DALE RHODES
1
FTSE 100 DANIEL KRIGERS +17.60 Bereavement counselling Column - Page 4 6671.97
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014
It’s the perfect fit Interview - Page 3
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Window displays show off pipe cleaner technology By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter
Fashion retailer Harvey Nichols sought out the pipe cleaner know-how of a Huddersfield based firm to create its Christmas window display. Hewitt & Booth, based at Quay Street, is supplying multi-coloured flexible chenille stems to help create 3D forest scene displays at Harvey Nichols’ seven stores – inclduing ones in Manchester and Dublin – over the festive period. This comes after the companies first collaborated in 2009 – when Harvey Nichols designed an “underwater” themed window. Following a brief from Harvey Nichols and two rounds of sampling, Hewitt & Booth produced specialist 15 metre coils of wide diameter chenille pipe cleaners in 24 shades, five different colour themes and a variety of shapes. Yarn was dyed and wound specially for the job, stretching the boundaries of ordinary pipe-cleaner manufacture. The flexible stems have been sculpted together by the design team to create headdresses and other props on horned and winged “enchanted creatures” set among a magical forest scene. The project came about when the Harvey Nichols display team contacted customer sales manager Karen Preston via the Hewitt & Booth website “It’s wonderful to have this opportunity to work with such a prestigious company,” said Karen. “it’s a brilliant project to work on as it allows us to be really creative as well as using our many years of technical manufacturing expertise. We can’t wait to see theend result in our local Leeds Harvey Nichols store.” Hewitt & Booth , which dates back to
On their metal ONE of the world’s leading producers of aluminium has sent a steady stream of its most promising employees to Huddersfield University – in order to boost their skills and qualifications. Now the chief executive of Bahrain-based Alba has paid a fact-finding visit himself – as the university prepares to open an office of its own in the Gulf. Alba is one of the largest businesses in the field of aluminium smelting.
examiner.co.uk
henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
INSIDE
■■ Amarjit Kaur (above) and Patsy Whiting (above right) with some of the pipe cleaners supplied by Hewitt & Booth for Christmas window displays for Harvey Nichols (right)
1922, is market leaders in the bespoke manufacture of pipe cleaners, wicks and flexi stems. As the only manufacturer of pipe cleaners in the UK, it is known for bespoke production of customized cleaning and crafting products, supplying a variety of industries including medical, handicrafts, engineering, textiles, horticulture – and pipe smokers. Harvey Nichols opened its first store in Knightsbridge in 1831, It has stores in the British Isles along with two in Turkey, one in Riyadh, one in Dubai, two in Hong Kong and one in Kuwait.
We supply appropriately qualified & skilled people to any Workplace. For temporary & permanent jobs in West Yorkshire contact:
As things get better, continue to keep your labour costs down by using our reliable temp staff as and when you need them. We take on the admin burden - you pay us later!
The most trusted news brand in the business
They’re lovin’ it McDonald’s franchisee Pritpal Singh has revamped the restaurant at Kirkgate in Huddersfield – and created an extra five jobs. The new look coincides with the 25th anniversary of the restaurant opening. The Huddersfield restaurant now features innovative self-service ordering kiosks, digital menu boards and tables with built-in Samsung tablets.
www.stafflex.co.uk International House, Chapel Hill, Huddersfield HD1 3EE
Tel: 01484 351010
2
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Carney calls for rules to claw back bank bonuses Banks should face radical reform – including further curbs on pay – after a succession of major scandals showed misconduct was not just the fault of a “few bad apples”, said Bank of England governor Mark Carney. Mr Carney said fundamental change was needed including the ability to recover fixed pay from highflying financiers, in addition to new rules allowing bonus claw-backs. It comes days after six banks were fined £2.6bn after global regulators found traders had clubbed together to rig foreign exchange markets. That came in the wake of the Libor-rate rigging scandal which had already cost firms billions in penalties. Mr Carney said: “The repeated nature of these fines demonstrates that financial penalties alone are not sufficient to address the issues raised. “Fundamental change is needed to institutional culture, to compensation arrangements and to markets. “The succession of scandals mean it is simply untenable now to argue that the problem is one of a few bad apples. “The issue is with the barrels in which they are stored.” In a speech in Singapore, Mr Car-
■■ Bank of England governor Mark Carney says banks bosses must rebuild trust
ney said in some cases the link between those at the top of the bank who should have set out the “cultural norms” among employees had been broken. The public had been “rightly angered” that leaders who had been responsible for “sowing the seeds of the crisis” and allowing wrongdoing
to develop had been able to walk away. New measures to hold individual executives and board members to account as well as claw back bonuses after up to seven years are being introduced in the UK but Mr Carney said additional reforms may be necessary. “Standards may need to be devel-
More high street shops lie empty Town centres are under pressure to find new ways to boost footfall after figures showed the first increase in shop vacancies since early 2013. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said the national town centre vacancy rate was 10.3% in October, an increase from July’s rate of 10.1%. The deterioration came as footfall on high streets fell by 1.4% on a year earlier, compared with a rise of 1.9% for out-of-town shopping centres. Overall, retail footfall was 0.8% lower. BRC director-general Helen Dickinson said some local areas needed to learn from successful town centres by encouraging pop-up shops or community spaces to ensure that empty units do not become a blight on the area. She said: “Consideration needs to be given to how people want to use their high streets now and in the future. Leisure activities, coffee shops, access to local services and the desire for community engagement will be as important as retail as high streets reinvent themselves. “Digital connectivity is vital as the lines between online and bricks-andmortar retailing become increasingly blurred.” Ms Dickinson also repeated the organisation’s call for fundamental reform of the business rates system in order to make investment in property improvements attractive again for businesses.
oped to put non-bonus or fixed pay at risk,” he said, backing the idea of certain staff being paid partly in “performance bonds”. “Senior manager accountability and new compensation structures will help to rebuild trust in financial institutions.” The governor acknowledged that there had already been major reforms in “fixing the fault lines that caused the last crisis” with “not a few tears from the financial sector” but insisted more needed to be done. Mr Carney set out a series of areas where progress needed to be made to build on those changes and turned on critics who were likely to resist. He also sounded a warning that “these are riskier times” with the degree of financial risk taking seemingly disconnected from developments in real economies. Mr Carney said a rise in financing from non-bank sources needed to be matched with measures to ensure that sector’s resilience - with the top 10 fund managers now accounting for nearly 20% of assets under management. He added: “It is vital that our sons and daughters are taught not that financial crises are inevitable.”
