STEWART MARSHALL
FTSE 100 +00.00 0000.15
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014
On the paper trail Interview - Page 3
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AMANDA VIGAR Listening to Jimmy Column - Page 5
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
Yorkshire firms are performing well across most sectors, according to latest research by insolvency trade body R3. In September, the region had the lowest level of manufacturing firms with a higher than normal risk of insolvency – just 16.8% or 1,941 firms compared with a national average of 19.3%. The region was also among the top performing regions in the property, banking, hotels, pubs, restaurants and technology sectors. Of the 10 UK regions surveyed, the only sectors in which Yorkshire came lower than third place was in the professional services and retail sectors. R3 uses research compiled from Bureau van Dijk’s “Fame” database of company information to track the number of businesses in key regional sectors that have a heightened risk of
entering insolvency in the next year. Chris Wood, Yorkshire R3 vice-chairman and partner at Clough Corporate Solutions in Cleckheaton, said: “Generally, we have seen Yorkshire and the Humber remain fairly robust throughout the recession and the strength of key sectors such as manufacturing is helping to drive a stronger recovery than in many other regions. “These latest figures show that our region is in pretty good shape compared with many other parts of the UK. “It is particularly encouraging to see steady improvement across such a wide range of sectors.” Said Mr Wood: “After some tough times, it’s great to see the region’s economy bouncing back, but as ever, we urge businesses to proceed with caution during the recovery phase. “With the prospect of interest rate rises in the not-too-distant future, it is vital to plan ahead and keep a close eye on cash flow.”
■■ Chris Wood, R3 regional vice-chairman
New high for manufacturing mergers and acquisitions The number of merger and acquisition deals involving Yorkshire-based manufacturing firms reached its highest level for six years, says a new industry report. The latest data and analysis from business information group Experian on behalf of law firm Irwin Mitchell showed that Yorkshire manufacturers were the target of 28 deals during the third quarter of 2014. The figure is 27% up on the previous quarter and takes the total number of transactions for the year so far to 69 – just three behind the number completed
in Yorkshire throughout the whole of 2013. This increase – the fourth consecutive quarterly rise – resulted in the Yorkshire region increasing its national share of manufacturing M&A activity to 12.4%. Although this represents an increase compared with the previous three quarters, the region’s share was below that of the South West and the North West. The report also highlighted an increase in the number of manufacturing deals in the region which were private equity backed.
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During July, August and September, six manufacturing deals were financed through private equity, taking the total for the year so far to 12. The report revealed that 21.4% of national PE-backed manufacturing deals were completed in Yorkshire. The year to date figure for the region was 12.5% - the highest percentage recorded by the region since 2008. Andrea Cropley, partner and head of Irwin Mitchell’s corporate team in the North of England, said: “The Yorkshire region had another very strong quarter
with 28 manufacturing-related deals completing during the period. “This is. of course. very encouraging but what was perhaps even more significant was the growing role of private equity. “We have been predicting a significant increase in M&A activity and also calling for companies to consider more closely the private equity option whilst they explore opportunities for developing and growing their business. This is clearly happening and the signs are that this trend will continue into 2015.”
Role models Two directors of a Brighouse firm have become ambassadors for the Females in Factories campaign. Lynn Mowbray and Angela Bailey, of engineering firm Koso Kent Introl, will work alongside other UK industry representatives from various manufacturing organisations to visit their local secondary schools to become role models and showcase some of the fantastic career opportunities available in the industry. Run by Women in Manufacturing, in partnership with Works Management Magazine, the new initiative aims to inspire the next generation of females in UK manufacturing.
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Five stars Five Huddersfield business women have been shortlisted in a number of categories in the 2014 Yorkshire and North East Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Amazon creates more jobs Online retailer Amazon plans to expand its UK workforce by adding 1,000 full-time jobs over the coming months. The US-based firm said the jobs will be created across its eight UK customer fulfilment service centres at Doncaster, Dunfermline, Gourock, Hemel Hempstead, Milton Keynes, Peterborough, Rugeley and Swansea Bay. Amazon, which last week became the latest multinational to be investigated by the European Commission (EC) over its tax affairs, said it
has invested more £1bn at its UK operations and has created over 2,000 jobs in the last two years. It currently employs 6,000 UK staff. In January, the retailer said it would begin Sunday deliveries to seven UK cities - London, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Nottingham, Manchester and Leeds. The firm added that the permanent roles will start on an average of £7.39 per hour and earn up to £8.90 per hour after two years. After a year at Amazon all fulltime staff receive stock grants,
which over the past five years have added an average of 12% to annual base pay. Earlier this month Amazon became the latest firm to face a probe by the European Commission to see if its tax affairs comply with state aid rules. The EC said it will look at a 2003 tax agreement between Luxembourg and the retailer because it said most of Amazon’s European profits are recorded in Luxembourg but are not taxed in the state.
■■ Thorntons now sells more chocolate through commercial channels such as supermarkets than its traditional high street stores. It expects annual profits to meet City forecasts of £9.65m – up by about a third from last time
Thorntons sales slump 12%
Chocolate maker Thorntons said quarterly sales slumped almost 12% due to supermarket demand and a quieter period for its high street stores. The Derbyshire-based firm, which has a store at the Piazza Centre in Huddersfield, said revenues through commercial channels such as supermarkets fell by 12.8% to £20.8m in the 14 weeks to October 4, causing group sales to tumble 11.9% to £41.4m.
