KBN190213 by Huddersfield

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

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‘Zombies’ holding back UK economy

■ RESOURCES: Peter Sargent, insolvency practitioner at Begbies Traynor

A PERIOD of “constructive destruction” holds the key to reviving the UK economy, says an insolvency expert. Huddersfield man Peter Sargent, partner with rescue and recovery specialist Begbies Traynor, said that after four years of economic doom and gloom, 2013 was unlikely to mark any great upturn for UK businesses. And he said a period of “constructive destruction” may be needed to energise new growth. He said: “Since 2009, the long-awaited recovery has failed to materialise in any significant form and there has been much discussion about whether so-called ‘zombie’ companies – those only able to pay the interest on their debt but not the debt itself – are to blame. “These businesses have been able to continue to trade as a result of low interest rates and the forbearance of HM Revenue & Customs

and the banks which have, in many cases, adopted a more flexible approach and not called in debts.” Mr Sargent said recent research by insolvency body R3 found there were now 16,000 “zombie” businesses in Yorkshire and the North East – 9% of all businesses in the region. While it may seem to be a good thing that more businesses were surviving, many experts claimed that “zombie” businesses were choking the economy. Such firms were “just limping along with no real prospect of returning to growth”. While they did so, they were damaging viable businesses by tying up precious funding and undercutting competitors. “There is a valid argument that if we see the final demise of the ‘zombies’, the resources they have been using can be recycled and

used more productively to stimulate positive business expansion,” said Mr Sargent.. “Past experience shows that it is only after the removal of inefficient businesses that economic growth really takes off.” He said: “This ‘cleansing’ of unviable businesses while tough, could be to the benefit of the whole economy in the long run. “While in past recessions, we have seen higher levels of insolvency, this longer period of low growth and stagnation appears to be the new norm, with low interest rates and low company failures, but many businesses running at a loss. “The economy needs a new generation to come through, a generation that accepts that the current situation is unlikely to change in the near future and works on that basis rather than planning for the day that growth returns.”

Heathrow revenues soar by 8%

Vodafone deal with BAE

HEATHROW reported higher revenues and profits after a record 70m passengers used Britain’s biggest airport during 2012. The company, whose customer satisfaction levels were also at an all-time high, posted an 8% rise in revenues to £2.46bn – while it was back in the black at an underlying level with profits of £46.4m. However, the airport is operating at close to capacity and the company warned this would limit the UK’s ability to trade with emerging economies. There were 471,341 flights during

MOBILE phone giant Vodafone has teamed up with defence firm BAE Systems to develop new technology to protect businesses against cyber attacks. The companies will launch their first product, Vodafone Threat Manager, within the next few weeks, using technology from BAE’s cyber arm to protect against threats such as “spear phishing” – where hackers attempt to trick employees into giving away credentials. Under the five-year deal, BAE’s technology will be developed to pro-

2012, just below Heathrow’s cap of 480,000 a year. The results from the former BAA company include Stansted Airport, which was sold after the year-end to Manchester Airports Group for £1.5bn. Stansted’s passenger numbers fell by 3.2% to 17.5m last year. The company predicted more s t ro n g g ro w t h i n H e a t h ro w ’s turnover this year and said construction of the new Terminal 2 should be completed towards the end of 2013, with operations commencing in mid-2014.

Boost for law firms

tect against more covert and sophisticated attacks on company data. It comes after the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal reported their computer systems had been infiltrated by China-based hackers and social media group Twitter said it had been hacked earlier this month, putting customers’ usernames and passwords at risk. BAE is increasingly looking to its cyber business, BAE Systems Detica, as it suffers from cuts to Government defence budgets in both the UK and USA.

LAW firms in Yorkshire have reported a further improvement in their fortunes. The latest annual profitability survey from the Law Society, sponsored by Lloyds TSB Commercial, shows that practice fee income for legal firms rose by 3.6% in 2012 as law firms continued to adapt to tough conditions in the legal marketplace. That compared with a 1% increase in 2011. The survey also reveals that average net profit per equity partner increased by 2% – from £112,549 to £114,853. Law Society president Lucy Scott-Moncrieff said: “There's no one-size-fits-all approach that will help firms emerge from the recession or adapt to tough market conditions facing the sector, but for many law firms, a robust management system underpins their success.” Craig Bennett, senior manager for specialist markets at Lloyds TSB Commercial in Yorkshire, said: “This year’s survey results demonstrate once again the remarkable resilience of the solicitors' profession.”

Beer flat DANISH brewer Carlsberg said it sold less beer in the UK last year as the wash-out summer offset a boost from Euro 2012 football and the Diamond Jubilee. The group said UK volumes declined 3% in 2012 while overall profits were flat at £1.1bn.

SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £39.88 Gannett 1303.17 Hess Corp £43.58 Microsoft 1810.60 Motors Liquidation 48.48 Wal-Mart Stores £44.80 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 425 +1 BAE Systems 3273/8 -11/2 Rolls-Royce 1004 -5 AIM Brady Plc 97 -1/2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 2571/4 BANKS Barclays 3201/4 -1 HSBC 726 -3/8 Lloyds Banking Gp 545/8 Ryl Scotland 3391/4 -47/8 Stan Chart 17291/2 +111/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1922 -11 SABMiller £317/8 CHEMICALS Croda £251/4 -1/4 Elementis 98 2251/4 +1/4 Johnsn Mat £227/8 -1/8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2711/2 -25/8 Costain 272 +9 ELECTRICITY

Drax Gp 6041/2 -41/2 SSE 1409 +1 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 2423/4 -21/4 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 4141/8 +1/2 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 2741/4 -11/8 Cable & Wireless 421/4 -3/8 Comm Colt Group 1141/2 -1 KCOM 791/2 +11/8 Talktalk Telecom 2563/4 +1/8 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2637/8 +23/4 Sainsbury 3323/4 +13/4 Tesco 367 +21/4 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1815 -4 Tate Lyle 7851/2 +11/2 5 Unilever £25 /8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3491/8 +1/4 National Grid 6921/2 +101/2 Pennon Grp 650 +2 Severn 1605 +21 1 United Utils 723 /2 +31/2 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 3001/2 -1/4 ICAP 3497/8 +31/2 London StockExch 1300 +12 Man Group 1095/8 +2 Provident Financial 1480 -10

Schroders 1955 -1 Schroders NV 1549 +1 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS REXAM 4721/2 +35/8 Smiths Grp 1229 -9 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 291/2 +1/2 Carphone Whse 2031/4 +31/4 Dixons Retail 271/2 +1/8 Home Retail 1277/8 -3/8 7 Inchcape 489 /8 +3/8 Kingfisher 2713/4 -7/8 M&S 3835/8 -31/2 Mothercare 287 -12 Next £415/8 -1/8 WH Smith 697 -3 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 694 -7 HOUSEHOLD GOODS 3 Aga Rangemaster 77 /4 -11/4 Barrat Dev 2303/4 -21/2 Persimmon 862 -131/2 Reckitt Benckiser £447/8 +1/8 Taylor Wimpey 761/8 -1 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 1165 +5 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 2821/2 -103/4 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 229 +2 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 360 -23/8

1513/8 1967/8 952 2617/8 3367/8 MEDIA BSkyB 8261/2 D Mail Tst 671 3 HIBU /8 ITV 1201/4 Johnston Press 13 Pearson 1190 Reed Elsevier 6941/2 STV Group 130 Trinity Mirror 1153/4 Utd Business 767 UTV 1471/2 WPP 1039 MINING Anglo American 1983 Antofagasta 1098 BHP Billiton £221/4 Eurasian Natural 3901/4 Res Fresnillo 1540 Kazakhmys 726 Lonmin 3663/4 Rio Tinto £371/8 VEDANTA 1281 RESOURCES Xstrata 11721/2 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 660 Vodafone Group 1663/4 NONLIFE INSURANCE Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life

+1/4 +1/4 +7 -5/8 +3/4 -11/2 +21/2 +31/4 +1/4 +6 +1 +11/4 -11/4 -8 -56 -21 -1/8 -123/8 -10 -201/2 -2 -1/4 -17 -81/2 -1 -1

Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp

455 1073/8 6921/2 £213/4

+13 -1/8 +101/2 -1/8

closed at at FTSE closed

6318.19 Down 10.07 Admiral Grp 1273 RSA Insurance Gp 1323/8 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 11461/2 BP 445 Cairn Energy 2841/8 Royal Dutch Shell A £211/8 Royal Dutch Shell B £215/8 Total £321/4 Tullow Oil 1245 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1010 Petrofac 1618 Wood Gp(J) 798 PERSONAL GOODS

+1 +1/4 +41/2 -31/8 -27/8 1

+ /8 +1/8 -18 -16 -26 -71/2

Burberry Gp 1355 +1 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £291/8 -1/4 GlaxoSmithK 2 -1/8 Shire £201/2 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 582 +1 Hamrsn 504 +163/4 INTU Properties 3601/4 -7/8 Land Secs 8401/2 +51/2 SEGRO 255 +1 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 348 -35/8 Sage Group 3321/2 -53/8 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 636 +31/2 Bunzl 1208 +7 Capita 830 -11/2 1 De La Rue 947 /2 +1 Electrocomp 2537/8 -13/8 Experian 1083 -2 G4S 2833/8 -13/8 1 Hays 95 /8 -3/4 Homeserve 2325/8 -87/8 Menzies J 728 -2 Rentokil 891/4 -1/4 Smiths News 1731/2 -1/4 Wolseley £303/4 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 923 -17 Spirent Comms 1681/2 +15/8 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £333/8

Imperial Tobacco

£231/2

+3/8

LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airl Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread

140 /4 £245/8 783 9901/2 104 1881/4 1352 701 1989 2241/4 2211/4 3395/8 205 1673/8 2925/8 3165/8 £261/2

