CHRIS BUCKLEY
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FTSE 100 MARTIN THOMPSON +52.17 Greenlight for greens? Column - Page 7 6741.25
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2014
There is an alternative! Interview - Page 3
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Business verdict in favour Fashion choice of new flexi-working rules
INSIDE
henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
New rules governing flexible working have won a unanimous verdict from the West Yorkshire Business Jury. Members of the panel, run by Holmfirth firm of accountants and business planners V&A Bell Brown, voted 7-0 in favour of the recent announcement that allows all employees to request flexible working hours from their employers. Amanda Vigar, managing partner at V&A Bell Brown, who delivered the ruling, believes that flexible working arrangements can help with staff morale and motivation. She said: “I have allowed staff to have flexible working arrangements for some time now and it has worked very well. As long as flexible working doesn’t have an impact on the bottom line, then it could be good for business. “It may well be difficult for smaller
■■ Amanda Vigar, of the Business Jury, with Morgan Wilson (centre) and David Richter, of the West Yorkshire Business Jury
businesses to accept flexible working arrangements, but larger small and medium-sized companies are more likely to be able to afford to be flexible with staff.” Mark Sanderson, director at QED Finance, said the new rules will help firms recruit loyal workers and retain their best performers, adding: “Extending the right to request flexible working will help to create a cultural shift towards more modern, 21st century workplaces where working flexibly is the norm.”
Charles Brook, of Brook Business Recovery, agreed with the new rules in principal, but believes it may prove to be more difficult for small firms to implement, saying: “From an employer’s perspective, it’s good to have staff who feel they can legitimately approach their employer. “However, because of the close relationships small employers have with their employees, they may feel unduly pressured to agree with these arrangements.”
Mike Funnell, of Power Tool Services, said it was very good news and would help with staff morale and productivity, but added: “Although employers would love to grant flexible working hours, it depends on the process and nature of work.” David Richter, of Coral Homes UK, said: “In general, I have no issues with the revised flexible working rules as long as it doesn’t conflict with efficiency. “Businesses have worked hard during the economic downturn to progress, which has been achieved through increased efficiency in difficult conditions, so what you can’t have is people undermining this and only wishing to work flexible hours to suit themselves.” Morgan Wilson, of Juice Learning, said flexible working hours were fundamental for organisations, but only if the employee was willing to show their employer the same level of support. He said: “I am absolutely for the new flexible working rules, which can be a massive help for employees.”
examiner.co.uk
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter
Nursery products firm Mamas & Papas has announced a new senior appointment – as it embarks on its next step. Mamas & Papas has named Derek Lovelock as interim chief executive officer. Mr Lovelock has extensive experience in the retail industry and last year won the Drapers’ Record Lifetime Achievement Award. Latterly, he was chairman of Karen Millen and Aurora Fashions Ltd, owner of the Coast, Oasis and Warehouse brands.
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Exporting experts to help Kirklees firms win overseas Plus
■■ Tim Bailey, and Jennie Beaumont, of Leeds City College
A NEW series of networking events to take hands-on export support to business communities is getting under way. Kirklees firms are among those set to benefit from the initiative, which comes after organiser Chamber International landed a new contract from Leeds City College. Under the Local Response Fund (LRF) – a Skills Support for the Workforce contract managed by the college – Chamber International will deliver themed networking events with export ambassadors to provide practical support for novice exporters. Chamber International has already run a
For an annual fixed fee, we provide businesses with an unlimited HR, Employment Law and Health & Safety support service.
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series of networking events over the past 18 months – backed by the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership’s We are International Campaign – to provide practical help for dozens of novice exporters and leading directly to overseas orders. Under the new contract from Leeds City College, using support from the European Social Fund, twice-monthly events will now be held in towns and cities in Leeds City Region and will also work with novice exporters to identify what skills they need to help them to export successfully so a new training module can be devised. The new events, running from now until
early next year, will also allow more one-toone discussions with export ambassadors and will be held in boardrooms and on factory floors of successful exporters. Events scheduled so far will be held in Kirklees, Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Leeds, Selby, Wakefield and York. Chamber International director Tim Bailey said: “We are thrilled to be working with Leeds City College’s Local Response Fund Project as a way of helping more businesses sell overseas. “Local businesses should take full advantage of this opportunity to get free help from some of the region’s very best exporters.”
points
Technology is taking a Huddersfield-based consultancy – and its clients – to the next level. SM&MS, based at Bradley, is helping employers, property owners and property agents carry out regular site audits by using a new time-saving app on their hand-held devices.
