CARLTON LITTLEFORD
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014
Safe and sound Interview - Page 3
FTSE 100 +23.21 6754.64
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COLIN BARRATT Feeling charitable? Column - Page 4
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Company constructing an Export markets award-winning workforce
INSIDE
henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
A construction company based in Huddersfield has signalled further expansion – and won recognition for its commitment to staff. Bradley-based Termrim Construction Ltd has been awarded the Investors in People Standard and the Ten Year Award, demonstrating its commitment to realising the potential of its people. Termrim is a privately-owned design and build contractor with its head office at Bradley Business Park. Its core business is new build and refurbishment contracts for housing associations, local authorities, charities and private sector clients across the North of England, delivering contracts from £100,000 to £7m in value. Investors in People is the UK’s leading accreditation for business improvement through people management and provides a wealth of resources for businesses to innovate, improve and grow, with a focus on good people making great business. Paul Devoy, head of Investors in People, said: “Achieving the Investors in People standard is something that any organisation should be truly proud of. “ Working with Investors in People inspires and enables leaders, managers and employees at all levels to build their skills, improve their performance and achieve their potential.
■■ Newcomers John Emmerson (left) and David Morley
■■ Staff at Termrim Construction, which has received accolades from Investors in People
“We’d like to congratulate Termrim Construction on their achievement.” Steve Burrows, managing director of Investors in People North of England. said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Termrim Construction and I would like to congratulate the team on their success. “We believe that good people make a great business and as a proven organisational development framework, Investors in People is designed to help organisations and their people to realise
potential, enhance performance and meet goals. “With their accreditation success, Termrim Construction is certainly working to realise their people potential.” Graeme Bird, managing director of Termrim, said: “The Investor in People Standard provides an external audit of all our staff training, development and communication processes within the company and signifies to our clients the investment we make in our employees to constantly improve service stand-
ards,” The accolade comes as Termrim strengthens its construction and site management teams with the appointment of David Morley as construction manager and John Emmerson as site manager. Their appointments will support the firm’s existing project teams in delivering growth and new business across the company in the social housing, care and retirement housing sectors. Mr Bird said: “David and John are joining Termrim at an exciting time in the growth of our business. “They both bring with them impressive track records of successfully delivering social housing and care schemes over many years for other leading contractors in these sectors. “They have already integrated well into the company as we continue to grow and deliver contracts for existing and new clients.”
Yorkshire performs poorly in sickness absence survey Yorkshire has above average sickness rates compared to the rest of the UK, a survey has revealed. The 2014 Sickness Absence survey, published by employers’ body the EEF and specialist business consultancy Jelf Employee Benefits shows that 5.1 days a year are lost to sickness in the region while at 2.2% sickness rates are above the national average. Nationally, rates of absence have reached a record low of 2.1%, equivalent to 4.9 days per employee per year. This remains around the levels seen over the last few years. However, long-term
absence has increased, with almost twofifths of companies reporting an increase in the last two years. According to the survey, stress and other mental health-related disorders have shown the biggest increase in longterm absence – with just over half of companies reporting it as a cause, an increase of 7% in the last five years. A fifth of companies cited it as the most common cause, an increase of 4% in the last five years. This possibly reflects, for the first time, evidence of the effect on employees of the long period of recession and austerity.
The increase comes despite more investment by employers in managing sickness absence and placing employee health and well-being programmes on a par with other business investments. Two thirds of firms now have sickness absence programmes, while 68% of companies offer access to occupational health services for employees. Over a quarter of companies also offer employee assistance programmes, health checks and health cash plans. Yet there is increasing evidence that manufacturers are seeing no benefits from the “Fit Note” programme which
EEF has supported since its introduction. In addition, employers are still reporting that the quality of the advice given by GPs is poor, despite half of employers saying they have made adjustments to enable employees to return to work. Andrew Tuscher, region director at EEF, said: “Sickness and absence levels in the region are marginally above average, so we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. Driving down absence rates, helping more employees return to work earlier and encouraging their well-being is critical for our economy. “
examiner.co.uk
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter
Yorkshire businesses are turning to the Commonwealth to boost exports, according to latest figures. As the UK prepares to welcome the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014, data from HM Revenue & Customs reveals that total exports for Yorkshire and the Humber were worth more than £4.07bn for the first quarter of 2014 – with gains in exports to Commonwealth regions like Asia and Oceania, the Caribbean and North America, including Canada. There was an increase in all three regions for the first quarter of 2014 against the first three months of 2013.
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It’s just the job A former NHS worker who created her own care business because she was unhappy with the care given to her elderly grandmother has created 25 jobs in just 12 months. Attentive Care Experts was founded in April last year – and one year on has just moved into larger premises in Birkenshaw with support from Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance. The company provides domiciliary care to the elderly, disabled and those suffering long-term illnesses.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Earnings fail to fizz for wines retailer Majestic Majestic Wine posted broadly flat profits of £23.8m as the retailer counted the cost of a New Year hangover in consumer spending. The wine warehouse chain, which includes a store at Queensgate in Huddersfield among 206 stores in the UK, described trading conditions as challenging and said its rate of online growth had slowed due to new entrants into the market. Total sales rose by 1.4% to £278.2m in the year to March 31, but like-for-like sales were 0.1% lower due to a poor January and February as consumer spending was subdued following a positive Christmas trading period. Majestic said: “The market in which we operate remains very competitive and is dominated by the large supermarkets. “The market has declined slightly in volume terms over each of the last three years although it has continued to grow modestly in value.” Majestic blamed inflationary pressures on alcohol duties which have risen from £1.81 per bottle three years ago to £2.05. Costs have also been rising around the world as harvests have been weaker due to poor weather combined with rising demand particularly in the Far East. Majestic said its share of the market as measured by Nielsen increased by 0.1% to 4.2% over the year to the end of March. The average bottle price of still wine pur-
chased at Majestic rose to £7.94, up from £7.56 last year whilst average spend per transaction increased by £1 to £129. It achieved an increase in the number of active customers who made purchases in the last 12 months to 643,000, up 2.9% on last year. The retailer reported a significant lift in sales of Rose from Provence up by 84% and Malbec from Argentina, Chile and France up by 50%. Sales of still wine priced at £20 per bottle and above grew 19.7% to £18.7m. Majestic said it continued to see the opportunity to increase the size of its retail estate to around 330 locations nationwide. A new distribution facility is expected to be fully operational by the end of this month. Chief executive Steve Lewis said: “Majestic made good operational progress in the last year and despite the difficult trading environment delivered a solid performance. “ He added: “2015 will be a year of increased investment for Majestic to ensure that we have the right infrastructure to maximise on our long-term opportunities for future growth.” Majestic Vintners opened its first Wine Warehouse in North London, in 1980. This was followed in May ,1981, by another in Battersea. By the end of 1985 there were 13 stores in the Majestic estate. Majestoc floated on the Alternative Investment Market in 1996.
