TONY SINGH
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FTSE 100 MARTIN THOMPSON +14.47 Tackle those rent arrears Column - Page 6 6700.16
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014
A taste of Venice Interview - Page 3
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Firms show off Yorkshire’s Safer option best at Paris Le Tour event
INSIDE
henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
As Huddersfield prepares to welcome France’s premiere sporting spectacle, the Tour de France, Kirklees manufacturers are staging a special showcase of their own across the Channel – at the British Embassy in Paris. Companies from Huddersfield and Batley are taking part in a unique twoday visit organised by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to celebrate Yorkshire’s world-renowned heritage and lifestyle products. The focus of the visit, which gets under way today, will be on what Yorkshire has to offer in terms of quality goods – and how manufacturers can capitalise on opportunities to secure business in France and beyond. Those taking part include Joshua Ellis & Co Ltd, of Batley, which has manufactured luxury fabrics, including luxury cashmere and woollen coatings, since 1767; Samuel Tweed Fabrics, of Taylor Hill, which is famed for its luxury mohair fabrics and accessories; Michael George Manufacturing Ltd, of Lockwood, which designs and manufactures menswear accessories; Holmfirth firm Mollie Sash, which makes contemporary country clothing, bags, hats and scarves; and Slaithwaite-based McNair Mountain Shirts. Others taking part include Pipers Crisps, of Brigg; Driffield-based World Top Brewery; Castleford cheese business Cryer & Stott; and Harrogate leather goods firm Equi-Scuto. John Gleave, a senior trade adviser for UKTI in Paris, said: “Yorkshire cloth has a high reputation in France, although few top-end buyers are fully aware of the strength of the fashion and lifestyle brands in the region.
“The Tour de France presents an unrivalled opportunity to show off the best of Yorkshire design and craftsmanship to selected French buyers and the media, and the aim of the showcase is to whet the appetite ahead of the start of Le Tour in July.” Liz Harper, of Joshua Ellis, said: “We are incredibly proud of our Yorkshire heritage and manufacturing roots dating back more than 200 years and this is a fantastic opportunity to shout that loud and proud to potential customers against a stunning backdrop. We’re looking forward to an exciting couple of days and showing new prospective partners just what we can produce in Yorkshire.” UKTI and partners – in tandem with Welcome to Yorkshire – are running a three-day international business festival ahead of the Grand Depart that is set to generate £20m in new business and create a lasting legacy to boost the regional economy for years to come. It will run from July 2 to 4 around two main business hubs at The Carriage Works in Leeds and the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield – with York and Harrogate also hosting events for the North Yorkshire community. A packed programme will comprise dedicated events for specific sectors, such as retail, textiles and sport technology, as well target markets like China and areas where Yorkshire businesses excel, including design and engineering, healthcare innovation, biotech and food and drink. Mark Robson, regional director of UKTI, said: “The Grand Depart provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase the innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and leadership that has put local companies at the forefront of the global race. We’re determined to deliver a flagship business spectacle befitting the arrival of the ■■ Paris provides the setting for Kirklees companies to show off their quality products world’s largest annual sporting event.”
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By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter
Kirklees firms have been urged to take health and safety seriously – and disregard the myths surrounding “elf’n’safety”. Shaun Imrie, of EP Risk Consultancy in Huddersfield, said health and safety was often mocked as encouraging a nanny state - and routinely blamed when things go wrong. But Mr Imrie said statistics showed what happened when workplace safety was neglected – with a number of incidents involving Kirklees companies facing fines for safetyrelated incidents in recent months.
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Steven’s farewell One of Huddersfield’s most recognisable legal figures has retired. Steven Pollitt has stepped down as a partner at law firm Eaton Smith, based at High Street, after a 42-year career in the legal profession.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Pfizer reveals details of bid approach for Astra US drugs giant Pfizer has publicly disclosed details of a multi-billion pound bid approach for UK rival AstraZeneca. The American firm revealed it had been rebuffed by Astra after initial talks in January valuing the company at £58.7bn and added that further overtures this weekend were also rejected. But it confirmed its “continuing interest” in its target, saying it offered shareholders a significant premium to the share price. Pfizer said it was “confident a combination is capable of being consummated”. Speculation about the deal last week sparked a surge in pharmaceutical sector shares. Pfizer disclosed that a cash-andshare proposal at the start of the year had been made at 4661p per share, a 30% premium to the price at the time, but that following high-level talks, Astra “declined to pursue negotiations”. Details began to emerge last week, driving up the UK company’s share price. The US firm then sought to revive discussions by contacting its rival on
Insurance group LV= reported “good levels of growth” for the first three months of the year – despite 7,000 claims for weather-related damage in the early part of the year. The group, which has call centre operations at Folly Hall in Huddersfield, saw home insurance sales rise by 22% to £45m while commercial insurance sales were up by 20% at £54m. Across the product range, LV= took on about 100,000 customers in the first quarter to bring its total in force policy count to 4.5m. Gross written premiums fell to £363m from £379m last time, reflecting a fall in private motor insurance sales to £254m from £287m in a highly competitive market. Chief executive officer Mike Rogers said: “In the first three months of the year our trading businesses have continued to perform well despite external events impacting both general insurance and life and pensions.” He said: “We received around 7,000 claims as a result of the storms in the early months of the year, mostly impacting our SME and home insurance lines. “However the overall financial impact is not significantly out of line with what we would expect during a winter period and we are confident that given more normal weather conditions during the remainder of 2014 the property lines will deliver acceptable results.”
