ZAHRA ALI
KAREN WYNARD
Taking the legal line
NISA than ISA?
Interview - Page 3
Column - Page 6
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014
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An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
A Brighouse business laying claim to be the biggest fan manufacturer in England is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Halifax Fan Company, which hit the £10m turnover figure during 2013, has grown to become a global force in fan engineering. The firm, based at Brookfoot Business Park, puts its success down to continuous investment in the business and in its people. Over the last 50 years, the company has accumulated an enormous depth of skill within its long serving personnel. One of the company’s engineers, chief draftsman Steve Thomas, will clock-up 40 years of service this year – as will three others during the next five years. Halifax’s 50 years of experience has been put at the customer’s fingertips with a new fan configuration tool on the company’s website – making the firm’s design knowledge and making it available on a simple “tick-box” format for any engineer anywhere in the world to use. The company has also invested heavily
in tooling, in computerisation and in software tools for design and analysis. The biggest investment has come with the building of a new factory in China to take the firm’s business to the world’s busiest marketplace. The factory now employs more than 70 personnel – many UK-trained – and occupies more than 5,000 sq metres. Offices staffed by trained engineers, who provide a consultancy service on the company’s products, have been opened in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Bangkok. Company managing director Malcolm Staff said: “There’s an old saying that when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. “We had to take our expertise to where there was a strong market for it and that has paid real dividends. “We sell fans of quality, reliability and efficiency and that’s exactly what the South East Asian market wants. “They have a real focus on lifecost rather than first-cost and we provide fans that operate efficiently and don’t break down, so lifetime costs are greatly reduced.” From making simple fans for the textile industry, the company now
manufactures fans small and large for the widest possible spectrum of industries and specialises in high safety ATEX certified fans for the likes of the petrochemical industry. Halifax engineers helped write the European Union regulations on ATEX fans and are now involved in formulating the EU directive on fan efficiency. Mr Staff said the growth of China’s and South East Asia’s industrial infrastructure offered great opportunities. The new office in Shanghai would support some of the world’s most prominent engineering concerns and consultancies, many of whom had located regional offices to Shanghai to service the expanding market. “Manufacturing in China has given us a great edge,” said Mr Staff. “Potential customers can visit the factory easily, delivery is quicker and cheaper and our competitiveness is enhanced by buying materials and manufacturing locally. “Brighouse is still the company’s design and development stronghold, but cloud computing means the UK and Chinese factories are no farther apart than the nearest computer keyboard.”
■■ A large centrifugal fan supplied by Brighouse-based Halifax Fan to a steel works in Redcar
‘Distress’ levels hit record low for Yorkshire businesses A record low of just 18% of businesses in Yorkshire and the North East are showing signs of business distress, according to the latest Business Distress Index from R3, the insolvency trade body. The latest figure compares with the UK tally of 33% - also a record-breaking low. R3 has tracked five key indicators of business distress since March, 2012 – including decreasing profits, sales volumes or market share, the regular use of maximum overdraft facilities and new redundancies. Each indicator measures the share of UK businesses experiencing that particular sign of distress. In the latest survey, all indicators are at or near record lows. The share of businesses in the region experiencing at least one sign of distress is now less than a third of businesses in the same position when the survey first started in March,
2012 (63%). Chris Wood, Yorkshire R3 vice-chairman and partner at Clough Corporate Solutions in Cleckheaton, said: “Business distress has tumbled over the past two years as businesses have got over the worst of the recession and it is encouraging to see that the level in Yorkshire and the North East is almost half of the relatively low national level. This has been matched by steadily falling corporate insolvency numbers. “Historically, business failures increase as the economy bounces back. “Rapid economic growth can be a problem for a business that used up cash reserves in a recession or that isn’t prepared for expansion. “However, low interest rates and the much slower recovery we have had up until the last nine months or so have bought struggling businesses in our area
■■ Chris Wood, of insolvency trade body R3
time to sort out their problems.” Mr Wood said: “It is interesting to see, however, that business distress has been falling much more slowly over the past six months than it had done previously. It may be that distress levels are falling
back to ‘normal’ levels or that the recent pick-up in the economy is beginning to have an effect.” R3’s latest survey also found that indicators of business growth in Yorkshire and the North East remain close to the record highs hit in the last survey in autumn 2013. Some 66% of businesses are showing at least one sign of growth, slightly up from 63% in October, 2013, and a huge rise from just 29% in March, 2012. Signs of business growth in the region include investing in new equipment (40%), increased sales volumes (40%), increased profits (42%), business expansion (38%) and growing market share (27%). Mr Wood said: “It’s very encouraging that business growth is keeping pace with the record figures we saw in the autumn.”
Prize for research A specialist in the development of engine oils has won an award for his work. Dr Rai Singh Notay, product development engineer at Brighousebased Millers Oils, secured first prize in the Communication in Engineering competition run by the Yorkshire automotive division of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers for his experimental research into lubrication degradation. Notay, who wrote his paper as part of a PhD, explored how oil degradation and flow around engine components can be affected by new automotive technology trends.
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Contact points Yorkshire business people are among the UK’s most active face-to-face networkers, according to new research. The study commissioned by accountancy firm Ernst & Young found that 61% of people surveyed in the region said that they network in person, the second highest percentage in the UK behind only Northern Ireland at 82%. Face-to-face contact was followed by email (50%) and telephone (37%) in a list of ways people network in the region.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
local
Crisis training ‘essential for fleets and HR staff’ FLEET management specialist FMG has teamed up with road safety charity Brake to provide “crisis response” training for businesses and HR professionals. Huddersfield-based Brake co-ordinated a day of essential training for fleet and HR professionals – looking at the procedures an organisation should have in place to provide appropriate support following a road crash or other sudden, violent event. The one-day training course, sponsored by FMG, took place in Manchester. Specialist disaster management trainer Rosie Murray delivered the course on Brake’s behalf, sharing her expertise in the practical and procedural issues around a sudden death and how to respond to the emotional needs of affected employees. Brake said that knowing how to react when the worst happens was essential planning for organisations, especially those employing at-work drivers who are at risk on the road. The event was attended by more than 20 fleet professionals from a range of organisations. Philippa Maher, HR manager at Environmental Essentials, said: “Brake’s crisis response training provided me with essential and innovative techniques for our business
■■ Fleet specialist FMG says knowing how to respond to a crisis is vital for firms
should we ever be in the position of having to cope with the loss of a colleague. I would recommend this course as very useful training for any HR professional.” John Catling, chief executive at FMG, which also has its headquarters in Huddersfield, said: “Knowing how to respond in a crisis situation is a vital skill for any business or fleet management professional and this course was both insightful and informative.