Bank alert over lack of productivity
■■ Majestic plans to increase investment on infrastructure
Airline ditches float plans
Pub group’s £266m deal
Low-cost carrier Wizz Air has scrapped plans to float on the London stock market following a turbulent week for the airline industry. The Hungarian airline, founded in 2004 and which flew 13.9m passengers last year, pulled plans to raise up to 200m euros (£159m) due to current market volatility in the airline sector. A difficult few days saw Germany’s Lufthansa cut profit forecasts for this year and next amid a warning over
The owner of Harvester and Toby Carvery added 173 pubs to its estate after agreeing to buy a foodled pub chain in a deal worth £266m. Mitchells & Butlers said more than half of the pubs in the acquisition of the majority of the Orchid Group will be converted to its existing formats and brands, which include All Bar One, Nicholson’s and Crown Carveries.
falling fares on its European and American routes. A day later Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus issued its second profits warning this year after industrial action put passengers off booking with the airline. The move by Wizz Air also follows a spike in oil prices to a nine-month high as turmoil in Iraq raised the threat of higher fuel bills for the airline sector amid broader concerns about slowing global economic growth.
Productivity in the UK economy remains 16% below where it should be despite the recovery, the Bank of England has said. The key measure could have an important influence on the path of future interest rates while its weakness has been described by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a major risk to growth. Officials are puzzled by the weakness, with a series of possible explanations - such as firms holding on to workers during the downturn and a drop in investment over the same period - not enough to explain the discrepancy. It includes large shortfalls in measures such as output per hour or output per worker. Measures of productivity are important in determining interest rate policy because they can help estimate the ability of the country to grow without generating too much inflationary pressure. The Bank of England’s quarterly bulletin said productivity was 4% below its pre-crisis peak in 2008 while it remained 16% off where it would have been had pre-crisis trends continued. It said: “There remains a large degree of uncertainty around any interpretation of the weakness in productivity.” The report said attempted explanations “are unlikely to be exhaustive and are unable to explain the full extent of the productivity shortfall”. It said that since the financial crisis in 2007-8, productivity had been “exceptionally weak” - although there had been modest improvements last year - with performance “considerably weaker than most other advanced economies”. Earlier this month, the IMF cited the measure as one of the key risks to the economic outlook, alongside the threat from an overheating housing market.It said the durability of the recovery hinged on productivity growth, but warned this remained “well below historic norms”.
Orchid was set up in 2006 and now features more than 200 pubs across seven concepts, including pizza kitchens and Thai pub restaurant Dragons. Mitchells currently generates average weekly sales of 2,700 from its pub restaurants and believes the strength of its brands and experience will enable it to improve on the 5,300 per week made at the acquired pubs.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN
American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys
£55.41 £75.24 £39.90 £60.51 1684.13 £56.39 £24.31 44.15 £44.30 £47.07
AEROSPACE & DEFENCE
Avon Rbbr BAE Systems Chemring Cobham Meggitt Rolls-Royce Senior
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
6251/2 4183/8 2101/2 3173/4 523 1005 2741/8
227/8 731/2 77 673/4 56 £243/4 207 1028 291/2 1353/4 1060
AUTOMOBILES & PARTS BANKS
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3693/4
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636 1564
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745 2957/8 3353/4 1390 81 446 1371/2 568 2771/2 2091/4 601
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Alliance Trust Br Assets Candover Inv Dunedin Inv Dunedin Sml Edin Invst
£27 3737/8 526 8061/2 253 1005 711
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1881/4 3173/4 2887/8 108
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£30 1833 4821/2 682 £265/8
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3231/4 8391/2 766 1972 8881/2
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GENERAL FINANCIAL
3i Group Close Bros ICAP London StockExch
-31/2 -4 +41/2 -1/8
FTSE closed at
384 /8 50 1423/8 935/8 3191/2 7
FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS
ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced Ox Instmts Volex
Electra Private Equity Forgn & C Henderson Smllr Cos North American Inc Scot Am Scottish Mortgage Witan
6754.64
down 23.21 Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV
1017/8 £221/8 £255/8 1954
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INDUSTRIAL METALS
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HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
Smith Nph
3433/4 1450 1187 £517/8 1031/4
INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
GENERAL RETAILERS
Ashley L Carphone Whse Dixons Retail Home Retail Inchcape Kingfisher M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith
Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey
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Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kazakhmys Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES
1422 7481/2 1865 822 284 2467/8 £301/4 1110
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MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Inmarsat Vodafone Group
7301/2 1941/8
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1546 1060 £297/8 4837/8
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1238 1268 805
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NONLIFE INSURANCE
Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Ins Gp
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1449 3433/4
-8 +21/4
£435/8
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GlaxoSmithKline Shire
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994 1610 1130 1931/4 8491/2 2721/8 2721/8 1005 2561/4 144 3241/4 607 6701/2 5101/2 2111/2 1141/8 1610 £321/4
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Brit Land Gt Portland Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO
SOFTWARE & COMPUTER SERVICES
