JEREMY PERKINS
FTSE 100
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2014
-2.75 6804.21
Time for a coffee? Interview - Page 3
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MARTIN THOMPSON Windfall for landlords Column - Page 6
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Metworking firm on track for a hat-trick celebration henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
A Brighouse-based metalworking firm is on track to record three consecutive years of 30% growth in turnover. Arkoni, based at Armytage Road, lifted turnover to £5.25m for 2013-14 against a figure of £4m for the pevious year. It also reported a full order book stretching well into 2015. Founded in 1991, Arkoni manufactures metalwork features and fire-rated glazing systems for the UK construction industry. Managing director Mark Prentice, who founded the business, said: “We are operating at full capacity and have been doing so for the past two years. “We’ve increased our workforce and introduced efficient and robust management systems. “We’ve also enhanced our manufacturing capability with the con-
struction of a new 1,600 sq ft workshop incorporating automated technology thanks to partial funding from the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership’s Business Growth Programme. “Much of the growth has been based on rapidly growing demand for fire-rated glazing systems. “Over the past 12 months, we have installed glazing systems in new schools, shopping centres, office complexes, leisure centres, cathedrals and many other locations across the UK.” Said Mr Prentice: “The figures for 2013 to 2014 were way above our targets and we continue to be an effective bellweather for commercial and public sector constructionprojects across the UK. “In effect, we are looking at a doubling of the business turnover in just three years. Long may it continue,.” Arkoni employs 52 full time staff and will be looking to continue its expansion with further appointments expected this year and next.
(right)new
■■ Mark Prentice, managing director of Arkoni, with the new workshop premises (above) at Armytage Road
Elland firm puts its cards on the table with Metro Bank An Elland company advising businesses on processing credit and debit cards has announced a deal with Metro Bank. The bank for entrepreneurs will work with acceptcards, a division of UPG plc to ensure that customers looking for a merchant services provider can get the best possible solution for their business. Acceptcards reviews a range of payment services providers before presenting the customer with the best solution, based on their individual needs. Metro Bank business customers will
Heavy metal Brighouse-based metalworking firm Arkoni is on track to record three consecutive years of 30% growth in turnover. Arkoni lifted turnover to £5.25m for 2013-14 against a figure of £4m for the pevious year. It also reported a full order book stretching well into 2015. Founded in 1991, Arkoni manufactures metalwork features and fire-rated glazing systems for the UK construction industry.
examiner.co.uk
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter
INSIDE
also benefit from a dedicated point of contact at acceptcards, who will support them throughout the process. Richard Bradley, director at acceptcards said: “We are thrilled to be working with Metro Bank and their customers. Acceptcards was created with the sole purpose of offering UK businesses an alternative to the conventional, previously uncompetitive provision of merchant solutions.” He added: “This is an exciting new era not only for Metro Bank and accept-
cards, but for UK business banking in general.” Paul Riseborough, managing director for customer propositions at Metro Bank, said: “At Metro Bank we’re always looking for ways to make things even more convenient for our customers. “Our partnership with acceptcards will make the experience of finding a merchant services solution simple and convenient for our customers and give them a comprehensive range of options to ensure they find the most suitable
solution for their business.” Each Metro Bank store is run by a local bank manager able to make lending decisions on a case-by-case basis. SMEs also have their own relationship manager and can make use of Metro Bank SME Finance’s cash management arm. The deal follows acceptcard’s sevenfigure takeover by UPG earlier this year. Acceptcards was launched in 2008 at Dean Clough in Halifax with three staff and is now based at the former Wheatsheaf pub in Elland with 16 staff.
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Staff at kitchen manufacturer Rixonway are celebrating after collectively spending an enormous 3,166 years working for the company. The Dewsbury-based firm, billed as the secondbiggest private sector employer in Kirklees, has 23 people who have worked there for 20 years or more, 24 who have been there 15 years or more and 59 who have 10 years or more service.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Greggs serves up hopes for a big rise in earnings Pasty and sausage roll maker Greggs said its profits will beat expectations after customers warmed to new products and refurbished shops. The group, which has 1,660 outlets – including several in Huddersfield – reported a 5.4% jump in like-for-like sales for the 11 weeks to last Saturday as it benefited from demand for its new low-fat sandwich range and improved coffee blend. Total sales grew by 4% year-on-year in the 11 weeks, including the impact of an accelerated closure programme for poorly performing shops. Shares in Greggs closed 66p higher or 12.3% up at 602p yesterday after the company said the improved sales meant that profits for this year will be “materially ahead” of its previous hopes. Brokers at N+1 Singer raised their profit forecast for Greggs by 10.5% to £54.5m, representing a 35% cumulative increase since January. The improvement follows a drive by chief executive Roger Whiteside to increase focus on the food-on-the-go market, which accounts for 75% of
■■ Focusing on food-on-the-go has helped Greggs drive up sales and profits
customer visits, rather than traditional take-home business. The food-to-go outlets include one at Huddersfield bus station. The company has previously admitted it underperformed in the foodon-the-go sector as convenience stores, coffee shops and fast food operators better met customer
demands, particularly in traditional shopping centre locations. Mr Whiteside said: “This strong performance reflects a positive response from customers to new product initiatives, improved service, better value and our investment in shop refurbishments alongside more favourable trading conditions.”
