PHIL HIGHAM
FTSE 100 -11.26 6844.55
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2014
Just a Minuteman! Interview - Page 3
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COLIN BARRATT Off to work we go! Column - Page 4
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
A company making machined plastic and metal components is set to expand its 65-strong workforce following the opening of a new factory extension. Skelmanthorpe-based Pennine Industrial Equipment has added 600sq metres of accommodation to its Commercial Road premises to take advantage of rising demand for premium conveyor chain, which the firm manufactures for the glass-making and bottling industries. The move represents a £2m investment in building, machinery and new products for launch. The company is now on track to increase its workforce by 30% over the next five to 10 years. Dewsbury MP Simon Reevell unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the new extension before invited guests who included Kirklees Mayor Clr Martyn Bolt; Clr John Cook, chairman of Denby Dale Parish Council; and Paul Radcliffe, of Lockwood-based Radcliffe Construction, which built the new facility. Guests were welcomed by managing director Graham Hobbs, son of the firm’s founder, who recalled the company’s
■■ At the opening of the new extension are (from left) director Graham Womersley, MP Simon Reevell, Kirklees Mayor Cllr Martyn Bolt and managing director Graham Hobbs
origins in Saddleworth and his own background, saying: “I am very proud as a Lancastrian to have achieved this in Yorkshire.” Pennine Industrial Equipment was founded by Leonard Hobbs in 1973 but sought out new premises following his retirement in 1983. Graham said “We went to Scotland, Devon and were offered a site in Warrington. Instead, we came here to a turn-
of-the century factory that had been used for making rugs but had fallen into a poor condition. I had never heard of Skelmanthorpe, even though I went to Colne Valley High School. “Now we are probably the biggest employer in the village – we’re only 15 minutes from the M1 but our employees can walk to work and we have taken on an apprentice every year since 1983.” The company, which also employs a
handful of people at a site in Birmingham, has two distinct product areas which serve both domestic and export markets. It makes machined plastic components that prevent metal touching metal and contaminating foodstuffs on production lines for customers including Fox’s Biscuits at Batley and McVities in Halifax. It also makes sprockets and chains for conveyors used in glass production and bottling plants. In addition to the factory extension and new production equipment, the company is launching the 2 Pin Conveyor chain for transporting hot bottles and jars at speeds of over 500 containers per minute or 750,000 containers each day. More than 60% of sales are exports to to some 60 countries, including China, Japan, India, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Spain, South Africa and Venezuela. Customers include manufacturers of wine glasses, pint and half-pint beer glasses as well as pressed glass products, such as ashtrays. Officially opening the new extension, Mr Reevell said: “When I first came here a few years ago, we talked about providing this facility and what it might be like one day. It was something we all hoped would happen – and now it has.”
Lift for Stanley’s A social enterprise helping people with learning difficulties has been given a five-figure boost. Cleckheaton-based Stanley’s Training Project has won a “Build It” Award of £16,000 from UnLtd, a leading provider of support to social entrepreneurs in the UK. Stanley’s Training Project offers a safe haven, training and help with key life skills to people with learning difficulties and those that find it hard to access education, training or employment. It supports this work through offering health and social care training to businesses and through food sales from its food business.
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Small firms urged to act now over workplace pensions Training Small and medium-sized firms in Kirklees still to start planning for autoenrolment have been urged to act now. Chartered accountancy firm Clough & Company made the plea after a survey revealed that 40% of business owners believe the process will damage their business. As part of the Government’s auto-enrolment programme, all employers must offer and contribute financially towards a workplace pension scheme. The UK’s largest employers started offering the schemes in 2012 and smaller firms are being phased in at certain points until 2018 when it will become a requirement for all employers. Over the next 12 months, it is estimated that 40,000 employers in the UK will have to automatically enrol their employees into a pension scheme. Initially, employers must contribute at least 1% of an employee’s gross pay into a pension
scheme for them and this will rise to 3% by 2018. However business software firm Sage recently found that two out of five small business owners expect cash flow problems as a result of auto-enrolment and are worried about the cost of introducing the schemes. Lesley Kendrew, a partner at Clough & Company in Cleckheaton, said: “By the end of this year, all businesses that had more than 60 employees in April, 2012, will need to automatically enrol all their employees into a workplace pension scheme and many businesses are underestimating the process, time and cost that this will require. “Time is quickly running out for any business that has yet to start planning for auto-enrolment because they will need to seek external advice about the process and compliance of the proposed scheme and there’s already high demand for this
advice. “They will need to determine the date and deadline by which employees must be enrolled, review their pension arrangements, check their payroll software is compliant, determine which employees are eligible to be enrolled and deal with the compliance issues of communicating all this information to each employee.” Said Lesley: “Businesses cannot afford to miss the deadline because non-compliance can see daily fines that range from £50 up to £10,000. “Businesses also need to plan their cashflow requirements for the effect of auto-enrolment. As well as the cost of the actual employer’s contributions - when it reaches 3% it will mean an additional annual cost of £795 for every employee earning the UK’s average salary of £26,500 – there are also costs associated with upgrading payroll software as well as compliance and administration costs.”
pledge
■■ Lesley Kendrew , of Clough & Co
Development and construction firm Southdale is set to create opportunities for new apprentices, subcontractors and supply chain companies by putting almost £22m into the Yorkshire economy after winning six lucrative contracts. The group,, which partnered Kirklees Council on a major redevelopment scheme, has secured work valued at more than £20m across Yorkshire – and aims to create one apprenticeship for every £1m-worth of new business won.
2
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Pfizer’s ‘compelling ‘ bid rejected by AstraZeneca AstraZeneca seemed to have brought to an end to a protracted takeover attempt by US drugs giant Pfizer as it rejected an improved final offer of £69bn as inadequate. The UK-based firm said the Viagra maker’s proposal last night undervalued it by £5 bn and claimed it was motivated by tax saving and cost cutting plans. Astra shares plunged by as much as 15% as the prospect of a deal faded, yet chairman Leif Johansson admitted he had “no idea” whether the saga was over. One leading investor said Pfizer’s offer was a “good price” although it could do better, while an analyst suggested the American firm could come back with a fresh approach in six months. Astra’s statement echoed fears expressed by critics that a deal would hit jobs and damage the UK’s science base/ –, and they urged the board to continue to stand firm against the mega-merger. But the FTSE 100 company for the first time revealed a price at which it might be prepared to consider a deal - subject to other key concerns being addressed. AstraZeneca’s rejection came after
■■ AstraZeneca sais Pfizer’s “final” bid undervalued the firm and its prospects
a “fourth and final” proposal from Pfizer last night as a deadline for making a firm offer by next Monday afternoon loomed. It insisted that the terms undervalued the company and its “exciting prospects”, though a fall in shares in the wake of the announcement left its market value nearly £18bn lower than what Pfizer was prepared to pay.
