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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Event puts focus on home workers
HOME-based enterprises took centre stage at an event in Kirklees. And visitors to the fun day at Dewsbury Town Hall heard how a project to support home workers was helping more people become economically active. At the event, about 30 stalls run by home workers displayed products ranging from jewellery, stationery and toys to food, hair and beauty products. The event was organised by the Home Working Service, part of the Pay & Employment Rights Service, to show how people can build up successful businesses by working at home. Project co-ordinator Abad Ghani said:: “Our job at the Home working Service is to source entrepreneurial capital. “We work with home workers to help them realise their potential to make good businesses from their homes. “It is a massive satisfaction for me to see all the hard work of my team and the entrepreneurs come together at an event like this.” Kirklees councillor Masood Ahmed, who was guest of honour at the event, said: “The PERS home working service has helped a lot of people throughout Kirklees to become economically active and is a great resource for us to have here. It is a great pleasure being here
■ OPEN DAY: Pictured (above) at the event are (from left) Iram Hussain, Debra Johnson, Clr Masood Ahmed, and Dave Wears ■ LEFT: PERS Homeworking Service co-ordinator Abad Ghani, who said the group was helping people operating small enterprises to understand issues including tax, health and safety and networking
today and seeing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.” Mr Ghani, who heads a team of three development officers, said: “We really cannot take the credit for their hard work. “We simply facilitate the latent potential of an untapped and often neglected talent pool. “We exist to identify and support the great ideas and ambition of home workers. ““A lot of the time our work is
already done. A lot of new clients are already operating small enterprises without realising it, such as making cupcakes and selling them to their neighbours. “All we do is assist the home workers understand tax, health and safety issues and beyond that we help them to learn the importance of networking so they can expand their sales channels.” The project is funded by the Big Lottery under the Reaching Com-
munities Programme. It started in 2009 and is staffed by a group of committed development officers who support individuals who are doing either paid work from home or want to become self-employed working from home. The project also provides information on home working, training, spotting scams, advice and free health and safety risk assessments and free equipment, subject to funding. Contact PERS on 01924 428032.
It’s time for companies to check tax codes KIRKLEES taxpayers have been warned to check their tax codes are correct – or end up facing shock bills that they can’t appeal. T h e w a r n i n g f r o m C l e c kheaton-based chartered accountancy firm Clough & Company follows changes that make it more difficult for taxpayers to appeal tax bills that are incorrect due to mistakes at HM Revenue & Customs. Previously, an Extra-Statutory Concession called ESC A19 enabled HMRC to write off tax bills where the taxpayer could demonstrate they had done everything possible to ensure their tax payments were correct. However, new rules from HMRC now
make taxpayers responsible for checking their tax code is correct and identifying mistakes. Appeals won’t be considered unless taxpayers can demonstrate they’ve done this. Nigel Westman, partner at Clough & Company, said: “In the past, HMRC was able to simply write off tax bills if they had made mistakes or failed to act on information and it was reasonable for the taxpayer to believe their tax affairs were in order. “This year, we have seen several cases where taxpayers have been issued with incorrect tax codes and could pay the wrong amount of tax as a result so people need to double-check theirs. Those with several sources of income or
anyone who may have received a large one-off payment during the financial year are most likely to find their tax code is wrong. “These changes make individual taxpayers responsible for all aspects of their tax obligations and mean they can no longer blame HMRC simply because they don’t understand how the tax system operates or what their tax code should be.” Taxpayers are usually sent their tax code on an annual basis and it will normally consist of numbers and a letter. The number multiplied by 10 is ■ CASES: Nigel Westman, the total amount of income you can partner at Clough & Company in earn in a year before paying tax. Cleckheaton
INSIDE Monthly statement A COMPANY making waves in the world of design, digital and marketing, is the latest winner of a monthly business award run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith. Statement, established in 2008, has been named Business of the Month as a result of building up an impressive client list, its plans for further growth and its success in gaining an enviable reputation as one of the region’s leading agencies offering a range of services to organisations in the education voluntary sector.
