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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS 1 4 , Ja n u a r y, 2 0 1 4
The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Winning firm eyes up European plan
Pedal to the metal
AN award-winning company is pressing ahead with its European expansion plans following a “pivotal” year for the business. Meltham-based Disposables UK Group, which moved into bigger premises in July last year and was named Business of the Year at the Examiner Business Awards in November, said it was continuing its ambitious five-year growth plan into new European markets during 2014. Sales director Paul Halliwell said: “2013 was a pivotal year for us. We invested £1.7m into new machinery and moved into larger premises. “We also saw some great sales successes across our brands and we enjoyed continued growth on our Bay West brand, achieving double-digit growth figures for the past three years.” He said: “2014 will see us working smarter. Following the relocation of our four previous premises to one larger site, it is the first time in many years that we are all under one roof and this is a great opportunity to be leaner in both manufacturing and operational terms, and to be more aggressive in selling. “We see 2014 and 2015 as expansion years and – with our aim to almost double turnover from £16m to £30m by 2018 – the next few years will be pivotal.”
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Mr Halliwell said: “2014 will also see us further expand into Europe, following the recent appointment of Glen Staddon as European business manager. “Glen will work closely with me to play a major role in developing our presence in the European market and will be responsible for broadening the Bay West brand in untapped
European markets as well as extending business into existing areas where we already have a presence.” Mr Halliwell said: “With regard to the wider industry, we believe that the manufacturing market in Yorkshire is set to strengthen in 2014, with a higher volume of business available. “However, there will still be challenges ahead. Manufacturers now
Signs of business growth reach record high FIRMS in Yorkshire and the North East are closing the gap, a survey said. More than three-fifths of firms in the region are showing at least one key indicator of growth, according to the latest Business Distress Index from R3, the insolvency trade body. That means the region is close to the record national figure of 68%. R3 has tracked five key indicators of UK business growth since March, 2012, with each indicator measuring the share of UK businesses experiencing that particular sign of growth. During 2013, 44% of businesses in the region reported an increase in sales volumes, compared with 42%
nationally; 41% were investing in new equipment (42% across the UK); and 33% said that market share had grown, compared with 30% nationwide. However, only 29% of businesses in t h e re g i o n we re ex p e r i e n c i n g increased profits (41% nationally) and only 32% said their business was expanding, the same as the national figure. In R3’s latest survey, all indicators have hit record highs across the UK, while four out of five indicators have grown by double-digits since R3’s summer survey – an unprecedented level of growth with Yorkshire close to the national average.
C h r i s Wo o d , Yo r k s h i r e R 3 vice-chairman and partner at Clough Corporate Solutions in Cleckheaton, said: “Following on from R3’s last survey, the latest results are a welcome sign that the recovery is bedding in and gaining ground. “This is very encouraging. We’ve never seen such a rapid improvement from one survey to the next and our region is performing well. “After such a prolonged period of stuttering growth, it’s very nice to be able to talk about good news for a change.” Mr Wood said: “While large businesses are still much more positive than SMEs, it’s very welcome to see
that even smaller firms have shown big improvements in their financial situation since the summer.” Some 66% of businesses with a turnover between £50k and £1m report at least one growth indicator, up from 51% in the summer. R3’s latest survey also measured whether businesses were planning to expand next year. Some 40% of businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North East plan to expand next year – against 44% nationally. The latest survey also found that signs of business distress remain low: in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North East.
FUNDRAISERS are in the pink again. For the fourth season running, Huddersfield Town club partner The Pink Link Ltd will be the title sponsor of the club’s “Pedal for Pounds” fundraising bike ride. This season’s cyclists will follow a route from Arsenal FC to the John Smith’s Stadium – named “‘The Chapman Trail” in honour of the club’s legendary manager Herbert Chapman – in order to raise money for the “Keep It Up” campaign. The campaign raises funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Town’s academy.
examiner.co.uk
■ OPPORTUNITIES: Paul Halliwell (left), sales director at Disposables UK, says the firm will develop its presence in Europe following the appointment of Glen Staddon (right) as European business manager
have to look towards building profits and not buying volume at any price, so that we can all invest and grow stronger as an industry. “How we respond and react to different supply routes will certainly be a consideration. Direct selling through ship-through strategies and e-commerce transaction will bring increasing issues, particularly where people are determined to erode the price differentials within our market. “All this impacts on our traditional routes to market. For the industry, it’s not about how we follow the lead, it’s about how we adapt, harness and embrace these opportunities. “And that’s exactly how we view 2014 – as a year of real opportunity for ourselves and the industry as a whole.” Disposables UK Group is a family-owned business and has been operat i n g fo r 2 6 ye a r s. T h e f i r m manufactures and distributes paper disposables and cleaning and hygiene products for customers in the “away from home” market such as hotels, restaurants, college and universities, sports venues and hospitals. Its Bay West range of washroom dispensers and paper products were chosen for supply in certain areas of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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Seek out quality LANDLORDS have been urged to focus on finding good, reliable tenants rather than searching for high rents – despite prospects for a buoyant sales and rental market. Landlord Assist said tenants were now looking to move into home ownership and Government initiatives were making it easier to meet lending criteria – boosting both home sales and the rental market.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Debenhams stake for Sports Direct THE sportswear empire of Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has snapped up almost 5% of shares in department store Debenhams. Sports Direct International said the stock market purchase, worth about £46m, would allow the companies to consider ways to work together. Debenhams, which issued a profits warning on New Year’s Eve after poor Christmas trading, said it was open-minded about the offer of exploring operational opportunities in order to improve its performance. As well as 409 stores in the UK, Sports Direct has a portfolio of 28 internationally recognised sports, fashion and lifestyle brands including Dunlop, Slazenger, Everlast, Lonsdale and Karrimor. It has outlets at Kingsgate and Great Northern Retail Park in Huddersfield. Mr Ashley set up the business on
■ NET GAIN: Sports Direct, headed by Mike Ashley (above) has taken a near-5% share in Debenhams
leaving school in 1982 and was the sole owner until a stock market listing in March 2007 which netted him £929m. He is executive deputy chairman, but receives no payment.