“Driving is one of the most dangerous activities most of us carry out in our working lives, so knowing how to respond appropriately to an incident is a need-to-have skill as part of the incident management process.” Rosie Murray has more than 25 years’ experience in training professionals on how to respond in a crisis. As well as acting as project co-ordinator for a Red Cross helpline set up following 9/11 and involvement in providing support in the aftermath of
the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, she also has extensive experience in delivering crisis response training to police family liaison officers, local authority staff and commercial companies. in-house training available through Brake includes practical and procedural issues around a sudden death or serious injury and the possible impacts on an organisation; an introduction to the emotional needs of an employee suddenly bereaved or seriously injured through a through a violent event; the roles and responsibilities of professionals who work with bereaved and injured people; what you can do to support affected personnel and the limitations of your support; communicating to other members of staff; and creating a crisis response team. Ellie Pearson, senior professional engagement officer at Brake, said: “Many employers have made fantastic progress in recent years when it comes to introducing measures to prevent their drivers from being involved in road crashes. “However, it’s just as important that employers are proactive in preparing for the worst and ensuring they have robust policies in place to support their employees.”
Ex-student gets technical with motor sector experts A former student at Huddersfield Technical College returned to the town to introduce motor industry professionals to Ford’s newest eco engines. Ian Siswick gave a talk about the development of the company’s Eco Tech Engine to about 40 local members of the Institute of the Motor Industry. The event took place at Kirklees College’s engineering centre.
Ian attended the technical college as a technician while completing an ONC in electrical engineering before going to Bradford and Loughborough universities. He then worked at Ford’s Dunton Technical Centre in Essex. Last year, Ian arranged for the Ford Eco Boost Engine - International Engine of the Year for 2012 and 2013 - to be brought to the official opening of the college’s engineering centre in Huddersfield.
He later arranged for the engineering department to see a presentation of the technical advancements of the three-cylinder engine. The talk and demonstration was another follow-up as IMI area chairman Michael Ward and associate Bernard Garside asked the college if they could organise another presentation for their members within the area. Engineering lecturer Jim Mahoney
said: “The college technicians dismantled one of the engines so the different components could be scrutinised by the guests to see how to make a petrol engine leaner to meet emission requirements. “Ford sees the eco boost as an affordable and versatile alternative to electrical or hybrid motor vehicles and intends to use it extensively in future vehicle applications.”
Big Issue in challenge to good causes SOCIAL enterprises in Kirklees have been invited to compete for thousands of pounds to invest in their activities. Big Issue Invest, the social investment arm of the Big Issue, has opened a second round of its Corporate Social Venturing (CSV) programme. The programme uses corporate partners to invest in, support and nurture a new generation of high potential social businesses to grow and deliver sustainable social and financial returns. The CSV Challenge is seeking up to 20 teams for an intensive mentoring programme. At the end, 10 finalists will be chosen to receive an investment of up to £50,000 each, as well as on-going support. Social enterprises, charities, public sector spin-outs or any business with a social mission are encouraged to apply. To be considered for investment, ventures must be able to deliver high social impact, have a track record and ambitious development plan and work in the fields of health, education, wellbeing, homelessness or the creative industries. Interested social businesses should visit www.bigissueinvest-csv.com to apply. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday, May 19, 2014. The initiative is a partnership between Big Issue Invest and Barclays, with investment and support from five partners – Experian, First Ark, Fusion21, Places for People, and Northampton University. The Challenge is also supported by the Cabinet Office, as part of the £10m Social Investment Fund. Nigel Kershaw, chief executive officer of Big Issue Invest and chairman of Big Issue, said: “The Corporate Social Venturing programme is core to The Big Issue’s mission. We don’t want people ending up on the streets and that’s why we’re investing in brilliant social ventures that create jobs, training, accommodation and wellbeing. It’s all about prevention.” Kathleen Britain, head of UK community investment at Barclays, said: “This programme, one of many we run as part of our wider community investment work, will see Barclays invest not only money, but colleagues’
Food supplier targets ‘coffee culture’ A Huddersfield-based catering wholesaler is making a strong play for the “coffee culture” market during UK Coffee Week. Total Foodservice, based at Green Lea Mills in Dalton, has set ambitious targets on the back of a renewed offer to its café and coffee shop customers. The firm has also seen growing demand for coffee “outlets” in the care and hospitality sectors. Customers purchasing coffee packages from Total Foodservice can get specialist barista and coffee machine training for free from Huddersfieldbased industry expert Jon Skinner. Mr Skinner judges the prestigious
UK Barista Championships and is recognised by the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe, the Beverage Service Association and City & Guilds. Simon Howarth, managing director of fifth-generation family firm Total Foodservice, said: “We believe we have taken a completely fresh look at the requirements of the coffee culture market and that our offer is incredibly strong. “First and foremost, coffee is an art form and our training offer ensures customers get the best possible coffee every time. “The coffee market is exploding and we are positioning ourselves to take
advantage of that by offering points of difference for coffee shops and other organisations with coffee offers.” The UK coffee market is now 10 times the size it was 15 years ago and is growing at seven times the rate of the UK economy. A partnership with market leaders in espresso machines Bravalor and La Spaziale is also ensuring that Total Foodservice can offer the tools for baristas to master the art of coffee. Total Foodservice supplies a wide range of food and drink to customers including coffee shops, hospitals and colleges as well as hotels and restaurant chains.