Lyons to leave scandal-hit Serco
TalkTalk secures ‘quadplay’ deal
The chairman of scandal-hit outsourcing firm Serco is to step down, saying he takes ultimate responsibility for the group’s “strategic and operational missteps”. Alastair Lyons made the announcement a week after the firm slashed profits guidance and wrote down its value by £1.5bn, sending shares plunging by a third.
TalkTalk has signed a deal with O2 owner Telefonica in a move allowing the broadband firm to boost its bundled TV and phone services to customers. The agreement means TalkTalk will offer combined TV, internet and fixed-line telephone and mobile services - called “quadplay” in the industry - to more of its 4.2m
Mr Lyons has chaired the group for more than four years, including a scandal-hit 2013 when it had to repay the Government £68.5m for overcharging on criminal tagging contracts as well as £2m from past profits for a prisoner-escort deal. Serco announced that he would step down once a new chairman had been appointed.
New chief executive Rupert Soames, who took over in May, warned last week that Serco faced two more difficult years as it battles to rectify the mistakes of the past He is now seeking to make the business “smaller and more focused” and said it had been concentrating too much on winning new business and diversifying.
customers. Telefonica’s UK arm will share its 2G, 3G and 4G network with TalkTalk, enabling the British firm to boost its mobile service. The move comes after rival Vodafone said last week it plans to offer home broadband and television as part of quadplay services to customers from next spring.
TalkTalk said over the last two years it has grown its number of mobile customers to 350,000, or 9.5% of its total customer base by the end of September. Last month, the company also announced it would provide a free mobile SIM card along with its Plus TV service, which offers broadband, TV and a fixed-phone service.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN
American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys
£57.45 £73.92 £44.99 £60.38 1977.38 £51.51 £31.53 47.93 £53.35 £51.11
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
655 4613/8 234 292 4781/4 849 2785/8
173/4 493/4 723/4 321/4 571/4 £231/4 1721/2 895 101/2 1253/4 995
AUTOMOBILES & PARTS 321 /4 1
BANKS
-0.50 -0.42 -0.26 -0.40 -7.03 -1.56 -0.16 +0.33 -5 +11/4 -11/4 +3/4 -13/4 -1 +5/8 -1/2 -3/4 +1/4 -1/2 -2 /2 +11 1
-4 -10 - /4 1
Barclays Bk Ireland HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart Barr (AG) Diageo SABMiller Croda Elementis 98 Johnsn Mat
2341/4 231/2 640 771/4 380 9361/4
BEVERAGES
+2 /2 +3 +1/4
£241/4 2641/2 £313/8
-1/4 +3/8 -1/8
BT Grp Cable & Wireless Comm Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom
1553/4 1354 2943/4 49 218
-11/8 +2 +3/4 -1 -2
Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco Thorntons
CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
Drax Gp SSE
ELECTRICITY
580 1566
1
-31/2 +8
ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced Ox Instmts Volex
630 301 2801/4 1196 651/2
-1 -21/2 -53/4 +67 +1
4701/4 1371/4 512 2613/4
-3/4 -1/2 +41/2 +1/4
EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS
Alliance Trust Br Assets Candover Inv Dunedin Inv
Dunedin Sml Edin Invst Electra Private Equity Forgn & C Henderson Smllr Cos North American Inc Scot Am Scottish Mortgage Witan
585 18881/2 £351/8
CHEMICALS
Balfour Beatty C”R”H Costain Low Bonar Marshalls
+21/4 +1/2 -23/4 +1/4 +33/8 -215/8
1841/8 642 £251/2 4151/2 534 8681/2 245 2531/8 743
-21/8 -2 -2 /2 -11/2 -41/2 +1 +11/4 -1 1
FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS 375 /4 485/8 1343/4 901/4 2941/8
+1 /8 +1/8 -11/4 -1/2 +33/4
1811/2 2653/4 1923/4 122
+2 -43/8 -21/4 -11/2
3
FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS
AB Food Carrs Millg REA Hldgs Tate Lyle Unilever
FOOD PRODUCERS
£303/4 1644 4023/8 638 £26
GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES
Centrica National Grid Pennon Grp Severn United Utils 3i Group
-6 -1/8
2985/8 940 848 1997 8861/2
-61/2 +9 +13
4153/4
+3
GENERAL FINANCIAL
+1/4
86 218 940 £201/2
FTSE closed at
-2 -3/4
6671.97
Close Bros ICAP London StockExch Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV
1468 4263/8 £203/4 135 £215/8 £26 £201/2
+8 +11/2 +1/8 -1/2 +1/8
2827/8 1234
-13/4 -4
GENERAL INDUSTRIALS
Smith DS Smiths Grp
GENERAL RETAILERS
Ashley L Dixons Carphone Home Retail Inchcape Kingfisher M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith
27 417 1887/8 6801/2 2981/4 473 1763/4 £661/8 £771/8 1239 1066
141 4393/4 1783 1497 £531/4 126
Fenner I”M”I Molins Renold Spirax-Sarco Weir Grp Ferrexpo
+61/4 +36 +14 +17/8
268 1228 80 57 £281/8 £201/2
-201/4 -28 -11/2 +1/4 -1/8 -3/4
773/4
-11/4
INDUSTRIAL METALS
INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
BBA Aviation
+1/2 +51/4 +23/8 +11/4 +4 -1/4 +3/4 -7/8 +2
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
Smith Nph
Aga Rangemaster Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
up 17.60
5
+1/8 +6
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
+8
3551/2
-1/8
532 333 2443/4 1981/2 1475 4101/4
+21/2 +51/4 +13/8 +1/4 +11 +1/4
8501/2 802 2051/2 1561/4 1228 1057 360 1423/4
-31/2 +1/2 -73/4 +17 +2 +43/4 -23/4
LIFE INSURANCE
Aviva Friends Life Gp Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Standard Life
BSkyB D Mail Tst ITV Johnston Press Pearson Reed Elsevier STV Group Trinity Mirror
MEDIA
Utd Business UTV WPP
5611/2 195 1277
MINING
Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kaz Minerals Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES
+9 -2 +2
13721/2 +171/2 7161/2 -1 16681/2 +101/2 1 736 /2 +16 2687/8 -1/8 1803/4 £305/8 +1/8 809 +171/2
MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Inmarsat Vodafone Group
7261/2 229
NONLIFE INSURANCE
Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Ins Gp
1201 8631/2 £353/4 4593/8
OIL & GAS PRODUCERS
BG BP Cairn Energy Premier Oil Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell B Total Tullow Oil
10351/2 4321/2 1813/4 2451/4 £22 £23 £365/8 4583/4
OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
AMEC Petrofac Wood Gp(J)
-11/2 +33/4 +1 -81/2
+35/8 -101/2 +5/8 -33/4 -21/4 +1/8 +3/8 -51/8
10553/8 1150 -1 6771/2 +121/2
PERSONAL GOODS
Burberry Gp PZ Cussons
1550 3491/4
-8 -3/4
£46 14631/2 £435/8
-5/8 +2 +3/8
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY
Astrazeneca GlaxoSmithKline Shire
REAL ESTATE
Brit Land Gt Portland Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO
737 702 617 3423/8 1158 3863/4
+21/2 +101/2 +3 -5/8
3905/8
-1/8
