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SIMON KAYE City faces a cliffhanger
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Column - Page 4
DEBRA TAYLOR-MCLEAN Getting in step with safety Column - Page 5
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Firm has the right vehicle to succeed
A FIRM working to reduce road accidents has sealed a deal to take its technology to Ireland. Huddersfield-based vehicle incident management company FMG has announced the major new contract for its award-winning advanced driver behaviour management system, Ingenium Dynamics. The deal sees CRASH, a Northern Ireland-based accident management and breakdown services company, secure exclusive licensing rights to FMG’s Ingenium Dynamics system for its customers across both Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. CRASH founder and managing director Michael McKeown said: “We have signed this unique deal with FMG because of the proven ability of its Ingenium Dynamics solution to change driver behaviour and increase safety on our roads. “In addition to this, the culture of their management complements our own. Our businesses form a perfect partnership.” FMG’s Ingenium Dynamics system – wh i c h h a s b e e n l a u d e d b y world-leading transport research experts as a highly effective way to manage driver risk – recently picked up a prestigious British Insurance Award in recognition of its tangible benefits and helping to pioneer an
industry step change. John Catling, FMG chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be working with CRASH, which has an exceptionally strong presence and customer base in Ireland. “This is one of a number of agreements we have recently signed across Europe and beyond. “It is very exciting to us to be assisting CRASH in bringing this essential improvement to the Irish market.” Ingenium Dynamics improves driver behaviour by making it easier to identify, manage and remove risk. The technology collects critical driving data and translates it into relevant, accessible, comprehensive and actionable reports to allow businesses and their drivers to make immediate improvements. By using the system to improve driver behaviour, the system can help vehicle operators reduce their insurance premium and incidents, ensure the organisation meets its duty of care, improve fuel efficiency, keep an eye on mileage and vehicle location, reduce carbon emissions and improve accident management and vehicle recovery. As a result of using the system, FMG’s fleet clients are seeing a reduction in incident claims of between 25%
No slip up for winner A COMPANY specialising in producing personalised clothing has won a business award. Birstall-based Banana Moon Workshop Ltd is the latest winner of the Business of the Month Award run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith. The company was launched in 1993 by three partners to focus on the local schoolwear market with in-house embroidery and digitising services.
● Full story - Page 8
■ EXCITING: CRASH deal is on e of the number of agreements for FMG
and 80%. In a separate application of the technology, loss ratios for a young drivers’ insurance scheme – with leading insurer Marmalade – have been reduced to 40, from a typical industry average often in excess of 100%. Mr McKeown said: “We are looking forward to this technology bringing its many benefits to our customers across the island of Ireland. “It really is an industry-changing
application and we’re delighted to have this exclusive licensing contract.” FMG, based at Bradley Mills, works with leading blue chip clients including GE Capital and SIG, parcel delivery giant DHL as well as Asda, the Highways Agency, police forces and insurance partners like Zurich, QBE, Allianz and Chartis. FMG deals with more than 250,000 incidents every year.
Demanding more from non-executives THE days of the “wine-swigging, lunch-eating, hobbyist” non-executive director are over, a business leader has warned. Denby Dale businesswoman Jo Haigh said non-executive “dinosaurs” faced extinction in the current environment where all hires must add value. And that meant companies looking to appoint NEDs should be looking for well-connected and business savvy individuals who understand the complex legal and governance issues that businesses face. Said Jo: “First-time NEDs should recognise that the appointment is not a glorified consulting role. It is a serious
INSIDE
legal commitment, carrying the same liability as any executive director. A first-time user of NEDs must understand what a NED should and should not be undertaking. The appointment should never be treated as a part-time executive position.” Jo, who is co-founder of Cracking Boards, said: “Having held over 40 NED positions in my career, I have seen the good, the bad and the distinctly ugly. Blame for non-performance is usually mutually shared between the executives and non-executives. There are a number of ways that risks to both parties can be substantially reduced, if not eliminated.”
She said: “A good NED should be multi-faceted, engaging, respected, well-liked, bringing great contacts and counsel. In tough times, a good NED helps source solutions, supports and challenges effectively. More importantly they keep everyone positive, while being both objective and realistic.” Charlotte Mason, Cracking Boards’ other co-founder, said: “A weak board is the top reason why companies fail. Diverse and balanced boards deliver measurable results through competitive advantage.” She added: “Sadly, the middle class, middle-aged male remains too prevalent in the board mix.”
■ JO HAIGH: Says today’s NED must be multi-faceted
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Industrial progress TAKE-UP of industrial sites across the UK rose by 40% during the second quarter of the year, a survey has revealed. But Yorkshire performed disappointingly with just four deals in the sector for properties over 50,000sq ft, according to the latest Property Times UK Industrial Report from agency DTZ. UK industrial take-up increased by 40% to 8.1m sq ft during the second quarter of 2012.
● Full story - Page 6
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Plea to secure raw material supplies
THE Government must take urgent action to tackle a looming shortage of raw materials for industry, a group of business and environmental organisations has warned. A joint letter to ministers from the Material Security Working Group, which includes manufacturers’ body the EEF and Friends of the Earth, warns that the UK must develop a stronger strategy to keep valuable raw materials circulating within the economy or face “significant consequences” for UK industry. It wants to see the Governments Resource Security Action Plan, published in March, to be strengthened and its ambitions raised. The group claims increasing global demand coupled with rapidly degrading ecosystems is already putting pressure on supplies of some raw materials. The cost of raw materials has risen substantially in recent years, with com-
modity price rises in the last decade alone wiping out a century-long decline. Despite recent fluctuations, material prices are projected to escalate as three billion people join the global middle classes, putting pressure on already fragile and depleted ecosystems. In future a greater number of materials – from wood, plastic and rubber to the “rare earth” metals used to make every day electronic products and ■ WARNING SIGN: The EEF said low-carbon technologies – are likely to shortages were now a business risk be increasingly costly. A recent EEF survey found 80% of senior manufacturing executives con- review existing targets and recommend sidered limited access to raw materials policy changes to improve recycling; was already a business risk and a threat and a ban preventing recyclable materto growth. For one in three companies ials being sent to “energy from waste” it was their top risk. plants and landfills unless there is an Among the immediate measures, the environmental and economic case for organisations are calling for an Office doing so. for Resource Management to deal with The group are urging ministers to the crisis consistently; a task force to create safeguards to ensure that
Yorkshire companies optimistic YORKSHIRE firms are optimistic about prospects for growth, claims a survey today. The average company in the region with a turnover of £20m or less expects to grow its revenue by 56% over the next five years – about 9% per year – according to new research from Santander Corporate Banking. A quarter of businesses in Yorkshire are looking to introduce new products – while one in 10 say their business has never been in better shape. However, business owners in the region are more cautious about their longer term growth prospects than
they were a year ago when they said the average expectation was to double growth over five years. Nationally, the average company with a turnover of up to £20m expects to grow its revenue by 88% over the next five years. The trading environment is identified as the biggest challenge facing firms in Yorkshire & Humberside. Neil Williams, regional director for Santander Corporate Banking, said: “While business owners in Yorkshire remain cautious in the short term, focusing on survival against an uncertain economic background, they are clearly optimistic in their longer term prospects.”