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Lender feels the chill as mortgage market cools Nationwide has reported a fall in mortgage lending in the latest sign of cooling in the housing market. The building society said it had also been affected by new home loan rules as gross mortgage lending fell by 9% to £5.8bn in the first quarter to the end of June. Its market share also shrank to 11.4% from 15.5% last year. Competitors have stepped up the pressure after a period when they had been more cautious as they were forced to build up their capital base by regulators. However, Nationwide was boosted by a rise in current accounts and savings deposits as underlying pre-tax profits more than doubled to £263m from £121m in the same period last year. Finance director Mark Rennison said that how long signs of cooling in the housing market would continue
was “difficult to gauge”. He said it was unlikely to fall “to any really significant degree”, particularly as the supply of housing demand continued to fall short. But he said of the latest figure: “It is another instalment of some evidence that the market is certainly not continuing to heat up and there is a degree of cooling going on.” It comes as latest data from property website Rightmove showed a steep monthly fall in asking prices. Mr Rennison said there had been some impact from the introduction of the Mortgage Market Review - new rules under which lenders have to ask borrowers more detailed questions to check whether they can afford their loan. He said implementing the rules could have taken some focus off competition. In May, Nationwide boss Graham
Beale said the market in London was starting to ease off its “frenetic” pace. Mr Rennison said those had been the first signs of “a degree of cooling going on in the market place”. He said: “The evidence has continued to build to support that. We do think we have a seen a degree of cooling in recent months.” Meanwhile, today’s quarterly results showed that deposits grew by £1.5bn to £132bn and current account market share rose from 6.2% to 6.4%. Mr Beale said: “Following on from a robust financial performance last year, our first quarter has delivered another strong set of results.” It comes after Nationwide more than doubled full-year underlying pre-tax profits to £924m in the year to April 4. Gross mortgage lending grew by 31% in the 12-month period.
Small firms’ jobs boost Small and micro businesses across Britain are planning to take on 1.9m extra employees in 2014 – with 400,000 home based businesses looking to take on their first employee, according to new research by Direct Line for Business. The firm’s research revealed that new employees joining small and micro businesses this year will work on average 28 hours a week. Those looking to hire their first employee will expect the role to require less hours (21 hours a week) this year. As such small and micro businesses are planning to pay new staff on average £14,405 a year while self-employed businesses will start new staff on £10,795 a year. The influx of new workers will provide a significant boost to the company, the survey claims. Not only will the country benefit from these jobs but they will also create an average of more than £27bn in wages. However, Yorkshire’s smallest firms are among the least optimistic – with just 19% in this category planning to take on an employee this year. Only the North East – at 15% – has a lower expectation. London heads the list with 41% of firms expecting to create at least one job.
■■ Nationwide delivered strong results
Bank warning over Scottish vote
Profits double for Bovis Homes
The owner of Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks has become the latest business to warn of the risks it faces from Scottish independence saying a Yes vote could bring “significant additional costs”. National Australia Bank (NAB) said it had made contingency plans should the referendum next month turn out in favour of a split from the UK. Meanwhile, Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks saw provisions for dealing with past mis-selling scandals swell to more than £800m as its boss admitted the way it had dealt with payment protection insurance (PPI)
House builder Bovis Homes has reported a record number of completions in the first six months of the year as it took advantage of a buoyant property market. The Kent-based firm said legal completions jumped 54% to 1,487 homes in the half year to June 30, as it saw pre-tax profit more than double, rising 166% to £49.4m. The group, which concentrates on family housing in the South East, said the average selling price for private housing during the period was £239,500, 20% up on the same period a year ago.
■■ Yorkshire Bank owner NAB said a Yes vote could bring added costs
claims had “not been consistent”. Changes to this process are likely to result in higher payouts and revisions to past compensation, NAB said. The warning on independ-
ence comes after Royal Bank of Scotland earlier this month reiterated its stance that a Yes vote could have a “material adverse effect” on it. Chief executive Andrew Thorburn referred to the Scottish referendum as one of a number of challenges facing NAB’s UK operations - in addition to charges for past conduct. He said: “A vote in favour of independence may give rise to significant additional costs and risks for Clydesdale Bank. We continue to closely monitor the situation and have appropriate contingency planning in place.”
Bovis said: “In the first half of 2014, the UK housing market has continued to be robust, with a solid level of mortgage availability and positive home buyer confidence.” It said consumer confidence had been buoyed by the Government’s Help to Buy scheme. However there had been a “moderation of sales activity” late in the second quarter and into the early part of the current trading period which was “a return to more normal seasonal patterns”. Latest data from property
website Rightmove showed a steep monthly fall in asking prices. Bovis said it had almost fully sold its 3,650-home target for the year, adding that average selling prices for private and social housing would range between £210,000 and £215,000 overall for 2014. The business said that due to strong trading it planned to boost its dividend and almost double the amount of houses it built to between 5,000 and 6,000 “over the next few years.” Bovis will lift its dividend to 35p a share this year.