967 /2 1729 1057 164 5471/2 2065/8 2065/8 9821/2 2691/4 1251/4 340 5791/2 347 4833/4 1631/2 1151/4 1720 £343/8
+131/2
+11/2
SOFTWARE & COMPUTER SERVICES
Sage Group
SUPPORT SERVICES
Berendsen Bunzl Capita Connect Group De La Rue Elctro Com Electrocomp Experian G4S Hays Homeserve Interserve Menzies J Northgate Prem Farnell Rentokil Travis & P Wolseley
1
-9 -21/2 -5 +13/4 +13/4 -61/2 -21/4 -21/8 +2 +2 -8 +13/4 -5/8 -1/4 -7 -1/4
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT
ARM Hldgs IBM Spirent Comms
TOBACCO
Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
890 £1051/8 681/2
+21 +1/8 -11/2
£371/8 £283/4
+1/2 +1/4
1081/4 £263/8 1054 1544 1263/4 1205/8 £241/2 792 £253/4 4255/8 1217/8 146 3727/8 2421/8 155 162 6441/2 6681/8 369 4211/4 £443/4 3647/8
+1/8 +3/8 +10 -6 -21/8 +3/4 +1/8 +1/2 +1/8 -3/4 -3/4 +5/8 -2 +11/4 +3 +1/4 -91/2 +3/4 -1/2 +61/8 +1/4 -1/4
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 FTSE 100 FTSE 250
INDEX
6671.97 15648.63
+17.60 +4.51
3
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Work is made to measure for Dale You could say he’s at the sharp Dale says: “Some mills did not standing textile merchant Dugend of Huddersfield’s textile invest in new machinery. They got dale Brothers & Co, based at industry. away with years of not having to Northumberland Street, HudShears, needle and thread are invest – but the rest of the world dersfield and sings the praises of the stock in trade of Dale Rhodes, caught up with them quickly.” those high-end manufacturers who has spent almost 40 years in Now Dale and his team of six who have moved with the times the tailoring business. based at Netherfield Road, Raven- while retaining their reputation Dale followed in the footsteps sthorpe, are among only a hand- for quality, such as Moxons, Tayof his father, Bert Rhodes, to make ful of tailors still plying their trade lor & Lodge and Bower Roebuck. up smart, bespoke suits for pro- in “cut, make and trim”. And there’s no compromise on fessional people, bridegroomsSays Dale: “There are not many quality. The firm’s website feato-be and aspiring employees ‘younger generation’ tailors. Bur- tures handmade suits ranging in wanting to impress at job inter- tons used to have their own fleet price from £600 to £1,600 and views. of vans and a tailoring service in jackets priced from £375 to £1,200 Now he is working to refashion every major city store. along with shirts, waistcoats and the image of the industry – while “The skills have almost com- trousers. lovingly recalling its colourful pletely gone. Where can you go Customers have included past. for advice about buying a suit, former LibDem leader Charles Dale joined his father – perhaps never mind finding a tailor? Kennedy, who was supplied with Huddersfield’s best-known tailor “Years ago, the older generation six two-piece suits, a jacket and a in his day – at the age of 15. “My knew what a good suit looked like. pair of trousers for one general first job was cutting sleeve lin- Now the younger generation are election campaign. ings,” he recalls. “I started at the more label-orientated.” While Bert Rhodes’ 14 shops bottom in the cutting room and Despite the trend for off-the- may no longer be operating, Dale was given the most boring job to peg, wear today-throw away Rhodes Tailors has a showroom at do! tomorrow clothing, Dale sees a Dugdale’s offices in Mill Street, “My father had 14 shops at the resurgence in demand for smart just off Savile Row in London, time, including ones at Westgate, suits, which he attributes to the which continues to put HuddersMarsh, Folly Hall and Chapel Hill male-orientated fashion features field cloth at the heart of the counand employed 100 people. which run in magazines and try’s capital. “Huddersfield was steeped in newspapers Dale travels to London by textiles. People would bring in The company sources much of Grand Central train, which takes suit lengths to be made up. They its high quality cloth from long- him to King’s Cross from Mirfield would bring in the fabric tied up with string. “Christmas would be a busy time because men would get their Christmas bonus at work and spend some of it on a new suit. Their previous best suit would be relegated to second best and worn for work. “All the mills gave out suit lengths as presents. There must be thousands and thousands of suit lengths still sitting drawers and cupboards just waiting to be made into suits.” Dale recalls the decline of textiles in the town during the early 1980s as several major mills succumbed to competition from cheap imports and – in some cases – their own complacency. “A lot of Huddersfield mills closed,” he says. “It was a crying shame to see. We used to go handing out our business cards to the people who were buying up the stock to see if they would ■■ Dales Rhodes with examples of cloth at the firm’s Ravensthorpe factory sell the cloth to us.”
Dale Rhodes
station, close to his home. “I used to go by car,” says Dale. “But I would arrive stressed out from driving. “Now I can get more work done on the train between 7am and 10am than I can during the rest of the day.” He says: “We do a lot of business as visiting tailors. We go to London, Manchester or Leeds to measure people up for suits. We provide suits for a lot of professional people, such as barristers, for example. “We are also in talks with a couple of high street retailers who want to put our suits in their stores. People want to see and feel the fabric before they buy. “We are still competing against cheap imports – but our suits don’t wear out! “The industry is constantly evolving. The tailoring industry has changed. One thing we are pursuing is that more and more people are buying online. “We are offering a service where tailors can send customers’ measurements to us online and we will make up the suits. We are selling our expertise in the hope that we can bring back bespoke tailoring.” Dale admits it is hard work, saying: “You are never away from the pressure of running a business.” Dale once harboured ideas of being a builder, but says: “My dad said ‘you’re going into the family business’. It was the done thing. You know – ‘one day all this will be yours!’ “But tailoring is in my blood. I’m passionate about it.” Dale’s affection for the town’s textile heritage is clear – and he hopes his reminiscences about Huddersfield’s textile past evokes memories for others who remember the shop signs bearing the legend “G H (Bert) Rhodes High Grade Tailoring”. He says: “I’d love for people who have been involved in Huddersfield textiles to email me with their stories so I can put them on our website.”
