FTSE 100
GERRY NOWICKI He’s in the spotlight
+41.17 6586.11
Full Inter view - Page 3
COLIN BARRATT Taking ownership Column - Page 4
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Technology keeps golfers on course KEEPING your eye on the ball is a basic skill for golfers. Now a Huddersfield company is providing new ball tracking technology to help golfers improve all aspects of their game. MIA Sports Technology, based at Colliery Way, is already a leading distributor of technology products to the European golf market and wider sport industry. The firm supplies equipment including FlightScope, billed as the world’s first Doppler Radar ball tracking product; video analysis tool V1 Pro; p u t t e r- t r a c k i n g p ro d u c t S A M PuttLab; and real-time golf training and teaching system Swinguru. The company can also supply custom-built state-of-the-art “swing studios” where golf professionals can hone their technique. MIA Sports Technology offers a design consultation service during the early planning stages of the studio to ensure the finished result is an efficient, functional and easy to use facility. The specialist team delivers and installs all equipment and tests the system before installation. When the project is complete, the firm provides ongoing technical support. The firm has provided swing studios
■ PUTTING SKILLS: In the Putting Studio at MIA Sports Technology premises at Clayton West are (left to right) Iain Mackenzie, director Andrew Keast, Will Thompson and Kerry Rollin
for venues including Leeds Golf Centre; the Northern Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia; and Al Ain Golf Club in Abu Dhabi, United Arab
Emirates. To showcase the company’s success and innovative ideas, MIA Sports Technology has now created MIA
Sports Solutions – also based in Clayton West in the firm’s newly-built TechExcellence Centre. TechExcellence encompasses three areas. MIA Performance uses state-of-the-art video, lighting, computer technology and high rate cameras to allow golfers to analyse their swing. MIA Putting highlights an area of significant potential for retailers and golf professionals – putter evaluation and assessment. And MIA Training, which occupies a position overlooking both the performance and putting studios, is equipped with hi speed fibre internet and audio visual facilities for corporate training and golf experience days. The company was launched in 2008 by founding directors Malcolm Mackenzie, Iain Mackenzie and Andrew Keast, who have amassed more than 50 years of experience in the industry. MIA Sports Technology moved into its headquarters at Clayton West in 2011 and has enjoyed sustained growth since then – expanding its sales throughout Europe, the Middle East and Australia,. It has more than 1,000 1000 customers across 38 countries and four continents.
Curry firm turns up the heat by going online
■ FAMILY FLAVOUR: Paresh Pejura, who runs Curry Cuisine with wife Prett. displays some of the Dewsbury-based firm’s winning products
A MULTI award-winning business is going online to meet growi n g d e m a n d fo r i t s s p i c y products. Dewsbury-based food and cookery business Curry Cuisine, led by husband and wife Paresh and Prett Pejura, has launched an online shop for its retail range of traditionally handcrafted chutneys, jams, condiments and spice mixes. The continuing growth of the business has led Curry Cuisine to create two websites to differentiate its cookery and retail divisions. The cookery school website – w w w. c u r r y c u i s i n e c o o k e r yschool.co.uk – is more informative and focused on the range of courses and events available. Prett, an ex-management
accountant with blue chip and training expertise, also offers bespoke corporate events for companies such as HBOS – bringing staff out of their normal working environment to interact and team build in a shared cookery experience. The website also links to the company’s online spice shop. The enterprising pair created the company out of a love and passion for cooking Indian food and exploring the diverse cultures and regions of India. Originally founded as a cookery school, Prett’s commercial flair enabled it to flourish and in 2009 saw it diversify into manufacturing for retail. The family recipes were so well-received by customers for their authentic taste and fusion
flavours, that demand was created to develop a retail range. Curry Cuisine became a family affair with Paresh joining the company. Capitalising on his food manufacturing background, he helped Prett to create and develop a range of spice mixes for customers to cook real Indian dishes at home. This developed further with the introduction of their own range of fusion chutneys and pickles under a sub-brand, Chutnees Handmade, in their SALSA accredited manufacturing site in Dewsbury – the majority of which went on to pick up awards. The couple’s new Scrummee spice-inspired jams and fruit sauce range is the latest development to hit retailers.
INSIDE Winning building A HOUSE designed by a Huddersfield firm of architects has won an award. The property at Scarr Top, New Mill, which was designed by Shelley-based Walton Horsfall Partnership, has received an Award for Building Excellence in the 2013 Local Authority Building Control Awards. The house beat three other finalists in the category for Single Dwelling in the West Yorkshire Awards. Entries for the awards are received from the local councils of Kirklees, Leeds, Wakefield, Calderdale and Bradford.
● Full story - Page 6
The most trusted news brand in the business
examiner.co.uk
1 6 , Ju l y, 2 0 1 3
Getting into step A FIRM helping to organise major events across the UK is taking to the dance floor. Marsh-based TG Events has been contracted by Phoenix Dance Theatre to manage all aspects of its production, including all touring and education work as well as performances based in the dance company’s new state-of-the-art venue in Leeds. The link-up comes after the two worked together on the Art Council-backed Leeds Canvas 2012.