resources are used more efficiently to create and protect tens of thousands of jobs, minimise environmental degradation and help revitalise the economy. Gareth Stace, EEF head of climate and environment policy, said: “We live in an age where global demand for resources is surging with prices on an upward trend and concerns about shortages mounting. “Whilst the government’s Resource Security Action Plan was a step in the right direction, it falls short of meeting the challenges we will face when obtaining new resources will become more difficult and costly. “Government must now step up its ambitions and produce a bolder plan of action that deals with the challenges not just now but in the longer term. This is vital not just from an environmental perspective but to ensure a long term sustainable future for manufacturing and the wider economy.”
Casino deal faces probe THE merger of two of the UK’s biggest casino operators suffered a setback after being referred for a full competition inquiry. The planned £205m acquisition of 23 Gala Coral sites by Mecca Bingo owner Rank would see it leapfrog Malaysian firm Genting as the UK’s biggest player, giving Rank’s Grosvenor casino division 57 sites. But the Office of Fair Trading fears the merger will reduce competition at a national level and in nine local areas and has referred the deal to the Competition Commission for further consideration, despite Rank’s offer to divest of casinos in seven locations.
The OFT said a reduction in competition to just two large national operators may result in a worse deal for consumers. It said there were high barriers to entry and expansion in the sector, limiting the ability of other players to replace the loss of competition. The Competition Commission is expected to report by February 3 and has the power to block the deal altogether. Rank, which has the Mecca Bingo and Grosvenor Casino complex at Folly Hall in Huddersfield, said last week that it hoped to complete the tie-up by the end of September.
Page 2 Profits up for Bovis HOUSEBUILDER Bovis Homes posted a doubling in half-year profits and said it expects more big gains, despite tougher trading conditions since June. The housebuilder increased its number of sales outlets by a fifth in the first half of 2012 – focusing on the more robust southern market – as pre-tax profits jumped to £16.2m from £8.1m a year earlier. And despite a quieter than usual summer, Bovis said its profits should “continue to increase significantly” in the second half of this year. It doubled its half-year dividend to 3p a share in a sign of its confidence. Like other housebuilders, Bovis is benefiting from an increasing proportion of sales on sites acquired at cheaper prices after the housing market downturn. Bovis completed 944 house sales in the first half of the year – up 18% on a year earlier and with an average sale price of £164,400.
Director SOFT drinks group AG Barr, which makes Irn Bru and Tizer, has named former Scottish & Newcastle board member John Nicolson as a non-executive director. Mr Nicolson, 59, is president of Heineken Americas with responsibility for a region including the USA, Brazil and Mexico. He will join the Barr board with effect from January, 2013.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £36.24 -0.42 Gannett 1005.16 +7.00 Hess Corp £32.08 +0.69 Microsoft 1957.79 -9.23 Motors Liquidation 47.74 Wal-Mart Stores £46.02 +0.20 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 295 -41/8 BAE Systems 3181/4 Rolls-Royce 849 -16 AIM Brady Plc 92 3 Dawson Intl /8 Man Brnze 141/2 +3/4 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 224 -21/8 BANKS Barclays 1907/8 -2 HSBC 5631/8 -67/8 3 Lloyds Banking Gp 34 /8 +1/4 Ryl Scotland 2313/4 +1/8 1 Stan Chart 1399 /2 -201/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1687 +1/2 SABMiller £28 CHEMICALS Croda £241/4 -1/8 Elementis 98 2153/4 +13/4 Johnsn Mat £231/2 -1/8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2871/4 -43/4
2201/4 -43/4 ELECTRICITY Drax Gp 4751/4 -71/2 SSE 1342 +7 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 2207/8 -13/4 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3681/8 -1/4 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 2183/8 -7/8 Cable & Wireless 341/8 +3/8 Comm Colt Group 1261/4 -11/4 KCOM 771/8 -15/8 Talktalk Telecom 189 -1/2 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 285 -11/4 Sainsbury 3317/8 -5/8 Tesco 339 -1 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1313 -1 Tate Lyle 652 -2 Unilever £223/4 +1/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3291/8 -1 National Grid 7001/2 -3 Pennon Grp 7411/2 -51/2 Severn 1745 -3 United Utils 719 -21/2 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 2141/4 -15/8 ICAP 3333/4 -6 Costain
London StockExch 1013 -27 Man Group 81 -1/4 Provident Financial 1325 +8 Schroders 1435 -7 Schroders NV 1156 -6 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 6111/2 -1/2 REXAM 4363/4 -77/8 Smiths Grp 1060 -9 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 221/2 +1/8 Carphone Whse 1521/2 -31/4 1 Dixons Retail 17 /4 +1/8 Home Retail 961/4 +31/4 Inchcape 3871/2 -5 -3 Kingfisher 2925/8 1 M&S 363 /8 -11/4 Mothercare 2211/2 -1/2 Next £363/8 WH Smith 573 -91/2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 665 +3 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 673/4 -21/4 Barrat Dev 1521/4 +31/4 Persimmon 705 +11 Reckitt Benckiser £353/4 Taylor Wimpey 517/8 +3/8 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 914 -15 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 1943/4 -6 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
BBA Aviation 1891/8 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 325 Lgl & Gen 132 Old Mutual 1711/4 Prudential 808 Resolution 2211/2 Standard Life 2731/2 MEDIA BSkyB 770 D Mail Tst 4831/2 HIBU 11/8 ITV 843/4 Johnston Press 61/4 Pearson 1226 Reed Elsevier 578 STV Group 89 Trinity Mirror 411/2 Utd Business 6851/2 UTV 1311/4 WPP 8561/2 MINING Anglo American 19141/2 Antofagasta 1105 BHP Billiton 19501/2 Eurasian Natural 357 Res Fresnillo 1494 Kazakhmys 7161/2 Lonmin 610 Rio Tinto £30 VEDANTA 925 RESOURCES Xstrata 9071/2 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES
-33/4 -33/4 -1/4 +1/4 -10 -41/4 -3 -3 -11/2 -11/8 -1/4 1
-2 /2 -1 -5 -43/8 -4 -13 -10 -123/4 -30 -231/2 -291/2 -3/8 -261/2 -313/4
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
495 81 7001/2 1750
-41/2 -3/4 -3 -28
closed at at FTSE closed