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Recruits wanted HOUSEBUILDER Persimmon has launched a recruitment drive to find tradespeople across its 24 businesses as it gears up to build more homes across the UK. The firm is looking for subcontractors, labour only subcontractors and direct employees to help meet demand from home buyers. Since April this year, it has taken on 286 trade and apprentice direct employees.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Troubled Flybe to axe 500 more jobs FLYBE is to axe another 500 jobs in a cost-cutting drive that will also see the regional airline review unprofitable routes and bases. New chief executive Saad Hammad said that without the latest shake-up, the Exeter-based carrier, which employs 2,700 people, cannot be viable. The former easyJet chief commercial officer, who joined the company in August, said: “We need to cut costs and make efficiency improvements. “Our original concept of regional connectivity was a sound one, but we have executed that very, very badly in recent years. We want to execute it very well.” He took over the top job from Jim French who ran the company for 12 years from 2001 and oversaw a major expansion and stock market float. Since hitting a period of turbulence Flybe has focused on shoring up its
core regional bases in Southampton, Manchester, Birmingham and the Channel Islands, while selling its Gatwick Airport runway slots to easyJet. Mr Hammad said: “We are going to shrink to grow. Without these proposed cuts we cannot be viable.” The measures are expected to save the airline £26m a year from next year, on top of previous initiatives to save £40m this year and £45m in 2014/15. The airline, which has reduced its staff by 650 since January, said the latest job losses would be “almost exclusively in the UK” – but Mr Hammad could not yet give details of which roles would go. Consultation with trade union and staff association representatives on the proposals will start shortly. However the British Airline Pilots’ Association said it was shocked by the announcement and called on the Gov-
■ GROUND WORK: Flybe will review unprofitable routes
ernment to play its part by reducing the impact of Air Passenger Duty on airlines such as Flybe. General secretary Jim McAuslan, said: “This is a distressing day for the dedicated pilots who loyally serve Flybe and its passengers day in, day out and we will be supporting them throughout this difficult redundancy process. “Pilots are working with Flybe to
secure the future of the airline, which is vital to connecting the country and driving growth and prosperity outside of London.” Unite national officer Oliver Richardson said the union will scrutinise the company’s business plans to protect as many jobs as possible. Previous restructuring efforts meant the airline’s half-year results today showed it grew UK passenger numbers by 5.6% to 4.3m, while it returned to profit with a surplus of £13.8m. The group’s UK-based airline activities increased revenues by 1.3% to £328.2m. Flybe said it will have “two engines of growth” based around its existing regional scheduled service and a white label model where Flybe will act on behalf of mainstream European airlines.
RSA issues warning on profits
Redrow growth stymied
MORE Than parent company RSA has suspended three senior executives in its Irish business over “issues” expected to result in a £70m profits hit. RSA chief Simon Lee said he was “extremely disappointed” by the disclosure as the group announced an independent review into financial and regulatory controls in the Ireland division. Mr Lee insisted the issues would not have a material long-term impact on the group, but this was not enough to prevent shares falling by as much as 16% as investors digested the second RSA profits warning in less than a week.
HOUSEBUILDER Redrow posted a 52% jump in sales – but said its hopes of even stronger growth have been dented by delays in the planning system. Applications under the Government’s Help to Buy scheme accounted for more than a third of its 1,400 reservations in the first 19 weeks of its financial year. The average selling price during this time rose by 11% on a year earlier to £271,000, reflecting more London-based sales and a “small element” of house price inflation. However, the company added that more than 5,000 plots – a third of its
A few days earlier the group said last month’s St Jude’s storm, which wreaked havoc across the UK, would leave it nursing a £65m hit. The group said after trading closed that RSA Insurance Ireland had suspended chief executive Philip Smith, chief financial officer Rory O’Connor and claims director Peter Burke pending the outcome of an investigation. it said a routine internal audit had uncovered “issues” that would result in an operating result £70m below market expectations. It is now co-operating with the Central Bank of Ireland on an internal probe.
land bank – are currently locked in the planning system. Chairman Steve Morgan told shareholders at the firm’s annual meeting in north Wales: “The regulatory burden involved in obtaining detailed permission and clearing conditions is the biggest constraint to the industry increasing production.” The company added 2,000 plots across its 15 sites in the last 19 weeks, while the number of outlets the group has operated from since June has increased 13% to 94. But Mr Morgan said this “could be better” given its entire land bank stands at just over 15,000 plots.
Page 2 Bad result for BSkyB SHARES in BSkyB took a hammering following the company’s failure to win the UK rights to show Champions League and Europa League matches. BSkyB lost out to BT, which has agreed an exclusive deal worth almost £900m to show both Uefa competitions for three seasons from 2015/16. It is the first time a single UK broadcaster has won the exclusive live rights for all 350 matches from the two tournaments per season. Currently Sky and ITV hold the rights to show Champions League matches. BSkyB shares were down by 9%, equivalent to the loss of more than £1bn in its market value, during early trading yesterday. However fears over the price being paid by BT meant its own shares were 2% lower. The telecoms company recently paid £738m for 38 live Premier League matches over three seasons. BSkyB shares closed BSkyB down 101p at 829p while BT’s shares finished the day 2p higher at 374.1p. Investec media analyst Steve Liechti said the deal was a “hugely important showcase for BT’s long term intent and the competitive threat to Sky”. In terms of BSkyB, he added: “We expect increasing investor concern over the next content package auction and the next Premier League auction becomes vital.”