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INDEX FTSE 100 FTSE 250
6741.25 +52.17 15796.37 +128.56
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Chris has backing of the board! HE’s helping bosses get the best from their businesses – and their people. Chris Buckley is drawing on his own experiences of building and selling a business to help other owners and directors tackle the many and varied challenges they face – both day-to-day and longterm. As managing director of The Alternative Board (Calderdale and Kirklees) Chris runs a series of twice-monthly “board meetings” attended by small groups of senior business people from noncompeting companies who bring up their own challenges and issues – and hear what advice the others have to offer. “Simply describing their issues and writing them down can be very cathartic,” he says. “Issues are often about cash, people and growth. At their most basic, they are all about strategy. “And it’s not really about what makes businesses tick – it’s about what makes people tick because it’s people you are dealing with. “It’s people who make things hugely enjoyable – or a huge pain.” Chris, who hails from Halifax, but now lives at Jackson Bridge, saw first first hand the challenges and opportunuities presented in business as a young man helping his father’s electrical wholesale firm. Later, he built up his own business in recruitment – living and working in London from Monday to Friday. Subsequently, he sold the business to an American software vendor, but stayed on to help them build their business in Europe. For several years, he travelled between major European and US cities and the USA. But he admits: “I was getting too old for all that. I wanted to come back to Yorkshire.” It was while “having a moan” to a friend that Chris was introduced to The Alternative Board – an international franchise founded in the USA by Allen Fishman, an entrepreneur who had built up his own electrical distribution
business from a local to a regional and eventually a national company before selling it for big bucks. Says Chris: “He had got himself a ranch in Colorado and did a lot of ski-ing. The people he met on the ski slopes were financially well off and many of them had sold their businesses. But many of them also said their businesses would have done better still if they’d had a non-executive board. “Allen went back to Illinois, got a few friends together and set up The Alternative Board – to use their experience to help others.” Now The Alternative Board has about 200 franchises around the world with thousands of members. In the UK, it has more than 20 franchise owners with more than 300 members. Chris launched his franchise covering Calderdale and Kirkless towards the end of last year and now organises regular board meetings at different venues where business owners and directors can get peer support to thrash out issues affecting them. Chris also holds “taster” board meetings for potential Alternative
Chris Buckley
Board members. While some issues are common to all businesses, The Alternative Board also recognises that size matters! Explains Chris: “We run ‘red’ boards for the size of buiness where if the owner goes on holiday everything stops. Their issues are almost invariably about growth and cash. “We run ‘white’ boards for businesses where if the boss goes on holiday he or she is always phoning the office. “And we run ‘blue’ boards for bigger managed businesses where if the boss goes on holiday everyone else knows what they’re supposed to be doing. Their issues are almost always about people and strategy.” The patriotic colour coding has no special significance – but the system means companies of similar sizes and with similar characteristics can work together. Chris says the franchise has made a good start. It has raised its profile with an appearance at Wakefield Business Week earlier this year and plans to get involved with Kirklees Business Week in
■■ Many business owners welcome peer support, says Chris Buckley
October. Taster board meetings are scheduled for September and October while special leadership events will take place in September and November – covering issues such as boosting profits and employee perfomance as well as strategic planning for 2015. There will also be events alongside the board meetings to focus on areas such as good decision making and communicating – to find out what your team wants and while making sure the team delivers. It’s not about networking, Chris point out – and it’s not about American razzmatazz. “It’s about getting good advice from other in business,” he says. Chris has his own long-term strategy for his franchise. “I’m aiming to build a business with 35 members and recruit an additinoal facilitator,” he says. “My 10-year plan is to increase my territory.” At 54, Chris is still ambitious for the business and passionate about helping entrepreneurs. “A business owner has the right to expect that their business will deliver for them what they want from life,” he says. “It can enable them to do things that simply being employed will not provide. I have the privilege of working with 10 members – interesting, complex and motivated individuals striving to build their businesses.” But he also recognises it can’t be just work. “It is important to have other interests,” he says. “I like swimming. My dark secret is that I take a dip in Salford Quays every Saturday morning. I did a charity swim there and I’ve been going back ever since. “I go fly fishing – and I’m seriously considering golf. I like it for the ‘craic’ and the social element. “I also passed my level one dry stone walling course last year. The beauty of it is that while you are doing that, you are using a different part of the brain. All your day-to-day problem disappear because you have to concentrate. on the job in hand.”
Role: Managing director Age: 54 Family: Partner Carole and sons Jake, 23, and Charlie, 21 Holidays: Greece and Cornwall. We plan to visit Thailand next year Car: Mini First job: I had two paper rounds and a milk round as a boy. I also helped in the family electrical wholesale business Best thing about the job? The privilege of getting to know and work with entrepreneurs. They are such interesting people Worst thing about the job? The administration stuff! I can talk and network all day long, but the paperwork is a pain! Business tip: Believe in yourself. Do what you love and persist when things get tough. If you take yourself off the field of play you are not in the game
The Alternative Board Work: Helping business owners make better decisions Site: Jackson Bridge Phone: 07435 965952 Email: cbuckley@thealternativeboard. co.uk Web: www. thealternativeboard.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, AUGUST 19, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Late pay hits one in four firms More that one in four small firms in Yorkshire are adversely affected by late payments, a survey has revealed. And of those businesses that have faced problems due to late payments, 71% said that it impacts on their day-today cash flow management. Some 7% said it has forced them to rein in necessary spending and a further 7% said it threatened their ability to trade. The figures come from the latest quarterly Close Brothers Business Barometer. Lee Hayes (pictured), regional sales director for Close Brothers Asset Finance in the Yorkshire, said: “This increasing debt burden is a worry-
ing situation for small firms. “Of the businesses we spoke to that are facing problems due to unpaid invoices, 57% say that they are owed more than £20,000. “This is constricting their cash flow and the knock-on effect is that it prevents them from being able to pay their suppliers on time, thus creating a vicious cycle.” Mr Hayes said: “It’s a situation that needs to be addressed and alternative funding methods such as invoice and asset finance present a solution. “
Good times. Bad times. Whatever financial problems you are experiencing in your business, we can help. Call us for a consultation on
01422 348 448
Peter Sargent, Partner Richard Kenworthy, Director Begbies Traynor 36 Clare Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2HX www.begbies-traynor.com
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• A firm led by people who have actually run businesses • Through the year support and advice delivering comfort and value • Management information and account specialists • VAT, payroll and tax support • Year end reporting and full compliance service • Planning and support for your business and you Contacts Phone: 01484 688 616 Email: enquiries@bellbrown.com Web address: www.bellbrown.com Part of the V&A Vigar Group
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There’s nowt wrong with Yorkshire pride Earlier this month, we celebrated Yorkshire Day – a day when us Tykes joyously celebrate our roots! It’s a day when Yorkshire dialect and heritage is revelled in. Yorkshire people worry that it has become a media and marketing jamboree, perpetuating stereotypes of whippets, black puddings and flat caps. But I say, why not celebrate a day dedicated to God’s own country? You don’t have to be too long in the tooth these days to remember a time when everyone knew everyone else. Relatively recently, geographical loyalty was almost ingrained into the national psyche. TV series like “Last of the Summer Wine” celebrated Yorkshire pride and plucky regional spirit. Back then, anywhere outside Holmfirth where the rag tag characters lived, was seen as a bit foreign; everyone existed in a microcosm. Everyone knew everyone else and everyone else’s business. Or that’s the way it seemed. Skipton was recently lauded as the finest place in Britain to live because of a combination of low crime rates, top-class schools and great transport links. It also, like Holmfirth on a smaller scale, has a thriving high street that is not dominated by national chains and identikit facades. But there’s no denying that places like this have changed from years ago.
