FTSE 100
STUART C APSTICK Keeping an eye on things
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Full inter view - Page 3
NICK GARTLAND Economy on the mend? Column - Page 5
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Positive message for creative firms BUSINESSES based at Huddersfield’s Media Centre have plenty to celebrate despite the challenging economy, a survey has revealed. Latest research shows that businesses based in the Media Centre at Northumberland Street are nearly twice as likely to have grown and over three times more likely to have increased employment in the last year than the average Kirklees business. The results from the poll of 68 of the 76 businesses based at the Media Centre express a more positive outlook than the results of the 2011 Kirklees Employer Survey – the most recent to be completed. Nearly 60% of Media Centre-based companies said their turnover had grown in the past year compared to an average across Kirklees of just 31%. Over 45% of companies at the Media Centre increased employment opposed to an average of 15% elsewhere in Kirklees. And 63% of Media Centre tenants expect turnover to grow over the next year against the Kirklees average of 53%. “It is excellent news to hear that once again our clients are experiencing above average growth in their businesses and making a significant contribution to employment in the town,” said Media Centre chief executive
Brent Woods. “I think these results are a reflection of two things. “The creative service providers that make up the majority of businesses based in the centre are seeing renewed confidence amongst their own clients as companies realise that creativity, innovation and marketing excellence are key to survival. “But we also see that basing your business within a positive, supportive business community increases confidence which is exactly what is needed to navigate through the challenges of the ‘new normal’.” The Media Centre, which is a non-profit social enterprise, opened 18 years ago and now provides a home to 76 business across three buildings. Despite the economic downturn, occupancy is running at 75% across the three sites. Mr Woods said occupancy at the Friendly Street building – the most recent of the three to open and already an iconic structure in the town – was at 73% occupancy. That building also boasts the highest concentration of start-ups and micro-businesses at the centre as well as the highest concentration of creative and digital businesses. Mr Woods said: “New tenants are choosing to go into that building
■ CONFIDENCE: Media Centre chief executive Brent Woods
because of the architecture. It feels and looks modern.” Commenting on the survey findings, he said: “We have a lot of similar-sized businesses at a similar point in their lifespan and by bringing them together
we have created a powerful peer support network. “We have a lot of businesses trading with each other and providing services to each other. “We have well-established businesses with wide networks of contacts, so new businesses that choose the media centre can quickly accelerate their networks. “We also have 70-odd ‘virtual’ businesses, people who use the media centre as an address while on-site we have the fastest WiFi of any cafe in Huddersfield, co-working spaces for people to drop in and use as well as more traditional offices and meeting rooms.” Mr Woods said: “The purpose of the Media Centre is to develop a strong creative and digital sector in Huddersfield and Kirklees. “If you are a business based in the Media Centre, you are contributing to growing that sector.” He said the centre had been built to provide a cluster of buildings for creative and digital businesses, but that its role had expanded to work with other sites, including other media centres, Bates Mill and the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre in Huddersfield. And he added: “We are quite proud of our success and occupancy level given the state of the economy.”
Valve company puts added focus on R&D A VALVE company is putting research and development at the heart of its operations with a move to new premises. Severn Unival, which is switching operations from Huddersfield to purpose-built 60,000sq ft premises in Brighouse, is also setting up a dedicated R&D division to focus on solving advanced technical issues faced by its customers. As part of the plan, employees Andrew Bradbury and Frank Buckley have been promoted to lead R&D engineer and R&D engineer respectively. R&D facilities at the Birds Royd Lane site in Brighouse will include a technical drawing office
and a shop floor laboratory where the team will be able to fast-track the testing of new concepts and prototypes. The firm will continue its close links with Huddersfield University and maintain its presence at the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre after the move. Severn Unival managing Director Colin Findlay said: “As we get ready to move into our new premises, the time is right to underline what makes our business so special and successful. “Setting up a team to focus exclusively on R&D will let us maximise our internal knowledge and expertise in a way that brings tangible benefits to our custom-
ers’ industries. “With excellent facilities and equipment at their disposal, Andrew and Frank will be responsible for keeping Severn Unival at the forefront of valve innovation.” Severn Unival’s new £2.5m factory and office development houses a state-of-the-art valve research and innovation centre as well as valve manufacturing, engineering and administrative services. Severn Unival is part of the Severn Glocon Group, which employs 800 people worldwide and won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade in 2011.
■ TALENT FOR TECHNOLOGY: Andrew Bradbury (left) and Frank Buckley have been promoted to lead R&D engineer and R&D engineer respectively at Severn Unival
INSIDE Home fixtures FORTY new affordable homes are ready to let in Heckmondwike – the largest single site to be completed so far under Kirklees Council’s Excellent Homes for Life strategy. The latest completion brings the total number of new homes finished to 166, including 50 homes completed in Huddersfield last month. Excellent Homes for Life is a partnership between the council and Regenter Excellent Homes for Life, a consortium including Wates Living Space and John Laing.
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Charity efforts BIRSTALL digital specialist Ascensor Ltd is going all out to help local charities. The firm is backing several good causes, including the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and the Yorkshire Venture Philanthropy Programme, which encourages the growth of social enterprise in the region. The company has designed and developed new websites for a range of charities while staff have taken part in fundraising events.
