SHANNON MARTIN
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FTSE 100 MARTIN THOMPSON -21.07 The dangers of delay Column - Page 6 6728.44
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014
Here comes the bride! Interview - Page 3
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Newsagent shows way as independents fight back The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
INSIDE
Joining forces
henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
Independent retailer have been urged to get together to support each other’s endeavours. And as Independent Retailer Month nears its close, one Huddersfield newsagent has already teamed up with another Yorkshire-based business in a bid to secure their mutual success. David Proud, who runs Holme Valley News in Meltham and Holmfirth, has extended his scope beyond newspapers, magazines and Mars bars to stock a range of own-label confectionery, biscuits and preserves after teaming up with old-established firm Farrah’s of Harrogate. He said: “We have been running the shops for almost three years and one of the things we noticed from the start was demand for sweets in jars. We were increasingly thinking about expanding in that area ourselves to provide an ownlabel offering and develop our website to sell online, increase sales and provide something different for the customer. “There are still lots of customers who come into the shop once a week to pay their paper bill – and leave.” Under the agreement with Farrah’s – billed as “purveyors of confectionery and fine foods since 1840” – Holme Valley News has its own Holme Valley Fine Foods brand with products including hand-packed sweets, biscuits and cakes, fudges, toffees, marmalade and chutneys. Said Mr Proud: “We are introducing hampers for Christmas, Mother’s Day and other special occasions and the range will be extended to include products for weddings, high school proms and corporate gifts.
■■ David Proud, of Holme Valley News with the new Holme Valley Fine Foods range
“We are looking at attending local food fairs, such as Holmfirth Food and Drink Festival in September. There is also a website.” Mr Proud said the tie-up was unusual for his kind of business, but said: “It is all about trying to up our game and extend
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our offer. Newsagency is not an easy game to be in. “A lot of shops like ours can look rundown and not very attractive places to shop in. We want to make it a pleasant shopping experience. “We want to make our shops as nice as
we can and we want to be proud of what we have to offer them.” The annual Independent Retailer Month, now in its fourth year, has seen hundreds of small businesses running events and activities to raise awareness – with many working together to offer excitement and enticement to their communities. Springboard Research for the British Retail Consortium last year found that high street footfall was down by 26% between 2007 and 2013 during traditional hours. However, the same research revealed growth in numbers between 5pm and 8pm. A study conducted by the Centre for Local Economic Strategies on behalf of the Federation of Small Business found that for every £1 spent locally, 50p to 70p goes back into the local economy. The survey claimed that if £1 was spent out of town, just 5p would find its way back to the local community. Clare Rayner, founder of the Support for Independent Retail campaign, said: “Other than opening later in the evenings or physically pushing people through the shop doors, independent retailers should collaborate to figure out ways to bring the excitement and enticement back to the high street. “By working together to find fun, original ways to promote each other, local independent retailers can engage the public’s interest and help them to understand the benefits of shopping locally.” She said: “Collaborative events can go a long way to bringing a community together and increasing footfall on the high street. “Consumers need to be reminded of the advantages of shopping locally and how those advantages benefit not only the smaller businesses and boutique shops, but the local economy as a whole.”
examiner.co.uk
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter
prominent West Yorkshire business people have teamed up to support each other and the wider community. Members of the group, which is the brainchild of Cleckheaton-based businessman Andy Howarth, have come together with the aim of purpose of improving their business skills and personal development and identifying important local and regional challenges to businesses.
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Light clothing A fashion brand to be seen in has been launched by a Huddersfield man. Graphic designer Steve Cooper, of Outlane, has launched Zhoodz – a high visibility, functional fashion brand, designed to keep people such as cyclists, dog-walkers and motor bikers safe while outdoors in the evenings and at night.
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TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Tesco boss quits as sales and trading profits slip Tesco chief executive Philip Clarke is quitting as the boss of Britain’s biggest supermarket. The group, which is seeing its worst sales performance in four decades, announced Mr Clarke’s departure as it issued a fresh warning on profits. He will step down from the board on October 1 to be replaced by Unilever executive Dave Lewis, although he will continue in a support role until the end of January. Tesco chairman Sir Richard Broadbent said: “Having guided Tesco through a substantial re-positioning in challenging markets, Philip Clarke agreed with the board that this is the appropriate moment to hand over to a new leader with fresh perspectives and a new profile.” Mr Clarke said: “Having taken the business through the huge challenges of the last few years, I think this is the right moment to hand over responsibility and I am delighted that Dave Lewis has agreed to join us. “Dave has worked with Tesco directly or indirectly over many years and is well-known within the business. I will do everything in my power to support him in taking the company forward through the next stage of its journey.”
■■ Outgoing Tesco chief Philip Clarke
Mr Clarke, who had worked his way up from the shop floor to lead Tesco, admitted last month that the store’s quarterly like-for-like sales, which posted a 3.7% drop, were the worst he had known in 40 years. But its latest statement said conditions had become even worse than had been thought at that time. “The overall market is weaker and
– combined with increasing investments we are making to improve the customer offer and to build long-term loyalty – this means that sales and trading profit in the first half of the year are somewhat below expectations.” Tesco has been battling with intense competition from discount rivals amid a continuing upheaval in customers’ shopping habits and a squeeze on household budgets. It said a better picture for the full year would depend on Tesco seeing improvements as a result of its investments and in an upturn in the market, as well as “any steps that may be taken during the remainder of the year to improve our customer offer further”. The group said: “Philip has done a huge amount to set a clear direction and re-position Tesco to meet the rapid changes taking place in the retail market. “He has achieved a great deal across all areas of the business in the face of considerable pressures. “The board are deeply grateful to Philip for his contribution to Tesco, over the last four decades, as well as more recently as chief executive. His has been an outstanding achieve-
Skills still in short supply say builders Skills shortage concerns in the construction industry across the North of England now stand at a six-year high. The latest survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors shows that 49% of respondents don’t have enough quantity surveyors to meet current workloads – up from 44% in the first quarter of 2014. Nationally, 54% of respondents reported a shortfall of quantity surveyors – up from 41% last quarter. The RICS Construction Market Survey for the second quarter of the year shows private housing, commercial and industrial sectors are driving strong growth across the whole of the UK. In the North, 35% of respondents reported rising workloads, while the Midlands saw workloads rise at a record pace with a net balance of 57%. However, a shortage of bricklayers and managerial workers – coupled with difficulties sourcing some key building materials – is likely to result in upward pressure on costs and prices as well as presenting a challenge to further strong growth in the sector. In the North, as well as too few quantity surveyors, 49% of respondents said there was also a lack of professional or managerial workers. The shortage of bricklayers, plumbers and electricians rose to the highest level since 2006, with 40% of respondents reporting difficulties filling positions – up from 25% in the first quarter.