Role: Director Age: 53 Family: Partner Alison with sons Dean, 24, and Darrol, 17, and daughter Georgina, 21 Holidays: My first holiday for five years was to Portugal. I went to see a shirt-making firm, but stopped the week! First job: Cutting out sleeve linings – it’s the most boring job! Best thing about the job? The many interesting people you meet Worst thing about the job? You are never away from the pressure of running a business. It never leaves you alone Business tip: Do plenty of research before you make a decision. It is so easy just to jump in. The information is there, so use it. And in a time when things change so quickly, ask yourself: “Where will this business be in the future?”
Dale Rhodes Tailors Work: Bespoke tailoring Site: Netherfield Road, Ravensthorpe Phone: 0800 2346809 Email: tailors@dalerhodes.co.uk Web: www.dalerhodes.co.uk
Tuesday Skills Take-Away Professional Education in Huddersfield
JANUARY 2015 13th – Communication skills for Manufacturing and Technical Professionals 20th – Improved Client Interaction Skills for Technical Professionals 27th – How to excel in front of any audience- Presentation Skills
FEBRUARY 2015 3rd – Consulting and Advisory Skills for the Manufacturing/ Technical Professional 10th – Leadership Skills for Manufacturing/Technical Supervisors, Team Leaders or Managers 17th – Emotional Intelligence – Business Benefits 24th – Unconscious Bias Principles
Courses will run at:- 3M Buckley innovation Centre Firth St. Huddersfield, HD1 3BD Book online at:- www.tectre.com
Tel:- 01484 519274
4
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
KIRKLEES BUS
Birstall business in key takeover A Birstall-based digital agency has completed the takever of a Brighouse firm. Ascensor Ltd has acquired Refreshing Web Design following a decision by its founder, Jo Flynn, to sell the business so she can focus on her other company, motivational card messaging service Inspired Card & Gift. Jo said she contacted five local agencies and chose Ascensor because she “felt that they were the most capable agency to look after the clients and maintain the excellent working relationship that had been built up over the years”. Ascensor, which celebrates seven years in business this month, said the deal marked “yet another excellent year”. Ascensor managing director Andrew Firth (pictured) said: “We have continued to show year on year growth. This year has been tremendous. We have an amazing team and client base and the opportunity to work with the Refreshing clients fits with our continued expansion plans.” The takeover is the second of the year for
Ascensor. In August, the company acquired 50% of a 16-man Polish digital agency which has a track record of developing Apps. Ascensor said the move had significantly enhanced its capability in this area and added more development capacity to support its growing client base. Ascensor has also maintained its strong links with local charities through organising and taking part in a number of events and fundraisers. Its continued support of the Bradley-based Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice has lead the firm to organise a charity Fire Walk fundraiser and has seen Mr Firth complete the Inca Trail in Peru. Both activities raised about £5,000 for the charity.
When it’s time to show compassion The conciliation service ACAS has recently published a detailed guide on managing bereavement in the workplace. The guide may be of particular interest to businesses in developing their own policy given the lack of regulation surrounding this issue. Whilst the law does allow employees to take unpaid dependant leave in the case of an emergency – such as the bereavement of a dependant – there is generally no defined right to time off and no right to be paid. Nevertheless, research carried out by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development suggests that the average entitlement given by businesses is five days of paid leave. The guide firstly focuses on the notification by the employee and how the employer should react to the same. Managers should generally contact the employee to offer their condolences, be sensitive to any requests for time off, discuss what message should be given to colleagues and discuss how the employee should keep in touch. There are a number of ways in which bereavement can continue to impact on the employee after the first few days following a death: • Some individuals will simply take longer to adjust and return to work, so a longer period of time away from the
EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Daniel J Krigers business may have to be considered • Adjustments may have to be made to facilitate a return to work, such as reduced hours or duties for a short time • An employee’s financial circumstances may be adversely affected, particularly if the deceased was the main earner • An employee’s personal circumstances may change; for example, the employee may become the primary carer for a child and this could result in a flexible working application • There may be a period of absence later in the year, or on or around the anniversary of a death. An employer will have to decide whether or not to discount such absence from any formal monitoring A study released earlier in 2014 by the National Council for Palliative Care found that over half (56%) of employ-
ees would consider resigning from their role if their employer did not provide adequate support in the event of a bereavement. Further, nearly a third of those surveyed felt that they had not been treated compassionately by their employer previously. It is clear that a number of situations may arise in the case of bereavement. Employers should take a compassionate and flexible approach to find solutions to any issues, as this support will “demonstrate that the organisation values its employees, help build commitment, reduce sickness absence in the longer term” and assist “in retaining the workforce” as the guidance suggests. It may be prudent to highlight to managers the types of issues which may have to be discussed, to ensure that such a supportive attitude can be displayed to employees.
Daniel J Krigers is an employment law solicitor at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors
Stadium offers some hospitality Session helps firms accelerate their plans HOSPITALITY stars of the future headed to Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium to boost their studies with advice from the experts. About 50 hospitality and business management students from the University of Huddersfield visited the stadium – home to Huddersfield Town Football Club and Huddersfield Giants Rugby League Club – to gather tips and advice from its experienced events team. Their visit was hosted by hospitality industry experts from Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, which manages conferences and banqueting at the ground; one of the town’s most prestigious and popular social and corporate events venues. After welcoming the students, Sodexo Prestige project manager Annie Marchalle talked about her own background in the industry before outlining the wide variety of events – from conferences to Christmas parties – held annu-
ally at the stadium. Gareth Davies, managing director at Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd, gave the students an insight into the history of the stadium and its pioneering position as the UK’s first community stadium. Retail manager Jason Harvey spoke about his graduate career path and the challenges of providing large-scale hospitality for match day and non-match day visitors alike, before taking part in a question and answer session with the undergraduates, who are all in the second year of their various courses. Annie said: “It’s always a pleasure to showcase our facilities – particularly to the next generation of hospitality experts. “The stadium has a special place in the community and the wide range of events we hold – from conferences to our hugely popular Christmas private parties – is testament to that.”
A Birstall-based firm is helping to put other businesses on the path to growth. HR and employment law specialist Lamont Jones hosted a Growth Accelerator event at its Bradford Road offices. Director Heather Jones led the session, which aimed to help local small and medium-sized businesses make new connections, find new routes and develop new ideas to reach their full potential. Lamont Jones organised the breakfast event to inform local businesses and clients on the financial help and training available through the Growth Accelerator programme. More than 15 businesses attended and heard talks on access to finance, training sessions for management teams and advice on how a business can achieve its long-term plans. As a registered and approved Growth Accelerator adviser Lamont Jones – boasting more than 40 years experience in HR services – now has the tools to help business get more out of their team through HR
■■ Heather Jones, of Lamont Jones, leads the session at the firm’s offices in Birstall
advice and training. Said Heather: “I have many trusted friends and business associates from the accountancy and finance sectors that are involved in the Growth Accelerator programme.