THE BUSINESS BATTLEAXE Amanda Vigar There’s a refreshing change in that newcomers to an area can feel accepted within months rather than a lifetime. There are, however, many good things to lament about the death of belonging. The absence of a sense of community may lead to alienation among the younger generations, in particular. The lack of jobs and the non-existence of a ‘“job for life” facts can lead to problems in formerly close knit communities. One of the ways of increasing the feeling of belonging is to try and put the people back into business. This can be achieved with a more customer focused approach with the aim of building up long-term working relationships. In my own accountancy practice, we like to
put the people back into business. In practice, this means that we work with numerous people in all sorts of trades and occupations; we have built strong relationships based on trust with our clients; clients know they can meet with the same person every time and are not simply assigned to whoever is available; and we value each and every client, no matter how big or small. On balance, these days we probably have a better deal. Today, we can celebrate our Yorkshire roots, without feeling trapped by them. We can enjoy our heritage without feeling defined by it. We can celebrate all that is best in our county while welcoming neighbours and those who are attracted to settle here. We haven’t got everything quite right, but we are certainly on the right tracks.
Amanda Vigar is managing partner at Holmfirth-based accountants V&A Bell Brown LLP
Renewing sport and business links with China They’re back in China to foster a love of football – and build business links. Huddersfield Town has teamed up with local company Fired Up for a second year to deliver a football coaching programme in China. Fired Up, based at Longroyd Bridge, has continued its commercial partnership with the club, which saw a number of delegates and Huddersfield Town community coaches visit Nantou, China last year. The first stage was a week-long business trip to China, during which a delegation of businesses led by Fired Up visited organisations including HSBC in China, electrical giant TCL, the Chinese FA and Chinese Super League football team Guangzhou R&F. The summer camp, which ran over an eight-week period, was
the first of its kind for Town in China In total, 161 youngsters participated in the football element of the camp and were taught a variety of sport-based and educational skills by Town’s coaches. Coaches Dave Nicholls and Neil Matthews, who coach in the foundation and youth development phases of Town’s Academy, are delivering the eight-week summer camp this time round. Dave, who took part last year, said: “The kids are really enthusiastic and are willing to learn. The work is hard, but it is in a fantastic country and we have the opportunity to chill out in the evening and enjoy the Chinese cuisine! The people that I met last year were all brilliant and treated us well.” Neil, who is making his first trip, said: “I have a fairly good idea on what to expect having spoken with Dave. It is an experience that
I am really looking forward to. “It will be my first time visiting that part of the world and a completely new culture to adapt to. In terms of coaching, I am looking forward to working with youngsters whose skills aren’t of the standard that I am accustomed to within our academy. “I am used to working with elite young footballers, so it will be a new challenge.” Fired Up chief executive Richard Kaye, said: “The children of Nantou are delighted to welcome back HTAFC and are truly excited at taking part in another soccer summer camp. “I hope we can build on last year’s success and further strengthen the ties between our towns.” Town commercial director Sean Jarvis said: “Our first year working with Fired Up was fantastic – it
couldn’t have gone any better. As a football club, we wanted to make a difference to the communities that we visited across the world and Fired Up shared those goals and helped us deliver them. “I am looking forward to working with Richard and his team again over the coming year and hopefully seeing even better results.” Fired Up Corporation, which has a factory near Zhongshan City in Guangdong province. is a leading manufacturer of electrical assembly, heating and cooling products for the home, hotel and hospitality markets. The company, which began in 1998 as a manufacturer of fireplaces, has also been involved in organising trade missions to China for UK companies with government export support arm UK trade & Investments.
Double delight for customers A kitchen and bedroom furniture retailer in Huddersfield has served up a double for two lucky customers. Rachel Budgen and Louise Smith will get their £4,465 and £19,850 kitchens for free – after they were chosen at random as two of the 10 winners in a draw run by the
company. The two Huddersfield women entered the draw after they placed their kitchen orders with Wren Living at Leeds Road Retail Park. The competition runs weekly and gives 10 customers who have placed an order at one of Wren’s stores that week the chance to win a
dream kitchen free of charge. Rachel and Louise entered the prize draw when they put a 10% non-refundable deposit down on their new kitchens and answered the competition question correctly. Rachel, said she was “gobsmacked” to be chisoen as a ■■ Rachel Budgen with kithen designers Darren Calderwood (centre) and Paul Whitehead winner.