Astra said the deal would bring “uncertainty and risk”, also highlighting controversial plans to re-domicile a newly-merged company in the UK for tax purposes, and the fact that the takeover offer was mainly comprised of shares. Mr Johansson said: “Pfizer’s approach throughout its pursuit of AstraZeneca appears to have been
Airline plots new course for recovery Ryanair said customer service was improving “rapidly” as the budget airline looks to recover from its first drop in annual profits in five years. Post-tax profits were 8% lower at 523m euros (£426.5m) in the year to March 31 after a price war left average fares 4% lower at a time of rising fuel costs. Chief executive Michael O’Leary described the performance as disappointing, but said efforts since September to reinvent Ryanair’s image and reputation helped passenger traffic rise by 4% in the second half of the year. It has also seen better booking trends and fuller planes in the current year. Changes have included the relaxation of bag restrictions for passengers, a reduction in baggage charges and an easing of booking conditions. The airline, which operates more than 1,600 routes from 68 bases, has also moved to fully allocated seating on all flights, meaning that passengers who do not pay five euros (£4.10) to select their seats will be allocated them during the 24 hours prior to the date of departure. The company expects to fly 84.6m passengers in the year to March 31 - a 4% rise on a year earlier - although it remains “very cautious” about booking trends for the winter period. Overall, the airline is predicting a recovery in profits for the current year to between 580m euros (£473m) and 620m euros (£505.6m).
fundamentally driven by the corporate financial benefits to its shareholders of cost savings and tax minimisation.” He said that from the time of initial talks in January, the US company had “failed to make a compelling strategic, business or value case”. It came after a weekend of talks involving senior executives after Pfizer upped its offer from a previous £50 a share to £53.50 on Friday, before raising this again to £55 on Sunday evening. The US giant’s Scottish-born chief executive Ian Read urged the Astra board to engage in “meaningful dialogue”, saying the offer represented “compelling and full value” and adding: “The time for constructive engagement is running out.” But Astra indicated it would not consider anything less than 10% above the £53.50 offer, or £58.85, valuing it at £74.3bn and that the £55 proposal represented only a “minor improvement”. It also outlined key points underlying its rejection of the deal, starting with planned cost-cutting which would “imply a meaningful reduction in research and development potential and capabilities”.
Game set for stock market return New appointment for the CBI Game is returning to London’s main stock exchange just two years after the video gaming retailer was de-listed as it collapsed into administration. The swift turnaround comes after administrators and its new owners shut about half of the outlets to scale back a costly store base which, coupled with
heavy competition from online rivals, helped lead to its demise. The listing of a stake of at least 35% before the end of June is expected to value the company – which now has 327 stores in the UK and 233 in Spain where it did not file for administration – at about £400m.
Employers’ group the CBI has named Katja Hall as its new deputy director-general. Ms Hall will be promoted from chief policy director, a position she has held since February, 2011. In her new role, she will lead the CBI’s policy development and lobbying work,
Game, to be named Game Digital for the official public offering, has a store at Huddersfield’s Kingsgate centre. Chairman David Hamid said: “The turnaround of the Game business is remarkable. Game in the UK has been transformed while Game in Spain has proved its resilience.”
including in the run-up to the 2015 general election. Ms Hall will also be responsible for the CBI’s work internationally and for chairing the CBI management board. She takes over the post from Dr Neil Bentley. She said: “I’m delighted to be the new deputy director-
general at the CBI, particularly at such an important time for British business. “The recovery is on track, but there are a number of political risks on the horizon, including the future of the EU, the Scottish referendum and the general election next year.”
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN
American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys
£52.21 +0.20 £73.27 +0.05 £40.15 +0.32 £60.04 +0.16 1642.89 +13.67 £52.47 +0.52 £23.57 -0.10 44.58 £45.70 -0.07 £47.53
AEROSPACE & DEFENCE
Avon Rbbr BAE Systems Chemring Cobham Meggitt Rolls-Royce Senior
AIM
600 Group API Grp Brady Plc Highland Gold Mining Johnson Service Grp London Security M”S Intl Nichols Redhall Group Scapa Grp Youngs GKN Barclays
628 4131/4 2103/4 3121/4 4691/8 1021 2721/2
+51/2 -13/8 +1/2 +11/4 +63/4 +18
221/4 71 79 70 561/2 2000 2111/2 1055 41 108 970
-1/4
AUTOMOBILES & PARTS BANKS
3703/4 239
+71/2 -1/2 -12 -21/4 -12 +55/8 -25/8
Bk Ireland HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart Barr (AG) Diageo SABMiller Croda Elementis 98 Johnsn Mat
211/4 6327/8 74 3233/4 13331/2
BEVERAGES
6111/2 1919 £321/2
-31/2 -23
CHEMICALS
£255/8 2671/8 £323/4
+3/8 +5/8
2227/8 1625 2551/2 86 1763/4
-1/4 +18 -21/2 -3/4 -1/4
601 1568
-71/2 +1
CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
Balfour Beatty C”R”H Costain Low Bonar Marshalls Drax Gp SSE
+1/4 +3/8 +1/2 +7/8 -21/2
ELECTRICITY
ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced Ox Instmts Volex
7481/2 2825/8 3241/4 1173 931/4
+31/2 +15/8 +23/8 -17 +31/2
443 1391/2 5631/2 2741/2 2123/8
-11/4 +11/2 -11/4 -3
EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS
Alliance Trust Br Assets Candover Inv Dunedin Inv Dunedin Sml
Edin Invst Electra Private Equity Forgn & C Henderson Smllr Cos North American Inc Scot Am Scottish Mortgage Witan
600 £267/8 3693/4 5151/2 820 251 946 6941/2
-17/8 -191/2 -11 +3/4 -7 -31/2
-6
3711/8 535/8 138 893/4 2981/2
+43/4 -1/8 -11/2 +1/4 +31/4
214 345 312 1001/2
+11/8 -23/4 +11/2
£303/4 1910 464 689 £271/4
+5/8 +10 +1/8 -1 +1/4
3281/4 8891/2 772 1918 848
-3/4 +13 +141/2 +9 +101/2
FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
BT Grp Cable & Wireless Comm Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom
FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS
Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco Thorntons AB Food Carrs Millg REA Hldgs Tate Lyle Unilever
FOOD PRODUCERS
GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES
Centrica National Grid Pennon Grp Severn United Utils 3i Group Close Bros
GENERAL FINANCIAL 3811/8 1284
+13/4 +20
Smith Nph
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
113 1763/4 8891/2 £251/4
-2 /4 -1/4 +13 +1/8 1
FTSE closed at
6844.55
3811/2 1764 905/8 £201/8 £247/8 1947
GENERAL INDUSTRIALS