5824.37 Down 28.05 Inmarsat 5681/2 Vodafone Group 1863/4 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1179 RSA Insurance Gp 1131/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 13101/2 BP 452 Cairn Energy 2947/8 Royal Dutch Shell A £221/2 Royal Dutch Shell B £233/8 Total £313/4 Tullow Oil 1383 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1113
+91/2 +3/4 +6 -3/4 -131/2 -23/8 -43/8 -1/8 -1/8 -6 -9
Petrofac 1471 -19 Wood Gp(J) 8351/2 -2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1375 -11 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY 7 Astrazeneca £29 /8 -1/8 GlaxoSmithK XD 1 Shire 1952 -28 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 5431/2 +31/2 Captl Shop Cent 3321/4 -13/4 Hamrsn 459 -1/2 Land Secs 8101/2 +3 3 SEGRO 245 /4 -3/8 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 255 +13/8 Logica 105 +1/8 5 Sage Group 302 /8 +11/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 525 -4 Bunzl 1108 -4 Capita 739 De La Rue 1064 +7 Electrocomp 2301/8 +1 Experian 995 -11/2 G4S 2683/4 +5/8 Hays 823/4 +1/4 Homeserve 2273/4 -35/8 Menzies J 621 +1 Rentokil 783/4 -3/4 1 Smiths News 113 /4 -11/4 Wolseley £247/8 -1/2 IT HARDWARE
ARM Hldgs Psion Spirent Comms
584 871/2 1535/8
+11/2 +1/4 -25/8
TOBACCO Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
£331/4 £245/8
LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airlines Gp Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread
97 £213/4 7191/2 545 561/2 2453/8 1328 5761/2 1655 1471/4
-11/2 +1/8 +41/2 -21/2 -2 -3 +3 -1 -2 -21/2
1751/2 2727/8 2241/8 1303/4 2961/4 2071/8 £211/8
+21/4 -2 +3/4 -2 -3/8 -41/4 -1/8
FTSE 100
INDEX 5824.37
-28.05
FTSE 250
INDEX 11563.27
-54.83
TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.42 dollars Bangladesh................. 120.73 taka Brazil.............................. 2.83 reals Canada....................... 1.48 dollars China ............................. 8.92 yuan Czech Republic ...... 29.13 korunas Denmark....................... 9.00 krone Euro............................... 1.21 euro Hong Kong................ 11.56 dollars Hungary................... 316.44 forints India.......................... 77.03 rupees Japan........................... 118.81 yen Mexico ....................... 18.34 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.81 dollars Norway ......................... 8.85 krone Pakistan.................. 139.54 rupees Philippines ................. 57.02 pesos South Africa................. 12.26 rand South Korea.............. 1553.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 195.93 rupees Sweden....................... 10.01 krona Switzerland.................. 1.45 francs Taiwan ...................... 41.15 dollars Turkey....................... 2.66 new lira USA ............................ 1.50 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS DOING up the new home will just have to wait... Joiner Nick Whiteley and his partner of 18 years Julia Dyson sold their house to focus on carrying out their dream barn conversion. But they ended up diverting their funds into something far less romantic – setting up a business – and have put plans for domestic bliss on hold to live temporarily in a static caravan! The couple opened Taylor Quality Joinery Solutions Ltd in February this year in 9,000sq ft of industrial units at Upper Mills, Canal Side, Slaithwaite. The joinery manufacturing and installation company offers bespoke joinery, shopfitting and contract joinery – drawing on Nick’s expertise as an apprentice-trained joiner, Julia’s new-found talents tackling the accountancy and sales side of the business and the experience of Nick’s long-time friend and business associate John Nelson as contracts manager. “We started with one employee and have already recruited another,” says Nick. “We hope to employ an apprentice in September as we are growing steadily and keeping our heads above water in the current climate. “We took a huge gamble opening the workshop and putting our own home barn conversion on hold to put the money into the business. But it seems to have been paying off.” Contracts have included shopfitting the new Poundworld store at the Piazza Shopping Centre in Huddersfield and working on similar projects for clothing chains Primark, betting shop operator William Hill, Mountain Warehouse and Autonomy. Nick employs reliable sub-contractors to work on schemes across the country, but says: “If the customer wants a man on site in Shrewsbury in two hours, we will have a man on site in two Shrewsbury in two hours – and that might even be me! We have a reputation for getting the work done and doing whatever it takes.” With shopfitting less in demand due to the current retail sector slump, Nick has been concentrating more recently on contract joinery work, including working for an Irish company. Taylor Quality Joinery Solutions Ltd has also been involved in domestic joinery work – fitting everything from doors and windows to staircases. Says Nick: “It has taken time for people to know we are here, but we are getting more enquiries in.” Nick developed an interest in joinery during his days at Colne Valley High School. “I liked woodwork at school,” he says. “I didn’t particularly enjoy sitting in a classroom, but I enjoyed the practical side of things.” Nick got a place on a youth training scheme with builder Henry Boot during its partnership with Kirklees Council to carry out major refurbishment projects about
profile
Page 3 Nick Whiteley
Work comes first for Nick! the town. He was placed with a Huddersfield company, Pearson and Micklethwaite, where he was given an apprenticeship, which included day-release at Huddersfield Technical College’s site at Carr Green Lane, Dalton. Nick went on to work for Roy C Smith (Joiners) Ltd at Marsden, which took him into the shopfitting trade – and work on projects in the UK, Ireland and Europe – as well as introducing him to sub-contracting. It’s all been valuable experience for the new business. Nick and Julia were hunting around for premises for the new business when they found a vacant unit at Upper Mills. “This unit had been a spray shop and has been used for making plastic windows and stove enamelling,” he says. “It’s a good size for what we need and the rent and rates
