FTSE 100
OLIVER SCHOFIELD It’s a piece of cake!
MARTIN THOMPSON Advice for landlords
– 7.50 6623.17
Full inter view - Page 3
Column - Page 6
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Firm commitment to create new jobs A FIRM manufacturing blinds is working hard to help long-term unemployed people into work. Interior Goods Direct Ltd, based at Grange Moor, joined forces with recruitment agency A4e for the initiative. So far this year, the company has taken on eight jobless workers. Interior Goods Direct has continued to expand its operations from its 40,000 sq ft factory by offering permanent employment opportunities year on year to those who are out of work. This year, the company is celebrating a decade of success – and has attributed its growth in no small part to the hard work, drive and ambition of its employees. Employee Sally Whitehouse, who was hired through A4e, said: “I started out working on the production line as a quality controller and worked my way up in the organisation to become the production and quality control manager. “Being made redundant was an extremely stressful and worrying time for me and my family. “My experience of working with A4e to gain employment was a positive one which has given me a greater appreciation for the work which A4e do.”
■ JOB CREATION: Interior Goods Direct, of Grange Moor, is celebrating 10 years in business and an enviable record for employment
With unemployment rates hovering at 9% for Yorkshire and Humber, Interior Goods Direct marketing manager Lee Fisher said he was pleased to be involved in providing investment and employment opportunities. “We are continually expanding as a business and by working with A4e we hope to attract more hard working individuals to the company,” he said. “We have also utilised the Youth
Contract initiative set up by the Government to reduce youth unemployment by giving 18 to 24-year-olds the chance to attain great quality hands-on experience. “Our relationship with A4e is a fantastic one; it has enabled us to fill various job vacancies in quality control, production and general housekeeping.” The company has also just finished
its campaign to raise awareness for the RoSPA Blind Cord Safety Campaign. In Child Safety Week, the firm managed to give away 5,000 free child safety devices to homes, schools and businesses throughout the UK. Interior Goods Direct, which has been trading exclusively online since 2003 originally operated from premises in Mirfield. It has gone from strength to strength since its formation to become one of the UK’s largest online retailers in its sector. The firm, which employs about 80 people at its Jubilee Way premises, has nine websites offering more than 10,000 items including blinds, curtains, curtain poles, shutters and cushions direct to the general public via eight product-dedicated websites. It also makes and dispatches products to customers across the UK and Europe. Commenting on its 10th anniversary, a spokesman for the firm said: “We aim to be the ultimate one-stop shop for any item that is used to dress a window and are particularly proud of the fact that we are one of the largest local employers, manufacturing a high proportion of our products here in Britain.”
Orchard takes a plum role at Scottish theatre
■ LIMELIGHT: Allan Isherwood, of Orchard Energy, which has helped Edinburgh’s Lyceum Theatre (right)
AN energy management consultancy in Elland has joined the cast at a leading theatre. Edinburgh’s Royal Lyceum Theatre recruited Orchard Energy to cut its energy costs and improve environmental awareness. The Lyceum, which operates across three sites, including its historic Victorian theatre building in the Scottish capital, first partnered with Orchard Energy last year in an effort to drive down operating costs. The collaboration was part of a wider environmental initiative that has seen the introduction of comprehensive energy management procedures and greater awareness of energy, waste and water usage. David Tildesley, buildings manager at the theatre, said Orchard had so far helped
the theatre reduce its annual energy spend by £10,000. “On top of significant bottom line savings on annual energy costs there have been other benefits which are not as easy to quantify,” said Mr Tildesley. “We are far more conscious as an organisation of our behaviour in relation to
energy, waste and water use and that has made it possible for us to reduce our carbon footprint and minimise our impact on the environment.” Allan Isherwood, of Orchard Energy, said: “Much of the cost saving at the Lyceum to date has been a result of proactive procurement and contract alignment. “Data collection and reporting procedures were already in place and with our support the theatre management have also implemented an online data system which allows them to track consumption and generate reports more effectively to show where and when energy is being used across the organisation. “For many businesses this can be an important step towards improving efficiency and managing budgets more effectively in the longer term.”
INSIDE Honours hat-trick BATLEY-born businessman Lawrence Tomlinson is adding to his list of academic honours. The chairman of LNT Group, which has interests in car manufacturing, construction, care homes, software and climate protection systems, will receive an honorary doctorate of engineering at Leeds Metropolitan University tomorrow. He was made an honorary doctor of Huddersfield University two years ago – when he also received an honorary doctorate from Bradford University.
● Full story - Page 8
The most trusted news brand in the business
examiner.co.uk
2 3 , Ju l y, 2 0 1 3
Six-figure funding ACCOUNTANCY software specialist Liquid Accounts has completed a six-figure funding deal to allow the company to continue its expansion plans. The Crosland Moor-based developer of online Cloud accounting software has raised £600,000 from existing investors, including the Aspire Fund. The company has developed reputedly the most comprehensive Cloud accounting solution on the market for SMEs.