ment. “Dave Lewis brings a wealth of international consumer experience and expertise in change management, business strategy, brand management and customer development. “He is already known to many people inside Tesco, having worked with the business over many years in his roles at Unilever. “The board believes that, with Dave’s leadership, Tesco will sustain and improve its leading position in the retail market.” Mr Lewis will receive a basic salary of £1.25m – compared with £1.14m for Mr Clarke – plus benefits. He will also get £525,000 in lieu of his current year cash bonus from Unilever, as well as Tesco share awards to replace those he will forfeit on departure. Mr Lewis, 49, joins Tesco from his role as president of Unilever’s personal care division, which produces brands such as Lynx, Dove, Sure and Pond’s. He has worked for the consumer goods giant since 1987 after graduating from Trent business school in Nottingham. Tesco said he had been responsible for a number of business turnarounds during his career,.
BSkyB snaps up production firm
Forex traders face SFO inquiry
The independent producer behind the BBC’s hit show The Great British Bake-Off has been snapped up by BSkyB. The satellite giant has bought a 70% stake in Love Productions, which also made controversial welfare documentary Benefits Street and is thought to have a turnover of about £14m, netting a windfall for the two founders who set it up in 2004. Sky said Anna Beattie and Love’s chief executive Richard McKerrow, a former commis-
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has launched a criminal inquiry into the alleged rigging of foreign exchange (forex) markets. The investigation into whether traders benefited from the manipulation of benchmark forex prices comes amid an existing probe by Britain’s financial watchdog. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said in October it had joined other regu-
sioning editor for Channel 4, will remain with the group as it is run as a distinct company under distribution platform Sky Vision, which will carry on offering the shows to other broadcasters in the UK and abroad. Sky Vision was created in 2012 and is a key part of plans to broaden its international content business across broadcasting, production and distribution amid mounting competition from the likes of
BT and internet streaming services such as Netflix. Sophie Turner Laing, managing director of content for Sky, said: “This is a significant step for our growing international content business. Love is one of the UK’s most innovative and creative independent producers with a track record of success across a range of genres, both in the UK and globally.” Love is also behind the Great British Sewing Bee and several documentaries.
lators around the world in scrutinising firms over the potential manipulation of the £3 trillion-a-day forex market. The SFO said in a brief statement: “The director of the Serious Fraud Office has today opened a criminal investigation into allegations of fraudulent conduct in the foreign exchange market.” Regulators have been looking into whether currency traders shared information
about their positions and knowledge of client orders through instant messages to rig the foreign exchange market in their favour. Currency exchange rates are set on a daily basis by analysing trading volumes at leading banks during a short time window. It is thought that traders could potentially influence exchange rates by pushing through large orders during the 60-second window to make a profit.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN
American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys
£54.41 £76.61 £38.31 £60.14 1854.93 £58.22 £26.12 43.94 £44.98 £46.85
AEROSPACE & DEFENCE
Avon Rbbr BAE Systems Rolls-Royce
AIM
Brady Plc Highland Gold Mining London Security GKN
-6 +23/4
761/2 70 £233/4
-1/2
345 /2
-3 /8
1
BANKS
-0.19
6391/4 420 1032
AUTOMOBILES & PARTS
Barclays HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart
-0.39 +0.21 -0.10 -0.05 -9.37 +0.38 -0.06
2101/4 5971/8 725/8 319 1205
Diageo SABMiller Croda Elementis 98 Johnsn Mat
BEVERAGES
1812 £337/8
-5
£221/8 2541/4 £301/4
-1/4 +7/8 -1/4
230 /8 2591/4
+ /4 -23/4
CHEMICALS
CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
Balfour Beatty Costain
7
ELECTRICITY
Drax Gp SSE
700 1529
3
+1
ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Laird
2621/2
-1/2
443 /4
-5/8
3823/8 461/8 1357/8 963/4 3123/4
-11/8 -1/4 +7/8 +3/4 +1/4
173 /4 3181/4 2885/8
-4 /4 -63/8 +35/8
EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS
Alliance Trust
1
FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
1
-15/8 -21/8 -7/8 -1/4 -4
BT Grp Cable & Wireless Comm Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom
FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS
Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco
3
1
FOOD PRODUCERS
AB Food Tate Lyle Unilever
Local shares
£281/8 674 £263/8
-3/8 115 -1/2 +131/2 Carclo 1651/2 +1/2 +1/8 Marshalls 1 1 National Grid 866 / +2 /2 2 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES £271/2 +1/8 Centrica 3123/4 +15/8 Weir Gp National Grid 8661/2 +21/2 FTSE closed at Pennon Grp 8011/2 +21/2 Severn 1943 +17 United Utils 8901/2 -31/2
6728.44
GENERAL FINANCIAL