are reasonable. We bought the machinery from a company in Gomersal, which had sadly failed. It’s always the case that someone’s loss is another’s gain.” Nick’s Colne Valley credentials extend beyond the workplace He has played for Slawit Saracens Rugby League Club for almost 10 years, mainly playing at hooker. “I was 27 when the team was set up and I was asked by a friend in the pub if I would play,” he says. “I hadn’t done much sport since I was about 16. “I’ve sustained a broken leg and broken hands. I think the problem now is that the bigger lads are able to catch me up!” Nick also enjoys mountain biking, saying: “There are lots of tracks around here and I try to get out once a week.” Steering a course in business, Nick knows that nothing is certain in these
Role: Partner Age: 45 Family: Partner Julia and sons Benjamin, 21, Thomas, 19, Joseph, 13 and Samuel, seven Holidays: Cyprus and Florida Car: Ford Ranger pickup First job: Making chips at Four Lanes fish and chip shop in Marsden Best thing about job: It is nice not having to answer to anyone else – and to have the satisfaction of going a good job Worst thing about job: The uncertain business climate Business tip: Stay positive
recessionary times. The construction industry and allied trades are particularly vulnerable to the downturn. But he counts himself lucky in having Julia and John alongside as the new venture takes off. “Julia is the optimistic one,” he insists. “I am a ‘glass is not even half full’ type of person! Julia has had to learn all the accountancy software. She’s the one making the cold calls when necessary and chasing up the leads. “I have worked with John at three companies before setting up Taylor Quality Joinery Solutions Ltd and I have known him for 20 years.
He has vast experience which I can call on.” Nick says: “The biggest concern for anyone in business must be the uncertainty of the current climate. We have put everything into this business and we have reliable people with families who depend on us. “But you have to approach things with a positive mindset. There is no better feeling than when you do a job well and you are working with a good set of lads.” Meanwhile, that barn conversion will get done some day!
Taylor Quality Joinery Solutions Ltd Work: Bespoke joinery manufacturing and installation Site: Slaithwaite Phone: 01484 847705 Email: info@tqjs-ltd.co.uk Website: www.tqjs-ltd.co.uk
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Tax Free Redundancy Payments Caution Required!
On the board with
Most people have heard of the tax rule which exempts the first £30,000 of a redundancy payment from tax.
But watch out - there is no such blanket rule. The exemption will not apply where the entitlement to the payment already exists (whether this be contractual, customary or in place of a bonus). Recent tax tribunal cases suggest that HMRC is taking a greater interest in this area.
Revell Ward Tip: Consider redundancy payments carefully, seek advice if you are not sure that it is tax free. Remember that HMRC will be scrutinising the payments too!
■ JOINT EFFORT: Nick Whiteley (centre) and partner Julia Dyson with commercial manager John Nelson at the Slaithwaite premises of Taylor Quality Joinery Solutions Ltd
Lesley Sutton Tax Director
01484 538 351
theboard@revellward.co.uk Twitter@RevellWard
www.revellward.co.uk
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Page 4
Renewing links HUDDERSFIELD Town has renewed its partnership with Halifax-based Wilby Ltd for the fourth successive season. The independent insurance broker and risk management specialists’ distinctive red logo has been a familiar element on the club’s blue-and-white kit over the last three seasons. Although the logo does not feature on Town’s shirt this season they will continue to work with the club as an official partner. Over the first three years of the relationship, the pair have formed a partnership to provide local businesses and supporters with quality, independent advice on their insurance arrangements with a portion of any business written benefiting the clubs academy.
Can your business afford to ignore Health & Safety? With Competent Health and Safety advice from just £25 a month you don’t need to Wilby Risk Management offer a range of services including: Competent Advice Risk Assessments Assistance with CHAS applications contact us today on 01422 358525 or email healthandsafety@wilbyltd.co.uk
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KIRKLEES BUSIN
Just don’t look over the edge COMMON expression among investors A who see stock markets rise in the face of a stream of bad news is that the shares are
“climbing a wall of worry”. This neatly encapsulates a key feature of investment markets that the most successful practitioners are good at exploiting – namely that a degree of cussed contrarianism is required, since shares are at their cheapest when the reasons for liking them are least obvious. At times over the past nine months, so pervasive have been the concerns about the course of the world economy that, for those involved in share markets on a day-to-day basis it has often seemed that the obstacle to share price appreciation would have been better described as a cliff of despair. As we are all too well aware, the largest element in the psychological precipice facing us has been the systemic crisis in the eurozone. Even those of us who, through gritted teeth have kept faith that this crisis would be negotiated without excessive damage, have had to accept that the costs of the solution in terms of lost economic growth have been greater than we had hoped. It has also become clear that these costs will continue to rise, since the plan for long term Eurozone stability has been sketched out, but has not been ratified or credibly implemented. Furthermore, progress on the currently “accepted” path will carry many political risks for some time to come. Consequently, the ashes from the fires in Europe have acted to clog up the twin engines of global growth – America and the Emerging Markets, whose evident sputtering through the summer has increased the challenges that risk takers have had to confront before dipping into share markets. With super-safe sovereign bond markets signalling an ever more frantic search for “risk-free” assets amongst the fearful, since mid year risk investors’ crampons of contrarian optimism have had to be unusually sharp for share markets to edge higher as they have done. However, there is at least one reason to believe that a positive stance on equity risk is now a much less contrarian position. The most obvious of these are the “VIX” volatility indices, which provide objective measures of the degree of nervousness amongst equity investors in American and European stock markets.