● Full story - Page 4
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Page 2
Co-op boss defends new rescue plans THE boss of the Co-operative has written to about two million members to reassure them over the mutual’s future and defend a painful rescue of its banking arm. Acknowledging investor fury over the “bail-in” of the Co-operative Bank – in which bondholders must help plug a £1.5 billion hole in its finances – new chief executive Euan Sutherland said the plan will avoid further damaging asset sales and is a better option than a taxpayer bailout. Mr Sutherland emailed 1.9 million members at the weekend after a turbulent three months which has seen the collapse of its deal to buy more than 600 branches from Lloyds Banking Group, warnings from ratings
agency Moody’s over its health and a £1.5 billion capital shortfall. The former B&Q boss said while the group is struggling through difficult times, it remains “fundamentally strong” and is now well-placed to tackle future challenges. Mr Sutherland, who took over in May, said while some investors suggested the group should carry the full burden of the rescue, it also has responsibilities to its 7.5 million members. He said: “The solution that we have come up with balances the long-term interests of our members and investors, giving all the opportunity to benefit from the potential future upturn in the bank’s fortunes and the long-term sustainability of the group
as a whole. “These are clearly difficult times for us but I believe they are challenges that we are now well placed to meet. “The Co-operative Group remains fundamentally strong and our ethical leadership, in retailing and the provision of financial services, remains a compelling force in the market place.” Mr Sutherland insisted the bank will remain part of the member-owned group, while admitting its reputation has been damaged by the scandal. The Co-op recently appointed former Treasury mandarin Sir Christopher Kelly to head an independent investigation into what went wrong at its banking arm.
‘Made in Britain’ promise
FIRMS have offered more than 21,000 jobs to young people at risk of long-term unemployment under a Government wage incentive scheme, ministers said. The measure, part of the Youth Contract launched last year, offers businesses up to £2,275 for taking on an 18 to 24-year-old who has been out of work for at least six months. The wage incentives, claimed after someone has been in work for six months, have been paid for more than 4,690 young people. Employment Minister Mark Hoban said: “Youth unemployment has fallen by 59,000 since the Youth
JOHN Lewis has vowed to sell 15% more UK-made products over two years. The department store giant has thrown its weight behind British manufacturing. The campaign promises a major boost for homeware firms in particular, with suppliers across the country set to benefit from the shift. John Lewis has already upped its local supplier base from 132 to 207 firms over the past year, contracting companies ranging from Spike & Edgar in Leeds for mattresses to Devon-based Dartington Crystal for
Contract was launched. “Tens of thousands of people have benefited from work experience, apprenticeships or the wage incentive. “Through the different elements of the Youth Contract, this Government is delivering on our commitment to offer young people the best chance to get on in life, but we’re not complacent about the scale of the challenge still facing us.” The Department for Work and Pensions said take-up of the incentive got off to a slow start, but is now on a “clear upwards trajectory”.
BRITAIN’S financial services sector could help create more than 260,000 new private sector jobs by 2020 – some 15,000 of them in Yorkshire. Analysis by accountancy firm PwC has showed that 218,000 more jobs could be created in the wider UK economy. And that could mean approximately 47,000 additional jobs in the financial services sector over the next seven years. That could mean about 15,100 new private sector jobs in Yorkshire and Humber, according to the report, “Where next?”
Audit gets shake-up
■ BETTER OPTION: Euan Sutherland
Helping young people into jobs
Finance jobs boost
glassware. It made £480 million in 2012 from selling UK-made products, which is an increase of 9%. But locally-sourced goods still only account for 10,500 of the roughly 350,000 items it sells. The announcement comes on the 60th anniversary of John Lewis’ Lancashire manufacturing arm Herbert Parkinson, which makes home textile products ranging from curtains to pillows. The drive will be accompanied by John Lewis’ ‘Made in UK’ identifier, highlighting goods made by British suppliers with a union flag.
COMPETITION bosses ordered accountants to bid for work at Britain’s biggest companies every five years under plans to shake up the market. However, the Competition Commission stopped short of ordering major UK listed companies to switch accountants regularly. The reforms aim to shake up the cosy relationship between Britain’s biggest companies and the “big four” accountancy firms – KPMG, Deloitte, Ernst & Young and PwC.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £48.90 +0.71 Gannett 1695.85 -19.52 Hess Corp £47.82 -0.30 Microsoft £20.67 +0.24 Motors Liquidation 48.81 Wal-Mart Stores £50.73 -0.08 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 4411/2 -5 BAE Systems 4321/4 +21/4 Rolls-Royce 1189 -7 AIM Brady Plc 781/2 +21/2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 3391/4 -25/8 BANKS Barclays 324 +4 HSBC 7333/4 -33/4 Lloyds Banking Gp 691/4 Ryl Scotland 3347/8 -21/4 Stan Chart 1520 -51/2 BEVERAGES Diageo £203/8 SABMiller £321/2 +1/8 CHEMICALS Croda £253/4 +1/8 Elementis 98 2335/8 +3/4 3 Johnsn Mat £27 /4 +1/8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2355/8 +35/8 Costain 2801/2 +31/4 ELECTRICITY Drax Gp 645 -61/2 SSE 1605 -27
ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 1881/2 +1/8 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 4443/8 +1/4 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 3431/4 +51/8 Cable & Wireless 415/8 +1/4 Comm 5 Colt Group 107 /8 +3/8 KCOM 84 Talktalk Telecom 2431/8 +17/8 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2861/4 -1/4 Sainsbury 3981/2 +23/4 Tesco 368 -21/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1885 -3 Tate Lyle 846 -13 Unilever £273/8 -1/4 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3811/4 -11/8 National Grid 7731/2 -1 Pennon Grp 6911/2 -1/2 Severn 1761 -8 United Utils 7161/2 -11 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 3843/4 +33/4 ICAP 401 +53/4 London StockExch 1561 3 Man Group 88 /8 -1/4 Provident Financial 1588 +18 3 Schroders £25 /8 +1/4 Schroders NV 1970 +33 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS
REXAM 4891/4 -1/4 Smiths Grp 1377 -19 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 251/2 +1/2 Carphone Whse 2423/4 -11/4 5 Dixons Retail 45 /8 +1 -21/4 Home Retail 1535/8 Inchcape 5551/2 -41/2 Kingfisher 3891/8 -23/4 M&S 4821/2 -15/8 Mothercare 476 +91/2 Next £485/8 WH Smith 768 -3 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 7871/2 -21/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 913/4 +31/2 Barrat Dev 3441/2 -41/2 Persimmon 1258 +3 Reckitt Benckiser £47 Taylor Wimpey 1077/8 +1/4 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 1397 -3 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 1673/8 +25/8 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 288 -11/4 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 369 -31/4 Lgl & Gen 1903/4 -3/8 1 Old Mutual 197 /8 -1/4 Prudential 1158 Resolution 3121/8 -11/4 Standard Life 3813/4 -31/4
MEDIA BSkyB 850 -2 D Mail Tst 782 -1/2 1 /4 HIBU -1/8 ITV 1583/8 -3/4 Johnston Press 161/8 -7/8 Pearson 1254 -9 1 -9 Reed Elsevier 805 /2 STV Group 1521/2 Trinity Mirror 118 -13/4 Utd Business 684 -171/2 UTV 1501/4 -11/4 WPP 1184 -16 MINING Anglo American 1405 +26 Antofagasta 846 BHP Billiton 1876 +61/2 Eurasian Natural 2131/8 -3/8 Res Fresnillo 1064 +35 Kazakhmys 256 -21/4 1 Lonmin 307 /8 +103/4 Rio Tinto £29 -1/8 VEDANTA 1127 -2 RESOURCES MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 707 -2 Vodafone Group 194 +1/8 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1380 -6 RSA Insurance Gp 1283/4 -3/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 12221/2 +16 BP 4681/2 -13/8 Cairn Energy 2733/8 Royal Dutch Shell A £223/8
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
3661/2 1461/2 7731/2 £215/8
+61/2 +3 -1
FTSE closed at
6623.17 down 7.50
Royal Dutch Shell B £231/4 Total £341/2 +3/8 Tullow Oil 1115 +8 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1056 Petrofac 1301 +7 Wood Gp(J) 8991/2 -2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1504 -30 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY 3 Astrazeneca £32 /4 GlaxoSmithK 21 Shire £223/8 -1/8
REAL ESTATE Brit Land 6191/2 +11/2 Hamrsn 5401/2 -1/2 7 Intu Properties 333 /8 +33/4 Land Secs 965 -31/2 SEGRO 3065/8 +1 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 501 -1 -23/4 Sage Group 3523/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 8231/2 +1/2 Bunzl 1386 +1 Capita 1057 +8 1 De La Rue 966 /2 -7 Electrocomp 2541/2 +11/4 Experian 1231 +2 G4S 220 +31/8 Hays 106 +1 Homeserve 291 -3/4 Menzies J 722 -241/2 3 Rentokil 95 /4 -1/4 Smiths News 171 -1 5 Wolseley £32 /8 -1/4 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 906 +81/2 Spirent Comms 1251/2 +1/4 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £347/8 +1/8 Imperial Tobacco £221/8 +1/4 LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital 127 -3/8 Carnival £247/8 -1/8 Compass Grp 882 -141/2 easyJet 1387 -15 Enterprise Inns 126 FirstGroup 95 +17/8
Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airl Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread
1566 873 1968 2871/2 2013/8 405 2463/4 162 3321/8 3671/4 £313/4
+1 +3 -15 -13/8 -17/8 -1/2 -31/4 +35/8 +1/8 +1/4 -1/4
FTSE 100
INDEX 6623.17
-7.50
FTSE 250
INDEX 14849.57
+34.67
TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.57 dollars Bangladesh................. 111.96 taka Brazil.............................. 3.06 reals Canada....................... 1.51 dollars China ............................. 8.37 yuan Czech Republic ...... 27.65 korunas Denmark....................... 8.24 krone Euro................................ 1.11 euro Hong Kong................ 11.24 dollars Hungary................... 306.87 forints India.......................... 79.94 rupees Japan........................... 145.44 yen Mexico ....................... 16.99 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.79 dollars Norway ......................... 8.69 krone Pakistan.................. 144.66 rupees Philippines ................. 56.54 pesos South Africa................. 14.05 rand South Korea.............. 1487.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 189.60 rupees Sweden......................... 9.53 krona Switzerland.................. 1.37 francs Taiwan ...................... 39.86 dollars Turkey....................... 2.76 new lira USA ............................ 