “a transitional period”. He says: “The town centre is all the better for things like the Food and Drink Festival and the Huddersfield Partnership is doing a good job. They are trying to create something. “Huddersfield is big enough to be a ‘destination’ for people, but small enough to be friendly. It’s the biggest village in England!” If he’s a big supporter of Huddersfield as a town, Philip is an even bigger follower of its football team. A lifelong Town fan, Philip named Herbert’s Bar in honour of legendary Town manager Herbert Chapman. The bar also sponsors homegrown goalkeeper Alex Smithies and is building business relationships with the club, Philip played football for Lepton Highlanders and Meltham when he was younger and more recently played five-a-side until an injury forced him to stop. Now he focuses on coaching the undersevens at Lepton, where his son Han is an enthusiastic member of the 27-strong squad. Says Philip: “The first Town game I attended was when I was 18 months old with my dad. I’m afraid I put my little lad through the same turmoil! ”
Herbert’s Bar & Northern Taps Work: Pubs/restaurants Site: Huddersfield Phone: 01484 434888 or 01484 539295 Email: chaps@herbertsbar.co.uk or howdo@northerntaps.co.uk Web: www. herbertsbar.co.uk or www. northerntaps.co.uk
Independent financial planning services for companies and individuals Eastwood Financial Services Ltd Pennine House, Lowfields Close, Lowfields Business Park, Elland HX5 9DA 01422 377737 www.eastwoodfinancial.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
KIRKLEES BUS
Time for a few home truths? ■■ FMG’s headquarters in Huddersfield
FMG lands deal with insurer QBE Vehicle incident management firm FMG has sealed a three-year deal with one of the world’s top 20 insurers. Huddersfield-based FMG will provide delegated claims management services for QBE’s substantial portfolio of UK motor fleet customers. As part of the deal, FMG will provide a round-theclock service, UK-wide repair management and a comprehensive package of third party “capture” services. FMG will be working with QBE, its brokers and customers to improve incident reporting times and optimise the entire claims management lifecycle. Peter Cox, motor supply manager at QBE said: “QBE were looking for a partner who could deliver the right balance between consistently high standards of service and significant control of our total cost of claims. “Our thorough review process enabled us to assess the true ability of all potential partners and FMG clearly demonstrated their market leading position, proven track record and strong focus on incident prevention. They really were the ‘stand out’ partner of choice for QBE and our customers” John Catling, chief executive of FMG, said: “Securing this partnership with QBE is another significant achievement for FMG, which enables us to further demonstrate our 25 year plus incident management expertise on yet another big stage. “In today’s market, where many providers appear to offer similar services and solutions, this win is testament to the experience of our people, the quality of our supply partners and our intelligent use of innovative technology.” FMG has worked for a variety of insurers, blue chip private companies and public sector organisations., including GE Capital and SIG, DHL and Asda, the Highways Agency, and s Zurich, Allianz and Chartis. Clients also taKe advantage of FMG’s smart technology system, Ingenium Dynamics, to improve driver behaviour .
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It is taken for granted that any gain on the sale of your home is exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT). For those who have just one home and have used it as such throughout its period of ownership that will always be the case. CGT exemption also applies to the last 18 months of ownership (previously three years for disposals made prior April 6, 2014) where, for example, they have moved out of the property and have bought another residence. Some people may have more than one home, for example, a weekend home and a weekday home near work or they may have a holiday home. As an individual or a married couple can only have one home at a time then all the properties cannot all be exempt from tax as their private residence. Where you have more than one home it is currently possible to elect which of your homes is to be treated as your main residence for CGT purposes. Such an election must be made within 24 months of acquiring a different number of residences. So if you buy a holiday home you would need to make an election as to which of the homes is your private residence within 24 months of that acquisition. The ability to make a main residence election can bring important tax benefits, for example, you elect for the holiday home to be your private residence with effect from Sep-
TAX TALK Colin Barratt tember 1, 2014, and then you make another election to change it back to your main home from 8 September ,2014. The result is that the holiday home is your private residence for just one week and your main home is your private residence throughout ownership apart from one week. The effect of this on the main home is negligible and any gain should still be completely exempt as one week’s worth of the gain will be insignificant. For CGT purposes, the gain accruing on the sale of the second home will now be exempt for 18 months out of the total period of ownership. So if it is owned for just six years then 25% of any gain would be exempt. Without the election all the gain would be taxable. The ability to make a what is commonly known as a “flipping” election has courted controversy over recent years due to the MP’s expenses scandal and proposals are afoot to abolish the right to nominate a person’s main residence from April next year. Instead, an individual’s main
residence for CGT purposes will be determined by looking at all factors such as the address where a person and their spouse or family lives, where mail is sent to and the residence at which they are registered with their GP or to vote. This is essentially what happens now where a main residence election has not been made. An alternative proposal is to identify a person’s main residence by for instance looking at the property in which they have been present the most for any given tax year. Whichever proposal is adopted as an alternative to making a main residence election, it is likely to lead to more detailed records having to be kept to identify which residence is the main one. Until the new rules are announced and fully implemented, a main residence election remains available and it is important to review your circumstances to ensure that such an election is made wherever possible as it is unlikely that any new rules will be retrospectively applied.
Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth chartered accountants, Huddersfield
Bluebird flies high for training Care workers in Kirklees have celebating after their company was named winner of a top training award for its innovative e-learning scheme for care workers. Bluebird Care Kirklees, which provides care at home, has won the Skillsoft Inspire Award for its new e-learning training programme, which trains staff in a variety of areas, including the company’s dementia, infection control and customer care policies which go above and beyond the regulatory standards and requirements. The new training programme has been used in Kirklees since October, 2013. The award, for Best Compliance Initiative, comes as a result of Bluebird Care’s continued investment in training and support for its staff, including
implementing a new e-learning system. Staff are trained for a minimum of 12 weeks at the start of their Bluebird Care career and supervised on a monthly basis to provide ongoing support throughout their careers. There is also specialist training, including creating Dementia Champions. Care in the home is one of the fastest growing industries in the country, with Bluebird Care operating almost 200 offices across the UK and delivering 20,000 visits to customers each day. Graham Lewis, owner of Bluebird Care Kirklees, said: “Providing the best support and training to our staff is at the heart of everything we do at Bluebird Care and we’re thrilled to have been recognised for this with a Skillsoft Inspire Award.
“Our staff deliver the highest possible standards of care and service for our customers and we’re proud of the results they achieve. “Training for our staff goes on throughout their careers, so they’re always up to date with the best possible practices. “Our award-winning, flexible approach including e-learning plays a key part in delivering the best service to our customers.” Skillsoft UK director of compliance Mike Newton said: “We are delighted for Bluebird Care. “They have committed to compliance e-learning and the award is thoroughly deserved. £This award category was strongly contested and the award judges were impressed with both Bluebird Care’s achievements to date and plans for the future.”
■■ Lawrence Tomlinson, chairman of Ginetta
Racing ahead in motorsport
A Batley-born businessman has been appointed to the board of directors of the British Racing Drivers Club. Lawrence Tomlinson (pictured), chair man of Leeds-based car manufacture Ginetta, was proposed for the vacancy a the country’s most exclusive club in moto racing by Nigel Mansell and seconded by Damon Hill – both former Formula 1 world champions. The appointment comes in recognition o Mr Tomlinson’s enthusiasm for British mot orsport and extensive expertise in business Mr Tomlinson said: “I’m delighted to join the BRDC Board and look forward to work ing with the directors to ensure the long term future and success of the BRDC, Sil verstone, and British motorsport for year to come. “The BRDC plays an important role as the guardians of motorsport, which I hold in the highest esteem. “I therefore intend to bring my passion for the sport to the role, continuing my com mitment to the progression of young driv ers, and providing the board with my expe rience as a successful entrepreneur to aid the development of Silverstone.” The BRDC counts among its member the most successful racing drivers from Great Britain and the Commonwealth. Mr Tomlinson was invited to join the club as a former winner at the 24 hours of Le Mans 2006. BRDC chairman John Grant said: “I’m delighted that Lawrence has joined the BRDC board and look forward to working with him and other board members ove the next few years as we develop our excit ing plans for the further development of Sil verstone as a world-class motor sport desti nation. “Lawrence’s combination of passion fo motor sport and extensive experience in business will be a great asset to the board.” This announcement further cement Ginetta’s place as a valued contributor to British Motorsport, as in early 2013, the Michelin Ginetta GT4 SuperCup was named as qualifying championship that can be used towards membership. Mr Tomlinson is chairman of LNT Group which includes Ginetta and also has inter ests in construction, care homes, software and climate protection systems. The former Batley Grammar School pupi who also studied at Huddersfield Technica College and worked at turbocharger firm Holset, has honorary doctorates from both Huddersfield University and Leeds Metro politan University.