ing company with management on both sides of the Atlantic and head offices in New York, where it would be listed on Wall Street. Pfizer said: “We have great respect for AstraZeneca and its proud heritage as an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a rich science-based foundation in both the United Kingdom and Sweden. “In addition, the United Kingdom has created attractive incentives for companies to manufacture products and maintain and protect intellectual property, and we have seen that capital and jobs have followed these types of incentives. “We believe patients all over the globe would benefit from our shared commitment to research and development, which is critical to the future success of the pharmaceutical industry, in the form of potential new therapies that help to fight some of the world’s most feared diseases, such as cancer.” An AstraZeneca spokeswoman had no comment. Astra remained silent about the speculation when it published a trading update last Thursday, that showed first quarter revenues up by 3%.
■■ AstraZeneca has rebuffed Pfizer’s “highly compelling opportunity”
Saturday, but said Astra “again declined to engage”. Pfizer said it was considering its options, but insisted that a deal would represent a “highly compelling opportunity” to Astra investors. It said it would include a “substantial” cash payment as well as the
Storms bring 7,000 claims for insurer
chance to become significant shareholders in the combined company, sharing in future growth prospects and the benefits such a merger would create. The transaction would be expected to result in a combination of the two firms under a UK-incorporated hold-
BG launches search for new chief EE calls up its best ever quarter The boss of oil and gas explorer BG has resigned after less than 18 months in the job. Chris Finlayson cited personal reasons for his departure, which came three days before the company is due to present first quarter figures. BG’s shares have fallen in recent weeks after it slashed production targets due to continued problems in Egypt,
where too much of its gas has been diverted into the domestic market instead of being exported. Mr Finlayson succeeded Sir Frank Chapman, who had been in charge since BG was created in 1997 when British Gas split into two separately listed companies. BG said chairman Andrew Gould will take the helm on an
Mobile operator EE has marked its best quarterly take up of 4G customers with nearly 900,000 signing up to the superfast network in the first three months of the year. Strong demand for faster mobile internet has seen 2.9m customers join the network since it was launched in October, 2012, and the group expects to double that
interim basis as the company begins the search for an external successor. Mr Gould said the board remained fully committed to the group’s strategy based around a portfolio of “highquality” assets, adding: “The company must, adding: “erate the creation and delivery of the longer-term value for our shareholders.”
number before the end of this year. First quarter turnover fell by 3.6% on the year to £1.55bn in the face of stricter rules on roaming charges and the fees that telecoms firms charge each other for connecting voice calls. Despite this, the group reported a 2.2% increase in mobile average revenue per
user to £18.70, compared with last year. The rise is 5.1% when excluding regulatory cuts. EE was the first mobile operator to launch 4G in the UK. Its service now covers 72% of the population. It claims to be only operator in the country to offer “double 4G speeds” at up to 60Mb/ second in 20 cities.
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Venture inspired by trip to Venice Former electrician Tony Singh is sparking interest with a new business venture. And it’s all been achieved with a little help from his friends! After a career that included working for Huddersfield firms David Brown, Hopkinsons and Thomas Broadbent, Tony chose a very different route when it came to starting his own business. “My partner Sharon arranged a surprise trip to Venice for my 50th birthday,” he says. “I fell in love with the place and particularly the coffee culture. “At the time, I had just lost my job following a back injury and I thought that I could bring a little bit of Venice to Huddersfield along with the coffee culture.” Now he is the proud owner of Caffe Venecia at Market Street in Huddersfield. The premises, formerly a furniture shop, have been completely refurbished to include murals of Venetian canal scenes, comfortable leather armchairs and bar seats as well as a counter with decor designed to resemble the curves of the Italian city’s famous gondolas. It also serves paninis, salad and cakes to complement its range of coffees and teas. Funding for the venture, which opened only last November, has come from a NatWest bank loan and a £20,000 Business Enterprise Fund loan organised through Bradford Chamber of Commerce. Tony was also given a mentor, Julie Micklethwaite, who continues to comes in once a month to see how Tony’s venture is progressing. “She has been central to my success,” says Tony. He’s also grateful to the support provided by NatWest’s Ian Court, who has been enthusiastic in his backing. Tony’s electrical skills came in to play in fitting out the cafe while a neighbour, Stewart Tuner, kindly agreed to draw up designs for the cafe’s distinctive look. During his enforced unemployment, Tony took a four-day barista course at Kiklees College along with a food hygiene course and carried out “lots and lots” of research into the coffee business
– before drawing £7,500 on his credit card and pitching his business idea to NatWest. Tony was born in India, but came to England at the age of four. He lived in Newsome, but was bussed along with a number of other Asian children to Almondbury Junior School, which would otherwise have had no Asian pupils. “I think the idea was to integrate us into the community,” he says. On leaving Newsome High School, Tony became an apprentice electrician working at Standard Fireworks, where he developed a talent for servicing machinery. His career them took him to Thomas Broadbent, Hopkinsons and David Brown before a switch to the petrochemical industry and a job at Allied Colloids in Bradford. His last job was with Kirklees Council before a back injury and subsequent operation put paid to his career. He says: “I had always fancied opening a bar or coffee shop, but I had no funding. “The little money I had was all for paying the bills. I was living off my unemployment benefit and decided to borrow £7,500 on a credit card and went to NatWest