REXAM Smith DS Smiths Grp
512 306 1302
GENERAL RETAILERS
Ashley L Carphone Whse Dixons Retail Home Retail Inchcape Kingfisher M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith
251/2 2901/2 445/8 1883/4 6371/2 4073/4 451 1443/4 £643/4 £581/2 1008
-9
Aga Rangemaster Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey
169 343 1359 1325 £51 1067/8
-4 /2 -11/4 +8 -5 +1/4 +2
378 /8 1535 1741/2 563/4 £277/8 £251/4
-1 /4 -1
138 /4
-3 /8
3033/4
+53/4
512 2243/4 2003/4 1395 3027/8 3881/4
-1 -17/8 +3/4 -6 +3/8 +1
859 787 1723/4 175/8 1175 9071/2 354
+9 -91/2 +1/4 -3/8 +5 +18 -91/2
1
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
down 11.26 ICAP London StockExch Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV
9181/2
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
+1/2 -16 +3/8 -1/4 -1/8 -21 -11/2 +1 -2 -1/4 +1/2 +5/8 -3/8 +8 +4 -41/2 -51/2 +3/4 -1 -4
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
Fenner I”M”I Molins Renold Spirax-Sarco Weir Grp Ferrexpo
5
1
+1 -1/8 +1/8
INDUSTRIAL METALS 3
3
INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
BBA Aviation
LIFE INSURANCE
Aviva Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life
BSkyB D Mail Tst ITV Johnston Press Pearson Reed Elsevier STV Group
MEDIA
Trinity Mirror Utd Business UTV WPP
1551/4 652 2241/4 1222
MINING
Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kazakhmys Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES
-11/4 +1 -3/4 +10
1565 /2 +4 800 +91/2 1942 -11 8461/2 +101/2 254 +31/4 2413/4 -61/4 1 £32 /4 -5/8 1015 +37 1
MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Inmarsat Vodafone Group
7171/2 2171/8
+11
1415 9901/2 £291/4 4893/4
-4 -291/2 +1/8 +1/4
12961/2 5091/8 188 3471/8 £235/8 £257/8 £421/2 853
+13 +2 +67/8 +7/8 +1/8 +1/4 +1/8 +8
NONLIFE INSURANCE
Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Ins Gp
OIL & GAS PRODUCERS
BG BP Cairn Energy Premier Oil Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell B Total Tullow Oil
OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
AMEC Petrofac Wood Gp(J)
1183 1193 745
PERSONAL GOODS
Burberry Gp PZ Cussons
-2 -103/8
ARM Hldgs IBM Spirent Comms
£427/8 1620 £331/2
-53/8 -231/2 +7/8
Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
703 628 5821/2 3033/4 1063 3553/4
+1 +3 -41/2 +3/8 -1 -3/4
3973/4
+1/4
989 1652 1071 1871/4 8151/2 2833/4 2833/4 1032 2573/4 1413/4 3171/8 645 670 5051/2 2163/8 1203/8 1616 £331/8
+11/2 -5 -3 +21/2 -6 +13/4 +13/4 -8 -3/8 -3/4 -67/8 -31/2 +141/2 +1/2 +23/4 -1/4 -13 +5/8
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY
Astrazeneca GlaxoSmithKline Shire
REAL ESTATE
Brit Land Gt Portland Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO
SOFTWARE & COMPUTER SERVICES
Sage Group
SUPPORT SERVICES
+18 +6 -1
Berendsen Bunzl Capita Connect Group De La Rue Elctro Com Electrocomp Experian G4S Hays Homeserve Interserve Menzies J Northgate Prem Farnell Rentokil Travis & P Wolseley
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT
1530 3571/2
TOBACCO
868 £1111/8 937/8
+71/2 -1/8 -5/8
£351/4 £265/8
+1/8
1141/4 £23 1001 1587 1303/4 1293/4 1840 825 £217/8 3703/4 1333/4 147 4041/4 2641/2 131/2 156 585 5701/2 3593/4 406 £393/8 3313/8
-5/8 +1/8 +101/2 +71 -23/4 +21/4 -14 +151/2
TRAVEL & LEISURE
Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airl Ladbrokes Marston’s Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Punch Taverns Rank Org Restaurant Grp Ryanair Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread William Hill FTSE 100 FTSE 250
INDEX
6844.55 15379.44
+121/2 -1 +1/4 -20 -23/4 -17/8 -10 +53 +31/4 -13/4 +1/4 +61/4 -11.26 -18.48
3
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Phil’s got his name in print! He’s worked behind the scenes at medieval banquets and helped set up IT systems for banks and the British Library in a varied career that has taken him from Lincolnshire to London. Now Huddersfield is the base of operations for 59-year-old Phil Higham, owner of Minuteman Press. Phil was born and raised in Spalding, where he lived until his was 21 and the bright lights of London beckoned. He took an accounts job with a bookmaker, but in the evenings earned a little more money as sound and lighting man for a Henry VIII-themed restaurant, which was housed in one of the former wharves at St Catherone’s Dock, close to Tower Bridge. “We used to get live acts and do a show which went down well with the tourists,” says Phil. “We had entertainment with jesters and knights and mock battles. I was involved in managing the lighting and sound. “I had to wear a tabard when I was ‘front of house’ – so I tried to stay ‘back of house’ as much as possible! I wasn’t destined to be on stage.” Phil says: “I would have liked to pursue a career in stage production, but it was difficult to get into and have a sustainable income. “I did little bits of work for theatres and was involved in lighting and sound for a number of performers, including Shirley Bassey. “But I had always been interested in IT and one of the reasons for leaving my home town was that I had applied and got a job with the local water authority who were expanding their IT function. “Then they decided against expanding the system and I was offered the chance to become a surveyor instead. “But I didn’t want to tramp around the fields of Lincolnshire working out where the waterpipes should go.” After a couple of years in London, Phil got an IT role at the British Library, operating some of their systems and becoming IT development and project manager for the “back-end” systems used to manage the British
Library’s stocks of books. Phil was with the British Library for about 10 years before a move into commercial banking, again working in IT development and quality assurance. He had a 20-year career with Lloyds Bank in IT-related roles working in London. In 2009, following the onset of the banking crisis, Phil decided to take redundancy and look for something else to do. “The industry was going through a massive restructuring,” he says. “I had to re-apply for my job about five times in two years, so when the opportunity came to move I took it. “I did a bit of travelling while I looked at different options. I knew I didn’t want to go back into the corporate world, having had a long career in that. “I wanted to run my own business, but I didn’t really know what I wanted to do.” Phil and partner Gill attended a franchising exhibition and were attracted to printing and copying business Minuteman Press. “It seemed a good way to build on my I skills,” says Phil. “It’s a business that makes a product and you can see something through from start to finish.” Phil admits his enthusiasm was fired by the larger-then-life George Holzmacher – the American vice-president of Minuteman Press who was attending the exhibition. “He certainly stands out,” says Phil. “He wears an eye patch and has a hook for a hand. We had multiple conversations with him over several months, we did a lot of research and spoke to other Minuteman press franchisees in the UK and we really got a feel for it.” Phil set up Minuteman Press in Huddersfield in October, 2011. “Gill and I live in Ossett,” he says. “We were looking at setting up in this region. We looked at Wakefield, Huddersfield and Leeds – trying to understand the potential target market.” Minuteman Press now operates from premises formerly occupied by recruitment firm Stafflex at Wakefield Road, Aspley. “It is mainly business-to busi-