Who will be the next Business of the Month? If you are proud of what your business has achieved; why not tell us about your success story and you could be a winner of our prestigious award. For further details please contact: Ian Greenwood, Eaton Smith Solicitors, 14 High Street, Huddersfield HD1 2HA T: 01484 821389 E: iangreenwood@eatonsmith.co.uk Business Of The Month Awards - Rewarding Success Since 1995
CITY TALK Simon Kaye
These are now at very low levels relative to the past five years – suggesting a degree of complacency. This in itself is not a cause for alarm, but must be understood as a signal that equity markets are now more vulnerable to correction if fundamental developments do not match expectations. The question for those attempting to anticipate near term movements in share markets then becomes whether or not there are reasons to suspect that this is an imminent danger. At the risk of being charged with insanity in indulging in this seductive but almost invariably fruitless pursuit – and also of blotting my copybook as a paid-up member of the Pollyanna optimists club – although we remain upbeat about prospects for investment markets over the medium term (12-18 months), there are a number of factors which suggest to me the potential for a more uncomfortable autumn season. Europe is not the focus of my near term concerns – rather a confluence of seasonal and political factors in America that will make September and October “interesting times”. Specifically, the third quarter American earnings season will occur whilst the Presidential election reaches a crescendo. Corporate earnings only just matched (reduced) expectations in the second quarter and the global environment has not improved since then. The Presidential election has become as polarised as any in the post-war period, making remote the prospects for addressing the approaching “Fiscal Cliff ” before it is encountered. In short, I believe both are likely to test our nerves. Our view is that the concerns above will prove temporary and that 2013 is more likely to provide positive economic surprises than negative. As a result, for investors rather than for traders, we continue to believe that shares in global blue chip companies remain an attractive prospect.
Simon Kaye is divisional director at Investec Wealth & Investment
Seminar seats in demand SEMINAR seats at this year’s Kirklees Business Conference are already heading towards limited availability – with still more than a month to go before the event. Building year-on-year, KBC has become a focal point of the local business calendar and 2012’s show promises to be the biggest yet, according to event director Danny Matharu. Speakers lined up for the Kirklees Business Titan’s Panel Q&A session include Card Factory founder and Huddersfield Town chairman Dean Hoyle; Mike Birtwhistle, founder of Stores Direct; Graham Leslie, founder of
Galpharm International; Frogtrade founder Gareth Davies; and Insight with Passion founder Kate Hardcastle. Alongside the seminars, there is a Business Clinic covering social media, Cloud Computing Document Storage and access to finance. The exhibition hall houses more than 50 local suppliers and there is just a couple of exhibiting opportunities remaining. Kirklees Business Conference is part of Kirklees Business Week and takes place at The Galpharm Stadium on September 27. All places are free to delegates. Go to www.kirkleesbusinessconference.co.uk
■ LOADED UP: Wellhouse Leisure's camper van ready for its 11,000-mile journey to New Zealand
New Zealand deal is a first
A CAMPER van conversion company has completed a long-distance contract. Shepley-based Wellhouse Leisure has shipped one of its Hyundai-based vehicles 11,000 miles to a customer in New Zealand. The vehicle – complete with Mad in Huddersfield sticker – travelled by road from Wellhouse’s premises at Sovereign Business Park to Southampton for shipping out. Managing director David Elliott said: “The customer contacted us to say he was coming to the UK and planned his holiday so h could buy a camper van to use while he was here – then get it shipped back to Tauranga, which is two-hours’ drive from Auckland. “At the same time, Hyundai New Zealand want to see the camper van for themselves. New Zealand only has a population of four million, but it has a high proportion of camper vans – so this could become a market for us.” Wellhouse started in 2003 by importing compact people carriers from Japan and turning them into camper vans. Starting with just three staff, the company has grown to employ 27 people and has opened branches in Inverness and Devon. During 2010, Wellhouse Leisure approached Hyundai Motors with a view to building camper vans with the motor manufacturer. That led to Wellhouse designing and building vehicles on Hyunda chassis from scratch – with the vehicles making a debut at the NEC Motor Show in Birmingham a year ago and winning three major industry awards. While the recession has led to a 15% fall in annual sales for the industry, Wellhouse has bucked the trend to lift sales year-on-year. Wellhouse is attracting increasing interest from major car producers after its success in taking standard cars, people-carriers and small commercial vehicles and converting them into bespoke camper vans. Said Mr Elliott: “I’m as proud of my hometown as I am of my product, and I’m determined to make sure everyone knows that, no matter how far away they might be.”
local
NESS NEWS
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Take steps to improve safety
E have a number of clients who W operate engineering or vehicle service and repair workshops and
as such are often asked similar questions regarding safety footwear. Some employees have a reluctance to wear footwear with toe protection and some employers are reluctant to pay for it. It is well worth clarifying the legal position with the following points – all types of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety footwear, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, cold and wet weather clothing etc. are covered by the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. The employer should assess risks to employees, visitors, members of the public etc. in all areas of the workplace, including the workshop. The employer should assess which risks have not been adequately controlled by other means and where items of personal protective equipment are necessary. Such risks could be from falling heavy objects such as vehicle batteries or crush injuries from trolley jacks or forklift truck wheels. Specific items of personal protective equipment, e.g. safety shoes with toe protection, should then be identified and the wearing of this PPE by all people exposed to these risks must be enforced. The employer must provide these items of PPE free of charge to employees. It is common practice for employees to “topup” to buy better footwear above the basic version supplied by the employer, provided the chosen items still provide adequate protection. The employer must enforce the wearing of the PPE by people exposed to the uncontrolled risks. We recommend regular, recorded checks in the workplace by supervisors. The regulations do not allow employees to opt out of this requirement by signing some type of waiver. The employer must train, inform and instruct employees on why the PPE is required, how it should be worn and
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Tax warning SMALL firms in Kirklees have been warned to keep taxman fully informed – after a company was threatened with a £10,000 VAT fine for failing to inform inspectors that it had changed its name. The Forum of Private Business has also urged entrepreneurs to get in touch with any other “nasty” experiences of HM Revenue & Customs. The Forum said the firm which changed its name had an exemplary record for VAT payments and submitting tax returns on time. It was originally hit with a fine of more than £30,000 under VAT notification rules.