It warned last month that as it now sold more products through its commercial channel the timing of orders would cause greater trading fluctuations. Total revenues in its retail unit fell by 10.9% to £20.6m, as it closed 12 stores and relocated another. Like-for-like sales at its retail division slipped by 3.7%, reflecting continued subdued consumer sentiment and a weakness in footfall seen since Easter.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN
American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys
£52.54 £70.52 £41.36 £57.10 1674.55 £50.04 £27.44 46.65 £48.75 £49.74
-0.33 -0.32 -0.03 +0.12 -21.77 -1.30 +0.05
600 Group API Grp Brady Plc Highland Gold Mining Johnson Service Grp London Security M”S Intl Nichols Redhall Group Scapa Grp Youngs
6601/2 4451/8 2171/4 2653/4 4273/4 937 2545/8
-91/2 +3/8 -1 -23/4 -1/2 +71/2 -61/4
167/8 51 73 391/4 57 £231/4 189 961 113/4 131 960
-3/8
AIM
290
BANKS
Barclays Bk Ireland HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart
+11/4 -11/4 +1 /2 -181/2 -1 1
-40 +3 /2 1
2233/8 -1/2 22 +3/8 3 632 /4 +121/2 747/8 +1/4 3601/2 +31/2 1 1099 /2 +11/2
BEVERAGES
Barr (AG) Diageo SABMiller
565 1724 £321/2
-13 -51/2 -3/8
£203/8 229 £271/2
-5 /4 +1/8
CHEMICALS
Croda Elementis 98 Johnsn Mat
1
CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
Balfour Beatty C”R”H Costain Low Bonar Marshalls
1533/4 1282 2851/4 481/4 1903/4
+13/4 -8 -1/4
6061/2 1499
-41/2 +5
-33/4
ELECTRICITY
Drax Gp SSE
ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced Ox Instmts Volex
579 2831/2 2661/2 9671/2 791/8
-6 -103/4 +3/4 -5 +7/8
434 /8 125 525 249 1721/2 5911/2 £241/2 381 4901/4 817 2281/4 2123/4 670
-3 /8 -3/4 -12 -2 -61/2 -51/2 -1/4 +1/2 -93/4 -131/2 -3/4 -33/4 -41/2
EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS
Alliance Trust Br Assets Candover Inv Dunedin Inv Dunedin Sml Edin Invst Electra Private Equity Forgn & C Henderson Smllr Cos North American Inc Scot Am Scottish Mortgage Witan
1
3683/8 433/4 1221/4 923/4 265
-11/8
FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS
Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco Thorntons AB Food Carrs Millg
1557/8 2283/4 1805/8 95
FOOD PRODUCERS £25 1550
+1 /4 -33/4 +11/2 -1/2 1
FTSE closed at
6366.24
REA Hldgs Tate Lyle Unilever
-33/4 +1/2 -31/4
+11/2 -1/8 -45/8 -4 +1/8 +20
4021/2 586 £251/8
-21/2 -21/2
2935/8 872 7651/2 1891 808
+1/4 +11/2 -2 +4 +161/2
GENERAL FINANCIAL
3i Group Close Bros ICAP London StockExch Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV Smith DS Smiths Grp
3561/2 1402 3711/4 1816 1133/4 £201/8 £213/4 1749
GENERAL INDUSTRIALS 2401/8 1188
GENERAL RETAILERS
Ashley L Dixons Carphone Home Retail Inchcape Kingfisher M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith
26 3571/8 1611/2 615 2901/4 3837/8 170 £637/8 £673/8 1004
-7/8 -32 +1/2 +2 -1/4 -3/8 -1/4 -13 -1/2 -12 -1/2 -51/4 +2 -1/2 -11/4 -31/4 -1/2 -1/2 -11/4 -25
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
Smith Nph
9761/2
-141/2
142 377 1483 1289 £511/4 108
-51/2 +15/8 +3 -2 -1/8 -1
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
Aga Rangemaster Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Fenner I”M”I Molins Renold Spirax-Sarco Weir Grp Ferrexpo
2881/8 1135 103 513/4 £263/8 £211/2
-27/8 -7 -41/2 -23/4 -1/8 -1/2
901/2
+23/4
INDUSTRIAL METALS
INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
BBA Aviation
Aviva Friends Life Gp Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Standard Life BSkyB D Mail Tst ITV Johnston Press Pearson Reed Elsevier STV Group Trinity Mirror Utd Business UTV WPP Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kazakhmys Lonmin Rio Tinto
321 /4
-1/2
497 2981/8 2227/8 1731/4 1365 3851/8
+61/2 -1/4 +25/8 +21/2 +51/2 -3/8
880 7131/2 1971/4 33/8 1147 9581/2 336 1403/4 5131/2 200 1139
-61/2 -1/2 +11/4
1
LIFE INSURANCE
MEDIA
MINING
8431/2
-9
6881/2 1933/4
-131/2 -1/8
1260 905 £311/4 4655/8
+5 -51/2 +1/4 +5/8
1040 432 1641/4 2713/4 £217/8 £223/4 £355/8 5291/2
+15 +33/4 -27/8 -13/4 +1/8 +1/2 +31/2
1016 9821/2 675
+2 +81/2 +111/2
MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Inmarsat Vodafone Group
NONLIFE INSURANCE
Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Ins Gp
OIL & GAS PRODUCERS
GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES
Centrica National Grid Pennon Grp Severn United Utils
7
FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
BT Grp Cable & Wireless Comm Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom
96 /4 1903/4 872 £211/2 3
up 26.27
AUTOMOBILES & PARTS
GKN
Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
+0.05
AEROSPACE & DEFENCE
Avon Rbbr BAE Systems Chemring Cobham Meggitt Rolls-Royce Senior
VEDANTA RESOURCES
Local shares
-8 -5 -41/4 -53/4 -111/2 +3 -10
1388 +621/2 677 +151/2 16601/2 +47 1 778 /2 +291/2 2451/8 +35/8 174 +33/4 7 £30 /8 +11/4
BG BP Cairn Energy Premier Oil Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell B Total Tullow Oil
OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
AMEC Petrofac Wood Gp(J)
PERSONAL GOODS
Burberry Gp PZ Cussons
1479 3451/8
+2 -7
£431/2 1370 £513/8
+1/2 -5 -3/4
678 621 5571/2 3161/4 1022 3463/4
-2 -1 -11/2 +1/8 -7 -31/8
3521/2
+23/8
9201/2 1546 1134 139 492 2041/8 2041/8 9401/2 2521/4 1187/8 316 5751/2 511 450 1675/8 1121/2 1620 £311/2
-4 -21 -1 -23/4 +173/8 +7/8 +7/8 +31/2 -31/4 -15/8 -23/8 -41/2 -51/2 -61/8 +13/8 -1/4 +10 +1/4
822 £1153/8 72
-201/2 -1/4
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY
Astrazeneca GlaxoSmithKline Shire
REAL ESTATE
Brit Land Gt Portland Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO
SOFTWARE & COMPUTER SERVICES
Sage Group
SUPPORT SERVICES
Berendsen Bunzl Capita Connect Group De La Rue Elctro Com Electrocomp Experian G4S Hays Homeserve Interserve Menzies J Northgate Prem Farnell Rentokil Travis & P Wolseley
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT
ARM Hldgs IBM Spirent Comms
Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
TOBACCO
£341/8 £257/8
-1/8 -1/4
821/2 £211/2 9411/2 1340 1123/4 1093/8 £241/4 740 £215/8 3241/8 1133/4 1365/8 3373/4 2253/8 135 156 6181/2 5311/8 369 3353/8 £395/8 3481/4
-23/8 -1/2 -7 -8 -13/4 -1 -3/4 -1 -1/4 -11/4 +3 -7/8 -41/2 -33/4 -15 -5 -51/2 -13/8 -6 -83/8
TRAVEL & LEISURE
Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airl Ladbrokes Marston’s Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Punch Taverns Rank Org Restaurant Grp Ryanair Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread William Hill FTSE 100 FTSE 250
INDEX
6366.24 14543.98
+45/8 +26.27 -97.60
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Getting it all down on paper Stewart Marshall is a naturalborn seller. The managing director of Lindley-based paper and print company Riasca has been a salesman almost all his professional life. The 50-year-old company director is just as enthusiastic about closing a deal as he was when he embarked on his business career as a 19-year-old selling conservatories. And it’s as a very hands-on director at Riasca that people know him best. Stewart was born in Kent and lived in Sevenoakes until he was 11 when his father relocated with his job. “Dad worked for Midland Bank and was transferred to Sheffield,” he says. “It was a massive move for me.” Stewart lived in Sheffield until 1999 when he moved to Huddersfield. He now lives at Kirkheaton. “I had a very brief foray into the conservatory industry,” he says. “I then moved into the paper industry as a sales person at a paper merchant taking inbound calls. “I went back into conservatories briefly and then returned to the paper merchant. “I worked at a provincial merchant’s and two years later went to a national paper merchant, Howard Smith, which is now part of Paperlinx. I was developing business with commercial printeers and stationers in East Yorkshire.” In 1999, Stewart was invited to join another company as sales director and spent two years at the firm, BI Printers, before setting up Riasca in 2005 to act as an agent for a French company. Today, Riasca is a highly successful reseller, buying product from paper mills and selling to schools, colleges and office-based businesses with a big demand for stationery, such as accountancy firms, solicitors and estate agents. In 2007, Risaca Paper and Print was formed to focus on selling paper and laminated pouches to schools and colleges, initially in the Kirkburton area. Now it deals with about 120 schools in Kirklees and is expanding to supply schools in Oldham,
Wakefield and Calderdale. Stewart says the success of its links with the education sector is down to Riasca “going the extra mile”. He says: “We don’t just deliver to reception – we deliver it to the teachers’ desks. We are more personable.” Riasca also supplies office furniture. Says Stewart: “The aim is to continue growing. “We’re trying to become the ‘go-to’ people in our industry. People see our van travelling round. We can supply everything from a pack of paper to a full suite of office furniture.” The company has in-house designers and provides print products to customers including Huddersfield Giants, promotional material, spiral-bond notebooks. Stewart says people will always need paper – and views the oftpredicted “paperless office” with wry amusement. He says: “There was a survey which showed that every time someone installs the internet, their paper use goes up by 30% – because they’re always printing out emails.” Stewart started in the conservatory business when he was 19. “I quite enjoyed selling, but I had to work Saturdays and Sundays. “I worked as manager at a Wrangler concession in Top Man.
Stewart Marshall
But everyone I worked with spent their whole time looking forward to their next break. “I saw an advert for a sales person with a paper company – and that was that. “It’s one of those industries that’s hard to get out of once you get in! It’s a big industry, but everyone knows everyone else. “My first love is still going out of the office and opening new accounts. I have a great team who can run things when I’m not here. “I still enjoy going out and seeing people. I even enjoy cold-calling because it presents a bit of a challenge. “However, we are generally selling to people who are receptive. It’s not like selling insurance on the doorastep.” Stewart says: “Our unique selling point is being ‘Rapid, Reliable Riasca’. We don’t let people down. The first school we went to was Dalton School. We’re still dealing with the school today.” Stewart has also built up a wealth of contacts through his social interests. “I played cricket to quite a good level when I was a kid,” he says. “I do a lot of dinghy sailing. I like cricket, rugby and golf. “I was programme editor for Huddersfield RUFC for the past seven years. I was also involved
■■ Stewart Marshall , of paper and office supplies business Riasca
with Sheffield Rugby Club at Abbyedale Park when I lived in the city. I played in the back row until age took over! I don’t think I could take the hits now.” “I used to play cricket for Almondburians and I helped manage the youth teams through 13 to 18. I still play cricket about once a year.” Stewart is a regular at the BNI Terries networking events, held at Hinchliffe’s Farm Shop at Netherton. and was chapter director two years ago. “It’s quite a serious business, but we’re all good friends,” he says. “I’ve been attending for five years, but there are a lot of people who have been there longer.” He recognises that BNI is not everyone’s cup of tea. There’s the 6.30am start and the accent is on generating business, not small talk. “You get out of it what you put in,” says Stewart. “It works because you have to put the effort in. You have to turn up every week and put the work in.” Stewart also attends the First Friday networking events run by Huddersfield accountancy firm Revell Ward, which is well-attended by the local professionals. The feedback he gets from his networking contacts and his clients about the local economy is all positive. “There are a lot of businesses doing well,” he says. “The great thing about being a businessman in Kirklees is that people like to try to do business with others in the area. They prefer to deal with someone who is local. “We are only 20 minutes away from many of the schools we supply and our warehouse is only a mile from the town centre.” Says Stewart: “Huddersfield is really great. There are some good companies here. The success of Huddersfield Town and Huddersfield Giants is reflected in the town itself.” Stewart makes no apologies for making the customer the focus of the business. “You have to look after your customer,” he says. “But just as importantly, you make some good friends as well.”