“I have years of valuable experience in the HR and law sectors which will benefit other local businesses, which is why I decided that Lamont Jones needed to become part of this programme.
“Over 18,000 businesses have already engaged with Growth Accelerator and I hope Lamont Jones can become a mentor and guide to help others benefit from the Government backed service.”
■■ Former TV Dragon D
North c ‘powerh
Former Dragon’s Richard has called up neurs in Yorkshire to ents into the leading row as part of the muc Powerhouse”. Chancellor George wants Manchester an heart of a new northe Deputy Prime Minist would like to see Sh “Golden Triangle” th counterbalance to dominance and spark ity in the North. Now Californian former BBC Dragon entered the fray, call creative and gutsy” a of the North to becom change stretching alo from Liverpool to Hul The call follows the for Creative Startups newest effort to su entrepreneurs in partn field College. It is th course, made popula located in the North o Mr Richard said: “Th tive talent in the North as many people as p ness know-how to t ideas into viable startselves and, in the fu employment.” He added: “The tru about developing a ‘N for years, but actively through live teachin grammes is the best i ers can make to inc given region. “New business own in everything from ne employees in their fir “If we are serious ab ern Powerhouse’ the drivers of growth, they ers, and we need to he Mr Richard will poi the North of England tive Startups Sheffiel aspiring entrepreneu industries, and at va business developmen to being a fully-fledge The course begins applications are ope 30.
5
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014
SINESS NEWS
Doug Richard
can be house’
Den panellist Doug pon aspiring entrepreturn their creative talg businesses of tomorch-heralded “Northern
e Osborne has said he nd Leeds to be at the ern powerhouse while ter, Nick Clegg aid he heffield join them in a hat would serve as a London’s economic k a new era of prosper-
entrepreneur and n Doug Richard has ling on the “dynamic, aspiring entrepreneurs me a driving force for ong the M62 corridor ll. e launch of the School s Sheffield, Richard’s upport local budding tnership with The Shefhe first time that the ar in London, has been of England. There is so much creah and we want to equip possible with the busiturn their innovative -ups giving both themuture, others full-time
uth is that we can talk Northern Powerhouse’ y supporting start-ups ng and support proinvestment local leadcrease prosperity in a
ners make investments ew workspaces to new rst couple of years. bout creating a ‘Northese people will be the y are the game-changelp them.” int people from all over to the School for Creald, which is aimed at urs across all creative arying phases of their nt from the ideas stage ed start-up. s in January, 2015, and ened until November
local
4G rollout brings business benefits The roll out of 4G mobile services has had wide media coverage over the last year or so, with EE becoming the first network up and running. What is 4G, though and what does it mean to business? In short 4G is a fourth generation mobile communication technology. 4G provides faster data connectivity - for the users download speeds can be up to four to five times faster than on existing 3G networks and at least double. Because of this, 4G is ideally suited for services which demand more capacity like music or video streaming & mapping. This means a music album taking over 20 minutes to download on a 3G phone could take only five minutes on 4G. What does this mean to business? 4G can provide many business benefits and these include:• Increased productivity - working at office speeds whilst out of the office • A more connected workforce with improved connection, communication and collaboration • Improved data security - instant access to secured and centrally stored information
WELL CONNECTED Steven Hargreaves • Seamless mobile download of large files at higher speeds • A more nimble responsive business - decision making is improved by timely remote collaboration • Options to use 4G for failover for office broadband/data connectivity So where are the networks up to with this 4G rollout? EE have had a well-reported head start as OFCOM, the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, granted them permission to rollout prior to Vodafone and O2. Vodafone are investing £1bn in their network and services in 2014; currently Vodafone have 4G available in more than 233 towns and cities with a fur-
ther 19 towns currently being added shortly. Efforts to upgrade the network and, in certain cases, move to shared mast sites with 02 on a modernised national grid of 17,500 sites, will help to improve coverage across 2G, 3G as well as 4G. OFCOM’s aim is that once the 4G rollout is completed across all networks, mobile broadband will be usable indoors for 98% of the population in towns and cities across the UK. To take advantage of 4G you will need a 4G compatible device, a 4G tariff and 4G coverage in your area. For more information on 4G and to understand 4G availability on Vodafone O2 in your area, please visit www. abzorb.co.uk.
Companies urged to back Small Business Saturday Kirklees firms have been urged to get involved in Small Business Saturday. The event which takes place on December 6, aims to promote small business success and encourage people to shop locally – whether it’s a family business, local shop, online business, wholesaler or small manufacturer. Small businesses will be gearing up for December 6 – the first shopping Saturday in December – but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses. The initiative, now in its second year, is being backed by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Lloyds Bank will be demonstrating its support for small enterprise as the Small Business Saturday bus tour visits Leeds and York as part of its campaign to support, inspire and promote small businesses. Leigh Taylor, area director SME banking in the North East, said: “As a champion of the UK’s small businesses, Lloyds Bank is proud to support Small Business Saturday and encourage consumers to shop locally.
Steven Hargreaves is head of operations at Abzorb, Brighouse
Town toast partnership with beers group Heineken John Smith’s has become the official beer of Huddersfield Town thanks to a new commercial partnership with Heineken. Heineken is the UK’s leading cider and beer producer and the name behind iconic drinks brands such as John Smith’s, Strongbow, Bulmers, Heineken, Foster’s, Kronenbourg 1664 and Desperados, together with a full range of speciality brands. The company employs 2,000 people across eight sites in the UK with brewer- ■■ Heineken’s multiple account manager Tony Shaw is ies, cider plants and offices pictured at PPG Canalside alongside Huddersfield Town’s in Edinburgh, Livingston, commercial director Sean Jarvis and commercial manager for Tadcaster, Manchester, Lon- partnerships John Williams don, Hereford and Ledbury. More than 90% of the beer is brewed in the UK. supporter of the great BritHeineken sells domestically Heineken is a passionate ish pub and since 2010 the
company has invested £600m in developing its pub business, including a purchase of 918 great British pubs from the Royal Bank of Scotland. Currently Heineken owns a nationwide estate of about 1,250 high quality invested pubs. Commercial manager for partnerships, John Williams, said: “John Smith’s is proud to be named the official beer of Huddersfield Town. We look forward to supporting the Club and its fans.” Town commercial director Sean Jarvis said: “To be associated with such a prestigious brand is fantastic for Huddersfield Town. We look forward to working with Tony and his team.”