RISKY BUSINESS Debra Taylor-Mclean
maintained and what to do if defects are noted. We recommend this basic training is given at induction and repeated periodically and that records are kept. The PPE requirement could even be included in workplace rules. Employees must use the PPE as instructed and report defects if they want to be exposed to the risks i.e. work in the workshop. While these points focus on safety footwear, they hold true for all types of personal protective equipment. (Note: There are other legal requirements not covered by the above list). We frequently hear “How is it we have never been told this before?” “The
insurers never required it!” “We have passed audits before without this rule!” As in all things, the answer you get depends on the question asked. Insurance surveys do not cover every workplace issue. Some workplace audits have a limited health and safety content and to pass the audit does not imply full legal compliance. Wilby Risk Management can carry out detailed audits to check levels of conformance to legal requirements and best practice standards. Relying on other surveys or audits can lead to a false sense of security and leave an employer open to prosecution or compensation claims in the event of an accident.
Debra Taylor-Mclean is risk management consultant at Wilby Ltd
Traditional values and modern methods in Wealth & Investment At Investec Wealth & Investment we offer expertise and out of the ordinary levels of personal service. Our heritage extends as far back as 1827 but our eyes are firmly fixed on your future. Located in 11 offices across the UK, we are well placed to offer one-on-one insight and expert advice on your investments, pensions or other financial matters. Please visit our website, call Simon Kaye on 0113 245 4488 or email simon.kaye@investecwin.co.uk investecwin.co.uk
Page 5
Dave books in HOTEL group Best Western has signed a five-month deal with TV channel Dave – in a marketing drive developed with the Huddersfield-based Sharp Agency. Best Western is sponsoring the characters of Dave’s comedy and lifestyle shows as part of the hotel group’s Hotels with Personality marketing campaign. The deal will see personalities from the hotel come to life before key programmes such as Mock the Week, Man versus Food and QI. It will also be syndicated onto Dave Ja Vu, its plus one hour showing of the Dave channel. The sponsorship will see sets of 10 second idents, produced by The Sharp Agency, featuring a selection of the group’s hotels and the staff working in them telling the stories from the hotel. Richard Sharp, of The Sharp Agency, which is based at the Media Centre, said: “Making these idents has been a fantastic experience. Meeting and filming the real characters of Best Western and seeing how their unique personalities reflect the brand has been an inspiration.” The characters include Gerry Whitehouse, bird of prey manager at the Best Western Beamish Hall Hotel, who is seen in one of the short films talking about his past life training cheetahs while attempting to train an eagle owl. Other figures are John Taylor, head brewer at the Best Western Beamish Hall Hotel; mother and daughter Jean and Angela Dobbie, breakfast supervisor and receptionist at the Best Western Plus Bruntsfield Hotel; and chef John Fleming and barman Scott Morrison, both from the Best Western Cartland Bridge Hotel. Best Western is the largest group of independently-owned and managed hotels, with 280 across Great Britain. Members are required to meet strict criteria and are regularly inspected to ensure consistent quality and service.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Page 6
Take-up rates remain strong TAKE-UP of industrial sites across the UK rose by 40% during the second quarter of the year, a survey has revealed. But Yorkshire performed disappointingly with just four deals in the sector for properties over 50,000sq ft, according to the latest Property Times UK Industrial Report from agency DTZ. The survey showed that UK industrial take-up increased by 40% to 8.1m sq ft during the second quarter of 2012 compared with the previous three months. At the same time, the availability of prime industrial space fell by 10% to 18m sq ft. Investment activity increased to £1.4bn following two large portfolios sales. A total of 64 deals were transacted in the second quarter, up by 33% on the first three months of the year. The average deal size remained relatively low at 126,000 sq ft as demand was constrained by lack of availability of good quality stock at this end of the market. Total availability fell during the quarter to 143m sq ft – down by 6% from the first quarter. Grade A take-up fell for the fourth successive quarter as the lack of availability restricted demand and occupiers switched their attention to the more abundant good quality grade B
■ POTENTIAL: Mike Baugh, director of DTZ's industrial agency in West Yorkshire
stock. Mike Baugh, director at DTZ in West Yorkshire, said: “The substantial increase in take-up of space in the second quarter is particularly encouraging – and although the average size
of transactions has not changed materially, this is largely due to the lack of availability of good quality larger buildings. “Despite the recently reported economic statistics, manufacturing businesses accounted for a third of all deals, similar to the percentage recorded to the previous quarter and off a 40% increase in floor area transacted.” In Yorkshire, second quarter take-up was disappointing – reaching 320,000 sq ft across four deals. The largest letting involved DFS taking 135,000 sq ft at Latitude 135 in Castleford. Grade A availability stands at 3.6m sq ft, the second highest level in the UK, although a large proportion is located in South Yorkshire. Said Mr Baugh: “Although take-up in Yorkshire for the last quarter was disappointing, there are a number of deals in solicitors’ hands which have the potential to deliver over 1m sq ft of new take-up this quarter. “This is very positive news for the region and even though generally enquiries have slowed, there are a number of additional companies currently considering the region, which will hopefully lead to further take-up of the steadily diminishing supply of speculatively built warehouse and industrial space.”