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £51.04 -0.14 Gannett 1733.31 Hess Corp £50.51 +0.26 Microsoft £23.48 -0.16 Motors Liquidation 46.93 Wal-Mart Stores £49.37 +0.59 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 5521/2 +41/2 BAE Systems 4513/4 -51/4 Rolls-Royce 1210 AIM Brady Plc 691/2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 3651/4 -33/8 BANKS Barclays 2575/8 +23/8 HSBC 697 +15/8 Lloyds Banking Gp 763/4 +15/8 Ryl Scotland 3393/4 +171/4 1 Stan Chart 1508 /2 +25 BEVERAGES 1 Diageo £20 /4 +1/4 SABMiller £321/8 +1/4 CHEMICALS Croda £23 +1/4 Elementis 98 2577/8 +7/8 5 Johnsn Mat £30 /8 +3/8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2831/2 +11/4 Costain 2913/4 +51/4 ELECTRICITY
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Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Family ties so vital to James JAMES Skinner vividly remembers the first time he came to Huddersfield. Midlands-born James was in his mid-20s when he ‘landed’ in town to study law at Huddersfield University. “I arrived by train,” he says. “I stepped out of the station, took one look at St George’s Square and thought ‘Wow, isn’t this great?” His enthusiasm for the town – and an affection for Yorkshire – hasn’t waned over the years. “You can stand anywhere in the town centre, look around and you see trees and hills and greenery,” says James. “I walk down from town towards the county court and there’s this stunning view towards Lockwood viaduct. Long may it remain the case.” And he adds: “There’s a real sense of community and belonging in Huddersfield. People are proud to live here, which is very important.” James was born in Coventry, where his family can trace their roots back 500 years and James’ ancestors were sheriffs of the city, but Yorkshire has been home since James gained his degree. “Yorkshire isn’t like any other part of the world,” he jokes.”If you’re a comer-in you never get naturalised! “However, both my sons were born in Yorkshire, so they’ll get their passports!” After gaining his degree, James got a training contract with Armitage Sykes – and has been with the firm ever since. “When I started, I wanted to do commercial property law,” he says. “But my first ‘seat’ when I did my training was family law. It was such good fun and I really enjoyed doing it.” While the work is satisfying, it often means dealing with difficult cases involving divorce, child custody issues and domestic violence.
“There is a satisfaction to be It has added impetus to found in this work, but there’s finding ways to resolve issues grief and pain involved for away from the court room. clients and it can be But the argument over the emotional,” says James. cost of the UK’s Legal Aid bill “You wouldn’t be doing your unfairly put the blame on the job properly if you didn’t lawyer, James believes. sometimes hang up the phone “We have been portrayed in after speaking to a client and the popular press as ‘fat cat’ have to swallow hard. lawyers driving flash cars on “But I wouldn’t want to the back of public funds,” he practice any other area of law. says. “The reality is very I love doing family work different.” because every single case is A qualified collaborative different. lawyer, James says: “There’s no one dynamic “Collaborative law is becoming that drives any one case. It is more popular. It means endlessly fascinating.” everyone sits around the table One tangled case, involving and nothing is hidden. the abduction of a child by one “It works for clients whose of the parents, saw James relationship has not broken travel to the High Court in down to the point where they London to represent his client. are unable to sit in a room and James has been based at negotiate. Armitage Sykes’ Macaulay “Clients feel they have Street office for the past 13 control of the process. For the years, putting him at the heart right client, it can work well. of the town’s legal community. “But some of them can be “There’s a fairly tight-knit hard work. You leave the room community of family lawyers in after two hours and you are Huddersfield,” he says. just shattered. “Everyone knows everyone “There are also qualified else, everyone gets on with family law arbitrators who can help avoid the court process, everyone else and everyone trusts everyone else. “There is a bond between us and we are pulling generally in the same direction. We are there to protect our clients’ interests, but knowing other lawyers involved in cases means we can have frank chats about settling issues.” Government cuts to Legal Aid mean law firms have had to be more innovative about how they offer their services and how ■ COMMUNITY SPIRIT: James Skinner, clients are associate solicitor at Armitage Sykes expected to pay.