Role: Managing director Age: 50 Family: Married to Caroline with children Seamus, 24, Kate, 21, Oliver, 21 and Evie, 17 Holidays: We like going to St Ives in Cornwall and to Ireland First job: Paper delivery boy Best thing about the job? The interaction with the customers and the team. I still get a buzz out of selling, developing accounts and looking after the team Worst thing about the job? Illinformed competition. Trust is important at the end of the day Business tip: Never ask anyone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself. I have delivered the paper, driven the van and put together furniture. It goes without saying that you have to look after your customers
Riasca Work: Paper, print and office supplies Site: Lidget Street, Lindley Phone: 01484 463343 Email: sales@riasca.co.uk Web: www. riasca.co.uk
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
Firms in the dark over energy costs More than half of small and medium-sized businesses in Yorkshire are in the dark about their energy costs, a survey has revealed. The study by energy and water consultancy Utilitywise said 65% of SMEs in the region – 229,603 businesses – did not know what they spend on electricity, gas and water as a percentage of their overheads. Only a third can easily see how much electricity, gas and water their business is using and less than a quarter are able to access energy consumption information. Some 59% of small business owners delegate utilities purchasing and management to other staff, including their office manager while 20% of respondents said they look after utility suppliers themselves. More than one in 20 small business bosses admitted they do not know who in their business is responsible for this important overhead. This is despite the rising price of utilities remaining the main source of cost inflation for over half of all small businesses. Many small business owners reviewed their personal domestic utilities provision more regularly than they reviewed supply to their business while 12% never actively review their utilities provision. Utilitywise has set up the Utilitywise Energy Alliance, a new service that uses the collective buying power of thousands of small businesses to get the same competitive energy deals as larger firms.
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Peter Sargent, Partner Richard Kenworthy, Director Begbies Traynor 36 Clare Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2HX www.begbies-traynor.com
KIRKLEES BUS
Enterprising five in line for awards From property to dog grooming and lawyers to social media experts, five Huddersfield businesswomen have been shortlisted in the 2014 Yorkshire and North East Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards. Shortlisted finalists overall include women working in such diverse industries as energy efficiency, technology, clothing, banking, PR, film, theatre, tool refurbishment, law, food and charities, reflecting the specialist knowledge and breadth of experiences of professional women contributing to regional economies. In announcing the shortlist, Griselda Togobo said the standard of entries was one of the highest ever. “The calibre of entries has been increasing year on year, but this year we have a number of outstanding entries, which have attracted women from all ages, all professions and all walks of life,” she said. The outstanding business woman of the year will be selected from the 12 category winners – with the announcement made at a glittering awards ceremony at The Queens Hotel in Leeds on November 28. The shortlisted finalists include previous finalist Helen Thewlis, partner at Ramsdens Solicitors in Huddesrfield, who is a finalist in the category for Corporate Business Leader of the Year. At Ramsdens, she heads the company’s family division and has grown the team from two people to 27 in 12 years. Under her leadership, the team has ranked as “highly recommended” in the 2013/14 Legal 500. Helen has also been appointed president of Huddersfield Law Society. Karen James, an equity partner also working at Ramsdens, is a finalist in the Property Business Woman of the Year category. She joined the company when there was only one full-time conveyancer and an office manager, but now heads a team of 60 people in eight branch offices in the region. She has also set up a specialist team dealing with overseas investors buying new build properties in central London as the property market improves and expands. Amy Wray, of Applegate Properties, Holmfirth, was the winner of the young business woman of the year in last year’s awards. She bought her first property aged just 20, and when all her friends were going out, she worked a parttime job to help her finances and to pay the mortgage on her investment property. She later expanded to offer small commercial lettings and added a sales arm to the business, recently expanding to launch a department for new homes, land and developments. She now employs six staff and recently opened the company’s first high street branch. Maggie Mellor, proprietor of The Dog House in Holmfith, is a finalists in the Start up Business Woman of the Year category. She left her job in local government and took inspiration for a new business when she couldn’t find a suitable dog grooming salon. She retrained and qualified in dog grooming, followed by a business course with PRIME – a Prince’s Trust charity. Her business is now enjoying steady growth and repeat custom. She plans to expand the business through targeted marketing, social media and incentivised customer recommendations, with the ultimate aim of franchising her model. Nicola Mellor, owner of social media management agency Pepamint, is a finalist in the Young Business Woman of the Year category. She set up Pepamint after redundancy. Research told her that small businesses struggle with social
■■ Joanna Lavan (left) a heads the firm’s new Sh Shanghai free Trade Zo
ChinaC sets up in Shan
■■ Maggie Mellor and dog Ben (top) and (clockwise, left to right) Helen Thewlis, Karen James, Nicola Mellor and Amy Wray
media, so she took every course and went to every networking event she could to learn about running a business and gaining contacts. She now has a growing company with 15 clients and is keen to expand and outsource work, with the aim of taking premises and employing staff.