■■ Simon Howarth, of Dalton-based Total Foodservice
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Career in law just the job for Zahra Parents should always lead by example. And for Zahra Ali mum and dad have provided the perfect role models – dad as a self-made businessman and mum as a genius when it comes to Pakistani cuisine! Zahra, who works as an employment law advisor for Howarths People and Safety Management in Cleckheaton, emulates her father’s work ethic – and is trying to match her mum when it comes to cooking! She says: “I was born and raised in Dewsbury, so I am a Yorkshire lass! “My dad started working at the age of 13 with a paper round job and is now a successful business man. “He achieved so much without any support or financial backing and has always been my inspiration.” She says: “I always wanted to make my dad and family proud, but I did not really know how to do it. “I decided to study law as an A-level, not really knowing where this would take me. “I ended up really enjoying it and decided to do my law degree at Leeds Metropolitan University. I decided that this would be my career path. “During my law degree, to get some advisory experience. I decided to do some voluntary work at the Citizens Advice Bureau. “I was taken on as a volunteer general adviser and after some training I was allowed to see clients face to face. “My role was to take instructions from clients and advise them accordingly. There were a number of areas that I advised on including, housing, benefits, debt, employment and immigration. “I came across a variety of enquiries and with each enquiry I felt more and more confident. “I was not working alone; I was part of a team of voluntary advisors who were all very supportive. I really enjoyed my time
there.” Says Zahra: “In order to progress my legal career, I decided to apply for the Legal Practice course in Leeds. “I completed the course at BPP Law School and started applying for legal jobs. “At that point I had not secured a training contract, but decided that it was a good thing as it would give me the opportunity to undertake paralegal roles to see how law firms worked in practice. “I managed to get a job in a national law firm in Leeds as an employment law advisor and that is when I discovered my interest for employment law. “My role was to provide employment law advice to individuals who qualified for legal aid. “This was an interesting and challenging role and allowed me to deal with a whole spectrum of employee claims.” While not lacking in confidence when it came to applying for jobs, Zahra admits that the same can’t be said when she gets behind the wheel of a car! She says: “I was never a very keen or confident driver, so all the roles that I applied for were usually near a train station or a con-
Zahra Ali Role: Employment law advisor Age: 27 Holidays: My last holiay was a trip to Pakistan Best thing about the job? I enjoy the diversity of my role Worst thing about the job? Telling someone that they have no claim worth pursuing Business tip: Building a rapport with clients is a key attribute to business development
venient bus route! “As fate would have it, in 2012 I was lucky enough to be offered a training contract by a high street firm based in Hull. I accepted the position and commuted everyday from Dewsbury to Hull. “It is safe to say that I am still not particularly keen on driving – but my driving has improved!” Says Zahra: “I did a number of ‘seats’ during my training contract, including wills and probate, commercial litigation/debt, criminal law and employment law. “I enjoyed the different variety of work in different departments, but decided that I wanted to practice employment law.” At the end of January, Zahra completed her training contract and was keen to move back to West Yorkshire. “I started applying for newlyqualified solicitors’ roles,” she says. “An agency put me forward for a position at Howarths and I was invited for an interview. “I was interviewed by the managing director, Gavin Howarth, and the business development director, Tracey Craven – and was offered a position on the same day!
■■ Zahra Ali’s ambitions include learning to cook as well as her mum!
“The position and the location were ideal for me and I felt as though I would learn and develop my skills here. “I have been employed by Howarths for a short period of time, but everyone has been so welcoming that I have to remind myself that I am new to the team. “There was no awkwardness and everyone gets on really well and that shines through with the high level of service Howarths provides to its clients.” When she’s not working, Zahra is at home trying to master the art of cooking amazing Pakistani food. She says: “My mum is an absolute genius when it comes to Pakistani cuisine and I hope to one day master her technique.” While Zahra shares her father’s work ethic and hopes to emulate her mum’s cookery skills, she doesn’t share her dad’s taste in movies. “I love watching movies of different genres – except horror movies,” she says. “My dad is a movie fanatic and in the past he has made me watch horror movies by calling them thrillers! Safe to say I was not happy. “But watching movies is really an excuse to get together with my family and to spend some time together.” She says: “I am a real geek and enjoy watching comic book superhero movies and movies such as Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. “I would really like to learn how to speak and write Arabic and ultimately go travelling around the Eastern countries. “I have enquired about a few courses and am looking to do this course as soon as possible. “I believe that learning a different language really does open up new horizons and makes experiences in those countries more enjoyable.” Zahra adds: “I have recently taken up swimming and realised how unfit I am. The last time I went swimming was when I was at school, so I did pull a lot of muscles in my body when I started swimming again!”
Howarths People and Safety Management Work: Employment law specialists Site: Brooke Street, Cleckheaton Phone: 01274 864999 Email: info@howarths-uk.com Web: www.howarths-uk.com
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
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TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
KIRKLEES BUS
Chancellor aims to improve returns FDYL expands with new recruits A Cleckheaton firm providing specialist part-time and temporary financial directors has added to its team of interim finance directors. FDYL has recruited James Roach (above) and Janet Pryke to become part of its experienced team of associate FDs. Ms Pryke was recruited to strengthen FDYL’s business in South Yorkshire, working alongside one of the company’s directors, Martin Greenshields. She is now working with a £26m turnover motor trade business in Yorkshire. Taking up the role of financial director, she will oversee the day-to-day activities of the finance team. Mr Roach is a commercially-focused finance professional with experience in supporting owner-managed businesses in the £1m to £5m range. He has regularly been “parachuted” into businesses with cash pressure or refinancing requirements, but also specialises in helping to grow startup and early stage businesses. He has recently been deployed by FDYL at a growing entertainment software business in Bradford where he has taken up an interim FD role and is responsible for the business’s entire finance function. Mr Roach also runs his own successful construction company and uses this experience to assist business owners in shaping and developing their business objectives. FDYL managing partner Neil Muffitt said: “There is a varied mix of issues facing the clients we work with. Some businesses have managed to turn a corner and are now looking to grow again while some businesses are continuing to deal with the hangover of a recession. “Whatever their reason, it is encouraging to see the number of businesses realising the benefits of installing an interim finance director or controller in order to help them achieve their goals.”