3i Group ICAP London StockExch Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV
3861/4 3423/4 1912 1183/4 £205/8 £241/2 1910
GENERAL INDUSTRIALS
Smiths Grp
1230
GENERAL RETAILERS
Ashley L Carphone Whse Dixons Retail Home Retail Inchcape Kingfisher
25 /2 320 491/2 1727/8 624 3341/2 1
-11/2 -51/8 -14 -5/8 -1/4 +1/8 +8 +6 - /4 +2 +1/8 -13/4 -11/2 -51/8 1
Down 21.01
M & S Mothercare Next WH Smith
4391/8 247 £645/8 1090
+33/8 -71/2 -3/4 +1
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
Smith Nph
1035
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
Aga Rangemaster Barrat Dev Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey I”M”I
155 3541/4 1246 £501/8 1121/8
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING 1410
INDUSTRIAL METALS
-10
+23/4 -93/8 -29 -1/4 -2 -17
Ferrexpo
1363/4
+11/4
3155/8
-3/8
4877/8 3323/4 2343/4 1981/4 1362 3773/4
-15/8 +1/4 +1/4 -13/8 -10 -13/4
904 809 2041/4 37/8 1106 9271/2 3653/4 173 6541/2 210 1224
-131/2 -61/2 +13/4
INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
BBA Aviation
LIFE INSURANCE
Aviva Friends Life Gp Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Standard Life
BSkyB D Mail Tst ITV Johnston Press Pearson Reed Elsevier STV Group Trinity Mirror Utd Business UTV WPP Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kazakhmys
MEDIA
MINING
-22 -6 -11/4 +21/4 +11/2 +83/4 -2
15451/2 +81/2 8151/2 +10 £201/8 9151/2 +141/2 3071/4 +45/8
Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES
2303/8 £327/8 1111
+25/8 +6
MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Inmarsat Vodafone Group
754 1943/8
-17 -7/8
1529 1070 4543/4
-41/8
NONLIFE INSURANCE
Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson RSA Ins Gp
OIL & GAS PRODUCERS
BG BP Cairn Energy Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell B Total Tullow Oil
11711/2 492 1833/4 £24 £251/8 £391/2 7691/2
-61/2 -15/8 -47/8 -1/8
1177 1178 7521/2
-10 -14 -141/2
1444
-9
OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
AMEC Petrofac Wood Gp(J)
PERSONAL GOODS
Burberry Gp
-8
-3/8 -11/2
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY
Astrazeneca GlaxoSmithKline
£437/8 1557
+1/2 -2
Shire
£493/4
-1/4
713 602 3147/8 1030 3545/8
-5 -31/2 -17/8 -7 -11/2
3791/4
+7/8
1012 1608 1146 1521/2 750 2523/8 1026 2553/4 1201/8 307 6321/2 1161/8 £313/8
-2 -25 -5 -13/4 -4 -1/2 -7 -11/4 -2 -23/8 -15 -1/8 -1/4
833 /4 £1113/4 985/8
-2 /4 -11/8 -5/8
REAL ESTATE
Brit Land Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO
SOFTWARE & COMPUTER SERVICES
Sage Group
SUPPORT SERVICES
Berendsen Bunzl Capita Connect Group De La Rue Electrocomp Experian G4S Hays Homeserve Menzies J Rentokil Wolseley
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT
ARM Hldgs IBM Spirent Comms
1
1
TOBACCO
Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
£35 £261/2
-3/8 -3/8
865/8 £21 1000 1345 118 129 £227/8 829 £245/8 3231/8 1365/8 3765/8 2603/4 1583/4 536 3651/8 3663/8 £427/8 3511/4
-1/4 -3/8 -5 -3 -25/8 -31/2
TRAVEL & LEISURE
Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airl Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Rank Org Ryanair Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread William Hill FTSE 100 FTSE 250
INDEX
6728.44 15486.10
-8 -1/8 -63/4 -1/2 -113/8 -11/4 -41/4 +27/8 -31/2 -53/4 -1/4 -15/8 -21.01 -70.74
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Getting hitched to a new career She has worked for some of the biggest names in fashion retailing during a rollercoaster 10-year career. Now Shannon Martin is putting the experience she gained managing busy high street shops into running her own bridalwear business in the heart of Holmfirth. Shannon, 26, who lives at Golcar, wanted to be a physiotherapist when she left Colne Valley High School. She attended Huddersfield New College and took a BTEC in sport science before starting a degree course at Bradford University. After just one year, she realised it was not for her. “It was theorybased with lots of exams – and that’s not what I’m good at,” admits Shannon. “At the time, I was working at Miss Selfridge in Kingsgate,” she says. “I started there on work experience and later as a Saturday girl. I got a full-time position and once I started earning some money I decided not to go back to university.” Within six months, she was assistant manager. At the age of 18, she applied for the job of stand-in manager while the store manager was on secondment to another shop in Derby. “I never thought I would get it,” says Shannon. “But as assistant manager I thought I should apply.” What was supposed to be a six-month post turned into oneand-a-half years. “When the manager came back, I knew I would have to step down again,” says Shannon. So after almost five years with Miss Selfridge, she left and got a job managing the Marco Polo concession at House of Fraser in Kingsgate. “That was not much of a challenge because I did not have a big team to manage,” she says. After a year, Shannon joined White Stuff, an exclusive womenswear retailer known as “the best kept secret on the high street”. She was store manager at Leeds, but also ended up running the Harrogate branch, covering for its manager who was on maternity leave. Shannon also had charge of the firm’s concession at Fenwicks in Newcastle.