The company, which has purchased 56.8m shares in Debenhams, has a history of buying strategic stakes in other retailers, most recently JJB Sports. It is the current owner of a near-12% holding in rival JD Sports Fashion. It said: “Sports Direct wishes to explore options at an operational level to work together with Debenhams to create value in the interests of both Sports Direct’s and Debenhams’ shareholders. “This acquisition of shares has taken place without the prior knowledge of the Debenhams board of directors, but Sports Direct has communicated to Debenhams’ board its desire to work together and its intention to be a supportive shareholder.” Debenhams has 240 stores in 29 countries. In the UK, where it has more than 150 stores. the chain has a top five
Homeserve faces £34.5m fine HOME repair and insurance group Homeserve is facing a £34.5m fine b y t h e C i t y r e g u l a t o r fo r a mis-selling scandal – more than £30m higher than it expected. The Walsall-based firm had previously set aside only £6m to meet a penalty by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It was taken by surprise when a draft warning notice by the FCA indicated that the fine would be nearly six times higher, forcing it to issue a statement to investors. The FCA probe looked into mis-selling of household emergency policies and poor handling of customer complaints by the
company, whose products include boiler and central heating breakdown cover and insurance against blocked drains. The scandal has already seen it fined £750,000 by regulator Ofcom in 2012 for silent and abandoned calls. Homeserve said it was setting aside £36m to cover the FCA fine and associated costs – in addition to the £40m already put by to cover compensation for customers. The FCA figure is not final. The group said it would “engage in discussions” with the regulator. It is understood the talks aim to establish how the fine was calculated.
market share in womenswear and menswear and a top 10 share in the market for childrenswear. The company said: “Debenhams notes that Sports Direct intends to be a supportive shareholder and that it wishes to explore options at an operational level to work together. “Debenhams is open-minded with regard to exploring operational opportunities to improve its performance, alongside its own existing and planned initiatives, in order to create value for all Debenhams shareholders.” Cantor Fitzgerald retail analyst Freddie George said the move did not mean Debenhams was “in play'' from a takeover perspective. Mr Ashley’s Sports Direct business is believed to have looked closely at acquiring House of Fraser in the last year.
Sales up for Littlewoods THE owner of online shopping and catalogue brands Littlewoods and Very has reported record Christmas sales – thanks to the explosion in orders from mobiles and tablets. Liverpool-based Shop Direct said sales in the six weeks to December 27 were up 5% on last year, with website traffic from mobiles beating desktops for the first time at 52%. The growth was driven by a 27% surge in sales at its newer Very and isme sites, helping offset a combined 5% fall from heritage brands Littlewoods and KandCo. Its busiest day of the year came on December 2.
Chief executive Alex Baldock predicted that by 2015 every transaction will involve a mobile device at some point in the “customer journey” – from pre-sales to monitoring deliveries and reviewing products. The trend prompted it to more than halve its catalogue distribution last year to about 4m copies. Although that number continues to dwindle, the firm said catalogues continue to serve a core group of customers, particularly for its Littlewoods brand. Year-on-year digital sales have grown by 14% and now represent 84% of total sales.
Page 2 £1.9bn takeover ENGINEER and project manager Amec is set to buy America’s Foster Wheeler in a £1.9bn deal combining two big players in the UK’s oil and gas sector. London-listed Amec employs 29,000 people in about 40 countries and generates annual revenues of £4.2 bn from markets including energy, mining and infrastructure. Foster Wheeler has more than 13,000 staff in more than 30 countries, including in Aberdeen and its operational HQ at Reading. Amec said it has provisionally agreed the terms of a cash and shares deal to buy Foster Wheeler for £1.9bn. The combination would create a new company valued at £5bn. The two firms already work together after recently securing consultancy contracts in Kuwait for the building of a new refinery. Amec said the tie-up with Foster Wheeler would more than double its revenues from growth regions, including through a boost in its Latin America exposure. It will also extend its capabilities in oil and gas from exploration and production to the downstream sector, as well as bring in new customer relationships. Chief executive Samir Brikho said the potential combination was “financially and strategically attractive”. He added: “I believe it would be a compelling proposition for our shareholders, customers and employees.”
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £54.20 +0.15 Gannett 1795.98 -20.76 Hess Corp £49.01 -0.37 Microsoft £21.84 -0.16 Motors Liquidation 45.78 Wal-Mart Stores £47.39 -0.25 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 6243/4 +71/4 BAE Systems 4293/4 -41/4 Rolls-Royce 1245 +6 AIM Brady Plc 78 +31/2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 3893/4 +51/4 BANKS Barclays 2913/4 +81/8 HSBC 677 +13/8 Lloyds Banking Gp 84 +1 Ryl Scotland 368 +111/8 Stan Chart 1292 +51/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1996 +18 SABMiller £301/4 +1/4 CHEMICALS Croda £231/2 +1/8 Elementis 98 2635/8 +15/8 3 Johnsn Mat £33 /4 +5/8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 290 +1/4 Costain 309 +21/4 ELECTRICITY
Drax Gp 819 -1 SSE 1344 -20 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 316 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 454 +2 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 3843/4 +13/8 Cable & Wireless 551/2 -1 Comm Colt Group 128 -1/4 KCOM 1001/4 +41/2 Talktalk Telecom 315 +7/8 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2511/4 +151/4 Sainsbury 3511/4 +51/4 1 Tesco 326 /2 +43/4 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food £265/8 +3/4 Tate Lyle 7751/2 Unilever £24 +1/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3261/4 -41/4 National Grid 777 -41/2 1 Pennon Grp 667 /2 +41/2 Severn 1655 -17 United Utils 6591/2 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 394 +43/4 ICAP 4517/8 -43/4 London StockExch 1800 +1 3 Man Group 89 /4 +27/8 Provident Financial 1710 -2
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Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
285 1741/4 777 £21
-21/2 +2 -41/2 +1/8
FTSE closed at
6757.15 Up 17.21 BG 1315 -41/2 BP 4953/4 -11/4 3 Cairn Energy 271 /4 +1/4 Royal Dutch Shell £217/8 A Royal Dutch Shell £23 B Total £357/8 -1/2 Tullow Oil 878 -311/2 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1105 +26 Petrofac 1258 +15 Wood Gp(J) 649 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1461 -12