● Full story - Page 8
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Axa scrapping 450 bank-based posts
INSURER Axa is cutting 450 jobs in branches of The Co-operative Bank and Yorkshire and Clydesdale banks under plans to end face-to-face financial advice. The French-owned group blamed the decision on the “new regulatory environment”, which last year banned commission payments for financial advice – instead forcing customers to pay up front. Axa has started consulting affected staff, who are based in bank branches across the UK, but employed by the insurance giant. Other firms including HSBC have also cut back on financial advice or restricted it to wealthy customers. Axa UK chief executive Paul Evans said: “AXA UK remains a strong advocate of consumers being able to access affordable advice for their particular investment needs. “Following similar announce-
ments by major retail banks, we are very disappointed that Axa UK must also now withdraw this service having not found a model which balanced the regulatory requirement that the service be profitable in its own right, whilst setting advice fees at an affordable level.” Axa has sold life insurance and savings products through bank branches for the past nine years. Customers will now have to rely on call centres for financial advice. The Government’s shake-up of financial advice, called the Retail Distribution Review, last October banned free financial advice in a bid to stop firms selling unsuitable products. Instead, financial advisers must clearly explain to the customer up-front how much advice will cost and agree how the customer will pay for it. A spokeswoman for Yorkshire and
Clydesdale banks said: “This decision does not impact on any of the advice our customers have received nor on any policies they hold. “We will continue to focus our support for Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank customers across our core r e t a i l a n d bu s i n e s s b a n k i n g strengths.” A Co-operative spokeswoman said: “The financial planning service has been provided by Axa for a number of years and following their decision to withdraw from this market we will now be considering alternative options.” More than 130 of the affected staff are based in Yorkshire and Clydesdale branches, while the rest are in Co-operative branches. Axa, France’s biggest insurer, ■ BANK LOSSES: Axa is withdrawing its employs 160,000 staff around the staff from branches of the Co-operative Bank and the Yorkshire and Clydesdale banks world.
Ladbrokes finds going heavy
Betfair target for buyout
A POOR Cheltenham festival left its mark on bookmaker Ladbrokes after it was forced to scale back expectations for annual profits. The firm, which has more than 2,700 betting shops, said lower revenues from high value gaming customers and the big number of horse racing fixtures lost to the weather also affected its figures for the three months to March 31. Profits were down £13m to £37.4m in the period, including £6m in lost revenues after a good week for punters at the Cheltenham festival last month. Ladbrokes said it expects operating profits for this year to be at the
THE buy-out group behind Formula 1 motor racing has confirmed it is considering a bid for gambling website Betfair. CVC Capital Partners said it has held talks with other investors, including existing Betfair shareholder and entrepreneur Richard Koch, about a possible joint approach for the online betting exchange. Shares in Betfair closed 12% up or 82.5p higher at 782p – the biggest riser on the FTSE 250. Betfair urged investors to do nothing and insisted its recently-revamped strategy will pay off. CVC said it has held preliminary
bottom end of current market forecasts. While trading conditions remain challenging, the firm received a boost this month when 66-1 outsider Auroras Encore won the Grand National at Aintree, triggering a £15m windfall for the group. Other sporting results have also gone in the company’s favour, particularly in football, as the company’s overall gross win percentage improved to 18.9% for the quarter, from 17.2% a year earlier. Ladbrokes has warned it expects takings from gaming machines to slow as the market becomes more competitive.
talks with Mr Koch, private equity investor Antony Ball and other partners about its options for Betfair. CVC added there is no certainty it will make an offer. Betfair chairman Gerald Corbett said the firm was going through one of the “most exciting phases in its development” tand has overhauled its management team. He said: “Our management team is actively implementing the new business plan for the company and we remain fully committed to delivering on the new strategy and providing improved returns for our shareholders.”
Page 2 Region’s job boost YORKSHIRE is the UK region most likely to create jobs over the next 12 months, a survey says. The Barclays Job Creation Survey 2013, which questioned more than 700 UK businesses, found that 68% of firms in the region expect to create jobs this year. Yorkshire is also the UK region showing the biggest improvement – up from 54% in 2012 – whereas London and the South East sees the biggest fall – down to 54% from 70%. The survey also found that 84% of Yorkshire firms are not planning to axe jobs this year. The research also revealed that nationally, 71% of mid-sized businesses* are creating jobs this year – up from 65% in 2012 – while 79% are not contemplating job cuts over the next 12 months. Nationally, 57% of all businesses state they do not want to hire ex-public sector workers – an impression that has remained constant over the past two years. Yorkshire firms are more open with 50% saying they aren’t interested – an improvement on the figure of 73% last year. Tony Walsh, managing director for Barclays Corporate Bank in the North, said: “It’s extremely positive to see that Yorkshire and Humber has come out on top as the region most likely to create new jobs this year. Businesses in the area are also more open to hiring ex-public sector workers, compared to last year.”
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £42.47 -0.41 Gannett 1411.18 -17.95 Hess Corp £45.12 -1.49 Microsoft 1890.06 +10.45 Motors Liquidation 48.97 Wal-Mart Stores £51.70 +0.41 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 395 -31/4 BAE Systems 3961/4 -1/2 Rolls-Royce 1128 -1 AIM Brady Plc 79 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 2557/8 -61/4 BANKS Barclays 2963/4 -21/2 HSBC 6813/8 -63/4 Lloyds Banking Gp 481/2 -1/8 1 Ryl Scotland 280 /4 -43/4 Stan Chart 1613 -17 BEVERAGES Diageo 1996 +9 SABMiller £333/4 -1/2 CHEMICALS Croda £253/4 -3/8 Elementis 98 249 -63/4 3 Johnsn Mat £23 /8 -3/4 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2467/8 -31/4 Costain 2913/4 ELECTRICITY