-2 /4 -3/8 -1 -9 -21/2 -23 -9 +5 -33/4 -13/4 +2 -31/2 +93/8 -43/4 -23/8 -1/4

FTSE 100

INDEX 6318.19

-10.07

FTSE 250

INDEX 13498.99

-59.36

TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.42 dollars Bangladesh................. 115.15 taka Brazil.............................. 2.72 reals Canada....................... 1.48 dollars China ............................. 8.62 yuan Czech Republic ...... 27.03 korunas Denmark....................... 8.23 krone Euro................................ 1.11 euro Hong Kong................ 11.38 dollars Hungary................... 303.68 forints India.......................... 73.89 rupees Japan........................... 138.44 yen Mexico ....................... 17.47 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.71 dollars Norway ......................... 8.18 krone Pakistan.................. 142.77 rupees Philippines ................. 53.79 pesos South Africa................. 12.82 rand South Korea.............. 1458.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 184.93 rupees Sweden......................... 9.35 krona Switzerland.................. 1.36 francs Taiwan ...................... 40.07 dollars Turkey....................... 2.59 new lira USA ............................ 1.48 dollars

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

profile

Steve Sykes

Steve makes a smart move ENGINEERING and technology have always held a fascination for businessman Steve Sykes. The former Shelley High School pupil, now engaged in running a digital marketing agency in Holmfirth, completed an HNC in electrical and electronic engineering at Huddersfield University some years after leaving formal education. He says: “I’m interested in anything mechanical, but mainly cars and motorbikes.” But after a career in engineering, which ranged from being a “hands-on” technician to project managing the building and deployment of control systems for the water industry, Steve turned his attention to “new technology” with the creation of digital marketing agency Smart Arts. “I set up Smart Arts with a friend in 1999,” he says. “People were using internet technology more and more and we saw the opportunity to build up a business providing websites for local businesses through our existing contacts, which led to us

creating websites for better known clients including the Virgin Mobile British Superbike team. “I took the plunge and took Smart Arts full-time in 2001 and worked with a network of design agencies to develop websites for them and their clients.” Steve, who hails from Shepley, now lives in Holmfirth, but right from the start of Smart Arts he made a conscious decision not to work from home. “I didn’t work from home because I like the feeling of ‘going to work’ and avoiding any distractions,” he says. “We started with premises in Taylor Hill and then moved to Slaithwaite. We moved to Holmfirth in 2007 – all the time building a team specialising in digital marketing.” Now the agency has a team of four based in offices at Bridge Mills near the centre of Holmfirth. The team works for an array of clients, ranging from a stone merchant to a manufacturer of pushchairs. The firm's customers range from small local businesses to multi-nationals – from the Middle East to the USA.

“It’s business-to-business and business-to-consumer," says Steve. "We also have some traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers with very successful websites.” Says Steve: “More and more people have seen that digital marketing and promotion is the way forward. ”An increasing number of people are researching and buying online – whether from a desktop or while sitting on the couch with their tablet. "We do a lot of research into the market and tailor our offer to the client accordingly. “One of the big things we saw happening a couple of years ago was the massive uptake in mobiles. “This industry changes very rapidly and success comes to those agencies that keep pace with that change. “Every few months – or weeks – some new tool is being evolved.” Steve acknowledges that the pace of change is sometimes confusing to clients, who are not always sure what they need from an agency such as Smart Arts. He says: “For us it’s all about giving them a genuinely relevant service, rather than ‘selling’. It’s about integrity. “One of the benefits we can bring to the client is being able to pull everything together. We do the research, collate and write the content, design and build the site – ensuring it is fully optimised for search across all platforms and ■ TECHNICALLY-MINDED: Steve Sykes, managing director of Smart Arts (UK) browsers. Ltd. at Bridge Mills, Holmfirth “But critically we

Page 3 Role: Director Age: 47 Family: Married to Penny Car: VW Golf Holidays: Road trips in the USA and Europe First job: Paper boy in Shepley Best thing about job: We have a great team and it’s good to work with people who are enthusiastic about what they do and about delivering great results for our clients Worst thing about job: Delays caused by things outside our control Business tip: Try to focus on delivering results and don’t getting distracted by other things that crop up

Smart Arts also provide an ongoing digital marketing offer to ensure that traffic reaches the site, is engaged, converted and then retained as a loyal customer. “Websites need to be interactive – whether its selling a product or inviting a customer to sign up to something.” Steve says: “We are very lucky to be working with some great clients, big and small – and we tend to keep them. "We get a real buzz from playing a part in our clients' success.” In such a fast-moving industry, planning ahead can be problematic. “Going forward, it’s all about keeping an eye out for the next big thing," says Steve. “Whatever comes along, it is likely to involve more applications, more functionality.” Away from work, Steve maintains his interest in engineering and enjoys motor sport as well as road-trip holidaying. “I’ve done a few road trips in Europe and the USA and would like to spend more time on the road,” he says. Steve recalls his days in industry, saying: "I enjoyed working in engineering, particularly going out on site to fix things. But I got interested in new technology and decided on a change of direction.” The final question reveals Steve’s sense of humour. Where did the name Smart Arts come from? He says: “It sums up our offer as an agency, bringing together the technical and the design skills – the technological and the artistic. “You have to be careful how you say it, though! We sometimes get people chuckling when they phone us for the first time. But it’s all about being memorable.”