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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
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ARM Hldgs IBM Spirent Comms
TOBACCO
Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
£351/8 £261/4
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
1033/8 £231/8 9961/2 1435 1361/4 1323/8 £22 826 £223/4 3781/4 1463/4 1445/8 4021/2 263 93/4 161 570 5653/4 369 3843/4 £415/8 3403/4
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INDEX FTSE 100 FTSE 250
6754.64 15706.73
-23.21 -108.08
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Keeping fit after health alarms Carlton Littleford is clearly up for a challenge. The 55-year-old owner of security systems firm Carlton Alarms is set to tackle a gruelling assault course that would test any elite athlete when he takes part in the aptly-named Tough Mudder challenge to raise funds for charity Help for Heroes. He’s part of a team that will tackle a 12-mile course consisting mainly of mud, freezing water, tunnels, high walls – oh, and electrified obstacles – in the grounds of Broughton Hall, near Skipton this August. Carlton, who has previously tackled the Three Peaks Challenge, said: “I was good at crosscountry at school and I have been going to the gym for 16 years. I go to the gym at Lockwood Park every day Monday to Friday. I’m generally there for about 6.30am. I also go running and cycling. At the moment, we’re all in training for the obstacle course!” Carlton turned to sport to reduce work-related stress. “I used to get really bad headaches,” he says. “I went to the doctor and he asked if I ever got them when I was on holiday. I said ‘no’. It was all down to stress. I was working seven days a week and five nights a week on the business at the time. You can’t do that for ever. I started going to the gym and I have never had a headache like that since.” Carlton still works hard at the business he started after training as an electrician. His company, based at Newsome Road South, Berry Brow, designs, fits and maintains burglar alarms, security lighting, CCTV and fire alarms at premises ranging from houses, schools and churches to offices and factories. Carlton was born in Slaithwaite but lived for four or five years in Rutland before his parents returned to Huddersfield and settled in Linthwaite in 1967, where he spent most of his formative years. He attended Linthwaite Church School and Colne Valley High School where he learned to play the drums and enjoyed maths and physics, but
admits he was not academicallyminded. “I was a typical lazy boy,” he says. “I did just enough to get by. Now I do everything I can to the best of my ability!” Carlton took a three-year electrical apprenticeship with NG Bailey in Leeds. “When I got my qualifications and passed my exams I felt I had really achieved something,” he recalls. Employment also broadened his horizons. Carlton worked for two years at the Sullom Voe oil terminal in the Shetlands. “It was tough work because we had four weeks on and one week at home,” he says. “It was always windy – a bit like Marsden Moor by the sea!” Later Carlton worked as an electrician for a Penistone firm which crushed coal, coke and other materials into powder – work which was definitely not to his liking. “At that time on TV there was a programme called Enterprise, which was a business competition,” says Carlton. “The first winner was South Yorkshire Double Glazing and Harold WIlson presented the award. “I had taken some additonal courses, including electronics. About 30 years ago my home at Netherton was burgled and I fitted a burglar alarm system. I really enjoyed doing that and other peo-
Carlton Littleford
ple started asking me to fit one for them – so I packed in my job and set up in business, working from my bedroom at home.” Carlton Alarms enjoyed steady growth, moving to Armitage Bridge and now based at Berry brow where it has been for the past 15 years. The firm, which has gold quality status with the National Security Inspectorate and is qualityassured to ISO9001 and ISO9008, employs eight people. Carlton deals with most of the sales calls while his team of engineers are out installing, maintaining and repairing systems and two employees work in the office. The company has customers as far afield as in Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester, but mainly operates in the Huddersfield area. Carlton has seen big changes in the industry since he set up the business. “When I started, we were fitting panels where you turned the alarm system on and off with a key,” he says. “The panels developed into key pads where you turned the system on and off by keying in a code. Now there are systems you can turn on and off with a fob or via a mobile app.” The company hs fitted alarm systems in unusual places, including a train carriage at Huddersield
■■ Carlton Littleford of Carlton Alarms, Newsome Road, South, Berry Brow
railway station and on a barge. Every system is tailored to customer requirements. Carlton’s strategy for the business now is to provide a “one-stop shop” for security systems – most recently moving into the fire alarms market. Away from work, Carlton retains his interest in music. He says: “I’m principal percussionist with Huddersfield Wind Band. That’s how I put it, anyway. What it means is I’m the only drummer! “I’ve played with the band for almost 20 years and it is growing. There are almost 40 in the band now. We will be playing in Greenhead Park in a few weeks’ time and we do a Christmas concert at Huddersfield Town Hall. “I was taught percussion by a peripatetic teacher at school and I just kept it going.” Other interests include caravanning. “I like the outdoor life,” says Carlton. “I like walking and cycling. I’m trying to see as much as I can of England – going to Cornwall and Oxford last year to see places with some history and culture.” Carlton owns a Range Rover and a Porsche – “old ones” as he’s quick to point out. He’s also ridden motorcycles for 40 years and has five machines, including a touring bike which has taken him to Scandinavia and Europe. And he adds: “My ambition is to retire and have seven bikes – one for each day of the week!” But that won’t be for some time yet. Carlton’s still enjoying work. “The best thing is going to see people,” he says. “I have met some amazing people. “I still see customers from when I started out and they remember the fact that I always took my slippers with me to change into when I went into their houses and that I vacuumed up afterwards. “Health and safety means the engineers have to wear safety boots, but rule number one for my team is to put plastic covers over their boots when they’re indoors and clear up when they’ve finished. It’s just good practice.”