Drax Gp 624 -1 SSE 1527 -7 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 2091/4 -61/4 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 4335/8 -1/4 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 2775/8 -5/8 Cable & Wireless 421/2 Comm Colt Group 1251/4 +1/2 KCOM 821/8 -1/8 Talktalk Telecom 2675/8 -3 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2803/4 -5/8 Sainsbury 3871/4 +21/8 1 Tesco 385 /8 -25/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1864 +20 Tate Lyle 852 +5 Unilever £28 +1/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3813/4 +21/4 National Grid 803 +101/2 Pennon Grp 654 -11/2 Severn 1733 +27 United Utils 739 +18 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 3243/4 +35/8 ICAP 2923/4 -53/4 London StockExch 1294 -16 1 Man Group 106 /4 +13/4 Provident Financial 1589 -8
Schroders £22 +1/8 Schroders NV 1763 -5 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS REXAM 5231/2 -1/2 Smiths Grp 1250 -3 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 281/2 -1/4 Carphone Whse 1973/4 -31/4 Dixons Retail 353/8 +7/8 Home Retail 155 -11/2 1 Inchcape 508 /2 -41/2 Kingfisher 2921/2 -4 M&S 3971/2 -21/8 Mothercare 315 Next £433/4 WH Smith 7751/2 -9 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 7631/2 +10 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 811/2 -11/8 Barrat Dev 2885/8 +13/4 Persimmon 1132 +9 Reckitt Benckiser £463/8 +1/8 Taylor Wimpey 913/8 -1/4 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 1225 -42 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 167 -143/4 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 2473/8 -23/4 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 3003/8 -21/4
Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life
169 199 1062 2743/4 3471/4 MEDIA BSkyB 844 D Mail Tst 6941/2 1 /2 HIBU ITV 125 Johnston Press 155/8 Pearson 1138 Reed Elsevier 7621/2 STV Group 1331/2 Trinity Mirror 93 Utd Business 689 UTV 156 WPP 1040 MINING Anglo American 1575 Antofagasta 937 BHP Billiton 18241/2 Eurasian Natural 2381/8 Res Fresnillo 1080 Kazakhmys 3403/4 Lonmin 2565/8 Rio Tinto £293/4 VEDANTA 1106 RESOURCES Xstrata 9661/4 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 687 Vodafone Group 191 NONLIFE INSURANCE
+1/4 -21/4 -1 +3/8 -31/8 -171/2 -9 -17/8 -1/8 -5 -2 -15 +27/8 -38 -67 -76 -68 -111/4 -193 -333/4 -213/4 -11/8 -45 -763/4 -11/2 +1/2
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
373 130 803 £223/4
-141/4 +6 +101/2 -5/8
FTSE closed at
6343.60 Down 40.79 Admiral Grp 1321 -29 RSA Insurance Gp 1103/8 +1/2 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1085 -27 BP 4461/2 -11/2 Cairn Energy 2897/8 -33/4 Royal Dutch Shell A £211/8 -1/8 Royal Dutch Shell B £215/8 -1/8 Total £311/4 -1/2 Tullow Oil 1097 -63 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1028 -25 Petrofac 1348 -52 Wood Gp(J) 817 -361/2 PERSONAL GOODS
Burberry Gp 1284 -10 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY 3 Astrazeneca £33 /8 +1/4 GlaxoSmithK XD 61 Shire 1963 -27 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 5781/2 -71/2 Hamrsn 516 -21/2 Intu Properties 336 -51/4 Land Secs 854 -5 1 SEGRO 257 /8 -51/4 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 347 -65/8 Sage Group 3411/8 -5/8 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 737 -15 Bunzl 1284 -8 Capita 874 -6 De La Rue 9441/2 -8 5 Electrocomp 235 /8 -61/8 Experian 1148 -4 G4S 2971/4 -1/4 Hays 991/4 -1 Homeserve 1973/4 -31/4 Menzies J 7011/2 -41/2 Rentokil 971/4 -5/8 Smiths News 183 +1 Wolseley £32 +1/8 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 8961/2 +1/2 Spirent Comms 1233/4 -27/8 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £36 Imperial Tobacco £23 -1/8
TOURIST RATES
LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airl Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread
1391/8 £225/8 8191/2 1138 1023/4 2151/4 1540 677 1934 2503/8 1901/4 3273/8 1971/2 155 2963/4 308 £241/2
+1/8 +41/2 +35 -3/4 -1/2 +1 +21/2 -15 +63/4 -165/8 -7/8 -45/8 -97/8 -5/8 -4 -1/8
FTSE 100
INDEX 6343.60
-40.79
FTSE 250
INDEX 13741.61
-165.19
Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.39 dollars Bangladesh................. 112.74 taka Brazil.............................. 2.70 reals Canada....................... 1.49 dollars China ............................. 8.47 yuan Czech Republic ...... 27.85 korunas Denmark....................... 8.31 krone Euro............................... 1.12 euro Hong Kong................ 11.28 dollars Hungary................... 310.12 forints India.......................... 73.79 rupees Japan........................... 142.90 yen Mexico ....................... 16.52 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.68 dollars Norway ......................... 8.39 krone Pakistan.................. 141.71 rupees Philippines ................. 54.10 pesos South Africa................. 12.94 rand South Korea.............. 1495.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 181.15 rupees Sweden......................... 9.36 krona Switzerland.................. 1.36 francs Taiwan ...................... 39.83 dollars Turkey....................... 2.59 new lira USA ............................ 1.46 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS IT’S a family business with a difference. When Stuart Capstick launched his CCTV monitoring firm seven years ago, he chose to call it Morgan-Verne after his two oldest sons, Morgan, now 13, and eight-year-old Verne. “I wanted the name to refer to something personal to me,” he says. “Naming it after my sons makes it all the more important to me that the business becomes a major success.” Since then, a third son, Elias, has arrived on the scene. So, just to be fair, Stuart has set up a ‘dormant’ company with Elias’ name, explaining: “When he gets older, I don’t want him asking why he doesn’t have a company named after him! Perhaps he will feel inspired to so something with it!” It may seem unsurprising that Stuart eventually found himself in the security business. After all, he grew up in a house just yards away from the imposing Armley gaol in Leeds. But he only got into the industry after working in a variety of jobs in pharmaceuticals, veterinary supplies and haulage. Says Stuart: “As a teenager, I think I was only the second person in Leeds to get on the Government’s Youth Opportunities Programme – the old YOP scheme. I was paid £23 a week and worked at a pharmaceuticals packaging company. “All I did was put tubes on a conveyor belt, but I absolutely