Tony Singh
with a business plan.” Tony puts his success in getting backing for his venture down to “being well-prepared and looking in the right places”. He has also forged strong links with his suppliers, Patrick Dooling, of artisan coffee supplier Ue Coffee Company, which has premises at Bradford’s Euroway Trding Estate, and Jeeves & Jericho Teas, based in Oxfordshire. Along with drinking coffee, Tony is a big fan of Earl Grey tea! Backed by a capable staff, Tony turns his hand to anything that needs doing as the popularity of the cafe increases. “I make the coffees, serve behind the counter, I clean up and I talk to customers to get feedback. I’m a full-time, hands-on boss, “ he says. Since the age of 14, Tony competed in martial arts and achieved championship wins in taekwondo. He says that sport nurtured his competitive spirit and determination to succeed. But he says: “I don’t have time for hobbies at the moment. Running a business, you find yourself thinking about the business all the time. You have to give it maximum attention, I even find myself answering emails at 2am!” His diligence is paying off, it
■■ Tony Singh, owner of Caffe Venicia in front of one of the murals
seems. Tony rates his biggest breakthrough as the day Caffe Venetia notched up 100-plus customers. “The word is spreading,” he says, “People like the the ambience and the quality. “ The cafe is also sited in a busy part of the town – close to the bu station and Kirklee Council’s civic centre complex. Says Tony: “Huddersfield town centre is an excellent place to do business and I feel very positive about the regeneration of the town.. “I want to tap into the energy and cultural diversity of the town, which lends itself to a business such as mine. At the same time, Tony has further ambitions for the business. “I am hoping to open in Leeds and Manchester, which could lead on to franchising Caffe Venetia,” he says. “Although we are an independent, we have worked on creating a ‘brand image’. “At 51, I have realised an ambition, but through my experiences I hope to help other people realise their potential, too.” Says Tony: “I have had a lot of help from people who have become good friends. And I don’t want to let them down.” Tony’s personable manner has led to some unlikely associations. While training to become an instrument engineer, Tony was staying at the Billingham Arms in iMiddlesbrough where he metDavid Soul – best-known as one half of TV detective team Starsky and Hutch – who was appearing in a play at the town’s theatre. Says Tony: “I asked him for his autograph and we got talking and downed a few tequila slammers!” On another occasion in the 1980s, Tony found himself sitting next to Labour politician Denis Healey on a train to London. Not backward in coming forward, Tony engaged the former Chancellor of the Exchequer in conversation. “He was a very astute and interesting person, very knowledgeable,” says Tony. “We sat side by side and tried to put the world to rights!”
Role: Owner Age: 51 Family: Partner Sharon McGrogan Car: Mercedes A Class Holidays: I have travelled to more than 32 countries, including Cuba and Venezuela. The Angel Falls is the most amazing sight I have ever seen First job: Apprentice at Standard Fireworks Best thing about the job? Having my own business and being in control of my own destiny. I enjoy meeting and interacting with people Worst thing about the job? I can’t sleep at night! I’m waking up at 2am to do research and send emails which I didn’t have time to send during the day! Business tip: Do as much research as you can and take advice from others in the business community – there’s so much out there
Caffe Venecia Work: Contemporary coffee lounge Site: Market Street, Huddersfield Phone: 01484 767930 Email: caffe-venecia@gmail.com Web: www.caffe-venecia.com
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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TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
New categories for UK IT Awards New categories have been added to this year’s UK IT Industry Awards – and Kirklees companies operating in the sector are urged to take part. The awards include categories for software developer, security professional and services company of the year. The awards, run by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT and Computing, provide a platform for best practice, innovation and excellence in the IT profession. Entrants can be organisations or individuals in IT across the public, not-for-profit and commercial sectors. In total, there are 25 categories focusing on the contribution of individuals, projects, organisations and technologies that have excelled in the use, development and deployment of IT in the past 12 months. Last year, the Awards attracted more than 325 entries Winners included Transport for London, Palletways, LV=, Derby university and EE. Entry is via an online application process and initial judging will take place in August. In October, finalists will give presentations or an interview with an expert panel of judges. The winners will be announced on November 12 at a gala evening event at the Battersea Park Events Arena, London. Go to www.bcs.org/industryawards
KIRKLEES BUS
‘Scrap these plans to sell off tax data’ It appears that HM Revenue & Customs has hatched yet another plan to frustrate us: Mr Taxman is looking to sell off our anonymised tax data to private firms. Hot on the heels of the now delayed plans for an NHS database that would place all our medical files online, HMRC seems to have surpassed even itself this time round. A HMRC spokesman has said that they would only “share data where this would generate clear public benefits and where there are robust safeguards in place.” It goes on in a similar fashion, stating that anyone accessing data would be subject to the same “confidentiality” provisions as HMRC staff, including a “criminal sanction” for unlawful disclosure of taxpayer information. If given the go-ahead, the plan would allow HMRC to release the data to third parties including companies, researchers and public bodies. I agree totally with former Conservative minister David Davis who has labelled the plans “borderline insane.” They are really another example of HMRC ineptitude; but, worse still, they are right up there with the shelved plans to put our medical data online.