1.46 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS A DEBILITATING condition put paid to Oliver Schofield’s job in engineering. But he has found the recipe for a new career far removed from the world of “metal bashing”. Oliver, 38, has set up in business providing elaborately decorated cakes for weddings, birthdays, christenings and other celebratory occasions. The kitchen at his Brockholes home is the hub of a growing business which has seen him provide bespoke cakes featuring hearts and flowers, cartoon characters and football club badges. One customer even asked for a cake shaped and decorated to look like his wife’s favourite Mulberry handbag for her 40th birthday. “I asked him for a photo of the bag to copy,” says Oliver, “He had to sneak into the bedroom to take some pictures of the handbag while his wife wasn’t about.” education classes at baking cakes, I would be certainly gets you down if Oliver said: “I enjoy Holmfirth and got a lot of better off. you get ME because it can making one-off bespoke support from Cupcake “I bumped into someone effect your whole lifestyle. products. I like people to World at Thongsbridge. I from the Mid Yorkshire I would get out of bed for come with an idea in their even went to Leeds for five Chamber of Commerce at just a few hours a day head and I like the challenge of realising their weeks to do a course on a business conference at because I didn’t know how idea. It makes their big day making sugar flowers. I the stadium and they got to cope with it – but it isn’t just seemed to pick it up even better and it makes me onto one of their clinical depression.” things more interesting for as I went along. three-day business Oliver says there are “There’s a big difference planning courses at me.” relatively few resources between making these Wedding cakes are a Lockwood Park. It taught devoted to tackling ME. staple of the business, delicate flowers and hitting me how to deal with the “There is a specialist although not everyone big lumps of metal – but paper work and costings centre at Seacroft Hospital wants the traditional some of the elements are and how to proceed in a in Leeds,” he says. three-tiered fruit cake similar. You are business-like way.” “Doctors suspect ME is complete with white icing, constructing something Oliver said: “After I was linked in some way to the miniature flowers and using technical skills.” diagnosed, it took me immune system, but it is a ribbons. “A lot of people Oliver decided to set up about three years to get hard one to diagnose. It is are going for bolder, wilder in business as Oliver my head round it. I used to said to be the biggest colours, chocolate cake or James Sugar Craft work 10 hours a day then cause of absence from tropical fruit cake,” says Creations – James being go out on my mountain school among young Oliver. his middle name – bike for two hours and people, but it can A busy summer has realising that with ME he never get tired. Now little disappear just like that. I also seen Oliver bake was better suited to be things can tire me out.” can have good days and hundreds of cupcakes to self-employed. “If I’m tired Oliver was diagnosed bad days. The trick is to sell at fetes and shows to in the morning, I can start with ME only after keep to a regular and help get the word out undergoing a battery of the working day later and consistent routine.” about his new venture – work later,” he says. “I can nine different tests over a That’s easier said than which was only launched six-month period for work round it. My job done as Oliver’s business last October – and to help everything that shared the takes off and his cakes are before was physical and I defray the cost of taking a same symptoms. couldn’t go back to that, increasingly in demand for stall. “We had 500 He says: “People link but I thought that even if I celebrations of all sorts. cupcakes to make for ME to depression and it only made £10 profit He’s grateful to his wife, Honley Show,” he says. “It took me two days!” Oliver worked as a fabricator and fitter of industrial roller shutters before being diagnosed with ME and realising that he would not be able to continue in his physically-demanding job. Oliver, who grew up in Shepley and attended Shelley High School, took an engineering apprenticeship at Kitson College in Leeds and was a coach builder for a vehicle rental firm before moving into the roller shutter industry. Oliver says: “I’ve always been into baking cakes from doing home economics at school. I went on a few sugar craft courses purely as a hobby, but people liked what they saw and what I was making for friends and family. I never really thought of doing it as a ■ FLOUR POWER: Oliver Schofield, of Brockholes, with one of his creations job, but I took adult
profile
Oliver follows a new recipe
Page 3
Oliver Schofield
Katie – who also has her own business – for the support she provides, ferrying consignments about and helping with the paperwork. “She has been a massive help,” he says. “We do a lot of networking to get the word out and generate business,” says Oliver. “It’s a good way to meet people and they are always happy to give you advice on things like marketing and advertising. We also attend lots of village fetes and craft fairs and we have a presence on Facebook, which has brought in a lot of work. We also plan to attend a few wedding fairs in the autumn and next spring.” Says Oliver: “Most of my customers are based in the Huddersfield area, but I’m doing a cake for a customer in Oldham at the moment. The best thing is seeing how happy people are when they get the product they have designed and chosen for themselves. People send emails or phone to thank me. It makes the job a lot more worthwhile.”
Role: Owner Age: 38 Family: Married to Katie Car: I sold my car to raise funds to set up the business. I bought a scooter, but use a Berlingo van for business Holidays: Katie and I have travelled all over the world and enjoyed South East Asia and Australia. We like to go somewhere we’ve never been before, whether it’s an hour away or 12 hours away First job: Paper round when I was about 13 Best thing about job: Seeing how happy people are when they get the product they have designed and chosen for themselves Worst thing about job: Late nights. We can get a rush of orders late in the week with a tight deadline Business tip: If there’s something you want to do and a business you want to set up, just go for it.