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Work: Digital marketing agency Site: Holmfirth Employees: Four Phone: 01484 685544 Email: hello@smartarts.co.uk Website: www.smart arts.co.uk

Wealth & Investment. A wealth of know-how With more than 150 years’ experience of serving clients by investing their money wisely, Investec Wealth & Investment have the knowledge and expertise you need regarding your investments, pensions or other financial matters. Please bear in mind that the value of investments and the income derived from them can go down as well as up and that you may not get back the amount that you have put in. For further information please visit our website, call Simon Kaye on 0113 245 4488 or email simon.kaye@investecwin.co.uk investecwin.co.uk

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Looking to Latvia A HOLME Valley company is leading a trade mission to Latvia. Honley-based Alfran UK will spearhead a British delegation to Baltic’s biggest building industry event, the MAJA Trade Fair next month. The 27th annual event provides an opportunity to discover new business contacts in the region. Joanna Lavan, of Alfran UK, said: “The fair offers an insight into the developments of the region’s building industry and is a perfect platform for direct communication amongst professionals of building and connected industries and consumers in the Baltic countries, Eastern and Western Europe.” The trip runs from March 13 to 17. Email Joanna@alfran.co.uk

Can your business afford to ignore Health & Safety? With Competent Health and Safety advice from just £25 a month you don’t need to Wilby Risk Management offer a range of services including: Competent Advice Risk Assessments Assistance with CHAS applications contact us today on 01422 358525 or email healthandsafety@wilbyltd.co.uk

KIRKLEES BUSIN

Here’s one trip you don’t want to make LIPS and trips are the most common S of workplace hazards – making up more than a third of all major injuries

and over half of reported incidents to members of the public. More than 10,000 employees suffered serious injury because of a slip or trip last year. This can consequently be very costly for companies who have to pay out large sums in compensation. However, many effective solutions are available and are generally cost-effective and simple to implement. All employers should assess and manage the risk of workplace slips. Most slips occur in wet or contaminated conditions and most trips are just due to poor housekeeping. The solutions are often simple and cost-effective. A suitable assessment of the risks should identify the necessary controls and these should include: ● prevention of contamination ● management of spillages and cleaning regimes ● effective matting systems ● choice of suitable footwear ● design of workplace and work activities ● maintenance of plant and the work environment

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RISKY BUSINESS Kevin Barrett

● specification of appropriate flooring ● housekeeping ● effective training and supervision Slip and trip accidents can happen for a number of reasons, but all too frequently we jump to conclusions about why they happen rather than really looking for the true cause or we decide that it is just one of those things and do nothing. Research by the Health and Safety Executive has established that all of the following can contribute to the risk of slipping: ● flooring i.e. the type of surface, its roughness ● contamination e.g. the presence of oil, fat, water etc ● cleaning e.g. the method of cleaning, whether the manufacturer's recommendations have been followed

● footwear i.e. the type of shoes worn, the material from which the sole is made etc ● people and movement e.g. whether they are walking or running It may not be possible to control or influence each of these and they will differ depending on the industry. For example a shop owner will not be able to dictate what footwear is worn, but should arrange for the clean up of spillages promptly and try to ensure that customers walk rather than run. Similarly, many of those in control of property will not have the opportunity to specify what flooring is installed, but can try to minimise contamination and ensure that cleaning procedures are efficient and suitably frequent to reduce the risk of slipping.

Kevin Barrett is risk management consultant at Wilby Ltd

Funding support for young entrepreneurs YOUNG entrepreneurs in Kirklees have been given a major boost to start new businesses. The Business Enterprise Fund is to administer a new Government-funded scheme offering loans to 18-to-30-year-olds across Yorkshire to help them with their fledgling companies. Earlier this year, it was revealed £112m will be given nationally to the start-up loans scheme, which is being run by the Start-up Loans Company chaired by TV’s Dragons’ Den entrepreneur James Caan. BEF will be taking care of the scheme in North and West Yorkshire and fund director Stephen Waud said it will provide a huge help to young entrepreneurs making their way in business. People applying for the loans do not have to be previously turned down by a bank, while the interest rate is low – about 6% – compared to other loans. Applicants will also get additional business support from BEF and Mr Waud said there is an ambitious target of handing out 40 loans in the next two months alone. “The success of young entrepreneurs is vitally important to the region’s economy and the future of the area as a whole,” he said. “We are delighted to be part of the scheme and anything we can do to assist them is a bonus. These loans will be crucial in helping businesses get off the ground. ““It can be difficult in the early days of any business and especially for young people trying to secure funds. This scheme will take some of the pain out of the process and must be seen by young entrepreneurs as a golden