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £365/8 +1/8 GlaxoSmithK XD 7 1 Shire £29 /8 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 6451/2 +7 Hamrsn 507 -1 1 Intu Properties 313 /2 -1/4 Land Secs 9951/2 +71/2 SEGRO 3423/4 +31/4 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 509 +3 +3/4 Sage Group 4013/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 939 -11/2 Bunzl 1417 -5 Capita 1037 -6 1 De La Rue 842 /2 -2 -3/4 Electrocomp 2841/8 Experian 1131 +24 G4S 251 +1/4 Hays 136 +21/4 Homeserve 2941/4 +113/4 Menzies J 709 -1/2 3 Rentokil 121 /4 +21/2 Smiths News 2253/4 -9 +3/8 Wolseley £345/8 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 978 +6 Spirent Comms 901/4 -1/8 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £303/8 -3/8 Imperial Tobacco £221/4 +1/8 LEISURE & HOTELS
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+35/8 +1/2 +51/2 +42 -7/8 +31/2 +4 +26 +13 +25/8 -11/4 -11/2 +67/8 +27/8 +67/8 +1/8
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS IT started out as a hobby – but has grown to become a successful business. Now Asad Brown is relishing being his own boss as managing director of computer software specialist Server Start Ltd. Asad launched the business just 10 months ago, but has already seen strong growth in demand for its services, principally web-based software. And its soaring success means he could soon be expanding the company – by making use of Government initiatives aimed at boosting apprenticeships. Server Start Ltd already employs three people at its offices in Marsh supplemented by two web developers based in Ukraine and Slovenia. But Asad says: “I have a vision for this business and I aim to take on more people.” The firm, based at Marsh Mills in Luck Lane, has completed a number of software projects – the most recent being for Huddersfield-based Rapid Hire Centres Ltd. Server Start Ltd has built up an impressive client list. Customers also include Huddersfield-based windows firm Continental Installations Ltd, Crocodile Verandas, Crocodile Garage Doors and A Kahn Design Ltd – the Bradford firm where Asad worked before launching out on his own. Asad, 26, who lives at Mount, attended Salendine Nook High School and studied accounts, IT, business and sociology at Huddersfield Technical College before gaining a degree in accountancy and finance at Huddersfield University in 2009. He says: “I started working as an accounts assistant, but quickly realised it wasn't what I really wanted to do. I stumbled across IT as it started off as a hobby helping local businesses with IT support. Then, after working for a large company for quite some time I built up the confidence to run my own business.” Asad worked for A Kahn Design for more than two years, starting out in accounts and progressing to IT before working in operations as a member of the management board. He says: “I don’t come from a ‘business’ background. My dad’s a driving instructor and my mum’s a school dinner lady. But even at primary school, I seemed to have a knack for business! I used to trade ‘Pogs’ and then football stickers. At university, I was selling textbooks that I bought on Amazon to other students and making a few pounds. Once I’d graduated, I started meeting business people through work and talking about what they had achieved. That gave me the confidence to think I could do something myself. I had a few mentors who helped me out. I listen to their stories and learn from them. “You can learn a lot from the older generation because you can get carried away with your own thoughts sometimes. “You also learn from your mistakes. Everyone has a few trip-ups, but the secret is to learn by them. I have learned how to manage people. Now we are a VAT-registered, limited company and a Microsoft Partner– and we are delivering to clients’ expectations.” Server Safe Ltd provides commercial IT support, including server support, IT audits,
profile
Strong start for Asad software support, websites, CCTV and alarm systems and web-based software – an area in which the company is quickly establishing a name for itself. Web-based software is software which can be used over the internet with a web browser – rather than having to install any CDs, download any software or worry about upgrades or backups. It enables spreadsheets, databases or handwritten notes used to manage different aspects of the business to be incorporated into a series of web-based applications which are all integrated together and provide greater functionality. Each user or staff member has their own login which enables them to manage their respective area – such as stock control, accounting, calendar scheduling, tender management
or warranty management. Server Safe Ltd builds the applications from scratch – enabling systems to be tailor-made to the client’s specific requirements. Says Asad: “Web-based software is still a fairly new market. When we talk to businesses about web-based software, they don’t know what it is, but I think it is going to be the future. We ensure that the solutions we provide deliver everything the customer needs – and more than their current software.” As managing director, Asad says his role is to find out what the client wants, work with the web builders throughout the construction and testing of the systems, ensure the client is satisfied with the end result and provide direction for the company.
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Asad Brown
“My aim is to build long-term relationships with our customers,” he says.”So far, all our business has come from work-of-mouth recommendations.” And his philosophy is simple. “The biggest issue is making sure that software systems work for the benefit of the business rather than the business having to fit into the system, Staff training is also vital. A company’s staff may be used to doing things their way and they need to be trained and encouraged to adopt the system because that will make their jobs easier in the long run. The key to what we do it to create efficiencies which save the company money.” Asad thoroughly enjoys being his own boss. “We are doing well,” he says. “But I am never really satisfied! I’m always driving myself to work harder and harder. I’m always in overdrive!” He admits that it’s hard to switch off. “I have friends in London and I like to go there to see them. But even when I’m relaxing I can’t help thinking about work. Still, if you love what you are doing, it doesn’t feel like hard work. There’s a balance to be struck. You have to work hard and deliver results, but there has to be some leeway.” Asad also argues that if you want to work hard, its important to be in good health. He says: “I like walking. I live near Scammonden, so I go there to exercise. I love the fresh air and the greenery. It beats pounding the streets and breathing in the traffic fumes.”