5
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
local
Apprentices ‘vital’ says manufacturer A manufacturer in Huddersfield is urging young people to kick-off their careers by choosing to be an apprentice. Syngenta, which employs more than 400 people at its manufacturing facility on Leeds Road, recruits apprentices every year across its operations in engineering and process manufacturing. All of its apprentices have fully employed status and will take on key roles within the organisation on completion of their apprenticeship. Several have already progressed into more senior roles on site. Ian Nunn, a learning and development facilitator for Syngenta, who manages the company’s apprentices in Kirklees along with colleague Nigel Wright, said: “Apprentices are hugely important to our business. “For us, they are not a short-term fix but a long-term solution to recruiting high quality individuals into our business, giving them the skills they need and then allowing them to have a career with Syngenta that benefits both them and us. “We pay our apprentices well from day one because we want them to be treated equally like any other employee. “They provide us with stability and continuity plus the opportunity to grow our business while at the same time growing their own careers.” Syngenta, which makes crop protection products for use around the world, received 130 applications to join its apprenticeship scheme this year. And Mr Nunn said the quality of those signing up was increasing all the time. He said: “Apprenticeships offer a genuine alternative to the traditional route of going from school to college to university and while there will always be a role for graduates in businesses like ours, we want becoming an apprentice to be something more and more young people consider and more and more schools promote to their students.” One of the apprentices now working at Syngenta, Maariyah Rawat, of Batley, started with the company a year ago after getting her A-level results.
A Birstall-based public relations firm is bidding to scoop one of the prizes in an industry award scheme. Faith PR is one of five Yorkshire marketing and communications agencies to compete for the Low Budget Campaign category in the 2014 Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) ‘PRide’ awards/ And another Yorkshire agency, Approach PR, headed by Gomersal woman Suzanne Johns, is shortlisted in no fewer than seven categories in the awards – Not-for-Profit Campaign, Community Relations Campaign, Best Use of Social Media, Regional Campaign of the Year, Consumer Relations Campaign and outstanding Young Communicator – recognising the efforts of account manager Jennifer Isles. Faith PR’s entry covers its campaign to promote Denby Dale-based ice cream maker Yummy York Yorkshire which helped propel the family-run business to a record year in terms of growth and footfall to its farm. This is the ninth consecutive year that Bradfordbased Approach has been shortlisted for the annual PRide Awards. Suzanne said: “It is a tremendous accolade to be shortlisted in seven categories in our industry’s most recognised awards scheme and is testament to the hard work and business-changing results our talented team generates.” The awards, now in their 11th year, will be presented at a dinner on November 27 in Leeds.
■ Ian Nunn, and apprentice Maariyah Rawat at Syngenta on Leeds Road in Huddersfield
She said: “I wanted a hands-on job where I would be working and learning and also didn’t want to come out of higher education with a lot of debt. “Syngenta are committed to ensuring apprentices are treated just like any other employee and if you put the work in and commit to it fully they want you to stay with them for your career – keeping the skills they have helped you develop within their business. “My message to young people thinking about what to do with their results now or in the future is to consider what you really want
and whether higher education is the best route for you and your career.” Kirklees is one of eight Apprenticeship Hubs in the Leeds City Region promoting the benefits of being and taking on apprentices. Businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees – and who have not taken on an apprentice in the last year – can take advantage of a £1,500 grant to support their recruitment as part of the scheme. Businesses interested in finding out more about taking on apprentice can call 01484 437075 or e-mail apphub@kirklees.gov.uk
ENTER NOW
Training firm’s quality mark A Brighouse based training organisation has received a nationally-recognised quality mark. Taylor’s Training Ltd has gained the matrix Standard after demonstrating “exceptional quality standards” in areas such as supporting individuals, employers, prospective and on-programme apprentices as well as its own employees. To achieve accreditation organisations must “plan effectively to be able to review, evaluate and develop their service; encourage the take up of professionally recognised qualifications and the continuous professional development of their staff and services”. Taylor’s Training Ltd was founded in 1996 and delivers provision and support for hairdressing and barbering apprenticeships. Director Sandra Tickner Hobson said: “Information, advice and guidance is so important to get right. Prospective apprentices need to be employed and
PR firms rack up the nominations
employable and we believe that giving honest information and advice is a major contributor in terms of acquiring the right skills and giving any individual the greatest opportunities for their career. “We will maintain the quality and consistency of our procedures to make sure this happens. I want to know we have done the best we can for all the apprentices, employers and our own staff. “Achieving the matrix Standard means we can strengthen the criteria related to positive outcomes, the continuing professional development and competence of staff, continuous quality improvement and strengthen links with other quality standards and inspection frameworks. “We are very pleased to have achieved the matrix Standard. “It demonstrates the high standard of teaching, training and education we provide at Taylor’s Training. It gives us a point of reference to which we can continue to measure, maintain and improve our standards further.”