● Full story - Page 4
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Page 2
Sales sweeten for retailer Thorntons STRONG sales of chocolate boxes at supermarkets helped retailer Thorntons defy tough conditions on the high street to ring up forecast-beating figures. The group, which has a store at the Piazza Shopping Centre in Huddersfield, said chocolate sales through supermarkets increased by 11.8% during the 10 weeks to June 29, while international sales more than doubled to £900,000 – helping its commercial arm lift sales 21.1% during its fourth quarter. And the retailer reported more progress with its high street stores’ recovery – where underlying sales edged up by 0.5% amid signs consumers are still prepared to treat themselves with indulgent
goods. But total sales in its owned stores fell by 3.8% to £13.9m after 34 closures during the year. The company plans to shrink further to a “sustainable” retail estate of 180 to 200 stores from its current 296 outlets. Analysts at house broker Investec Securities hiked profit forecasts for the year to the end of June by 16% to £5.2m from earlier expectations of £4.5m on the basis of Thorntons’ turnaround success and growing market share. Thorntons chief executive Jonathan Hart said: “Despite being our smallest sales quarter, we have continued to demonstrate the positive
impact of our strategy and the strength of our brand. “The trading environment continues to be challenging. The actions we have taken are delivering positive results reflected by the progressive recovery in our profitability over the past 18 months.” Total sales during the quarter increased by 5.6% to £26.8m. Total sales increased to £221.1m during the year from £218.3m a year earlier. Thorntons said its commercial arm is on track to become its largest division this year. Neil Saunders, managing director of research firm Conlumino, said Thorntons “deserves credit” for modernising its business. He said: “Part of the under-
Mountain on a high
lying issue for the company is the fact that it uncomfortably straddles the two stools of wholesaling and retailing. “In recent years, a push of product through the former channel has undermined the necessity for so many high street stores and has weakened the ability to charge a full price for product. “This coincided with the rise of premium chocolate r iva l s, n o t ably H o t e l Chocolat, which are now better positioned to serve the high street consumer seeking indulgent, luxury product.” He said Thorntons’ growth with supermarkets means it has found a more efficient and effective way of distributing ■ POSITIVE: Thorntons says it is its products and brands. progressing towards recovery
Northern firms more confident
Fewer companies at risk
BUSINESS confidence in the North has risen dramatically, fuelling hopes of a continued uplift in activity during the second half of 2013, said a survey. The latest Business in Britain report from Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking canvasses the views of nearly 1800 UK businesses, including 316 in the North. It showed that firms continue to grow in confidence, driven by expectations of stronger profits, orders and sales over the next six months. The survey’s key Business Confidence Index tracks businesses’ views of likely sales, orders and
THE number of businesses on the brink of going bust is falling at record pace – as a turnaround in regions outside of London helps drive the recovery. A significant decline in businesses under “critical financial distress” across the North East, Yorkshire and Humber and the East of England caused the figure to fall by 39% in the year to June, restructuring specialist Begbies Traynor said. However, it warned that small and medium-sized enterprises continue to face significant risks across the UK, as sudden shocks can plunge them into financial difficulties even during a
profits for the coming six months and presents the overall “balance” of opinion, weighing up the percentage of firms that are positive in outlook against those that are negative. In this latest report, the confidence index has increased in the North by eight points to 22% from 16% in the previous survey at the start of 2013. Leigh Taylor, regional director for Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking in the Midlands and North said: “Businesses are clearly beginning to regain confidence about future trading prospects after years of hesitation and concern.”
recovery period. While the SMEs at risk have been labelled as “zombies” in the past, as a result of their loss-making businesses being propped up by low interest rate loans, Begbies partner Julie Palmer said many are still “chronically under-funded”. The construction, financial and professional services sectors – not including law firms – are leading the recovery, according to the latest Red Flag report from Begbies. Overall, the number of businesses experiencing critical financial problems fell to 3,001 at the end of June against 4,947 a year earlier.
OUTDOOR chain Mountain Warehouse said Britons are getting out and about more than ever as it reported better trading and plans for more stores. Mountain Warehouse reported a 75% leap in pre-tax profits to £7.6m for the year to the end of February, while sales surged by 17% of £75m – as lst year’s poor weather sent demand for fleeces and walking boots surging. Strong trading has continued, with underlying sales up more than 10% this year. It said tent sales more than doubled on a year earlier in the run up to last month’s Glastonbury Festival, which was not held in 2012. The group plans to open another 20 stores over the next financial year to boost its network of 160 sites. Chief executive Mark Neale, who founded the business 15 years ago with a single store in Swindon, said: “Outdoor activity is definitely more popular than ever.” He added that sales could also gain a boost from the recent weakness of sterling as more people holiday in Britain.
M&As fall THE number of UK mergers and acquisitions fell by 17.3% during the first half of 2013. Business information group Experian said there were 2,060 such deals during the six months – down from 2,491 in the first half of 2012.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £51.65 -0.27 Gannett 1746.97 -19.88 Hess Corp £47.22 +0.05 Microsoft £23.84 +0.20 Motors Liquidation 49.71 Wal-Mart Stores £51.14 -0.31 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 448 -63/4 BAE Systems 4281/4 +43/4 Rolls-Royce 1208 +5 AIM Brady Plc 731/2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 3355/8 +3/4 BANKS Barclays 3093/4 +35/8 HSBC 7305/8 +71/2 Lloyds Banking Gp 691/2 +13/4 Ryl Scotland 320 +155/8 1 Stan Chart 1546 /2 +17 BEVERAGES Diageo £201/8 +1/8 SABMiller £325/8 +1/8 CHEMICALS Croda £261/4 +1/8 Elementis 98 2383/4 +23/4 3 Johnsn Mat £28 /8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2203/4 Costain 282 -23/4 ELECTRICITY
Drax Gp 606 -4 SSE 1605 +8 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 1925/8 +1/8 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 4471/2 +7 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 344 +43/4 Cable & Wireless 411/2 -1/8 Comm 1 Colt Group 110 /4 +27/8 KCOM 821/8 +1/4 Talktalk Telecom 2361/4 +11/4 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2843/8 +13/8 Sainsbury 3821/4 -5/8 1 Tesco 353 /8 +35/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1897 +18 Tate Lyle 8671/2 +9 Unilever £281/4 +1/4 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3741/2 +41/4 National Grid 7631/2 +3 Pennon Grp 690 +1/2 Severn 1752 +20 +51/2 United Utils 7111/2 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 3831/8 +93/4 ICAP 3891/4 +21/4 London StockExch 1475 +10 1 Man Group 88 /4 -33/4 Provident Financial 1562 +22
+5/8 Schroders £247/8 Schroders NV 1930 +43 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS REXAM 4811/4 -13/4 Smiths Grp 1396 +25 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 251/4 Carphone Whse 2431/4 -3/4 Dixons Retail 425/8 +1/2 Home Retail 1491/4 +41/8 Inchcape 5361/2 +11/2 Kingfisher 379 +1/2 M&S 469 +27/8 Mothercare 482 +7 Next £48 +3/8 WH Smith 7561/2 +111/2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 7781/2 +2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 881/4 +1/2 Barrat Dev 352 +1 Persimmon 1305 +12 Reckitt Benckiser £47 +1/4 Taylor Wimpey 1077/8 +21/2 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 1364 +5 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 1543/4 +13/4 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 2873/4 -3/4 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 3665/8 +61/8