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014
SINESS NEWS
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Buying habits show they’re local heroes More than three-quarters of small and medium-sized firms in Yorkshire believe in buying local. UK signage company Signs Express, which has a franchise sign production centre in Huddersfield, commissioned an independent research company to poll more than 1,000 SMEs in the UK. The results show that 80% of business decision makers in Yorkshire think it’s important to choose a local supplier when purchasing goods and services. Asked why, some 66% said doing so was “better for the economy” while 59% said it enabled them to approach their supplier more easily. Some 59% said they liked being able to deal with people playing a positive role in the local community. The survey also showed that the majority of those with purchasing power do not believe price is the most important factor when it comes to selecting a supplier. Some 72% said that if they were getting good value and service, price was not the most important factor. Only 2% of businesses in Yorkshire always select the cheapest quote. Martin Davis, centre owner of Signs Express at Queen’s Mill Road in Huddersfield, said: “A large proportion of Signs Express customers are SMEs and so it’s really important that we understand their priorities when it comes to working with suppliers. “We first carried out our ‘SME Expert’ research project in 2011 and, whilst it backed up some of our opinions, we were really surprised by some of the findings the survey generated. “Three years on, we were keen to see if the picture has changed. Interestingly, whilst we’ve come out of the other side of a recession, for the main part businesses still have the same concerns and bugbears as they did when the UK was at one of its lowest economic points. “Unsurprisingly, in our opinion, when it comes to selecting a supplier 72% of people we surveyed still believe that value and service are far more important than securing the cheapest quote. In 2011, that figure was actu-
Business Buddies celebrate their Kirkwood connection A scheme linking businesses with Huddersfield’s Kirkwood Hospice has marked its first anniversary. The hospice at Dalton hosted an event for its corporate partners across Kirklees to celebrate a year which saw the Business Buddies scheme build a wide range of new supporters. Hospice chief executive Michael Crowther, was a guest at the event and was keen to praise the local companies that have helped the hospice over the past 12 months – whether through event sponsorship, regular donations or by offering their staff’s valuable time and skills. He thanked the companies who make up Business Buddies for their generosity and continued support. He also welcomed feedback from company representatives on how
the hospice can build on a “fantastic” first year . Hospice sister Elaine Gill spoke about the services provided by the support and therapy team and discussed some of the new projects being developed to help improve the lives of people who are living with life-limiting illnesses such as chronic lung disease, heart failure and cancer. Partnership development manager Kate Leadbeater, who is the driving force behind Business Buddies, was delighted by the turnout. She said: “Business Buddies is all about building strong and lasting relationships. Our aim is to engage with and support local companies, offering a range of benefits to our partners.” Visit www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk or contact Kate Leadbeater on 01484 557911.
Customer focus recognised
■■ Martin Davis, of Signs Express in Huddersfield , says more firms are opting to buy locally
ally slightly lower at 68%.” Signs Express also asked people in Yorkshire and Humber about their biggest frustrations when it comes to dealing with suppliers. The top four were being given the hard sell, inexperienced suppliers unable to answer questions, suppliers not providing a quote as promised and suppliers not turning up for an agreed appointment. Said Mr Davis: “We were shocked to discover that – in the previous six months – almost half of those we surveyed had experienced a supplier not providing a quote as promised.
More than a quarter had waited for a supplier who never turned up for an agreed appointment.” He said: “What’s clear from our research is that SMEs are very committed to buying local. “As the UK economy starts to show real signs of sustainable growth, quality service, reliability, professionalism and good value are ever more important. “As suppliers, we all need to make sure we are adding value and addressing the needs of our customer,”
Gas distributor Northern Gas Networks has been shortlisted for the Customer Focus Award in the 2014 National Business Awards. The company, which covers Kirklees, goes up against 11 other contenders, including Arriva UK Bus, DHL Express UK, Samsung Electronics UK and Transport for London in the competition. The winner will be revealed at a gala dinner held on November 11 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Mark Horsley, chief executive of Northern
Gas Networks, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Customer Focus Award at this year’s National Business Awards. “Customer care is a top priority for our business and we remain committed to continually reviewing and improving our approach to ensure we deliver an exceptional standard of service for our customers.” Shortlisted businesses cover activities ranging from retail, technology and telecoms to construction, advertising and publishing.
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Francesca Robinson
New role at growing agency A Brighouse-based full service agency has made a key appointment. The Lenny Agency has hired Francesca Robinson (pictured) as PR account manager following a number of new client wins by the agency, which offers PR, design, digital and photography services. Ms Robinson has a background in PR and marketing and has a mixture of in-house and agency experience. She previously worked for ResearchBods, Design Portfolio and M a n c h e s t e r- b a s e d Marketecture. Emma Leonard, managing director at Lenny, said: “After winning a number of new high-profile clients, we took the decision to expand our PR team. We interviewed a number of people before deciding on Francesca, who not
henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
only had all the right skills and attitude, but also fitted our ethos and vision for the company. “She has already made a big impact with both our clients and the junior members of the team. We’re excited that she is on board to help grow Lenny in the coming months.” Lenny, founded in 2009 by Emma and Craig Leonard, works across a wide range of sectors with specialisms in home and interiors, nursery and baby, education and health.