2014
Our Awards celebrate dynamic, engaging, inspirational businesses from across the region. They are are free to enter and culminate in a celebratory awards ceremony and black tie dinner
Deadline for entries: Friday 29th August 2014 For information and an entry form Visit: www.examinerbusinessawards.co.uk Call: 01484 437702 Email: businessawards@examiner.co.uk
AWARD CATEGORIES Kirklees Business Hub New Business of theYear Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd SME of theYear Fantastic Media Business of theYear Sta Exa HSB The Uni Wa Kirklees CollegeYoung Business Person Chadwick Lawrence Business Person of theYear
ard
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Property audit app is a winner Technology is taking a Huddersfield-based consultancy to the next level. Bradley-based SM&MS – standing for Safety Management and Monitoring Services – is helping employers, property owners and property agents carry out regular site audits using a new timesaving app which allows the user to build and complete an audit form electronically using hand-held devices rather than by the traditional paper-based method. It allows those responsible for safeguarding against hazards and defects on site the means to create a bespoke audit form providing a clear audit trail of what has been done and when as well as providing a clear record of actions required, the ability to report on trends and issues and levels of compliance. Richard Edwards, director of client services at SM&MS, said the audit module had already been used by clients including Deloitte and Lambert Smith Hampton, Fletcher King, St Modwen, ES Group, Capitol Properties and Roger Hannah as a cost-effective way of carrying out risk assessments He said SM&MS was now promoting the system – which has been developed by the firm’s in-house IT team – to major retailers as an equally cost-effective way of auditing their many stores. The new app complements the company’s PropertyPlus online health and
safety compliance product used by some of the UK’s largest property companies to help manage compliance reports and actions on multi-site portfolios. The system allows the user to interrogate and proactively manage the actions that arise from health and safety, fire safety and legionellarisk assessments. SM&MS also operates ContractorPlus, a web-based system to enable clients to select the right contractor – and allow contractors to prove their commitment to high standards. And the firm provides an employment law and health and safety support package for small businesses facing compliance requirements – allowing bosses to focus more of their time on their core business activities. Clients using the Simple system include Huddersfield firms Crowther & Shaw, PMW Quarries Ltd and Coretech Electrical Services as well as Barnsley FC and Sheffield-based Advanced Access Scaffolding. SM&MS has also landed a string of contracts, including a two-year deal with property giant GVA. Other new corporate clients include Metrus Property Advisers, Assura Property Management, ES Group, Bidwells and Malcolm Hollis. SM&MS has 100 staff UK-wide, including almost 50 at its Bradley Busi■■ Richard Edwards (right) and colleagues at the Bradley Business Park premises of SM&MS ness Park headquarters,
Commercial Residential, Commercial & Industrial Surveyors, Estate Agents, Auctioneers & Property Management Consultants For Sale
WESTGATE, HUDDERSFIELD HD1 1PB
SAVILE STREET, HUDDERSFIELD HD3 4PG
Town centre commercial investment property
Three Storey Commercial Property
Current rental income £48,500 p/a - BUSINESSES UNAFFECTED
335.41 sqm (3,610 sqft) Prominent main road position close to centre of Milnsbridge
Situated in a secondary position in Huddersfield town centre close to the bus station and train station
Rateable Value £3,450
Occupied by 3 Tenants, all of which have occupied the premises for in excess of 10 years
For Sale
CARTWRIGHT COURT, BRADLEY HD2 1GN
3 Miles from Huddersfield town centre EPC Asset Rating E
CLARKE LANE, HOLMFIRTH HD9 4ND
To Let
High Quality Modern Offices
Retail Unit/Offices
198.86 sqm (2,140 sqft) GIA
48.77 sqm (525 sqft)
Situated in a popular business park
Ground floor display windows
Convenient for Huddersfield town centre and the M62 motorway 8 Car parking spaces EPC Asset Rating D
14 St Georges Square, Huddersfield HD1 1JF
t: 01484 530361 e:
To Let
commercial@bramleys1.co.uk
www.bramleys.com/commercial
Situated in popular village centre Suitable for a variety of office/retail uses EPC Asset Rating E
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Green and pleasant land? When is a village green not a village green? This is a question that has been a key issue for the development of land in and around villages for some time, but a recent decision by the Supreme Court may have paved a way to resolving it. An application to register land as a town and village green was once a dangerous weapon that could be used by local campaigners to try and prevent development. If local campaigners have land registered as a town or village green under the Commons Act 2006 the implication is that nothing can be built on the land without the permission of the Government. But in a landmark vil-
use by the public under not started to run as the the provision of the Hous- land was designated “recing Act 1985. reational ground” under Any usage was carried the Housing Act 1985. out with the permission of Developers may want the council landowner to consider land used in and therefore the required this way for redevelop20-year period of qualify- ment as this decision ing use to enable the land means town or village Council as part of a parcel had designated the land as to be registered under the green applications can be of land development for available for recreational Commons Act 2006 had easily defended. housing. However, the piece of land in question Martin Thompson is a partner in Commercial Property was retained by Scarborat Armitage Sykes in Huddersfield ough Borough Council and kept as “recreation grounds” under the Housing Act 1985. Recently, the council decided that it would allow a developer to build on the land in question. The Supreme Court held that the land was used by local inhabitants with the permission of the owner of the land, as the council
INFORMED DEVELOPMENT Martin Thompson lage green case, which has significant implications for applications for registration of land by local authorities, the Supreme Court ruled that a field in Whitby, North Yorkshire, cannot be registered as a “town or village green” despite the fact that its owner, Scarborough Borough Council, has allowed its informal use for playing football and walking dogs for more than 20 years. The land in question had been acquired by Scarborough Borough
LAND AND PROPERTY
AUCTION THURS 11 SEPT 2014
Cedar Court Hotel, Lindley Moor Road, Ainley Top, Huddersfield, HD3 3RH
Huddersfield Town Centre
£9,500 pa
£175,000
LINDLEY
l l l l l l l
REDUCED Corner Shop To Let Approx: 337 sq ft Return frontage - Albion Street High Pedesrtian Flow Close To Bus Station EPC C70
l l l l l
HIGH STREET HUDDERSFIELD
£12,500 pa
Prominent Position Shop with Flat RV £4700 807 sq ft commercial space EPC E121
LINDLEY HUDDERSFIELD
l l l l l
SHOP LET Approx: 640 sq ft Rateable Value: £14,500 Huddersfield Tow Centre EPC: C68
WESTGTE 54 John William Street, Huddersfield West Yorkshire, HD1 1ER
l l l l
Jagger Lane, Kirkheaton, Huddersfield, HD5 0RA Detached barn and cottages in 3.2 Acres. Ripe for residential conversion, elevated rural setting.