Agency goes back to school to land new contract A Huddersfield marketing agency has secured a contract to manage brand development, marketing, social media and public relations for a new academy. KC Communications, headed by Katrina Cliffe (pictured) was appointed by Leeds-based Temple Learning Partnership Trust. which is due to open Temple Learning Academy in September, 2015.
The academy is an all through free school due to open in East Leeds to children aged between four and 16. The school will grow organically before reaching its full capacity of 1,020 in 2021. The agency delivered a full brand and initial PR activity including press, radio and TV coverage within just a few weeks to tell people about the school.
KC Communications will continue to manage Temple Learning Academy’s PR, social media, creative and online marketing activities to support pupil recruitment. Katrina said: “It is a pleasure to work with such a forward-thinking educational establishment. I am looking forward to the next few months and seeing all the hard work come to fruition when the school opens.”
“We understand how important small businesses are to the UK which is why we work closely with a range of local professionals and business advisors in the community to share knowledge and ensure that SMEs are equipped to grow.” Yorkshire is full of thriving small businesses that contribute tremendously to the local economy. “The latest Lloyds Bank Purchasing Managers’ Index survey revealed that private sector businesses across the region had remained in growth since November, 2012, and levels of new business continued to rise strongly. Mr Taylor said: “By playing an active part in Small Business Saturday and supporting businesses in the run up to the day Lloyds Bank is hoping not only to encourage consumers to shop locally, but also to equip small enterprises with the right information and tools required to grow and succeed in the future.”
Serial entrepreneur to speak at FSB branches joint event Members of Kirklees and Calderdale branches of the Federation of Small Business (FSB) will join forces for the last branch event of the year. Business owners will get together for a presentation called From There to Now by Laurie Sutcliffe, FSB Kirklees chairman, on Thursday, November 27, at Milry’s in Brighouse. There will also be a two-course meal and a chance to unwind and get to know and network with other FSB members and guests. Laurie, a serial entrepreneur now in his 80th year and embarking on the launch of yet another
business, will talk about why and how he started, the way things were done and the lessons learned along the way. Known for his amazing stories – including work with celebrities and the Royal Household – Laurie will share what has worked for him and helped to make him a successful entrepreneur and chairman of many organisations. Registration is at 6.45pm for a 7pm start. Go to www.fsb.org.uk/ w est-yorkshire/fsbevents-calendar or contact Helen Tones on 07866 438189 or email branchsec.kirklees@fsb. org.uk
6
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
local
University bridges the Gulf with metals firm ONE of the world’s leading producers of aluminium has sent a steady stream of its most promising employees to Huddersfield University – in order to boost their skills and qualifications. Now the chief executive of Bahrain-based Alba has paid a fact-finding visit himself – as the university prepares to open an office of its own in the Gulf. Alba, founded as Aluminium Bahrain in the 1960s, is one of the largest in the field of aluminium smelting, but has links with just three universities around the world. Huddersfield is the sole institution in Europe that provides staff development to Alba employees and so it was selected as a destination for Alba chief executive Tim Murray plus two of his colleagues. He met Alba employees who are studying at Huddersfield and inspected facilities such as the university’s Centre for Precision Technologies and its International Institute for Accelerator Applications. He also held talks with Prof David Taylor, the university’s Pro-Vice Chancellor, International. Mr Murray met the Bahraini students who are taking business and engineering courses at Huddersfield. The visit by Mr Murray and his colleagues came just as the university is poised to develop stronger ties with Bahrain and other countries in the Gulf by opening a new office in Abu Dhabi, UAE. A party from the University of Huddersfield – Elena Nikoulina and Matt Christie of the International Office plus John Baron of the School of Computing and Engineering – has set out for the Middle East on a tour that will include presentations to Alba staff and briefing meetings with those who are
■■ Richard Beaumont, manager at the Crown Decorating Centre in Huddersfield
Recycling initiative rewarded
■■ Tim Murray (second right) chief executive of Alba, with colleagues Mahmood A Aziz (left) and Khalid A Latif (right) along with Prof David Taylor, of Huddersfield University
scheduled to begin their Huddersfield courses in the next academic year. Mr Murray said: “Alba recognises that the education of its workforce is the key to the continued success of the company. The visit to the University of Huddersfield allowed us to see and feel the transformation which they are undergoing. We encourage
them to keep up their commitment towards learning and assure them of Alba’s support at all times.” Joining Mr Murray on his visit to Huddersfield were Khalid A Latif, manager for customer services and marketing operations, and Mahmood A Aziz Abbas, superintendent for culture and organisational behaviour.
Vehicle hire company drives ahead with ISO standard After 26 years of continuous growth, independent vehicle hire Company Arrow Self Drive has taken its operations to the next level. The company, billed as the largest independently owned car, van, minibus and truck rental company in Yorkshire, has gained the ISO 9001:2008 internatioal standard for quality management systems. Arrow, which has branches at Linthwaite in Huddersfield and at Wakefield, Barnsley, Sheffield, Bradford, Leeds, Knaresborough and Hull, provides vehicles ranging from small economy cars to vans, luxury MPVs, minibuses and trucks to the general public as well as large corporates and local authorities. It also has in-house service teams trained to standards set by BVRLA –
the trade body for the vehicle rental and leasing sector – including the 24-hour roadside breakdown response and recovery team. The family run business which began in Huddersfield in 1988, has invested substantial time and resources over the past eight months into overhauling its business practices to meet ISO 9001:2008. Arrow Self Drive is now one of over a million companies globally who has implemented the system and achieved certification. The standard is based on a number of quality management principles including strong customer focus, the motivation of top management and the process of continual improvement. Using ISO 9001:2008 helps ensure
that customers get consistent, good quality products and services, which in turn brings many business benefits including winning and retaining business, reducing mistakes, increasing efficiency, improving productivity and ultimately driving up profits. Arrow area manager Richard Taylorwas appointed quality manager to oversee and implement the ISO assessment. He said: “This is a milestone for the company and is a massive achievement for all involved. “The whole process has tested and examined all of our business practices from training to safety procedures, invoicing and of course, cus■■ Arrow Sellf Drive area manager Richard tomer satisfaction.” Taylor with the ISO certificate
Ace evening puts the accent on business networking It proved an Ace night for networking. Ace Foundations, a community interest company aiming to provide bespoke student accommodation in Huddersfield, staged the first in a regular series of networking nights at the town’s Voda Bar.
It featured a panel of local entrepreneurs who provided advice to young business people pitching their ideas. Among them, Sharlene Simpson explained her business, Pozzi Kids – saying afterwards that the experience had provided the “kick start” she needed to encourage her to progress.
