Kirklees Business News 20/03/12 by Huddersfield

FTSE 100

MARIE PEACOCK Job with lots of appeal

-4.47 5961.11

Full inter view - Page 3

JASON BANNISTER Some distressing facts Column - Page 6

An EXAMINER publication

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees

Merger broadens horizons for group

A COLNE Valley company is looking ahead following a merger to expand its product range and take it into new markets. Milnsbridge-based sign maker Horizon Signs and sister company Horizon BSF, which supplies products to the education sector, has merged alongside a number of other companies to form The Horizon Group. The group, which operates from a 30,000sq ft manufacturing base at Britannia Road, is now made up of Horizon Signs, Horizon BSF, transport sector signs specialist Horizon PTI, metalwork specialist Horizon Fabrications and paint finish facility Horizon Powder Coating. For almost 30 years Horizon Signs has produced signs for customers including pubs, restaurants and shops, local authorities and other public sector organisations. Over the same period, manufacturing division Horizon Fabrications has been producing a wide range of metal-based products to supply sectors such as transport, advertising, healthcare, leisure and construction, Horizon Powder Coating was formed as a result of investment in a new powder coating plant – giving the company greater control over the powder coating of their own products

■ LOOKING AHEAD: Horizon Group directors (from left) Ross Ball, Keith Ball and George Foster expect to reap the benefits that merger can bring

as well as other customers’ and ensure specific delivery dates were met. But growing demand for its products has persuaded directors Keith Ball, Ross Ball and George

Foster to form a centralised group of companies which would bring cost savings for clients and the chance to benefit from the group’s buying power.

Horizon BSF has been particularly successful in growing market share by supplying items such as its Versa interactive roller board, and off-the-shelf items such as poster cases, notice boards and school furniture. Ross Ball said: “Horizon has been around for a number of years and we’ve always tried to evolve to ensure we can deliver the best products and services to our public and private sector clients. “However, over the past few years we’ve found our expertise in developing flexible new product ranges has helped us work within new market sectors.” He said: “The formation of the Horizon Group allows us to continue to grow our business efficiently while expanding into new markets and expanding our product range by producing more items in-house. “In turn, these savings help keep us competitive by allowing us to pass the benefits on to our clients.” Horizon Signs was started in 1980 by Ross’ father Keith. It began in the centre of Milnsbridge as a reprographics company, but over time acquired a fabrications business making things like railings, gates and brackets before diversifying into manufacturing signs.

Kirklees firms set to benefit from tax incentive SMALL businesses in Kirklees could benefit from a vital investment boost – thanks to a new tax incentive scheme to be introduced next month. Nick Brook, whop runs TaxAssist Accountants in Huddersfield, said: “Many start-ups and early-stage small businesses are desperate to raise finance to get their companies established and to fund growth plans. “The proposed Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme enables qualifying businesses to raise total funds of up to £150,000 in exchange for shares. “The scheme will apply to shares in companies issued on or after April 6, 2012, in the first two years following

their incorporation. Eligible companies must have 25 or fewer employees and a maximum of £200,000 of assets. “Qualifying small businesses will be able to attract investors with the offer of income tax relief of up to 50% on the amount they invest, provided they don’t have more than a 30% stake in the business.” Directors are also permitted to invest in their own companies within the SEIS programme, but the scheme will not be accessible to employees. Further tax breaks may be available on any capital gains made on the shares when they are sold. Said Mr Brook: “The SEIS will be

welcomed by many local small businesses that are starved of financial support in the current economic climate.” Plans for SEIS were announced in the 2011 Autumn Statement and legislation should be introduced in the Finance Bill 2012. Mr Brook also reminded small businesses planning to buy plant and equipment this year – such as vans and computer equipment – that the annual investment allowance is to be reduced. “Consider buying before April if you want to take advantage of 100% tax relief on purchases of plant and machinery of up to £100,000,” he said. “That figure reduces to £25,000 from April.”

■ WELCOME: Nick Brook, of TaxAssist Accountants

INSIDE Agency’s big catch A HUSBAND and wife who set up their own recruitment agency have won a monthly business award. Adam and Victoria Dyson launched The Clever Fish Recruitment Ltd in March, 2010 after Victoria was made redundant in late 2009. Now the business has built up a solid client base – drawing in the couple’s expertise in industrial, engineering and commercial recruitment.

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Five-star success A FULL service digital agency in Huddersfield proved popular with the judges of a national competition. Lindley-based iD30 has been shortlisted in no fewer then five categories at the RAR Awards 2012, run by the Recommended Agency Register. The awards recognise agencies which have been highly rated by clients for the quality of their services.

● Full story - Page 5

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

national

Premier Foods hit by bread price war THE maker of Hovis slumped to a loss after a price war sliced profits at its bread division to just £3.4m. Premier Foods, which also owns Mr Kipling, Bisto and Oxo, posted an overall loss of £259.1m in 2011 due to the need to write down the value of the Hovis business on its balance sheet. Bakery sales were down by nearly 3% at £500.5m as fierce price activity in a market that also includes Kingsmill continued. Tesco also refused to stock Hovis products, although this price dispute has now been settled. Premier said the division’s trading profits slumped by 90.4% last year, leading it to slash the value of the bread arm by £282m. The group, which has been burdened by a near-£1bn debt mountain following a spending spree that included Mr Kipling owner RHM,

insisted it is on the mend after recently sealing a “landmark” £1.4bn refinancing deal. Chief executive Michael Clarke said he was “very positive” about Premier’s future, adding that sales growth should return under plans to double market spend on eight core brands this year, which also include Batchelors and Ambrosia. The high number of special offers in supermarkets and “a protracted customer dispute’’ also took their toll on the group’s grocery division, which includes Oxo stocks and Branston pickle. Trading profits were down by 19.1% to £170.3m and sales fell by 7.4% to £1.1bn. The group said overall gross margins would grow as it continued to cut costs. It recently announced it would axe 600 jobs – 5% of its workforce – in