THE BUSINESS BATTLEAXE Amanda Vigar The Care.data initiative is currently suspended after fears were raised as to exactly what information would remain anonymous. While HMRC has said it is committed to confidentiality, I am more than a little sceptical. It defies logic that we would remove any restraints at a time when data can be collected in huge amounts and can travel round the globe in a matter of milliseconds. One would have hoped that HMRC would have learned that trying to sneak plans like this under the radar is not the way to build trust or develop good policy. The officials who drew this up clearly have no idea of the risks to data in an electronic age. What’s more, HMRC
records are woefully inaccurate, so is the data they provide going to be of any real use? The sale of tax data would have to be subject to the high level of rigour and scrutiny that are simply not the hallmarks of how HMRC has tended to operate. There is no logic in flogging highly confidential information; and it has the potential to pose a major threat to the confidentiality of our nation’s tax affairs. Why isn’t Mr Taxman seeking to put his own house in order first before playing fast and loose with extremely confidential data? It really does beggar belief; and I truly hope that these plans are consigned to the scrap heap as soon as possible.
Amanda Vigar is managing partner at Holmfirth-based accountants V&A Bell Brown LLP
Elland company helps in efficiency drive
Good times. Bad times. Whatever financial problems you are experiencing in your business, we can help. Call us for a consultation on
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Peter Sargent, Partner Richard Kenworthy, Director Begbies Traynor 36 Clare Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2HX www.begbies-traynor.com
An Elland-based energy consultancy has been recruited to help a Shefieldbased manufacturer improve efficiency. Orchard Energy has stepped in to help employeeowned Gripple Ltd introduce a comprehensive efficiency strategy that will support its commitment to carbon friendly production. The two Yorkshire businesses began working together on energy purchasing last year and have now embarked on a project that will reduce energy consumption across all three Gripple factory sites. Gripple manufactures wire and steel products such as wire joiners and tensioners for the agricultural sector and wire rope suspension products for the construction industry. Gordon Macrae, special projects manager at Gripple, said sustainability and low carbon manufacturing were key priorities for the business. “We go to great lengths to develop products that are carbon friendly and ensure our manufacturing processes are as energy efficient as possible,” he said. “If we are selling our products on that basis, we have to
■■ Millers Oils backs d
Oil spec is on th
A Brighouse company and test its innovativ the British Touring Ca Following its succe motor sports, Millers to provide AMD’s BTC necessary lubricants, winning Nanodrive oils. Millers Oils said th that motor sport tea the potential durabil benefits of Nanodrive The deal also gives to further test and pro the harsh environmen Business developm Lavender said: “The B deal with AMD is the sport sponsorship de recognition Nanodriv out motorsport and a for its durability and p “Previous dyno te Nanodrive range pro advantage to teams fig erned series, such as Mercedes SLS AMG G will give us a great op what Millers Oils can environment.” The deal will see M official lubricant tech AMD Ford Focus car, ham in the BTCC. As well as supplyi drive engine oil, Mil 75w90 LS Nanodrive Racing brake fluid, bra radiator fluid and Hym Millers Oils, founde to offer diesel specific
Tour gu Kirklees ■■ Gareth Henderson, managing director of Orchard Energy and one of Gripple’s factories
also ensure that our own housekeeping is in order and that we are minimising our impact on the environment wherever we can, right across the business.” Gripple has a strong reputation for excellence in both innovation and sustainability and has received a total of four prestigious Queen’s Awards. The most recent was presented in 2012 and recognised the organisation’s culture of innovation, which has led to many new products and processes.
Orchard Energy’s energy solutions team has been carrying out extensive auditing of energy consumption and demands at Gripple’s sites. Mr Macrae said: “Our three factories are all fairly challenging buildings when it comes to improving energy efficiency. “We knew the broad issues, but the auditing process has given us much more clarity in terms of the payback of each project, allowing us to prioritise initiatives so that we can make the best use of our budget.”
Gareth Henderson, managing director of Orchard Energy, said: “Our role has been to analyse the effectiveness of existing projects in terms of return on investment and impact on consumption as well as identifying new opportunities for improved efficiency. We have carried out thorough energy audits at each site, analysing production procedures and talking to key personnel to design a strategy that builds on the work that is already in place.”
Pedal power comes working event next m The first Connectio by Huddersfield accou will be held from 11 May 15, at PPG Can Deighton, and will f France coming to Hu mer. The speaker will b business developme manager at Kirklees C about the work und Kirklees businesses a to make the most of opportunity. She will happen on the day its businesses are well-p Go to http://conn brite.co.uk
5
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014
SINESS NEWS
driver Dave Newsham
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Millers Oils become the hnical partner for the driven by Dave News-
ing CFS 10w60 Nanollers will provide CRX e gearbox oil, R300+ ake cleaner, Extra Cool mol 20 Grease. ed in 1887, was the first c engine oil for cars.