Role: Owner Age: 55 Holidays: I have travelled to Europe and Sandinavia but now enjoy caravanning around England First job: Working on the packing line at Thornton & Ross in Linthwaite Car: I have a 10-year-old Range Rover and a 14-year-old Porsche – and five motorcycles! Bst thing about the job? Meeting different people. I have met some amazing people. I still see people who were customers when I first started out Worst thing about the job? Having had to lay people off when times were hard – and as far as the business goes, paying the taxman! Business tip: If you like what you are doing and prepared to work hard, you can work for yourself. And do it sooner rather than later
Carlton Alarms Work: Designing, installing and maintaining security systems, fire alarms and CCTV Site: Newsome Road South, Berry Brow Phone: 01484 665526 Email: carlton@carlton-alarms.co.uk Web: www.carlton-alarms.co.uk
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TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
KIRKLEES BUS
Supporting the best of causes
■■ Rixonway Kitchens operations manager Mark Evans (right) receives the award from RoSPA’s Michael Parker
Gold standard for fifth year running Leading kitchen manufacturer Rixonway Kitchens has been awarded its fifth Gold Award by safety charity the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) for its outstanding health and safety record. Dewsbury6-based Rixonway’s health and safety programme was recognised for the fifth year running at a ceremony at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel at the National Exhibition Centre. Dating back 58 years, the RoSPA Awards scheme is the largest and longest-running programme of its kind in the UK. It recognises commitment to accident and ill health prevention and is open to businesses and organisations of all types and sizes from across the UK and overseas. The scheme looks at accident records as well as entrants’ overall health and safety, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement. David Rawlins, RoSPA’s awards manager, said: “The RoSPA Awards encourage the raising of occupational health and safety standards across the board. Organisations that gain recognition for their health and safety management systems such as Rixonway Kitchens, contribute to a collective raising of the bar for other organisations to aspire to, and we offer them our congratulations.” Paul Rose, chief executive of Rixonway, said: “We are delighted to be recognised by RoSPA and receive our fifth consecutive Gold Award for our dedication to health and safety across all our work areas. “The safety of our employees is of paramount importance to us and we’re happy that our efforts continue to be recognised in the sector.” The majority of awards that RoSPA presents are non-competitive, marking achievement at merit, bronze, silver and gold levels. Organisations maintaining high standards can win gold medals, president’s awards and orders of distinction.
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Charitable giving by companies is often associated with prominent businesses at high profile events such as Comic Relief or Children in Need. But any company can give to charity and at the same time reduce their tax bill. Companies can make cash donations to a charity under the Gift Aid scheme and tax relief is given, in the majority of cases, for the period in which the donation is made. A company with taxable profits below £300,000 will be able to obtain Corporation Tax Relief at a rate of 20% on their donation. Donations of shares and securities, land and buildings are other ways in which a company can obtain tax relief for its charitable giving. The gift of shares and securities commonly includes quoted stocks, shares and unit trust investments. For gifts of such assets, Corporation Tax relief is based on the open market value of the investment plus the costs of disposal less any benefits received by the donor (or persons associated with the company, such as a major shareholder) from the charity. The gift is also free from Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Where such assets are sold by the donor to the charity at less than their open market value,
TAX TALK Colin Barratt the amount of Corporation Tax relief due to the donor is reduced by the proceeds received. For instance, a company sells their shares in a quoted company to a charity for £2,000 which they acquired in 2006 for £3,000. At the date of sale, the market value of the shares is £12,000 and the cost of selling the shares to the charity is £500. The amount on which the company can claim tax relief is £10,500 (£12,000-£2,000+£500). In the example above, the company would also pay no CGT on the sale of their investment as the proceeds received are less than the allowable costs. In summary, the company will save £2,100 (£10,500 x 20%) plus the tax otherwise payable on the gain of about £1,700, a total of £3,800 on the gift of £10,500. Corporation Tax relief is also available on the outright gift or sale at undervalue of land and buildings, in a similar way to that of shares. For jointly held properties all of the owners must dispose of their interest in the property to
the charity at the same time if any of them are to claim tax relief. A claim for tax relief in respect of a disposal of land or property can only be made if the charity supplies the donor with a certificate describing the qualifying interest which it has acquired and showing the date of the disposal. For all of the above gifts, care needs to be given as to the amount to donate to charity as relief for the donation is given to the company by way of reduction in its taxable profits, after setting-off other reliefs first such as trading losses from earlier years or property losses. If the donation reduces the company’s taxable profits to nil, no tax relief can be given on any excess donation and where a company makes a loss, no relief is due at all. Companies can also obtain tax relief on the donation of goods or equipment such as office furniture or computers to a charity.
Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth chartered accountants, Huddersfield
Exporter really turns up the heat A foundry and dental supplies company has been hailed as a star performer in a competition run by Huddersfield Town and club partner Total Dilapidations Services (TDS). Halifax-based John Winter & Co is the latest winner of the Shooting Star award in recognition of its success in doubling exports and opening its new foundry sales office at its Washer Lane headquarters. John Winter now supplies foundry materials to more than 40 countries worldwide through an established network of agents and distribution channels across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Dale Lister, managing director at John Winter, said: “We’re delighted to receive this award after celebrating an increase in sales. We’re proud to be based in West Yorkshire and it’s good to see that other businesses in the region recognise and appreciate our work.” Sean Jarvis, commercial director at Huddersfield Town, said: “The Shooting Star award marks the achievements of businesses in West Yorkshire which are making a difference to the area and John Winter certainly fits the criteria. “It is an ambitious, successful company ■■ Sean Jarvis (left), of Huddersfield Town, with Dale and deserves to be honoured for its achieve- Lister (centre), of award-winning firm John Winter & Co Ltd, and Chris Lee, of TDS ments.”
Pension plans focus at event
This time next year, businesses with fewe than 50 employees must begin to enrol thei staff on a workplace pension scheme in accordance with UK pensions legislation. Now the Kirklees branch of the Federa tion of Small Businesses (FSB) is holding a special event on Thursday, June 26, to help small firms prepare for auto enrolment. UK law requires small businesses with more than two members of staff to imple ment a workplace pension scheme between 2015 and 2018. The precise date by which an employer has to comply with this legisla tion depends on the number of staff they employ. However, all workers of small firms aged between 22 years and state pension age and earning more than £9,400 each year wil need to have been enrolled by 2018. Gareth Glendinning, of Leeds based Glendinning Wealth, is the guest speaker a the FSB event and will advise small busi nesses on their legal obligations as employ ers and what they can do now to get ready for auto enrolment. He will also speak about the consequenc es of not adhering to the law. FSB branch chairman Laurie Sutcliffe said: “This is an event not be missed. “Small businesses which currently employ members of staff and even busi nesses which are planning to take on employees for the first time need to know about pensions auto enrolment and star planning now. “At this event, they can find out every thing they need to know about auto enrol ment and what they need to do and by when.” The event gets under way with network ing at 6pm at Canalside, Leeds Road, Hud dersfield. The presentation is at 6.30pm Refreshments are available and businesses can book to attend by going to fsbkirklees jun14.eventbrite.co.uk Email branchsec.kirklees@fsb.org.uk o phone 07866 438189.