Still on course for growth A BUILDING company led by Batley-born businessman Lawrence Tomlinson is on course for a second successive year of growth. LNT Construction, part of Leeds based LNT Group and chaired by Mr Tomlinson, builds care homes throughout the country. Last year, it built 13 homes for LNT Group’s own Ideal Care Homes brand and other providers – having built 12 homes in 2010. This year, it will hand over 18 homes in total to sister company Ideal Care Homes and other care home providers. With 28 homes in the pipeline for the next two years, the company said it was optimistic it can maintain its growth and continue to buck the current gloomy trend in construction. Each home has on average 60 en-suite bedrooms. Christine Cooper, managing director at LNT Construction, said: “Our whole operation from how we acquire sites, plan homes and build puts LNT Construction in a very strong place. “Our design team create attractive desirable homes and we have brought the mechanical and electrical divisions in-house which gives us complete quality
control as well as economies of scale.” To further boost its offer, LNT Construction’s newest home at Newfield in Castleford, features ground source heat pumps, solar thermal panels and air source heat extraction which exceeds Government environmental standards set for 2020. Said Ms Cooper: “We’ve future-proofed our energy systems until 2020 and speeded up the construction process by removing the need to fit radiators. “Ideal Care Homes guarantees a customer for every project, but increasingly other providers are turning to us. “We are gaining a national reputation for designing and building well-made functional care homes that are attractive places to live.” Said Ms Cooper: “Last month, we signed a nine-home deal with Worcester-based Sanctuary Group, which bought five existing care homes and four development schemes.” Ideal Care Homes, which employs more than 1,500 people, operates care homes in the North and Midlands – including Greenacres at Meltham, Ashworth Grange at Dewsbury and Lydgate Lodge in Batley
■ SOLAR FLAIR: Linda Lusardi with solar panels supplied for her North London home by Brighouse-based Ploughcroft
High life for Linda ACTRESS Linda Lusardi has chosen solar panels from Brighouse-based renewable energy specialist Ploughcroft for her home in North London. The former glamour model, who has starred in Emmerdale, Dancing on Ice and The Bill as well as Brookside, approached Ploughcroft for a quote after a friend had solar panels fitted by the company. She said: “We had seen Ploughcroft’s managing director Chris Hopkins on BBC’s Dragons Den, where he attracted two investors and we knew that Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis wouldn’t have invested in a company that wasn’t an expert in their field. “We liked the fact that they had a background in roofing, so we
were comfortable that they knew what they were doing and we wouldn’t have to worry.” Ploughcroft installed a 4kW system on the roof of Linda’s west-facing home, which took just over half a day to install and started generating an extra income straight away. Ploughcroft is one of the largest suppliers of solar photovoltaic systems in the UK and has designed the industry’s first Solar Roofing course in association with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, which it delivers to installers across the country. The company supplies solar panels to domestic projects and commercial installations and is an MCS-accredited installer.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property Page 7 Guidance offers help for planners
SNOW WARNING ■ WINTER WONDERLAND: Pretty as a picture, but firms could end up facing hefty claims for injuries sustained on premises if snow and ice is to blame
SUMMER’S still here – but Kirklees businesses have been urged to think ahead to the winter and plan for potentially costly personal injury claims. Figures from the Compensation Recovery Unit of the Department for Work and Pensions show that the number of people in Huddersfield making claims for personal injuries during the winter months has rise by 28% over the past four years to stand at 51. This trend is replicated across the UK with claims rising by 23% nationally between November and March over the same four years. Winter risk management specialist GRITIT said this coincided with unusual weather patterns in the UK, which resulted in unpredictable levels of snow and ice. The number of days when the temperature dropped below zero in Huddersfield has varied from 49 in 2011/2012 winter to 65 in 2009/2010 winter. Alastair Kight, managing director of GRITIT, said: “Met Office reports have confirmed that more rain fell this summer than any other in recorded history and that during the winter of 2010/11 Britain recorded its coldest night with temperatures dropping to a record minus 18.7 in Northern Ireland. “A new study suggests that these extreme weather events in the last few years may well be linked to climate change. So we all need to be prepared for more extreme weather patterns in the future and businesses should be putting measures in place to protect themselves from the risks, including personal injury claims.” The law places responsibility on employers
and owners or occupiers to ensure that premises are maintained in a condition without risk of injury. Anything hazardous which can be removed, such as snow and ice, must be removed. In addition to injury claims, insurance may be compromised if a business cannot prove that it used its “best endeavours” to maintain its premises in a risk-free state. Mr Kight said that by developing a winter risk management strategy now, businesses could ensure they had a plan in place to manage snow and ice on their sites every time the temperature is forecast to drop below zero. “Working with a contractor to provide ice and snow clearance should prevent the need to invest in staff, equipment or systems and their insurance can take care of any claims,” he said. “But this needs to be planned in advance rather than waiting to order their services when required. “With extreme weather on the increase – for example floods, droughts, snow and ice – businesses need to make worthwhile investments which ensure they can deliver their services and operate effectively irrespective of Britain’s weather conditions, or risk paying a high price if they are unable to do so.” GRITIT, founded in 2004, provides specialist gritting and snow-clearance to private and public companies in the retail, commercial, industrial, logistics and health sectors. In an average winter, the company will provide more than 100,000 service visits across the UK from its 92 depots.
GUIDANCE to help planners and developers build new communities in growing areas of Yorkshire has been provided by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Since the adoption of the government’s National Planning Policy Framework, developers and local authorities are increasingly required to demonstrate that developments are both financially viable and meet the needs of the local community. However, until now, no universally accepted definition of “financial viability” has existed – meaning that many essential projects may have been severely delayed or even discontinued. This latest guidance from RICS provides an objective and transparent definition as to what is meant by ‘financial viability’ in a planning context and will help local town planners, developers and councillors deliver new,
Contact Jason Metcalfe or Philip Deakin On behalf of the Diocese of Wakefield
been awarded this prestigious accolade. The What Mortgage awards celebrate the best in the UK consumer mortgage and insurance markets, with over 25,000 votes being cast
this year by readers. David Cutter, Skipton’s group chief executive said: “It’s an honour to win this award once, but to receive it for a second year running is really special to us.”
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Site area approximately 2.05 acres Former school in a predominantly residential area Potential for conversion/ redevelopment for commercial and residential uses (subject to planning) Close to junction 26 M62
FOR SALE
St Luke’s School, Moor Bottom, Cleckheaton 5,154 sq ft Former school adjacent St Luke’s Church Residential area approximately ½ mile from Cleckheaton town centre Potential for conversion/ redevelopment to commercial and residential uses (subject to planning)
Second success for building society SKIPTON Building Society has been declared the Best National Building Society 2012 by What Mortgage. It is the second year in a row that the UK’s fourth biggest building society has
sustainably-funded communities, in places where people want to live – in line with the NPPF. Without a business case demonstrating that proposed projects are financially sustainable, new developments will not take place. Rob Hindle, chairman of the RICS Yorkshire regional board, said: “This guidance comes at a critical time for those engaged in planning and developing new communities. “Since the onset of the financial crisis, many planners and developers have been seriously challenged as to how best to promote growth and develop local communities in a cost effective way. “We hope this guidance will help all involved in delivering sustainable developments across the country to meet community needs as well as providing an appropriate return for carrying out these developments.”