uide for s firms
s to the fore at a netmonth. on14 event, organised untancy firm Sheards, 1.30am on Thursday, nalside, Leeds Road, focus on the Tour de uddersfield this sum-
be Anne-Marie Parker, ent and engagement Council, who will talk der way to ensure that are in the best position f a once-in-a-lifetime also explain what will self to help make sure prepared. nection14letour.event-
local
Separate safety myth and reality Kirklees firms have been urged to take health and safety seriously – and disregard the myths surrounding “elf’n’safety”. Shaun Imrie, of Huddersfield-based EP Risk Consultancy, said health and safety was often mocked as encouraging a nanny state - and routinely blamed when things go wrong. When the Sheffield half-marathon turned into a fiasco, organisers used health and safety as an excuse. When teachers ban conkers from the playground, elf’n’safety is cited, he said. But Mr Imrie said statistics showed what happened when workplace safety was neglected. “Sadly, the numbers speak for themselves,” he said. “Nearly 150 employees were killed at work last year and 78,000 suffered injuries. *In January this year, a Holmfirth firm was fined £7,000 after a worker fractured an ankle in a ladder fall. In March, a Dewsbury textile company was fined £5,000 after a Huddersfield woman’s fingers were crushed in a machine. In April, a Huddersfield builder was prosecuted after a garden wall collapsed, badly injuring a woman. “The Health and Safety Executive believes that workplace-related injuries and ill-health cost society £13.8bn a year, but with common sense and forethought many of these incidents could be prevented.” Said Mr Imrie: “In training, I stress that there are three main reasons – moral, legal and financial – why any employer should implement good health and safety.
■■ Shaun Imrie, of EP Risk Consultancy
“Unfortunately, it is often the first of these that gets lost in a fog of bad press and exaggeration. Businesses have a legal duty of care to ensure employees go home safely, but too often this doesn’t happen. “When health and safety is used as an excuse it is instantly given a bad name. Similarly when impracticable advice is given from incompetent sources, firms become wary of implementing what they see as a costly system.” Mr Imrie, who graduated from university and served as a Royal Engineer before qualifying as a chartered health and safety consultant, said that UK legislation was very clear. It often uses the term “reasonably practicable” in consideration of the balance between risk and cost, he said. “The law is sensible, it is the Chinese
whispers, myths and expensive competency schemes which make a mountain out of a molehill. Often the simple, low cost and practical solution will be the one that saves lives. “Unfortunately, health and safety has been hijacked to develop a claims culture so that some companies spend time and money protecting themselves with red tape rather than protecting employees with practical measures. “If we are to allow businesses to implement practical and sensible solutions then we must examine ways to prevent individuals making false or petty claims against employers. This can be done in two ways, the first of which has already begun. “The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places specific responsibilities on employees and the Health and Safety Executive has the power to issue enforcement notices to workers who fail to comply when their employers have done all that is possible. “Secondly, employers need to enforce discipline against those who act unsafely and put themselves or others at risk. Enforcement is used in high risk industries such as civil engineering and the oil and gas industries but needs to be applied more widely. “Much of the time, health and safety systems which are put in place are ineffective. Risk assessments and other safety documents are written but never seen by the worker. “If businesses go to the trouble to produce these documents then the workforce needs to be involved and understand what is written.”
USA target for innovative ambulance trolleys A firm making medical equipment for the emergency services and funeral businesses has launched a major innovation for ambulance trolleys in the USA. Cleckheaton-based Ferno has produced the Ferno iN/X – a highly functional state-of-the-art patient transport system that provides critical functions and benefits for the patient and ensures the safety of the crews using it. The device was developed by Ferno with significant input from emergency medical service (EMS) professionals and industry leaders. The iN/X resembles a sleek, robust, high-performance trolley which can lift patients to the level of any ambulance patient compartment with minimal effort on the part of the crew. Ferno managing director Jon Ellis said: “The iN/X not only offers the patient smoother transit and enhanced comfort, but also significantly protects the users from injury. “The integrated patient loading system has no need for an extra mechanical system to assist loading into the ambulance, so it won’t affect the vehicle’s weight and can easily be transferred to another ambulance when its primary ambulance is out of service.” He said: “The iN/X was designed as a system, not simply as a trolley, to reduce the risk of injury, increase crew performance and enhance the delivery of care to the wide range of patients and crews that are being confronted with in the field.” Ferno said it had developed the iN/X after listening to paramedics and EMS professionals during focus groups and observational studies. The company also incorporated
Employee absence provides the focus for free seminar A free seminar aims to help employers manage their employees’ absence more effectively. Helen Straw, founder of Holmfirth-based The Personnel Partnership, will deliver the seminar, which is being held tomorrow in conjunction with the Brighouse Link network. Two sessions will be held – from 10am to 12.30pm and from 1.30pm to 4pm –both at the offices of Sleigh & Story, Bradford Rood, Brighouse. Helen, who has more than 20 years experience in HR and has helped many companies to successfully reduce absence levels, will address how
sickness absence concerns can be best dealt with and provide guidance on the legal issues around employee sickness. She said: “Absence because of sickness can put your business in a tricky situation, particularly if you have no policies in place for dealing with it. “This seminar will give you lots of practical advice and you will leave armed with lots of tools and techniques to help you effectively manage sickness absence, whether it is intermittent, short term or longer term.” For details email pat@ sleighandstory.co.uk or call 01484 723783.