Phil Higham
ness, but we do get individuals walking through the door because of the location on a busy main road,” says Phil. “We have been very pleased with the location.” Before setting up Minuteman Press, Phil and Gill attended a two-week training course in New York where they learned about the software, print processes, sales and marketing – and where Phil took the opportunity to propose to Gill on the middle of Brooklyn Bridge. Commenting on the new business venture, he says: “It was a steep learning curve and we are still learning all the time. That’s what’s so enjoyable about it – working in a different environment and learning new skills.” Phil works full-time with colleague Peter Diffin while Gill works on the business part-time. And Phil has no doubts that franchising was the way to go. “You have to pay management fees for ongoing support, but Minuteman’s fees are reasonable and the support you get is good. “If you have any queries you can talk to them about how to resolve any issues. You can work with the wider franchisee network as well. Some stores have been going for 14 years and have experience to impart.” Phil also attends a BNI net-
■■ Phil Higham, of Minuteman Press
working group at Brighouse. “When I first set the business up I knew I would have to do some networking,” he says. “Networking wasn’t something I’d done much of in my previous career. I hadn’t established many contacts in the area and I knew it was something I had to do. “Having started from scratch, BNI has been the best option for us. It has helped me generate business and, equally importantly, build some good relationships with other businesses in the area. I can call on them for advice and support.” Minuteman Press specialises in design, printing and copying and document reproduction – everything from letterheads and stationery to magazines, newsletters, mugs and restaurant menus as well as promotional material such as printing on T-shirts, banners and fliers. While some questioned Phil’ wisdom in setting up with the country still in recession, he says: “There are signs that the recovery is picking up. “People wondered whether we would survive when we set up near the bottom of the downturn, but we believe we will be in a much stronger position when things start to pick up.” And he certainly has no regrets. “I had a good career in banking, but it was stressful in the last couple of years. “I don’t miss the corporate world and I wouldn’t go back to it. I do enjoy working for myself, even though it brings its own challenges.” Phil’s most memorable holidays involved meeting up with his daughter Jade in Bali as well as trips to New Zealand, San Francisco, Hong Kong and the Greek Islands. Running his own business means less time for holidays abroad , but he and Gill manage to make some time for themselves. “Last year, we invested in an old motorhome so we could get away for long weekends,” he says. “There are so many beautiful places only a few hours drive away. Walking the dog around Whitby is a great way to unwind.”
Role: Owner Age: 59 Family: Fiancee Gill; son Neil and daughter Jade; granddaughter Sybille. Holidays: Been to Bali, New Zealand, San Francisco and Hong Kong. We love the Greek islands, but these days spend weekends unwinding in the UK First job: Sweeping up peas at Smedley’s canning factory Best thing about the job? Being my own boss and delivering a quality products to satisfy my customers Worst thing about the job? Bing my own boss and trying to find more than 24 hours in the day to get things done! Business tip: Do your research and go to networking groups because the advice you will get there is invaluable and people are only too willing to help
Minuteman Press Work: Print and design services Site: Wakefield Road, Aspley Phone: 01484 439559 Email: huddersfield@minutemanpress. com Website: www.huddersfield.minute manpress.co.uk
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4
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
KIRKLEES BUS
Search for future entrepreneurs The search is under way for tomorrow’s entrepreneurs. Lloyds Bank has launched the 2014 Enterprise Awards to recognise student and graduate entrepreneurs. And would-be tycoons are being urged to follow in the footsteps of Brighouse-based Jacob Hill, of camping equipment supplier the Lazy Camper, who was last year’s Yorkshire regional finalists in the category for best start-up. Cash prizes start from £1,000 and £5,000 for winning an initial heat up to £10,000 for best start-up and £50,000 for best enterprise in the grand final. Prizes will also include expert legal advice and one-to-one business mentoring as well as time with digital marketing experts. The awards, now in their third year, have been launched as research suggests that more than a third of students and graduates in Yorkshire aspire to starting their own business. Entrepreneurs currently studying at universities across England, Scotland or Wales - or who graduated within the past five years and have been trading for more than one year - are eligible to enter the awards and can do so by visiting www.lloydsbank. com/enterpriseawards. Applications are open until July 23 with the initial heats taking place in September. Jacob said: “Winning
the Best Start Up award was phenomenal and the support we received as a result made a difference to our company. It’s great to have your hard work and long hours recognised in this way and the award reminds me that I am on the right track and that hopefully there is a good future ahead for The Lazy Camper.” Lloyds Bank’s research found that the two strongest motivations for setting up a business among Yorkshire’s students and graduates are a desire to be in charge of their own destiny and the excitement and reward that entails. Almost a fifth of entrepreneurs are driven by the desire to make a lot of money. The two key challenges to starting up in business are considered to be not having sufficient funds and not having a unique idea. Over half of entrepreneurs in Yorkshire said they were aware of support schemes with one in three saying they know about government grants and funding to help people start-up in new business. For 2014, Lloyds Bank has committed to help more than 100,000 new start ups as part of its Prosper Plan and grow net lending to SMEs by £1 billion in 2014 as part of its SME Charter. Martyn Kendrick, of Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said the awards would recognise the “hotbed of entrepreneurial talent in our universities”.