■ TARGET: Stephen Waud, BEF fund director opportunity.” Nationally, it is expected the £112m will be allocated by April, 2015, meaning about 45,000 entrepreneurs will have taken up the loans. To find out more about the scheme, go to www.befund.org, call 0845 2003919 or e-mail info@befund.org

NESS NEWS

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Quality and value key QUITY markets hit multi-year E highs at the end of last month – based partially on

small improvements in the majority of global economic indicators and more substantially on a general feeling of confidence in the future by the market. From the beginning of the year, it has seemed that the equity bull market which began in March, 2009, is not only alive and kicking, but picking up speed. However, we have always felt that there will be interruptions along the way, which is why the pause at the beginning of February has come as no surprise. With Italian elections quickly closing in on us, it is inevitable that there will be volatility in the markets as sentiment to each of the candidate’s rhetoric swings. Looking to the future, there may

well be further bumps in the road due to the German elections or Cyprus or the re-emergence of the Fiscal Cliff or another banking crisis – to name but a few. The big test to see whether this bull market has further legs will be whether these setbacks are seen as a buying opportunity, a way for international investors to increase their underweight exposure to equities, to show that they will treat these issues on its own merit rather than a threat to the entire ‘system’, or not. However economic matters closer to home have been more stable than the equity markets as neither the Bank of England nor the European Central Bank saw fit to change monetary policy last week. Both continued to act in the manner the bond markets favour, with the BoE reinvesting gilt redemption proceeds to postpone any debate about the potential unwinding of Quantit-

it would be another positive indicator for those international investors participating in current equity buying. All of the above leads to a broadly positive outlook for stock markets, with the key for investors being how to navigate around these short to medium-term issues. Our view is that equity should still be concentrated in quality and value, not in the speculative. To us this means buying companies where we have confidence in sustainable long-term earnings, where balance sheets are strong and dividends are well covered and growing. It is when the temptation to be greedy becomes near irresistible that we shall change our stance and turn away from equities, but we feel that such a time should be a long way away yet.

CITY TALK Nick Gartland

ative Easing, and Mario Draghi highlighting the strength of the euro as potentially unhelpful to this year’s growth prospects (the implication being that the ECB is willing to do something about this). Our opinions are in line with this as we feel that while the rising appetite for productive (equity) rather than defensive (bond) investment across the world is welcome, it is crucial that this is not at the expense of much higher bond yields.

Corporate activity has picked up in the past week, with high profile bids for both Dell and Virgin Media. Both are very large and very interesting deals. We remain hopeful that this is the beginning of an awful lot more corporate activity over the coming months as institutions that have cash to spend look to put it to good use. This may or may or not be directly beneficial to the stock market, depending on the type of activity, but

Nick Gartland, Senior Financial Planning Director, Investec Wealth & Investment

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS HS2 seminar sets the scene BUSINESSES and property owners will hear more about the preferred routes for the second phase of the Government’s planned high-speed rail link at a seminar next week. Accountancy firm Grant Thornton and international property adviser BNP Paribas Real Estate are to stage the event at 12.30pm on Wednesday at Grant Thornton’s offices at No 1 Whitehall Riverside in Leeds. The Government has agreed a Y-shaped route for HS2 north of Birmingham – with one arm going to Leeds via Sheffield Meadowhall and Toton, near Nottingham, and the other going to Manchester via Crewe and Manchester Airport. The seminar will provide guidance and advice about how to respond to the forthcoming consultations and how to protect interests in the shadow of any impending compulsory purchase of land earmarked for the route. The speakers will be Chris Selway, head of compulsory purchase at BNP Paribas Real Estate; Iain Johnston, partner and head of planning for law firm Brabners Chaffe Street; and Alison Ewing, associate director in forensic accounting at Grant Thornton. Contact Dawn Lockwood on 0113 200 21721 or dawn.a.lockwood@uk.gt.com

A HUDDERSFIELD charity supporting children with life-limiting conditions is set to have its funds boosted by a regional housebuilder. Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire has selected Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice as its nominated charity for 2013. Throughout the year, the company will help raise vital funds for the cause through various fundraising activities. The hospice was launched 12 years ago by a mother whose son required hospice care. Last October, a hospice-at-home service was launched to support children and families. Wayne Gradwell, managing director of Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire, said: “We were delighted that Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice represented our region as a finalist in the Persimmon Homes national competition to win a £250,000 home last year. “The charity scooped a £6,000 runners-up prize and we wanted to continue our relationship with them and show our support for the crucial work they do.” The charity has now opened the doors to its brand new purpose-built children’s hospice, Russell House at Bradley, which will welcome children from across the West Yorkshire region. Kate Goldring, the charity’s fundraising manager, said: “We are delighted with the generosity and ongoing support shown by the employees of Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire. “When we took part in the competition last year we were overwhelmed by the level of support we received from local people, businesses, clubs and groups. It enabled us to raise our profile which we feel will certainly benefit us in the long run. “The families we care for are ordinary people dealing with extraordinarily difficult circumstances. All of the children we help will