Visit our website www.hanson-cs.co.uk
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Martyn Allatt
Thorite PNEUMATIC products and process systems distributor Thorite has announced a move for one of its key personnel. Engineer Martyn Allatt (pictured) has transferred from the firm’s Huddersfield depot to its site in Leeds. Mr Allatt, 50, joined Thorite three years ago as key account manager based at the Huddersfield sales and service centre on Barge Street. His new responsibilities will focus on providing application support and technical advice on pneumatic controls, circuit design, electric drives, energy-saving, process control and hydraulics to manufacturing and processing industries in the Leeds area as well as seeking new business opportunities. Mr Allatt was born in the UK, but moved to South Africa at the age of 12 and later gained a degree in mechanical engineering from Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg. He worked as an engineer with De Beers Diamond Mines before returning to the UK and working for leading companies including Atlas Copco, Norgren and Parker Electrical Drives.
Andrew Marsden
Brearleys Solicitors A SOLICITOR based in Batley has completed his training to qualify as a civil and commercial mediator. Andrew Marsden has been with Brearleys Solicitors for more than 20 years and has a wealth of experience in litigation and disputes. Becoming an accredited civil and commercial mediator adds another dimension to the practice he has developed and expanded in Batley and the local area. Mr Marsden said: “In these increasingly difficult financial times, it is important that people have access to alternative and – more often than not – considerably cheaper options when it comes to resolving conflicts and disputes. “Whilst still a relatively new service, civil and commercial mediation is quickly gaining popularity at all levels, in particular with businesses to help reach a quick and satisfactory solution to disputes.”
Movers and shakers
Enjoying fruits of their labours
A COMPANY specialising in producing personalised clothing has won a business award. Birstall-based Banana Moon Workshop Ltd is the latest winner of the Business of the Month Award run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith. The company was launched in 1993 by three partners to focus on the local schoolwear market with in-house embroidery and digitising services. During the late 1990s – as e-commerce became more widely used – the family business became one of the first in the UK in this field to trade through a website. And as the market opened up, the company entered into new sectors, including armed forces tour wear, school and college uniforms, work and corporate wear and clothing for dance clubs. The firm moved into new premises in 2009 – since then it has doubled its workforce and taken on two apprentices. Where possible, Banana
Moon uses local suppliers for all its web development, screen printing technology, search engine marketing and other office supplies such as accountancy and legal work. The judging panel felt that Banana Moon should be commended for thriving during difficult economic times after taking the brave decision to invest in new premises and state-of-the-art technology which has resulted in a significant increase in the number of users to its website and a doubling of turnover between 2009 and 2012. Marketing director Alex Grace said: “We are delighted to receive the Eaton Smith Business of the Month Award. “For us it is recognition of the hard work and investment we have put in to drive forward in tough times. We are very grateful to Eaton Smith and the judging panel for choosing us for the award.” The award is run in association with the Mid Yorkshire
■ SHINE ON: Alison Palmer (centre), of Eaton Smith, presents the award to Banana Moon's Alex Grace (second right) and Paul Grace (right) with guest judges Heather Guile, of UKTI, and Roger Underwood, of Eastwood & Partners
Chamber of Commerce and UKTI. It is open to firms in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.
Conference combination
Matt Low & Philip Raven
The LNT Group TWO top-level appointments have been announced by the Batley-born founder and chairman of the Leeds-based LNT Group. Matt Lowe and Philip Raven have joined the senior team to work alongside Lawrence Tomlinson in driving the group of internationally-trading businesses forward. Mr Lowe joins as group commercial director. He was previously regional director for the Royal Bank of Scotland in the North and East. Mr Raven becomes group company secretary. He has been a partner at law firm Freeth Cartwright for the last 12 years. Mr Tomlinson said: “Both Matt and Philip bring great strengths and experience to our established senior team. Their appointment reflects the growth and ambition of the group, which has been consistently recognised as being amongst the fastest growing in the country.”
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TWO Kirklees based businesses are behind a series of successful regional conferences. Yorkshire Business Conferences and Fantastic Media, both based in Birstall, have teamed up to offer businesses in the region a range of expertise and seminars to develop trade in the region. The conferences, launched by event organiser Danny Matharu (right) and supported by Fantastic Media, led by managing director Andy Hobson (left), aim to bring thousands of local businesses together and encourage them to develop communication and business links – making the region much stronger and creating and safeguarding more jobs. Conferences held so far this year in Wakefield, Calderdale and Bradford have proved to be huge successes – with more than 1,900 visitors and more than 140
exhibitors. Kirklees Business Conference will take place on Thursday, September 27, as the highlight of Kirklees Business Week, which runs from Monday, September 24, to Friday, September 28. Conferences will also be held in Barnsley and Sheffield. Fantastic Media, a key partner with Yorkshire Business Conferences, is taking a strong presence at the events. It has also created six dedicated websites for each conference, which have proved extremely popular with more than 24,868 page visits. Danny said: “The conferences have been a great success so far and we believe this is due to the dedicated websites and the enthusiasm of local businesses.” Andy said: “It is vital for local businesses to work closely together to ensure that Yorkshire remains a successful and profitable region.”
Contact Ian Greenwood at Eaton Smith on 01484 821389 for more information.
Distribution firm in link-up A DISTRIBUTION company has made a special delivery – by linking up with Huddersfield Town. The club has sealed a commercial partnership with Bradford-based Expect Distribution. As part of the deal, Expect Distribution plans to livery one of its lorries in Huddersfield Town colours. Town commercial director Sean Jarvis said: “As every Huddersfield Town fan knows, our 10-point pledge lies at the heart of everything we do and it is great to team up with another business that shares our core values. “Expect prides itself on performance, reliability and trust and as such there is a lot of synergy between the two organisations.” Expect Distribution operations director Neil Rushworth said: “After supporting the club for many years personally and as a business, I am thrilled for Expect Distribution to become an official partner of Huddersfield Town. “The club is extremely progressive and ambitious and the partnership will provide Expect with some excellent business opportunities, whilst watching great Championship football “The specially-designed Town trailer will have a high impact on the roads of the UK and we can’t wait to get the wheels rolling.”