loved it.” Stuart progressed to become production supervisor and production manager during his 13 years with the firm before joining a company providing pet beds to veterinary surgeries. In three years, he turned the loss-making business around. He also recalls manning the firm’s trade stand at Crufts Dog Show where he sold one of the firm’s pet beds to acting couple Susan George and Simon McCorkindale – as well as seeing TV presenters Peter Purvis and Angela Rippon. Stuart stayed with the business when it moved to Bury St Edmunds, but did not enjoy his time there. “I left and was out of work for a few years,” he says. “I spent some time using my car to take disabled children to and from school and I did a bit of writing – short stories and so on.” His career path changed when he joined Gagewell Transport, based in Hunslet, as a management trainee. Stuart spent 13 years with the company, which expanded nationwide to become a £15m turnover business before it was bought by Clipper Logistics. “I learned an awful lot from them” says Stuart. He was responsible for setting up Gagewell’s bonded
profile
Face behind the camera warehouse and became systems manager, introducing the first PCs into the business. His administrative duties also put him in charge of site security, including the firm’s CCTV system. “At the time, we had security guards supported by CCTV,” he says. “At one depot, we had an incident where a guard was attacked and injured. We decided it was wrong to put people in harm’s way and we set up a monitoring station instead. “I wondered if having done it for our business – and saved ourselves some money – we could provide a similar monitoring service for others.” The service, run as a “sideline” to Gagewell’s transport business, proved successful, but when Clipper acquired the company they didn’t see the CCTV monitoring arm as core to their ambitions and Stuart bought it from them. Now Morgan-Verne, based at Brighouse, provides round-the-clock remote CCTV monitoring for business premises and residential properties – including the homes of footballers, actors and politicians. Stuart says the security industry still has a poor image. “Everyone thinks of the security man, sitting with his feet up on the desk and reading a newspaper,” he says. “We set out to do things differently from day one and that was to say that the only thing that matters is the customer. “We set out to ‘over-deliver’ by giving people more for the same price. There are things we will do without making extra charges. The idea is to deliver a tailored service – a Rolls Royce for the price of a Ford! “Over-delivering
demonstrates to the customer that we are completely dedicated to them. It builds customer loyalty. We work closely with the CCTV and security system installers as well as the end-user.” Stuart is scathing about traditional monitoring systems which only alert customers to incidents after they have happened. “Some companies think they have got a result if they ‘collar’ an intruder after he has got through the perimeter wire,” says Stuart. “That’s not a result, it’s a failure. Success would be preventing the intruder getting in at all.” And he is keen to make use of emerging technology to enhance MorganVerne’s business. Along with CCTV and audio security monitoring – allowing people monitoring the system to speak directly to the ‘suspect’ on camera – the company is looking at apps for iPads and mobile phones which will
streamline the service and make it even more responsive. “The technology is there, so why not use it?” he says. Stuart, who lives at Heckmondwike, says the recession has resulted in some businesses questioning what they get for the money they spend on security systems, admitting: “It can be difficult because I am not selling a physical product, I am selling a service.” But he says some security firms are committing “commercial suicide” by short-changing their customers and failing to deal properly with any problems that arise – a state of affairs that has fostered a cynical attitude about the industry as a whole. His aim is to show that not every company is the same. Stuart is committed to his business and constantly striving to improve things further. “I wake up in the middle of the night
Page 3 Stuart Capstick
sometimes with an idea,” he says. “It is a bit like ‘work, work, work’ at the moment.” However, Stuart values family time. Middle son Verne plays rugby with Dewsbury Celtic while Elias has recently started to learn to swim. Family outings are also popular, although things don’t always work out as planned! “During the Easter holidays we went to Leeds to see the new Trinity development. We also went on the Leeds Eye,” says Stuart. “I have flown in Concorde at 50,000 feet over the Bay of Biscay and I am not afraid of heights, but I was scared to death on that! “The gondola was swinging and the kids were jumping up and down on the seats – and I was frantically telling them to sit still. The boys, of course, were loving it!”
Role: Managing director Age: 48 Family: Married to Alison with sons Morgan, 13, Verne, eight and Elias, six Car: Ford Mondeo ST, but I’m changing to a Land Rover Holidays: We l ove Fuerteventura in the Canaries – and our static caravan at Reighton Sands, near Filey First job: General assistant at a pharmaceutical firm Best thing about job: Proving the theory that there is a way to deliver really good services and still make a profit Worst thing about job: I hate it that people have been let down in this industry – and have been made cynical about all security companies as a result Business tip: Don’t be frightened. If you have a gut feeling about something, do your research, do your homework and go for it. And listen to your customers
HENRYK ZIENTEK
MorganVerne Work: Remote CCTV monitoring Site: Brighouse Phone: 0844 3843190 Email: stuart @morgan -verne.com Web: www.morganverne.com ■ SECURE BUSINESS: Stuart Capstick at the Brighouse offices of remote CCTV monitoring specialist Morgan Verne
local
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VAT registration ‘is easier online’ NEW businesses in Kirklees which have to register for VAT have been urged to do so online rather than filling in paper forms. HM Revenue & Customs said registering for VAT online was easier, more secure and faster than using a paper form. As well as avoiding postal delays, the online system provides on-screen help and an immediate on-screen acknowledgment that HMRC has received the application. Firms applying for VAT registration online are also automatically enrolled for HMRC’s VAT Online service, enabling the firms to submit VAT returns online.