“As area manager, I was travelling up and down between the stores, but I loved it,” she says.” Shannon was also increasingly involved in other aspects of the business – new store openings, store refits and HR as well as being the retailer’s charity ambassador in the north. “It gave me opportunities that most people don’t get,” she says. “But it got to the stage where I had to go back to Leeds and I knew managing a single store again would not be enough. I was offered the job at Ilkley, but I decided to look elsewhere.” Shannon next worked for Cath Kitson, billed as “the home of modern vintage” and was appointed manager of its new store at Meadowhall. During her two years in charge, the branch became the company’s best-performing store out of 200 outlets
Shannon Martin
Shannaround the UK. Now aged 26, Shannon was headhunted by Victoria’s Secret. “They are such a big company and I really wanted to work for them,” she says. “They opened a store at Meadowhall having previously only been in London and Stratford. I set up a store for its sister brand, Pink, which meant going to London for a month for training.” Shannon was with the company for seven months before her own marriage in September last year prompted another idea. “I started looking at “pre-loved” wedding dresses,” she says. “I realised that people were selling them on eBay and that seemed to be the only way people were selling them. Very few shops were doing it. But people want to try the dresses on and going to some-
■■ Shannon Martin, of Evelyn Taylor Bridal in Holmfirth
one’s house to do it is a bit weird.” Shannon decided to put together a business plan for a shop selling pre-loved wedding gowns and was successful in getting a loan from the Business Enterprise Fund as well as six months of mentoring. She found suitable premises to rent at School Street in Holmfirth and with the help of her parents over a seven-week period transformed what had been a ladies’ gym with plenty of pink into a light and welcoming wedding shop with stylish seats, cabinets, mirrors and lighting – and space to display racks of dresses. “We started off stocking sample dresses which people had tried on in bridal shops but which had never been down the aisle,” says Shannon. “A lot of the shops said we were a godsend.” Shannon decided to name the business Evelyn Taylor Bridal after her great-grandmother. “Taylor was her maiden name,” says Shannon. “Sadly, nana died of cancer when I was 13, so I aim to hold events to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Care. She’ll be looking down now, thinking: ‘What have you named that shop after me for?’” Shannon says: “Most of the dresses are only a season old and remain in fashion. Most people get married in June, July and August which is when we are busiest with fittings. “The number of people getting married has gone up, but people want to get married on a budget. They don’t have £1,000 to spend on a dress any more. That’s why I’ve opened the shop – to keep prices down and still give the customer a beautiful dress. That’s what I do and what I love doing.” Shannon and James were married last September and try to spend as much time together as they can. “We try to get away on Sundays and Mondays if we can,” she says., “I also like seeing friends. “I don’t have much time for hobbies. My last hobby was planning our wedding for two years!. A couple of my friends are getting married and I’ve been trying to help them as much as I can.”
Role: Owner Age: 26 Family: Married to James Holidays: We have been to Marrakech, the Dominican Republic, San Francisco and Las Vegas. We didn’t have time for a proper honeymoon, so we will be going to New York when we finally get one! First job: Working at Parfitt’s bakery in Slaithwaite Car: Audi A1 Best thing about the job? I love using my experience in clothing retail to help customers get the dress they look fabulous in. Things can get quite emotional! Worst thing about the job? I can’t think of anything I don’t like about the job - I even quite enjoy the paperwork! Business tip: Start-up costs are always higher than you think. Make sure you have the resources to launch your business
Evelyn Taylor Bridal Work: Bridalwear shop Site: School Street, Holmfirth Phone: 01484 766160 Email: evelyntaylorbridal@gmail.com Web: www.evenlyntaylorbridal.co.uk
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
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TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
Handelsbanken’s regional revamp A bank with a branch in Huddersfield has announced the formation of a new regional operation. Handelsbanken, the relationship bank for local businesses and individuals, has announced the formation of a fifth UK regional bank to support its growing branch banking operations across Yorkshire and the North East. About 32 of the bank’s 177 present UK branches, including Handelsbanken Huddersfield at Pennine Business Park, Bradley, will form the new Yorkshire and North East UK regional bank, due to open on January 1, 2015, with a regional head office in Leeds. The Huddersfield branch, which opened in 2008, has already developed a reputation for traditional banking, financial strength and high standards in the local business and professional services community. Branches are responsible for making all day-to-day banking decisions based solely on their customers’ requirements, free from product and lending targets or bonus incentives. Branch manager Tony Jones said: “This new region is a natural result of a growing branch network, itself driven by customer demand and which has mirrored the steady growth we have seen in Huddersfield in the six years we have been open.” Handelsbanken, founded 142 years ago in Sweden and now has over 810 branches in 24 countries.
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KIRKLEES BUS
In a spin over good and bad of Le Tour Just like the race itself, the local community saw winners, losers and even injuries! There is no doubting that, for the visitors and spectators, Le Tour weekend was a successful. The goodwill of the crowd cheering on the riders as they sped past was clear for all to see. For a few brief hours, parts of Yorkshire were in the gaze of millions of people and we certainly seemed to impress. But what about the local businesses and others wanting to go about their day to day lives? Many cafes and B&Bs have reported record takings for the weekend; although this is tempered by the fact that they only had so much capacity and it is a busy time of year anyway. Many of them have said that takings were not significantly more than normal. On the other hand, many establishments off the main route have said they were quieter than normal – their regulars had gone away to avoid the mayhem! Local businesses saw disruption from the Friday before the race with
THE BUSINESS BATTLEAXE Amanda Vigar parking and traffic restrictions. My own business was only given ONE parking permit for the Friday for 12 members of staff! Our cleaning staff couldn’t get in at the weekend because of the restrictions and we faced traffic delays for several days. Low-paid carers going about their normal routine visits often faced detours of over 25 miles to get to see vulnerable people reliant on their services. Several have told me that they got paid no more and their day was several hours longer because of the disruptions.
And what do we have to show for the weekend other than some rather tired looking bunting and a few yellow painted bicycles that are still littering the route? Hopefully, people will have seen enough of God’s Own County to entice them to visit us over the next few years. But unlike the Olympics, and despite the millions spent on the weekend, there is no tangible legacy, no permanent facilities left behind. Whether you are a winner or a loser following Le Tour, it was a spectacular weekend showing Yorkshire at its best!