Heineken rejects bid Heineken, which owns former Scottish & Newcastle brands Strongbow and Kronenbourg 1664, has rebuffed a takeover approach from SABMiller. The brewer of Pilsner Urquell, Grolsch and Peroni Nastro Azzurro has been told that Heineken’s founding family are determined to keep the Dutch firm’s independent status. The move by SABMiller, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange, is being seen as a pre-emptive measure in order to prevent itself from becoming a takeover target for Stella Artois maker AB InBev. Heineken’s UK business employs about 2,000 people at eight sites, including breweries or cider plants at Edinburgh, Livingston, Tadcaster, Manchester, London, Hereford and Ledbury. Heineken’s controlling shareholders are the De-Carvalho family with a 50.1% stake in the Amsterdam-based business. The company is worth about £27bn compared with £55bn for SABMiller. The Dutch firm said: “The Heineken family has informed SABMiller and Heineken of its intention to preserve the heritage and identity of Heineken as an independent company. “The Heineken family and Heineken’s management are confident that the company will continue to deliver growth and shareholder value.”
Greggs, which also has outlets in Brighoue, Dewsbury and Halifax, has completed 153 of the 200 shop refits planned for this year and said it is encouraged by the results so far. It has also opened 32 new shops in the period and closed 43 poorly performing sites. The company said ongoing deflation in commodity costs had also helped boost its margin performance. It added: “Our sales-driving initiatives have been delivered in more favourable trading conditions than we had expected with no adverse weather impacts so far this year. “We expect to continue rolling out new initiatives, in line with our strategy, in the months ahead. “Whilst we face tougher comparatives in the final quarter the combination of strong sales performance, lower costs and our outlook for the remainder of the year means that we now anticipate full year profits to be materially ahead of our previous expectation. “
Red letter day for the Post Office
TUI Travel agrees merger deal
The Post Office has reached a milestone in its modernisation programme – with the opening of the 3,000th new-style branch in what is the largest retail transformation in UK history. Hundreds of branches in the North East have already been modernised – with more to come. The Post Office is opening modernised branches at the rate of 10 every weekday across
The owner of Thomson and First Choice has agreed to merge with its German parent company to create the world’s largest tour operator with a value of £5.2bn. TUI Travel will merge with Germany’s TUI AG in a nilpremium all share merger after the firms first announced talks in June. The merger brings together TUI Travel, which serves 30
the UK under its “We’re Changing” programme. Figures released on the milestone of their 3,000th branch modernisation show that the North East is leading the way, with more than 14,000 extra weekly opening hours added through the modernisation of 474 branches.. Nationally, the Post Office has added more than 82,000 opening hours a week through
the ongoing modernisation process – nearly 4.3m hours a year – with over 1,600 branches open on Sundays. Of those branches open on Sundays, 263 are in the North East. The investment programme will see up to 8,000 branches modernised nationwide by 2018, with additional investment in more than 3,000 community and outreach branches.
m customers, with TUI AG, which owns 230 hotels with more than 155,000 beds and seven cruise ships. The firms said the merger will allow the enlarged business to offer more holidays, add up to 30 more hotels and two cruise ships, and make savings of at least £36m a year. A merger between the two groups has been mooted
since 2007 when TUI Travel was created through the merger of Britain’s First Choice holidays and the tourism business of TUI AG. The German parent currently owns just over half of TUI Travel. Shares in the firm closed up 5.6p or 1.6% higher at 365.7p. A merger attempt was made in early 2013, but the deal collapsed over price.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN
American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys
£53.72 £76.01 £40.05 £59.03 1970.57 £60.22 £28.48 46.17 £46.66 £49.23
AEROSPACE & DEFENCE
Avon Rbbr BAE Systems Chemring Cobham Meggitt Rolls-Royce Senior
6341/2 4581/8 2401/4 2913/4 483 1013 279
AIM
600 Group API Grp Brady Plc Highland Gold Mining Johnson Service Grp London Security M”S Intl Nichols Redhall Group Scapa Grp Youngs GKN Barclays
+0.01 +3 -7/8 +53/4 -3/8 -23/8 -12 -37/8
201/2 551/2 791/4 61 60 £23 1971/2 1000 161/2 1431/4 9671/2
+13/4 -143/4
3401/2
-71/4
AUTOMOBILES & PARTS BANKS
-0.23 +0.50 +0.17 +0.07 -8.62 +0.52 -0.27
2293/8
+1/4 +1/4 -101/2 -7/8 +43/4
-5/8
Bk Ireland HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart Barr (AG) Diageo SABMiller Croda Elementis 98 Johnsn Mat
251/4 6581/4 731/2 3463/4 12361/2
BEVERAGES
-1/4 +3/4 -1 -3 -71/2
615 1853 £373/8
-71/2 +401/2 +33/8
£217/8 2681/4 £313/8
-35/8 -3/8
2221/2 1449 286 611/2 1951/2
-31/2 -33 -4 -21/2 -1
648 1485
-61/2 -5
CHEMICALS
CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
Balfour Beatty C”R”H Costain Low Bonar Marshalls Drax Gp SSE
ELECTRICITY
ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced Ox Instmts Volex
6021/2 2955/8 3171/8 1182 91
-6 +11/4 -27/8 +7 +2
EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS
Alliance Trust Br Assets Candover Inv Dunedin Inv Dunedin Sml
4553/4 136 566 2691/4 1931/2
-13/4
-4 -23/4 +21/2
Edin Invst Electra Private Equity Forgn & C Henderson Smllr Cos North American Inc Scot Am Scottish Mortgage Witan
603 £271/8 3961/2 530 8541/2 242 2323/4 709
-2 -23/4 -2 -31/2 -3 -1/4 -2
FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
BT Grp Cable & Wireless Comm Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom
3871/4 47 140 943/4 3051/8
-21/8 +1/4 -11/4 +1/4 -21/2
FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS
Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco Thorntons AB Food Carrs Millg REA Hldgs Tate Lyle Unilever
176 /8 2841/4 2281/2 951/4
- /8 -27/8 -1/8 -13/4
1
3
FOOD PRODUCERS
£263/8 1631 420 699 £267/8
+1/8 -12 -4 +1
3197/8 8951/2 801 1966 8571/2
-21/8 -2 -101/2 +20 +81/2
3765/8 1399
-15/8 +3
GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES
Centrica National Grid Pennon Grp Severn United Utils 3i Group Close Bros
GENERAL FINANCIAL
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
131 1951/2 8951/2 £263/4
-1 -1 -2 -1/4
FTSE closed at down 2.75 ICAP London StockExch Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV
358 /8 1859 1211/8 £211/4 £241/4 1872
GENERAL INDUSTRIALS
Smith DS Smiths Grp
283 /2 1360 1
-1 /2 -10 -15/8 -1/8 -1/8 -17 1
-1 /8 +7 3
GENERAL RETAILERS
Ashley L Dixons Carphone Home Retail Inchcape Kingfisher M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith
27 3797/8 1741/8 680 3157/8 426 250 £693/4 £721/4 1091
+7 /4 -3/4 +1 -31/8 +1 3
+ /4 1
-2
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
Smith Nph
1080
1523/4 385 1595 1350 £545/8 1111/4
-41/4 -14 -19 +1/2 -21/4
362 1299 138 581/2 £29 £263/4
+1 /8 -12 -1/2 -1/4 +3/8 -1/4
126 /4
- /8
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
6804.21 7
Aga Rangemaster Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey
+5
Fenner I”M”I Molins Renold Spirax-Sarco Weir Grp Ferrexpo
INDUSTRIAL METALS
3
1
7
INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
BBA Aviation
3183/8
-35/8
5261/2 303 2371/8 1911/2 14181/2 4121/8
+1 -3/8 -1 -21/2 -81/2 +11/2
875 8231/2 215 37/8 1206 9951/2 3561/4 179
+1 -15 -11/2
LIFE INSURANCE
Aviva Friends Life Gp Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Standard Life
BSkyB D Mail Tst ITV Johnston Press Pearson Reed Elsevier STV Group Trinity Mirror
MEDIA
+28 +3 +11/4
Utd Business UTV WPP
MINING
Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kazakhmys Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES
6021/2 1991/4 1260
-12
-2
14881/2 7611/2 1842 821 2821/8 2143/4 £323/8 1063
+51/2 -21/2 -61/2 +5 +13/4 +1 +1/4 -1
MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Inmarsat Vodafone Group
7111/2 2011/2
NONLIFE INSURANCE
Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Ins Gp
1235 1003 £325/8 470
OIL & GAS PRODUCERS
BG BP Cairn Energy Premier Oil Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell B Total Tullow Oil
-8 -2 +1/8 -5
11531/2 4681/4 1753/4 336 £237/8 £243/4 £393/8 7001/2
-25 -17/8 -1/2 -15/8
1078 1055 742
-12 -7 -3
OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
AMEC Petrofac Wood Gp(J)
-71/2 -21/8
PERSONAL GOODS
-1/2 -6
Burberry Gp PZ Cussons
1539 3765/8
+2 -1/8
£451/2 1432 £523/4
+1/4 -9 -1/8
7131/2 6371/2 603 3411/8 1059 3601/4
-61/2 -31/2 +31/2 -1/8 +1 -13/4
383
+1/4
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY
Astrazeneca GlaxoSmithKline Shire
REAL ESTATE
Brit Land Gt Portland Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO
SOFTWARE & COMPUTER SERVICES
Sage Group
SUPPORT SERVICES
Berendsen Bunzl Capita Connect Group De La Rue Elctro Com Electrocomp Experian G4S Hays Homeserve Interserve Menzies J Northgate Prem Farnell Rentokil Travis & P Wolseley
1019 1625 1172 150 749 2371/4 2371/4 1052 2603/8 1253/8 3177/8 6291/2 577 5101/2 188 1235/8 1668 £321/2
+4 +17 -10 -21/4 +11/2 -11/4 -11/4 -14 +7/8 -3 -21/8 -4 -1/2 +6 -17/8 -3/4 -16 -1/4
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT
ARM Hldgs IBM Spirent Comms
TOBACCO
Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
938 £1181/8 1033/4
-161/2 +3/8 -11/4
£363/8 £275/8
+1/8
TRAVEL & LEISURE
Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airl Ladbrokes Marston’s Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Punch Taverns Rank Org Restaurant Grp Ryanair Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread William Hill FTSE 100 FTSE 250
INDEX
97 £237/8 967 1360 1163/4 1203/8 £235/8 7741/2 £233/4 373 1253/4 1463/4 4023/4 2461/4 9 161 6481/2 5937/8 3661/4 3653/4 £42 3411/4
6804.21 15649.23
-21/4 -61/2 -35 -3/8 -11/4 -18 +1/4 -1 -41/8 +1/2 -21/4 -11/4 -1/4 +1 -8 -91/2 -1 +55/8 -1/2 -51/8 -2.75 -62.62
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
It’s no wonder he’s full of beans A musician who has performed in “We bought a roaster in America beans, but not as dark as a conti- outside the railway station. chamber orchestras and in Lon- two years ago and started working nental roast. People are used to “Ideally, perhaps we wouldn’t don’s West End has changed key in James’ garage. The roaster kept seeing very dark beans, but that have all the pound shops, betting to built up a business distributing breaking down! can ‘take on’ the flavour of the shops and cheque cashing shops coffee. “We studied roasting and we roast more than the beans them- – but that’s just the result of the Jeremy Perkins, who hails from got some funds together and went selves. recession. Honley, studied viola at the Royal to Turkey to see another family “You can lose a lot of flavour. “I think the town centre will Academy of Music and at the business and bought a new roast- We have to convince people that change. We need to see more speBrussels Conservatoire before er, which arrived in this country in dark, shiny beans aren’t always ciality shops rather than just the returning to Huddersfield to com- January.” the best!” big, generic high street stores.” pete successfully in Kirklees Bean Brothers now operates Bean Brothers sources coffee Jeremy’s ambitions are Young Musician of the Year. from premises at Fairfield Mills, beans from a variety of countries, undimmed. He worked as a professional Queen Street South with the two including Brazil, Ethiopia, Timor “Coffeevolution has been estabviola player in London for 10 brothers dividing their time and Papua New Guinea. lished 14 years now,” he says. “The years, playing chamber music and between that the Coffeevolution. And there’s no holding back the aim there is to do more ouside as part of the orchestra for a While the Perkins take running coffee culture, Jeremy says. events. number of