Recognition for water firm
Yorkshire Water has been honoured at prestigious awards ceremony. The Bradford-based firm walked awa with an award for Improvement Strategy o the Year at the European Call Centre and Customer Services Awards held at the Old Billingsgate, London. The award recognises the firm’s work in implementing the hugely successful new waste water service which has seen custom er satisfaction levels soar since it went liv in August. Yorkshire Water was one of 900 attendee from over 13 countries shortlisted at th event which was compered by comedian Kevin Bridges. The 23 categories were judged by a pane which included Can Kekevi from Accentur and David Lomax from Jagex Games Stu dio. The judges said they were “knocked ou by the improvements Yorkshire Water ha made. Despite major change, it’s demon strated a fantastic collaborative approach and that “working with the staff union a part of their employee engagement polic was particularly impressive.” Dave Jackson, Head of Waste Infrastruc ture at Yorkshire Water, said they wer delighted to win.
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014
SINESS NEWS
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Don’t miss out on those Commonwealth gains! Yorkshire businesses are turning to the Commonwealth to boost exports, according to latest figures. As the UK prepares to welcome the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014, data from HM Revenue & Customs reveals that total exports for Yorkshire and the Humber were worth more than £4.07bn for the first quarter of 2014 – with gains in exports to Commonwealth regions like Asia and Oceania, the Caribbean and North America, including Canada. There was an increase in all three regions for the first quarter of 2014 against the first three months of 2013 – with North America particularly impressive, growing from £682m to £883m. Mark Robson, Yorkshire regional director for export support arm UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), said: “Trade within the Commonwealth is estimated at £300bn a year and the Games will provide further opportunities to boost this trade. “The latest statistics show that local businesses are continuing to overcome economic hurdles and rise to the challenge to grow.”
The Commonwealth baton will pass through the Yorkshire region next week, visiting Hull next Wednesday and Leeds the following year. Said Mr Robson: “Our role at UKTI is to make sure companies continue to export and make the most of any opportunities available. “This is why we need to maximise the opportunities that the Commonwealth Games will bring and is why UKTI is working closely with Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Government and the Commonwealth Business Council to deliver a business conference in Glasgow. “It aims to attract more than 200 business chief executives and political leaders from across the Commonwealth, ahead of the opening of the games and will provide a platform to look at the issues and opportunities that businesses from across the Commonwealth face in moving forward.” The latest export figures show that chemicals, fuels, machinery and transport equipment are the key export commodities for Yorkshire – with America, France and
Success at the double for Yorkshire Building Society
■■ Mark Robson, Yorkshire regional director for UKTI
Germany remaining our top three export partners. Mr Robson said businesses were also set to benefit from the arrival of the Tour de France to the region. UKTI, tourism body Welcome to Yorkshire and partners are running an International Business Festival from July 2 to 4 at venues in Leeds, York and Sheffield ahead of the race as well as holding a major export fair on June 27
at Ripon Racecourse. Mr Robson said: “The Tour de France will bring unprecedented interest in Yorkshire and it’s a chance for companies to shine like never before and showcase what they have to offer. “There is a growing feel-good vibe amongst the regional business community as we build up to the event, and it provides renewed confidence to get out there and compete on the global stage.”
Skills shortages may hinder recruitment plans Companies’ hiring intentions are set to rise to a record high in the third quarter of 2014, according to the latest Business Trends report by accountants and business advisers BDO LLP in Yorkshire. The BDO Employment Index, which predicts businesses’ hiring intentions over the next three months, jumped to 107.7 in May
from 105.6 in April. This is only just below the previous peak in Business Trends’ 22 year history – a reading of 108.9 recorded in February, 2007. It indicates that companies plan to continue bolstering workforces above the long-term average rate over the next three months. While this will be welcome, there is the risk that skills short-
ages will emerge in certain sectors. Strong growth among UK manufacturers in particular could be at risk. BDO’s Manufacturing Optimism sub-Index, which looks at manufacturers’ growth expectations over the next six months, rose to 121.0 in May, well above the 100 mark that reflects longrun average growth.
Terry Jones, partner and head of BDO LLP in Yorkshire, said: “Businesses are translating their confidence in economic recovery into action, demonstrated by the sustained increase in hiring expectations. But a gap between supply and demand for skilled workers is developing, which could take the momentum out of the recovery.”
Yorkshire Building Society has celebrated double success at the 2014 Moneyfacts Finance Awards. The mutual, which has its roots in Huddersfield, was named Best Longer Term Fixed Rate Mortgage Provider and Best Building Society Savings Provider. The Bradford-based society, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2014, was praised for the stability and good value offered by its mortgages while it was also described as “the leading savings account provider in the building society sector”. Chris Pickstone, the society’s head of mortgages and savings, said: “We are delighted to pick up these prestigious awards. “To be recognised in these two major sectors of our business is an outstanding achievement and is testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff.”
Yorkshire Building Society was also highly commended for Best Building Society Mortgage Provider and commended for Best Short Term Fixed Rate Mortgage Provider, Best First Time Buyer Mortgage Provider and Personal Finance Provider of the Year. The group was commended for Best No Notice Account Provider. Norwich and Peterborough Building Society, part of the YBS Group, was also named Best Building Society Mortgage Provider and Best Short Term Fixed Rate Mortgage Provider. Leeds Building Society, which has a branch in Huddersfield, was named Innovator of the Year at the Moneywise Magazine Mortgage Awards 2014 for its Welcome Mortgage, which allows borrowers to pay 0% interest for the first few months of their term so they can release cash to help them settle into their new home.