Independent financial planning services for companies and individuals Eastwood Financial Services Ltd Pennine House, Lowfields Close, Lowfields Business Park, Elland HX5 9DA 01422 377737 www.eastwoodfinancial.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Travel-to-work can be taxing! TAX TALK Colin Barratt It is commonplace for individuals to undertake work-related business travel often incurring significant travelling and subsistence expenses. A potential problem, which can often be overlooked, is whether such costs, particularly with the use of their own car, qualify for tax relief. Under normal circumstances, ordinary commuting costs to and from a person’s permanent place of work do not qualify for tax relief. Where they chose to live and how far they have to travel to get to work is a matter of personal choice and no matter how far the regular journey is, it will not be an allowable expense. Where an individual is required to travel to a temporary workplace, for example to a client or customer, then the cost of that travel will be a business expense. So if they travel from their normal workplace to a temporary one and then return to the normal workplace, the whole of the expense of that return journey will be allowable. If they travel directly from home to the temporary workplace and return directly home, the whole of that expense would be allowable as business travel, even if that trip was less distance and less expensive than the normal commuting trip to the permanent workplace. From the above, it will be seen that for a business journey to qualify for tax relief it must be a journey to or from a temporary workplace and not to or from the permanent workplace of the individual. The important question therefore is what is a permanent workplace and what is a temporary one? A temporary workplace is a workplace to which the indi-
■■ Traffic jams aren’t the only hazard facing commuters
vidual goes only to perform a task of limited duration or for a temporary purpose. This would be the case where they expect to be at a place of work for less than 24 months. The costs of travelling between home and that temporary workplace will qualify for tax relief on the full cost. So if they are required to work at a particular client’s premises for a short period of time it will be a temporary workplace. This is particularly relevant for site-based workers. But those who work regularly at different workplaces, for example three days a week at the Huddersfield office and two days a week at the Halifax office they will be regarded as working at two permanent workplaces so that the expenses of travel from home to either place will be regarded as ordinary commuting and not allowable. Travel directly between the two bases, Huddersfield and Halifax will, however, be business travel. For those who consider that their home is also a permanent
workplace and have in the past made a claim for relief in respect of the costs of travel between home and other permanent workplaces, a recent tax case has decided that no relief is due on the basis that the home serves a dual role, with the private/domestic function overriding the individual’s business use of the home. This decision could mean that HMRC start to examine travel claims more rigorously. In giving tax relief for business travel, the full costs of the business journey will be allowed and this includes other costs integral to the journey, for example parking fees, costs for any necessary overnight accommodation and evening meals. The rules for travelling and subsistence expenses can give valuable tax relief for many individuals particularly those who are site based, rather than having a permanent workplace, but it is important to keep a note of all expenses incurred otherwise HMRC may deny tax relief to which a worker is entitled.
Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth chartered accountants, Huddersfield
Seminar to focus on late payment Kirklees companies struggling to get paid can glean some useful advice at a seminar next week. The latest 60 Useful Minutes event staged by the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce focuses on debt recovery and enforcement. Law firm and chamber member Chadwick Lawrence will provide a back-
ground to bringing a debt recovery claim, explain what to do to prevent debt getting out of hand and how to deal with the debtor who will not pay. The event takes place from 8am to 10.30am on Tuesday, May 27, at the chamber’s Lockwood Park premises. The seminar will discuss how businesses need to have a robust
process for tackling age-old debts and explain how the quicker a business acts, the better their chance of making a successful recovery. The event will also cover the litigation process, the small claims track and fast track, how to issue a claim and what can be expected of you when you issue a claim.
Grace among the finalists
A HUDDERSFIELD businesswoman who sells Swedish cosmetics, skincare and fragrances by global beauty company Oriflame was among the finalists for an award from the Direct Selling Association. Grace Bylinka (above), of Birchencliffe, is a regional manager for Oriflame and has been working for the company for seven years after joining as a consultant in 2007 Her passion for selling and managing people has led her to become a regional manager responsible for a team of more than 500 people and a turnover of £500,000 a year. Grace was nominated in the Direct Seller of the Year category, which recognises an outstanding individual within a company whose performance is reflected in the sales achievements and role as an ambassador for the direct selling industry. Grace, who is originally from Poland and moved to the UK in 2004 to improve her career prospects, joined Oriflame in 2007 as a part-time consultant and her success led her to quickly progress to regional manager level. She currently holds the title of Homebased Business Woman of the Year after scooping the title at the 2013 Women in Business Awards, in association with networking group Forward Ladies.
Worth a trip to Wakefield!
The founder of The Big Issue has joined the list of speakers for next month’s Wakefield Business Conference. John Bird, who was brought up in an orphanage, served time in a young offenders’ institute and often slept rough as one of London’s homeless, launched The Big Issue in 1991 with the help of Gordon Roddick in response to the growing number of people sleeping rough on the streets of London. The Big Issue is now published in dozens of countries throughout the world – always with the same aims of helping those struggling for a break in society. Wakefield Business Conference, which is open to delegates from Kirklees businesses is free to attend and takes place on Wednesday, June 4, at the Cedar Court Hotel, Wakefield. It combines talks by high-profile business people with seminars and an exhibition featuring more than 50 businesses. The conference is part of Wakefield Business Week, which runs from Monday, June 2, to Friday, June 6. WBW features a wide variety of business-related events held at venues across the city. Hundreds have already registered for the conference and spaces on this seminar are already extremely limited. To book, go to www.wakefieldbusinessweek.co.uk Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium will host the Kirklees Business Conference on October 15 as the focal point for Kirklees Business Week.
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2014
SINESS NEWS
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Sara’s celebrating £16k training boost A SOCIAL enterprise helping people with learning difficulties has been given a five-figure boost. Cleckheaton-based Stanley’s Training Project has won a “Build It” Award of £16,000 from UnLtd, a leading provider of support to social entrepreneurs in the UK. Stanley’s Training Project offers a safe haven, training and help with key life skills to people with learning difficulties and those who find it hard to access education, training or employment. It supports this work through offering health and social care training to businesses and through food sales from its recentlyestablished food business. Stanley’s main aim is to get the people they support into paid or voluntary employment by giving them the skills and confidence to work independently. Sara Gill set up the social enterprise two years ago and has been running the project while also working nights as a nurse to fund the social enterprise and provide the cash it needed to keep going. The funding from UnLtd will now enable Sara to give up nursing and properly develop the business. She said: “I cannot believe that UnLtd picked me as a Star Person to receive the funding, I am so pleased. “Now I can really grow Stanley’s and help more and more people find work and get some confidence. It really is good that there is support out there for social entrepreneurs like me.” UnLtd runs the Star People programme Big Local areas, one of which is Dewsbury Moor. The Star People programme is only one of the programmes of support that UnLtd offer to social entrepreneurs and those who want to support social entrepreneurs across the UK. Andy Hemming, of UnLtd, said: “Sara is a great example of the kind of person UnLtd looks to support. She has a real passion for the people she works with and is establishing a solid track record for turning lives around. “We give very few awards at this level annu-
New company starts reach record high in Huddersfield Company formations in Huddersfield reached a record-breaking level during 2013, according to latest research. But there was also a 10% rise in company closures. Figures from the latest Duport Business Confidence Report for Huddersfield show that there were 1,216 new companies formed – more than for any other year on record and 2% up on the previous year. The report shows that – after a slight dip in 2008 – company formations in Huddersfield have been rising ever since. However, the report also shows a drop in net company growth – the number of company formations minus the number of company closures – over the course of
the year. This was caused by a 10% rise in company closures during the 12 months. Peter Valaitis, managing director of Duport.co. uk, said: “Our latest report shows a mixed bag of results for Huddersfield. While company formations suggest that business confidence is rising in the area, the increased number of closures reminds us that trading conditions are still tough for some businesses.” The Duport Business Confidence Report for Huddersfield provides an insight into the local economy through a variety of data and statistics from organisations including Companies House, the Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey.