1893/4 1981/4 1125 3151/4 3873/4 MEDIA BSkyB 8401/2 D Mail Tst 818 1 HIBU /4 ITV 1611/4 Johnston Press 167/8 Pearson 1255 Reed Elsevier 8071/2 STV Group 139 Trinity Mirror 1191/4 Utd Business 694 UTV 149 WPP 1200 MINING Anglo American 13001/2 Antofagasta 823 BHP Billiton 18071/2 Eurasian Natural 2061/8 Res Fresnillo 9581/2 Kazakhmys 2457/8 Lonmin 2833/4 Rio Tinto £281/8 VEDANTA 1103 RESOURCES MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 6951/2 Vodafone Group 1951/2 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1391 Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life
+31/2 +17/8 +7 -31/4 +3 +5 +4 +33/8 -15/8 +8 +7 +11/2 +31/2
+6 -91/2 +71/2 -21/4 -221/2 -91/4 +1/8 +1/8 +6
+21 +13/4 +22
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
359 1341/4 7631/2 £217/8
-1/4 -13/4 +3
FTSE closed at
6586.11 Up 41.17 RSA Insurance Gp 1263/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1185 BP 4657/8 Cairn Energy 2701/8 Royal Dutch Shell A £221/8 Royal Dutch Shell B £23 Total £333/4 Tullow Oil 1101 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1060 Petrofac 1269 Wood Gp(J) 903 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1537
+71/2 +13/4 +13/4 +1/8 +3/8
-4 -25 +21/2 +23
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £325/8 GlaxoSmithK XD 41/2 Shire £221/2 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 6181/2 +4 Hamrsn 5351/2 +41/2 Intu Properties 331 +25/8 Land Secs 967 +4 SEGRO 3015/8 +13/4 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 5091/2 +11/2 Sage Group 3561/8 -103/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 810 -1 Bunzl 1383 +5 Capita 1049 +22 De La Rue 9751/2 -11/2 Electrocomp 2511/2 -3/4 Experian 1201 +18 1 G4S 207 /2 -2 Hays 1021/2 +13/4 Homeserve 2913/4 +21/4 Menzies J 732 -121/2 Rentokil 957/8 -5/8 Smiths News 173 -23/4 3 Wolseley £32 /4 +1/8 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 908 +11 Spirent Comms 118 -31/4 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £351/8 +3/8 Imperial Tobacco £225/8 +1/8 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
1243/4 £243/4 897 1358 1243/4 931/4 1550 859 1970 2737/8 2045/8 4005/8 2433/8 164 3333/4 3765/8 £321/4
-13/8 +1/4 +1/2 +6 +1/8 -21/2 +9 +4 +8 +33/8 -21/8 +1/8 +51/8 +1 +3/4 +21/2 +1/4
FTSE 100
INDEX 6586.11
+41.17
FTSE 250
INDEX 14761.99
+62.61
TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.57 dollars Bangladesh................. 110.55 taka Brazil.............................. 3.06 reals Canada....................... 1.49 dollars China ............................. 8.27 yuan Czech Republic ...... 27.56 korunas Denmark....................... 8.20 krone Euro............................... 1.10 euro Hong Kong................ 11.10 dollars Hungary................... 301.99 forints India.......................... 79.75 rupees Japan........................... 142.60 yen Mexico ....................... 17.19 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.80 dollars Norway ......................... 8.73 krone Pakistan.................. 142.37 rupees Philippines ................. 56.11 pesos South Africa................. 14.12 rand South Korea.............. 1475.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 186.34 rupees Sweden......................... 9.62 krona Switzerland.................. 1.36 francs Taiwan ...................... 39.34 dollars Turkey....................... 2.79 new lira USA ............................ 1.44 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS ALL the world’s a stage, they say.In which case, Gerry Nowicki is ideally placed to help people cope with the everyday dramas that doing business can bring. The 53-year-old actor, director, writer, musician and teacher is bringing all his experience in the performing arts to bear in his role as a presentation and networking skills coach. We meet in the courtyard at Huddersfield’s Lawrence Batley Theatre, where Gerry will present an interactive workshop on Thursday aimed at helping people make the most of networking events by developing ways to promote themselves and their businesses more effectively. He has just arrived from a breakfast networking event at the Table Table restaurant, Aspley, and is laden with business cards. But he says: “Collecting business cards is only any good if something comes of it. The danger is that we tend to be too self-absorbed to make new connections.” Gerry was born in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, and attended boarding schools before training to be a PE and drama teacher. At school he was captain of the rugby and hockey teams. Being involved in team sports helped develop his sense of loyalty and appreciation of other people’s contributions to achieving a team goal. His first job straight from teacher training college was touring schools to perform Shakespeare. “Although I realised I didn’t want to be a teacher, it was great grounding,” says Gerry. “I had to ask myself ‘how am I going to grab my audience, keep their attention and get them to buy into what I am trying to do?’.” The key is communication, says Gerry. It’s at the heart of what he does – whether he’s trying to engage the interest of a bored class of teenagers or a boardroom full of ‘seen it all before’ corporate suits. In a varied career, Gerry has worked with the Royal National Theatre, taken Macbeth and Hamlet to Poland with the British Council, directed a youth theatre group in Macbeth and The Duchess of Malfi at the Edinburgh Festival and led workshops at Regent’s Park open air theatre. He has taken acting workshops to Tobago, Barbados and St Lucia; devised and delivered a play about HIV/AIDS with the mountain village people of Leribe, near Lesotho, South Africa; and performed at venues including the Royal Festival Hall. In 1997, he set up
profile
Page 3
Gerry takes centre stage lack confidence or words Experience Development was get to the West End. are not their strength.” Ltd, a company But I was never happy It’s back to specialising in doing that. I was happiest drama-based going to inner-city schools communicating, says Gerry. “It has to be a communication skills, and youth groups and behavioural and two-way thing,” he bringing theatre and leadership training, explains. “I’m not arrogant education together.” presentation skills, enough to think I know it Delivering workshops creative team all. The aim of what I do is and talks requires an development, event to share experiences and actor’s skills. “I have to be management and video share skills. There has to rigorous in my production. be a collective focus on preparation,” says Gerry. Gerry worked with blue helping each other to be “You should always be chip clients including BP, better. I have lots of things looking to do your best Barclays, AstraZeneca to bring to the table in and bring value to what and O2. terms of networking skills you do. I want to make “We got BP as a client and leadership skills from sure that whoever I work quite early on,” he says. working with groups like with gets the best out of “Myself and a team of BP.” me.” actor-facilitators would go Gerry says the lack of The economic downturn to Cairo, Hong Kong, communication can be has brought a dip in Houston of Chicago to costly. “Too many demand for company work with business businesses still think in a training programmes as leaders using interactive compartmentalised way. I businesses seek to curb theatre – role-playing for see it all the time – a lack their budgets. Gerry has want of a better word. We responded by focusing his of interaction and would fly out for four or co-operation between efforts on one area of five hours work and fly departments. One business activity that back again.” company which will remain seems recession-proof – Gerry and his nameless has a whole networking. colleagues were also series of IT budgets for “There is a definite need called on to organise different departments – all for business people to team-building and training paying different amounts develop presentation “get aways” to cities such and paying a fortune. By skills,” says Gerry. “How as Milan and Venice. The working together and people present aim was to make the telling each other what themselves, what they do events theatrical and they were doing, the and how they do it are memorable. company was also to crucial to every business. Now Gerry is focusing centralise its IT budget A lot of people need help on presentation and and save money. networking skills coaching in that area because they closer to home – while counting companies like BAE Systems, Hallmark and PCS Asbestos among his clients. He has also worked with Kirklees College as a performing arts tutor and organised workshops in drama in Kirklees schools and supports the work of Barnsley Hospice. Says Gerry: “Working with the likes of BP was a pressure situation because what you do is expected to bring results. But I still feel the same pressure to do my best and to deliver whether I’m working with pupils at Scissett Middle School or working with Barnsley Hospice. ■ IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Gerry Nowicki’s experience as “When I went into an actor, director and writer is helping businesses acting, all I wanted to do