Back to school for businesses Kirklees businesses have been invited to help a school celebrate it 150th birthday. Crossley Heath School at Halifax is staging a summer ball on June 28 to mark the occasion. The event will be held at Dean Clough when the compere will be BBC radio presenter Mairead Devlin. The event will include a drinks reception, dinner and dancing as well as a fun photo booth, a raffle, an auction and the chance to win a moun-
tain bike and a diamond pendant. Proceeds from the event will go to the school’s new library management system that will benefit all students. The school, which draws its pupils from across Kirklees and Calderdale, was built as an orphanage in 1864 thanks to the philanthropy of the Crossley brothers, Francis, John and Joseph. The school merged with Heath Grammar in 1985 and more recently became an academy.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
local
Bank supports Kirsty’s job-creating venture A former NHS worker – who created her own care business because she was unhappy with the care given to her elderly grandmother – has created 25 jobs in just 12 months. Attentive Care Experts was founded in April last year – and one year on has just moved into larger premises in Birkenshaw with support from Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance. The company, which provides domiciliary care to the elderly, disabled and those suffering long-term illnesses that affect their mobility, is on track to achieve revenues of £200,000 in its first year of trading, which it expects to triple to £600,000 in year two. The family business, which operates across West Yorkshire, is recruiting staff at the rate of up to eight a month and credits word of mouth for its growing reputation. Company director Kirsty James was inspired to set up her first business after her grandmother Frances became poorly and needed some extra help at home. Kirsty, a former NHS dietician, was disappointed with the care that her grandmother was receiving, so joined forces with her husband Nick James to set up Attentive Care Experts, which they initially ran from their home in Drighlington. The couple later teamed up with fellow director Kevin Swaine, who is also a former NHS worker. Now Attentive Care Experts employs 25 carers and a management team of four. It looks after service users aged between 32 and 100-years-old, mainly in Leeds, Bradford and Kirklees. Kirsty said: “When my grandmother Frances was ill she was keen to stay in her own home and we set about looking for a suitable homecare provider. The carers didn’t do anything wrong, but they didn’t make her feel special, loved or valued. To us, these are basic requirements of any care package. “The relationship with a carer is very personal. We design a care plan around a person’s needs and it is constantly updated. We know what service users
■■ Kirsty James (second left), of Attentive Care Experts with (from left) Nick James, Kevin Swaine and Charlotte Jackson, regional manager, Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance
want because we have been service users ourselves.” Kirsty’s business has received support from Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance – including a £50,000 factoring facility, which gives Attentive access to up to 90% of the value of its issued invoices, often within 24 hours. About half of Attentive Care Experts’ service users have their care paid for by their local authority or the NHS, so the firm faced waiting 30 days for payment.
The factoring facility freed up working capital, allowing staff to be paid. Charlotte Jackson, regional manager for Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance, said: “Attentive Care Experts has great potential and factoring has helped boost its cashflow, allowing it to keep growing. “The facility is flexible, so for growing firms like this, with its turnover increasing rapidly, the facility will grow with the business instead of acting as a fixed level of funding.”
Winning recipe for PR agency Birstall-based PR agency Faith PR has been appointed to handle all PR, marketing and design work for one of Calderdale’s most respected events venues. Faith PR has been appointed to help Elland-based Bertie’s @ La Cachette to raise its profile and awareness of its events and facilities. The agency has handled the communications activity for neighbouring business La Cachet Restaurant & Bar since 2012. When director Jon Nichols bought Bertie’s last year, he gave Faith PR the opportunity to pitch for the new business’ communications work as well. Faith PR will support the events company with a range of services, including media relations, social media management, copywriting, e-marketing and design for print. The agency is also designing a new website for Bertie’s. Bertie’s @ La Cachette, previously known as Bertie’s Banqueting Rooms, first opened its doors at Brook Street, Elland, in 1988 and is a popular venue for blacktie dinners, charity balls, prom nights, weddings and business events and has also built up a successful outside catering division. Stefanie Hopkins, director of Faith PR, said: “Having worked closely with Jon and the team at La Cachette for the past two years we’re delighted to now have the opportunity to manage all of the communications activity for its sister business, Bertie’s @ La Cachette. “Bertie’s is one of the region’s most established and respected events and catering businesses and we look forward to raising its profile even further.”
Kirklees firms urged to join delegates at global event Poll spells
■■ Chuka Umunna
Shadow Business Secretary Chuka Umunna has been confirmed as one of the keynote speakers at the Global Manufacturing Festival. Kirklees companies have been urged to take part in the festival, which runs on June 24 and 25. The event is billed as a rare opportunity for small and medium-sized companies in West Yorkshire to connect with some of the leading players in the manufacturing industry.
Blue chip companies including HS2, Siemens Energy, GE Oil & Gas and Airbus are using it as part of a move to provide better visibility of big industrial contracts. The MP will talk about Labour’s vision for the manufacturing industry in the UK. The two-day festival, to be held at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Training Centre in Rotherham, is set to break records for both attendance and exhibitors this year.
More than 500 will attend a manufacturers’ dinner, sponsored by Lloyds Bank, on June 24. The following day will see a conference and all-day exhibition with more than 100 stands – a marked increase on 2013 . More than 1,000 visitors are expected, including the Manufacturing Advisory Service and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, both based in West Yorkshire. The event is a chance for industrial suppliers in the UK
to talk directly to decisionmakers from some of the biggest companies in the world . Mr Umunna said: “The Global Manufacturing Festival brings together small British manufacturers with major companies, enabling them to forge new links and relationships, so I’m delighted to be involved.We need to do all we can to strengthen Britain’s manufacturing supply chains.” For details go to www.globalmanufacturingfestival.com
Ambitious Glen toasts launch of drinks catering firm A florist and former prison officer has launched a new drinks catering company in time for the summer party season. Glen Timmins, who opened Flowers by Glen at Grange Moor in 2012 after 18 years in the prison service, has launched Bubbles and Punch in Huddersfield to serve speciality drinks at a range of events and festivals. The mobile bar will be at events including Hud-
dersfield Food and Drink Festival, Le Tour Yorkshire, weddings, village festivals and concerts. In addition to drinks service, Bubbles and Punch can also provide decorations for events. The idea to start Bubbles and Punch had its origins in a conversation at Christmas between Glen and a friend. Glen wanted to diversify his event planning interests, so he turned to NatWest relationship manager Ian Court, who was able to arrange £5,000
of funding to meet start-up costs. Said Glen: “I have been banking with NatWest since leaving school, so it was the natural choice to go to for the new business. Ian has been great from the start, offering excellent support and has been very helpful.” Ian said: “I was delighted to support the launch of Bubbles and Punch and I wish Glen every success for the future.”
out priority ALMOST half of small and medium sized businesses in Yorkshire believe that the government’s greatest priority should be investment in the country’s infrastructure ahead of health, education, energy and innovation. Some 46% of bosses polled in the latest Close Brothers Business Barometer believe upgrading infrastructure is the most pressing issue to address – saying that they feel this is what the economy most needs in order to prosper. Lee Hayes, regional sales director for Close Brothers Invoice Finance, said: “Ensuring the UK has a world-class infrastructure is a crucial part of the country’s long-term economic plan. “I’m sure that many SMEs were heartened by the recent announcement of a new national infrastructure plan, outlining £375bn of planned public and private sector investment. The proposal set out vital long-term investment.”