£13m black hole at betting firm CUSTOMERS of a spread betting firm are likely to be left seeking compensation after an estimated £13m black hole in its accounts was revealed . WorldSpreads, which runs online and telephone trading services, was placed into administration at the weekend after “accounting irregularities” were found. Administrators at KPMG said the group’s 15,000 customers were owed £29.7m, but the group has only £16.6m of cash, leaving them facing a large shortfall. However, customers may be reimbursed up to £50,000 by the industry’s Financial Services Com-

pensation Scheme, depending on their circumstances. WorldSpreads chief executive and co-founder Conor Foley resigned last Wednesday – two weeks after chief financial officer Niall O’Kelly stepped down following a profits warning. Its shares were suspended from trading on the Alternative Investment Market on Friday. Redundancies among the firm’s 66 staff – most of whom are based in London–- are likely as administrators wind down the business. WorldSpreads is based in London and its parent company is in Dublin.

a bid to reinvest the savings in this year’s marketing push. Mr Clarke, who joined the business from Kraft last year, said the recently announced refinancing was “great news” for its employees and represented “a strong sign of confidence and support for the business, its strategies and growth plans”. He added: “We intend to draw a line under the performance of 2011. “I’m convinced we have the right team to turn this business around and I am very positive about our future.” Current trading was in line with expectations, but the group expected more difficult conditions ahead in 2012 as it battled continued rising costs – although at lower levels than in 2011. Shares closed down 0.5p of 4% lower at 11.5p, having slumped from peaks of about 300p in 2007.

■ SLICED: Premier Foods’ bakery sales fell by nearly 3% to £500.5m last year

Misys backs £1.3bn deal A FINANCIAL software firm that includes the world’s top 50 banks among its clients has agreed a £1.3bn takeover by a US private equity firm. Misys, which employs 4,000 staff worldwide and was founded in the UK in 1979, has been bought by Magic Bidco, an investment vehicle owned by Vista Equity Partners. The new owner plans to combine the company with Turaz, a provider of trade and risk management software. The agreement follows weeks of takeover rumours about the group after a merger with Swiss rival Temenos fell through and its largest

shareholder ValueAct considered tabling a bid. Misys supplies software to financial services, including 1,200 banking customers. The deal was announced as Misys reported a 12% fall in revenues to £89m in the three months to February 29 – as customers delayed software licence decisions as they awaited the outcome of discussions on the future ownership of the company. Misys chairman Sir James Crosby, former chief executive of bank HBOS, said the 350p a share deal, which is subject to shareholder and regulatory approval, offered “attractive value”.

Page 2 Express delivery THE world’s largest delivery company, United Parcel Service, boosted its presence in the UK with a deal to buy European rival TNT Express. Holland-based TNT Express employs 10,000 staff in the UK and Ireland with 50 delivery depots and large sites in Warwickshire and Lancashire. While UPS is a major player in the USA, the Atlanta-based firm’s operations in the UK are smaller, with 7,200 staff and a head office at Feltham, Middlesex. TNT has agreed an improved £4.4bn takeover offer from its US rival that would see it expand across Europe and several emerging markets and create a company with annual sales of £37.4bn and 475,000 employees worldwide. UPS said the merger would enhance prospects for both sets of employees – although there is also the prospect of job losses as the group looks to make up to £457m of cost savings in four years.

New role at Asda SUPERMARKET chain Asda has appointed Steve Smith as chief marketing officer. Mr Smith, 41, replaces Rick Bendel, who takes on a new worldwide marketing role for parent company Walmart. Mr Smith, who joined Walmart in July, is currently chief marketing officer in China.

SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £36.04 +0.48 Gannett 973.52 +16.98 Hess Corp £39.80 +0.46 Microsoft £20.32 -0.18 Motors Liquidation 47.17 Wal-Mart Stores £38.19 -0.08 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 303 +11/2 BAE Systems 3143/8 -21/8 1 Rolls-Royce 837 /2 -5 AIM Brady Plc 941/4 -3/4 Dawson Intl 15/8 Man Brnze 28 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 2153/8 -13/4 BANKS Barclays 2511/4 -23/4 HSBC 5773/4 -25/8 3 Lloyds Banking Gp 37 /8 -1/8 Ryl Scotland 291/8 +1 1 Stan Chart 1645 /2 -17 BEVERAGES Diageo 1517 -71/2 SABMiller £261/8 +1/8 CHEMICALS Croda £213/4 -5/8 Elementis 98 1887/8 +11/8 Johnsn Mat £235/8 -3/8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2913/8 +23/8

Costain

239 +13 ELECTRICITY Drax Gp 523 -41/2 Intl Power 361 -4 SSE 1312 -8 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 2087/8 -43/4 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3771/4 -3/4 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 2173/8 +13/4 Cable & Wireless 323/8 +1/4 Comm Cable & Wireless 347/8 +13/8 Wwide 1 Colt Group 100 /4 +1/4 KCOM 683/4 -11/4 Talktalk Telecom 1443/4 +7/8 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2977/8 -13/8 Sainsbury 3045/8 +15/8 Tesco 331 +21/2 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1192 -4 Tate Lyle 709 -1 Unilever £207/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3123/4 -21/8 National Grid 632 -12 Pennon Grp 7181/2 -91/2 Severn 1567 -25 United Utils 6061/2 -81/2

GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 2171/2 -13/4 ICAP 425 -61/2 London StockExch 1010 -4 Man Group 144 -1 Provident Financial 1160 +13 Schroders 1602 -13 Schroders NV 1277 -10 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 715 -5 REXAM 4241/8 -23/4 Smiths Grp 1060 -11 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 215/8 +3/8 Carphone Whse 172 +1/2 5 Dixons Retail 17 /8 +5/8 3 Home Retail 115 /8 -11/2 Inchcape 3927/8 -61/2 Kingfisher 3023/4 +3/8 M&S 380 -1 1 -61/2 Mothercare 195 /4 Next £29 -1/4 WH Smith 550 +1/2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 635 +4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 891/2 +1/2 Barrat Dev 1461/2 +1/2 1 Persimmon 671 /2 -7 5 Reckitt Benckiser £35 /8 -1/8 Taylor Wimpey 52 -1/8 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 1004 -18

INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 3371/2 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 2161/2 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 377 Lgl & Gen 1343/4 Old Mutual 1645/8 Prudential 792 Resolution 2831/2 Standard Life 2473/4 MEDIA BSkyB 6891/2 D Mail Tst 4523/8 ITV 891/4 Johnston Press 73/4 Pearson 1225 Reed Elsevier 5421/2 STV Group 109 Trinity Mirror 371/4 Utd Business 626 UTV 1441/4 WPP 865 Yell Group 4 MINING Anglo American £261/8 Antofagasta 1246 BHP Billiton £201/2 Eurasian Natural 6871/2 Res Fresnillo 1776 Kazakhmys 965 Lonmin 1128 Rio Tinto £361/8

-7/8 -3/4 -21/4 -1/4 +13/8 +1/2 +43/4 -3 -11/2 +53/8 -3/4 +3/8 -1 -2 -11/4 +2 +10 +1 +5

+17 +1/8 +31/2 -21 +5 +21 +3/8

Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp

3341/4 991/4 632 1999

+41/4 -1/2 -12 -2

closed at at FTSE closed

5961.11 Down 4.47 VEDANTA 1418 +1 RESOURCES Xstrata 1171 +4 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 4721/4 -15/8 Vodafone Group 1673/8 +1 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1207 RSA Insurance Gp 115 -3/8 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1538 -9 BP 4911/4 +11/8 7 Cairn Energy 331 /8 -11/4 Royal Dutch Shell A £225/8 7 Royal Dutch Shell B £22 /8

Total £351/4 -1/8 Tullow Oil 1525 -3 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1168 +3 Petrofac 1705 -9 +3 Wood Gp(J) 7501/2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1553 -2 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £285/8 +1/4 GlaxoSmithK XD 61/2 5 Shire £21 /8 -1/8 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 5081/2 -41/2 Captl Shop Cent 3541/4 +17/8 Hamrsn 430 +5 Land Secs 7381/2 -41/2 SEGRO 2543/4 -41/2 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 2093/4 Logica 1041/8 +5/8 Misys 354 +241/2 3 Sage Group 298 /4 -1/2 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 5391/2 +51/2 Bunzl 996 -6 1 Capita 746 /2 -61/2 De La Rue 928 +171/2 Electrocomp 263 Experian 9821/2 -1/2 G4S 2751/8 -11/4 Hays 923/8 +7/8 Homeserve 2553/4 +3/4

Menzies J 574 Rentokil 857/8 Smiths News 903/4 Wolseley £251/4 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 580 Psion 631/2 Spirent Comms 1547/8 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £321/4 Imperial Tobacco £251/4 LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital 1501/2 Carnival £201/2 Compass Grp 665 easyJet 4531/4 Enterprise Inns 501/4 FirstGroup 297 Go-Ahead Gp 1325 Greene King 517 Intercontl Htls 1459 Intl Cons Airlines 1755/8 Gp Ladbrokes 1593/4 Mitchells & Butlers 2795/8 Natl Express 2491/4 Rank Org 130 Stagecoach Group 267 TUI Travel 1923/4 Whitbread 1721 INDEX FTSE 100 5961.11 INDEX FTSE 250 11785.49

+4 +3/8 -2

+31/2 +3 -53/8 -1/8 -1/8 -21/4 -3 +3 -1 +41/8 +6 -1/2 -18 +3/8 +33/4 -11/4 -21/4 +1/4 -1/4 +21/4 +7 -4.47 -7.43

TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.42 dollars Bangladesh................. 122.17 taka Brazil.............................. 2.55 reals Canada....................... 1.50 dollars China ............................. 8.95 yuan Czech Republic ...... 27.09 korunas Denmark....................... 8.51 krone Euro............................... 1.15 euro Hong Kong................ 11.67 dollars Hungary................... 312.28 forints India.......................... 69.98 rupees Japan........................... 125.26 yen Mexico ....................... 17.87 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.78 dollars Norway ......................... 8.67 krone Pakistan.................. 135.19 rupees Philippines ................. 58.18 pesos South Africa.................. 11.19 rand South Korea.............. 1548.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 190.02 rupees Sweden....................... 10.22 krona Switzerland.................. 1.38 francs Taiwan ...................... 40.84 dollars Turkey....................... 2.67 new lira USA ............................ 1.51 dollars

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

profile

Marie takes capital role MAGISTRATE Marie Peacock is tackling a challenging case. As capital appeal manager for Kirkwood Hospice, she is spearheading a major campaign to raise £3m for vital improvements to the 25-year-old Dalton complex. Marie is under no illusions about the scale of the challenge – seeking new ways to part people from their money in a difficult economic environment – but believes her experience as a fundraiser active in the local community and previous employment as a Job Centre personal adviser will help in her latest role. Marie, 32, grew up in Mirfield and attended Mirfield Free Grammar School before taking her A-levels at All Saints’ School, Bradley. “It was the only school that did theology at A-level – and I wanted to do theology, she says. “I used to want to be a teacher. That was my main goal when I was young.” Marie gained a degree in psychology at York University, but admits it did not really provide a springboard into the world of work! Instead, she worked as a personal adviser at the Job Centre before becoming team leader at a call centre at Dean Clough Mills, Halifax, processing benefit claims. Recalling her years at the Job Centre, Marie says: “I found it quite shocking sometimes how little some people did to help themselves and how dependent some people were on benefits. You got second and third generation unemployed people who had no intention of working and thought it was good to be on benefits. “Then you got the other side of the coin, people who were made redundant in their 50s and 60s because their jobs were being phased out and who wanted desperately to work. It could be quite upsetting.”