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KIRKLEES BUSIN
Making safety a top priority COMPANIES putting employees behind the wheel of bigger vehicles for the first time have been urged to make safety their top priority. Dr Will Murray, research director at Huddersfield-based transport consultancy Interactive Driving Systems, said: “As the population ages, the workforce changes and organisations need to take on new recruits, young people and apprentices. “We are seeing an increasing number of employees needing to trade up from driving a car to a bigger commercial vehicle or engineer’s van. “This is a recurring road safety theme for many of the organisations we work with and provides several management challenges.” Dr Murray said those responsible for recruiting and managing drivers had to ensure that those employees driving on business read the manufacturer’s vehicle manual before driving for the first time and take time to learn the features of the vehicle, including its size, handling, blind spots, controls, mirrors, brakes, lights, and seat adjustment as well as practising finding and using the controls and switches. They should understand the manufacturer’s maintenance schedules and requirements for the vehicle and be cautious pulling off, cornering, braking, parking, driving on hills and picking gaps in traffic due to vehicle size and weight considerations as they will not be used to the vehicle in the early days. Dr Murray also advised managers to make sure their staff sing the Safe Driving Pledge and complete the RoadRISK program at
■ DRIVING FORCE: Dr Will Murray, of Interactive Driving Systems www.virtualriskmanager.net He said: “A key area is to provide coaching to drivers on the many differences between driving a car and van, as well as to prepare them before they begin using their new vehicle. “Drivers should listen carefully to any advice and explanations when they collect their new vehicle; adjust mirrors to provide maximum vision and minimise blind spots; understand how to adjust head restraints and seat for comfort and safety and be encouraged to wear their seat belt at all times while driving. “They should make sure the rear or side cargo doors are locked securely before each trip and become familiar
and comfortable with the size and responsiveness of the vehicle by initially driving in an area with little traffic. “They should be in complete control of the vehicle at all times, understand the size and height of the vehicle, including the importance of taking extra caution when approaching bridges and canopies and when driving under overhanging trees.” Dr Murray said drivers should also consider that vans need extra room to turn corners, particularly due to the length of the vehicle and the position of the rear when manoeuvring. Drivers should also be coached to make use of the increased visibility from the higher driving position and remember to use exterior mirrors more often. Other issues include taking tight bends more slowly, recognising that larger vehicles need a much longer braking distance than cars and paying extra attention when reversing or parking – asking a competent person to guide them if their vehicle has blind spots. Said Dr Murray: “Leadership and supervision are key to driver management, particularly for new, young and inexperienced colleagues driving a larger vehicle than they are normally used to.” A management coaching session on work-related road safety can be found at the following link www.virtualriskmanger.net/mission A RiskCOACH guidance document on good practice for managing young and inexperienced drivers is available free by contacting will.murray@virtualriskmanager.net
Petition’s coded message RESIDENT Gerard Hand of the P Institution of Occupational Safety and Health has started an
online petition on behalf of the institution to save the “Management of Health and Safety at Work Approved Code of Practice” that protects workers, business and the economy. Mr Hand said: “The Government plans to cut vital guidelines that help employers to comply with health and safety laws. “Organisations use the ACoP to manage risk and prevent accidents, injury, illness and death in the workplace. “However, the Department for Work and Pensions want to replace the Code with non-approved guidance that lacks the same authority and assurance.” IOSH believes this would be a mistake that could potentially cost lives and is trying to urge the DWP to improve and retain what is already in place. If the petition reaches 100,000 signa-
RISKY BUSINESS Mark Weeks
tures, it triggers consideration and a possible debate in Parliament. Such a debate would draw attention to the issues and supporting MPs and would get the opportunity to make the case for retention. Richard Jones, head of policy and public affairs at IOSH, said: “Many employers rely on the authoritative “special legal” status and assurance of the ACoP to ensure they are legally compliant. Removal could cause confusion and uncertainty. “In a recent consultation, the major-
ity of respondents, including IOSH, wanted the ‘management’ ACoP retained and neither Lord Young nor Professor Löfstedt recommended its withdrawal.” IOSH believes the Government should work with them and others to improve this key approved code, putting good workplace management at the top of its agenda. If you would like to support this petition search online for “Save ACoP”.
Mark Weeks is a risk management consultant at Wilby Ltd
■ SORTED: UK Ma pilot scheme for appr
Firm deli apprentic
A PARCELS delivery operations in Brigho new apprenticeship Yorkshire. UK Mail, which has Brookfoot Business Road, has joined for vocational training p Training to launch th AppForThat, at depo Milton Keynes, Runc If the six-month pilo will be rolled out UK Apprentices will be local job centres an organisations. Each an assessment cent four-week pre-emplo programme delivere Training and its part Successful applican minimum of 12 mon support and start as a permanent positio training, they will wo competency qualific UK Mail as well as re standard salary dur probation period, ra for the role they are three months. The roles on offer ra positions in mail so customer care centr warehouse operatio UK Mail chief execu said: “At UK Mail we about our people an develop the commu “With the company’ record in successfu unemployment on th programme is a grea this ever prevalent is introduce young peo of work.”
Transpor
A FIRM providing IT made an internation Lockwood-based P2 has signed up trans Whittle Eastern Eur to its One Support S Whittle Eastern Eur Barrow, specialise i from central and ea works for some of th known blue chip co P2’s One Support s clients with comple management and su 24/7 monitoring, hel on-site service and P2 director Martin P pleased to be worki prestigious firm.”
NESS NEWS
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T support has nal signing. 2 Technologies sport company ropean Logistics Service. rope, based in in logistics to and astern Europe, and he world’s best ompanies. service provides ete, specialist IT upport, including lp desk response, strategic advice. Page said: “We are ing with such a
local
Seeking positive signs for economy CITY TALK Nick Gartland
E
QUITIES have generally had a strong first quarter with the positive momentum from the end of last year continuing to drive markets higher. Indeed, both US and UK markets are now trading close to multi-year highs, although a degree of notable underperformance has been apparent in the emerging world. Of course, we have been here before. Since 2010, markets have had a strong start to the year, only for volatility to increase towards the summer months. Whether this is the case again remains to be seen. However, the markets seem to continue their bullish trend following a brief slowdown last week. The economic environment in the eurozone remains challenging. The economy has now suffered five consecutive quarters of contraction, bank credit continues to decline and unemployment is at a record high. The consensus view is that the Euro-Area will begin to recover in the second half of this year, which at the moment, appears a rather optimistic forecast. The US is expected to continue on its recovery path during 2013, aided by an improving housing market, falling unemployment and cheaper energy costs. The Federal Reserve has implied that an easy monetary policy stance will stay in place, provided that unemployment is higher than 6.5%, on the assumption that inflation remains subdued. Some slowdown in asset purchases before the end of the year is however still possible. The economic picture for the UK remains disappointing and this has been reflected in a weakening currency. The Budget announcement has confirmed that the government has
continued on a path of fiscal austerity. However, there was also some positive news regarding incentives to buy properties and a generous increase in tax-free personal allowance. In China, policymakers are clearly keen for the economy to evolve to being led by domestic consumption, rather than by investment and exports, which will take some time and will involve major structural changes. The authorities also remain concerned about an overheating housing market, with various measures recently introduced to help cool prices in China’s major cities. A recent lowering of the official inflation target from 4% to 3.5% may also be a signal that the monetary easing cycle has ended and that we can perhaps expect a more hawkish policy approach going forwards. Optimism that the global economy is on the mend, together with an apparent decline in systemic risks, particularly from Europe, have helped to drive equity markets higher during the first quarter of the year. Although obstacles clearly remain, we are optimistic that global equities can continue rising. We would, however note that in the short-term some degree of caution is required – for example, earnings growth expectations for this year are probably still too optimistic, volatility levels are at multi-year lows and bullish sentiment is high. On company level, strong balance sheets and appetite for corporate activity are signals of strength, which fuel our optimism for stock market returns throughout the rest of this year.