Oliver James Sugar Craft Creations Work: Cake making and decorating Site: Brockholes Phone: 07722 293368 Email: oliverjamessugar craft@gmail.com
HENRYK ZIENTEK
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
local
Page 4
Setting his sights on another award A HUDDERSFIELD opticians’ practice is asking people to give it their support. Valli Group, an independent family-owned business with six opticians’ practices in Huddersfield and Calderdale, has been shortlisted for Company of the Year in the Association of Optometry Awards. Moin Valli, who runs the Valli Group with his wife Rachel, was also named Young Business Person of the Year in the Huddersfield Examiner Awards last November. People can vote for Valli by going to www.optometry.co.uk/awards/ company-of-the-year-2013.
Business Advisors and Chartered Accountants
• A firm led by people who have actually run businesses • Through the year support and advice delivering comfort and value • Management information and account specialists • VAT, payroll and tax support • Year end reporting and full compliance service • Planning and support for your business and you Contacts Phone: 01484 688 616 Email: enquiries@bellbrown.com Web address: www.bellbrown.com Part of the V&A Vigar Group
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Politicians must stop meddling! the air there is a spirit of meddling… IoutINcan feel it, I can sniff it out, so watch THE BUSINESS BATTLEAXE all you politico bureaucrats who are
considering putting a state straitjacket on our banks! Granted, the big high street names of our banking sector have not behaved in the best possible way, but there is still time to improve and they are trying; bless them! In order to counter all the negativity, many leading financiers are giving and engaging in society in a way they have not done for 20 years. They are ramping up their corporate social responsibility schemes with greater and more highly publicised activity in the community, including measures to address “financial inclusion”. Other examples of positive community engagement include high-profile sport sponsorships from golf to the Premier League, plus other more CSR-led initiatives, including Spaces for Sports. This is a laudable initiative which has won several industry awards. Yet, still there is a clamour for them to be more regulated – and to what end? Our political masters haven’t exactly covered
Amanda Vigar
themselves in glory over managing our economy over the last decade or so! The banks will retreat into their shells, en masse, if they feel persecuted by members of the public and, more seriously, by politicians of every political complexion. The Vickers Report, which reported in the aftermath of the financial meltdown, said that the banking sector should be regulated to avoid future government bail-outs. The report says nothing about improving bankers’ decision-making, banking supervision or money and credit policy. What proposals it does make will jeopardise UK banking by reducing its global competitiveness. It will also harm the UK economy by reducing the funds that the banks have available to lend to SMEs and homeowners. Unfortunately, this potentially very dam-
aging report is still under active consideration and there are strong voices in support, particularly from the Left. It’s simple common sense to insist that we cannot solve the banking crisis by imposing more regulation than our competitors overseas. We live in a global, not just a UK, economy! We should not be increasing regulation of our banks if it makes it difficult for them to lend and businesses to grow. We have to stop vilifying banks and we need to make the moral case for banking and the free market allocation of capital. Our independent financial institutions are an essential part of our free market economy. Their ability to make decisions based on real-life customer-focused facts and figures, rather than a politically driven tick box agenda, is vital to our sustained recovery.
Amanda Vigar is managing partner at Holmfirth-based accountants V&A Bell Brown LLP
Funding puts them on Cloud 9 762-2)6-4 0/1+4%3* 9-2!62! 1$%/ 81& , )-25( *%% - "-8 #1/"-/'. ?3E'9$97 8&AEA>&E" :7=B"9D( C=% E79 9!:97&9A>&A5 &A C=%7 B%(&A9(() #9 >EA 39":2 6E"" %( A=# 8=7 E >=A(%"'E'&=A 0.+-- ,+4++4 ###2B95B&9(!'7ECA=72>=D *!+$)!" ,#%&('# ,* 6"E79 1=E;) /E"&8E!) /@ -/<
AN accountancy software specialist in Huddersfield has completed a six-figure funding deal to allow the company to continue its expansion plans. Liquid Accounts, the Crosland Moor-based developer of online Cloud accounting software – delivered as Software as a Service – has raised £600,000 from existing investors, including the Aspire Fund The company has developed reputedly the most comprehensive Cloud accounting solution on the market for small and medium enterprises and it is now the product of choice for thousands of users. Chairman Richard Doyle said: “We deferred our next round of fund raising until we had appointed an experienced chief executive officer. Colin Meakin was
appointed late last year. Colin’s background and experience has already helped us grow the business and source the right funding options.” Mr Meakin said: “This funding represents a major milestone for Liquid, allowing us to pursue our product enhancement and marketing plans to rapidly grow the company. Our efforts to date have proved that there is a substantial market for our software and this cash injection will allow us to quickly exploit that. It is an endorsement of the quality of the solution and the market potential that we received a number of funding offers from a variety of specialist providers.” UK SMEs spent £203m last year on Cloud services – a figure which is forecast to grow to £547m by 2015.