Gerry Nowicki
“Communication in any company must be top-down and bottom-up. Where there is no effective communication, there is breakdown in trust, lack of efficiency, workforce absence due to stress and illness. How people are dealt with by the leaders in an organisation is crucial. You need to galvanise people to work together with the same objectives. “If you treat people as ‘human resources’, pressurise people and give them soul-destroying tasks, you will be missing out on the talents they could bring to the business.” After his globetrotting career, Gerry is happy to be based in rural surroundings. “My wife and I came to Huddersfield 12 years ago. We sold the cottage we had in Leatherhead, Surrey, and bought our house in Lower Cumberworth. My family live in York and Melanie’s family live in Huddersfield, so we are well placed.” He’s looking forward to Thursday’s workshop at the LBT’s Cellar Theatre. And while he’s more than used to the spotlight, Gerry’s keen to ensure that no one will be put on the spot or embarrassed into “performing”: He says: “I seek to create an atmosphere that is relaxed, fun, productive. I encourage people to actively participate, but participants won’t be pressured into trying anything they are not comfortable with. The aim is to help all those busy networkers – whether they’re self-employed, employees or representatives of voluntary organisations – to really make an entrance and get every ounce of value from their next networking event.”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Role: Owner Age: 53 Family: Married to Melanie with daughter Saskia, 13 Car: Honda CRV Holidays: Fabulous Filey! First job: Touring Shakespeare around a number of schools when I was straight out of teacher training college – a great grounding for what I went on to do Best thing about job: Making a difference to people’s lives and organisations Worst thing about job: Trying to have my cake and eat it. Keeping all the plates spinning can be a difficult thing Business tip: Understand the impact your behaviour and decisions have on others in your organisation
gerry nowicki.com Work: Interactive training workshops Site: Upper Cumberworth Phone: 07971 263908 Email: gerry@gerry nowicki.com Web: www.gerrynowicki.com
LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A BUSINESS? Use our knowledge and experience to guide you through the process: ➢
Valuation advice
➢
Negotiating the deal
➢
Raising finance
➢
Due diligence
➢
Tax mitigation ideas
➢
Getting the job done Our independent and partner-driven approach ensures clients receive advice they can rely on and trust. To discuss your plans in confidence please contact David Butterworth
W&S
Wheawill & Sudworth Experience you can count on
P: 01484 423691
E:david.butterworth@wheawills.co.uk W: www.wheawills.co.uk
local
Page 4
Event aims to boost exporting A SECOND Yorkshire event is being held to help boost the region’s exporting as recent figures reveal a “tidal wave of enthusiasm” for overseas sales. More than 100 businesses are set to attend the We Are International Export Network event tomorrow at the offices of business services firm Deloitte at City Square , Leeds. The meeting is part of a major campaign to add £2.6bn to the Leeds City Region economy by 2018. It follows a survey by the Leeds, York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce which showed that 41% of its exporting service companies saw overseas sales improve in the three months up to the end of June. The initiative is being supported by Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership – which includes Kirklees – UK Trade & Investment and a growing team of export ambassadors created by Chamber International to give practical support to would-be exporters. Keynote speakers will be Larry Gould, serial entrepreneur and chief executive of global translation services company thebigword; Rob Rospepedzihowski, commercial sales director of electronics manufacturers Premier Farnell; and Laura Burton, of Deloitte. Tim Bailey (pictured), international trade director of Chamber International, said: “More and more firms now realise that 99% of their sales potential lies beyond the UK. “We’re staggered by this new tidal wave of enthusiasm for doing business abroad, which wasn’t evident even a year ago, and are keen to capitalise on it as part of re-balancing the UK’s economy.” Go to www.chamber-international.com /exporting-chamber-international/ export-networking or call 0845 034 7200.
KIRKLEES BUSIN
Fostering a spirit of independence ESIDES being American IndeB pendence Day, July 4 also marked Employee Ownership Day,
which aims to “highlight and celebrate the significant benefits employee ownership delivers to the UK economy”. One of the most tax efficient methods of doing this is by way of an Enterprise Management Investment Scheme (EMI). EMIs exist for companies wanting to attract or retain high calibre employees. Where companies grant such employees options to acquire their shares no income tax is charged on the receipt of the option. Also, no income tax charge arises on any growth in the value of the shares from the date the option is granted to the date it is exercised. Suppose a company today grants an employee an option to buy 1,000 shares at the current price of £10 per share. If the option is exercised in 12 months time when the shares are worth £30, there will be no income tax charge on the growth of £20 a share. In practice, EMIs are undertaken with a view to the future sale of a company so that key employees benefit from the sale of the company they have helped to build up. The gain on sale is based on the
TAX TALK Colin Barratt
amount received for the shares less the amount paid for them by the employee. Continuing the above example, if the shares are sold for £30 per share, the gain would be £20,000 (£30 - £10 x 1,000). The rate of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) applying to gains made on EMI shares for disposals on or after April 6, 2013, will be 10%, where the EMI option was granted to the employee at least 12 months before the shares are sold. The total after tax payout received by the employee would be £18,000 (£20,000 less £2,000 CGT). If the company were to pay the employee an equivalent £20,000 cash bonus their after tax/NIC income would be £11,600, for those liable at 40%. An EMI scheme would benefit the employee to the tune of £6,400. The company would obtain a corporation tax deduction on the benefit
received by the employee in the same way as a bonus payment. Qualifying conditions exist for EMIs such as, employees cannot hold more than £250,000 (£120,000 prior to 16 June, 2012) in unexercised share options, must work for the company for at least 25 hours a week, or if less, for at least 75% of their working time and must hold less than 30% of the ordinary share capital so most employees would qualify. The EMI company must carry on a qualifying trade, employ less than 250 staff and have gross assets not exceeding £30m so most small and medium sized companies would qualify. As the economy still struggles to grow, there does not appear to be a better opportunity for companies and employees to take advantage of low share prices to mitigate future tax liabilities.
Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth chartered accountants, Huddersfield
Firm is feeling the rhythm A COMPANY helping to organise major events across the UK is taking to the dance floor. Marsh-based TG Events has been contracted by Phoenix Dance Theatre to manage all aspects of its production, including all touring and education work as well as performances based in the dance company’s new state-of-the-art venue in Leeds. The link-up comes after the two worked together on Leeds Canvas 2012 – part of the Arts Councils' flagship project for the Cultural Olympiad – and again earlier this year for the NVA Speed of Light event at Media City in Salford. This is not only a brand new way of working for both companies, but is an innovative approach for the industry as the majority of artistic companies remain committed to entirely in-house production departments. Phoenix Dance’s artistic director and choreographer, Sharon Watson, said: “At Phoenix, we’re always looking for unique approaches to our productions and – spotting that TG Events share the same work ethic – I felt a lot could be gained by us working closely together. “We have over 50 shows in the next year, the first of which begin this autumn, so we’re already busy working closely with TG to plan and prepare for these. We’re delighted to be pioneering
Have you what IT t
KIRKLEES busines industries have bee national awards. And this year’s BCS UK IT Industry Awa brand new category outstanding use of television, film, mus creative industry. Judges are looking award to an excepti project completed d months which has i leading-edge techn exceptional results, thinking or laid the further innovation. David Clarke, group officer of BCS, The Institute for IT, said: industries are a rea They are worth mor year; employ 1.5m p and generate £70,00 for the UK economy “Many of them use help achieve their g your film or televisi stands out because animation techniqu ground-breaking m the music you have been enhanced by t software – we’d like The annual awards to showcase and ce practice, innovation the IT sector. Entran organisations or ind in IT across the pub and commercial sec Entry is via an onlin process and initial j place in August. In finalists will be invi presentations or an expert panel of judg across the industry be announced at a at the Battersea Par London on Novemb Go to www.bcs.org/
Artist Ca is in the
■ RIGHT MOVES: Tim Garbutt (left) and Adam Long, of TG Events with Sharon Watson (second left) and Lesley Jackson, of Phoenix Dance Theatre a new approach in our industry and benefiting from TG’s multi-art form experience.” TG Events, led by director Tim Garbutt, has become a specialist in managing innovative and unique events. Last year, its work was seen by millions around the globe as it produced a fire installation by French group Carabosse which was sited on Stonehenge as part of the Olympic celebrations. The firm also has long-standing
contracts with well-established festivals including Lakes Alive, The Harrogate International Festival and Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival. Of the new partnership, Director Tim Garbutt said;“This is a new way of working for us and we’re delighted to be debuting it with such a reputable contemporary dance company as Phoenix. We share a passion for creating inspiring performances and productions and we’re really looking forward to what lies ahead.”
A YORKSHIRE textil appointed a PR con her profile. Catherine Green, wh artwork, handcrafte and accessories su greetings cards and bags from her studi has engaged Brigho PR, headed by Stefa raise awareness. Catherine, 39, has e galleries as well as fairs across the UK. been commissioned artwork for corpora and private individu Recent commission original pieces of ar reception of The Ca Bassenthwaite, and pieces of artwork fo and boardroom of B in Bridgewater Plac
NESS NEWS
ou got takes?
sses in the creative en urged to enter
S and Computing ards include a y for the most IT in the games, sic or other
g to present the ional creative during the past 12 introduced new or nologies, achieved , stimulated new foundations for
p chief executive Chartered : “Our creative al success story. re than £36bn a people in the UK 00 every minute y. some form of IT to goals. Whether ion programme e of cutting edge ues or motion graphics – or e produced has the latest music e to hear about it.” provide a platform elebrate best n and excellence in nts can be dividuals involved blic, not-for-profit ctors. ne application judging will take September, ited to give n interview with an ges drawn from y. The winners will gala evening event rk Events Arena, ber 13. /industryawards
atherine picture
le artist has nsultancy to boost
ho creates ed home interiors uch as mugs, d cotton lavendar io in Gomersal, ouse-based Faith anie Hopkins, to
exhibited in public and trade . She has also d to create original ate organisations uals. ns include five rtwork for the new astle Inn Hotel, d six original or the reception BDO Stoy Haywood ce, Leeds.
local
New deal for camper vans
CAMPER van manufacturer Wellhouse Leisure has secured another major deal. The Shepley-based company is launching the first UK camper van conversion based on the new Ford Transit, with the help of Polar Ford in Huddersfield. The new camper van is based on the luxury, people-mover stablemate of the Transit van, the Ford Tourneo Custom, It will make its world debut in October at the Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham. Wellhouse managing director David Elliott said: “We are delighted to start work on this exciting new project and also to work with our local Ford dealer in Huddersfield. “We have been looking for a new model to offer alongside our award-winning Hyundai i800 camper conversion and as soon as we saw the new Ford we knew it would be perfect.” Said David: “The previous Transit never struck the right chord with camper van customers, but the Tourneo Custom looks really good, is great to drive and compact enough to use every day – plus it comes with all the latest Ford technology to make it convenient to live with, economical to run and better value than most rivals.” The Wellhouse Leisure Ford Tourneo Custom camper van includes an elevating roof providing an extra large double bed and a three-seat rear bench seat below. It can seat and sleep up to five people and has a luxury specification, including heater, fridge, gas
■ IN TRANSIT: David Elliott (right), managing director of Wellhouse Leisure, with Matthew Adamson, of Polar Ford Huddersfield, and the Ford Tourneo Custom camper van conversion
cooker and sink, with a hook-up for mains electricity. Prices will be confirmed nearer its launch. Wellhouse Leisure said it would ensure its Ford camper van meets European whole vehicle type approval and the National Caravan Council’s UK standards. Wellhouse Leisure, formed in 2003, produces more than 200 vehicles a year from its factory, b o dy s h o p a n d s h ow ro o m i n Shepley.