fundraising for local groups in Mirfield and Dewsbury when she began working for Kirkwood Hospice in 2004 as community fundraiser for North Kirklees. “I used to direct and produce pantomimes and I was involved in fundraising in my own time,” she says. “I had a good knowledge of the North Kirklees area and all that provided a good basis for my job with the hospice.” Now Marie is putting her experience to use as capital appeal manager. The Capital Appeal has been set up to fund work at the hospice to provide new bedrooms, family lounges and kitchens. Residents will benefit from increased facilities, including individual garden terraces and en-suite bathrooms. Said Marie: “The hospice was built 25 years ago to care home standards. We wanted to be a home-from-home, but we don’t have en-suite facilities for all the single rooms. Twenty-five years ago, we didn’t all have mobile phones and laptops, so there aren’t enough plug sockets around the bed. “There have been massive advances in diagnosis of life-threatening illnesses. People are being diagnosed younger

■ SKILLS: Marie Peacock is relishing her latest challenge

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Marie Peacock Role: capital appeals manager Age: 32 Family: Married to Gary Holidays: Egypt Car: Peugeot 306 First job: Saturday girl at the Greggs shop in Foundry Street, Dewsbury Best thing about job: Meeting lots of different people Worst thing about job: There are never enough hours in the day Business tip: Always ensure you communicate regularly and effectively. You must keep in touch and living longer. A lot of our patients have young families and they want them around them, so we need more family areas, a family dining area and lounge areas. “We also need to improve the clinical facilities.” The target is to raise £3m by the end of March next year. Building work at the Albany Street site is scheduled for completion in June, 2013. Marie’s job involves raising awareness about the hospice and the appeal among community groups, businesses and individuals and encourage them to raise funds or provide support in practical ways. She is acutely conscious that the appeal must engage people who are not currently supporting the hospice. The appeal needs “new” money because the hospice still has to meet its existing running costs and cannot afford to see that vital funding diluted. “We are trying to get to ‘new’ people, companies and areas where we don’t normally get support,” says Marie. “ “There are three areas to focus on – raising money in the community; raising money through charitable trusts and private trusts; and raising money from individuals and corporate support. I have a good background as a community fundraiser and – through working in the Job Centre – I have a lot of contacts among companies and employers.” Her work involves talking to local groups to raise awareness of the hospice, its work and the appeal. “Part of what we do is to talk to children, who we hope will be the next generation of hospice supporters,” she says. “There are people who I talked to at school eight years ago who are now 17 or 18 and come wanting to help because it has stuck with them.” Says Marie: “A lot of people

know about Kirkwood Hospice, but they don’t always understand what we do. They don’t understand the difference between a hospital and a hospice, or that we are also involved in helping people with life threatening illnesses stay in their own homes, or the support we provide for bereaved families. “We help people of all ages and without discrimination right from the first day of diagnosis. It is about the whole journey, not just the end of life.” Marie says: “I have been seconded to this post. It appealed to me because I believe I have the skills to take on the difficult elements. I am able to talk to a range of different people. This is a new way of raising money that we haven’t done before. It has involved putting together an appeal committee and networking as a way to fundraising.” Says Marie: “The hospice already has more than 500 volunteers in our shops and at Kirkwood. That is a massive amount of voluntary time that would cost us millions if we had to pay for it.” But she adds: “Raising money and getting support is difficult because there are so many ‘tugs and pulls’ on people’s time and money. But it has to be done to ensure the hospice is fit for purpose for the next 25 years.” Marie’s community spirit remains strong. She has been a magistrate for six years and sits at the magistrates court one day a fortnight. She is also on the Mirfield Show committee. Marie is also helping husband Gary carry out research for his book, A History of Mirfield. She says: “I love walking and I am doing a lot of walking around Mirfield as part of the research!”

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Kirkwood Hospice Work: Specialist care for adults in Kirklees with advanced progressive illnesses Site: Dalton Phone: 007954 175101 Email: marie@kirkwood hospice.co.uk Website: www.kirkwood hospice.co.uk

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Software firm in the driving seat A HUDDERSFIELD company providing software to the legal sector has created the technology behind the UK’s first “virtual solicitor”. Exen Legal Solutions tailored the technology for website www.roadtrafficrepresentation.com, the brainchild of practising solicitor Martin Langan, which provides motorists with access to free online professional legal advice and inexpensive representation for common traffic offences. Graham Moore, director at Exen Legal Solutions, based at the Media Centre in Northumberland Street, said: “We offer a wide range of bespoke legal solutions to support our clients. “We specialise in the development of solutions for pioneering initiatives, such as the Road Traffic Representation website.” Mr Moore said he was confident that the technology could be applied to different legal areas to overcome specific issues. He said: “While most industries provide interactive services online, the Road Traffic Representation website is the UK’s first ‘virtual solicitor’. “I believe that the technology utilised can revolutionise the way lawyers promote themselves and their practices – with the main advantage being that the right audience can be reached effectively.” Mr Langan said: “I am extremely happy with the final results of this work. “Exen worked tirelessly to accommodate the subtle intricacies and fine detail of the many points of law we had to incorporate into this site. The team was very accommodating throughout the process and developed a bespoke solution that exceeded all expectations.”

KIRKLEES BUSIN

MP breezes in to visit fan company A FIRM making industrial fans put apprenticeships, exporting and business support at the top of the agenda for a meeting with Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney. The Conservative MP asked for the chance to visit Woodcock & Wilson’s Crosland Hill premises after reading about its success in completing a contract to carry out work on the exhaust extraction system of the mile-long Tyne Tunnel, which connects the towns of Jarrow and North Shields. Woodcock and Wilson, which has 43 employees, had expanded year-on-year for the past 10 years. While it exports about 15% to 20% of its output directly, as much as 50% ends up overseas, even though the work is done for UK-based customers. Mr McCartney met managing director Mark Jones, financial director Joe Shepherd and their colleagues Richard Wilson and Paul Hebden. Mr Shepherd said: “He was pleased to see that the company is doing well and that we have a very healthy order book going into the new financial year. “We talked about apprenticeships and the skills shortage faced

■ FAN CLUB: MP Jason McCartney (right) with (from left) Mark Jones, Richard Wilson, Paul Hebden and Joe Shepherd, of Woodcock and Wilson at Crosland Hill

by the engineering industry. We have always supported apprenticeships. We have two on the shopfloor and another working in the office – and we would like to get a few more. “We talked about the Tyne Tunnel project and about how the government might help British manufacturing with funding and export support.