Batley agency pulls out the stops for Buy Yorkshire event
■■ Sara Gill (centre) and colleagues at social enterprise Stainley’s Training Project in Cleckheaton
ally. I’m really pleased that Sara has been successful. I wish Sara and Stanley’s project every success.” In addition to the “Build It” funding from UnLtd, Sara and Stanley’s has received £10,000 in the form of funding from Kirklees Community Partnerships. The funding comes from both the council’s social care budget and the two NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups – North Kirklees and Greater Huddersfield. Stanley’s is also supported by Making Space which provides access to volunteers, referrals
and training support. Stanley’s main aim is to get the people they support into paid or voluntary employment by giving them the skills and confidence to work independently. They do this by delivering community cafes – on Tuesday and Wednesday at Dewsbury Moor Children’s Centre and on Thursday an Alzheimer’s café called Daisy’s Chain at Dewsbury’s Church of the Nazarene. Visit www.stanleystrainingproject.org.uk or call 0845 269 0231.
A CREATIVE agency based in Kirklees is helping boost businesses across Yorkshire. Rushfirth Creative, with offices at Batley Business Park, was named creative partner for the Buy Yorkshire conference for the third year running. The event, which took place at the Royal Armouries in Leeds and was attended by some 4,000 delegates, featured celebrities and entrepreneurs as well as an exhibition. Rushfirth Creative also created the brand identities for Skill Will and Leeds Business Week. As creative partner for Buy
Yorkshire, the agency designed and created a stunning brochure for each of the delegates at the free-to-attend event as well as the content for the big-screen presentations. Guest speakers included TV presenter Janet Street-Porter; Gary Verity, of Welcome to Yorkshire, who is bringing “Le-Tour” to Yorkshire; IBM’s Rashik Parmar; and television’s Masterchef John Torode. Kathryn Rushfirth, the agency’s creative partner, said: “From a personal point of view, we were able to meet lots of business contacts face-to-face and see a number of the guest speakers.”
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TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
local
Training group set for Smart Meter roll-out A trades training company based in Cleckheaton has partnered two utility firms to provide a service that meets the needs of the national Smart Meter roll-out in 2015. Brookhouse Training is playing a key role in helping Bolton and Castleford-based Trojan Utilities recruit a smart meter installation field force by providing qualified candidates as work-ready employees. In the past month, Trojan have employed three on a full time basis, with a commitment to employ more. Daniel Coleman, business manager at Trojan Utilities, said: “People are our business and we put a lot of time and energy into ensuring we have the best people working for us. “Working with Brookhouse Training is a partnership developed through our need for high quality engineers. We know Brookhouse put the time and effort into each and every candidate to ensure they are skilled, knowledgeable and ready for the job.” James McConnell, director at Brookhouse Training, said: “This is just the beginning of a long strategic working partnership. “Around 30m homes and small businesses will be part of the national switch to smart meters. Vital to the logistical success will be experienced, competent engineers and operational managers. Our unique partnership provides that.” Trojan’s services include the installation and maintenance of both smart and traditional domestic gas and electric meters. Brookhouse Training is the UK’s leading gas, plumbing, training and assessment specialist.
■■ Trojan Utilities gas engineer David Tennant looks forward to a smart way of working following a link-up with Brookhouse Training
IT experts help growing law firm upgrade its systems A Huddersfield based IT specialist, has completed a project for a Manchester law firm. Lockwood-based P2 Technologies has worked with Glaisyers Solicitors, since 2010 and provides its OneSupport service to the firm ensuring a guaranteed smooth running of the business. The client is freed from IT problems which are dealt with by an expert team at P2. The 85-plus team at Glaisyers relies heavily on a reliable and secure IT sys-
tem with 24/7 monitoring. The demand for the project came after Glaisyers successfully merged with Manchester-based Fruhman Davies Livingstone, requiring an improved IT system to cater for a larger team. P2 looked at a number of solutions for Glaisyers on how to deliver an improved IT system with state of the art technology. Both cloud and on-premises solutions were considered and an on-
premises system was agreed, enabling Glaisyers to benefit from all the features they need with a significant cost saving. A fully managed backup solution was also implemented as part of the project to ensure security and storage of all data. Sue Rocca, practice manager at Glaisyers, said: “P2 has been incredibly pro-active and anticipated many problems before they arose, saving us time and money.
“The success of any project of this type has to be measured on the amount of downtime. P2’s collaborative and pro-active approach to the project meant the downtime was reduced to an absolute minimum. Having a P2 engineer on site was beneficial as they got on with the job, causing minimum inconvenience to the staff here.” Roger Pearson, director at P2 Technologies, said: “I am delighted that Glaisyers have continued to work with
Account wins for PR agency A Birstall-based PR and communications agency has increased its client base with two new account wins. Faith PR has been appointed to help a Cornwall-based online business specialising in post-natal fitness to raise its profile in the UK and the US. The agency, which came into contact with MuTu System founder Wendy Powell via Twitter, has been engaged to provide media relations support targeting national, regional and trade media as well as US media in support of MuTuVation 2014, a tour of five US cities scheduled to take place this autumn. Faith PR will also help raise the profile of Halifax-based leadership facilitator and business performance coach Jannine Oates and her business Inspirit Learning Partners. Faith PR will support Inspirit with a range of services including media relations, social media and copywriting to raise awareness of its work with national and international blue chip business leaders and entrepreneurs. The agency will also manage Jannine’s speaking engagements as she raises her profile as a motivational speaker. Faith PR founder and director Stefanie Hopkins said: “We’re delighted that we have been appointed to work with these two businesses who both have strong, successful women at their helm. We’re confident that we can raise their profile and meet their growing needs.” Earlier this year, Faith PR was nominated as Business of the Year in the 2014 Network She Foundation International Women’s Day Awards. Stefanie has also been named one of Yorkshire Business Insider’s 42 under 42 this year with members of the elite club being described as rising stars of the future.