LYNDHURST ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD, HD3 3HZ £180,000

395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to planning consent

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4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL ● Freehold with vacant possession FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES 395m2 (4,250ft2) ● 0.13 Suitable for a (0.33 variety of Site Area Hectares Acres) ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for purposes including residential alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to development subject to planning planning consent

single storey former garage premises

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395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area Hectares (0.33 and Acres) ● 0.13 3 Phase Electricity Gas ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for Supply alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to ● consent Good Office Content planning

single storey industrial units

DEWSBURY ROAD, BRIGHOUSE, HD6 3QB from £12,500 p/a

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

Page 6

Housebuilder in hospice link-up

substantial detached property

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

property

● 2,700ft² to 5,427ft²

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL ● Prominent location FORMER HOSTELroadside PREMISES

395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area Hectares Acres) ● 0.13 Excellent yard(0.33 space ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for alternative occupational ● Close proximity residential to Junctions uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to 24 and 25 of the M62 motorway planning consent

■ BACKING: Kate Goldring, fundraising manager for the Forget Me Not Children's Hospice, and Simon Whalley, sales manager for Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire have conditions which will, sadly, significantly shorten their lives. However, we may support children and their families for many years, possibly until the child is a teenager or even a car sales pitch

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

LUCK LANE, HUDDERSFIELD, HD1 4RB £15,000 p/a ● Site approx 1,045sqm

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, (1,250 HX3 6DL sqyds) FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES 2) ● Workshop 132.85sqm 395m2 (4,250ft

Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant(1,430 possession sqft) ■ Suitable for refurbishment for alternative occupational residential ● Range of lock up garages uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to ● Prominent Corner site planning consent

retail premises

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

young adult.” Mr Gradwell added: “Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice is an excellent cause and one we are extremely proud to be associated with.”

CROSS CHURCH STREET, HUDDERSFIELD, HD1 2PT £10,500 p/a

● 34.65sqm (373 sqft)

4 RANGE LANE ● Basement Halifax, HX3 6DLStorage 49.70sqm FORMER(535 HOSTEL sqft) PREMISES 395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area Hectares (0.33 Acres) ● 0.13 Secondary retail position ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for ● Close to the Kingsgate alternative occupational residential Shopping Centre uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to ● consent Good display frontage planning

double fronted retail

HALF MOON STREET, HUDDERSFIELD, HD1 2JF £13,500 p/a

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

● 88.66 sqm [954 sqft]

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL ● Attractive lease terms FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES 395m2 (4,250ft ) ● With2ancillary accommodation Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ● Good secondary location ■ Suitable for refurbishment for alternative occupational residential Close complete to bus station and possible uses or ● redevelopment, subject to multi-storey car park planning consent

T. 01484 530361 www.bramleys.com

■ industrial LAND

■ offices OFFICES

■ retail

INDUSTRIAL

■ investment

INVESTMENT

■ land

RETAIL

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Industrial

Crown Green Warehouse, Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe 1,250 m2 (13,456 sq ft) Good quality modern industrial unit with offices and large self contained yard area on main Huddersfield Road

TO LET

TO LET immediately available

u O nd FF E ER R

Commercial

The Commercial Inn, 43 Church Street, Paddock , Huddersfield 287m2 (3,091 sq ft) gross Highly prominent public house with alternative use potential (STP)

FOR SALE Retail

High Street Huddersfield 359 m2 (3,862 sq ft) Large centrally located showroom/retail premises close to bus station. Could suit alternative use such as restaurant (STP)

TO LET www.michaelsteel.co.uk

Immediately available for occupation

All enquiries to Alec Michael at Michael Steel & Co on 0113 234 8999 or email alec@michaelsteel.co.uk

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Former Council Ofﬁces, Day Centre & Residential Facility

The Grange, Ossett Lane, Chickenley, Dewsbury, WF12 8LY 1 PP for demolition and 20 new ﬂats 1 Prominent Corner Site – 0.61 Acres 1 6,878 sq ft (639.28m2) building on 3 ﬂoors 1 Building suitable for a variety of uses STPP

Newsome, Huddersﬁeld, HD4 6RD 1 Stone cottage 1 Renovation project 1 Elevated semi rural position

Guide: £25,000+

Halifax Road/Swales Moor Road, Queensbury, BD13 2NN 1 The land comprises 2 ﬁelds of meadow land extending to 5.82 Acres (2.35 Hectares)

Halifax Road, Queensbury, BD13 2NN 1 The land comprises 10 ﬁelds of pasture land extending to 11.8 Acres (4.82 Hectares) fronting and accessed from Halifax Road