West End shows as the business seriously, they’ve “We had a stall at the festival of “The main focus at Bean Brothwell as performing up and down injected a bit of fun, too. Their Light and the Tour de France ers is to improve our website and the country. business cards feature smiling event,” he says. “We have also had get involved in events such as the He studied law at Leicester Uni- caricatures of themselves – which a stall at the Up Market Sundays at London Coffee Festival. “ versity and more recently has always provides a talking point the open market. The festival features more than undertaken a Masters and started with potential clients. “We have also done talks at the 200 artisan coffee and gourmet a PhD in music at Huddersfield “We have been roasting com- university about coffee and coffee food stalls, tastings and demonUniversity. mercially since January,” says Jer- tasting.” strations. “It’s a major event for When his contract as a player emy. “We roast for ourselves and And Jeremy’s pleased to be bas- the industry and a big draw for the came to an end, Jeremy looked for sell on the website as well as sup- ing his business ventures in the public,” says Jeremy. “It will be other challenges – and business plying other local coffee shops.” town. interesting to see what’s going beckoned. Other clients include car deal“Huddersfield is a great town on.” “I had always wanted to set up erships, which are increasingly and what we do as a town we do Bean Brothers is also a member some sort of business and thought keen to treat their customers to well,” he says. of the Speciality Coffee Associanow would be a good time,” he something a good bit better than “I got a real sense of pride walk- tion of Europe – enabling Jeremy says. the contents of a plastic cup from ing through St George’s Square at and James to share knowledge, The result was the launch of a vending machine! the time of the Tour de France experience and information with coffee shop Coffeevolution, which Jeremy says: “We roast the when we had a French farm right other coffee professionals. is based at Church Street in When he’s not busy helping Huddersfield town centre to run Coffeeevolution and and opened in 2000. Bean Brothers, Jeremy It has stood the test of enjoys time with partner time – becoming a popular Hannah and children Emily watering hole with a large and George. and loyal clientele, provid“We have a house near ing a venue for musical Dijon in France, which we events and offering gallery acquired about three years space for aspiring artists. ago and we enjoy going The musical element there,” he says. means Coffeevolution is a “But it needs quite a bit popular town centre base doing to it. To begin with, it for visitors during Huddidn’t have any water and it dersfield Contemporary needed rewiring. It’s very Music Festival. much a work in progress! With the coffe shop “Our holidays are shared flourishing – it received a between the house in certificate of excellence France and trips to British from TripAdvisor this year Columbia in Canada, where – Jeremy and his brother he have relatives.” James have now embarked And he still enjoys playon a new coffee roasting ing chamber music. venture under the Bean New Year’s Eve saw JereBrothers name to supply my playing in a string trio. coffee to individuals and “I like to aupport anyother retailers. thing to do with the arts,” “We decided it was the he says. way ahead,” says Jeremy. ■■ Jeremy Perkins, one half of coffee roasting and distribution business Bean Brothers
profile
Jeremy Perkins Role: Co-owner Age: 43 Family: Partner Hannah and children Emily, 16, and George, 11 Car: BMW Estate Holidays: France , British Columbia and Cornwall First job: I worked as a chef and barman at Elland Cafe Bar Best thing about the job? There’s always something different. It doesn’t matter if its Coffeevolution, Bean Brothers or my music. Sometimes, I don’t know whether I’m coming or going! Worst thing about the job? Red tape and paperwork Business tip: Be original, persevere and work hard. Don’t be afraid to employ someone to do the things you’re not very good at doing
Bean Brothers Coffee Company Work: Coffee distributor Site: Fairfield Mills, Queen Street South, Huddersfield Phone: 07734 845189 Email: jeremy@bean brothers Web: www.beanbrothers.co.uk
Who will be the next Business of the Month? If you are proud of what your business has achieved; why not tell us about your success story and you could be a winner of our prestigious award. For further details please contact: Ian Greenwood, Eaton Smith Solicitors, 14 High Street, Huddersfield HD1 2HA T: 01484 821389 E: iangreenwood@eatonsmith.co.uk
Business Of The Month Awards - Rewarding Success Since 1995
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
Tech time for the marketing sector Here’s a technical question. Should marketers responsible for technology products and services be biased towards using technology for their marketing campaigns? The issue comes up for discussion when the Mid Yorkshire branch of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and the CIM’s Technology Special Interest Group stage an event, To Tech or Not to Tech, which takes place on October 2 at Victoria Wharf, Leeds. Huddersfield-based Andrew Earnshaw, founder of the Technology Special Interest Group, said: “This event is for all marketers – those who are responsible for technology products and services, but also for non-technology marketers who know they can learn from experienced entrepreneurs from a different market sector.” It will show two successful t entrepreneurs include technology in their activities – Andy Slight, of TheTestPeople.com, and Matt Holmes, of Cloud based accounts business Liquid Accounts. Andrew said: “Hopefully, delegates will go away with a better understanding of what is possible and therefore be able to make a more informed decision on whether their business should tech or not.” The event is open to members and non-members of CIM. Go to www.cim.co.uk/yorkshire or call 01628 427340 during office hours.