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James Skinner
although it is an under-utilised service. “The secret to doing family law is to be flexible with your client.” Coming late to the law means James brings a wealth of experience to his role. “His first job was working for his father, while he has also worked for a scaffolding firm. His love of fishing saw him making trout flies for a living at one point and preparing live bait for sale in fishing tackle shops.. “When I was eight, I was given my first pair of rugby boots, a Latin primer and a fishing rod,” he says. “I captained the school third 15 at rugby, which shows you how good I was! “When I first came to Huddersfield, I lived at Cowlersley and was a member of the Colne Valley Angling Club, which had seven miles of the river Colne to fish.” James, his wife Donna and their sons Henry and Louis now live in New Mill. “I do cycling and I fish in the Holme Valley,” says James. “We go to the pictures fairly often and the theatre. I also do a lot of reading. “One of my lads plays rugby at Lockwood, where I can relive my own sporting shortcomings by shouting at him from the touchline!” James was the first non-partner to be elected president of Huddersfield Law Society and has served on its committee for many years. Taking an active role in its activities has proved invaluable, he believes. “It allows you to keep in touch with what’s going on,” says James. “You get to meet members of the profession you might not otherwise get to see. It means you get known by a lot of other people in other areas of legal practice.”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Role: Associate solicitor specialising in family law Age: 48 Family: Married to Donna with sons Henry, 13, and Louis, 11 Car: BMW ! Series Holidays: Spain and the Greek Islands First job: I was my dad’s office assistant. I’ve also made rout flies professionally and worked for a scaffolding firm Best thing about job: The infinite variety. You never know what’s coming next. You are with your client long enough to build up a good relationship and you are helping them to move on following a wretched period in their lives Worst thing about job: Dealing with the emotional aspects. It is not a job where you can switch off the machine and walk through the door at the end of the day Business tip: Listen to and empathise with your clients. You are not their ‘mate’, but they need to know you understand how they feel and what they want to achieve
Armitage Sykes Solicitors Work: Law Sites: New North Road and Macaulay Street, Huddersfield Phone: 01484 344151 Email: jamesskinner@armitage sykes.co.uk Web: www.armitagesykes.co.uk
Good times. Bad times. Whatever financial problems you are experiencing in your business, we can help. Call us for a consultation on
01422 348 448
Peter Sargent, Partner Richard Kenworthy, Director Begbies Traynor 36 Clare Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2HX www.begbies-traynor.com
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THE BUSINESS BATTLEAXE Amanda Vigar
S you know from last A month’s column, I’m four-square behind government
plans to “name and shame” persistent late payers. It’s a disgrace that companies can get away with paying weeks and even months late without being subject to any serious penalty. News that the government-backed Prompt Payment scheme appears to have failed is the latest blow to businesses that are, in many cases, being forced under – or very close to the wall - by their debtors. A YouGov survey says that as m a ny a s 8 5 % o f s m a l l a n d medium-sized firms have recently experienced late payment problems. These cases highlight the very real plight of business owners who are struggling with cash flow problems. I would certainly boycott businesses that are listed on a “name and shame” register! We commissioned a poll to find out how many business owners would consider boycotting a business listed
on a late payers’ “wall of shame”. I can now reveal that a whopping 70% of people would consider giving such businesses the cold shoulder. The research conducted by Dipsticks Research asked a sample of 300 people the question: “Would you consider boycotting a large business that fails to promptly pay its suppliers which are small businesses?” Thirty three per cent of respondents would definitely consider a boycott, while a further 40.9% say they would possibly consider it. I’m delighted that the majority would consider a boycott. Far too many clients come to me while wrestling with cash flow problems that are causing major problems for the effective functioning of their businesses. Too many late payers are bigger businesses that do not understand the very real problems that can cause
businesses to go under. It’s time that bigger businesses in particular are named and shamed. Setting realistic payment terms can be a good first option for many businesses. I’d also recommend reducing credit terms from 60 days to seven days. If all else fails, and you feel you can burn your bridges with the client, then think about charging interest for every day of late payment. A letter from your accountant or solicitor can also be a huge help in prompting payment. These options are really only for times where you find yourself drinking in the last chance saloon, however. A boycott, either government backed, or supported by people – or small business – power, can still be the best way forward!