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Savers – who have suffered from chronic rates of interest over the past few years – are one of the groups the Chancellor has sought to benefit from his recent Budget. As mentioned in my last article, this has been addressed to some extent with the increase, to £15,000, that an individual can invest tax-free in their New ISA, which comes into effect from July 1, 2014. For people aged 65 or over, the Budget also announced that National Savings and Investments (NS&I) will launch a choice of two fixed-rate, market-leading savings bonds, available from January, 2015. These products are aimed at providing certainty and a good return for those who have saved all their lives and now rely on their savings for income. Although the exact details of the bonds are still to be finalised, based on current NS&I projections they would attract rates of 2.8% gross on a one-year bond and 4.0% gross on a three-year bond with an investment limit of £10,000 per product. These will be taxed in line with all other savings income which has also been revised from April 6, 2015. For those who have NS&I indexedlinked Savings Certificates, it is possible to roll over into new ones ,albeit it with a tiny amount above inflation. But for those worried about inflation, they remain a good tax-free investment. There have been no new issues for
TAX TALK Colin Barratt some time. Currently, where an individual’s income does not exceed their Personal Allowance entitlement plus £2,880, savings income such as bank and building society interest is taxed at 10%. From April 6, 2015, the savings tax rate will be reduced to nil for these individuals up to a maximum of £5,000. This will enable a greater number of individuals to register to receive interest without deduction of tax at source rather than to seek a repayment of tax from HMRC. The new nil tax band will offer a further tax-saving opportunity for those grandparents who are liable to tax at higher rates on their savings income by gifting capital to their grandchildren. These grandchildren will then be able to shelter bank and building society interest with their own Personal Allowance and nil tax band. For the more sophisticated grandparent-investor having offshore investment bonds, it may be possible to
assign these to their grandchildren and any gains made on their surrender by the grandchild will be taxed on them and with these gains counting towards the nil tax band. The Budget also brought surprising and radical changes to the personal pension regime which may also be of particular benefit to those who have struggled to save towards their retirement. For those aged 60 or over having total pension funds of less than £30,000, they will now be able to withdraw such amounts where previously, the limit was £18,000. From April, 2015, it is proposed that the requirement to buy an annuity with a pension fund will be scrapped and individuals will be able to withdraw their entire fund to use as they see fit over as few or as many years as they like. The first 25% withdrawn will continue to be a tax-free lump sum with the balance being taxed at their marginal rate.
Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth chartered accountants, Huddersfield
Design company reaches for the skies The sky’s the limit for Huddersfield design and marketing firm The Design Bank. The company, based at Old Leeds Road, has landed the account for Virgin Balloon Flights – which was formed on the back of Sir Richard Branson’s trans-Atlantic hot air balloon flight in 1987. Since then, the company has grown to become the biggest hot air balloon company in the UK, offering flights in more than 100 locations throughout the UK. The Design Bank, which is led by managing director Richard Carter and creative director John Robinson, won the contract following a closely-fought pitch between four creative agencies from across the UK. Part of the brief was to create a 20th anniversary branding with Virgin Balloon Flights’ 2014 campaign. Before a decision could be made, all propos-
als had to be submitted to the Virgin.com’s group communication officer in Geneva. With the brief to care for all their marketing, The Design Bank’s first task is to re-design the Virgin Balloon Flights website. The site will be built on a full e-commerce platform, with prime consideration to its optimisation and responsiveness for use across all mobile applications. A spokesman for Virgin Balloon Flights said: “John and his team are always a pleasure to work with. “No deadline is too tight and no brief too ambitious. The Design Bank love to be challenged and have come up with some wonderfully creative concepts.” The Design Bank work on many brands across the UK and overseas in areas including branding, packaging, exhibitions work, PR, advertising and online ■■ The team at Huddersfield’s The Design Bank work.
Family to be a
Handing over the ation to the next co family business, it is Research by acc among more than 20 wide warns that a ambitions and plans ties for UK family account for more tha £80bn in annual tax quarter of total GDP. Katherine Bullock and PwC’s UK head “The world has chan tion since the curren and the pace of chan ate in response to glo demographic shifts, change and new tech “The handover f businesses – those m from start-up ventu commonly the most Of those taking o cumstances, 20% sa forward to running th to 8% for respondent Bearing the fam against the next gen the study. Some 88% the have to work har firm to “prove thems sider that gaining th workers is the sing they face. Promotion to chie no longer automatic tion, with a growin businesses being pre succession decisions The survey reveale were looking forward ness one day, but o would definitely hap it at best only fairly li It also discovered in the older genera how well they have ru underestimating the to do this as compete Said Katherine: “M rent generation ofte children aren’t suffic al and aren’t prepar hours they did to bui down the hall, their their parents would nology and new idea “This sort of imp decision-making and enon of the ‘sticky b generation hands ove firm in theory but in trol over everything t The survey also fou current generation w go. Katherine said: succession well are years ahead - ideally advance - accompan versations’ that addr ities and timings.”
Getting co
Companies are se connections at a n month. The Lockwood-b Chamber of Comme Connections Count 11am on Thursday, Whiteley Innovation
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014
SINESS NEWS
feuds avoided
reins from one generould make or break a claimed. countancy firm PwC 00 family firms worldmis-match of styles, s could cause difficuly businesses which an 9m jobs, about UK receipts and nearly a . k, Yorkshire partner of private client, said: nged out of all recognint generation took over ange can only accelerobal mega-trends like urbanisation, climate hnology. for ‘first generation’ making the transition ure to family firm - is fraught. over under these ciray they’re not looking he business compared ts as a whole.” mily name can work neration. according to % of those polled said rder than others in the selves” while 59% conhe respect of their cogle biggest challenge
ef executive officer is c for the next generang number of family epared to make tough s. ed that 73% said they d to running the busionly 35% thought that ppen and 29% thought ikely. a tendency for some ation to overestimate un the business, while eir children’s capacity ently as they did. Members of the curen comment that their ciently entrepreneurired to put in the long ild the business while, r children are wishing d embrace new techas. passe can slow down d lead to the phenombaton’, where the older er management of the n practice retains conthat matters.” und that 64% think the will find it tough to let : “Firms that manage those that plan many y, five to seven years in nied by ‘sensible conress roles, responsibil-
onnected
et to make some great networking event next
based Mid Yorkshire erce will hold its next event from 9.30am to , May 1, at the Elsie n Centre in Halifax.
local
Opening lines of communication A telecoms company has joined Huddersfield Town’s list of commercial partners. Brighouse-based Abzorb is an award-winning provider of mobile, fixed line and WAN/LAN data solutions. For almost 20 years, it has been at the forefront of telecommunications and works with UK leading suppliers such as BT, Vodafone, Apple, O2 and Blackberry. Abzorb, based at Armytage Road, landed two major UK industry awards won in 2010 and 2013. This success has led to it moving to new, state-ofthe-art premises and the launch of a new online mobile shop, abzorbshop. co.uk, which sells the latest mobile devices. In addition to providing independent advice about the best telecommunication solutions for businesses, Abzorb also delivers, installs and services a wealth of high quality, low-cost telecoms solutions designed to help all sizes of business run more efficiently. Abzorb is led by managing directors Steve Beeby and Mike Walsh – who is a
■■ Abzorb MDs Steve Beeby and Mike Walsh with Town’s Sean Jarvis
lifelong Town supporter. They said: “We are avid football fans and are excited to be partnering Huddersfield Town Football Club. “Our ethos is to keep offering excellent customer service and the latest technology at competitive prices to our local customer base and the Hud-
dersfield Town brand will help us to develop this further.” Town commercial director Sean Jarvis said: “We are delighted to welcome Abzorb to our family of partners. I would personally like to thank Steve, Mike and everyone at Abzorb for affiliating with Huddersfield Town.”