Jannine shortlisted for two top trophies The Batley-born founder of leadership and business coaching consultancy Inspirit Learning Partners has been shortlisted as a finalist in two prestigious annual business awards. Jannine Oates, who runs her business from her home in Halifax, has been shortlisted in the Home-based Business Woman of the year category in the Forward
Ladies 2014 Women in Business Awards – and is a finalist in the Engage category of the 2014 Mumpreneur Awards. Jannine established Inspirit Learning Partners in 2012 to develop, deliver and evaluate performance improvement programmes that encourage people to tap into their personality to achieve success in business.
Her experience also includes delivering leadership programmes for global brands including Adidas and Taylor Made Golf and ongoing work through global management development organisation Dale Carnegie. Jannine is also working alongside Calderdale College, as well as holding the post of vice-chair of the Calderdale branch of the Feder-
ation of Small Businesses. She said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have reached the finals for both of these fantastic award categories.” The Mumpreneur UK award winners will be announced as part of the Mumpreneur UK Conference at the Heart of England Centre in Warwickshire on November 8.
A Kirklees-based con in helping companie ness with China has Shanghai. ConnectChina Ltd quarters at Batley Bu helping companies t investment opportun 2004. Managing director opening the Shangh ConnectChina’s comm its clients in this high “The Shanghai offic many years of expe China” said Joanna. “ Shanghai gives us the closely with our curre ers to provide them port and to help them ness in China to an ev The new office is lo district in Puxi and h staff, led by Qiongya enced in both interna ness. ConnectChina use Trade Zone to re Shanghai, which mak ting up a company i and cheaper than in t The company is dra rience to add its Qui to its range of services panies looking to set the registration proc office space for them. ConnectChina’s ser for firms wanting to d for the first time, tho products from China, set up a presence or s as well as staffing and
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014
SINESS NEWS
and Qiongya Pan, who hanghai office in the one (bottom)
Connect p office nghai
nsultancy specialising es develop their busis opened an office in
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r Joanna Lavan said hai office underscored mitment to supporting growth market. ce is the culmination of erience of working in “Opening an office in e ability to work more ent and future customwith even better supm to develop their busiven higher level.” ocated in the business has a team of bilingual a Pan, who is experiational trade and busi-
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local
MPs must listen to singer Jimmy! As a small business owner, I have been watching the coverage of the various party conferences to learn just what each party is going to do to help ease the lives of the millions, like me, after the election next year. Coincidentally, I unearthed a Jimmy Somerville compilation CD. As I read down the play list, the titles of the songs were exactly the words coming out of my mouth as I listened to the politicians who were trying so hard to win my vote in 2015. “Why? It Ain’t Necessarily So!” So many things unanswered and so many sweeping statements with no proper reason or explanation. What I heard left me “Disenchanted and Screaming” at the TV because their view of “Tomorrow” does nothing substantive to help people running businesses. Quite the reverse in some cases! Obviously that is contrived, but then messages I wanted to see coming out of the conferences were that: Red tape and compliance costs were going to be cut; HMRC would be reviewed root and branch to work with businesses; The draconian and impractical employment laws would be relaxed for smaller businesses; That there would be more incentive for businesses to grow - so many rules kick in when a business reaches a certain size; We would see a big rise in the VAT threshold keeping lots of tradesmen who deal mainly with domestic consumers out of the VAT threshold making it easier for them to make a living without having to raise their prices
THE BUSINESS BATTLEAXE
Intellectual property is the focus of a presentation to follow the annual meeting of the Kirklees branch of the Federation of Small Business (FSB). How to Survive Dragons’ Den – An Introduction to Intellectual Property will take place on Thursday, October 23, at PPG Canalside, Leeds Road, Huddersfield. The annual meeting is open only to full, joint or retired FSB members, but the presentation afterwards is open to members and non-members alike. To book, go to www.fsb.org. uk/w est-yorkshire/fsbevents-calendar. Registration is at 5.45pm for 6pm. The
Kirklees Business Week now under way in Huddersfield
Amanda Vigar just because they need to charge VAT Enforceable and effective sanctions for persistent late payers. Unlike those in jobs, there is no minimum wage for the selfemployed and many really are living in Breadline Britain still, despite the economy showing signs of picking up. Many can’t get credit because they are self-employed or, if they do, they pay a premium rate for it. During the recession, many have drained their savings and maxed out their credit cards to cover the consequences of late payment by customers or even bad debts ,so are paying interest at high rates, whilst their late paying customer is watching Sky TV on their brand new 3D TV. Whoever wins the next election will be the one that has policies that help to stabilise the backbone of the British economy – the small business. To quote more from Jimmy – “Read My Lips”, “Make Me (Us) Feel Mighty Real” and give small businessmen “Something To Live ■■ Jimmy Somerville has provided inspiration for Amanda Vigar’s message to our political hopefuls For!”
Amanda Vigar is managing partner at Holmfirth-based accountants V&A Bell Brown LLP
Patently sound advice from intellectual property experts annual meeting will be followed by a free buffet at 6.30pm for FSB members. Non-members can join the meeting at this time. The presentation at 7pm will be given by Ritchie Daniel and Olivia Gregory, of Appleyard Lees, a firm of patent and trade mark attorneys based in Halifax, Manchester and Leeds. The talk aims to provide some practical guidance on how to understand when you have a “light bulb moment” and what to do next. Knowing what to do with your intellectual property and knowing how to defend yourself can give you an advantage over your competitors.