Guide: £60,000 – £80,000

Guide: £45,000 – £70,000

Church Street, Slaithwaite, Huddersﬁeld, HD7 5AS 1 Potential for retail or ofﬁce use 1 Lapsed planning consent for A1 retail 1 Close to town centre 1 Overlooking canal

Guide Price: £1500+

Dean Bottom Works

Storthes Hall Lane, Kirkburton, Huddersﬁeld, HD8 0PP 1 8,406 sq ft plus secure yard 1 Good frontage with parking 1 Site area 0.34 Hectares (0.84 Acres) 1 Investment/development/break up opportunity

Guide: £180,000+

11.8 Acres Pasture Land

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Guide: £175,000 – £225,000

East of Swales Moor Road, Queensbury, BD13 2NN 1 The land comprises meadow land and woodland extending to 9.75 Acres (4.82 Hectares)

Former Public Convenience

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Halifax Road, Queensbury, BD13 2NN 1 Residential redevelopment opportunity 1 Potential for 4/5 dwellings 1 Quiet backwater location 1 Backing onto Greenbelt

Guide: £30,000 – £45,000

9.75 Acres Meadow Land

Land and Buildings at Catherine Slack Farm

Scotland Farm

Jack Bridge, Colden, Hebden Bridge, HX7 7HR 1 5 bedroom character farmhouse 1 Numerous period features 1 Set in 12.6 Acres (5.11 Hectares) of grazing and woodland 1 Panoramic rural location 1 GIA area c.3750 sq ft (348m2) 1 Double garage and stable block

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5.82 Acres Meadow Land

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Guide: £200,000+

Guide: £400,000 – £425,000 2 Spinneyﬁeld

Fixby, Huddersﬁeld, HD2 2HX 1 4 bedroom period residence 1 Grade II Listed 1 Numerous ornate features 1 Requiring comprehensive renovation 1 Secluded backwater location 1 0.369 Acre plot

Guide: £175,000 – £200,000

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out efficiency work for Kings Science Academy in Bradford, Hydes Brewery and property and regeneration specialist St Modwen. The firm, which also has offices in Glasgow, Cardiff, Newcastle and Bristol, has also been commissioned to install new metering connections for Dobbies garden

centres, the UK stores of Hudd e r s f i e l d - b a s e d nu r s e r y products firm Mamas and Papas and British Flurspar’s network of mines. Clients also include LF Europe, BEL Valves and BRB (Residuary) Ltd. Mr Henderson predicted that 2013 would be the year when efficiency planning became the norm for businesses of all sizes. “After years of confusion, everything finally seems to have fallen into place for the UK’s green energy strategy,” he said “Issues over feed-in tariff incentives have been largely resolved, the Government has clarified its position on legislation such as the Carbon Reduction Commitment and we also have the new Energy Bill. “Global energy markets look set to remain volatile, but at least we can expect some long awaited stability when it c o m e s t o g r e e n e n e rg y policies.”

72 Jackroyd Lane

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CUTTING carbon emissions and energy costs will be at the top of the agenda for small and medium-sized firms this year, says an Elland-based energy consultancy. Orchard Energy, which works with a wide range of SMEs and more than 1,300 large public and private sector organisations on energy efficiency planning and environmental performance, said it expected energy and carbon solutions work to contribute significantly to its growth in 2013. “Rising fuel prices and legislation mean inefficient energy usage is having a real impact on overheads,” said managing director Gareth Henderson (pictured). “Businesses want to know where their organisation is consuming most energy and how they can change behaviour or introduce technology to improve matters.” Among recent contracts, Orchard Energy has carried

at Cedar Court Hotel, Lindley Moor Road, Ainley Top, Huddersfield, HD3 3RH

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Energy issues top the agenda

Tuesday 19 March 2013 – 7pm

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Movers and shakers

Page 8

Room service!

Focus on finance HUDDERSFIELD University has engaged a local independent financial advice firm to provide advice on its investments. The university consulted a number of national financial organisations before appointing Robertson Baxter, based at Shelley. Andrew McConnell (pictured above, left), director of finance at the university, said: “We have already found that Robertson Baxter has been able to engage with our investment management firms in a manner that simply has not been possible for us to do previously. “Not only that, but the robust and thorough due diligence process that they have undertaken for us has provided a valuable layer of independent assessment and allowed us to appoint an additional investment management firm with absolute confidence.” Greg Robertson (also pictured), director and co-founder of Robertson Baxter, said: “We are extremely proud to be working with the University of Huddersfield. We share many common values in terms of value for money and pursuit of excellence.”