Amanda Vigar is managing partner at Holmfirth-based accountants V&A Bell Brown LLP
Training gets a big boost
To promote your business to over 49,000 Examiner readers and over 230,000 online users Call: Anne Joseph 01484 437745 email: anne.joseph@trinitymirror.com
A MARKETING agency in Kirklees has completed the first part of a campaign to boost the northern arm of a global training company. Fantastic Media, based at Birstall, has been delivering weekly awareness campaigns for the business and management courses run by Dale Carnegie Training, including seminars, workshops and other events. Dale Carnegie approached Fantastic to help raise awareness of its courses through email marketing and increase the number of bookings. As part of the project, Fantastic gave the email marketing platform a full facelift with a new design and ensured it is mobile friendly to maximise website traffic. James Scarr, digital strategy manager of Fantastic Media, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with such a successful and renowned business as Dale Carnegie North. We are confident that we can meet their objectives and have already seen an increase in the number of bookings as a result of the email campaigns which have been distributed.” Juliette Dennett, Mirfield-based managing director for Dale Carnegie
■ TRAINING DAYS: James Scarr (front left), of Fantastic Media, with Juliette Dennett (front right), managing director for Dale Carnegie Training and the rest of her team Training, said: “Working with Fantastic Media on our email marketing has been really successful. Each email is eye-catching and contains great information on the seminars and
workshops that we have coming up. “We’re looking forward to further developing our relationship with Fantastic, who seem to have a clear picture of our objectives and how best to achieve them.”
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local Page 5 Industry aims to find engineers of the future
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■ SHAMPOO: Heather Lockwood (left) celebrating 21 years at her Newsome hair shop with colleagues Alendrie Reid and Tracy Senior
Hair salon business celebrates 21 years HAIRDRESSER Heather Lockwood has celebrated 21 years at her salon in Huddersfield. The owner of Heathers Hair Shop at Newsome, marked the occasion with free beauty treatments for her regular customers and a range of offers and discounts. Heather brought the salon at Newsome Road South from a hairdresser who was retiring. The shop at Newsome Road South has been a hairdresser ever since it was built, she said. “I have been in the profession for 35 years,” said Heather. “I did my apprenticeship at John Cotton’s in the town centre and was self-employed for some time renting a chair in other salons.” Heather was brought up in Lascelles Hall, but has lived at
Newsome for the past 27 years. The salon has a team of four hairdressers and a beautician. The latest arrival is Alendrie Reid, who also lives in Newsome, and finished her apprenticeship at Kirklees College in May. Alendrie was named Student of the Year in 2011 and Student of Excellence at the college last year. Heather said the industry had changed a great deal in the past 21 years – with more hairdressers opting for self-employment and working from existing salons rather than employing staff. Heather is in no doubt about the reason for her success. “It is a friendly salon and we make everyone feel at home,” she said. “I have always made sure the customer comes
Taking a lead
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ed of . ng “The best way to by winning at voke fond memories romotion season won a thrilling play-off effield United. f Lockwood -based uk, said: “We created cepts as a bit of fun to wake up in a positive nd feel inspired in the less of the team’s itch. However, if they ve a hit we’ll certainly hem into production.”
MEDIUM-sized businesses are helping to drive the economic recovery, a survey has revealed. New research by Deloitte shows that 76 of the 1,000 fastest growing medium-sized companies are based in Yorkshire, which is also home to three companies in the top 50. Together, the top 1,000 have increased revenues by £45bn and generate 8.7% of GDP. The research, Businesses Leading Britain, was published to coincide with the Government’s latest GREAT Britain campaign. It found that the top 50 of this group grew at a rate 73 times faster than the national average. These companies, all generating between £30m and £1bn in revenue, increased employment in this period by 25%, with the top 50 increasing by 54%. The analysis found a series of common denominators between these businesses which point to three rules for growth. Firstly, 60% are business-to-business organisations and show real innovation by operating in niche markets. Secondly, the majority boast a visionary leader at the heart of the business, who excels at hiring and retaining the right people. Thirdly, the ability to spot export opportunities has been vital to their success, with chief executives spending weeks or even months abroad seeking out new markets.
first and mad sure they are involved in the conversation. We have one customer who comes from Scotland three times a year and another who I have had since she was born. They are not just customers, they are friends.”
ENGINEERING manufacturers’ group the EEF, is working to inspire the next generation of young engineers. The EEF and Primary Engineer have expanded their programme to see 20 funded schools host a Primary Engineer course, which aims to encourage primary and secondary pupils to consider science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers. Primary Engineer is a not-for-profit organisation that trains teachers from primary and secondary schools across the UK and delivers various courses
in science, technology, engineering and maths subjects. The courses help teachers to apply practical maths and science skills to modern design and technology projects, which they then take back to their classrooms to inspire young pupils to become the engineers of the future. Schools are also invited to take part in local, regional and national challenges that celebrate young pupil’s achievements in design and technology.