Role: Managing director Age: 26 Family: Single Holidays: I enjoy European holidays and have been to Milan, Barcelona and Majorca First job: Working at Tradex in Huddersfield when I was a college student Best thing about job: Seeing something develop out of nothing and seeing how a completed project can make life easier for people Worst thing about job: At A Khan Design I was working with 50 other people and speaking to them every day. I miss working with large numbers of people – but I have a vision for this business and I aim to take on more people! Business tip: Give the customer what they want
Server Start Ltd Work: Commercial IT provider Site: Marsh Mills, Luck Lane, Marsh Phone: 01484 968 006 Email: asad@serverstart .co.uk Web:www.serverstart.co.uk
HENRYK ZIENTEK ■ AMBITIONS: Asad Brown, managing director of Server Start Ltd, based at Marsh, doesn’t hail from a business background, but developed a knack for “selling” during his days at school and university
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Social enterprises get a helping hand A ground-breaking £2m incubator fund is offering 0% interest loans to social entrepreneurs across the North of England, including Kirklees. The second round of Social Incubator North will see the best business ideas receive up to £25,000 interest-free loan investment with up to 80 hours of tailored one-to-one business support, peer learning, networking and access to business premises. Social Incubator North is led by Sheffield-based Key Fund in collaboration with the four Northern Social Enterprise Partnerships and Locality. All ideas must come with a social backbone, such as offering employment or training to vulnerable members of the community or delivering a service with green credentials. Sam Tarff, chief executive of Key Fund, said: “A Social Business is one with enterprise and social impact at its heart, meeting social need and establishing a platform for ethical business, whether it’s a private or social enterprise.” The first round of the Social Incubator North, which is co-funded by the Cabinet Office as part of the Big Lottery’s’ Social Incubator Fund, was launched in May. 2013. It received 170 enquiries, with 114 applications. Of those, 33 went on to receive a place on the programme with participants from the North East, North West, East Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber. The scheme aims to create 60 new investment ready businesses across all sectors. Deadline for applications for Round Two is Friday, February 28, 2014. Key Fund has significant experience of successful investment, consortium management and business development for the social enterprise sector. Mr Tarff said: “It’s an incredibly exciting concept as anyone with a competitive and brilliant idea can apply, it doesn’t have to be perfectly formed to start with. “Unlike other funds, it’s geared up to deliver that practical, hands-on support to take ideas step-by-step into reality.” Go to www.socialincubatornorth.org.uk to find out more about how to apply.
KIRKLEES BUSIN
Religion and Sunday work
N a recent case before the Isidered Court of Appeal, it was conwhether or not the
Employment Tribunal (ET) and the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) had properly approached the issue of indirect religious discrimination where a Christian employee had refused to work on Sundays. Mrs Mba, a Christian holding a sabbatarian belief – a belief that Sunday should be a day of rest – was employed as a care officer in a home for children with disabilities and complex care needs. She was required to work on a rota system seven days a week. Despite her employment contract stating that she could be required to work on Sundays, the employer had allowed Mrs Mba to take every Sunday off for about two years under an informal arrangement. However, this arrangement became increasingly hard to manage so the employer started to require Mrs Mba to work Sundays. She refused and brought a claim for religious discrimination. The ET rejected Mrs Mba’s claim finding that the employer could objectively justify the requirement of all care workers to work on Sundays. It also found that such an arrangement was needed to achieve the legitimate aim of continuing to provide
EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Daniel J Krigers
cost-effective care when facing budgetary constraints. The ET accepted that Mrs Mba genuinely and deeply held religious beliefs, but it also considered that her sabbatarian belief was not a “core component of the Christian faith”, i.e. some, but not all, Christians will work on Sundays. Mrs Mba appealed. The EAT dismissed Mrs Mba’s appeal holding that the ET was entitled to take into account the fact that many Christians will work on Sundays when applying the proportionality test. Mrs Mba appealed to the CoA. The CoA ultimately unanimously dismissed the appeal, although it did criticise the ET’s reasoning for limiting itself to looking at the impact on Christians holding the same sabbatarian belief as Mrs Mba. It did, however, hold that there was no viable and practical alternative but to require Mrs Mba to work on
Sundays as required by her employment contract and Mrs Mba had knowingly entered into this. Therefore any reasonable ET would have concluded that the requirement was justified. The most useful, practical point for employers to take away from the decision in this case is that the employer was successful in justifying the requirement to work Sundays even thought it was found to be potentially discriminatory; the main reason being that there was no viable or practicable alternative of running the home effectively without requiring Mrs Mba to work Sundays. Alternative ways of achieving the employer’s legitimate aims must arguably be the focus of any inquiry into proportionality (in addition, in this case at least, to the employee knowingly having signed an employment contract requiring her to work on Sundays).
Daniel J Krigers is an employment law solicitor at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors
Walk on the wild side
LUNCHBOX snack supplier Fruitypot has landed a monster deal. The Bradley-based business has been named as an official partner of Walking With Dinosaurs: The 3D Movie. This marks the third promotional partnership for Fruitypot in just 12 months after two successful links with two ITV flagship shows. Twentieth Century Fox approached Fruitypot after recognising how the firm’s product and the film shared a similar target audience. Fruitypot is conducting an aggressive email marketing campaign, engaging with consumers through a number of different social media channels, running
competitions and giveaways, launching limited edition packaging and building a dedicated Walking With Dinosaurs: The 3D Movie microsite as part of the partnership. The firm worked with parenting website Netmums to give away tickets to the Walking With Dinosaurs: The 3D Movie premiere in London and has also arranged a competition with The Isle of Wight to offer customers a family holiday for four when they purchase a limited
edition Walking With Dinosaurs: The 3D Movie packaged Fruitypot. Sarah Booth, managing director of Fruitypot, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Walking With Dinosaurs: The 3D Movie. Our customers love the limited edition packaging and we are giving away some great prizes over December and January to celebrate the partnership.” Fruitypot, a subsidiary of food service supplier Caterers Choice, was developed to provide a tasty and healthy alternative to sweets, chocolate and crisps. Available in fruit juice and jelly, Fruitypot is a favourite for school lunchboxes, car journeys and trips to the gym.