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Shedding light on the history of Shetlands A visitor centre designed and fitted out by the Huddersfield firm has received the royal seal of approval. Leach Colour, based at Bradley, was represented at the official opening of the new Sumburgh Lighthouse Visitor Centre in the Shetlands when the Princess Royal was guest of honour. Princess Anne unveiled a plaque in her capacity as patron of the Northern Lighthouse Board. On a day of driving rain and fog, she was shown round the new galleries and was given a guided tour of the Marine Life Centre by Leach director Jim Parkin. Mr Parkin led the Leach team in designing and fitting out all elements of the exhibition over the past three years. As well as the Marine Life Centre, other galleries show the old smithy, the engineering room, a social history of the site’s lighthouse keepers and a Second World War radar base. All the funders and partners in the project, including the Shetland Amenity Trust, RSPB, Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Natural Heritage and ERDF were delighted with the finished result – which is rapidly becoming Shetland’s number one visitor destination. The Marine Life Centre at Sumburgh Head is sited in what was once the pavilion to the lighthouse. Leach designed a reactive light wall featuring spectacular miscroscopic photography of the islands’ food chain – from phosphorescent phyytoplankton up to birds and sea mammals. As the visitor enters the room, they are surrounded by orca calls and the low hum of an underwater existence. The images on the light wall emerge as the visitor approaches, creating a unique experience every time. The visitor is then encouraged to travel up through the kelp stairwell and above the surface of the water, where they can meet the two lifesize Minke and Kill-
■■ Above - One of the displays created by Leach Colour. Right - Princess Anne officially opens the centre
Moves by Chancellor George Osborne to increase brownfield development have been welcomed by the Federation of Master Builders. Chris Carr, chairman of the FMB Home Builders Group, said: “Bringing forward planning applications remains an expensive and risky business for small house builders. Brownfield sites within our towns and cities are likely to be sites of a size and location that is attractive to local builders. “However, previously-used sites often come with additional costs and complexities that increase the upfront investment required at a time when finance remains very difficult to come by for small developers.” He said: “The Chancellor’s announcement that councils will be required to place local development orders on more than 90% of suitable brownfield sites by 2020 is significant. It will reduce the risks involved and provide house builders with the certainty they need to invest in these sites. Where this is backed with funding to help make difficult brownfield sites viable for development then talk of an urban planning revolution may not be so far fetched.”
Director nominated
er whales and learn about whale and bird life, breeding, future concerns of the islands eco system and the work of the RSPB. Leach Colour, which employs 56 people, occupies 30,000sq ft premises at Dyson Wood Way, and produces graphics, signage and display products – handling everything from initial design to final construction. Previous contracts have included ones for English Heritage, Alton Towers Resort, the National Museum of Ireland and London Aquarium.
Hotel in £500,000 upgrade A hotel has been given a £500,000 makeover. The Cedar Court Hotel at Wakefield was the focus for a major redevelopment plan, which has seen its facilities modernised to provide increased comfort and style for guests. The hotel is part of the Cedar Court Hotels group, which also has the Cedar Court Hotel at Ainley Top, Huddersfield, as well as hotels at Bradford, Harrogate and York. The company had already refurbished and upgraded 66 bedrooms and two of
Initiative welcomed
the hotel’s conference rooms. Now, the hotel at Denby Dale Road, boasts a re-styled lounge area (left) and the removal of a small meeting room to provide easier access to the grounds at the rear of the property and allow for more windows to let in more natural light. Hotel general manager Jonathan Pritchard said: “With numerous areas of the hotel already benefiting from improvements and re-design, it is fantastic to see the new lounge area now open and in use.”
A director of an architecture practice with offices in Huddersfield has been shortlisted for an industry prize. Saira Hussain, who graduated in architecture from Huddersfield University, has been nominated in the 2014 E3 Business Awards, which take place on September 18 at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton. Saira is a director of Burnleybased Hussain Architectural Design Ltd, which has an office at New North Road in Huddersfield and provides architectural services, planning permission and construction services. She was chosen from hundreds of nominations to become one of the four finalists for the prestigious Young Entrepreneur of the Year category. Saira said the nomination was recognition for the firm’s efforts in the past few years, adding: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be nominated for the E3 Awards.”
Amy among the contenders for a top national property award A Holmfirth property expert has been shortlisted for an industry award. Amy Wray, of Applegate Properties is on the running for the title of best property manager in the national awards run by the The Times and Sunday Times. The category looks at how clients are dealt with, the procedures in place, training, feedback from existing clients, how staff are managed and treated and much more. Amy said she was absolutely delighted and very surprised to be shortlisted in a
category that is open to property agents across the UK. She was even more pleased that she was nominated by the team at Applegate without her even knowing. The awards ceremony will be held on Friday at the Lancaster London Hotel. The nomination comes soon after Applegate’s move to new premises at Huddersfield Road. Amy set up the business in a back bedroom four years ago but after just one year started to employ staff and upgraded to a
converted garage block. Expansion into sales meant a move to its present premises to meet demand. The new office on Huddersfield Road gets away from the traditional estate agency look with a reception area featuring antique furniture, a coffee machine and a striking chandelier. Staff work around one large desk to create a team environment and the premises boasts a huge plan chest instead of a standard filing cabinet as well as a line of vintage industrial factory lights Properties
are displayed on sheets of aluminium hung from reclaimed timber wall mounts. “I have the best team anyone could imagine,” says Amy. “I like to think that I look after them and in return they are always there for me whenever. “My friends are my rock and I have had so many people visit and offer their time for free to help me ,including other business owners. It’s a real boost, having so many people support us.”