Bosses urged to act on absence policies
Firms have been urged to tighten up their sickness and absence procedures with the abolition of a relief scheme originally designed to compensate employers for sickness absence. Businesses have lost the right to reclaim statutory sick pay under the percentage threshold scheme. Under the scheme, employers could claim back the cost of SSP paid out to workers if
it exceeded 13% of their National Insurance contributions for the period. The initiative was designed as a disaster relief scheme for employers struggling to cope with higher than average sickness absence. Now the Department of Work and Pensions is ending the scheme after a review commissioned by the government into sickness absence showed it has not
encouraged employers to manage sickness absence in the workplace. Hilary Garnett, partner in commercial litigation and employment law at Huddersfield law firm Baxter Caulfield, said the move could seriously undermine the progress made by SMEs at a time when the economic recovery is still not guaranteed and could even lead to the failure of some firms
due to the financial burden caused by long-term sickness absence. She said: “I would strongly urge SMEs to review and potentially tighten their absence and sickness procedures to militate against the end of the relief scheme,. “Employers should ensure that they have in place a clearly worded sickness absence policy.”
Meeting up in person is our favourite way to network, EY reveals Yorkshire business people are among the UK’s most active face-toface networkers, according to new research. The study commissioned by accountancy firm Ernst & Young (EY) found that 61% of people surveyed in the region said that they network in person, the second highest percentage in the UK behind only Northern Ireland at 82%. Face-to-face contact was followed by email (50%) and telephone (37%) in a list of ways people network in the region. The research, comprising a white paper by Julia Hobsbawm, Visiting Professor of Networking at London’s Cass Business School, and a Populus survey of 750 business professionals, also found that just 44% of respondents in Yorkshire agreed that they value networking as a professional skill, compared with 55% nationally. David Buckley, transaction advisory services partner at EY in Yorkshire, said: “Networking is often seen as a separate distinct activity, where business cards are exchanged and hands are shaken. “In reality, it’s something we all do every day with our friends, colleagues, clients and acquaintances. “Networking is about forming and maintaining relationships. “It’s encouraging that Yorkshire professionals are amongst the most active face-to-face net-
workers in the country. It’s important that companies and individuals in the region treat networking as a skill to be developed and maintained over time, whether that’s through formal training, mentoring, internal networks or simply networking as regularly as possible.” Julia, author of Fully Connected, the EY whitepaper, said: “In the sea of digital overload, people crave human connection, either one-to-one, or one-to-many. “The ability to connect with another human, to develop trust, understanding, faith, belief and a relationship, happens best face-to-face.” The research also found that professionals in Yorkshire struggle to manage their networks online. Some 49% of Yorkshire’s business people do not have LinkedIn accounts, while only 28% network using online social networks. Julia said: “While faceto-face contact is clearly preferable, business people in our region also need to embrace new channels for networking. “Online professional social networks present a significant opportunity to make new connections and keep in regular contact with them. “Being able to network and collaborate with peers is now being directly linked to productivity. “The softer skills of connection are increasingly crucial to professional success.”
Key first quarter for Lockwood-based technology firm A company providing IT support has reported a successful first quarter. Lockwood-based P2 Technologies Ltd has recruited its fourth apprentice, promoted another member of staff and secured a place among the top global managed service providers. During the period, P2 promoted Jamie Sheard to first line service engineer. Jamie successfully completed a 12 month work placement at P2 and the Microsoft Advanced Apprenticeship Programme, In his new role, he will take responsibility for customer backup systems, remote monitoring and advising customers. After gaining a place as one of the leading global managed service providers list in the MSPmentor 501, the firm has recruited Sam Carsberg as a second line IT service engineer. Sam has more than 20 years’ experience and will provide advice to customers and
deal with complex IT issues. Jordan Powell also joins the team as apprentice IT Service Engineer. P2’s fourth apprentice, he gained a distinction in BTEC Level 2 IT Practitioner at college and will shadow the experienced engineers for 12 months before taking responsibility for a number of important tasks within the team. P2 director Martin Page said: “Progression and development of staff is vital at P2 as it not only strengthens our team but the overall customer experience that is delivered. “Staff retention has always been high at P2 and we are pleased that Jamie is progressing well within the business and adding value to clients. “We are also pleased to welcome Sam and Jordan to the team and are looking forward to seeing them grow with the company.”
■■ P2 Technologies’ (from left) Jamie Sheard, Jordan Powell and Sam Carsberg
6
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
local
So, will NISAs by nicer than ISAs for savers? From July 1, 2014, all ISAs will become New ISAs (NISAs). The new limit will be £15,000 per person per tax year. You will be able to split the amount you invest in an ISA between a Cash NISA and a Stocks and Shares NISA in whatever way you choose – there will no longer be a restriction on the amount you can pay to a cash ISAs of half the total ISA limit. You will be able to transfer from a Stocks and Shares NISA to a Cash NISA – previously you could only transfer from a Stocks and Shares ISA to a Cash ISA. You will be able to hold one NISA for both cash and stocks and shares within the same NISA. It’ll be interesting to see whether Stocks and Shares NISA providers start to offer attractive cash rates to compete with traditional Cash ISA providers. From April 6, 2014, to June, 2014, the current rules apply. Therefore, you can pay up to £11,880 but not pay more than £5,940 into a Cash ISA. You can
top up to the NISA limit from July 1, 2014. You can only pay into one Cash NISA and one Stocks and Shares NISA per tax year, or choose to pay into one NISA and hold cash and stocks and shares within it. If you have invested in a Cash NISA between April 6, 2014, and June 30, 2014, and the provider does not allow additional payments to be made, you can transfer to another Cash NISA or Stocks and Shares NISA provider that will allow additional contributions. The maximum contribution for Junior ISAs will increase to £4,000 from July 1,2014. Those between ages 16 and 18 can contribute to a JISA up to the limit of £4,000, thereafter up to £15,000 in a Cash NISA! Here’s a brief recap of the benefits of investing in NISAs: (1) No Capital Gains Tax to pay on investment growth (2) No personal income tax to pay on income paid out or reinvested (3) You can fully or partly cash in
FINANCIAL FOCUS Karen Wynard your NISA at any time without penalty Please contact Eastwood Financial Services or your own financial adviser if you wish to discuss further. An adviser will be able to discuss with you investments that match your tolerance of investment risk – remember that Stocks and Shares NISAs don’t have to be invested in shares – they can invest in other ways such as fixed interest investments (such as corporate bonds) and commercial property funds as well. Please note the following investment risk warnings:
(1) As property is a specialist sector it can be volatile in adverse market conditions and there could be delays in realising your investment. (2) Property valuation is a matter of judgement by an independent valuer and is therefore a matter of opinion rather than fact. (3) Equity investments do not provide the same security of capital as a deposit account. (4) The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount invested.