Who will be the next Business of the Month? If you are proud of what your business has achieved; why not tell us about your success story and you could be a winner of our prestigious award. For further details please contact: Ian Greenwood, Eaton Smith Solicitors, 14 High Street, Huddersfield HD1 2HA T: 01484 821389 E: iangreenwood@eatonsmith.co.uk Business Of The Month Awards - Rewarding Success Since 1995
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Page 6
Are we paying too much property tax? INFORMED DEVELOPMENT
■ CLEARED TO LAND: Roysdale Way at the Euroway Trading Estate in Bradford
Airline secures site for training academy PROPERTY agency Colliers International has sold a 30,000 sq ft warehouse at Euroway Trading Estate in Bradford to Jet 2.com. The deal for Unit 2 on Roydsdale Way was secured on behalf of its client, John Menzies Plc for an undisclosed sum. The budget airline operator has secured the warehouse and office premises for a new £9m training academy. It will house three flight simulators and a unique cabin crew trainer to be used by new recruits and existing pilots and crew from its eight UK bases. Jonathan McGrael at Colliers International in West Yorkshire, said: “This is a significant deal that we are pleased to facilitate for John Menzies Plc. Euroway Trading Estate continues to attract high caliber tenants due to its fantastic location and premises built to suit demand.” RA Real Estate acted on behalf of Jet2.com.
Basharat Ali REPORT from the influential A think tank Policy Exchange suggests British residents are paying up
to twice the average amount of property taxes compared to people in the rest of the developed world. Indeed, lenders estimate that the Government’s tax revenue from stamp duty alone is likely to be around the same level the 2007-08 figures when there where 1.6m housing transactions. This year’s revenue is thought to be close to £6.7bn despite there being only around 1m sales in comparison. Stamp duty starts at 1% on sales between £125,000 and £250,000, rising to 3% on sales of up to £500,000 and 4% on homes costing up to £1m. The Council of Mortgage Lenders,
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which speaks for all the major lenders, has said: “The failure to index stamp duty thresholds in line with house price inflation means that a growing proportion of transactions become liable for stamp duty, and an increasing number are captured in higher bands.” Which is certainly something we see on a regular basis. With the average amount of stamp duty paid on housing sales on course to reach £6,700, up from less than £4,200 in 2007-08, according to the CML, Alex Morton, of the think-tank Policy Exchange, who compiled the report, said: ‘No other developed country taxes property more heavily than the UK. Yet rising house prices and falling levels of home ownership have led to many calling for an
increase to land and property taxes.” The Policy Exchange report calculated that we pay as much as 4.1% of GDP in property taxes, which in addition to stamp duty include capital gains tax, inheritance tax and council tax. The average in similar countries is 1.8% of GDP: Germans only pay 0.9%. Yet despite already being so heavily taxed, we face a call from some quarters to raise new property taxes. The Liberal Democrats and the Labour party seem to favour a “mansion” tax as it is felt that expensive properties are under taxed. Local councils also seem intent on increasing council tax. It seems that our position at the head of the property tax league table is unlikely to be threatened for a while.
Basharat Ali is partner in commercial property at Armitage Sykes in Huddersfield
Strong demand for commercial sites in region
DEMAND for commercial premises in Yorkshire increased during the third quarter of the year, says a survey. Figures from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors showed that 9% more of its members reported rises rather than falls in demand for shops while a net balance of 37% more respondents saw an increased demand for industrial units – up from 11% the previous quarter. Some 28% reported a rise in demand for office space in the region – against minus 11% last time. The survey said the lack of new development starts in the region remained an obstacle. Chartered surveyors across Yorkshire said the amount of new retail and industrial developments built in the region fell during the third quarter of the year, although the number of new office development starts increased by 3% during the period. RICS spokesman Andrew Thorlby said: “Confidence is certainly returning to the commercial property market, with more demand for all kinds of premises increasing – albeit investors are still looking for flexible leases. “However, there is still a shortage of new commercial property space in the region, particularly Grade A office space. “Funding issues and holding costs, such as empty property rates, remain obstacles to new development starts.” Simon Rubinsohn, RICS chief
■ TREND: RIC chief economist Simon Rubinsohn economist, said: “The pick-up in the desire to occupy retail space in Yorkshire and Humber is broadly reflective of the improved trend in high street spending. “That does not, however, mean that the big challenges facing the sector have disappeared. “Rent expectations are still largely ‘soft’ away from the South East and it is mainly in London where the numbers are strongly positive.”