Amanda Vigar is managing partner at Holmfirth-based accountants V&A Bell Brown LLP
Date in Dubai for competition’s winners A business simulation competition run by a Huddersfield firm has proved a big success. The UK global grand final of The Fresh Connection, run by supply chain consultancy SCALA Consulting, took place at Whittlebury Hall, Northamptonshire, and was won by Dutch-based international brand giant Mondelez. The team took the title from last year’s winner, Kimberly-Clark – who finished as runner-up after a fiercelyfought final. Competition category winners included top service provider Norbert Dentressangle, who finished third. The top retailer award went to Waitrose. UK Fresh Connection ambassador Keith Newton said this year’s competition
■■ The Montelez team receives the award from David Howarth, of Toyota MHE, and Keith Newton, of SCALA. Pictured with them are team members Andy Degvill, Maddy Flood, Monique Jeffers, Paul Atkinson and Chris Buckingham
was the toughest and most challenging yet, with more teams than ever fighting to represent the UK at the international finals in Dubai. He said: “There has been a diverse and impressive range of companies taking part this
year and it is particularly inspiring to see, again, so many females taking part, as our sector and other logistics events have been and can be male-dominated.” “This competition has highlighted the skills and
abilities of many young upand-coming supply chain and logistics professionals, who have been supported and mentored by senior level staff members.” The Fresh Connection is a global professional challenge in which teams have to steer an imaginary juice manufacturing company through a series of business challenges – such as dealing with the effects of earthquakes, staffing strikes, product defects and penalties for CO2 emissions. The UK champions fly to Dubai in September to compete against the top 10 teams from the world. The winning team at the Dubai Global Finals will get a place on a prestigious executive course at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, USA.
Kirklees firms must invest for the future Small and medium-sized firms in Kirklees are taking action to benefit from the economic recovery – but need to make positive investment decisions now to fully capitalise in the coming years. That’s the key message from the Ambitious Business report by HSBC Commercial Bank, which shows that almost two-thirds of SMEs across Yorkshire are actively planning for growth this year and 62% of business leaders
are confident in the current economic climate – up from 40% a year ago. However, 41% in Yorkshire still believe it is too risky to make significant investments. Nationally, the report said improving conditions across the country have boosted revenues for SMEs by an average of £30,000 for each micro-business so far this year, £80,000 for each small firm and almost £440,000 for each medium-sized business.
A third of businesses in Yorkshire said that as the economy has improved competition has heated up, with 52% saying that if they don’t continue – or start – to invest in growth in the second half of the year they risk falling behind the market. As part of its £6bn SME Fund, HSBC recently allocated £500m of new lending to Yorkshire to help businesses in the region achieve their growth ambitions.
■■ Chris Wood, of Clou
R3 welc supplie
Plans to require util suppliers to continue companies could help claimed. Chris Wood, Yorks insolvency trade bod Clough Corporate So ton, said: “Contract c som’ charges which ta cy are one of the business rescue that ers come across. “They force the clos ble businesses, posin jobs. “Our members esti called ‘termination cl tracts could help save a year. “R3 campaigned lo to be taken on termin support from the b communities. We are end to the use of te crucial suppliers is on Mr Wood said: “Bu interests of both cre businesses and their business around can come than that busin “Scrapping termina many struggling busin of survival and should ness rescue culture.” The government pr pliers of IT and other e making increased ch of debts a condition o ices to an insolvent bu It will also require the IT and utilities s supply goods and ser practitioner trying to
Speakin
Look who’s talking! Kirkburton-based b Harper has joined Lo Corner, a leading spea after-dinner speake speakers for corpora world. The move follows a speaking engagemen Yorkshire – and gives ther raise the profile IndiaCoco. Claire worked for s gest retail brands, inc Sainsbury’s and Ma launching IndiaCoco husband Lee William business has won a n
5
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014
SINESS NEWS
ugh Corporate Solutions
comes er move
lity firms and other key e to supply insolvent p with their rescue, it is
shire vice-chairman of dy R3 and a partner at olutions in Cleckheacancellations and ‘ranake effect on insolvenbiggest obstacles to insolvency practition-
sure of potentially viang unnecessary risk to
imate that banning solauses’ in supply cone over 2,000 businesses
ong and hard for action nation clauses, winning business and creditor e very pleased that an ermination clauses by ne step closer.” usiness rescue is in the editors and insolvent employees. Turning a be a much better outness being liquidated. ation clauses will give nesses a better chance d boost the UK’s busi-
roposals will stop supessential services from harges or the payment of supplying their servusiness. essential suppliers in sector to continue to rvices to an insolvency rescue a business.
ng out
businesswoman Claire ondon-based Speaker’s akers’ bureau sourcing ers and conference ate events around the
a series of high-profile nts for Claire across s her the chance to furof her kidswear brand
some of the UK’s bigcluding Argos, Ocado, amas & Papas before o two years ago with ms – since when the number of awards.