KIRKLEES BUS
Making things hot for the competition A Brighouse-based PR agency has landed a major contract to promote a new product in Europe. The Lenny Agency, based at Woodvale Road, has been appointed by Kaz Europe to implement a trade and consumer PR campaign for the launch of Braun’s new range of high precision thermometers following a competitive pitch process. The high profile UK launch will take place at the St Martins Hotel in London, where a respected medical expert and TV personality will present to the media on the benefits of the new range of thermometers in relation to a child’s fever. The campaign will then progress to implementing both offline and digital media relations as well the execution of a number of retailer based events. The Lenny Agency has also been the given the added responsibility of being the central lead agency for the
■■ The Lenny Agency team of (fropm left) Zara Ahmad, Francesca Robinson and Emma Leonard
European campaign. Managing all PR material and coordinating a comprehensive timing plan, Lenny is responsible for making sure the launch is seamless across all countries. Julien Charrière, associate brand manager at Kaz Europe, said: “We saw a
number of agencies, but Lenny really stood out. They have extensive experience of launching brands and products into the nursery market, having worked extensively with Oxo tot to cement its place as a household brand within the UK. “We felt secure in the
knowledge that the team at Lenny really understood the market and how to get quality coverage and brand awareness for our new thermometers.” Emma Leonard, managing director at Lenny, said: “Winning the Kaz account was a major milestone in our history, and we’re excited to get the campaign underway. We have extensive knowledge in this area and have built strong relationships with key media and bloggers, which will help to gain maximum coverage for the products. “The technology featured in Braun’s new thermometers will certainly make an impact when we launch in September and we’re eager to see the coverage it receives.” Offering the full service mix to their clients, Lenny works across a wide range of sectors with specialisms in home and interiors, nursery and baby, education and health.
VIPs attend opening of customer centre Medical equipment company Ferno has opened a new customer experience centre at its Cleckheaton headquarters. The centre, which has been set up to show off the firm’s innovative products, was officially opened by Ferno founder and chairman Elroy Bourgraf and president and chief executive officer Joe Bourgraf, who were visiting from the USA. More than 70 guests viewed the new state–of-theart facility which will be used for interactive demonstrations, seminars, training and customer education. Other guests included the Mayor of Kirklees, Clr Ken Smith, the mayoress, Clr Christine Smith; and Batley & Spen MP Mike Wood. Staff also welcomed two
■■ Elroy Bourgraf, (left) fchairman of Ferno with (from left) Kirklees mayor Clr Ken Smith; Jon Ellis, managing director, Ferno UK; Joe Bourgraf, president and chief executive officer of Ferno; Kirklees mayoress Clr Christine Smith; and Batley and Spen MP
other visitors from the USA. Ferno’s vice-president of international sales, Gary Hiles; and Heather Martin, Ferno’s history and culture
curator and director of public relations. Jon Ellis, managing director of Ferno UK, said: “It is a great honour that Elroy and
Joe made this visit to open the centre for us. “We would also like to thank all our guests who helped us celebrate the opening of the centre. “We feel this is a unique story. We have a state-of-theart centre which will be used to showcase some exciting future product innovations.” Ferno is part of a global network of companies manufacturing and marketing a range of patient handling equipment. The company supplies a broad range of products to hospital trusts, the ambulance and other emergency services, search and rescue teams and funeral and mortuary professionals across the UK. It also exports to 95 countries globally.
Accountancy firm renews business connections A new season of networking events run by Huddersfield accountancy firm Sheards gets under way this month – with the focus on directors’ duties and workplace pensions. The free event, which takes place from noon to 2pm on Friday, September 26, is
being run in conjunction with Howarths People and Safety Management and will take place in the Howarth Suite at Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium. Howarths will cover aspects of director’s duties, while Mark Stewart, Sheards’ financial services arm
Sheards Wealth Management, will provide important information on auto enrolment – new pension laws with which employers of all sizes will have to comply. Employers will need to know their “staging date” for compliance, identify eligible and non-eligible jobholders
and “entitled” workers and review their existing pension scheme to ensure it meets the requirements. Action needs to be taken at least 12 months before the staging date. To book a place at the Connection14 event, email to kevinw@sheards.co.uk.
■■ Kirklees Business Co Chrissie Slater and spea
Get rea a maste
Serial entrepreneur among business lead over the local econom Business Week (KBW) The founder of pha pharm, who went on successful companies of Growth taking part Economic Debate fro on Monday, October 1 Manchester Road, Hu The debate, which activities across the d by Sean Jarvis, comme dersfield Town Footb PPG Canalside, truste dation and chairman campaign. The panel membe their businesses have exclusive tips – partic day working life. The f will also allow for b after the debate. Among other achiev involved in creating th – now the John Smith the first-ever Residen prise and Entrepreneu University, based at Buckley Innovation C Alongside Graham Sue Cooke, who joi Region Partnership i Employment & Skil Wright, deputy busine shire Post. KBW, organised by Mid Yorkshire Cham fast approaching – and ing in. Chrissie Slater, co said: “Kirklees Busines aspect of growth an achieved through ma learning throughout t “Our opening even existing business in experience that the pa this event is invaluabl be missed.” For more informati place visit www.kirk uk, follow @MYBizCo ferences@mycci.co.uk
Read all a
Huddersfield bu Bradley has been pro ers of a national news Lynn, HR specialis Pennine Business Par Q&A feature in the Fi subject of the effect covenants – and issue senior roles in corpor Pennine Business client SMEs in the ar and health and safety
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2014
SINESS NEWS
onference manager aker Graham Leslie
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r Graham Leslie will be ders running the rule my at this year’s Kirklees ). armaceutical firm Galn to create a clutch of s, is one of the Masters t in The Great Kirklees om 8.30am to 10.30am 13, at Kirklees College, uddersfield. h kicks off a week of district, will be chaired ercial director of Hudball Club, director of ee for the Town Founof the Place to Make It
ers will explain how e grown and provide cularly useful in everyfree to attend meeting businesses to network
vements, Graham was he Galpharm Stadium h’s Stadium. He is also nt Professor of Enterurship at Huddersfield t the pioneering 3M Centre. on the panel will be ined the Leeds City in 2009 to set up the lls Board; and Greg ess editor of the York-
y the Lockwood-based mber of Commerce, is d bookings are stream-
onferences manager, ss Week features every nd how this can be any different forms of the week. nt focuses on growing various sectors. The anel members bring to le, first-rate and not to
ion and to book your kleesbusinessweek.co. onfs or contact myconk.