“We also examined applying to the Regional Development Fund, which aims to encourage sustainable business growth.” Woodcock & Wilson, formed in 1973, specialises in high quality bespoke-designed fans for sectors including heating and ventilation, air pollution control, petrochemical, offshore and process engineering.

Pointers to the future A COMPANY set up by a Huddersfield man to help clients cut their costs is celebrating success. The ambition to set up his own business meant so much to Netherton-born Phil Hodgkinson that in March, 2002, he remortgaged his home to set up Compass Costs. But the risk paid off – and 10 years on, the company boasts more than 100 staff at offices in Manchester and Merseyside and is projected to turn over £8m this year. Mr Hodgkinson, a former pupil of Brooksbank School at Elland, built a successful career managing solicitors firms. He decided to go into business for himself after spotting a niche in the costs market. Leasing out a small office above a derelict bakers, he began Compass Costs Consultants with just one employee. Having set up business in Merseyside, in just three years the firm moved offices three times to cope with increasing staff numbers, a growing client base and to accommodate a merger with another company. Since then, it has grown to

be the largest costs company in the UK. Projections are that the firm will have doubled in size within the next two years. Compass Costs Consultants provide costs drafting, negotiation and advocacy and litigation services to insurers, solicitors, trades unions and individuals – along with numerous other legal products and services to the industry in general. The firm can deal with any type of work a solicitor handles – from straightforward personal injury to multi-million pound clinical negligence, commercial litigation, banking and finance, mergers and acquisitions. Said Mr Hodgkinson: “When I set up on my own back in 2002, I knew it was a fantastic opportunity to build up a specialist costs-only practice. “Not only has Compass held its own throughout the recession, but we have continued to expand and become the only company of our kind in the UK – that’s something to really be proud of. “It is wonderful to have ■ RIGHT DIRECTION: Phil reached such a milestone and Hodgkinson, Netherton-born director of have achieved so much in our Compass Cost Consultants first 10 years.”

Move online for VAT filing

KIRKLEES companies will have to file their VAT returns online from April, a chartered accountant has stressed. David Butterworth (pictured), of Wheawill & Sudworth in Huddersfield, said that it will no longer be possible to file paper returns for any VAT period ending after April 1, 2012. “Local companies that have not yet registered with HMRC for on-line filing should get on and do it now” he advised. Although non-compliance penalties will not be levied by HMRC in the first year of this new regime, higher surcharges could be imposed later on if businesses delay in filing on time. Mr Butterworth said that online payment of VAT will also be necessary. “HMRC offer a variety of options here including direct debit, electronic transfer, debit card and Bill Pay to cater for all businesses” he explained. “Whilst sorting out online filing and payment, businesses should also take the opportunity to check out if any of the available VAT schemes such as cash accounting, annual returns and Flat Rate reporting could benefit them.”

Recognising manufacturing MANUFACTURING firms across Kirklees have been urged to enter a regional award. The YP Training Awards – now in its ninth year – is seeking applications from companies that have achieved success in areas such as reducing costs, working more smartly or successful mentoring of their apprentices. “More than 200 people attended last year’s event and enjoyed networking with their peers from companies ranging from heavy engineering to caravan manufacturers,” said Alistair Gladstone, divisional director of YP Training. “Previous winners have told us recognition from the awards has had a major impact on their image with customers, suppliers, the local community and, just as importantly, their own staff.” The awards will be held on Tuesday, May 15, at the Leeds Marriott Hotel. Call 01943 885088 or go to www.yptraining.co.uk

NESS NEWS

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High fives for a winning agency

A FULL service digital agency based in Huddersfield proved popular with the judges of a national competition. Lindley-based iD30 has been shortlisted in no fewer then five categories at the RAR Awards 2012, which is run by the Recommended Agency Register. The categories are for creativity and innovation, effectiveness, strategic thinking, value for money and “on budget”. The awards recognise agencies which have been highly rates by clients for services such as design, digital and PR. More than 5,200 ratings were used to assess the results. The winners will be announced at a dinner on April 4 at the Bloomsbury Hotel, London. Sales director Danny Phillips said the agency was “chuffed” to be named finalist in five categories, adding: “We would like to thank all our customers who have supported us over the last three years. “As we all know, the last three year have been trying times for a lot of companies, but the fact that we are still growing year on year shows that we are doing something right.” The agency was one of the first to emerge from Huddersfield University’s Business

Mine in 2002. Business Mine was set up to provide a spring board for graduates and undergraduates with bright ideas for setting up in business. The agency, which specialises in e-commerce, web design, digital marketing, brand and print was based at the Media Centre in Huddersfield before moving to Heritage Exchange at Lindley. Customers range from museums and furniture retailers to tool hire firms and courier companies. Last year, iD30 also secured contracts with customers in Russia – opening up new overseas markets. T h e ag e n c y fo rg e d l i n k s w i t h Moscow-based self-storage firm Red Box Co after a Huddersfield businessman working in Russia approached the team asking if they could help produce a multi-language website. Following that success, iD30 was approached by another Russian firm, Mobius, is a mobile self-storage warehouse company. The company delivers storage containers for customers to fill then returns to collect them for safekeeping at its depots.