Guide Price: £150,000 – £175,000
Substantial two storey building in high street location suitable for a variety of uses S.T.P.P.
0.96 Acre secure paddock suitable for grazing or equestrian use.
Guide Price: £95,000 plus
Guide Price: £10,000 – £15,000
Edgerton Cemetery Lodge
St Stephens Street
8 Britannia Road, Slaithwaite, HD7 5HG
Detached former Groundsman’s cottage requiring renovation.
Wilshaw Road, Wilshaw, Meltham, HD9 4DZ
Copley Village, Halifax, HX3 0UJ 10 residential investment properties, let to Rent Act Protected Sitting Tenants in Heritage model village and conservation area. To be sold individually. Rare investment opportunity.
Guide Price: £75,000 – £95,000
Guide Prices from: £55,000 plus
Building Land
Land at Whitty Lane
Sherwood Avenue, Bradley, Huddersfield, HD2 1RQ 0.38 Acre former council depot/ storage yard with planning consent for 6 houses in a cul-desac development.
Warley, Haliax, HX6 2TZ
0.8 Acres of woodland and small land parcel fronting Burnley Road offering potential as an advertising site.
£11,500 pa
LET - SIMILAR PROPERTIES WANTED
l
Jagger Hill Farm
Grazing Land/ Paddock
Guide Price: £120,000
Guide Price: £4,000 – £5,000
Dryfield House
1/2/3 Gibraltar
Substantial period property, formerly council offices set in 2.14 Acres. P/P for conversion to 5 flats and 7 houses in grounds.
Quirky collection of period farm buildings comprising two cottages, large workshop/garage with flat over. Interesting development/ investment opportunity.
Guide Price: £300,000 – £350,000
Guide Prices: (1) £80,000 – £90,000 (2/3) £75,000 – £85,000
207 Healey Lane, Batley, WF17 7HN
LET - SIMILAR PROPERTIES WANTED
Hotel transaction activity across the UK totalled about £1.5bn in the first half of 2014 – up by 65% on the £0.9bn reported for the same time last year, according to analysis by business advisory firm Deloitte. Andrew Coticelli, of Deloitte, said: “This is the second strongest start to a year since the peak in 2007. We anticipate continued strong interest from investors.”
Former Slaithwaite Library
109 Blacker Road, Edgerton, Huddersfield, HD2 2AX SOLD - SIMILAR PROPERTIES WANTED
property Hotels register
SHOP LET FORMER GREGGS Rateable Value: £10,000 Rent: £11,500 + VAT EPC D83
HIGH STREET
Former Registry Office
Wellington Street, Dewsbury, WF13 1LY Period town centre office building opposite Railway Station with PP for conversion to 4 flats.
Guide Price: £95,000 plus
Parkinson Lane, Halifax, HX1 3UQ
28 Clough Lane
Mixenden,Halifax,Hx2 8Sn Two storey terraced retail premises, Total NIA 42.01m2 (453 sq ft). Suitable for residential conversion STPP. Potentially business rates free*
Guide Price: £25,000 plus
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Further degree of success A partner at law firm Chadwick Lawrence has gained a masters degree. Sarah Crowther, who also heads the firm’s family law and probate department, was awarded her Master of Business Adm ini strati o n degree at Huddersfield University. She received recognition for her efforts by being awarded a prize from the leadership and management department of the university’s business school. Sarah is pictured receiving her award from Stephen Gibbs, senior lecturer. Sarah has been studying part-time for her MBA at the business school since 2011. The Radicon Prize was awarded for Sarah’s success in her part-time study. She said: “I felt it was important for me to develop my skills in business management as these are not areas which are covered within any of the legal training. “The modules I have studied have helped me significantly with the management of the
Key appointment for Mamas & Papas By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
departments which I run. Also, as a divorce solicitor, I regularly act for a lot of business owners and the business knowledge “The skills I have acquired have proved invaluable in dealing with their cases. I am delighted to have been chosen for the prize.” Neil Wilson, managing partner at Chadwick Lawrence, which has offices in Huddersfield, said: “We have a positive relationship with the university and also now with the Business School. “This is one which we wish to progress through developing the skills of our wider team. I wish to congratulate Sarah on her achievement which is hard earned.”