Karen Wynard is a director a t Eastwood Financial Services Ltd
Best-ever year for international recruitment agency An international recruitment agency based in Brighouse has reported its most successful 12 months of trading – with revenue growth of more than 50% in 2013. Recruitment and training specialist Transline Group posted a 52% rise in turnover compared to 2012, as its UK sales climbed to £107.9m in 2013. It also shows a major increase on figures from 2011 when sales reached £54.3m. Transline has 80 locations across the UK with administrative headquarters in Brighouse and its operational headquarters based in Manchester. The business has secured major new contracts with some of the world’s premier internet retailers and developed its offering to areas such as home delivery. The firm, which is led by joint managing directors Paul Beasley and Jon Taylor, has expanded globally into countries such as Poland, Canada and Thailand.
■■ Jonn Taylor (left) and Paul Beasley, joint MDs of recruitment firm Transline
Mr Beasley said: “Innovating and tailoring our services to meet our clients’ needs has also been a big factor in our success. The growth is absolute testament to the unwavering hard
work and dedication of the entire team. “We’ve had a staggeringly positive first quarter this year, so it looks like we will maintain our growth record
and hit the £175m mark this year. “We have lots contracts coming through, with plenty of vacancies. In Yorkshire alone, we have 100 driver vacancies right now, which are ideal for people looking to be part of a successful operation with high-profile clients. This is also a real boost to the region’s jobs market.” Transline Group’s results come at the end of the most successful 12 months in the company’s 20-year history and means the fast-growing firm is well on course to achieve its ambitions for 2014. Mr Taylor said: “We have been working hard to expand our operations over the past few years and it has really begun to pay off, with our increasing presence across the UK, Europe, Canada and even Thailand. “Now we’re looking to sustain this growth as the economy shows real signs of improvement.” Transline Group operates across a wide range of industry sectors.
Halifax company looks to Holmfirth for HR expertise A Huddersfield HR consultancy has started the new financial year with a new contract win. The Personnel Partnership, based in Holmfirth, has been chosen to develop an HR and learning and development strategy for Halifax-based Project:ff&e – a design and project management firm specialising in furniture, fittings and equipment services for universities, schools and academies. The company has grown quickly
since it began as a furniture design and lifecycle consultancy in 2010 and now employs 20 people and is projecting turnover in excess of £8m this year. The Personnel Partnership, launched in 2001, will manage a staged approach to implementing the company’s HR strategy, which will include wider advice on its recruitment and employment process as well as working more closely with senior managers to review the company’s business plan and iden-
tify learning and development needs for current employees. Helen Straw, owner and director of The Personnel Partnership, said: “I’m delighted to be working with Project:ff&e to deliver their HR and Learning and Development strategy. “I will be working closely as an integral part of the business so that all employees get to know me and I look forward to building some great relationships.”
Helen will also work with senior managers to review and revise the company’s current appraisal process to ensure employees are always fully engaged. Jamie Watson, managing director of Project:ff&e, said: “We are looking forward to working alongside Helen and The Personnel Partnership. “It has been refreshing to have an enthusiastic and proactive HR consultant on board.”
£68m-plus for SMEs in Yorkshire More than £68m has been invested in small and mediumsized enterprises by regional funding body Finance Yorkshire, new figures reveal. The amount invested to date equates to a total of 545 investments in SMEs operating across Yorkshire. The funds are enabling these businesses to grow, create jobs and exploit new market opportunities. Finance Yorkshire is now working with its partners – including Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership covering Kirklees – to support the region’s SMEs and their growth plans. Finance Yorkshire provides seedcorn, loan and equity linked investments, ranging from £15,000 to £2m to help SMEs meet their funding requirements for growth and development. The new figures show Finance Yorkshire’s investments have in total created 2,782 jobs, safeguarded 3,826 jobs, created 32 new businesses and helped a further 326, generated £84m in increased turnover and leveraged £109m from the private sector. Alex McWhirter, chief executive of Finance Yorkshire, said: “These figures are a strong demonstration of the impact and value that we bring to SMEs across the Yorkshire region. “In what has been a difficult couple of years, our investments have helped companies grow and maintain their competitive edge, increasing turnover, creating much-needed jobs and fuelling the regional economy. “I’m confident our investments across a range of sectors will continue in the coming months, particularly with the upturn in the economy and a strong desire among SMEs to seek finance for growth.” Finance Yorkshire is supported financially by the European Union. It has attracted £30m investment from the European Regional Development Fund, £15m from UK Government and £45m match funding from the European Investment Bank.
All change for Friday It’s a new venue – but the same opportunities to forge business links. The Last Friday Club will meet from 12.30pm to 1.30pm this Friday at Maggie’s, Fountain Street, Halifax, for an informal networking session. The regular get-togethers are supported by law firm Ramsdens, the Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Barclays, the Chartered Institute of Marketing and Maggie’s. Go to www.ramsderns.co.uk or call Katie Butters at Ramsdens on 01484 558071.