Nick Gartland, Senior Financial Planning Director, Investec Wealth & Investment
Page 5
Shop gets rave reviews A HUDDERSFIELD record shop is in the running for a national award. Vinyl Tap at John William Street, is bidding to be named the UK’s best independent record store in the competition run by audio giant Audio-Technica to celebrate Record Store Day on Saturday. Music lovers have been nominating their favourite record shops via Audio-Technica’s Facebook page – giving their view of that it is that makes the shop so special. Now Vinyl Tap joins Pie & Vinyl in Southsea, Love Music in Glasgow, Soundclash in Norwich and The Music Exchange in Nottingham to fight it out for the chance to win £1,000 to put towards a special event for its loyal customers. The store is co-managed by Marc Kershaw
and Matt Scholey. If it is named the winner, they have vowed to put the prize money towards improving the sound system in the shop as well as buying in a few more records and T-shirts! The closing date for voting is tomorrow with the winning store to be announced just before Record Store Day. To vote, go to www.facebook.com/ ausdiotechnicauk Audio-Technica senior UK marketing manager Harvey Roberts said: “The UK is seriously into music and the heart of the industry is the independent record stores, run by fanatics and catering to the fans. “This competition is not only about celebrating Record Store Day and our independents, but about giving something back to the shops and the fans.”
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Northern posting PROPERTY agency DTZ has appointed Tim Cameron-Jones as head of the north business unit. Mr Cameron-Jones has been head of DTZ’s Leeds office since 2004. He joined the Leeds office in 2002 from London. During his time in the city, he led the investment team focusing on the local client base and working with London investors. He said: “After over 10 years with DTZ, I am delighted to take up the role of leading DTZ’s Northern Business Unit. He will work with colleagues Tony Hordon and John Keyes and staff at DTZ offices in Leeds, Newcastle and Manchester. Mr Keyes, who joined DTZ in 2010, is the director leading the public sector consultancy team in the North West region.
property
New homes set to welcome tenants
FORTY new affordable homes are ready for letting in Heckmondwike – the largest single site to be completed so far under the Kirklees Council-backed Excellent Homes for Life strategy. The latest completion brings the total number of new homes finished to 166, including 50 homes that were completed in Huddersfield last month. Excellent Homes for Life is a partnership between the council and Regenter Excellent Homes for Life – a consortium of companies, including Wates Living Space and John Laing). Pinnacle PSG will be managing and maintaining the new homes over the next 20 years on behalf of the council. Clr David Sheard, deputy leader of Kirklees Council, said: “By the end of next year, 466 individuals and families will be living in brand new affordable homes thanks to the Excellent Homes for Life scheme.
“These homes are much-needed and are being spread across the district, all with good access to bus links and local amenities. “The homes in Lobley Street, Heckmondwike, look great and I’m sure those who move in will be very happy here.” The Lobley Street scheme closely follows completion of sites on Lowerhouses Lane in Almondbury and Whitehead Lane in Primrose Hill. Joanne Jamieson, regional managing director for Wates Living Space, said: “We’re delighted to be handing over the keys to Pinnacle to mark the latest milestone in the Excellent Homes for Life project. “March proved to be a busy month for site completions, but we’re ahead of schedule and continue to hand over keys to properties early – giving residents the best possible start to life in their new homes.” John Gilmore, general manager
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Industrial/Land
Calder Trading Estate, off Leeds Road, Bradley, Huddersfield 483 m2 (5,203 sq ft) on up to 1.4 acres Self contained workshop with large yard area just off A62 Leeds Road. Easily accessible to J25 M62
FOR SALE/tO LEt
may split
Commercial
291 Wakefield Road, Lepton Gross income £24,240 pax Mainly occupied commercial property (on inclusive agreements) immediately adjacent A642 Wakefield Road
FOR SALE www.michaelsteel.co.uk
Page 6
Price reduced to only £295,000
All enquiries to Alec Michael at Michael Steel & Co on 0113 234 8999 or email alec@michaelsteel.co.uk
on the project for the Regenter Excellent Homes for Life consortium, said: “Our achievements to date are testament to all the hard work carried out by Kirklees Council and the Regenter Excellent Homes for Life consortium partners. “We look forward to continuing this work over the next year and a half to improve the lives of people across Kirklees.” All of the new homes at Lobley Street have been allocated to people on the council’s housing register, based on their priority of housing need. Over the next few weeks, Pinnacle will show these people around the homes and arrange their tenancies. All homes are expected to be occupied by the end of this month. Colin Hill, of Pinnacle PSG, said: “We look forward to welcoming over 40 new residents to Lobley Street and will be working closely with them.”