Six-figure funding LARGER loans are being offered by a finance provider in Yorkshire – to reflect growing demand for investment cash. Finance Yorkshire is now providing business loans of up to £250,000 in response to demand from the market, businesses, intermediaries and co-funders. The higher funding offer is targeted at established and profitable companies, which are generating revenue and demonstrate the potential to grow – but are still unable to obtain the required level of funding through conventional banking and finance routes. A Calderdale company has already benefited from the six-figure loan. Rosehill Polymers Group, based at Sowerby Bridge, will use the funding to purchase new plant and machinery to support the development of an additional production line.
Page 5
Alex McWhirter, chief executive of Finance Yorkshire, said: “This new level of funding will provide a significant catalyst to a range of successful businesses needing finance to help them grow. “Speaking to businesses, we found there was a real demand for this to be made available, so we therefore decided to adjust our offering to meet the market need. “Finance Yorkshire’s business loans have been extremely popular with companies across Yorkshire, the Humber and North and North East Lincolnshire. “This extension will enhance the financial support available even further and provide a much-needed shot in the arm for the regional economy.” More than £17m has been provided by Finance Yorkshire in business loans since it was launched in August, 2010.
Search on for export champs THE hunt is on to find UK manufacturers who are excelling at exporting. The EEF manufacturers’ organisation has joined forces with Dunedin, the UK mid-market private equity firm, to launch the search for top exporters as part of the fifth annual EEF Future Manufacturing Awards. The EEF/Dunedin Export Development Award will go to companies that have successfully developed exports to a brand new market within the last three years – while a separate Export Growth Award will go to firms that have grown their presence in an existing foreign market. The Future Manufacturing Awards are now in their fifth year and are recognised as a leading awards programme in the manufacturing sector. They offer manufacturers and apprentices from across the UK the opportunity to showcase their achievements across seven different award categories: business growth, people and skills, innovation, export, health and safety, environment and education. The awards, which are free to enter, will be judged in five regions across the UK. Regional winners will be announced in November and will go on to compete for the national awards at a prestigious ceremony to be held next January in London. The closing date for entries is Friday. Go to www.eef.org.uk/awards
It’s time you got more from your accountant Thinking… outside the books
added value services include…
Tailored programme to maximise profitability Tailored tax efficient solutions Regular updates & support to help your business FREE use of our facilities for your meeting Support all day, every day
Call Freephone: 08000 32 32 03 and quote KBN /1211 to give us the chance to help you achieve your goals, or contact us through our website at:-
www.walker-sutcliffe.co.uk
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Property firms more confident YORKSHIRE property businesses have reported a rise in optimism. Figures from Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking show confidence among small to medium-sized ■ LETTINGS: Ken property Davies, of Lloyds businesses in TSB Commercial the region is now at a two-year high. Some 57% of Yorkshire’s property businesses expect to see an uplift in activity and half expect their portfolio to exceed performance expectations. The bank’s latest Property Matters report also reveals that a third of property businesses in the region have increased their overall investment plans for the next three to six months. Residential lettings remains the strongest performing sector – with 52% of Yorkshire property SMEs focusing their attention on this area. More than a third of local firms favour housebuilding as the next best performing sector, overtaking town centre retail. Ken Davies, relationship director at Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking in Yorkshire, said: “Confidence in the property sector is growing and is at its highest levels since our inaugural Property Matters survey was conducted in 2011, with a resurgent housing market encouraging confidence for SMEs throughout Yorkshire.”
Firm on national awards shortlist A COMPANY specialising in external wall insulation has been nominated multiple times in a major industry award scheme. Hanson Structherm, based at Meltham, features in two categories of the 2013 Insulated Render and Cladding Association Awards, which recognise innovation and excellence in external wall insulation (EWI). Organisers reported another record number of entries for the competition, which recognises excellence in new build and refurbishment projects in the non-residential and domestic sectors over the past year. EWI is central to improving the energy efficiency of homes and businesses in order to meet the UK’s carbon reduction targets. The awards are a platform to promote the benefits of EWI following the launch of the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation earlier this year. Hanson Structherm has been nominated for three schemes in the category for domestic refurbishment for low rise buildings of six properties or more and has one nomination in the same sector, but for five houses or fewer. The winners will be revealed at the INCA 2013 awards on Thursday, October 3,at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel in London’s Mayfair before an audience of more than 200 representing local authorities, housing associations, architects, consultants and contractors.
property
Page 6
It’s a home win in the Holme Valley! A HOUSE designed by a Huddersfield firm of architects has won an award. The property at Scarr Top, New Mill, which was designed b y S h e l l e y - b a s e d Wa l t o n H o r s f a l l Pa r t n e r s h i p, h a s received an Award for Building Excellence in the 2013 Local Authority Building Control Awards. The house beat three other finalists in the category for Single Dwelling in the West Yorkshire Awards. Entries for the awards are received from the local councils of Kirklees, Leeds, Wakefield, Calderdale and Bradford. Owners Giles and Helen Elliott and builder Stephen Dyson collected the award alongside winners in 11 other categories at a celebration in Leeds attended by 200 people. Giles said they had been delighted to be nominated and to win. He said: “Scarr Top is built on the site of a bungalow that was built in the 60s by another archit e c t , A r t h u r Q u a r m b y, renowned for designing property ahead of its time. “Nevertheless, the property was quite small and we felt we needed something designed to our own specifications. “When our offer to purchase the property was accepted, we talked to Angus of Walton Horsfall, who we have known for 30 years as a friend.” Now retired, Giles is a former art inspector and visiting professor in art education. Helen is a former journalist, who worked at the Huddersfield Examiner and the BBC before moving into senior roles in public relations. Together they had plenty of ideas of what they wanted in their new home. Said Helen: “The specification was for a house with three bedrooms with en-suite facilities; as economical as possible with regard to insulation and heating costs; and a key thing was light
■ HOUSE PROUD: Angus Ellis (left), of Walton Horsfall Architects, and Stephen Dyson (right),of SJD Builders, with homeowners Gavin and Helen Elliott and the certificate from the judges of the LABC Awards for their distinctive property at Scarr Top, New Mill; ■ LIGHT SHOW: A contemporary open plan interior (below, far left) exploits the views and natural light at the award-winning house ■ STEP CHANGE: The rear elevation of the house (left) shows how the “demarcation” between the outside and the inside of the property is “blurred” by the use of extensive glazing and continuity of finishes
because our former Georgian house was dark inside. “We also wanted a big open living space.” Giles also wanted a studio and Helen an office. Internal features in the completed house incorporate a floating design staircase – visually not appearing to touch the sides of walls or the floor – whole house ventilation, providing a change of air every two-and-a-half hours, underfloor heating on both floors, lots of energy saving devices and a ceedam roof over the garage and studio to provide extra insulation. The garden, planted with silver birch, has a mock water feature made out of polished granite leading down to a wall sculpture by
artist Patty Taylor. The couple met Patty while living and working in California for a year. The judges of the LABC Awards made their selection according to design flair, quality of build and innovation. Angus Ellis, of Walton Horsfall Partnership, said: “Really, all we set out to do was to create a contemporary, open-plan home, respectful of its context and I think that is what we have achieved. The property sits comfortably with its neighbours.” Paul Everall, LABC chief executive, said: “LABC is delighted to see an excellent house like Scarr Top in Holmfirth win our awards. “It demonstrates so many good
facets in terms of its technical design, construction, quality and attention to detail. “All this was achieved in a cooperative way with local authority surveyors in partnership with the client, the designer and contractors. “It proves that quality is all about getting the approach right from the get-go, rather than interfering during the actual construction.” The LABC Awards recognise the importance of building control in creating a high quality, sustainable built environment. The winners of the regional awards now have the next phase leading to the LABC National Awards.