■ OPTIONS: Liquid Accounts chairman Richard Doyle (left) and chief executive Colin Meakin (right)
Action call over finance options A FINANCIAL services firm is calling for the Government to review the channels through which funding is available to help increase small business lending. Mark Storey, Yorkshire and Humber managing director of specialist funding provider Bibby Financial Services, said schemes such as Funding for Lending were not set up to enable alternative providers to access the funds – threatening to suffocate growth in the region in 2013.. His comments follow the disclosure that banking giant RBS is to launch a review of its lending to businesses after uncovering £20bn in untapped cash. Bibby Financial Services has approached the Government and Bank of England asking for a review of how its schemes operate. The
aim is to enable non-bank lenders to compete on a level playing field with the banks and increase funding to businesses. Mr Storey said: “The news that RBS has an abundance of cash comes as no real surprise as the banks are extremely risk averse and too often decline funding applications. “As a result, government lending channelled through banks has not been reaching as many businesses in Yorkshire and Humber, as the banks are only lending to those at the safer end of the spectrum. “But these aren’t necessarily the businesses that require funding the most, so there is an element of cherry-picking going on.” The call for a review comes following a study carried out by the invoice finance provider among SME managers and directors
in Yorkshire and Humberside during the second quarter of this year. The study found that despite the Government’s hopes to see the green shoots of economic recovery this year, many businesses are still concerned with the issue of funding. Almost a third say increased access to funding would help them to realise their business aspirations. Mr Storey said: “Our Q2 research suggests that Yorkshire and Humber SMEs see access to funding as an important driver for their business aspirations and we want to help them with this, which is why we feel a more wide ranging review of the funding system is so vital for moving forward with growth.”
ADVERTISERS ANNOUNCEMENT
A BESPOKE service as individual as SATNAV Every client is unique and individual – and always receives the best possible bespoke service from Huddersfield’s long established chartered accountants Walker & Sutcliffe in Greenhead Road on the edge of the town centre.
Managing Partner Nick Ledgard, who leads the specialist financial team, says “Every business has different needs and aspirations and we always tailor our services to meet their exact requirements. As accountants we are completely client focused and our initial priority is to get on a client’s wavelength and find common ground. All businesses have very individual needs and even the different people within each business have their own goals and ideas, all of which have to be understood and analysed. We can then produce a choice of strategies, or route plans, that will achieve all of the various individual goals within the business and those of the various stakeholders”. “We help clients navigate around problems in the journey by highlighting them as soon as they become evident and suggest various solutions, or detours, to get them back on track to the destination as quickly and efficiently as possible”. “It is like having your own financial and business SATNAV with you for the journey, giving advice and re-calculating the best route depending upon the decisions taken by the driver”. “My team and I offer a very honest approach and our first job is to clarify client’s needs so everyone is moving forward in the same direction. We pride ourselves on ‘thinking…outside the books”. Walker & Sutcliffe is already the number one choice for many local and national businesses and continually grows a portfolio of commercial and personal clients. The business was started by David Walker in 1975 and has grown over the years to become one of Huddersfield’s leading chartered accountancy practices and business strategy specialists. Today all kinds of businesses use the services of Walker & Sutcliffe, ranging from sole traders to multi-national organisations. Among the services offered by Nick and his team are business start-up advice, cash flow planning, accounts and audits, tax compliance, CGT and IHT planning, advice on buying and selling a business, payroll, management information systems, retirement and exit planning and strategic issues.
Nick says “We differ from many other accountants by taking the time to fully understand our individual client’s needs and goals. This allows us to ensure our advice is directed towards achieving the client’s actual goals, not some presumptions of them. We specialise in succession planning to safeguard the future of the business and to maximise its worth. It is amazing that many people leave it too close to their desired retirement date to think about how they are going to realise the value in their business, which is often their largest single asset. All our clients are different and therefore our services are tailored to meet their individual needs”. Although Walker & Sutcliffe offers help to many local businesses, its portfolio includes customers from Scotland to the South Coast, and even overseas. Local clients are always welcome to use free boardroom facilities at Walker & Sutcliffe for meetings or small conferences. This is all part of the service and continuous dedication to its valued clients. Nick said “Walker & Sutcliffe exists to help individual client’s financial needs. Through a joint venture, R B Walker & Sutcliffe, we are also working with colleagues who are specialists in wealth management. Our aim is always to improve the financial performance of our clients’ businesses and personal assets and make sure they are structured to perform in the most profitable and efficient way”. Contact Nick and his team on FREEPHONE 08000 32 32 03
Our Mission Statement “To be the first choice as auditors, accountants, taxation and general business advisors for the Small Medium Enterprise sector in West Yorkshire and the surrounding areas by offering a progressive, proactive approach through a value-for-money service of financial measures and advice, enabling clients to meet their financial and business goals in the short, medium and long terms.’’