Business competition offers teams a Fresh Connection Teams from well-known companies have been striving to revive the fortunes of a fictitious failing fruit juice manufacturing firm – in a business simulation competition organised by a Huddersfield-based supply chain consultancy. Whittlebury Hall in Northamptonshire was the setting for the contest, The Fresh Connection, run by SCALA, which has its headquarters at the Media Centre in Northumberland Street. Teams were briefed by Huddersfield University lecturer David Leach and then let loose on the deteriorating “company” – making crucial decisions to make improvements that generate a
positive return on investment – and seek a place in the UK grand final of the competition, which is run in conjunction with Toyota Materials Handling Europe, FSDF, CILT and The NOVUS Trust. Companies taking part include Mondelez, Continental Tyres, AB World Foods, Norbert Dentressangle, Collect+, Unilever, Jordans & Ryvita and Maple Leaf Bakery. Keith Newton, of Mondelez, said: “Fresh Connection participants work on identifying potential dangers and can take appropriate actions to resolve and mitigate the risks in a way that will provide them with real learning to take back into their businesses.”
Business Advisors and Chartered Accountants
• A firm led by people who have actually run businesses
■■ Ferno’s integrated patient transport and loading system
feedback from medical directors, ergonomists, industrial designers, safety risk managers, operations managers and field crews. Tests on the iN/X had delivered “excellent” results with many test sites commenting on how well the system reduced injury among emergency crews – and consequently reduced lost employee time and expertise. This led to a reduction in unnecessary medical insurance and workers’ compensation claims. Ferno commercial director Luigi Vernazza said: “The iN/X represents Ferno’s commitment to the development of a ‘no-lift’ solution for the EMS community and significantly reduces or eliminates injuries caused by lifting, lowering, loading and unloading patients.”
• Through the year support and advice delivering comfort and value • Management information and account specialists • VAT, payroll and tax support • Year end reporting and full compliance service • Planning and support for your business and you Contacts Phone: 01484 688 616 Email: enquiries@bellbrown.com Web address: www.bellbrown.com Part of the V&A Vigar Group
6
TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
It’s more important than ever to tackle tenants’ arrears The common law right to recover rent arrears by seizing and selling a tenant’s goods is to be abolished in April this year and replaced with a new system of commercial rent arrears recovery (CRAR). CRAR may only be used for commercial premises. Should the lease cover a mixed use of commercial and residential property, CRAR may not be used by the landlord and the landlord will need to obtain a judgment to recover the arrears. Under CRAR, only basic rent reasonably attributable to the “possession and use” of the premises can be recovered. CRAR cannot be used to recover unpaid service charges, business rates, insurance charges etc, even if they are reserved as rent in the lease.
LOT 1
There must also be a written lease in place and any contract or lease that seeks to amend or avoid CRAR provisions will be void. An important part of distress is that no prior notice or court order is required except in certain insolvency situations to seize goods which effectively means the tenant does not have an opportunity to put goods out of the landlord’s reach. The very fact that bailiffs turn up to seize the
120 White Lee Road
INFORMED DEVELOPMENT Martin Thompson
LOT 6
Batley, WF17 8AH
Detached 3 bed bungalow on good sized plot in need of full renovation.
Ash Street
Guide Price: In Excess of £125,000
LOT 7
The Old Fire Station
off Miln Road, Huddersfield, HD1 6HL
Edge Top Road, Overthorpe, Thornhill, WF12 0BG
Guide Price: In Excess of £25,000
Guide Price: In Excess of £95,000
73, 73a Stainland Road
Character stone buildings (4,629 sq ft) arranged around courtyard – residential conversion potential.
LOT 8
Greetland, HX4 8BD
Large 0.4 Acre single building plot with PP for large executive house.
Guide Price: £125,000 – £150,000
Guide Price: £45,000 – £55,000
28 Clough Lane
Land at Mountjoy Road
Edgerton, Huddersfield, HD1 5QQ
Vacant lock up shop plus spacious self contained maisonette over, requiring renovation – good rental potential.
LOT 4
Land at Windmill Hill Road
14.5 Acres grazing/agricultural land.
Three small workshops/garages totalling 2,424 sq ft close to town centre. Good rental potential.
LOT 3
Funding deal for Marshall
Emley, Huddersfield, HD2 9TA
Guide Price: In Excess of £120,000
LOT 2
shortened where it is satisfied that it is likely that goods will be moved. Landlords will need to act quickly if there are substantial arrears to make use of existing rates. When granting new leases of mixed use premises landlords will need to consider whether to deal with residential premises by way of separate documentation. It will be more important than ever to ensure goods can be sufficient encouragement for the tenant’s are not allowed to fall into arrears. tenant to pay the arrears without the goods having to be sold by the bailiff. The most far reaching change under CRAR, is Martin Thompson is a partner that before CRAR is exercised seven clear days’ in Commercial Property at notice of enforcement must be given to the Armitage Sykes in Huddersfield debtor. The Court can order that the notice period be
LOT 9
Mixenden, Halifax, HX2 8SN
Terraced retail unit with residential conversion potential.
Land at Town End
Almondbury, Huddersfield, HD5 8NP
Residential building land – 0.44 Acres with PP for 6 semi detached.
Guide Price: In Excess of £175,000
Guide Price: £30,000 – £40,000
LOT 5
Cemetery Lodge
Cemetery Road, Batley, WF17 8PG
Substantial Grade II Listed lodge with potential for residential conversion.