Dan Ingham
Business development role Recruitment firm Stafflex has appointed ex-rugby professional Dan Ingham as head of business development. Mr Ingham (pictured), a former prop forward with Castleford Tigers and more recently first team manager at Old Rishworthians RUFC in Copley, Halifax, joins Stafflex at Chapel Hill after eight years at Santander and four years at Bank of Ireland. He said: ”My role will be focused on building stronger relationships with our existing clients as well as forging new ties with prospective clients. “Stafflex is growing rapidly as a business and the directors felt it was time to bring me in to make sure that the attention we give to our clients does not get left behind as new business comes on board. “It’s important to the
movers and shakers
company to maintain and grow our role in the community – a community that has served the business well for over 14 years. “ Said Mr Ingham: “Business has picked up and shows no sign of slowing down. So yes, you will see me on the golf course, as well as at networking events and occasionally down at the John Smith’s Stadium supporting both the Terriers and the Giants. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it!”
Nursery products firm Mamas & Papas has announced a new senior appointment – as it embarks on its next step. Huddersfield-based Mamas & Papas has named Derek Lovelock as interim chief executive officer. Mr Lovelock, 64, has extensive experience in the retail industry and last year was awarded Drapers’ Record Lifetime Achievement Award. Until recently, he was chairman of Karen Millen and Aurora Fashions Ltd, owner of the Coast, Oasis and Warehouse brands. He joins Mamas & Papas with immediate effect. Mamas & Papas recently announced new investment from private equity group BlueGem – the financiers behind London retailer Liberty. BlueGem will work with Mr Lovelock and the founding Scacchetti family on a comprehensive strategic review of the business to position it for future growth. Mr Lovelock said: “Mamas & Papas is a fantastic, iconic brand with a fundamentally strong position in the nursery market. “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Scacchetti family and BlueGem to develop and implement a plan that will
■■ Derek Lovelock (left) and David Scacchetti at Mamas & Papas
both consolidate Mamas & Papas’ enviable position in the UK market and accelerate expansion internationally.” Chairman David Scacchetti said: “I’m delighted Derek is joining us. “He brings a wealth of retail experience in general and also has an excellent knowledge and understanding of the nursery market. “His expertise will be a huge asset to us as we draw up plans for the future that will help us to accelerate our global expansion ambitions.”
Mamas & Papas, which has its headquarters at Colnebridge, employs 1,300 people around the world. Launched in 1981 by husband and wife team David and Luisa Scacchetti, it has 64 stores in the UK. Its products are sold in more than 3,000 locations in 59 countries following new store openings in key markets such as Russia, China and the Middle East. In 2013, the company opened a new transactional website for the US market which has also enjoyed strong growth.
Solicitors compete in Law Society awards They’re eyeing up the glittering prizes at a Huddersfield law firm. Ramsdens Solicitors and its head of family law, Helen Thewlis, are both among the finalists in the national Law Society Excellence Awards 2014. And the firm has also been shortlisted for two prizes at the LFS Conveyancing Awards. The Law Society said Helen had been recognised for her inspiring leadership, adding: “Through her foresight and vision Helen has been instrumental in embracing change and leading her team and the firm to tailor services to meet the needs of the local community.” Ramsdens, which has offices in Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Elland, Holmfirth, Mirfield, Slaithwaite, Halifax, Leeds and Wakefield, is also a finalist in the CQS Award for Excellence in Conveyancing Practice – recognising its efforts in
■■ Helen Thewlis (left) and Karen James, of Ramsdens Solicitors
terms of client care, staff recruitment, performance and engagement. The finalists for the Law Society Excellence Awards 2014 have been selected by a panel of senior industry experts and represent the brightest and best talent the
legal profession has to offer. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony hosted by BBC News presenter Mishal Husain on October 9 at the Park Plaza Hotel in London. Meanwhile, at in the LFS Conveyancing Awards, Ramsdens is
in the running for the Regional Conveyancing Team of the Year and Best Website/Marketing categories. Karen James, head of residential property, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Ramsdens’ conveyancing team has been announced as a finalist for the prestigious LFS Regional Conveyancing Firm of the Year Award. “The competition is fierce and to get this far is an honour. “This is an acknowledgement and recognition of the hard work, commitment and dedication each individual member of the team gives to the job every single day.” She added: “To also be announced as a finalist in Best Marketing and Website category is an absolute bonus and down to the sheer hard work of our director of marketing, Sinead Sopala.” The awards will take presented on Septemer 24 in Coventry.
How to achieve that elusive work-life balance Achieving a work-life balance comes under the spotlight. Batley-born Jannine Oates, of Inspirit Learning Partners, will lead a workshop on work-life balance when the We Mean Business group meets for its business training session tomorrow. at Bailiff
Bridge Community Centre. Jannine, who has worked with business leaders around the world for global household brands, will deliver a two-hour session to identify stress management techniques and offer participants practical tips for balancing their
home and work life while running a business. It follows the success of the previous meeting on August 13, which also featured Jannine. We Mean Business was launched by businesswomen Nikki Lockwood, Becky Ashwell,
Rachel Gough and Beverley Shutak to support for small firms, sole traders and those thinking of starting a business. The next We Mean Business networking meeting will be held on 10 September. Email becky@ dotandcrossproofreading.co.uk