■ HOME TEAM: Pictured with the new homes at Heckmondwike are (from left) Kirklees Council project manager Sue Dunn, Wates Living Space project manager Richard Vause, quality inspector Vince White, Wates Living Space commercial manager Mart Swift , Kirklees deputy leader Clr David Sheard, Wates Living Space site manager Chris Kirk, Pinnacle contract manager Colin Hill and Pinnacle housing manager Angela Linden
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Rixonway in £3.2m deal A DEWSBURY kitchen manment for our business. ufacturer has won a five-year “This is a great scheme to contract worth £3.2m to be involved in that will make a provide new kitchens to West huge difference to people’s Lancashire Borough Council lives. Some of the kitchens as part of the biggest ever we’re replacing have been housing regeneration prothere for 30 years, so we’re gramme to take place in the very happy to play our part in area. regenerating the area.” Rixonway will supply 3,788 Clr Adrian Owens, West new kitchens which will be Lancashire Borough Council installed in council homes by portfolio holder for Housing Lovell and Wates after the (Finance), Regeneration and council pledged to invest Estates, said: “We are invest£55m over five years to transing £65m into our housing form its social housing stock. ■ DELIGHTED: Rixonway stock over five years and Thousands of tenants stand director David Anderson £15.5m in the financial year to benefit from the improve2013/2014, which will be our ments that will also see 4,864 bathrooms biggest ever works programme in a single year. replaced, new doors and windows fitted to We are aiming to being a top-performing properties and the installation of new energy landlord by 2020 and installing the new kitefficient heating systems during the same chens is a key part of our improvements programmes.” period. Clr Val Hopley, West Lancashire Borough Work to replace the kitchens is scheduled to start this month. Rixonway’s team of on-site Council portfolio holder for Landlord Serdesigners has begun to visit tenants to help vices, said: “Many tenants have told us that plan the layout of their new kitchens. In total installing new kitchens for them should be one 1,400 kitchens will be installed in the first of our top priorities. “We have listened to what they want and year. Tenants will be able to talk to designers now they will reap the benefits of this new about how they want their new fully fitted investment.” Rixonway will now work with housing kitchen to look and will have a choice of five options for replacement doors, door handles, refurbishment specialists Lovell and Wates who will install the kitchens on their behalf. worktops, wall tiles, flooring and decor. The housing programme is being financed The contract was awarded to Rixonway following a competitive tendering process. through changes to the way councils are Rixonway was recognised for its strong track funded following the introduction of new record in social housing, its competitive self-financing rules in April, 2012. This has products, pricing and a commitment to envir- enabled the council to set its own budgets and invest in their housing stock. onmental practices. Rixonway Kitchens is one of the largest David Anderson, sales and marketing director at Rixonway Kitchens, said: “This is a suppliers of kitchens in the social housing very significant refurbishment project for the sector. The company has already worked with council and we are delighted to have won a many of the largest social housing providers in contract of this size which is a real achieve- the area.
Scotland Farm
Jack Bridge, Colden, Hebden Bridge, HX7 7HR 1 5 bedroom character farmhouse 1 Numerous period features 1 Set in 12.6 Acres (5.11 Hectares) of grazing and woodland 1 Panoramic rural location 1 Gross internal floor area 3,750 sq ft (348.5m2) 1 Double garage and stable block
2 Spinneyfield
Fixby, Huddersfield, HD2 2HX 1 Period character residence 1 Grade II Listed 1 Numerous ornate features 1 Requiring comprehensive renovation 1 Secluded backwater location 1 0.369 Acre plot
Former Council Offices, Day Centre and Residential Facility
The Grange, Ossett Lane, Chickenley, Dewsbury, WF12 8LY 1 Residential development site 1 Prominent corner site – 0.61 Acres 1 639.28m2 (6,878 sq ft) building on 3 floors 1 Building suitable for a variety of uses STPP
Dean Bottom Works
Storthes Hall Lane, Kirkburton, Huddersfield, HD8 0PP 1 8,406 sq ft plus secure yard 1 Good frontage with parking 1 Site area 0.34 Hectares (0.84 Acres) 1 Investment/development/break up opportunity
Land and Buildings at Catherine Slack Farm
Halifax Road, Queensbury, BD13 2NN 1 Residential redevelopment opportunity 1 Potential for 4/5 dwellings 1 Quiet backwater location 1 Backing onto Greenbelt
72 Jackroyd Lane
Newsome, Huddersfield, HD4 6RD 1 Stone cottage 1 Renovation project 1 Elevated semi rural position
5.82 Acres Meadow Land
Halifax Road/Swales Moor Road, Queensbury, BD13 2NN 1 The land comprises 2 fields of meadow land extending
to 5.82 Acres (2.35 Hectares)
Property auction realises £1.84m A PROPERTY agency has reported a 100% success rate at its latest land and property auction in Huddersfield. Walker Singleton Chartered Surveyors reported frenetic bidding in a pack room. All 10 lots – a mix of land, residential, commercial and farm buildings – were sold and collectively realised £1.84m. Highlight of the sale at the Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top, was a grade II listed period residence, Fixby House at Spinneyfield
Fixby. which sold for £265,000. A derelict former public convenience in the centre of Slaithwaite sold for £13,500. Both properties were sold on behalf of
Kirklees Council. Steve Molloy (pictured), partner at Walker Singleton, said: “The interest in the Fixby and Slaithwaite lots was remarkable. “We also had 80 parties view a one-bedroom dilapidated cottage at Newsome prior to sale which achieved £36,000. “It just shows that there are a large number of investors sitting on cash awaiting the right opportunities.” Walker Singleton stages its next sale on June 20.
Fewer fail but output still falls INSOLVENCY levels have fallen among Yorkshire manufacturing and construction firms, according to a survey by accountancy firm PwC. The survey showed there were 52 insolvencies involving manufacturing firms
across Yorkshire and the North East during the first quarter of 2013 – some 30% down on the 75 logged for the same quarter last year and 17% lower than the 63 seen in the final quarter of 2012. The figure for construction firms stood at 77
for the first three months of 2013 against 105 for the same period last year and 86 for the final quarter of 2012. PwC partner Richard Bunter, said the fall in insolvencies in the region was encouraging, but the outlook remained tough.