■■ Amy Wray
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TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Another door opens for property business
Rupert Shires
Mentoring assignment Huddersfieldbased Rupert Shires has joined a growing Bradford social enterprise as a business mentor. Mr Shires (above, left) is one of five new recruits at the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF). He will be based in Little Germany, with marketing co-ordinator Alison Senior and investment manager Hamish Rushworth (also pictured). Over the last 12 months, BEF has reached its target of 100% growth – issuing over £4m of loans to businesses which have been turned down by the high street banks. In the last 10 years, BEF has loaned more
than £10m which has assisted almost 1,500 businesses across West and North Yorkshire – of which 940 were new businesses, creating over 1,000 jobs. Following the success of the Bradford and Leeds offices, BEF has opened its third Yorkshire office in the centre of York, which will be the base of two new investment managers, David Winspear and Simon Middleton, who have recently joined the team. Fund director Stephen Waud said: “We’re delighted to welcome our new recruits to our team to support BEF with its current expansion plan.”
Manufacturing tour An award-winning firm is opening its doors to other manufacturers. Meltham-based Disposables UK Group Ltd – Examiner Business of the Year 2013 – will welcome members of Calderdale and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance on July 2. Managing director David Burkill, himself a CKMA member, will show members round the firm’s new premises and explain the benefits and challenges its move has brought to the busi-
ness in order to position itself for further growth. The company, which supplies toilet rolls and other washroom, cleaning and hygiene products for customers including hotels, universities, colleges and sports stadia, completed its phased move to the new site last July. CKMA chairman Gary Smith said: “These visits are really beneficial to smaller manufacturing businesses to gain insight and inspiration for growth.”
Worthy of celebration An events management firm celebrated its first year in business with a networking event in the heart of Huddersfield. The team at EM-VA welcomed representaives from local businesses to the get-together at its premises at the Packhorse Centre. EM-VA is made up of three events management placement students from Huddersfield University, who have spent the past year working to establish the agency. They have hosted
movers and shakers
events for the university, the Packhorse Centre and other clients including The Friends of LBT and are now putting together a series of events for the Tour de France. The networking event included a talk by Ian Taylor, of Team-Spirit, who spoke about how placement students can have a huge impact on businesses. The free event also introduced the newest team members, who take over the business over the coming year.
A commercial property development company showing year-on-year growth and increased profits has won a business award. Meltham-based Towndoor Ltd was named Business of the Month in the competition run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith. Towndoor was founded in 1988 by Stuart and Lucy Bamforth, The Bamforth Group were initially involved in the dismantling of the huge premises which formally housed Case Tractors. During this process 50% of the factory site was sold to the group in the name of Towndoor Ltd and within four years the whole of the site had been developed into an industrial estate which was fully occupied by 38 individual companies providing more than 400 new jobs. Further expansion followed over the years and now Towndoor has more than 90 units throughout Huddersfield and Leeds spread across seven sites providing more than 1m sq ft of space in units of various sizes with properties including trade counters, garages, warehouses, offices, manufacturing spaces, apartments and even a reservoir. The judges were most impressed with the year-on-year growth and increase in profits and the fact that the bulk of the profit is reinvested in the business to grow the stock and continually improve the quality of the premises. Towndoor also contributes where possible to local community initiatives – such as completing a £750,000 safety project at Meltham Mill’s reservoir to protect local residents and businesses from possible flooding.
■■ Chris Taylor (third left), Of Eaton Smith, presents the award to Dan Bamforth (centre) with (from left) Nick Le Grove, of Yorkshire Bank; Alyas Hussain, of the Mid Yorshire Chamber of Commerce; Towndoor’s Joh Stewart and Nick Charlton; David Butteworth, of Wheawill & Sudworth; and Jo McBeath, of UKTI
Towndoor managing director Dan Bamforth said: “We at Towndoor are constantly looking to expand and improve our portfolio. “Previous work processes that proved to be problematic have been replaced radically transforming business applications across the company. This has resulted in a more transparent approach bringing together all aspects
for measuring progress towards our business success.” The Eaton Smith Business of the Month Award is run in conjunction with the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and the government’s export support arm UK Trade & Investment (UKTI). For details, contact Ian Greenwood at Eaton Smith on 01484 821300.
Westin team walking tall Record breakers! Employees at a firm making cooker hoods and kitchen extraction fans are getting plenty of fresh air. Staff from Westin, based at Phoenix Mills, Leeds Road, are in training for the Midnight Memory Walk in aid of Kirkwood Hospice at Dalton. The walk will take place during the night of June 21 and will follow a 10-mile route around the streets of Huddersfield. Taking part will be Wendy Thomas, Ann Valentine, Rizwana Shakil, Diane Sharpe, Janine Stones, Abbi Keenan, Helen Blackburn and Jason Brooks. Janine, who is Westin’s customer service manager, said: “We are all keen to support Kirkwood Hospice as it’s close to all our hearts. Training is slow but steady, but we are determined to raise a decent sum between us, so are putting our all into this!” To sponsor the Westin Walkers, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/ WestinWalkers
■■ These Westin employees are all set for the Midnight Memory Walk for Kirkwood Hospice
Kirklees business people got a taste of what’s to come this autumn. Wakefield Business Week (WBW) has been hailed a success by organisers – who are now preparing to replicate that success with Kirklees Business Week to be held in October. Events during WBW included Meet the Leader events, including one featuring Coca Cola Enterprises director Ian Johnson and an insight into the workings of Wakefield Theatre Royal from Sir Rodney Wallace and Murray Walker. Overall, more than 1,000 businesses got involved in WBW. The main event, Wakefield Business Conference, saw record numbers attend with more than 600 registrations and almost 700 businesses taking part in an exhibition, seminars and
business clinics. Darren Peters, of Leeds Bradford Airport said: “It really was a fantastic day for us which generated lots of leads and enquiries for Leeds Bradford Airport, both for the corporate client and also for personal holidays. I attend lots of these events and Wakefield Business Conference 2014 was one of the best that I have ever attended.” Big Issue founder John Bird, one of the keynote speakers, said: “I’ve spoken at a lot of events and this one has a rare buzz and energy to it.” The event was organised by the Huddersfield-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. For details of Kirklees Business Week in October and Calderdale Business Week in November, go to myconferences@ mycci.co.uk.