Law firm’s appointment
A training provider in Brighouse is helping meet demand for engineering apprentices. About 100 high-achieving school leavers have started a pre-employment study programme at Kirkdale Industrial Training Services (KITS). The engineering sector “rookies” have embarked on up to four-year structured apprenticeship programmes with the option of progressing to a foundation degree thereafter, KITS hailed its “exceptional” start to the annual academic year for its engineering apprenticeship programme after the provider was given an Ofsted Grade 2 “good” provision rating earlier this year. Chief executive David Todhunter said: “A significant number of learners have been fortunate enough to gain a place on the programme and will gain employment with local engineering and manufacturing companies later this year. “The demand for high quality engineering apprentices in this local area has never been greater. “What employers will get with KITS’ preemployment and apprenticeship training scheme is a skilled employee who will, in many cases, remain loyal to the company and grow with it.
■■ The 2014 intake of apprentices at Kirkdale Industrial Training Services in Brighouse
“I have known employees who start as apprentices and end up as directors and owners of their own companies”. As well as developing practical skills for work, learners also cover pre-employment skills such as health and safety, safeguarding and drug and alcohol awareness, enhanced functional skills including English, maths and ICT. KITS, which has its headquarters and skills training centre at Armytage Road, also aims to instil good work ethics among its learners –
with learners clocking on and clocking off shift as they would do in the workplace. Their punctuality record is monitored at weekly reviews and reports provided to employers. The aim is that by the end of their training, the apprentices will have the appropriate engineering skills to contribute productively to their companies from day one, working as part of the team, with positive work ethics and an improved capability and awareness to cope with employment demands and challenges.
Ten trainees join engineering firm at Elland delighted that Wendy has joined us. “She brings a wealth of experience and has added to the strength and depth of our team, enhancing the service that we are able to provide across the region.”
Business on the menu Greggs director Roisin Currie will provide food for thought at a women’s business lunch next month. Roisin, group people director for the bakery chain, is the keynote speaker at the event, which takes place from noon to 2pm on September 11 at the Great Victoria Hotel in Bradford. Kirklees businesswomen are invited to attend the lunch, which has been organised by
Apprentices set out on path into work By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter
Wendy Scott
Law firm Eaton Smith has appointed solicitor Wendy Scott to the corporate and commercial team. Ms Scott (pictured) has worked in Manchester for a number of years as well as practising as an in-house solicitor for a global IT firm. She specialises in advising and preparing agreements on a broad range of commercial work, including terms and conditions, outsourcing agreements, software licencing and agency and distributor agreements. Deborah Melluish, head of department at the Huddersfield-based solicitors, said: “We are
movers and shakers
the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. Roisin was brought up and educated in Glasgow. She held several key posts with Asda before joining Greggs as group people director in 2010. The lunch is open to all business women from across the region including non-chamber members. For details of the lunch go to www.bradfordchamber.co.uk
■■ Pieter Schoeman (left) managing director of- Weir Valves and Controls UK, with Howard Brooksbank (right), head of manufacturing, and the apprentices
Ten young apprentices have just begun a four-year journey with Elland-based global valve manufacturer Weir Valves and Controls UK to become the next generation of qualified engineers. The successful applicants, aged between 16 and 21, will undergo a professional development programme aiming to graduate with an apprenticeship certificate from the Sector Skills Council (SSC). This year, three craftsmen, one welder and six technical apprentices have been selected for the programme. During the development programme the apprentices will undertake part of their
training with a local training provider as well as attending classes one day a week at college. They will practice in a fullyresourced workshop ideal for teaching general mechanical engineering and developing the specialist skills they will utilise at Weir. Apprentices qualify to operate a wide range of equipment from manual lathes and milling machines to state of the art technology. Once this phase of training is complete, the apprentices are ready to fulfil roles at the facility, which serves traditional power, nuclear and industrial customers.
Revell Ward standing tall at the stadium A chartered accountancy firm is standing tall and proud at Huddersfield’s premier sports and events venue. Revell Ward is the new sponsor of the Riverside stand at the John Smith’s Stadium. The newly-named Revell Ward Stand boasts 26 hospitality boxes, three conference and event suites and houses the main reception. The John Smith’s Stadium is home to some key businesses in the area and a focal point for many business and commercial activities. Kirklees Stadium Development (KSDL) is one of Revell Ward’s clients. Karen Borowski, partner, said: “At Revell Ward, we like to stand out
from the crowd. We don’t see ourselves as typical accountants – after all, we’re not just men in suits! “Like our clients, we are passionate about growing our own business and this was a natural next step in what has been a very successful relationship.” Gareth Davies, managing director of KSDL, said: “I have worked with Karen for many years and Revell Ward has sponsored our largest suite, on level three, for a few years now. The long standing relationship between KSDL and Revell Ward has grown from strength to strength and we are delighted that they have taken sponsorship of the Riverside Stand.”
■■ Karen Borowski, of Revell Ward, and Gareth Davies, of Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd, take a close look at the new name sign