It’s time you got more from your accountant Thinking… outside the books
added value services include… Tailored programme to maximise profitability Tailored tax efficient solutions
Regular updates & support to help your business FREE use of our facilities for your meeting Support all day, every day
Call Freephone: 08000 32 32 03 and quote KBN /1211 to give us the chance to help you achieve your goals, or contact us through our website at:-
www.walker-sutcliffe.co.uk
Managing partner Nick Ledgard
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Agency moves to new head offices A FIRM of chartered surveyors with offices in Huddersfield has moved its headquarters into new premises. Eddisons has relocated its head office to new premises in Leeds from Pennine House on Russell Street – its base for more than 35 years – to Toronto Square, where the firm has agreed a 10-year lease for almost 10,000sq ft of the fourth floor. Richard Roe, managing director of Eddisons, said: “This is an important move as part of the next phase of the company’s development. The new premises provide an exciting and positive working environment, along with additional space, for our expanding head count.” Eddisons moved from Pennine House following negotiations with BA Pension Fund, which has plans to redevelop the building for student accommodation. CBRE and DTZ acted on behalf of property fund manager Highcross, owners of Toronto Square. Highcross associate director Iain Taylor said: “Toronto Square’s convenient location in the heart of the city’s business district, high quality specification and strong environmental credentials, have been key factors in its appeal to major corporate occupiers. “Following this latest letting to Eddisons, the building will be more than 70% occupied.” Elsewhere, Eddisons’ London office, which has recently taken on eight new staff, is moving to larger premises in the City of London and its Bristol office has also completed a move to new offices in Bristol city centre.
property
Page 6
Landlords get a timely reminder INFORMED DEVELOPMENT
Martin Thompson
A
CASE last month should act as a reminder that landlords need to remember to take account of guarantors when entering into licences for alterations with their tenants. A claim was brought by the landlord against the guarantor requiring it to be responsible for rent and other sums owing under the lease following the tenant’s insolvency. The tenant had carried out works to the premises under a licence for alterations. When drawing up the licence, the landlord did not consult the guarantor or bring the guarantor into the discussions surrounding the alterations. The lease contained an absolute provision on alterations. The tenant was dissolved 10 years following the alterations and the landlord demanded the sums owing as outlined in the lease from the guarantor. The landlord later gave notice under the terms of the lease requiring the guarantor to take a new lease for the
remainder of the term. The guarantor argued that it had been released from liability as a guarantor due to the variation made to the lease by the licence for alterations to which it was not a party. The works carried out under the licence had increased the extent of the tenant’s obligation to a point where the variation to the lease was clearly onerous. The Judge agreed. In particular, it was found that the extent of the obligations to clean repair and yield up the premises was increased by entering into the licence. The Deputy Judge stated that the common law rule applied to release the guarantor entirely from its liability under the lease. Consequently, the landlord was left with significant unpaid rent arrears and no future income. Had the guarantor been a party to the licence then it would have remained liable. It is vital landlords check their leases before consenting to alterations. It is also important that buyers consider these issues when carrying out due diligence on investment purchases.
Martin Thompson is a partner in Commercial Property at Armitage Sykes in Huddersfield
■ HEAD START: Shari Burnell (left) and Kim Taylor at The Spring, Linthwaite
Hair salon has its own liquid assets A COLNE Valley hair salon is springing into action. The Linthwaite salon, previously called Changes has undergone a complete refurbishment and been renamed The Spring after a change of management. And it is planned to use the source of natural spring water, which is found in the cellar of the building. It is believed the spring water was used in making bread when the building was used as a bakery. Hairdresser Shari Burnell, who has 20 years experience in the industry in the Holme Valley area, has joined forces with beautician Kim Taylor at the new-look salon. The salon has six hairdressing stations and the new owners are looking to build up a team of highly skilled independent professional hairstylists to work alongside Shari and Kim.
Commercial
Residential, Commercial & Industrial Surveyors, Estate Agents, Auctioneers & Property Management Consultants ST ANDREW'S ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD
For Sale
SHAWS IND EST, HUDERSFIELD
Industrial premises
Single storey industrial unit with attached offices
1,910sqm (20,562sqft) Set on site of 0.77 acres Situated on the outskirts of Huddersfield town centre Suitable for existing use redevelopment EPC Rating : D
1 LORD STREET, HUDDERSFIELD
To Let
To Let
Available as a whole or in units
MANOR ROAD, FARNLEY TYAS
To Let
High quality offices 209.12sqm (2,251sqft) Prestigious location
702sqm (7,500sqft)
Good car parking
Yard and loading area with additional parking
Pleasant working environment
EPC Rating C STEPS INDUSTRIAL EST, HONLEY
To Let
EPC Asset Rating E
RED DOLES LANE, HUDDERSFIELD
To Let
Ground floor shop/offices
Industrial unit with secure yard
Surplus Office Accommodation
123.93sqm (1,334sqft)
590.67sqm (6,358sqft)
45.17 sqm (486.21 sqft)
Huge frontage
24 car parking spaces
Predominantly industrial and commercial location
Newly refurbished
EPC Rating: G
Could sub-divide
Previously used for car sales and repairs
EPC Rating F
14 St Georges Square, Huddersfield HD1 1JF
t: 01484 530361
e: commercial@bramleys1.co.uk
www.bramleys.com/commercial
Car parking available All inclusive rent
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Contracts renewed for water schemes YORKSHIRE Water has renewed its contracts with service partners who are helping it deliver £1bn of improvements across the region. The Bradford-based company has extended its agreement with eight contract partners and three specialist consultants for the period 2015 to 2020. The eight are Byzak Entec, Earthtech Morrison, Morgan Sindall Grontmij, Barhale WSP, Mott MacDonald Bentley, Black and Veatch, Morrison Utility Services, Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions. The consultants are Arup, Montgomery Watson Harza, Turner and Townsend. They will work with Yorkshire Water on schemes to future-proof the company's treatment works against extreme weather conditions, help protect the local environment and continue to guarantee a secure supply of drinking water. Yorkshire Water director Nevil Muncaster said: “We are committed to ensuring that we give our customers the best
FOR SALE possible service for the lowest possible price and our major investment plans for the next five years play a huge part in this. “Our contract partners and consultants take great pride in their service alongside Yorkshire Water and this news is testament to their strong performance.” Yorkshire Water provides contracts and work to more than 1,000 local businesses and supports many thousands of local jobs. During the five years to 2015, the company is delivering innovative energy schemes to reduce its carbon footprint and improve the water network, which will directly benefit customers.