about it!
usinesswoman Lynn oviding advice to readspaper. st at Lockwood-based rtners, contributed to a inancial Times on the tiveness of restrictive e that can affect many rate organisations. Partners works with reas of HR, marketing y.
local
Give ‘unpaid civil servants’ a break Every day, small businesses across the land are acting as unpaid administrators for HM Government and the burden is getting bigger and bigger. Looking at the time that I have spent in the last 12 months: Pensions auto –enrolment – researching, talking to advisors, filling in forms, providing information (three days); Real Time Information payroll – including additional time sending reports and liaising with HM Revenue & Customs re their misallocation of payments/ failure to give credit for Maternity Pay (two days); Pre-employment right to work checks for new employees (one hour); Government generated surveys (two days); Money laundering checks on new clients and routine updates (six days); Downtime Health and Safety reviews/PAT testing etc (one day); VAT returns (four days); Other bits and pieces, including keeping up to speed on changes (three days). That’s a total of 22 days. Whilst these are only indicative, we are spending about a month a year on
THE BUSINESS BATTLEAXE Amanda Vigar unproductive time caused either by HM Government requirements or its inefficiencies. We are not a complicated business, so I dread to think how much time some businesses are spending either in time or professional fees. So many times Government initiatives are heralded as helping to simplify things, but its systems just aren’t able to cope with it. On Real Time Information alone, one part of HMRC acknowledged that it could see the maternity pay, but the debt collectors couldn’t. I heard myself saying: “Take me to court and I’ll take
great pleasure in telling the world about HMRC’s inadequacies”. Even the National Audit Office says that its systems are “not fit for purpose”. In the run up to an election, I would call for every political party to look at proposals to reduce this burden to business. Businesses are finding it tough enough in these rocky financial times and need to be left to getting on with earning money to pay their bills and their employees, not spending time acting as unpaid civil servants.
Amanda Vigar is managing partner at Holmfirth-based accountants V&A Bell Brown LLP
Firms to benefit from £2m funding boost A Yorkshire-business lender has sealed a unique agreement to boost its fund for businesses in the region by £2m. The Business Enterprise Fund (BEF), headed by Brighouse-based Stephen Waud, has concluded a deal with the European Investment Fund (EIF). The deal, which is the first of its kind, marks the 10th anniversary for the BEF and enables it immediately to issue loans directly to businesses in North and West Yorkshire – with a focus on SMEs that have been turned away by banks. BEF, which has offices in Bradford, Leeds and York, will be lending £6m to businesses that have been unable to get finance elsewhere. BEF has seen 33% growth year on year for the previous three years and has plans to expand into other regions where businesses are struggling to get the finance needed.
Fund director Mr Waud said: “This unique deal with the EIF goes to show the confidence and opportunity in our region. The EIF came to us to provide this credit line largely due to our success and size. They have indicated that further funding would be available should SMEs need more. “BEF is going from strength to strength with our expansion, recruitment and ambitious targets to support more businesses across West and North Yorkshire than ever.” In the last 10 years, BEF has loaned more than £10m to help almost 1,500 businesses across West and North Yorkshire – of which 940 were new businesses – creating over 1,000 jobs. BEF is supported financially by the European Union. It has attracted £10m investment from the European Regional ■■ Fund director Stephen Waud Development Fund (ERDF).
Yorkshire companies ‘growing and optimistic’ Northern entrepreneurs have seen their businesses grow considerably over the past year, says a survey. And they are optimistic about their future, it is claimed. Figures from accountancy firm EY show that 76% of entrepreneurs in the North of England have increased staff numbers – with 36% of these businesses creating more than 50 new jobs. The survey also revealed that 93% of entrepreneurs
polled in the region expect their turnover to increase in the next three years. However, just 27% feel that they are able to attract the right talent, suggesting that the Northern skilled labour market remains challenging for many businesses. EY found that 80% of entrepreneurial businesses in the North have seen growth in their turnover in the last year, compared to 75% nationally – with 57%
witnessing a turnover increase of more than 5%. And 98% of Northern entrepreneurs surveyed expect their business to grow further, with 59% predicting annual growth of more than 10%. Stuart Watson, EY’s Yorkshire and Humberside senior partner, said: “Over the past 12 months, the economy has strengthened and this is reflected in the confident mood amongst Northern businesses.
“Entrepreneurs have been recruiting in significant numbers and seeing reasonable growth over the past year. “But more importantly, more than half are planning ahead for double digit growth. “The North, like the wider UK, is open for business and our entrepreneurs are leading the way in terms of increasing their turnover and headcount.”