local
Fashion that will get you noticed A fashion brand to be seen in has been launched by a Huddersfield man. Graphic designer Steve Cooper, who lives at Outlane, has launched Zhoodz – a high visibility, functional fashion brand, designed to keep people safe while spending their evenings outdoors. Zhoodz introduces a fashion element to road safety, with full colour reflective designs printed on the front and back of hoodies and t-shirts – so people will be seen in car headlights. The brand – with its strapline “now you see me, now you really see me” – caters for adults and children and “special interest” groups such as dog walkers, cyclists, horse riders, skateboarders and motorcyclists. Steve, a father of two, came up with the idea for the brand after speaking to parents who said that they were worried for their childrens’ safety while playing outside on an evening. He said: “The general consensus seems to be that children are unwilling to wear a high-vis vest as they look ‘uncool’ and flap around in the wind. “With having a background in design and a good knowledge of fabrics and vinyl, the idea of filling the current massive gap in the clothing market with a fashion night safety product resonated with me. “I am also a keen motor biker and have had near misses with cyclists and dog walkers in the past, so our range caters for wide appeal and varying special interests.” Steve has started the Zhoodz operation from his offices in a converted barn in Outlane, where he prints and finishes the items before distributing them nationally direct to customers’ homes. He has invested in a fully transactional website so consumers can browse and order online items from
CALDERDALE businesses will get expert advice to help them make the most of the digital revolution and do more business abroad at an event hosted by Calderdale Council. The breakfast event takes place from 7.30am to 9.15am tomorrow at Bertie’s Banqueting Rooms, Elland. Previous breakfast events held by the council have attracted up to 200 businesses. This latest event will be opened by Calderdale Council leader Clr Tim Swift. Guest speakers will give expert advice and businesses will have chance to ask questions and meet the council’’s business support team. Lynn Tune, of SuperL fast West Yorkshire Business, will talk about how
businesses can be more effective, improve efficiency, save time and reach new customers using digital and social media and by using their website more effectively. Brian A Aungiers, international trade adviser for UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and former international trade adviser at Business Link ink West York Yorkshire, will explain how UKTI can help Calderdale businesses considering doing business abroad for the first time. He will also give hints on how established exporters achieve oversees sales success, outlining how UKTI can help businesses fund, research and reach new markets via their extensive support network. Email business@calderdale.gov.uk
Head can go hery hery ■ Steve Cooper, of Zhoodz , pictured working on designs in his office at Outlane
the full range and has supported the launch with the appointment of a PR and social media agency. Before setting up Zhoodz, Steve
Training providers aim to recruit 100 apprentices in just 100 days TRAINING providers have joined a campaign to recruit 100 apprentices in 100 days. The challenge was laid down by the National Appren A ticeship Service. Those taking it up included YH Training Services, which has offices at John William Stet in Huddersfield. The company secured 111 apprenticeship opportunities for young people across York Yorkshire and the Humber over a three-month period. Frank McMahon, managing director of YH Training Services, said: “Some young people may feel they now have to stay in education until they are 18 years old, but they do not. They have to stay in learning and obviously
Council steers conversation to exports and digital issues
apprenticeships meet this legal requirement. “Young people can therefore continue to leave formal education at 16 and progress to A Apprenticeships where they will earn while they learn. “We currently have over 50 further apprenticeship vacancies with local employers and would actively encourage school and college leavers to get in touch with us – we’d love to help them start their careers.” He said: “For businesses, apprenticeships are a financially efficient way of bringing enthusiastic young people into their business to allow for expansion or fill current and future skills gaps.”
spent more than 20 years in the design and printing industry, most recently running his own business, Spitting Lizard.
ENTER NOW
2014
Our Awards celebrate dynamic, engaging, inspirational businesses from across the region. They are are free to enter and culminate in a celebratory awards ceremony and black tie dinner
Deadline for entries: Friday 29th August 2014 For information and an entry form Visit: www.examinerbusinessawards.co.uk Call: 01484 437702 Email: businessawards@examiner.co.uk
AWARD CATEGORIES Examiner New Business of theYear Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd SME of theYear Fantastic Media Business of theYear Sta Exa HSB The Uni Exa Kirklees CollegeYoung Business Person Chadwick Lawrence Business Person of theYear
ard
6
TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
The danger of procrastination Whether landlord or tenant, there may be a significant risk in allowing negotiations to drift as the Court of Appeal has given judgment in another case arising from the falling rents of the recession. In a recent case, the tenant wished to vacate the premises but found itself liable for 13 months’ rent, an amount of circa £185,000, after it was judged that a periodic tenancy had come into existence. The tenant occupied business premises on a five-year contracted out lease which expired on October 31, 2009, and paid an annual rent under the lease. Whilst both parties proposed terms of a new lease prior to the expiry of the lease, terms were not agreed by October 31, 2009, and the parties indicated further discussions would follow. It was clear that such discussions as did take place acknowl-
INFORMED DEVELOPMENT Martin Thompson edged that the tenant was holding over “under the terms of the original lease” and the new rent was to be an annual rent. The High Court examined the conduct of the parties in the postexpiry period to establish whether the property had been occupied by the tenant under a periodic tenancy or a tenancy at will. The judge concluded that it was accepted on both sides that the
landlord would have to give notice to terminate the tenant’s occupation, and that the landlord had been content to allow that situation to develop, with the tenant having the protection of the 1954 Act. A yearly periodic tenancy had arisen and the tenant was liable for the rent up to October 31, 2013. While landlords may already be alert to the risk of allowing negotiations to stall and the importance of putting a tenancy at will in place, this is not usually a major concern for tenants. While this case doesn’t create any new law, it does serve as a useful warning of the risk for tenants of letting negotiations drift. As parts of the UK see economic recovery, this risk is increasing. Tenants should either start lease negotiations in good time or document a short tenancy for a few months.
Martin Thompson is a director in Commercial Property at Armitage Sykes in Huddersfield
LAND AND PROPERTY AUCTION – THURS 11 SEPT 2014 Jagger Hill Farm Jagger Lane, Kirkheaton, Huddersfield, HD5 0RA Detached barn and cottages in 3.2 Acres. Ripe for residential conversion, elevated rural setting.
Former Registry Office Wellington Street, Dewsbury, WF13 1LY Period town centre office building opposite Railway Station with PP for conversion to 4 flats.
Guide Price: £150,000 – £175,000
Guide Price: In Excess of £95,000
Former Slaithwaite Library
Grazing Land/ Paddock
8 Britannia Road, Slaithwaite, HD7 5HG Substantial two storey building in high street location suitable for a variety of uses S.T.P.P.
Wilshaw Road, Wilshaw, Meltham, HD9 4DZ 0.96 Acre secure paddock suitable for grazing or equestrian use.