Guide Price: £75,000 – £100,000
LOT 10
Land at Station Road
Skelmanthorpe, HD8 9AU
Former council depot – 0.75 Acres. PP submitted for 6 executive houses around a cul-de-sac development.
Guide Price: In Excess of £295,000
A construction company based in Elland has secured a £29m-plus funding deal from Royal Bank of Scotland. As part of the funding arrangement, Marshall Group has acquired £12.37m to help with its development of the De Vere Hotel at Edinburgh, creating employment opportunities in the construction and leisure trade. The funding facilities, which include a £17.5m refinancing package, will also be used to support Marshall’s other retail, office, industrial and leisure development schemes up and down the country. Marshall was founded
in 1901 when Christopher Hemmingway Marshall set up a thriving building company in Elland. More than 100- years later, the firm is one of the most successful familyowned companies in northern England. Marshall, which is based at Huddersfield Road, has been banking with RBS for more than 50 years. Stuart Heslop, regional managing director RBS Real Estate Finance North and Scotland, said: “We have been working with Marshall for more than five decades and have developed a unique understanding of their business goals and ambitions. “They have a clear focus
on supporting the communities they operate in. “ We were delighted to support both the refinancing package and financing for the hotel development and we wish them all the best for the future.” Traditionally, the company has specialised in the commercial sectors with particular emphasis on retail leisure offices and industrial. The group includes development arm Commercial Development Projects Ltd, which was formed in 1968 and specialises in acquiring sites for speculative development of retail, office, industrial and leisure schemes.
Pot luck for clayware firm Clayware company Naylor has completed the takeover of a company importing decoratve plant pots from Spain and Portugal. Naylor, which draws a large number of its employees from the Kirklees area, has acquired Limetree Ceramics, which becomes part of the Cawthorne-based firm’s Yorkshire Flowerpots division. The division, which was set up in the 1980s, supplies British-made products with a lifetime guarantee against frost damage. The Limetree acquisition follows Naylor’s 2013 purchase of Clough Mill, an importer of top quality
Malaysian glazed pots. Naylor is a fourth-generation manufacturer of ceramic products, having been founded as a clay pipe manufacturer in 1890.
Limetree was founded in 2009 and offers wall pots and planters with unique Mediterranean hand-decorated designs, displayed on distinctive wall pot display carts.
TO LET
FOR SALE
Industrial Offices
TO LET
Offices
Thistle House, Winstons Lane, Elland 563m 2 (6,059 sq ft)
Hare Park Mills, Hare Park Lane, Liversedge 123m 2 (1,327 sq ft)
**PRICE REDUCED FOR QUICK SALE** Good quality office space with on site parking, accessible to town centre
Good quality two storey offices in pleasant semi-rural location with on site parking
FOR SALE
Industrial/Development
Albert Works, Albert Street, Lockwood, Huddersfield 1,328m2 (14,300 sq ft) on approx 1.2 acres Part income-producing industrial complex benefitting from consent for new build units
www.michaelsteel.co.uk
FOR SALE /TO LET
Offices
Riverside House, Aspley Marina, off Wakefield Road, Huddersfield 1,120 - 5,479 sq ft Characterful quality offices with parking, situated in attractive waterside position close to Huddersfield University
All enquiries to Alec Michael alec@michaelsteel.co.uk
Commercial Residential, Commercial & Industrial Surveyors, Estate Agents, Auctioneers & Property Management Consultants For Sale
WESTGATE, HUDDERSFIELD HD1 1PB
Town centre commercial investment property
Lock up shop premises 63.9sqm (688sqft)
Current rental income ÂŁ48,500 p/a - BUSINESSES UNAFFECTED
New lease
Situated in a secondary position in Huddersfield town centre close to the bus station and train station
Close to University, House of Fraser, opposite Kingsgate Shopping Centre EPC Rating: F
Occupied by 3 Tenants, all of which have occupied the premises for in excess of 10 years
To Let
UNIT 9 COLNE VALE BUS PK, MILNSBRIDGE
To Let
KING STREET, HUDDERSFIELD
HOLME MILLS, WEST SLAITHWAITE
To Let
Workshop
Light Industrial/Leisure Premises
61.9 sqm (666 sqft)
377.39sqm (4,062sqft)
Flexible terms
Suitable for a variety of light industrial or leisure uses, subject to planning
2 Miles from Huddersfield town centre Good car parking
Flexible terms and incentives available
EPC Asset Rating D
EPC Asset Rating E
14 St Georges Square, Huddersfield HD1 1JF
t: 01484 530361
e: commercial@bramleys1.co.uk
www.bramleys.com/commercial
8
TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
movers and shakers
Steven retires after 42 years in the law By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
Community-conscious broker aims for success A brokerage business based in Calderdale has been shortlisted for the title Community Broker of the Year at the British Insurance Awards. Chartered insurance broker Wilby Ltd has a proud history in the awards – having previously won on two occasions and being finalists on a further nine occasions. An insurance magazin e recently named Wilby as one of the top 10 most successful brokers in the 20-year history of the awards. This time, Wilby has been nominated as Community Broker of the Year based on its commitment to furthering the cause of the local community. This year marks the firm’s 30th anniversary and as such it is celebrating through involvement in 30 charity events throughout the year. Wilby has raised £2,500 so far – and with activity ramping up in the next few months they aim to raise more than £30,000. The next stage in the fundraising involves managing director Rich-