■ CONTENDERS: Daniel Phillips (left), Adam Wishart (centre) and David Moffat of iD30, based at Lindley

‘Speed dating’ for businesses MANUFACTURERS in Kirklees and Calderdale will go “speed dating” in Huddersfield – in a bid to win new business. Calderdale and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance will hold a Meet the Buyer event from 6pm on Wednesday, May 26, at the Briar Court Hotel, Birchencliffe. About 10 potential buyers will attend the event, which aims to match suppliers with potential customers. CKMA chairman Gary Jones said: “The format of the event is a form of ‘speed dating’ between buyer and supplier to identify if there is sufficient common ground to arrange a further meeting. “The last event resulted in 31 further meetings from a smaller number of buyers, so we anticipate that at least double this number of further meetings will result this time. “So far, we know of one supplier who obtained a new contract from a buyer at the meeting, which he anticipates will increase turnover by £100,000.” The event is open only to manufacturers who are fully paid up members of CKMA. To register as a potential supplier, email john.hodgson@calderdale.gov.uk or charles.storr@kirklees.gov.uk. Future CKMA meetings in 2012 will cover financial matters, a visit to the Huddersfield University Innovation Centre and discussions on environmental management systems.

A timely reminder! ACCOUNTANCY experts in Kirklees have warned firms not to ignore a new penalty regime being introduced by HM Revenue & Customs over PAYE and National Insurance contributions. Nigel Westman (pictured), partner at Cleckheaton-based Clough & Company, said: “The penalty regime was introduced in April, 2010, but not widely publicised and we have therefore found that the majority of SMEs are totally unaware of the changes. “During 2011, HMRC typically wrote ‘default warning letters’ to SMEs the first time a PAYE payment was late – but with such a lack of comprehension surrounding the regime, these letters often went unnoticed and businesses started to receive

substantial penalty notices after the year end in April.” The HMRC penalty notices are based on the number of times PAYE payments are late within one tax year and start at 1% but can rise to 4%. Said Nigel: “These penalties also attract interest and are not an allowable deduction against

business profits. “Obviously, the best course of action is to make PAYE payments on time as even paying just a few days late can result in severe penalties for the offence. If taxpayers have difficulties in making payments on time, they should contact HMRC and request additional time to pay. This will take them outside of the penalty regime.” He added: “Many advisers in the industry believe this new regime is unfair and several cases are currently scheduled to go to Tribunal as the fines seem disproportionate to the offence. “We believe the fines could be in breach of European law and are encouraging businesses receiving such penalties to seek professional advice.”

YPO director joins the panel SMALL firms will get advice on selling to large organisations at the Yorkshire Mafia Conference. Paul Smith, procurement and supply chain director for

the Wakefield-based Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation will join the four-strong procurement panel at the conference, which takes place tomorrow

and Thursday at the Royal Armouries in Leeds. Together, the panellists represent organisations spending £11bn a year on procurement.

It’s time you got more from your accountant Thinking… outside the books

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Regular updates & support to help your business FREE use of our facilities for your meeting Support all day, every day

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

property

Distress signals a burning issue

Property deals agreed TWO property deals have been sealed in Cleckheaton. Chartered surveyor Eddisons has let more than 6,300sq ft at the Scandinavia Court Business Park. New tenants

include Kirklees Council and designer clothing firm Belle Lingerie. Eddisons has also sold Premier House to a pension fund off an asking price of £595,000.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • AGENTS • CONSULTANT • ADVISOR

TRAFALGAR MILLS • LEEDS ROAD • HUDDERSFIELD • HD2 1YY

Junction 25 Business Park, Huddersﬁeld Road, Mirﬁeld Industrial Units to let. Secure and spacious yard with generous parking available. Easy access to motorway. Units range in size from 2,953 to 5,349.

Unit B, Brockholes Business Park Prominent stand alone Industrial Unit with Trade Counter. The unit benefits from a dedicated yard area to the front of the premises. Unit size is 3,308 sq. ft.

Brockholes Business Park Small Industrial units available on commercial site from 900 to 3,685sq.ft. Rentals from £88p/w Contact: Paul Andrew Walker Singleton 01484 477600 Christine Eccleston MB Services 01484 557102

OME property S experts are predicting that this may be the

year of the distressed sale. A distressed sale is one where a bank forces the sale of a property due to the fact that the owner has allowed the mortgage to fall into arrears. Whilst a distressed sale may present opportunities to the investor; as the property may be discounted so as to achieve a quick sale, they are not free from risk. A buyer of a “distressed property” should note that a bank is duty bound to get as much for the property as possible. Given that a bank will not take a property off the market (and will indeed continue to actively market it) until contracts are exchanged. As such, a buyer who had thought a deal had been agreed may well find out that he is put into a “contract

retail / office premises

MARKET STREET, HUDERSFIELD, HD1 2EW £15,000 p/a

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

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

● 83.02sqm (894sqft) Plus

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, Stores HX3 6DL and Staff Areas FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES 2) ● Prominent town centre position 395m2 (4,250ft Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ● Close to prime shopping area ■ Suitable for refurbishment for alternative occupational residential ● Suitable for retail or financial uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to and professional services planning consent

single storey warehouse

Yew Green Road, Huddersfield, HD4 5EN £245,000

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

● 845.13sqm (9,097 sqft)

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTELtoPREMISES ● Craneage part

395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable refurbishment ● 3for loading doors for alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to ● 12000 Ltr Diesel Tank with pump planning consent

retail premises

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

Sergeantson Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2JF £13,500 p/a ● Sales Area 116.6sqm

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, (1,255sqft) HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES ● Excellent display frontage

395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area Hectares (0.33 Acres) ● 0.13 Rateable Value £12,750 ■ Vacant possession for and for refurbishment ■ Suitable ● Close to Bus Station alternative occupational residential complete uses or possible Multi-storey car park redevelopment, subject to ● consent and Sainsburys Supermarket planning

Page 6

INFORMED DEVELOPMENT

Jason Bannister race” or a “blind bid” scenario in the event that another buyer comes along who wishes to purchase the property for the same price or for more. A “contract race” is when the bank offers contracts to two or more potential buyers with instructions that the “first to sign the contract and pay the deposit wins”. A “blind bid scenario” occurs when the bank instructs the buyers to offer their best price by a set time with the highest bidder securing the property and having to exchange contracts and pay the deposit at

that time. The issue with “contract races” and “blind bids” is they are done at break neck speed (hence another name of a distressed sale being “fire sale”). It is common to find that fire sales only take a matter of hours between contracts being issued and exchanged. The speed at which a sale occurs means that there will be little time to carry out proper investigations over the property and, as such it will be difficult to determine if there are any legal issues with it.