Local businesses rallied round to back the event. Ace Foundation aims to stage the event every three months with the next one taking place on February 2, 2015, at the same venue. Bradley-based Craig Simpson, of Ace Foundations, said the company
had been set up to provide student accommodation with adaptations for disabled people – as well as laundry services and facilities for carers to be on hand. Anyone wanting to pitch their idea or seeking further information should email info@acefoundations.org.uk
Staff at Huddersfield’s Crown Decorating Centre have been named as regional champions after encouraging customers to take part in a recycling scheme. Earlier this year, Crown Decorating Centres launched the “Kick Out The Can” initiative, encouraging customers to clear out garages, sheds and cupboards and return unwanted paint to the network of more than 130 stores in the UK and Northern Ireland. Now the team at the Crown Decorating Centre at Ringway Industrial Estate has been named Kick Out The Can Champion for the Yorkshire and North East region after encouraging customers to return their unwanted paint for re-processing. The paint is recycled by social enterprise Nimtech before being distributed to community projects around the country in partnership with regeneration charity Groundwork. Mark Lloyd, sustainability manager for Crown Decorating Centres, said: “We are delighted that our team members have given their full support to the Kick Out The Can initiative. “The team at Huddersfield worked really hard to collect the unwanted paint which was reprocessed at our headquarters in Lancashire. “Social enterprise company Nimtech re-processes the paint and containers for re-use and at the same time provides training and job opportunities for people struggling to find work. “The paint has now been donated to community initiatives such as youth centres, environmental projects and social housing schemes nationwide.” Staff at seven Crown Decorating Centres have been presented with a certificate which names their store a Kick Out The Can Champion. Richard Beaumont, manager at Huddersfield, said: “It is always nice to be recognised for something like this, but it is really the support of people in the Huddersfield area who have made Kick Out The Can such a success for us. “Local people, given the chance to recycle unwanted paint and help good causes at the same time, really got behind the scheme.”
7
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Pritpal serves up new look for McDonald’s A restaurant in Huddersfield has undergone a high-tech transformation. McDonald’s franchisee Pritpal Singh has revamped the restaurant at Kirkgate – and at the same time created an additional five jobs. The new look coincides with the 25th anniversary of the restaurant opening. The Huddersfield restaurant is one of the first in the country to feature innovative self-service ordering kiosks, digital menu boards and tables with Samsung tablets built in for customers to enjoy. The redesign also includes a bright, modern interior and exterior design, comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. Six-figure investment includes new equipment in the kitchen and a new “crew room” with comfortable seating, a television and a computer. Crew members can also use the area to study for nationally-recognised qualifications in maths or English - one of several training opportunities offered to employees to help develop transferable skills and qualifications. Pritpal said: “I have been a McDonald’s franchisee for 20 years and this restaurant is 25 years old. I invested in the restaurant at the time I took it over and now we have invested again.” He said work to revamp two of his other restaurants – at Halifax and in Leeds near the St John’s Shopping Centre – was now under way with the long-term aim to similarly upgrade all 24 of his sites over the next four-and-a-half years. Pritpal’s McDonald’s “estate” also includes the restaurant at Gallagher Retail Park, Waterloo. Nationally, McDonald’s and its franchisees aim to revamp about 1,200 restaurants over the next fourand-a-half years. The Kirkgate restaurant – which is run by Pritpal as a joint venture with McDonald’s – opens 24/7 and employs 81 staff. Said Pritpal: “We have outperformed on sales and we are on course for our best-ever Christmas. “The work on the restaurant has been well worth it when you see the end result. “The staff have really got to grips with it quickly
■■ Pritpal Singh (above) outside the revamped McDonald’s restaurant in Huddersfield and (right) with the new touch-screen technology for ordering meals
and they are seeing the benefit of the two types of service platform. “It has also been well-received by the Huddersfield public.” He said: “As a local businessman, I understand the importance of investing in the community, so it’s great to be able to play a part in the regeneration of the area and bring an extra boost to the local economy. “It’s not just about providing a fresh, new environment, though. I also believe in investing in my people and am delighted to be able to create around five new jobs as a result of the re-design.”
Valuable chance for companies Kirklees companies have a “one-off” opportunity to increase the value of their business assets due to an imminent change in UK accounting rules, it is claimed. On January 1, 2015, current UK accounting practices for many businesses will change to the new Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 102. When this happens, it presents the opportunity for companies to elect to use the principle of “fair value” to revise the balance sheet value of their property, plant and equipment assets. Roy Tubman, partner at chartered surveyors Sanderson Weatherall, said: “When companies transition to FRS 102, there is a one-off opportunity for them to revalue their assets at fair value. “Essentially, this allows businesses to effectively rebuild their asset registers, particularly where machinery has been written down to zero but is still a valuable part of the company’s assets.” After transition to the new standard, FRS 102 only requires valuations to be performed with “sufficient regularity” giving further motivation to businesses to undertake valuations sooner rather than later. Said Mr Rubman: “These changes represent an excellent opportunity for Yorkshire businesses to boost the value of their balance sheets through the application of fair values. We have already undertaken fair value valuations for a number of companies in the region and on each occasion it has delivered a significant uplift in asset values.” Sanderson Weatherall provides property, machinery and business asset services across a range of sectors. These comprise industrial, retail, residential, roadside, healthcare, offices, leisure, public sector and third sector.
Myers Group launches expansion plan with takeover Focus on
■■ David Gale (left), managing director Bulk Builders Merchants, with (from left) Katie Berry, director of Myers Group; Paul Gale, director at Bulk Builders Merchants; and James Berry, managing director of Myers Group
Building products and services company, the Myers Group, has acquired Bulk Builders Merchants in Leeds for an undisclosed sum. Huddersfield based Myers Group, is a family-owned business that operates companies spanning quarrying and concrete production to builders merchants and skip hire. The business employs 350 people across Yorkshire, has a turnover of £40m and is managed by fourth generation members of the Myers family, James and Katie Berry. The acquisition of Bulk Builders Merchants marks the start of expansion plans that will see the company invest in its quarrying business, Johnsons Wellfield, to expand production of its range of products and seek to increase its number of builders merchants branches across the region. Commenting on the acquisition James Berry, managing director of the Myers Group, said: “Bulk Builders Merchants has an excellent reputation and strong trading base. It is also a family-
owned business and shares our focus on providing great service. “This acquisition marks the start of a period of expansion across the Group that will see us invest in our brands and seek good value acquisitions.” The Myers Group operates the Readymix brand, which was founded in 1959, and now operates four plants in Huddersfield, Brighouse, Skipton and Penistone. The Group’s quarry business, Johnsons Wellfield, has supplied natural Yorkstone to projects ranging from prestigious locations such as the South Bank, Paternoster Square and the British Museum in London to Morrison’s headquarters in Bradford. Commenting on the deal David Gale, managing director of Bulk Builders Merchants, said: “Over the years we have worked hard as a family to build a great business that supports builders across Leeds. The Myers Group shares our values and we are confident that our customers will continue to get the same great service.”