Internet issues to the fore 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
THE internet provides the topic for forthcoming events organised by the Federation of Small Businesses in Kirklees and Calderdale. Members of the Kirklees branch will hear gust speaker Bruce Bird talk about internet marketing at a meting
to be held from 6pm to 7pm on Thursday at the Canalside Sports Complex, Leeds Road, Huddersfield. The title for the talk is How To Make It Supremely Easy For Prospects To Find Your Local Business.
The Calderdale branch will meet from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Tuesday, January 28, at the Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top to hear Pam Aveyard, of 2yardsmedia, discuss Google+ and the potential for it to help boost business.
■ TIDY MINDED of Zebra, who has Trader Award
Jewelle really s
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INESS NEWS
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Page 5
It’s a whole new ball game for legal team
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A LAW firm with offices in Huddersfield has teamed up with Rugby League club Featherstone Rovers. Chadwick Lawrence, which has offices at Railway Street in the town centre, has agreed a joint partnership deal which sees the law firm appointed as the team’s official legal partner. Chadwick Lawrence will work with the club on a day-to-day basis in a legal, HR and employment law capacity. The firm will be involved in drafting contracts, advising and dealing with immigration matters plus conducting player training presentations and maintaining codes of conduct. Chadwick Lawrence will also enjoy a presence at The Big Fellas Stadium through advertising and sponsorship at the ground. Paul Campbell, partner at Chadwick Lawrence said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Featherstone Rovers as their official legal partner. “This is a key affiliation for us to build our portfolio of long-term relationships with local organisations that are not only mutually beneficial but enjoyable too.” Paul Taylor, commercial manager at
■ CLUBBING TOGETHER: Paul Taylor (left), commercial manager at Featherstone Rovers, with (from left) chief executive Craig Poskitt and Nils O’Donoghue and Paul Campbell, of Chadwick Lawrence
Featherstone Rovers, said: “Having worked with Chadwick Lawrence for some time now, we are thrilled to announce this partnership. “With ambitions high at the club, it is essential we have a first class legal team
behind us, supporting our plans for promotion. The skills, experience and professionalism that Chadwick Lawrence brings will have a real positive impact on the day to day and long-term legal requirements of the club.”
Come and visit the college BUSINESS people and group organisers can enjoy a free tour of Kirklees College’s conferencing facilities at a special event this month. The Huddersfield Centre, based at the Waterfront Quarter, Chapel Hill, is hosting an open day on Monday, January 27, to allow visitors to find out more about the facilities available.
The open day will take the form of a drop-in session from noon to 6pm, so there is no need to book. Visitors will tour the facilities and enjoy refreshments, including free samples of catering menus. They can also meet event co-ordinators to discuss event and conference ideas. College vice principal Melanie Brooke
Training days NEW year demand for gas training has seen trades training provider Brookhouse Training booked to capacity until the end of May this year – which means up to 100 new students will walk through the centre’s doors in 22 weeks. Director James McConnell said: “This is an amazing start to our new year. Last year, there was a distinct dip, especially around the start of 2013, but this year the enquiries haven’t stopped.” The Cleckheaton based gas, plumbing, training and assessment specialist puts this success down to its efforts to develop a centre of excellence and create “the best gas engineers in the employment and self-employment market”. The centre has recently expanded and undergone a wave of refurbishment as well as improving its training with the addition of specific carbon monoxide and fault finding modules. Even the in-house canteen has been improved to offer an overflow room! Mr McConnell said: “Over the last couple of years, we have worked very hard to promote why we should be first choice for anyone serious about a career within the domestic gas industry. “Vitally important is the guaranteed work placement we offer. This isn’t verbal, it’s contracted, and without work experience a gas student will never become a qualified gas engineer.”
said: “I would welcome everyone to come and see the fantastic state of the art conference and meeting rooms we have at Kirklees College.” Meeting rooms and conferencing suites in the new £74m building boast magnificent views across Huddersfield and the newly renovated Huddersfield Canal.
Worries over staff absence ONE in five bosses in Yorkshire have seen staff absence levels rise in the last 12 months, according to research by Close Brothers Asset Finance. The Close Brothers Business Barometer, which canvasses the opinion of owners of small and medium-sized firms on a quarterly basis also showed that 44% of respondents in the region believe their organisation has a problem with employees abusing sick leave. Almost two-thirds of employers surveyed in Yorkshire cited minor illnesses, such as flu, to be the main cause of employee absence, with post-operative recovery the second most common reason for time off work. Mike Randall, chief executive of Close Brothers Asset Finance, said while most sick leave taken was genuine, absenteeism was a growing problem for many local firms. “Our research suggests that a considerable number of employers in Yorkshire are concerned about the level of non-genuine sickness within their organisation,” he said. “In the current climate, many workplaces are already stretched and employers are aware that they have a responsibility to protect their staff from undue stress. “It is important that unauthorised absence is managed consistently and fairly to help minimise the impact on the wider workforce and ensure diligent colleagues aren’t left to pick up the slack on a regular basis.”
HOWARTHS and REVELL WARD present THE PRACTICAL SIDE OF AUTO ENROLMENT 01484 538 351 www.revellward.co.uk
We would like to invite you to a complimentary seminar on Automatic Enrolment with a difference. This seminar will look at the practicalities of implementing the automatic enrolment scheme and how this will impact upon work load. Automatic Enrolment – The Practical Side This seminar is ideal for those involved with payroll and HR who will be ‘at the coalface’ of automatic enrolment. Employers who are worrying about costs and information overload should also find this a refreshing, down to earth and helpful session.
Jennifer Davies, Partner at Revell Ward LLP, works with 100 payroll clients and over the past year has become something of an expert on the subject of automatic enrolment at an operational level. She has developed her own ‘Auto Enrolment Toolkit’ to help clients through the process and beyond. The subject is still a mystery to many employers and payroll managers. Jennifer will remove the mystery and help you to see clearly the issues you will need to tackle – and how to go about it. From April 2014 automatic enrolment will begin to affect those with fewer than 250 employees, so come along to the seminar to be in the know!