These considerations are often overlooked in fire sales. It is essential in such cases to seek advice from legal advisors who are experienced in dealing with such sales and purchases as they will have worked with administrators and receivers and have the resources and skill to protect the buyer’s interests. Whilst it is true that in business “faint heart never wins fair lady” in property transactions the adage should be “brave heart is not immune from getting his fingers burned in a fire sale”.

Jason Bannister is a solicitor with Armitage Sykes in Huddersfield

modern office building

Cartwright Court, Bradley, HD2 1GN £295,000 / May Let

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

● 198.86sqm (2140sqft)

4 RANGE LANE Offices ● Modern Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES ● 198.86sqm (2140sqft)

395m2 (4,250ft2) ● 0.13 Freehold Site Area Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ● Popular Business Park for for refurbishment ■ Suitable alternative occupational residential Convenient for M62 Motorway uses or ● possible complete redevelopment, subject to Network planning consent

retail premises

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

● Double fronted retail

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, unit HX3922 6DLsqft FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES 2) 395m2 (4,250ft ● Ancillary accommodation

Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant3,022 possession sqft ■ Suitable for refurbishment for alternative occupational residential ● Finished to a high quality uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to ● consent Excellent display frontage planning

office building

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

CROSS CHURCH STREET, HUDDERSFIELD, HD1 2PY £25,000 p/a

■ industrial LAND

■ offices OFFICES

■ retail

INDUSTRIAL

■ investment

INVESTMENT

■ land JOHN STREET, ELLAND, HX5 0AW £115,000

● Office Building 4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL ● 72.87 sqm [784 sqft] FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

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

T. 01484 530361 www.bramleys.com

RETAIL

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS NBF welcomes bidding pledge A GOVERNMENT commitment to ensure wider competition for public work has been welcomed by the National Federation of Builders. The Better Procurement 2012 conference, co-sponsored by the NFB, was a one-year progress review that examined what had changed since the government voiced its aspiration to award 25% of government work to small and medium-sized firms by the end of this parliamentary session in 2015. The NFB has long campaigned for many of the initiatives that are now being rolled out . The organisation has argued that it does not want special treatment for its members nor for others to be frozen out of public work – only an equal opportunity to compete. This is being addressed, in part, through the Contracts Finder database which makes it easier to discover upcoming work. The NFB said the cost of bidding for work was a significant barrier, so the removal of pre-qualification questionnaires for bids for work below £100,000 would widen the pool of companies from which the government attract bidders. The NFB’s 2009 procurement survey found that 22% of respondents spent more than four weeks each year filling out PQQs and 4% of respondents spent more than £30,000 each year on the tender process.

property

Milnsbridge business park welcomes its first tenant A COMPANY providing equipment to the licensed trade has called time on its old premises to take up space at a new business park in Huddersfield. Barfit Ltd, which has been operating in the town for more than 20 years, has become the first company to take a unit at the newly-completed Herbert Brown Business Park at Whiteley Street, Milnsbridge. The company, led by directors Mick Connolly and Tony Sutton, supplies, installs and services cask, keg and soft drinks equipment to the license trade throughout the north as well as supplying temporary bars for events and beer festivals. Herbert Brown Business Park is a speculative industrial development of five modern steel portal frame units undertaken by Bradcoll Ltd. The units were built by Marshalls Construction of Elland and provide small businesses with the opportunity to move into modern, light and efficient units in the Colne Valley. Jason Metcalfe, of Huddersfield-based Hanson Chartered Surveyors, the letting agent for the development, said: “We are delighted that Barfit have moved into Unit 1 and have fitted out the accommodation to a high standard to meet their needs. “The units are cost-effective and provide an opportunity for local businesses to trade up to a modern working environment in the Colne Valley.”

EL DU O ET C O AT IO N

Offices

Automation Works 656 Leeds Road, Huddersfield 639 m2 (6,880 sq ft) Good quality single storey industrial/ warehouse premises with offices located adjacent main A62 Leeds Road next to Hepworth Honda.

TO LET/MAY SELL

Will split 2,493 sq ft & 4,395 sq ft

Industrial

Albert Works, Albert Street, Lockwood 538 m2 (5,800 sq ft) Single storey workshop just off main Lockwood Road

TO LET

recently vacated and occupation immediately available

Industrial

Barncliffe Business Park, Shelly, Huddersfield 678 m2 (7,298 sq ft) Modern single storey warehouse/industrial units with good site loading and parking. Well located for M1

TO LET

www.michaelsteel.co.uk

Page 7

flexible terms

All enquiries to Alec Michael at Michael Steel & Co on 0113 32489999 or email alec@michaelsteel.co.uk

■ NEW ARRIVAL: Karen Bradbury hands the keys to Herbert Brown Business Park's first tenants Tony Sutton and Michael Connolly, of Barfit Ltd, watched by Jason Metcalfe, of Hanson Chartered Surveyors, and Simon Mills, of Ramsdens Solicitors.

Three units remain – providing 1,200sq ft, 1,500sq ft and 3,000sq ft – and are suitable for a variety of light industrial uses. The business park has been developed by Denis and Karen Bradbury, of motorcycle parts and accessories firm Bradbury Bros on land

adjoining their Whiteley Street premises. The development has provided extra office space for their business as well as the four industrial units to let. Mr Bradbury received support from his bank, RBS. Ramsdens acted for Bradcoll Ltd.