Guide Price: In Excess of £95,000
Guide Price: £10,000 – £15,000
Edgerton Cemetery Lodge
St Stephens Street
109 Blacker Road, Edgerton, Huddersfield, HD2 2AX Detached former Groundsman’s cottage requiring modernisation.
Copley Village, Halifax, HX3 0UJ 10 residential investment properties, let to Rent Act Protected Sitting Tenants in Heritage model village and conservation area.
Guide Price: £75,000 – £95,000
Guide Prices from: In Excess of £55,000
Building Land
Land at Whitty Lane
Sherwood Avenue, Bradley, Huddersfield, HD2 1RQ 0.38 Acre former council depot with planning consent for 6 houses in a cul-de-sac development.
Warley, Haliax, HX6 2TZ 0.8 Acres of woodland and small land parcel fronting Burnley Road.
Guide Price: £120,000
Guide Price: £4,000 – £5,000
Dryfield House
2/3 Gibralter
207 Healey Lane, Batley, WF17 7HN Substantial period property, formerly council offices set in 2.14 Acres. Suitable for a variety of uses S.T.P.P. Potential for residential development in grounds.
Parkinson Lane, Halifax, HX1 3UA Quirky collection of period buildings comprising derelict cottage, large workshop/garage with flat over.
Guide Price: £275,000
Guide Price: £75,000 – £85,000
■■ The new offices at The Pink Link’s premises at Crosland Road, Oakes
In the pink at new site A distribution specialist has moved to bigger premises after boosting its business. The Pink Link Ltd has transferred operations from Netherton to Crosland Road, Oakes, and invested in its fleet of distinctive pink vehicles. The move follows a successful first six months of 2014 during which the familyowned and managed company doubled its delivery of pallets to its European destinations and saw growth in the UK market. The Pink Link said the move meant customers would benefit from later cut -off points, closer links to motorway networks and improved IT communications. Sales and commercial director Vicki Davenport said: “When looking at new premises, customers were a vital consideration. Customer care is key to The Pink
Link Ltd and is something the team prides itself on delivering at all times through its dedicated customer services team.” Since the move, the firm has made “significant” investments in its equipment and premises. The business has purchased four new trailers, three tractor units and has also improved the site and the existing fleet of trucks. Said Vicki: “2014 has been an exciting year for The Pink Link so far. We are delighted with our new office, which provides us with closer motorway links and improved connection to our customers which is vitally important. “ She said: After successful growth both within the UK and in Europe, we are looking forward to experiencing the benefits the new location delivers, whilst continuously delivering an excellent service to our customers.”
School site sold for £103,000 Land owned by Kirklees Council has been sold at auction. The former Whitcliffe Road First and Nursery School site in Cleckheaton, which has outline planning consent for five dwellings, achieved £103,000 in the sale run by Eddison in Leeds. The guide price was £80,000-plus. Meanwhile, a vacant inner through terrace property at East Street, Huddersfield sold for £57,000. It had been offered on the instructions of a deceased estate at a guide of £35,000 plus.
In total Eddisons generated proceeds of more than £8.6m at its latest round of auctions, which included dates in London and Manchester as well as Leeds. Over the three days, 60% of lots offered were sold, with an average price per lot of £157,500. Tony Webber, of Eddisons, said: “This was a good performance with stock selling well in all categories. “ The demand for development land is a strong indication of renewed developer confidence.”
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014 â€
FOR SALE
Development
FOR SALE
Industrial
Old Bank Road, Earlsheaton, Dewsbury 0.16 hectares (0.39 acres) gross
Royds Mill, 20 Calder Road, Lower Hopton, Mirfield 684m2 (7,358 sq ft)
Former mill building with consent for conversion to 20 apartments or suitable for more traditional residential scheme (STP)
Mainly two storey industrial property with parking. Potential for conversion (subject to planning)
TO LET
Industrial
7
TO LET
TO LET
Industrial
Gledholt Business Park, Paddock, Huddersfield 150m2 (1,614 sq ft)
Unit 7 Brighouse Trade Park, Armytage Road, Brighouse 683m2 (7,349 sq ft)
Modern single storey industrial/warehouse unit on secure site with good loading and parking
High quality trade warehouse/industrial unit with parking, only a short distance from J25, M62. Joint agents: Carter Towler
All enquiries to Alec Michael alec@michaelsteel.co.uk
www.michaelsteel.co.uk
Commercial Residential, Commercial & Industrial Surveyors, Estate Agents, Auctioneers & Property Management Consultants HOYLE BECK CLOSE, HUDDERSFIELD HD7 5RB
For Sale
Residential Development Site 1,880yds² 0.39 acres
Transport Yard 0.32 acres Single Storey Industrial Building 296.46sqm (3,191sqft)
Outline planning consent from Kirklees Council for the erection of 5 detached houses application number (Appln No. 2013/60/93555/W)
2 Roller shutter doors Vehicle inspection pit
Situated within a popular residential location within the Colne Valley 4 miles from Huddersfield town centre
To Let
CLOTH HALL STREET, HUDDERSFIELD
Close proximity to the M1 and M62 motorway network EPC Asset Rating F
To Let
CANAL STREET, HUDDERSFIELD
Town centre retail unit
Workshop Premises
70.23sqm (756sqft)
2,334sqft to 7,458sqft
Double fronted display windows
Single storey workshop with secure gated yard
Suitable for a variety of users Situated within a secondary retailing position EPC Rating D
14 St Georges Square, Huddersfield HD1 1JF
t: 01484 530361 e:
To Let
LILEY LANE, MIRFIELD WF14 8EE
commercial@bramleys1.co.uk
www.bramleys.com/commercial
Situated just off the A62 Leeds Road EPC Rating E
8
TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Richard Carr and colleagues
Consultancy expands team Specialist highways, traffic, transportation and water consulting engineers Sanderson Associates has announced a number of key appointments. Richard Carr (right of line-up) joins as an associate director to head the firm’s detailed design division. Mr Carr brings to the company many years of specialist experience in the sector. He is now working with one of his previous colleagues who also recently joined Sandersons. Ian Ellis (second right) has been appointed as a principal engineer in the detailed design division. He has a wealth of knowledge and specialist experience in the areas of highway detailed design and drainage design. Joanne Burchall (centre) has been appointed as an accounts administrator while Tim Conroy (left) is promoted to the position of engineer in the detailed design division and Ashley Armitage (second left) has been promoted to engineering technician in the traffic and transportation division. Managing director Alison France said: “I am pleased to welcome to the company such knowledgeable and experienced new team members in Richard and Ian. “I look forward to the contribution they will make in helping us to continue the successful delivery of projects both
Business bosses are all in this together! By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
currently underway and new projects to which we are appointed. “I would also like to congratulate both Tim and Ashley on their recent promotions which were very well deserved. “I look forward to them contributing and assisting us all on the additional opportunities and continued successful delivery of development proposals as the market continues to recover.” Said Alison: “The company is going through quite an active recruitment phase and I am sure there will be more announcements of new team members joining the company and promotions in the very near future.” Sanderson Associates, based at Grange Moor, has been trading for more than 27 years and has completed more than 8,100 client schemes with more than 96% of their clients returning to them with further work.