Builders see workloads upturn BUILDERS have reported the first increase in total workloads for six years. The latest State of Trade Survey from the Federation of Master Builders showed the net balance for workloads, expected workloads and enquiries in the second quarter of 2013 was positive across most of the UK for the first time since the downturn began in 2007. However, there was cause for alarm in Scotland where a
negative net balance of minus 26 was recorded – showing that conditions had deteriorated for small and medium-sized builders during the three months to June. Overall, the survey showed business confidence starting to improve among SME builders. Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “After one of the toughest and most sustained economic downturns since the Second World War, it is encouraging to see conditions
may be easing for Britain’s beleaguered builders. “It is a testament to the resilience, work ethic and professionalism of SME builders, many of whom have had to cut their cloth accordingly and eat into their profits to maintain staffing and capacity in the hope that a better day would come.” Mr Berry said: “While these figures are a sign that the worst may finally be behind us, the building trade has a long way to
go to get back to pre-2008 levels of employment and output and there are many hurdles still to overcome. “We must not be complacent, as consumer confidence is fragile at best. The FMB will continue its work to champion professional builders over the cowboys.” He said: “It is now more important than ever that the Government acts to secure this nascent recovery.”
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Housing market strengthening YORKSHIRE’S housing market continued to show signs of recovery during June – with rising sales expectations and increased demand, according to a new survey. The latest Residential Market Survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, showed members in Yorkshire expect home sales will rise over the coming three months – with a net balance of 50% more respondents predicting sales will increase. That is up from 24% in May and is the most positive reading since October , 1998. This rise in sales expectations has mainly been fuelled by increasing numbers of prospective buyers returning to the market. Last month, a net balance of 51% more chartered surveyors in Yorkshire and Humber reported a rise in new buyer enquiries. In a clear sign that market confidence is gradually being restored – and that funding schemes are making a difference – demand from prospective buyers has now risen steadily since February, 2012. However, the number of new homes coming on to the market in Yorkshire and Humber remains flat, with respondents reporting an average of 81 homes on their books last month compared with 102 in June, 2012. Chartered surveyors across the region are hoping increased buyer confidence in the market will encourage more sellers to put their homes up for sale over the next coming three months.
property
Page 7
Takeover opens up opportunities products are used in air conditioning, the extraction of hazardous materials and portable heating devices. More recently. Amco has diversified into plastic extrusions. The company has nine extrusion lines offering both rigid and flexible tubes and profiles including cable fillers and floor profiles. It also has a fabrications department offering laminating, slotting and abrasive surface treatment services. The business will remain at its current site and will trade as a division of Naylor’s specialist plastics business. Amco Plastics Ltd’s former joint managing director, Chris Simon, will continue to work with Naylor, supporting Naylor divisional managing director John Grice. Mr Grice said: “The acquisition of Amco extends our capabilities in tubes and profiles and also gives us access to a new range of flexible ducting. We are looking forward to working with the Amco team to develop a unique range of services
A FIRM manufacturing pipes for the construction sector has bought another business. C aw t h o r n e - b a s e d N ay l o r Drainage Ltd, which employs a number of people from the Kirklees area, has acquired plastic extrusion business Amco Plastics Ltd, based at Wath-on-Dearne. Amco currently has turnover of £4.4m. Naylor, a fourth generation family business has manufactured clay pipes since its formation in 1890 and also has a specialist plastics division, based in the Midlands, making plastic tubes and profiles for applications including dewatering, ground stabilisation and packaging tubes. Amco Plastics is a long-established manufacturer of plastic extrusions and flexible ducting for the leisure, cable, flooring, DIY, mining and tunnelling sectors. The company was launched to supply ventilation ducting to the domestic mining and tunnelling industries. Its flexible duct
■ JOINT EFFORT: Naylor chairman Edward Naylor (right) with (from left) Naylor divisional managing director John Grice, Amco joint managing director Chris Simon, Bridie Warner-Adsetts and Allan Swallow
and products for a wide range of sectors.” A team led by Stephen Ingram and Tim Brind, of BHP Corporate Finance, acted as lead advisors to the vendors with Michael Hall, of
the Sheffield office of law firm Hill Dickinson, providing legal advice. Richard May and Paul Roberts, of DLA, acted for Naylor supported by Vicky McLoughlin of Grant Thornton.