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Mark Powell

Waxman Energy ELLAND-based Waxman Energy, which specialises in the design and distribution of solar photovoltaic systems, has promoted Mark Powell to the role of national sales director. Mr Powell (pictured) joined The Waxman Group nine years ago, starting out in operations and making the transition to sales for Waxman’s ceramics business before moving to Waxman Energy when it was established in 2007. Waxman Energy is the main UK distributor for some of the world’s leading solar brands, including LG Solar, Suntech, Bosch Solar, Phono Solar and Panasonic.

Emma Serjeant

Ramsdens Solicitors LAW firm Ramsdens Solicitors has appointed a new head of risk and compliance. Emma Serjeant (pictured) is based at the firm’s Edgerton head office. In her newly-created role has responsibility for the management of risk for the firm and ensuring regulatory compliance across its network of eight offices, which also include Huddersfield town centre, Halifax, Holmfirth, Slaithwaite, Elland, Dewsbury and Mirfield. She joined Ramsdens in 2005 as part of the litigation team acting for individuals and companies in civil and commercial disputes.

Caroline Northrop

Paramount Accountancy

FMB THE Federation of Master Builders has appointed Brian Berry as its first chief executive. Mr Berry takes up the new post after working for the FMB as director of external affairs. He has also worked for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Mr Berry said: “Leading the UK’s largest trade association in the building industry is an exciting challenge. The FMB’s drive towards becoming a professional trade association is something that I'm personally committed to as it will help ensure that FMB members are recognised as the best in the building industry.”

Page 8

Staffing agency is in the swim!

A HUSBAND and wife who pooled their talents to set up their own recruitment agency have won a monthly business award. The Clever Fish Recruitment Ltd was founded in March, 2010, by Adam and Victoria Dyson. The couple decided to set up their own business after Victoria was made redundant in late 2009. Being seven months pregnant at the time, she knew it would be extremely difficult to secure a new role. Based from their Salendine Nook home and working very long hours, Adam and Victoria soon began to build a solid client base – with Adam’s background in industrial and engineering recruitment and Vict o r i a ’s ex p e r i e n c e i n c o m m e rc i a l recruitment. Two years later and the hard work has paid off. Adam and Victoria have a beautiful daughter and The Clever Fish Recruitment is now in a position where it has a sustainable, respected and measurable business model. The couple are also proud to say that they’re helping to support the local community – with many temporary staff in employment and numerous people enjoying permanent stability in other roles in businesses across Kirklees and Calderdale. Judges for the Eaton Smith Business of the Month Award felt that The Clever Fish Recruitment should be commended for their hard work and determination of creating a new business that’s fam-

■ POOL PARTY: Alison Palmer (third left), of Eaton Smith, presents the award to Adam and Victoria Dyson (left), of The Clever Fish Recruitment, with (from left) Jo McBeath, of UKTI; Kathryn Shuttleworth, of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; Maxine Stead, of Alexndra House Spa; and Nick Brook, of TaxAssist Accountants

ily-friendly, honest, hands-on and professional. Adam said: “We are very passionate about our business and proud of how far we have come. To be recognised for this award is an amazing achievement and it will make a real difference and help our business to move forward.” He said: “We would like to say a big thank you to Dale Matthias, our accounts manger and mother-in-law, for all her help

and business expertise. We would also like to thank our clients for supporting and believing in us over the past couple of years and the growing list of candidates that work for us and do an excellent job. The Business of the Month Award is run by law firm Eaton Smith in association with Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and UKTI. It is open to firms in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. Contact Ian Greenwood on 01484 821389.

Skills top the summit agenda

A HUDDERSFIELD accountancy firm has made a new appointment. Paramount Accountancy, based at Highfields, has appointed Caroline Northrop as client manager. Ms Northrop, who is AAT and ATT qualified, started her career in banking, working as a manager for start-ups and small businesses with a portfolio of more than 600 clients, before moving into office management, financial management and then accountancy. Director Richard Lay said: “Caroline’s wealth of experience in finance and customer service will be a great asset to the company.”

Brian Berry

Movers and shakers

■ PANEL LEADER: Kirklees Council chief executive Adrian Lythgo

BUSINESSES will discuss how to create a “high-performing” workforce when the latest Kirklees Summit takes place next week. Kirklees Council chief executive Adrian Lythgo will chair the panel and question-and-answer session from 8am to 11,30am on Friday, March 30, at Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium. The live forum will enable business owners to have their say on business in Kirklees and to direct the setting of Kirklees employment and skills priorities while networking with high profile organisations from across the district. All delegate places are

free. Danny Matharu, of Birstall-based event organiser Hillrich said: “This summit is tasked with addressing many facets of building a successful company. “People are the backbone of any business and with this, the panel and audience are invited to debate how we can plug the leak in Kirklees’ talent pool, how we can empower Kirklees through innovation and recognition as well as tackling the potentially explosive issue of asking if employing the young and unemployed is an opportunity or a risk.” He added: “Previous summits

have been fantastic and to build on these, this meeting has brought in three superb panels to face these issues. Delegates are invited to submit their questions to the panel via the summit website and contribute to this excellent format on the day.” Mr Lythgo said:“This event provides the opportunity for employers to continue their dialogue about employment and skills and direct Kirklees’ future employment and skills priorities. “We are looking for employers to share their thoughts so that we can strengthen Kirklees’ human capital and create a higher performing workforce in Kirklees.”

Directors’ award pulls into new venue ONE of Yorkshire’s premier business awards ceremonies is on the move to showcase the talent and entrepreneurial flair around the region. The Director of the Year Awards run by the Yorkshire Institute of Directors will be held on September 4 at York’s National Railway Museum

when land speed world record breaker Richard Noble will be the headline speaker. IoD regional director Kenton Robbins said the move from Leeds as the event venue aimed to open up the awards to a more diverse and representative audience. There were also plans to take the

awards to other parts of Yorkshire in future years. He said: “We know there are top class business leaders in all parts of Yorkshire. “I hope that by moving to York this year we can showcase them, their businesses and the supreme locations that can host this

popular business event.” Award categories include ones for directors of large and small companies, family businesses and the public and third sector. There is also an aware for non-executive director of the year and a lifetime achievement award.