■■ It’s all kicking off at the John Smith’s Stadium today as the venue hosts the Kirklees Business Conference
Kirklees Business Week has kicked off. A week of activities – organised by the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce – got under way yesterday with a lively Great Kirklees Economic Debate held at Kirklees College. Sean Jarvis, commercial director of Huddersfield Town, took the chair for the event. Among a range of smaller bite-sized seminars, today plays host to Kirklees College’s Peter Jones Enterprise Academy for pre and new startups and Yorkshire’s Got Talent Final Pitch. Here entrepreneurs go headto-head to win a mixture of business support. The conference will kick-off tomorrow from 8am at The John Smith’s Stadium with networking with 4N. It will be followed by the State of the District Panel with famous faces featuring – among others – Michael Steer, of Channel 4’s Educating Yorkshire. Delegates can also delve into the business
journeys of key speakers Green & Black’s chocolate co-founder Jo Fairley and international SuperJam entrepreneur Fraser Doherty free by booking at www.kirkleesbusinessweek.co.uk This year’s conference also features an International Trade Festival at the conference organised by the Yorkshire Asian Business Association, bringing together businesses from worldwide to trade with Kirklees. The Indian Consulate General will be in attendance to open the event, providing the opportunity to seriously affect inward investment from India into Kirklees. Clinics to address business ills include tips on making business owners less busy, marketing and cloud strategies from Kirklees’ best. All places are free and all businesses welcome, altough some events are full already. Book at www. kirkleesbusinessweek. co.uk and follow @ MYBizConfs on Twitter for more information.
QUESTION 2 WHERE ARE YOU NOW? 01484 538351 www.revellward.co.uk Have you ever wanted to know how you fare against your competition? At Revell Ward we encourage all our clients to benchmark themselves using our specialised software. Each client obtains an initial report which summarises how the business fares in key areas against other businesses in the same sector. If this proves useful a more detailed report can be produced. At Revell Ward we pride ourselves in “Adding to Business” and our aim is to increase the value of your business and minimise the amount of tax you pay. The first stage is to undertake a current valuation of your business and then work with you to keep you on track to increase that value in the future. This is the second step in the Revell Ward Wheel of Fortune which looks at the ways we go about “Adding to Business” to make you more money. We are running a series of seminars on the Wheel of Fortune, to register your interest email krishna.patel@revellward.co.uk or call 01484 538351.
Revell Ward LLP, 7th Floor, 30 Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2HG. 01484 538351 or enquiries@revellward.co.uk
6
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Court case sheds light on leasehold matters
Students put on the tile Students from Huddersfield University were successful in a design project sponsored by British Ceramic Tile as part of the threeday Flooring Show 2014 in Harrogate. The Live Design project showcased the next generation of designers, who were given the task of producing inspirational flooring designs over the period of the show. During the event, five students from the school of art and design competed against each other to design a pattern for a flooring product that would appeal to the “millennial” age group. Mark Rigby, business develop-
ment manager at British Ceramic Tile, had the job of choosing a winner. He said: “Supporting young, British designers is central to British Ceramic Tile’s values and vision as it is this generation who will continue to drive forward design innovation within the industry. “All five students set the bar high with their designs and choosing a winner proved difficult, but Briony Ramsden’s designs stood out for her fusion of floral and geometric elements, clever use of scale, repeating pattern and her interpretation of colour, combining both elements of the trends brief and making them her own. “Her presentation skills were
INFORMED DEVELOPMENT Martin Thompson also second to none. Briony has a very bright future ahead as a designer.” British Ceramic Tile offered £150 to Briony (pictured above with Mr Rigby), while runner-up Alice McBride received a £50 prize.
Visit our Auction Site for the latest news!
10a Kings Mill Lane
LAND AND PROPERTY AUCTION THURS 4 DEC 2014 7PM
Huddersfield, HD1 3AN
Stone built former coach house in need of refurbishment, close to University – potential student let.
Cedar Court Hotel, Lindley Moor Road, Ainley Top, Huddersfield, HD3 3RH
Guide Price: £95,000 plus
126a Trinity Street
153/155 Richardshaw Lane 2 Vacant lock up shops with upper floors suitable for residential conversion STPP. Good investment/refurbishment opportunity.
Substantial stone built character property opposite Greenhead Park and convenient for town centre and University. Ideal 5/6 bed student let following refurbishment. Potential income £29,500 pa.
Guide Price: £30,000 – £40,000 each
Guide Price: £150,000 – £175,000
1 Barum Top
23/27 Dewsbury Road
Retail/hot food takeaway investment. Next to Wetherspoons in town centre. Rental £12,140 pa exc. Upper parts suitable for residential STPP.
Prominent town centre retail/ residential investment/ development opportunity with busy main road frontage and car park.
Guide Price: £135,000 plus
Guide Price: £100,000 plus
3 Church Street
Gatehouse Lodge
Prime town centre retail unit next to Halifax Bank with upper floors suitable for residential conversion STPP. Investment/refurbishment opportunity.
Detached character stone built gatehouse with potential for residential conversion STPP.
Guide Price: £79,500
Guide Price: £95,000 plus
1/3 Oldfield Lane
Private Car Garage and Driveway
Halifax, HX1 1NL
Cleckheaton
Dewsbury, WF13 1JJ
Westfields Road, Mirfield, WF14 9PW
Heckmondwike
Substantial former council offices and WC block situated close to market place. Suitable for a variety of uses STPP. Planning application submitted for hot food takeaway and residential.
Westgate, Almondbury, Huddersfield, HD5 8XJ
Guide Price: TBC
Blackmoorfoot Road, Crosland Moor, Huddersfield, HD4 7AF Ideal equestrian paddock in picturesque rural setting.
Guide Price: £40,000 – £50,000
under the terms of the Lease. At the Court of Appeal, initial judgement was upheld and a new tenancy was declined. The Court outlined the tenants failure to co-operate with the landlord, with regard to access, was a substantial breach of covenant that the landlord could rightfully rely on. In addition, the user clause, for retail trade, created a positive obligation to use the property for that purpose, which the tenant had failed to do. The Court felt that this was also a substantial breach. What is interesting is that the landlord did not need to prove that the breach had affected the rental income at the property or that there would be a decrease in value to the reversion of the property. The decision bolsters the position that landlords can resist lease renewal where there has been substantial breach of the terms of the agreement.