Commercial HUDDERSFIELD REDUCED
£150,000
KIRKBURTON
£225,000
UNION BANK YARD
HUDDERSFIELD
£22,500 pa
NORTH ROAD
NEW STREET
●
Private car spaces
●
Investment Property
●
A2 Planning Permission
●
R. Value £6,200
●
Shop and 2 flats
●
Arranged over 3 floors
●
Variety of Uses
●
Pot Income £17,500
●
High Pedestrian Flow
●
GIA 86.6 m2
●
Shop is Let
●
Reduced Price
●
REDUCED
●
Village Centre Loc
●
Viewing a Must
●
Grade II Listed
●
Must be Viewed
●
Offers Invited
Off Leeds Road
£26,000 pa ●
535 sq m/ 5752 sq ft
●
Office/Warehouse
Huddersfield Town Centre
£15,000 pa
●
Just off Leeds Road
NEW STREET
Corner Shop To Let
●
Prime Retail Location
●
Approx: 337 sq ft
●
Overlooking Market Place
Return frontage - Albion
●
850 square Feet
Street
●
Large Window Displays
●
High Pedesrtian Flow
●
5 Year Lease
●
Close To Bus Station
●
Great business potential
Ample parking spaces
DALTON
£22,500 pa
●
●
●
Huddersfield Town Centre
HIGH STREET
NEW
www.boultonsestateagents.co.uk 54 John William Street, Huddersfield HD1 1ER 01484 515029
£4,500 pa LONG LANE
●
Former Butchers
●
Sit in parade of shops
●
Approx: 330 sq ft
●
RV: £2950
●
100% Rate relief*
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Susan Robinson
Eastwood & Partners A WOMAN working at a Huddersfield insurance brokers has been elected president of the Insurance Institute of Bradford. Susan Robinson (pictured), of Longley, handles commercial claims at Eastwood & Partners. She has worked in the insurance industry for more than 40 years and has been a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute for the vast majority of that time She said her main aim during her year in office would be to continue to provide members with relevant lectures which contribute to Continued Professional Development (CPD) hours. This year, the new scheme requires all members to complete a minimum of 35 CPD hours, with at least 21 hours of this being structured CPD. Ms Robinson said she was also keen to encourage younger members to get involved in the institute. Her chosen charity this year will be PDSA, which provides veterinary care to pets of householders on low incomes and promotes responsible pet ownership.
Becky Greenhough
Mid Yorkshire Chamber BECKY Greenhough has joined the Huddersfield-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce as marketing and administrative assistant. Ms Greenhough (pictured), who is a graduate of Huddersfield University, is based at the chamber’s Lockwood offices. After gaining her degree, she carried out voluntary work with a number of charities including The Friends of Beaumont Park and road safety charity Brake. In her new role, she will help to deliver the chamber’s marketing activities to recruit new members as well as helping to run the Huddersfield office. She said: “I’m very excited about this new venture at the chamber, meeting new people and businesses from all over the Yorkshire region.”
Andrea Peel
Santander SANTANDER Corporate & Commercial has appointed Andrea Peel as a new relationship manager for Yorkshire. Ms Peel, who will be based in Leeds, will work with local businesses with an annual turnover of up to £2.5m and will be responsible for building new customer relationships as the bank looks to expand further into the region. Ms Peel, who previously worked for Lloyds Banking Group and has 31 years experience working in the region, joins a 53-strong team in Yorkshire comprising sector and product specialists in real estate, healthcare, education, asset, invoice and trade finance.
Movers and shakers
Page 8
School days are a real high point STUDENTS at a Kirklees school have hit the heights with their latest link-up with business. Heckmondwike Grammar School welcomed Lindsay Tarrant, finance director at Wakefield-based access platform company Horizon Platforms as part of their annual Challenge of Management conference. The three-day conference gave A-level students an insight in to what life is like in business by staging a business game to help them develop the team building and decision-making skills involved in all aspects of running a small business. Horizon Platforms has been trading in the powered access industry for more than five years and has retained almost all of its employees – which its directors put down to quality training, support and guidance to its employees. Lindsay, a qualified accountant who took on the role of financial director in 2011, said: “I thoroughly enjoy working in a business environment and encouraging people to reach their full potential. “My own children have benefited from the excellent teaching and outlook at Heckmondwike Grammar School and I was delighted to be asked to help out by giving back to the students who are future business leaders.” Lynne Morton, conference co-ordinator, praised the involvement of the many advisers and companies who gave their time freely to help Heckmondwike Grammar School students learn about management in a competitive world.
■ BUSINESS MINDS: Year 12 Students at Heckmondwike Grammar School with staff and Lindsay Tarrant, finance director of Horizon Platforms
Steering group strengthened THREE new members have joined the steering committee for the Calderdale and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance. Ian Brierley, of John L Brierley Ltd in Huddersfield; Fara Butt, of The Shire Bed Company in Dewsbury; and Jeff Monks, of Meltham-based Harold Fisher (Plastics) Ltd were welcomed during a meeting of the group at the Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top. CKMA spokeswoman Philippa Coultish said: “We are delighted to welcome three new business leaders onto the steering group, bringing with them a wealth of practical experience of running manufacturing businesses and
strengthening our ethos of ‘run by manufacturers, for manufacturers’.” Members at the meeting were also given an insight into Research & Development Tax Credits and Capital Allowance – and how specialist knowledge can help to identify areas previously overlooked where firms may be eligible for help. R&D Tax Credits are aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises and seek to recover development costs incurred by companies when they invest in innovative product and
manufacturing processes. Ms Coultish said: “Many small businesses mistakenly believe that they are not large enough or innovative enough to claim, but may be surprised at what can be included and claimed – which can bring much needed cash back into the business.” Delegates also heard about the HMRC Patent Box scheme allowing companies which have invested in innovation and patented a product to have a substantial reduction in their corporation tax payment, again
retaining much needed working capital. Finally, delegates were reminded of the Leeds City Region LEP Business Growth Programme which offers grants from £10,000 for qualifying investment projects (minimum £50,000) to help businesses to develop and take on more staff. The speakers were Gary Hexley, business development manager for Government Grant & Tax Consultants; Paul Misslebrook, partner at Appleyard Lees; Alan Hall, senior tax manager at Saffery Champness; and Phil Cole, head of business support at Leeds City Council.
Law firm joins with Town again LAW firm Chadwick Lawrence has renewed its partnership with Huddersfield Town for the coming Championship season. Chadwick Lawrence, which has offices in the town, first became a club partner during the 2008-2009 season and in recent years has teamed up with Town to host the Yorkshire Business Forum and welcome guest speakers Jon Motson, Kevin Keegan and Bill Beaumont.
The solicitors have also co-sponsored Town’s Enterprise Academy over the past couple of seasons and will continue to do so during the coming season. Chadwick Lawrence managing partner Jeremy Garside said: “Huddersfield Town are a big part of the local community as well as being a hub for local business and as such we are pleased to continue our support.”
■ LEGAL AID: Jeremy Garside (centre), of Chadwick Lawrence, with Huddesfideld Town's Tracy Nelson and Sean Jarvis