Cakemaker Allison reveals recipe for business success SMEs plan An award-winning cakemaker is passing on her recipe for success in business. Allison Whitmarsh, chief executive and founder of Lindley-based ProperMaid, hit the headlines when she received two offers of investment from the panel on TV’s Dragon’s Den. Now she is passing on the important lessons she has learnt and sharing valuable insights into her impressive business success at EventCity, near Manchester. Allison will be one of the keynote speakers during The Growing Your Own Business Conference on June 21, part of The British Franchise Exhibition, one of the country’s leading business events, which takes place on June 20 and 21. Allison will explain how – after leaving school at 16 and working as a school dinner lady – she went on to set up her own company supplying caterers, cafes, delicatessens and retailers with innovative handmade
cakes. Allison, whose unusual creations include a Christmas dinner cake, discovered a gap in the market after studying to become a cookery teacher. When she appeared on Dragons’ Den, Allison received offers from two of the Dragons. It was eventually Deborah Meaden who invested in ProperMaid. Other speakers at the event will include online services entrepreneur Darren Ratcliffe, founder of Manchester based RedStar Creative. The British Franchise Exhibition offers a one-stop-shop for those interested in starting up a business as a franchisee. It will include expert advice clinics, seminar sessions and a multitude of franchise business investment opportunities. Free tickets are available. Go to www.franchisetickets.co.uk and enter the promotional code BFEMGY.
for growth
■■ Allison Whitmarsh, of ProperMaid, is set to help budding entrepreneurs
Almost three quarters of small and medium-sized businesses in Yorkshire expect their businesses to grow over the next three months, according to the latest report from Bibby Financial Services. The Business Factors Index, produced quarterly by the specialist business funder, surveyed more than 1,000 UK business owners and found that the attitude amongst SMEs in the region is positive following a successful first quarter. The latest report shows that almost half of SMEs in Yorkshire saw sales increase during the first three months of the year, with 15% reporting that sales had increased significantly – echoing positive attitude towards the wider economic recovery.
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Company pledges to support apprentices Development and construction firm Southdale is set to create opportunities for new apprentices, subcontractors and supply chain companies by putting almost £22m into the Yorkshire economy after winning six lucrative contracts. The company, which partnered Kirklees Council on a major redevelopment scheme, has secured work valued at more than £20m in Barnsley, Doncaster, Ilkley, Sheffield and York – and wants to create one apprenticeship for every £1m-worth of work they have won. The new contracts include 55 family houses for Yorkshire Housing Association in Acomb, York in a project valued at £5.6m; a £2.2m development for Leeds and Yorkshire Housing Association in Athersley, Barnsley; and a scheme to create 34 houses in Addlington, Sheffield, for the Great Places Housing Group, worth £2.6m. They also include 71 houses at the Willow Estate in Doncaster for Jephson Homes Housing Association, in a £5.99m scheme; a £1.6m project to create 15 houses at Moor Court in Ilkley for Bradford Council; and 37 houses for Barnsley Council at Roy Kilner Road, in Bansley, valued at £3.9m. Trudie McCormick, Yorkshire region managing director at Halifax-based Southdale, said: “Southdale’s robust and continued growth in Yorkshire is clearly demonstrated by these new contract wins. “We’re committed to helping the economy in communities in which we are based, so the overwhelming majority of this work will go directly into the Yorkshire supply chain.
■■ Trudie McCormick, of Southdale, said the group was committed to boosting local economies
“We are also aiming to recruit one apprentice for “These contract wins represent a continued strong every million pounds-worth of work that we’ve won growth throughout 2014 and we are looking forward – to invest in the next generation of construction to an excellent year as we continue to develop our professionals. presence in Yorkshire and Humberside.”
Retailer gets the wheels in motion at new store
■■ Bike-Shed’s official opening included stunts by a trials bike display team
A sports retailer based in Huddersfield has diversified into cycling with the opening of a new store in the town. Direct Golf has opened its first BikeShed.com store in part of the firm’s Direct Golf outlet at Leeds Road. The 4,000sq ft store, which is open seven days a week, aims to benefit from a surge in popularity for cycling – which has followed Britain’s twowheeled successes in the Tour de France and the Olympics. This year’s Tour de France begins in Yorkshire – with part of the route going through Huddersfield – in July and is preceded by the Dare 2b Yorkshire Festival of Cycling. Bike-Shed.com will be attending both. Store manager Joe Vanyuscsak said: “The diversification into cycling has been in the pipeline for a number of years. “It was something our owner, John
Andrew - who is a very keen cyclist has been very keen to do for some time. “But the time needed to be right and the improvement in the economy allied to the Tour de France’s visit to Yorkshire this summer means the timing is perfect for us. “And, of course, the Bike-Shed.com brand benefits from the experience gained in 23 years of successful retailing achieved by Direct Golf.” Cycling is one of the country’s fastest-growing participation sports with membership of British Cycling - the national governing body for the sport - more than doubling to stand at 88,000-plus following Sir Bradley Wiggins’ 2012 Tour de France victory and a plethora of gold medals in the last two Olympics and world championships. Said Joe: “We’re currently stocking
50% road bikes and 50% off-road as both forms are increasing in popularity. “We are catering for all levels of cyclist, from first-time buyer to the serious rider who requires a higherspec bike and specialist advice and knowledge. “To that end we have an in-house mechanic who is Cytech qualified the bicycle industry’s recognised training and qualification scheme for mechanics and retail staff - heading our full service and repair centre.” The store opened with a number of special offers, competitions and giveaways, as well as displays from a specialist trials display team. The Huddersfield outlet is expected to be a pilot for more stores as another 15 of Direct Golf’s 20 stores nationally could accommodate a similarly sized Bike-Shed.com outlet.
Knight Frank team picks up regional property award The Yorkshire office of global property consultancy Knight Frank was named the Office Agency Team of the Year at the Yorkshire Property Awards. The awards, held at Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate, were attended by 750 of the region’s leading property professionals and raised money for children’s charity The Variety Club. The judges said: “Knight Frank differentiated itself from the competition
by showing a geographical spread of deals activity which demonstrated a commitment and understanding of the entire region. “This ranged from advising KPMG on its new offices on Sovereign Street, Leeds, to instructions on the First Point Business Park, Doncaster, for Amerdale and the Sheffield Business Park. “Knight Frank impressed the judges by showing a slow market doesn’t need
to be a barrier to doing viable deals with an innovative approach to its consultancy role.” Knight Frank was also shortlisted in the Investment Agency and Industrial Agency categories and was the only Yorkshire agency to be mentioned in all three categories. Henrie Westlake, partner at Knight Frank in Leeds, said: “We were delighted to win this prestigious award and be
shortlisted in two other categories, especially as the awards were voted for by an expert committee of property professionals. “It has been a challenging year for the property industry in Yorkshire, as elsewhere, as we emerge from the recession, but we have managed to put together some important deals in a difficult market.”
Recipe for success Ice cream company Yummy Yorkshire has expanded with the building of a new kitchen and the appointment of a head chef. The Denby Dale firm has appointed James Hall, the former senior sous chef of The Three Acres Inn, Shelley, as its new head chef in a bid to offer a wider variety of freshly cooked food and cater to increasing visitor numbers. Mr Hall (pictured above) has worked at a number of establishments across Yorkshire. Most recently, he spent seven years at The Three Acres, where he helped the restaurant win numerous awards and entries in the Michelin Guide 2011, the AA and Which? Good Food Guide. He will head the Yummy Yorkshire kitchen team, which has recently moved into a new kitchen space – more than three times the size of the former area – located in the former milk bottling area of the farm. The new kitchen will allow Yummy Yorkshire to offer a wider range of freshly cooked food. Yummy Yorkshire owners Jeremy and Louise Holmes are keen to turn the farm into a visitor destination with the latest expansion helping to cater for people visiting the coffee shop for food other than ice cream. Footfall to the farm has risen by 32% over the past year as it offers more and more services and events to customers throughout the year.