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Chartered surveyors get ‘green’ message The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is set to take part in a major “green” exhibition. The RICS will exhibit at the Greenbuild Expo, which takes place on May 7 and 8 in Manchester – as “green” issues increasingly become an issue for the construction sector. A spokesman said: “With increasingly high environmental efficiency standards being demanded of buildings and developments, RICS believes its membership will have an important role to play in helping deliver ‘green’ projects. “As well as engaging with existing members over the important issues facing sustainable build-
ings and environmentally-friendly property, RICS hopes to generate interest from surveyors and other professionals in its activities. “Key regional RICS staff will attend the event.” The Expo brings together UK and international environmental property experts, including surveyors, builders, academics, consultants and architects for two days of debate and presentations on the latest thinking on sustainability in the built environment. Delegates will hear about renewable technologies, sustainable materials and legislation updates from speakers including the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).
The Greenbuild Expo aims to foster debate on important issues facing property professionals looking at environmental and sustainability issues, such as “green solutions” for commercial and public buildings, zero carbon building and low carbon cities and energy efficiency measures. Jennifer Welch, RICS regional director for the North and Midlands, said: “Green trends within the building sector are important and the appreciation of a property’s environmental impact is becoming more and more accepted. “We’re seeing that environmentally-friendly housing and developments are increasingly
mainstream – they’re not just the preserve of one-off grand designs. “It’s important that RICS is at the forefront of this trend. “The surveying profession will have a central role to play in implementing and enforcing higher environmental building standards. “We hope to see many existing RICS members and welcome professionals interested in joining the institution at the Green build Expo.” The Greenbuild Expo (www. greenbuildexpo.co.uk) takes place on May 7 and 8 at Manchester Central exhibition and conference centre. RICS will exhibit at Stand F38.
Plaudits for saviour of village post office An Emley-based businessman has been hailed as a “true Yorkshire hero” after keeping his local post office alive. Santokh Singh Uppal, whose family owns convenience store and newsagent Emley Food & Wine, brokered a deal to save Emley’s post office, which was due to close after its owner retired. Santokh, 48, said: “It is sad to see any local service close, especially the post office, which so many people rely on, so I am delighted to have been able to add this service to our already thriving business. “The post office is an integral part of any community and I am happy to save it from potential closure in Emley, as the next post office is three miles away, which is out of reach for so many people in the village who don’t have any means of transport.” Amanda Vigar, managing part-
ner at Holmfirth-based V&A Bell Brown LLP, and her team have handled the tax affairs for Santokh for many years. She is a keen advocate for local services and the key part that they play in the community. She said: “I am delighted for Santokh and his family for bucking the trend of post office closures in the region. “I am a firm supporter of buying local and using local services and it is a shame when you read about such closures as the knockon effect can be disastrous for so many people. I would like to wish Santokh all the very best with his new business.” Emley Food & Wine, which is operated by Santokh’s wife, Harwinder Kaur Uppal and its staff, ■■ Amanda Vigar with Santokh Singh Uppal at his shop in Emley will now incorporate the services of the post office, offering cus- during the week. ers added convenience. I look tomers extended opening hours Said Santokh: “We have dou- forward to providing the people and greater access to postal serv- bled the hours of the post office of Emley with these additional ices at the weekend and later service, which gives our custom- services.”
David named among the region’s high-fliers A director at clayware group Naylor Industries has been recognised as a rising star. David Cartwright, gardenware divisional managing director at the Cawthorne-based group, has been included in the 42 Under 42 listing, which singles out Yorkshire’s top emerging business talent. Mr Cartwright (pictured), a graduate of Sheffield University and a former international water polo player, joined Naylor nine years ago. His first two years at Naylor were on drainage sales before he moves to the gardenware division, where he was appointed managing direc-
tor two years ago. Mr Cartwright has presided over a period of rapid growth in Naylor’s gardenware business. Sales of Naylor’s Yorkshire Flowerpots – a range of British-made frost-proof pots have increased dramatically. In summer, 2013, Mr Cartwright oversaw the acquisition of Clough Mill, an importer of complementary top quality glazed Malaysian pots, which are being sold alongside Naylor’s Yorkshire range. Naylor chief executive Edward Naylor said: “We are delighted that David’s hard work over recent years has received this external recognition.”
They’re clocking up the mileage British tradespeople are spending on average one working week away from home per month, according to new research by Direct Line for Business. Builders are most likely to spend a night away from home, stopping out on average of nine nights per month. The research also reveals tradespeople are travelling on average 355 miles a month to get to jobs the length and breadth of the country – the equivalent of travelling to New York and back every year. The distance travelled by British tradespeople in 2013 has increased by more than 6% compared with 2012. On average, builders travelled the furthest to do a job – a whopping 1,125 miles a month. General handy men travelled 540 miles and plasterers travelled 436 miles. Between 2012 and 2013 the research also revealed how electricians saw the average length of their travel increase by 29% while plumbers travelled 15% more and plasterers 9%.Only decorators and general handy men saw the distance they travelled decrease, both by 4%. Jasvinder Gakhal, of Direct Line for Business, said: “Our research shows the dedication of tradespeople across the UK to complete jobs. The last few years has presented some serious challenges to tradespeople, However, this proves the commitment made to ensure jobs are being done and how far people are prepared to travel to take on work.” A consequence of increased mileage is higher van insurance costs for tradespeople. DL4B has recently launched DrivePlus Van, its van telematics app, which can be used to potentially offset this increased cost, through offering good driver discounts. Jasvinder said: “Telematics has been used for a number of years by fleet managers in order to track their vehicles and optimise productivity. Here at Direct Line for Business we’re bringing that technology to owners of single vans in an easy to use app. “With capital still stretched for many small businesses, owners of commercial vans are understandably concerned about the cost and risks of operating their vehicle. Telematics encourages responsible driving and through our app this can earn drivers a significant discount on their van insurance.”