Andrew Hinds
Glittering achievement A director of a jewellery retailer with a store in Huddersfield has been elected chairman of the National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG) at its annual meeting in London. Andrew Hinds (pictured), of F Hinds, is the second member of the Hinds family to hold a prominent post with the association as his uncle, Eric Hinds, was its president in 2001. The accolade was also the first of three for the company, which has a store at the Kingsgate Centre and dates back to 1856. The second was awarded by Family Business United (FBU) at the Family Business Awards
movers and shakers
2014, where FBU managing director Paul Andrews praised the company as an “exceptional family firm”. The third award was for the Catalogue Of The Year at the European Catalogue and Mail Order Days ceremony for the F Hinds’ Christmas 2013 brochure.
A group of prominent West Yorkshire business people have teamed up to support each other and the wider community. Members of the group, which is the brainchild of Cleckheaton-based businessman Andy Howarth, have come together with the common purpose of developing their own business skills and personal development, identifying important local and regional challenges to businesses and developing an action plan to support business growth. The group also intends to develop a long term strategy for supporting local charities. Mr Howarth, chairman of Howarths People and Safety Management, said: “Running a business, no matter how small, is an onerous task and can be a very lonely position to hold. “All important decisions are normally down to you, all the problems are yours alone and time management is constantly an issue. “I brought this group together with mutual support in mind, but also to see how we can identify business trends, pitfalls and initiatives that might help other businesses in the region. “We also have an initiative to support local charities and to deliver a long-term business strategy for the benefit of all.”
■■ Andy Howarth (fourth left), of Howarths People and Safety Management, with (back row from left) Steve Russell, Mick Ferguson, Paul Mann, Gareth Davies, Shaun Fox (front) Sandra Babbings, Debbie Burke, Peter Branson and Paul Calvert
Mr Howarth said that all the people in the group were highly experienced, professionals, managing directors and entrepreneurs with different skill sets and backgrounds – and had a wealth of business experience between them. “Recognising the need to work together is an essential part of business and forming solid partnerships is an essential element of business development,” he said. The group members are Steve Russell, group managing director of Ringways Motor Group in Leeds; Mick Ferguson, chief executive of
Leeds United Foundation; Paul Mann, partner at Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP in Leeds; Gareth Davies, managing director of Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd; Shaun Fox, managing director of Legacy Sport in Liversedge; Sandra Babbings, managing director of Prohms Professional Occupational Health and Medical Services, in Huddersfield; Debbie Burke, director of Children’s Place Nurseries in Bradford; Peter Branson, chief executive of the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice at Bradley; and Paul Calvert, managing director of Calvert Dawson Accountants in Gomersal.
Ramsdens team raises charity cash Eighteen “fabulous ladies” from Huddersfield-based Ramsdens Solicitors took part in the 2014 Race for Life in Huddersfield – running alongside 2,000 ladies in pink. The Ramsdens team raised more than £1,000 for Cancer Research – a charity very dear to one of the runners, Karen James. Karen, head of conveyancing at Ramsdens, said: “If anyone had said to me 12 months’ ago, I would be running the Race for Life with my sisters, friends and workmates to raise money for Cancer Research UK, I would have been very cynical. “At the time I was half-way through chemo, having had two
lots of surgery, and knew I still had a month of radiotherapy treatment ahead of me. Most days it was a huge effort just to walk from the front door to the car to get to work. “What a difference a year makes and what a pleasure and privilege to be part of Sunday’s event with so many lovely people around me offering support. Everyone had a compassionate story to tell and I met some truly inspirational people along the route. This will definitely become an annual event in my calendar.” To add to the team’s charity haul, go to www.justgiving.com/ ramsdensraceforlife.
■■ Members of the team from Ramsdens Solicitors who took part in the Race for Life in Huddersfield
New director appointed at expanding legal firm Huddersfield law firm Wilkinson Woodward Norcliffe & Co has appointed commercial and property law expert Laura Kurowski as director. Miss Kurowski (pictured) has worked at Wilkinson Woodward since joining as a trainee solicitor in 2006 and in recent years has been instrumental in the development of its commercial and property department. Her appointment is part of the firm’s continuing plans to expand in Kirklees. Miss Kurowski, who divides her time
between the firm’s offices in Huddersfield and Halifax, said: “Wilkinson Woodward Norcliffe & Co is an established and trusted name in Kirklees. I look forward to playing an important part in their exciting plans for the future.” Managing director Maureen Cawthorn said, “Laura’s skills as a lawyer, hard work and commitment are a real asset to Wilkinson Woodward Norcliffe & Co. We are delighted that Laura will continue to play an important part in our ongoing plans to expand.”