The seminar will take place at Howarths offices in Cleckheaton on Tuesday 4 February 2014 between 12.00pm and 2.00pm (including a light lunch), email krishna.patel@revellward.co.uk to book your place. Revell Ward LLP, 7th Floor, 30 Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2HG. 01484 538 351 or enquiries@revellward.co.uk
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
String of successes for property agency TWO major appointments have been announced by chartered surveyors and estate agents Ryder & Dutton. And six of its key personnel have qualified as associates of t h e Roya l I n s t i t u t i o n o f Chartered Surveyors. T h e ag e n c y, wh i c h h a s branches in Huddersfield and Holmfirth, has welcomed associate James Roberts to the board of directors. In addition, Kris Street, manager of the firm’s branch at Shaw in Oldham, has been appointed an associate. Mr Roberts is well-known in the local commercial property market and has been an associate at Ryder & Dutton since May, 2012. Director Richard Powell said: “James brings a wealth of expertise and experience to our board and will help us strengthen our offering to the local business community.” Mr Street has been manager at Shaw for several years. Director James Ebden said: “We are really pleased that Kris has accepted this invitation. He deserves this for his hard work and success over the last few years during a difficult time in the property market and we hope there will now be the opportunity for him to do well in what appears to be an improving market.” The firm has also reported that one director and five associates have qualified as associates of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, entitling
■ HOME WINS: Ryder & Dutton personnel (top, from left) Kris Street, who has been appointed an associate; new director James Roberts; and new associates James White and Wendy Robertson with Jake Rowson (right), Lee Whirehead and Damien O’Grady
them to use the designation Assoc RICS. Director James White is based at the Huddersfield town centre o ff i c e. A s s o c i at e s We n dy Robertson, Stuart North, Lee Whitehead, Jake Rowson and Damien O’Grady are based in property management at Property Management at Springhead, Halifax, Holmfirth, Middleton and Glossop respectively.
Mr Powell said staff training had a high priority – with 11 trainee estate agents recently becoming student members of the National Association of Estate Agents and two trainee lettings agents becoming student members the Association of Residential Lettings agents. All have enrolled to study for either the National Federation of Property Professionals courses in residential estate
agency or residential lettings agency. Mr Powell said: “We are committed to providing our staff with the depth of knowledge needed for them to provide an effective and professional service to our clients in all areas of our business. This is important for today and also for future development particularly in view of the improving property market generally.”
Mutual stars in loans awards YORKSHIRE Building Society has retained its title as Best Offset Mortgage Provider for a third consecutive year in a series of key industry awards. The Bradford-based society, which has its roots in Huddersfield, received the accolade at the Moneynet Personal Finance Awards 2014, when it also won the category for Best First Time Buyer Mortgage Provider.
“We’re really pleased to have retained the Best Offset Mortgage Provider award for another year,” said senior product manager Chris Smith. “The Yorkshire is one of the
biggest high street providers of offset mortgages and we’re unusual in offering an offset alternative across our wide product range. “In addition, the award for
Best First Time Buyer Mortgage Provider is welcome recognition of our efforts to help borrowers across all loan to value levels – as evidenced by the launch of our range of 95% LTV mortgages last year. “As a mutual we are focused on lending responsibly and sustainably in our aim to help all borrowers, including first time buyers, realise their property aspirations.”
Renewable energy in Romania A COMPANY distributing renewable energy technologies has helped install solar energy system in Romania. Elland-based Waxman Renewables teamed up with Stroma NX to help install TiSUN solar thermal solutions for homes in Jibou, Romania. The firms worked closely with charity Hands of Hope to erect
a community building to support 25 homes the charity has already built. Waxman Renewables is the exclusive distributor of TiSUN products in the UK and has a strong relationship with Stroma NX, which has a division on the Isle of Man. Following the construction of the community building, locals
now have the used of sinks, two showers and an industrial washing machine, all of which have warm water available via TiSUN solutions. Planning the best renewable energy solution posed a challenge as Romania sees temperatures plunge to minus 35degC in the winter and soar to 45degC in the summer.
To combat the climate issue, two separate systems were installed so that if one should fail, a backup is available, An interlinked system of valves enables components to be bypassed if necessary. James Vickers of Hands of Hope, said: “The lifestyle of over 100 people will be dramatically changed by this.”
Page 6
‘Supply chains and skills are the key’ SKILLS and supply chains will be key to success for the construction industry during 2014. That’s the view of Paul Moore (pictured), group managing director of construction and development specialist Southdale. Mr Moore, whose company has partnered Kirklees Council on major redevelopment schemes in the district, said: “2013 has been a much more positive year for us and in the wider construction sector. “However, there are some unintended consequences of the positivity in the market which need addressing – because of the financial uncertainty in programming they are creating for contractors. “Throughout the supply chain, shortages brought about by the steady return to health of the construction sector are resulting in demand outstripping supply in many areas. “An example of this is in materials, such as bricks. When the downturn hit, kilns closed, but they have not been re-opened. This means the number of bricks being produced has not been increased to meet current demand, so costs have risen dramatically. “Without some form of action to stabilise the situation, it is impossible for people building affordable homes to price a job with any certainty, and there is no going back because our contract costs are fixed, unlike with those building private homes.” Halifax-based Southdale celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2013 – and the firm’s three regional divisions covering Yorkshire, the North East and the North West are on target for growth over the coming years. Southdale also launched new division Greendale, which will deliver energy efficiency upgrades to homes, as well as taking the firm into the planned maintenance market. Mr Moore said the construction sector also needed to focus on skills – after the recession led people to leave the industry to retain to work in other sectors or move abroad to find alternative employment. “The industry lost a lot of capacity and experience and those people are not coming back,” he said. “We need more training to fill that gap and it will be a slow process, but without that push on skills businesses within the sector will not be able to achieve their potential. “The growth we are seeing is welcome, but consideration of the issues which surround it need to be carefully considered.”