Martin Thompson is a partner in Commercial Property at Armitage Sykes in Huddersfield
Huddersfield, HD1 4DT
Pudsey
Paddock/Grazing Land – 4.93 Acre
Ordinarily, the tenant of a business lease protected by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 has a statutory right to a new lease at the end of the contractual term. A landlord may only oppose an application for a renewal on very specific statutory grounds, which can include where the premises are in disrepair and/or if there are substantial breaches of the lease. If this relates to breaches of covenant by the tenant, the landlord will escape liability to pay compensation to the tenant at the end of the term. In a recent Court of Appeal case, the tenant had a lease of a mixed use premises which was described as a dwelling and shop premises plus a yard area to the rear of the property. The tenant was required to use the property for retail trade. During the term of the lease, the property was not open for trade with the public and the tenant made it difficult for the landlord to have access to inspect the property, which he was entitled to do
Guide Price: £5,000
ALSO AVAILABLE (FURTHER DETAILS TBC) RESIDENTIAL BUILDING LAND – VARIOUS LOCATIONS, WEST YORKSHIRE 0.074 Acres
Battye Street, Dewsbury Application submitted for 2 houses.
0.468 Acres
Battye Street, Heckmondwike Application submitted for 6 houses.
0.61 Acres
Commercial Street, Slaithwaite Consent for 8 flats.
0.55 Acres
Upper Road, Batley Application submitted for 16 flats.
Refrigeration specialist is hot on health and safety Refrigeration and air conditioning specialist Crowther & Shaw has been awarded accreditation from Safecontractor for its commitment to achieving excellence in health and safety. Safecontractor is a leading third party accreditation scheme which recognises very high standards in health and safety management among UK contractors. Crowther & Shaw, which employs 28 people and is based at Lockwood, is mainly involved in the commercial and industrial sectors, specialising in the refrigeration, air conditioning and mechanical services industries with a £3m turnover. The firm’s recent contracts have included projects for schools, hospitals and universities along with a wide range of private sector clients. The company’s application for Safecontractor accreditation was driven by the need for a uniform standard across the business. Managing director Mark Gledhill said: “With our business working for such a wide range of clients and on projects throughout the UK and Europe, we need to continually retain our focus on working safely and being part of the Safecontractor scheme assists us with that aim.” Safecontractor accreditation will enhance the company’s ability to attract new contracts and its commitment to safety will be viewed positively by its insurers when the company liability policy is up for renewal. Safecontractor is applicable to most sectors, although it is particularly relevant to property, food manufacture, facil-
ities management, retail and leisure sectors, all of which are big users of contracted services. John Kinge, technical director of Safecontractor, said, “Major organisations simply cannot afford to run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies in place.” “More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that Crowther & Shaw has done. “The firm’s high standard has set an example which hopefully will be followed by other companies within the sector. “Safecontractor plays a vital role in supporting our clients in meeting their compliance needs, whilst working with their contractors as they progress through the accreditation process.” Under the Safecontractor scheme, businesses undergo a vetting process which examines health and safety procedures and their track record for safe practice. Those companies meeting the high standard are included on a database, which is accessible to registered users only via a website. Client organisations signing up to the scheme can access the database, enabling them to vet potential contractors before they even set foot on site. More than 210 major businesses from several key sectors have signed up to use the scheme when selecting contractors for services such as building, cleaning, maintenance, refurbishment or electrical and mechanical work.
TO LET
Industrial Offices
FOR SALE
Development Industrial
Queens Square, Leeds Road, Huddersfield 165m 2 (1,775 sq ft)
St. Mary’s Avenue, Netherthong, Nr Holmfirth circa 1.05ha (2.6 acres)
IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE Recently redecorated offices with good on-site parking just off main A62 Leeds Road
High quality development land benefitting from outline residential planning consent
TO LET
Industrial
FOR SALE /MAY LET
Retail
PRICE REDUCED
Lowfields Business Park, Elland 746m2 (8,030 sq ft)
303 Old Wakefield Road, Moldgreen, Huddersfield 351m2 (3,773 sq ft)
Modern industrial unit with offices and secure yard, strategically located for M62 (Jcn 24)
Large retail showroom with upper floor, just off Wakefield Road close to University. Joint agent - Bramleys 01484 530361
All enquiries to Alec Michael alec@michaelsteel.co.uk
www.michaelsteel.co.uk
Commercial Residential, Commercial & Industrial Surveyors, Estate Agents, Auctioneers & Property Management Consultants For Sale
BANKFIELD LANE, HUDDERSFIELD HD5 0JE
OLD WAKEFIELD ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD
For Sale
Mixed Use Investment Property
Freehold Commercial Premises
CURRENT RENTALINCOME £27,000 per annum
DUE TO RELOCATION 350.52sqm (3,773sqft)
Exellent opportunity to acquire a mixed use investment property situated in a popular village location with 4 commercial units, with the earliest expiry on the commercial units being February 2016
Prominent main road position Good on-street car parking EPC Asset Rating C
EPC Asset Ratings: No 1 C; No 3 C; No 3a D; No 5 C; No 7 E
For Sale
TRINITY STREET, HUDDERSFIELD HD1 4DT
NEW HEY ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD HD3 4FL
Former Doctors Surgery suitable for conversion/development for a variety of purposes 163.14 sqm (1,756 sqft) Prominent main road position Good car parking Walking distance of Huddersfield town centre EPC Asset Rating D
14 St Georges Square, Huddersfield HD1 1JF
t: 01484 530361 e:
commercial@bramleys1.co.uk
www.bramleys.com/commercial
To Let
Retail premises with living accommodation Sales accommodation extending to 61.94sqm (559sqft) Ancillary storage accommodation in basement First floor 1 bedroom living accommodation Prominent main road position EPC Asset Rating C
8
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
movers and shakers
They’re role models for manufacturing It’s the Fantastic Three A marketing agency has taken on three new recruits – following a surge in new client appointments and the success of previous placement and graduate schemes. Nathan Prout, Laura Nicoll and Oliver Schofield (pictured above, left to right) have joined Birstall-based Fantastic Media. Ms Nicholl, a marketing student from Leeds Beckett University, joins the client services team as junior account executive. During her 52-week placement, she will support the client services team on everyday activi-
ties and work on a range of projects for key clients to gain hands-on experience within the marketing industry. Mr Schofield, an advertising and media graduate from Newcastle University, also joins the client services team while Mr Prout, who is studying interactive media at Huddersfield University, joins the studio team as a multimedia placement. He will be responsible for working closely with the design and client services team to deliver high quality email marketing, design work and a variety of print jobs.