Yorkshire firms make tracks to HS2 supplier conferences Kirklees companies are among more than 50 Yorkshire firms keen to land a share of contracts worth more than £10bn for high-speed rail project HS2. Fifty-five firms in the region employing more than 50,000 people will attend one of HS2 Ltd’s two Supply Chain Conferences being held in London and Manchester in October as HS2 moves towards construction – which is planned to start in 2017. The companies, which include 19 from West Yorkshire, range from big firms employing more than 5,000 people to some with fewer than 10 and supply anything from office furniture to transport smart cards, seals and gaskets. HS2 will be Europe’s biggest construction project, linking eight of Britain’s 10 biggest cities. It is estimated HS2 will
support more than 100,000 jobs nationwide. HS2 chief executive Simon Kirby said: “Building HS2 is a massive, long-term project; one that offers huge opportunity for large and small companies right across the country. “To construct it and then bring it to life will require a vast range of skills and expertise, some of which we have and some we’ll need to develop. “Put simply, HS2 is an unprecedented transport, investment and economic opportunity. And to deliver a project of HS2’s scale and complexity we are committed to working with companies who share our collaborative values.” The HS2 Supply Chain Conferences will be held on October 17 in London and on October 23 in Manchester. Go to SCC@ hs2.org.uk
Another piece in the Jigsaw A training business is putting on the style to raise funds to continue its work. Dalton-based Jigsaw Enterprise Training, a not-for-profit social enterprise helping the long-term unemployed and people with disabilities and chronic health conditions, is staging a White Tie and Tiara Ball at 7pm on Friday, September 26, at Woodkirk Valley Country Club, Dewsbury. The event will include a champagne reception, three-course meal, live entertainment by local band Storm and a charity
auction for prizes including vintage jewellery, wine, original Aardman Animation sketches and a two-tier cake. Jigsaw founder Gemma Blagbrough, who won a best start-up award from Forward Ladies, said the organisation relied solely on grant funding to carry out its work. She said: “Regular fund raising events like this are vital to ensure this brilliant work continues in reaching out further and making a difference in more people’s lives.” For details email info@ jigsaw-training.org
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Teaming up with Termrim Huddersfield-based Termrim Construction Ltd have taken on four university students for their year out on industrial placement. Andrew Walton, Ashley Piergianni, Kyle Davies and Wesley Barlow students are on a four-year degree course in construction management at Nottingham Trent and Sheffield Hallam universities. Graeme Bird, managing director of Bradley-based Termrim, said: “The construction industry has suf-
“At Termrim, we have a long standing track record of running industrial placements spanning more than 18 years. As well as being able to offer four undergraduates students the opportunity to work alongside our experienced construction teams in both office and site based roles, we have also been able to offer former placement student Harry fered badly over the reces- Williams a full time position sion and students have often following his graduation.” struggled to find placement Huddersfield resident for their year out. Harry (pictured left) worked
as a placement student and after graduating from Nottingham Trent University with a First Class Honours in construction management, he accepted a full-time position at Termrim. Said Mr Bird: “Retaining students following graduation illustrates the exciting career opportunities available at Termrim Construction and we are always keen to hear from young people interested in looking to start a career in the construction industry.”
■■ Termrim managing director Graeme Bird (standing) with (from left) Kyle Davies, Andrew Walton, Ashley Piergianni and Wesley Barlow
Landlords look for VAT windfall INFORMED DEVELOPMENT Martin Thompson As a result of a recent policy change, landlords may now be entitled to a VAT refund on transactions undertaken during the last four years. HMRC have reviewed a number of their policies following a recent tribunal case and amended them to make them more flexible. The good news is the changes are also retrospective. Historically, landlords have paid VAT on premiums paid to tenants for the surrender of their lease where the tenant has opted to tax their interest in the property. This is on the basis that such premiums were always considered by HMRC to represent a supply of land by the tenant. In the light of recent tribunal decisions, HMRC have announced a change in policy meaning that there is, in principle, no obstacle to the surrender of a lease being a Transfer of a Going Concern (TOGC), subject to all the other TOGC conditions that would normally apply. As a result of this policy change, landlords may now be entitled to a repayment of VAT on transactions that have been made within the last four years. One of the other changes surrounds HMRC Policy recognising TOGCs on new developments of dwellings.
The first grant of the freehold, or a long lease, in such properties by the “person constructing” is generally zero-rated. This is straightforward where the party constructing the property sells directly. However, where the project is transferred this can create issues. HMRC have traditionally taken the view that where a completed building is transferred as a TOGC, the buyer cannot obtain “person constructing” status and therefore cannot make the onward zerorated sales. HMRC have changed their policy to now accept that the “person constructing” status can be transferred, subject to various conditions. The policy also applies to the transfer of “person converting” status for the conversions of buildings from non-residential to residential and “person substantially reconstructing” status for substantially reconstructed listed buildings. Again, business can apply these changes retrospectively for a 4 year period. As always, VAT advice should be sought in advance of property transactions as there are many provisions in addition to the above that need to be considered.
Martin Thompson is a partner in Commercial Property at Armitage Sykes in Huddersfield
Small builders ‘are missing out’ A government initiative to help small housebuilders is failing to do the job, it is claimed. Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “The Builders Finance Fund was originally trailed in the March Budget as ‘help for smaller builders’, but the 15 unit minimum threshold that has been applied has effectively excluded large numbers of
small and micro-firms that do not build to this scale. “However, analysis of the shortlisted schemes reveals that over half of the schemes consist of more than 50 units, which is a far cry from the small sites that the scheme was set up to help. “A handful of firms, including some very large companies, are behind a third of the schemes shortlisted.”