Mike rejoins CBRE PROPERTY agency CBRE has strengthened its northern industrial agency team with the appointment of sector expert Mike Baugh as senior director of national logistics and industrial agency. Mr Baugh returns to CBRE after eight years at DTZ and will work on the firm’s extensive client instructions across the whole of Yorkshire the North East and North Midlands. With instructions on almost 3m sq ft of industrial and distribution stock over some 600 acres of land within the region, CBRE’s Leeds-based team is a dominant force within the northern industrial sector. Mr Baugh has been responsible for some of the region’s major industrial deals, including lettings to Debenhams at Sherburn Distribution Park and Ellbee at Nexus 36, Barnsley.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Page 7
Quality is what counts in our ‘unique market’
LANDLORDS have been urged to focus their efforts ion finding good, reliable tenants rather than go searching for high rents – despite prospects for a buoyant sales and rental market. Tenant eviction and rent recovery service Landlord Assist said landlords over the past few years had enjoyed attractive yields and had been able to set their monthly rent prices at record levels as demand for rented accommodation outstripped supply. But Landlord Assist said that with many tenants now looking to make the move to home ownership and Government initiatives making it easier to meet lending criteria, this could trigger the unusual scenario whereby both the sales and rental market are set to perform strongly and experience exceptional demand. Managing director Graham Kinnear said landlords faced with these unique market conditions should focus their efforts on finding the right tenants rather than risk void periods and the possibility of arrears by pricing themselves out of the reach of new tenants.
Setting the price at the right level would be a distinct benefits to landlords – most notably the reduced likelihood of arrears and secondly the possibility of longer tenancy agreements. Said Mr Kinnear: “At the minute, it is difficult to accurately predict what will happen in the rental market over the coming year because the property sector is faced with a real and unique prospect of both a buoyant sales and rental market taking place at the same time. “We fully expect a growing number of tenants and first-time buyers to try and make the step on to the housing ladder. This could lead to a greater choice of properties to rent in parts of the country, and more competition between landlords for the best tenants. “At the same time, we still believe that there will be a great pool of tenants looking for quality rent accommodation who may be priced out of buying by hikes in house prices which are expected to rise by as much as 6%. Mr Kinnear said: “With the prospect of a buoyant sales and rental market taking place together this will create a lot of
movement across the sector as a whole. “Faced with this situation, it is tempting for landlords to set their rent levels high – but instead it’s better for landlords to focus their efforts on attracting the right type of tenant for their property at the right price as it is unclear how long both sectors can sustain these conditions.” Stephen Parry, commercial director at Landlord Assist, said: “Normally, when the sales market picks up it has an impact on the rental market. However, this year we don’t expect that to happen. “This situation, although rare, goes some way to highlighting the severe lack of quality and affordable housing stock across the UK. If house prices continue to increase and rents remain at high levels but wages remain stagnant we could reach a point where an increasing number of people are simply unable to afford their mortgage payments or rent. “It is critical that new housing stock becomes available in the rental market and that landlords are incentivised to increase their portfolios.”
■ BUOYANT SALES: Graham Kinnear, managing director of Landlord Assist
Office transformation follows legal merger A BRIGHOUSE businesses is undergoing an extensive transformation following its merger with a leading law firm. Bearders Solicitors, which was first established in the 1920s, has begun a comprehensive refurbishment of its King Street offices following a recent partnership with Wilkinson Woodward, which also has offices in Huddersfield and Halifax. The work includes a new shop front as well as remodelling and refurbishing the reception area and office space. The shop front was replaced over the Christmas period and new signage will be installed later this month. The office will remain open for business throughout the refurbishment. Richard Smithies of Wilkinson Woodward Bearders at Brighouse, said: “Bearders has been providing legal services to communities across Calderdale for almost a century. As Wilkinson Woodward Bearders, we’re looking
forward to providing a more modern and welcoming environment for both new and existing clients.” Bearders was first established in 1920 by Harold Bearder. In 1946, he was joined by his son, local philanthropic solicitor John Alfred Bearder and in 1977, Richard Smithies opened Bearders’ office in King Street. The Brighouse premises are home to the Bearder Charity, set up by John Bearder to benefit the people of Calderdale. The charity awards grants totalling about £120,000 every year to both individual and community projects across the Calder Valley. From its Brighouse offices, Wilkinson Woodward Bearders provides a full range of legal services, including conveyancing, commercial law, wills and probate, as well as family advice and mediation.
Export orders bloom
CLAYWARE specialist Naylor Industries has landed an order for flowerpots – from Japan. The Cawthorne-based business, which draws many of its employees from the Kirklees area – has prepared its first full container of Yorkshire Flowerpots for delivery to Japan. Naylor’s Yorkshire Flowerpots business is the UK’s largest manufacturer of terracotta pots.
The company’s classical British designs and unique frost-proof guarantee distinguish its products from overseas competitors, whose products are often vulnerable to damage in freezing conditions. The Japanese order – for delivery to a distributor in the Tokyo area – follows a number of smaller export orders from Japan, Scandinavia and North America.
FOR SALE DUE TO RELOCATION Birkby Grange
Birkby Hall Road, Huddersfield, HD2 2XB
1 Prestigious Grade II office and
conference premises
1 Residential location 1 Attractive landscaped gardens 1 1,097.5m2 (11,815 sq ft) on a site
of 1.04 Hectares (2.54 Acres)
1 Potential residential/commercial
conversion opportunity subject to planning
1 Additional 0.69 Hectares (1.7 Acres)
residential development site also available
1 Offers invited in the region of
£1.3 million
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Shelagh Hancock
Medina Dairy A SUPPLIER of fresh milk with a processing site in Huddersfield has made a key appointment. Medina Dairy, an independent supplier of fresh milk, dairy and bakery products to the convenience retail and foodservice sector, has announced the appointment of Shelagh Hancock as managing director. Ms Hancock (pictured) was formerly milk business unit director at Milk Link. Her appointment further strengthens the management team at Medina, which operates Buckley's Dairy at Denby Dale and also has a site in Hampshire. Sheazad Hussain, Medina Dairy’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted to have been able to appoint someone of Shelagh Hancock’s calibre and experience as managing director.Shelagh will be responsible for driving forward the performance of the business through the implementation of a highly focused business development programme. “During what has proved to have been a very difficult period for many dairy businesses, Medina has focused on reinforcing its financial and operational base, identifying production and distribution efficiencies and further developing long term, sustainable relationships with a growing number of customers and key suppliers.” Medina Dairy is the largest privately owned liquid dairy processor in the UK. As well as its processing sites, the company has 15 distribution points throughout England and Wales supplying fresh dairy and bakery products daily to customers in the convenience retail and foodservice sectors.