11.8 Acres Pasture Land
Halifax Road, Queensbury, BD13 2NN 1 The land comprises 10 fields of pasture land extending to
11.8 Acres (4.82 Hectares) fronting and accessed from Halifax Road
9.75 Acres Meadow Land
East of Swales Moor Road, Queensbury, BD13 2NN 1 The land comprises meadow land and woodland extending
to 9.75 Acres (4.82 Hectares)
Former Public Convenience
Church Street, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, HD7 5AS 1 Potential for retail or office use 1 Lapsed planning consent for A1 retail 1 Close to town centre 1 Overlooking canal
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Movers and shakers
Page 8
Giving support to good causes
Adele Whitfield, Chris Taylor, Claire Monkhouse & Kate Booth
Eaton Smith
HUDDERSFIELD law firm Eaton Smith has strengthened its partnership structure with a series of promotions. Adele Whitfield (seated, left) of the firm’s personal injury team, YES PI, has been promoted to partner. She joined the High Street firm in 1993 as a secretary and has worked her way up, first qualifying as a legal executive and then as a solicitor and an associate before joining the partners. She specialises in personal injury law and is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. Chris Taylor (standing, left), Claire Monkhouse (seated right) and Kate Booth (also pictured) have all been promoted to associate. Chris specialises in company/commercial law advising clients across a broad range of commercial areas. Claire is a dispute resolution lawyer dealing with all aspects of commercial litigation as well as being an accredited mediator. Kate is an employment law specialist advising individuals and companies across a range of sectors. Senior partner Andrew Sugden said: “Investing in home-grown talent as well as recruiting professionals from outside of the firm ensures that Eaton Smith continues to offer the highest standards of expertise in all fields. Each of the promotions reflects our acknowledgment of their hard work and professionalism and I congratulate them on their promotions.”
Making a stand TWO leading organisations have joined forces to host a trade show in support of local businesses. The Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses will stage the second Chamber-FSB Trade Show from 3pm to 7.30pm on Tuesday, June 11, at the Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top. Members of both organisations are being urged to take stands at the event. No more than two businesses in each business sector are invited to exhibit and places are allocated on a first come, first serve basis. The trade show is free to attend and will include keynote speakers Kate Hardcastle, of business transformation specialist Insight with Passion; and Michael Bell, president of Huddersfield and District Society of Chartered Accountants. Chamber director Andrew Choi said: “We received some great feedback from last year’s trade show and after another tough year in business it is even more important to promote our members and give a boost to the local economy by demonstrating what local companies have to offer.” Delegates can attend and view the exhibition free of charge. No more than two businesses in each business sector are exhibited and places are allocated on a first come, first serve basis. Would-be exhibitors should make their interest known by April 30, If they are successful, they will be invited to book online. For more information, visit www.mycci.co.uk.
A BIRSTALL company is going all out to help local charities. Digital specialist Ascensor Ltd is backing several good causes, including the Bradley-based Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and the Yorkshire Venture Philanthropy Programme, which encourages the growth of social enterprise in the region. Others include the Community Foundation for Calderdale, the Kirklees-based One Community Foundation and the Yorkshire Children of Courage and Achievement Awards The company, led by founder and managing director Andrew Firth, has designed and developed new websites for a range of charities – helping them to boost fundraising efforts through online marketing. And employees have gone one step further by taking part in fundraising events. Figures from the National Council of Voluntary Organisations show that corpor- ■ FUN RUN: Ascensor staff, including managing director Andrew Firth (right) take part ate social responsibility partnerships gener- in the Hilly Half Marathon ated £2bn for charities in the UK over the Mr Firth said: “We choose to support past year. Businesses are increasingly mov- and holding our hands through the whole those charities that we genuinely believe in. ing away from traditional philanthropy process.” Over the past five years, Ascensor has It gives us an opportunity to give something towards strategic philanthropy – supporting charities that will help causes that the donated more than 700 hours of work, back. By offering our digital marketing expertise to charities we can make a big business believes in and are aligned to their worth more than £40,000. Staff also take part in several fundraising difference to their efforts. objectives. “Each year since we started, we have Jason Costello, partnership development activities. They have completed fundraising director at the Forget Me Not Children’s events for the Forget Me Not Children’s given more and more in this way and this is Hospice, said: “Working with Ascensor is Hospice, including a 26-miles row around set to continue with other charity projects great. The team have been very supportive Loch Ness and the Huddersfield Hilly Half scheduled. Any local charity can apply for in all kinds of ways. They are there for us for Marathon. Later this year, they will take support from us by contacting the Ascensor all our digital needs, delivering the best, part in the Tough Mudder Challenge all in team.” bringing our website into the 21st century aid of the charity. Go to www.ascensor.co.uk
They’re all ready for that factory tour MANUFACTURERS in Kirklees will get the chance to visit an award-winning company. Members of Calderdale and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance will tour the Elland factory of Boxford Ltd, which makes computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing equipment for schools, for use in subjects like design and technology. The company won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2012 for its export achievements and last month welcomed cabinet minister Ken Clarke, who officially opened its new Dewsbury Road premises. The CKMA event will run from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday, April 25. Boxford chairman Howard Barrett said: “It is about a year since Boxford occupied their new factory in Elland, after spending more than 60 years in their former cotton
■ DESTINATION: Boxford Ltd’s factory in Elland will welcome CKMA members mill in Wheatley, Halifax. “After being established during World War Two as a manufacturer of armaments, the company found itself without a product in 1945 and developed a small centre lathe
aimed at the then significant model-making market. “The product was seen by several metalwork teachers with influence and deemed to be, not least because of its size, ideal for school workshops. To some extent, the rest is history. A suite of other manual machines was developed, including drills, mills, shaping machines and grinders, of which the lathes and drills are still current products.” Boxford developed its first computer-controlled machine in the early 1980s and became an education-only supplier towards the end of the 1990s. It now supplies technology departments in secondary schools, colleges, universities and engineering training centres. Email Janet Sparkes at enquiry@ckma.info
Building great connections BUSINESSES were given some timely advice at a networking event . The latest Connection13 event organised by Huddersfield accountancy firm Sheards was held at Huddersfield RUFC’s Waterloo Suite at Lockwood Park. Sheards provided an update
on the introduction of HM Revenue’s Real Time Information system and an overview of key Budget measures and their impact on owner-managed businesses. Gavin Howarth (right), of Cleckheaton-based HR and employment law specialist Howarths also spoke on the topic
Managing out poor performers – Getting rid of dead wood. The next Connections13 event on Thursday, May 23, will feature Tracey Sheldon, of Brug Consultancy, on the importance of planning in business. For details, go to sheardsconn13apr. eventbrite.com