Funding secured for energy project Work to transform the site of a former chemical works to pave the way for a new power station has received £2.45m in funding. St Paul’s Developments has been awarded the money from Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to undertake major remediation and infrastructure works at its 110-acre former chemical works site in Knottingley, Wakefield. The works will pave the way for a new £750m power station to be built and operated by Irish energy company ESB which could deliver around 1,000 construction jobs. The £2.45m has been allocated from the LEP’s Growing Places fund which provides loans for projects that will create economic and employment growth in the city region. The loan will be repaid and so available to the LEP to recycle to other projects. Following detailed talks with Wakefield Council about planning options for the site, Special Policy Designation was granted in September, 2012, which provides flexibility in the way the site is utilised. This enabled regeneration specialist St Paul’s Developments to masterplan the scheme to include an Energy Centre and additional long-term plans for employment and residential use. St Paul’s Developments has already undertaken the demolition and decommissioning of the 25-acre section of the Knottingley site which had been the former home of Oxiris Chemicals for some 70 years in the first element of the site’s transformation.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Mark Goss
New director for Northgate Northgate Vehicle Hire, which has a branch at Deighton in Huddersfield, has appointed Mark Goss as asset procurement director as the company sets to expand and build upon its growth plans. Mr Goss (pictured) will be responsible for Northgate’s UK asset procurement strategy and all related purchases across its network of 69 branches. Previously working as head of best practice, procurement and asset management for energy giant EON, Mr Goss has a wealth of experience in developing, managing and optimising procurement systems. Having worked with the company for almost nine years, he was responsible for a team of more than 85 people supporting EON’s procurement transformation in both the UK and Sweden. Mr Goss’ new role at Northgate will see him draw on this experience as he heads asset-related purchases associated with the company’s
Engine oil expert’s slick performance By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
55,000-strong fleet of vehicles. Mr Goss said: “Northgate’s growth strategy is exciting to say the least. Joining the company at this critical growth period provides me with a unique opportunity to shape the company’s vehicle associated assets..” Mike Willink, supply chain and business development director for Northgate Vehicle Hire, said: “Mark has a wealth of industry experience. “His proven track record and clear ability to lead a team and structure improvements means this appointment is well deserved.”
Jon Banks & Peter Chana
It’s 10 plus two at Mirfield
A Mirfield brand and design consultancy has expanded its senior team with two new staff. Jon Banks and Peter Chana (above) have joined 10 Associates as senior designer and senior creative artworker respectively. They come on board as the company, which works with brands such as online appliance retailer AO.Com, Skipton FS and Welcome To Yorkshire, launches “The Playground”, an innovative office space at its Watermill site, which has been designed as an area to encourage the team and clients to discuss creative ideas in a relaxed environment.
movers and shakers
Mr Banks, who graduated with BA Hons in graphic arts and design from Leeds Metropolitan University, previously worked in the print industry. He said: “Working in print has given me a good eye for detail and I look forward to bringing that and my design background to 10 Associates.” Mr Chana, a graduate of Leeds College of Art and Design, has a background in typography and artwork and more than 20 years experience at many of the leading creative agencies in the North of England. He said: “I’m delighted to be joining a growing design consultancy.””
A specialist in the development of engine oils has won an award for his work. Dr Rai Singh Notay, product development engineer at Brighouse-based Millers Oils, secured first prize in the Communication in Engineering competition run by the Yorkshire automotive division of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers for his experimental research into lubrication degradation. Notay, who wrote his paper as part of a PhD, explored how oil degradation and flow around engine components can be affected by new automotive technology trends such as startstop systems and downsizing. He said: “I am honoured to receive this prestigious award from the IMechE and am pleased that the need to develop oil alongside automotive technology is being recognised by the industry, “Working for Millers Oils allows me to continue researching into how oil technology needs to progress and help develop the products needed to enable new component technologies for vehicle manufacturers.” The paper looks at how the automotive industry focuses on improvements to fuel economy and reductions in harmful exhaust emissions, but may have forgotten how modern technology affects engine oils. Notay used an experimental method to
■■ Dr Raj Singh Notay whose work at Millers Oils has earned him a major engineering award
examine lubricant flow within the engine, predominantly around the piston ring area, and looked at how modern technologies can affect this along with oil degradation. He discovered that the piston pack residence time had important implications for lubricant degradation as well as ring pack film thickness, friction and wear. Millers Oils joint managing director Nevill Hall said: “At Millers Oils, we believe in putting
oil back on the map and strive to develop innovative oil technologies that not only provide benefits to consumers but also enable advances in automotive technology, “Dr Notay’s ongoing work makes him an excellent addition to our development team as he has a true understanding of how automotive and oil technology developers need to work together to optimise the evolution of engine design.”
Raising a glass to a star performer They’re the best bar none! A company provioding drinks dispense equipment is the latest winner of a new monthly award. Fenay Bridge-based Brewfitt has won the Shooting Star award run by Huddersfield Town in tandem with club partner Total Dilapidations Services (TDS). Town commercial director Sean Jarvis, manager Mark Robins and TDS managing director Chris Lee select a business each month to receive the accolade. Brewfitt is the third recipient, following on from Continental Sports Ltd and Control House. The firm was chosen for its innovative Cooltube and 4Flow products – equipment that aims to save pubs money. 4Flow is a coolant liquid designed to freeze at sub-zero temperatures, while Cooltube is a compact heat
■■ Huddersfielld Town commercial director Sean Jarvis (second lef )t and Chris Lee (centre), of Total Dilapidations Services, with the Brewfitt team of (from left) Glenn, Curtis and James Paxman
exchanger. This means that customers can enjoy colder beer, while pubs enjoy savings between £3,000 and £5,000 in reduction in energy consumption and beer wastage.
The competition for the award was tough, Brewfitt faced a number of other companies including Suma Wholefoods, Kippax Willows and The Shepard Group.
Mr Jarvis said: “The number of companies on our shortlist for the January Shooting Star award shows how well businesses are doing in our region. Huddersfield really is the place to make it! “However, the recent innovations that Brewfitt has come up with made them the obvious recipient for this award.” Mr Lee said: “Brewfitt’s local, nation and international achievements are well worthy of recognition. In fact, I believe their winning only serves to increase the prestige of the award. It’s a privilege to present the award to a friendly family business showing as much commitment to their staff as their clients.” Brewfitt managing director Curtis Paxman said: “We at Brewfitt are delighted to receive the Shooting Star Award.”
Leading light among fastest-growing companies A lighting manufacturer is shining out as one of the UK’s fastestgrowing companies. Status International, based at Cleckheaton, has been ranked 90th in the Sunday Times BDO Profit Track 100 of Britain’s fast-
est-growing firms. The company, which employs 60 people, has posted annual profit growth of 46.20% over the past three years. The firm makes electrical lighting and accessories and supplies wholesalers, retail-
ers and commercial end-users such as airports, hotels and leisure centres. The firm was founded under the trading title of De La Mer in 1975 before becoming part of an international plc in 1987. It traded
as De La Mer until 1991 before adopting its current identity. Managing director Peter McVeigh was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in October last year in recognition of his 50 years in the industry.