Farm shop renews links A leading local farm shop has renewed its commercial partnership with the PPG Canalside complex in Huddersfield. Haighs Farm Shop, a long-standing traditional family business run and managed by the Haigh family, has supplied produce to the kitchen at Huddersfield Town’s training complex for the past year. Based in Mirfield, Haighs Farm is one of the North’s leading wholesalers and suppliers of fresh farm produce and supplies both the general public and trade throughout West Yorkshire. The deal will also see the distinctive logo of Haighs Farm displayed around the John Smith’s Stadium on Town’s match days as well as seven days a week at PPG Canalside. Town advertising manager Mark Jacobs
(pictured above with George Haigh, of Haighs Farm Shop) said: “As ‘The Yorkshire Club’ we try and supply our produce from our county whenever possible and it is fantastic that we are able to continue our relationship with Haighs Farm Shop, as it is equally as proud of its Yorkshire roots. “The feedback from the staff and customers at the PPG Canalside kitchen over the last 12 months has been excellent, so it’s to everyone’s benefit that this relationship is continuing.” Mr Haigh said: “Many members of our staff are life-long supporters of Huddersfield Town, so last year it made obvious sense to become an official partner of the club. “We’re delighted with how the first year of our new relationship has gone and it was an easy decision to renew the deal for 2014/15.”
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
Two directors of a Brighouse firm have been appointed ambassadors for the national Females in Factories campaign. Lynn Mowbray and Angela Bailey, directors of Brighouse-based engineering firm, Koso Kent Introl, will work alongside other UK industry representatives from various manufacturing organisations to visit their local secondary schools to become role models and showcase some of the fantastic career opportunities available in the industry. Run by Women in Manufacturing, in partnership with Works Management Magazine, the new initiative aims to inspire the next generation of females in UK manufacturing. Lynn Mowbray is operations director at KKI and has worked her way through the industry ranks. She left school at the age of 16 and started her career in purchasing before progressing to management. She gained a Master’s degree while working and studying. At KKI, Lynn manages more than 80 people and is responsible for the execution of orders from sales right through to shipment to the customer, including purchasing, planning, projects and manufacturing. She said: “Before choosing their GCSEs, I would urge teenage girls to explore the diverse opportunities that the sector offers. “For example, an engineering apprenticeship offers the opportunity to go into any industry and gain the right experience and life skills – not forgetting the financial rewards that can be achieved in this highly regarded sector.” Angela is KKI’s health, safety, quality and environment director. She was always keen on science from an early age and achieved a chemistry degree and a PhD. Angela started at KKI as a temp and pro-
■■ Angela Bailey (left) and Lynn Mowbray, of Koso Kent Introl, who are promoting manufacturing among female students
gressed through the business, excelling in buying, quality and special project roles, before being appointed to the board of directors. She is keen for more senior businesswomen to step forward so that young females have someone to aspire to. Angela said: “There are so many interesting manufacturing roles out there. It doesn’t mean you are going to be working on a machine. You could be an engineer, go into design, IT, purchasing or quality. The opportunities are endless. “Young women need to take inspiration from those females already working in manufacturing, who can address those common misconceptions of manufacturing being just
for men.” Only 22% of employees in the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector are female. Just 9% are engineers and only 5% are in management. Women in Manufacturing is a not-for-profit organisation set up to support, attract and retain women in the UK manufacturing sector. By forging links and promoting the activities of industry partners, schools and educational organisations across the UK, the organisation is striving to attain substantial growth and increased breadth of skills and knowledge in the manufacturing talent pool, by actively encouraging diversity.
Law firm lands two awards
■■ Karen James (centre) and the Ramsdens team
Law firm Ramsdens secured two top trophies at a prestigious awards evening. The fifth annual national LFS Conveyancing Conference and Awards featured regional categories and awards for best direct conveyancer, best conveyancing firm as voted by estate agents, best young conveyancer, best website and marketing and use of social media and the best overall conveyancing firm of the year. Ramsdens, which has offices across Kirklees and Calderdale, won the categories for regional conveyancing firm of the year and overall conveyancing firm of the year. Karen James, head of residential property at Ramsdens, said; “I am very privileged to be part of a team of people at Ramsdens who are
truly dedicated, conscientious, hard-working and committed. “I am so thrilled that their efforts have been recognised by our winning the overall conveyancing firm of the year award. “It is an accolade which is an honour to achieve as the competition is tough and the judging process quite rigorous. “Internally, this has been a real morale booster for everyone involved and we are already starting to see the external effects as congratulations are still pouring in from all sectors of the property industry.” The LFS Conveyancing Conference and Awards acknowledge the successes of law firms, solicitors and licensed conveyancers.
Hoyer is taking the driver safety message to Tanzania Haulage specialist Hoyer Petrolog UK is renewing its backing for Transaid, the international development charity focused on transport management and driver training in developing countries.
Hoyer Petrolog, which is part of Hoyer with a depot at Leeds Road in Huddersfield, has previously seconded three trainers to deliver driver and hazardous goods training with Transaid.
Now Chris Hill, one of its senior driver training instructors, will embark on the firm’s fourth trip in support of the charity – this time to Tanzania. Hoyer said that being able to
help drivers in other countries make improvements to driver technique and the handling of dangerous goods had proved personally and professionally fulfilling for its trainers.