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Housebuilder launches major recruitment drive A LEADING UK housebuilder has launched a recruitment drive to find tradespeople across its 24 businesses as it gears up to build more homes across the UK. Persimmon Homes is looking for subcontractors, labour only subcontractors and direct employees to help the business meet demand from home buyers. Since April this year, the business has already taken on 286 trade and apprentice direct employees. This latest campaign aims to get people who may have left the industry or who are looking for a new career to get in touch. As part of its campaign, Persimmon has undertaken research looking at the perceptions of tradespeople among the UK public. Richard Latham, HR director, said that the responses were enlightening, but did not paint a totally true picture of working in a trade in 2013. He said: “Our research shows that 78% of people in the UK view the
■ DEMAND: Wayne Gradwell, regional managing director for Persimmon in Yorkshire
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work of tradesmen as skilled, which is extremely positive, but worryingly, 70% don’t feel the job is rewarding and 82% don’t feel it has a competitive salary. In our experience, this is extremely wide of the mark.” More worrying is the view of 48% of people who feel that the negative stereotypes surrounding tradesmen stop young people from pursuing a career in the industry. “Our apprentice campaign is extremely popular and we will soon be kicking off our search for over 100 more young people to join us in 2014,” said Mr Latham. “We see young people as the future of our business and we invest both time and money in one of the best training programmes in the industry. “Many of our senior personnel, including our current chief executive, Jeff Fairburn, started in the industry as an apprentice.” Said Mr Latham: “Our campaign is seeking out brick layers, carpenters, ground workers and plumbers to work across our 24 businesses
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in England, Scotland and Wales.” Persimmon particularly wants to hear from young people wishing to pursue an apprenticeship in 2014, people who may have left the industry back in 2008 at the start of the financial crisis and skilled ex-service people who may have transferable skills. Persimmon’s developments in Yorkshire include ones in Huddersfield, Barnsley, Bradford, Leeds, Pontefract, Wakefield, Rotherham and Hipperholme, Wayne Gradwell, managing director at Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire, said the increase in demand for new homes was fuelling the search for new construction and building industry recruits across the UK. He said: “Demand for new homes is definitely on the up, partly thanks to the Government-led purchase schemes, such as Help to Buy and also due to the general improvement in the economy.”
Page 7 Spa tackles recycling A COLNE VALLEY business has teamed up with a waste management firm in a bid to boost its recycling levels. Titanic Spa at Linthwaite has joined forces with Elland-based Orchard Environmental. Their collaboration has already led to the introduction of new mixed and cardboard recycling schemes at the former textile mill, which was originally built in 1911. Matt Barker, of Titanic Spa, said the initiative had been prompted by feedback from the company’s eco focus group which had highlighted an increase in the volume of cardboard waste being generated. “Our eco focus group meets regularly to ensure that we are continually monitoring our impact on the environment as we work towards becoming a fully carbon neutral and sustainable business,” he said. “Orchard Environmental has helped us introduce new systems which include segregating food waste as well as recycling cardboard.” The new waste strategy covers general waste, mixed recyclables and cardboard.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Raymond Pearce
Avocet Hardware BRIGHOUSE-based Avocet Hardware has appointed Raymond Pearce (pictured) as head of UK sales for its ABS snap-secure lock system. Avocet director Dr Tinkle Jain said: “We are tackling lock-snapping head-on and are adamant that by working with the police, Neighbourhood and Home Network Watch and locksmiths across the country we can stop this worryingly quick and easy form of forced entry in its tracks.” “Raymond’s appointment provides the scope to take this campaign to the next level. He has a huge amount of experience in the industry, which combined with his drive and sheer enthusiasm will help open, and then firmly secure, doors everywhere he goes.” Mr Pearce has 25 years experience promoting and selling locks, security and hardware products with market leaders including Ingersoll Rand, Listers, Firestop and Eliza Tinsley, where he has held sales director, sales management and account management roles.
Colin Harrison
Graduate Entrepreneurship Project A PROJECT co-ordinated by Huddersfield University to promote and support entrepreneurship among Yorkshire’s student and graduate population has made a key appointment. The Graduate Entrepreneurship Project has appointed Colin Harrison, former director of ICT consultancy Electroville, as project manager. Mr Harrison (pictured) will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the project, co-ordinating the region’s 10 universities in working together to support Yorkshire’s student and graduate entrepreneurs. Mr Harrison has a background in IT for further education establishments and research and evaluation within the public sector. His appointment follows the departure of Louise Bermingham, who has taken up the role of project manager for the Yorkshire Innovation Fund.