property
Landlords will get the lowdown on latest property issues at an event to be held in Huddersfield. Huddersfield-based accountancy firm Sheards is staging a free landlords workshop from 8am to 10am on Friday, November 28, at PPG Canalside on Leeds Road. The session aims to offer advice and information on issues such as HM Revenue & Customs’ crackdown on undeclared lettings income, confusion around what can and can’t be claimed on tax returns – along with the everchanging regulatory landscape. Sheards sister company Sheards Wealth Management will also be on hand to assist with Buy to Let mortgages and independent financial advice Email KevinW@sheards.co.uk
8
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Julie Devenport
Lawyer joins Holroyd & Co Commercial lawyer Julie Devenport has joined Huddersfield’s Holroyd & Co solicitors as the firm’s commercial department continues to grow. Ms Devenport (pictured) has been a solicitor for over 25 years, specialising in commercial property, and has brought her wealth of experience to Holroyd’s Milnsbridge offices. She is well known among Huddersfield’s business community where she has been running a commercial property department at another leading solicitors’ office for the last 10 years. She began her career at top Sheffield firm Wake Smith and Co before heading the commercial property department at Derby’s largest city centre practice Eddowes Waldron. She then moved back to Yorkshire where she built up a loyal client base in Huddersfield. Ms Devenport said: “This is a perfect match. I am so pleased to be at such a professional and friendly solicitors practice which has developed such close links with the local community and understands
the needs of businesses.” Holroyd and Co senior partner Richard Bennett said recruiting Julie was a real coup for the firm as its reputation continues to grow. He said: “Our development fuelled by an increasing demand for our services both locally and nationally has resulted in our opening new offices and extending the areas in which we are able to offer expert legal advice to both businesses and individuals alike.” Holroyd and Co specialises in legal services for small and medium enterprises, The firm has a wealth of experience in business sales and purchases and in commercial property transactions including commercial leases.
Richard Harris
IT director for Northgate Northgate Vehicle Hire has appointed Richard Harris as IT director. Mr Harris (pictured) was previously chief information officer at ARM Holdings, where he led all aspects of the organisation’s IT activity, He is now responsible for Northgate’s information management and supporting technology – including IT services, process improvement and data management across both Northgate’s operations in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Morthgate has 72 sites, including branches at Huddersfield, Hull, Pudsey, Wakefield, Sheffield, Scunthorpe, Doncaster and Grimsby. Mr Harris has extensive experience, including senior IT roles with power systems and engineering company RollsRoyce, where he spent 25 years.
He said: “It is certainly a good time to be joining Northgate, where growth and market dominance remains a key objective. “Profitable growth for Northgate will in part be underpinned by investment in leading IT infrastructure and through the use of modern IT services we can continue to propel the business forward.” Rising customer demand has seen the market leader invest significantly in its fleet with a commitment to purchase an additional 7000 vehicles by the end of the financial year.
movers and shakers
Fund of ideas from creative businesses A design and brand agency in Huddersfield has hosted an ofline event for creative businesses across West Yorkshire. The Engine Room Design brought together creatives from across the county to share their work and develop their craft at The Media Centre in Huddersfield. Students, freelancers and industry professionals came together to hear expert talks from The Engine Room directors, showcase their work in small groups and have their projects appraised by experienced reviewers. Guests were also given the chance to visit The Engine Room’s studio – with an open door at the end of the night where one lucky student walked away with a Creative Cloud membership from a prize draw worth nearly £200. The event was one of several “Behance Portfolio Reviews” held in cities and towns around the world. The events aimed to provide invaluable exposure for
of with the critical insight and inspiration needed to hone their craft.” Final year graphic design student Daniel Kelly said: “I really enjoyed the event and it was a great opportunity to meet other people in the industry. “The feedback I received on my final major project was really helpful and insightful. “Being a student, it broadened my knowledge of what it is like to set up a design agency and some the issues you might come across along the way.” Leeds College of Art student Samantha Walker said: “It was a really great evening with a lot of helpful advice and inspiring talks. “I really enjoyed having the ■■ Delegates attending the Behance Portfolio Review organised by The chance to see and interact with Engine Room at Huddersfield’s Media Centre some of the work The Engine Room has produced and the aspiring creatives, as well as the professional feedback in the early chance to see a studio, too. chance to learn new tricks of the stages of a designer’s career. “Our reviewer gave some good trade from their peers and experi“The portfolio reviews are advice about the progression from enced reviewers. exceptional opportunities for student to professional and feedBrent Woods, managing direc- design professionals to share their back on our portfolio presentator at The Media Centre said: “We experience with a new generation tions which was really beneficial.” mustn’t underestimate the value of designers – to provide them
Ramsdens’ non-executive chairman Law firm Ramsdens Solicitors has announced the appointment of David Bradley to the new position of non-executive chairman. Mr Bradley, pictured (far right) with managing partner Paul Joyce, was previously UK managing partner and global head of the employment practice at DLA Piper, where he spent almost 30 years. He remains a consultant to that firm. In addition to his legal work and practice, he is also a non-executive member of the board of Sheffield Hallam University. Mr Joyce said: “We are delighted to welcome David to the firm. His experience and expertise will be vital in supporting us on the next stage of our growth. “I am proud of what Ramsdens has accomplished over the past 10 years and David’s extensive business experience and his advice and guidance will be invaluable as Ramsdens continue to go from strength to strength.” Mr Bradley said: “Ramsdens is an excellent, progressive law firm with traditional values and I am looking forward to working with the partners during the next stage of its development.“ His role as non-executive chairman will focus on the development of an agreed strategy and working with the partners and leadership team to help implement that strategy. Ramsdens is based at Edgerton and has offices across Kirklees and Calderdale.
Solicitor joins Armitage Sykes
Armitage Sykes have recruited senior family law solicitor Melissa Murphy (above). Ms Murphy is based in the firm’s Macaulay Street office in Huddersfield. Ruth Miller, head of family law at the firm, said: “Melissa was head of family law at Turner and Wall and is now focused on significant and complex care cases. “This together with her work in difficult private law divorce and finances, residence and contact disputes made her the right appointment for the team.” She said: “The organic growth of the department, in a difficult legal market for family lawyers, is a testament to the work that is done by the family law team.”