Mike Regnier
Yorkshire BS YORKSHIRE Building Society Group has appointed Mike Regnier as chief commercial officer. Mr Regnier will join the UK’s second largest building society – which has historic roots in Huddersfield – in the new year to support the organisation’s continued growth as a leading financial services provider. He will become an executive director and board member and will be responsible for leading the Group’s product development, marketing and customer experience through all channels. The 42-year-old Oxford University graduate, has almost 20 years’ corporate and financial services experience – most recently as products and marketing director at Lloyds Banking Group where he was responsible for the development and commercial strategy behind the re-entry of the TSB brand. He was formerly personal current accounts director and head of savings at HBOS following management roles at Asda and the Boston Consulting Group. Chris Pilling, chief executive of the Bradford-based society, said “We are delighted to welcome Mike to the Yorkshire and look forward to benefiting from his wide breadth of strategic experience and knowledge in the years to come. “It is vital for our existing and future members that we retain a strong commercial focus at the same time as upholding the mutual values at the core of our business.” Mr Regnier said: “It is a very exciting time to be joining the Yorkshire Building Society Group. By putting customers at the heart of everything it does, the group continues to attract new members and support existing ones and I look forward to contributing to its on-going success.”
Movers and shakers
Page 8
Company backing Pedals for Pounds FUNDRAISERS are in the pink again. For the fourth season running, Huddersfield Town club partner The Pink Link Ltd will be the title sponsor of the club’s “Pedal for Pounds” fundraising bike ride. This season’s cyclists will follow a route from Arsenal FC to the John Smith’s Stadium – named “‘The Chapman Trail” in honour of the club’s legendary manager Herbert Chapman – in order to raise money for the “Keep It Up” campaign. The campaign raises funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Town’s academy. Richard Allen, managing director of The Pink Link, said the firm was “absolutely delighted” to be the main sponsor for The Pink Link Pedal 4 Pounds 5. To mark the firm’s continued backing, Richard joined Pink Link sales and commercial director Vicki Davenport, company mascot Pinky Lynx, Town senior commercial manager Tracy Nelson and supporter partnerships manager Robyn Deegan at the John Smith’s Stadium. Commenting on the bike ride, Richard said: “The challenge is all about courage, determination, honesty and stamina which are qualities that our company brand support and stand for. “We wish all the participants every success in finishing the course and, more importantly, in raising as much money as possible for the ‘Keep It Up’ campaign.”
■ SUPPORT TEAM: Richard Allen (right) and Vicki Davenport (left), of The Pink Link Ltd, with Huddersfield Town senior commercial manager Tracy Nelson (second left) and supporter partnership manager Robyn Deegan with mascot Pinky Lynx at the John Smith's Stadium
Robyn said: “The Pedal for Pounds bike rides are quickly becoming an institution at the football club, just like The Pink Link Ltd’s support for them! “Richard, Vicki and the rest of The Pink Link Ltd team have shown outstanding support for the ‘Keep It Up’ campaign since its inception, not only through the sponsorship of the bike ride but also through their participation. “On behalf of the club – and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance – I would like to thank them for their continued backing of this extremely worthwhile cause.” The Pink Link Ltd is a Netherton-based
family run company, whose distinctively branded trucks are often seen on the roads. The firm has now been supporting Huddersfield Town and its initiatives for the past nine years, having first come on board with the club in 2005. Since 2001, The Pink Link Ltd has raised over £183,000 for causes such as the “Keep It Up” campaign, Yorkshire Cancer Research and the Forget Me Not Trust. There is still time for companies to get involved with P4P5. Contact Mark Jacobs on 01484 484125 or email mark.jacobs@htafc.com
Party time for PopKidz team A CHILDREN’S party hosting company has good cause to celebrate. PopKidz, based at Westbourne Road, Marsh, has been named Business of the Month in the competition run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith in conjunction with the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Government export support arm UKTI. The purpose-designed party venue for children aged three to 16 includes a DJ booth, dance floor, bespoke seating, chandeliers, LED lighting and a cocktail bar where parents can book a stylish, affordable and hassle free birthday party. The business was formed by AJ & Victoria Allan who – while working as a chartered tax adviser – was disappointed with the choice available for a
children’s party and decided on a new business venture. PopKidz opened in 2010 – but the appointment of a full-time manager and additional investment in 2012 allowed the business to advertise and expand – resulting in record bookings and much improved profits for 2013. The judges were impressed by the owners’ enthusiasm and how they had adapted their business to offer exactly what customers want. The firm hosts has tripled bookings in the past 12 months and was named Netmum’s Best Children’s Party Venue for Yorkshire and Humber. It plans to open another venue in Halifax in early 2014 and franchising opportunities are under way.
■ TOP OF THE POPS: Chris Taylor (centre), of Eaton Smith, presents the award to AJ, of PopKiz with (from left) Jo McBeath, UKTI; Alyas Hussain, of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; Chris Brown, of Brantwood Financial Planning; and Jayne Clowes, of Eastwood & Partners
New year networking
LV= is taking the lead
IT’S back to the networking! Following the festive break, networking groups across Kirklees are gearing up for 2014. Among them, My Network is staging its first event of the new year tomorrow. It runs from 9am to 11am at the Media Centre, Northumberland Street in Huddersfield.
AN insurance business with operations in Huddersfield is going to the dogs – in the nicest possible way! LV= – with offices at Folly Hall Mills – is sponsoring the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home display team, which is made up of
The monthly breakfast business networking meetings are free and those attending are welcome to bring a colleague along. My Network is run by supporting partners Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Ramsdens Solicitors, The Media Centre and Better Telecoms.
rescue dogs that perform jumps, hurdles, turns, tricks and obedience tasks at canine agility events across the country. LV= has provided branded coats for the display team dogs and branded T-shirts for the handlers.