Movember deduction AN ACCOUNTS manager with Cleckheaton-based accountancy firm Clough & Company has vowed to shave off his moustache for the first time in almost 40 years to support colleagues who are growing facial hair for “Movember”. Duncan Smith (pictured), who is based at the company’s Keighley office, has sported a beard and moustache since 1974. If he raises £500 in sponsorship, he will join 16 colleagues at Clough and Company who will shave off the facial hair that they have grown for Movember at the end of the month to raise funds and awareness for prostate and testicular cancer and mental health. To sponsor Duncan and his colleagues and donate to Movember please call 01535 662511.
Movers and shakers
Page 8
Winning agency is making a statement A COMPANY making waves in the world of design, digital and marketing, is the latest winner of a monthly business award run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith. Statement, established in 2008, has been named Business of the Month for building up an impressive client list, its plans for further growth and its success in gaining an enviable reputation as one of the region’s leading agencies in its field. The business was formed after its founding members, who were running an international online retail business, identified a niche in the market to offer high quality website design and digital services with excellent customer service. The Wakefield-based agency has grown steadily to offer a range of services to small and medium-sized enterprises and organisations in the education voluntary sector. Clients include the Huddersfield-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Wakefield College, Peter Jones China and Wakefield’s Ridings Shopping Centre among others. Statement is also involved in supporting a number of charities and digital-related projects which contribute to the local community, including MYnetwork Wakefield, the Wakefield Digital & Creative Community and the Wakefield Literature Festival. Representatives of the agency received their award from Alison Palmer, of Eaton
■ PRESENTATION: Alison Palmer (centre) presents the award to Tom Smith (second right) and Dan Conboy (right), of Statement, with (from left) Ellie Lyon, of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; Clive Smetham, of Sagars LLP; and St John Emms, of Catalyst Finance
Smith, at a buffet lunch held at the law firm’s High Street premises. Dan Conboy, client services director at Statement, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to hear that Statement had won the Business of the Month Award – a big thank you to our team for all of their hard work and to our clients who provide us with fun and challenging briefs for their design, digital and marketing projects. “ We pride ourselves on getting involved
with many great projects which are related to and contribute to the region, so to receive this award recognising that was a great honour.” The Business of the Month Award is run in association with Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and UKTI. It is open to firms in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. Contact Ian Greenwood on 01484 821389.
Ashley’s 20-year Balance-ing act!
■ WOOL WORLD: Eve Cavell, holding the sheep, joins Prince Charles and other successful designers
Royal reception A FASHION design student at Huddersfield University met the Prince of Wales after winning a national competition. Eve Cavell was one of 15 students from universities and colleges across the UK to win prizes in the Wool School initiative run by The Campaign for Wool. The students had to design school jumpers – and the winning submissions were made up and are being sold in stores across Scotland and online until Christmas. The winning students also met Prince Charles, who is patron of The Campaign for Wool – an industry-led
body promoting wool as a natural, sustainable and biodegradable fibre. Eve’s winning design has found its way onto the shelves at branches of clothing retailer Jigsaw in Glasgow and Edinburgh – as well as Jigsaw’s concessions at branches of John Lewis in the cities. The contest received more than 100 entries for textile fashion students at 12 collaborating universities. Retail partners include Jigsaw, Marks & Spencer, Pringle of Scotland, Barbour, Topman and Topshop.
ACCOUNTANT Ashley Barrowclough has celebrated a milestone moment. It is 20 years since Ashley (pictured) acquired Balance Accountants – then known as Rogers & Co – from Andrew Rogers in Holmfirth. At the time, the firm operated from a small office in one of the town’s side streets. The company had just one full-time accounting staff member and about 90 clients. Twenty years on, Balance Accountants occupies prominent premises on the main Huddersfield Road and has 17 staff and more than 500 clients. The firm was rebranded as Balance in 2010 Said Ashley: “Those 20 years have seen some highs and some lows – but fortunately more highs than lows. The business today is almost unrecognisable from those early days.” He said: “People have played an important role in the growth of the business. More than 200 staff have been employed during the 20 years. “The current team is probably the best that we have ever had, which gives me great confidence in the future of the business as we look forward to the next 20 years.” To celebrate Ashley’s 20 years at the helm, the Balance team went away for a murder mystery weekend at Waterton Hall in Wakefield – and had an excellent time reliving life in 1920s Chicago!