Healthy alternative A health club has new owners. Your Health Club at New Hey Road, Salendine Nook, has been bought by former education specialists Ruth and Carl Dawson and reopened as HD3 Fitness Centre Ltd. In addition to refurbishing the facilities and equipment, the Dawsons are expanding the class timetable by introducing a new Outdoor Boot Camp and enabling non-members to attend classes on a “pay-as-you-go” basis. Classes include Zumba, Spinning, Circuit Training, Cardiotone, Pilates, Yoga, Body Conditioning, Indoor Boot Camp, Nordic Walking and Powerhoop as well as classes for those referred by their GPs. Ruth said: “We are very excited about the new HD3 Fitness Centre and our plans have been welcomed by existing members.”
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TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
movers and shakers
Graham takes lead in national inquiry Laura Smith & Veronica Mullins
Law firm’s new partners A law firm with offices in Kirklees has promoted two of its associates to partnership level. Laura Smith (left) is a commercial property lawyer based in the Wakefield office of Ramsdens Solicitors while Veronica Mullins (right) is a private client lawyer based in the firm’s Mirfield office. The latest promotions take the number of partners to 20 – with half of them female. Paul Joyce, managing partner, said: ‘We reviewed our client requirements and growth opportunities and have decided to promote Laura and Veronica to the partnership. “They have each made impressive contributions to the firm in their respective practice areas and are a welcome addition to the partnership. “I’m also proud that we continue to have one of the highest proportions of female partners
amongst local law firms.” Ms Smith joined Ramsdens in 2008 having trained in a niche commercial firm in London and joined a Manchester firm on qualification. She said: “I am delighted to join the partnership at such an exciting time for the firm. Ramsdens is leading the way for firms of its size in Yorkshire and I am delighted to be driving the success of our new Wakefield office.” Ms Mullins, who joined Ramsdens as part of the Rice Jones merger in Halifax in 2009. said: “‘I am delighted to have been promoted to partner and look forward to bringing my experience to my new role to continue to drive Ramsdens as the leading legal firm in West Yorkshire.” Ramsdens has offices in Huddersfield town centre, Edgerton, Dewsbury, Elland, Holmfirth, Mirfield, Slaithwaite, Halifax and Wakefield.
Matthew Kemp
Financial planning manager Skipton Financial Services has appointed Matthew Kemp as the new home-based financial planning manager for Huddersfield and surrounding areas. Mr Kemp (pictured), who specialises in investments and inheritance tax planning. has 20 years’ experience in financial services. He lives in Rotherham with his wife, Zoe and his three sons. Mr Kemp said: “I am delighted to be joining SFS and I look forward to working closely with customers in and around Huddersfield. I would like to encourage new and existing customers to contact SFS for a chat and to review their financial arrangements.”
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
A Huddersfield businessman has been chosen to help steer a national inquiry into youth enterprise and employment. Graham Sykes, managing director of youth engagement agency Fourteen19, has been appointed onto a national commission set up to examine how young people can be encouraged to set up their own business. The group is being chaired by Chloe Smith MP, a former Economic Secretary to the Treasury and Cabinet Office minister, and features senior representatives from a number of leading youth organisations including A4E, National Youth Agency and Centrepoint. They will be visiting a number of projects around the UK, including a number that Graham is directly involved with including the Kirklees Youth Enterprise Centre which has helped more than 50 young people to set up and run their own business. The commission, entitled: “Young People and Enterprise: A Risky Business?” was launched with a “call for evidence” at the Think Big Hub in Shoreditch, London, where members of the group met with young people to hear first hand their experience and views on starting their own business. The commission is seeking insight and evidence from youth work and young people, businesses and employers from across public, voluntary, community organisations and enterprise. This will include evidence sessions held in Parliament, a national survey, case studies and local project visits with young people and business. The Commission will report by the end of the year. Graham Sykes said: “I’m really excited to be part of this commission as youth enterprise and employment is an area I am particularly passionate about. “Current enterprise support provision for young people is very ad hoc and unstructured. I am hoping that through this commission we can identify the requirements of young people and lay the foundations for a national programme of support.”
■■ Graham Sykes, managing director of Fourteen19
The National Youth Agency is the national expert and development organisation in youth policy and youth work in England. A4e is a leading public service provider involved in a large number of programmes which help young people who are unemployed to start their own businesses. Since
2011, A4e has launched more than 10,000 new businesses under the Work Programme and New Enterprise Allowance schemes. Other members of the commission include Lib Dem peer Lord Storey, Sally Orlopp, A4e director for enterprise; and Seyi Obakin, Centrepoint chief executive.
Julie secures a place in the finals Mark Kilner, regional manager for SFS, said: “Matthew’s skills and experience in financial services made him perfect for this role. “I am delighted to welcome him to the team and have no doubt he will prove a great asset in helping our clients and to the company.”
Huddersfield businesswoman Julie Tweedale was among the finalists in the Institute of Director Awards. Julie, co-founder of Freedom Personal Safety, was a contender in the category for Director of the Year (Third Sector) at the awards, which were held at the Queens Hotel in Leeds. Julie’s mission is to empower women, children and young people to keep themselves safe – physically and emotionally. She has first-hand experience of the impact of sexual violence and left her career to dedicate her life to sharing her skills, knowledge and expertise. Her workshops, courses and programmes increase awareness
and reduce abuse. She trained in the US with the world’s leading self defence organisations for women and children: RAD Systems and radKIDS. Julie and her business partner, Elaine Howard, are the only instructors in the UK delivering these courses and workshops. Said Julie: “It was a great privilege to be a finalist for such a prestigious award. “It’s not always been easy securing funding, but my determination and passion has contributed to a triple increase in turnover in three years. “For me, this has not been about increase in revenue – it is what that increase results in. More revenue means being
able to deliver valuable, lifechanging training to women, children and young people.” Freedom Personal Safety, a Community Interest Company, was formed in 2008 to give women the skills, knowledge and confidence to keep themselves safe. Julie and Elaine also trained to work with children and are now expanding their portfolio to reach young people, parents, lone workers and older people. Clients and partners include West Yorkshire Police, the NHS, Lloyds Banking Group, EDF Energy, West Yorkshire Probation Trust, Sure Start, Women’s Aid, Kirklees Young People’s Service, The Children’s Society and the ■■ Julie Tweedale University of Huddersfield.