ard Blackburn (above) taking part in three events which will see him cycle and run a total of 326 miles! Other events planned include the Yorkshire Three Peaks, the Leeds Half Marathon, the NSPCC Golf Day, Race for Life and more. Richard said: “Since Wilby was formed in 1984 the company has always been committed to giving back to the local community and we’re delighted this has been recognised in this nomination. “We felt the best way to celebrate our anniversary was to thank the community for the support they’ve given us in these 30 years and through the events we’re planning we hope to support some great causes.” Wilby has named Overgate Hospice and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, both based at Elland, as the main recipients of this fundraising activity and are taking donations through the Virgin Money Giving website uk.virginmoneygiving. com/team/wilbyltd
One of Huddersfield’s most recognisable legal figures has retired. Steven Pollitt has stepped down as a partner at Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith after a 42-year career in the legal profession. Also retiring is his long-serving secretary Angela Procter. Mr Pollitt started his legal career in 1972 with Marshall Mills & Sykes, which merged with Eaton Smith & Downey in 1997 to form Eaton Smith. Mr Pollitt made a major contribution to the development of the merged firm. As a senior member of the dispute resolution team, he specialised in civil litigation and employment matters and supervised the firm’s debt collection service, representing businesses of all sizes in a range of sectors. As a high profile figure in the local business community over the years, his roles have included chairing the Huddersfield Town Centre Partnership and being a board member and past president of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce (MYCCI). He also sits as a tribunal judge – a role he will continue to fill along with being presidentelect of the MYCCI. He will also continue to represent Eaton
■■ Steven Pollitt and his secretary Angela Procter, who are both retiring from law firm Eaton Smith
Smith as an ambassador for the firm. As a long-standing thespian with Hepworth Players and lead singer in his own rock ‘n’ roll band – Gerry and the Atricks – Mr Pollitt will be kept busy in his retirement.
Speedy sponsorship deal for David
Dan Miller
Dan’s the man at NatWest NatWest has appointed Dan Miller as new senior relationship manager with the commercial banking team for Huddersfield and Halifax. Mr Miller has been working as a relationship manager at NatWest in Bradford for more than 10 years where he has supported a range of small and medium-sized enterprises with their business goals. In his new role he will
continue to provide banking support and business expertise to SMEs locally. Ian Barnet, director for commercial banking in West Yorkshire at NatWest, said: “I am delighted to welcome Dan to the team. “He is an experienced and successful relationship manager. His appointment reflects our confidence in investing in the Huddersfield and Halifax marketplace.”
Senior partner Andrew Sugden paid tribute, said: “Steven is a much-respected lawyer and his sound advice and good sense has been of great benefit to many in all aspects of the law.”
■■ Bike racer David Brook has landed a sponsorship deal with Arkoni
A Brighouse-based glazing and metalworking specialist has moved up a gear after agreeing to sponsor an up-and-coming competitor in the world of motor sport. Arkoni, based at Armytage Road, will support Thundersport GB Superstock 1000 class motorcyclist David Brook, of Bradford, throughout the 2014 season. David, 27, will compete on his Arkoni Ltd Kawasaki ZX10. Arkoni managing director and founder Mark Prentice said: “We’re all taking a close interest in his races and all rooting for him. It makes a lot of sense to
associate ourselves with a local star with strong prospects for national success. David said: “This is a perfect partnership that keeps us all on track for success. “Arkoni has shown more than a keen interest in my future and I respect that and thank them for their support.” Arkoni, founded in 1991, specialises in making and installing bespoke staircases, balustrades, canopies, entrance areas and fire resistant glazing on behalf of many of the UK’s major construction firms and architectural practices. The company employs 50 people.
Entrepreneurs bidding to win business award Two Huddersfield entrepreneurs are in the running for a top business award. Robert Whiteside, chief executive of marketing and communications company Adare, and Richard Butterfield, group chairman of Principle Holdings Ltd are among seven Yorkshire business leaders to be shortlisted for the North of England Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards 2014 run by accountancy firm Ernst & Young (EY). Together, the seven businesses employ more than 1,500 people and have combined sales in excess of £310m and encompass sectors including food and drink, marketing and retail.
The seven will compete with entrepreneurs from 21 other firms based in the North West and the North East at the North of England final, which will be held on June 24 at the Lowry Hotel, Manchester. The North of England winners will go on to vie for the title of EY UK Entrepreneur Of The Year 2014. Principle Group, based at Tandem Industrial Estate, Waterloo, was formed in 1987 by Mr Butterfield in an old mill in Scissett – offering a management service for changing signs on commercial buildings. Now it offers a range of consulting, project management, production and implementation services to blue chip clients in a a range of sectors and has offices in
the UK, France, Germany, the USA, Brazil, China and India. Clayton West-based Adare provides marketing and secure communications services to clients in sectors such as financial services, pharmaceuticals, hospitality, leisure and retail. In 2006, Mr Whiteside led a management buy-out of the business and under his leadership, Adare was transformed from a collection of individual firms into a fully integrated organisation under a single brand. Stuart Watson, of EY, said: “Our 2014 Yorkshire finalists have delivered significant growth and responded to their customers’ needs.”