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2014
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Andy swaps home comforts for a night on the streets A company boss is swapping his suit for warm clothing – to spend a night sleeping rough on the streets. Andy Howarth (pictured), chairman of Cleckheaton-based Howarths People and Safety Management, will have nothing but the pavement for a bed and a shop doorway for shelter when he spends a night on the streets in Leeds in aid of fundraising initiative #sleepingwithsimon. The event on September 25 is in support of Simon on the Streets, a charity offering support for homeless people in Huddersfield, Leeds, Bradford and other areas of West Yorkshire. Simon on the Streets offers individual support to those who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, those with behavioural and mental health issues and those struggling with an addiction. The charity aims to help individuals to access the services that they need to make positive change. Said Andy: “No one
Counting on their long-standing staff By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
willingly sleeps rough every night – its cold, lonely, dangerous and degrading. “Just a few quid donation will make a difference to those in real need and I am looking for help in supporting my one night sleeping rough on the streets of Leeds. “I’m only doing one night and afterwards will go home to a warm bath and food. The guys on the street have no such luxury. “Unless they get help and support, they are there every night wind, rain or shine – 365 days without hope. Does anyone deserve that?” Andy is aiming to raise £2,000 for the charity. Go to www.justgiving. com/andy-howarth
Jo Haigh
Non-executive director Denby Dale business woman Jo Haigh has been appointed nonexecutive director for a London-based company. Ms Haigh (pictured) joins the board of Acuity Associates where she will offer her knowledge, advice and experience amassed from more than 20 years in the corporate finance industry. Multi-award winning entrepreneur Jo is also a prolific trainer, speaker and author. “I am extremely excited to be joining Acuity Associates,” she said. “This is going to be a great opportunity to assist them with their already impressive growth.” Acuity Associates, founded by Ben Mekie, uses experienced chief finance officers and finance directors to assess management accountants and financial controllers on behalf of its clients. Mr Meckie was previ-
movers and shakers
Staff at a Dewsbury kitchen manufacturer are celebrating after collectively amassing an enormous 3,166 years working for the company. Rixonway is billed as the second-biggest private sector employer in Kirklees and has some of the longest-serving staff in the region. Some 23 people have worked at the kitchen manufacturer for 20 years or more, 24 people having worked there for 15 years or more and 59 working for the company for 10 years or more. Bob Matcham, 68, a production operative, has been with Rixonway for nearly 40 years. He joined the firm in 1975 as an apprentice woodwork machinist. He recalled: “We never bought anything in that we could make ourselves. There used to only be 20 of us and we made everything by hand. I used to make around 30 doors a week and now we make 5,000 a day. “I’ve been surprised by how we expanded so quickly and the quality has really improved in the last 20 years.” Rixonway has several members of the same family working together – brothers Clive, Richard and Nigel Whitehouse joined the company in 1996. Clive and Richard, 59, both work as machinist drill operators and Nigel, 51, works as a production operative. Maintenance manager John Gardiner works with his son, apprentice Calum, who is an appretice engineer.
■■ Long-standing employees(from left) Nick Greenall, Alan Battye, Richard, Nigel and Clive Whitehouse, Bob Matcham and Russell Townsend
Staff put the long service down to job security, investment and employee care. Bob said: “Rixonway has been good as an employer and the directors know everyone’s names, which is important in a big company.” Commitment to the company continues at board level. Chief executive Paul Rose has been with Rixonway for more than 20 years, since joining as sales director while Nick Greenall, operations director and Andy Pickard, customer
service and IT director, have been with the company for 18 and 12 years respectively. Mr Rose said: “The satisfaction of employees is incredibly important to Rixonway and we strive hard to achieve a secure, comfortable environment for all our staff. “The long service of our employees is testament to our commitment as an employer and we have already pledged to invest in the business to ensure we are here for many years to come.”
Winner has every reason to feel Smug! ously European chief finance officer of Firstsource, which floated for $100m in 2006. Said Mr Meckie: “Jo joining us as a NED is fantastic. “We are sure that her vast expertise and enviable business knowledge will help us greatly and this will be a great journey for the both of us.” Ms Haigh has more than 20 years experience in corporate governance and is also a multi award winning entrepreneur, trainer, speaker and author. Her awards include being named Institure of Directors Business Adviser of the Year.
An innovative health drinks company has caught the eye of judges in a competition for goahead firms. Smug Drinks has become the latest winner of the monthly Shooting Star business award organised by Huddersfield Town and club partner Total Dilapidations Services. Smug Drinks is the brainchild of young Huddersfield entrepreneur Max Jones, who came up with the concept while at university. Realising the popularity of antioxidants and vitamins among students, he
saw a gap in the market for a tasty, fun and convenient way to get them into our diets. His research proved the soft drinks market offered the convenience – but argued that some beverages claiming to be healthy didn’t taste great and contained sugar and artificial ingredients. Max and his team have sourced the ingredients to create refreshing, allnatural, juice drinks containing antioxidant-rich herbal extracts and B vitamin blends, replacing sugars and sweeteners with the natural, zero calo-
Said Max: ““It’s still early days for our brand, but we are growing quite quickly and having your hard work recognised like this really gives you a boost, especially when it’s by your local football club.” Sean said: ““We have one of the best entrepreneurs around as chairman of our club (Dean Hoyle) and we’re keen to recognise fellow entrepreneurs ■■ Smug Drinks managing director Max Jones and sales making waves in business. director Sally Jackson with Huddersfield Town commercial “Smug Drinks embodies director Sean Jarvis (left) and Chris Lee (right), of TDS the entrepreneurial spirit – creating a unique business plan that caters for a rie plant extract Stevia. ed by Town’s Sean Jarvis gap in the market.” The award was present- and Chris Lee, of TDS.
It’s a double scoop for Denby Dale ice cream firm Ice cream company Yummy Yorkshire has scooped two new award nominations. The Denby Dale-based business is a finalist in the deliciouslyorkshire Taste Awards for its
Chocolate and Amaretti Biscuit ice cream alongside being shortlisted in the Lunch Business Grab & Go Awards 2014. The recent nominations come after a busy summer, which has
also seen the business win a Great Taste Award. Now Yummy Yorkshire founders Louise and Jeremy Holmes have made the top three in the Best Independent Outlet category
at the Grab & Go lunch business awards, which will be presented next Tuesday in London. The winners of the deliciouslyorkshire Taste Awards will be revealed on October 15.