Kath Myers

A DESIGN and brand agency in Huddersfield has picked up a prestigious prize. The Engine Room, based at the Media Centre in Northumberland Street, won the Design Effectiveness Award at the 2013 Design Business Association Awards, hosted by BBC business correspondent Simon Jack, at The Brewery in London. Hard-earned trophies ranging from bronze, silver and gold were awarded for outstanding examples of effective design. The Engine Room was recognised for the results generated by a rebrand project for Holmfirth-based accountants Balance. The award-winning rebrand project gained a profitability growth of 500% as well as £50,000 of new business for the accountancy firm in the first year following the rebrand. Ashley Barrowclough, of Balance, said: “The team at The Engine Room have really achieved something special and should be proud. “I think that what we did with the Balance rebrand was even more of an achievement when you consider that many of the companies at the awards have massive resources to plough into branding and marketing and yet the Balance brand stands proudly alongside them all.” The Engine Room was one of only three design agencies from Yorkshire to be recognised. Other shortlisted winners included projects for brands such as Adidas, The Daily Mail and Cadbury Kraft Foods. The silver trophy is the first DEA award to be won by an agency in Huddersfield.

■ WINNING TEAMS: Pictured after receiving their trophy – which splits into two halves – are (from left) Malcolm Jacobs , Richard Simpson and Sharon Munt, of Balance Accountants; Design Council associate Ellis Pitt; Nikki Taylor, of The Engine Room; Ashley Barrowclough, of Balance; Helen Greenwood, of The Engine Room; Darren Evans, Mark Edwards and Leo Parker, of The Engine Room

Darren Evans, creative director at The Engine Room, said: “We believe that good design and good business go hand-in-hand and the Balance project is a prime example. “To be recognised by one of the most

Barclays

New jobs in store

BARCLAYS has appointed Kath Myers as network regional director for Yorkshire and the North East. Ms Myers (pictured), who previously worked for Clydesdale Yorkshire Bank, is well-known and respected in the Yorkshire and North East professional market and comes with a wealth of experience at regional and divisional level. Her responsibilities will include leading the branch network of 197 branches and more than 1,500 staff – from Lincolnshire to Berwick and including its branches in Kirklees. Ms Myers is married to Steve with two children, Anya and Mitchell. Her interests include running, all activities involving the children and family life, which include ballet, tap, swimming, rugby and walking the family dog, a young spaniel called Jess.

Rachel Dickie

Mid Yorkshire Chamber THE Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has appointed Rachel Dickie as membership, events and marketing assistant. Ms Dickie, who recently graduated from Sheffield Hallam University, has been employed by the Lockwood-based chamber to help grow and sustain membership in the Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield areas. Based at the Westgate office in Wakefield, she provides the main contact for members. She said: “After over a year of job searching I'm thrilled to have landed the position with the chamber and look forward to meeting lots of new people across the whole Mid Yorkshire region.”

prestigious design associations in the UK just echoes that fact right back to us. “We’re very proud of this award and hope to continue to generate similar success for our all clients in the future.”

■ TAPED: Dewsbury MP Simon Reevell (left) with (from left) Sue Ryder shop manager Zaz Stephenson, area retail manager Glynn Taylor and fundraising regional manager Donna Woodman

SHOPPERS queued around the block to get into a new charity store in Dewsbury. The Sue Ryder shop, which has more than 5,000sq ft of floorspace, was officially opened by Dewsbury MP Simon Reevell. Proceeds from the shop – which stocks second hand clothing and accessories as well as a wide range of quality new goods, including art equipment, guitars and dolls’ houses goes to help Sue Ryder continue to provide hospice and long-term care to people living with conditions such as cancer and respiratory, cardiac or renal diseases. The store, which hopes to raise £100,000 in its first year, will eventually employ seven full-time staff and provide work placements for a further six people on work programmes. It is also hoping to recruit up to 30 volunteers. Said Mr Reevell: “This is a great example of the retail industry and charity working together for the benefit of the community.

“If the store reaches its first year target, it will be a fantastic contribution from the people of Dewsbury to a really worthwhile cause and I would encourage people to consider getting involved, either by giving their time or donating any items that they can spare.” Sue Ryder retail business manager Glynn Taylor said: “It’s been absolutely brilliant and I’d like to thank shoppers for their interest and generosity.” Glynn said: “I am absolutely delighted that the people of Dewsbury have given us such a brilliant start. It’s been hard work, but worth it. “By pledging to support us through volunteering, people can not only help us raise vital funds but also gain experience to put on their CV. And, if people don’t have any spare time to commit to volunteering, they can support us by donating items, such as good quality clothing, books and bric-a-brac. Call 01924 430585.

Jo speaking up the 2% DENBY DALE-based businesswoman Jo Haigh took to the stage as guest speaker at the annual Two Percent Club gala dinner. Jo (pictured, right), a partner at Wakefield-based fds Corporate Finance, said: “The Two Percent Club brings together senior women to promote, advocate and more importantly work together to

solve the issue of the under-representation of women in senior positions at the top of corporate UK. The Two Percent Club think it’s a problem that there’s an under-representation of women at the top of corporate UK and have come together as the current top 2% of female business talent to do something about it.” Jo addressed an audience of

some of the UK’s most influential and connected men and women – drawing on her vast business and financial experience to discuss the need to remain professionally, personally and economically resilient. The award-winning entrepreneur set up fds in 1989, and has more than 20 years experience in corporate governance.