Schemes include a £110m coastal improvement programme and a £78m investment to upgrade a major waste water treatment works near Meadowhall, Sheffield. Larger investment schemes include ones for water treatment works at Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield. Yorkshire Water provides contracts and work to more than 1,000 local businesses and supports many thousands of local jobs. During this Asset Management Period – ending in 2015 – Yorkshire Water will have re-invested more than £123m above and beyond the capital programme allowed for in customer prices at the last price review.
Ponderosa Park, Smithies Lane, Heckmondwike 800 - 1,500 sq ft High quality office suites with on site parking and conference facilities on site Immediately available for occupation
Industrial
Unit 10 Barncliffe Business Park, Shelley 292m2 (3,143 sq ft) Good quality single storey industrial unit in popular complex with good parking. Well located for M1
to let
only £230 per week exclusive
Commercial
The Old Post Office, Wakefield Old Road, Dewsbury, 1,045 m2 (11,250 sq ft) Centrally located office suitable for redevelopment/conversion to a variety of uses (STP), benefiting from covered/secured parking
FoR SAle www.michaelsteel.co.uk
Unit 12 Jubilee Way
Grange Moor, Wakefield, WF4 4TD
1 Modern warehouse premises 1 1,495.19m2 (17,459 sq ft) 1 Generous secured yard and car parking area 1 Ease of access to M1/M62 motorways Price: On Application
Offices
to let
FOR SALE
development potential
All enquiries to Alec Michael at Michael Steel & Co on 0113 234 8999 or email alec@michaelsteel.co.uk
Land at Macaulay Street Birkby, Huddersfield, HD2 2US
1 Residential development site with PP for 14 houses 1 0.62 Hectares (1.7 Acres) approx 1 Ease of access to local amenities 1 Would suit alternative residential scheme (STP) Price: On Application
FOR SALE
Fieldhead and Former Lindley Special Care Unit
Lidget Street, Lindley, Huddersfield, HD3 3JB
1 Residential/commercial conversion opportunity 1 Character property in prime location 1 791m2 (8,500 sq ft) in 0.37 Hectares (0.913 Acres) 1 Detailed planning brief available Further details upon application
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Gary King
Wrights HOLMFIRTH marketing and fulfilment company Wrights has appointed Gary King (pictured) as sales manager in a strategic move to drive growth. The Miry Lane company has a strong background in business-to-business services supplying design, print, mail and marketing collateral for major players in the telecoms and IT sectors. But the firm, which celebrated 25 years recently, is determined to continue forging for business in new markets. Mr King’s appointment is part of the company’s strategy to develop new accounts in Yorkshire, nationally and internationally. Managing director Mike Hall said the appointment saw Wrights move its growth plans up a gear. “We’ve demonstrated to our existing clients, who include O2 and Dell, that we can deliver the products and services to strict customer demands,” he said. “We know that we can deliver through good service, innovative products and adding value to our clients bottom line. “Gary has skills in key sectors and his knowledge of business to business and ability to nurture new accounts fits with our ambition.” Mr King, who previously worked for Airedale Air Conditioning and Tendos Solutions where he worked at a national and global level on key accounts, said: “I am looking forward to being part of the Wrights growth and success story.”
Sinéad Sopala
Movers and shakers
Academic accolade for tycoon Lawrence B AT L E Y- b o r n b u s i n e s s m a n Lawrence Tomlinson is adding to his list of academic honours. The chairman of LNT Group, which has interests in car manufacturing, construction, care homes, software and climate protection systems, will receive an honorary doctorate of engineering at Leeds Metropolitan University tomorrow. The man behind the Ginetta racing team joins other luminaries honoured during the university’s graduation ceremonies this week, including comedy writer Barry Cryer; music producer Dennis Weinreich, who managed the audio for the James Bond and Harry Potter franchises; Denise Jagger, partner at international law firm Eversheds; and award-winning artist Susan Brown. Mr Tomlinson was made an honorary doctor of Huddersfield University two years ago – when he also received an honorary doctorate of engineering
Craig Hopwood
HSBC HSBC has appointed Craig Hopwood as senior corporate banking manager with its North leverage portfolio management team covering West Yorkshire. Mr Hopwood, a chartered accountant, has a background in corporate finance, banking and private equity within the region. As part of his role he will be responsible for looking after a number of larger private equity-backed businesses in the North West and Yorkshire.
from Bradford University. Mr Tomlinson attended Batley Grammar School and studied engineering at Huddersfield Technical College before gaining a degree at Bradford. He worked at Holset, now Cummins Turbo Technologies and undertook its graduate management programme before a change in direction and a new career as “serial entrepreneur”. He acquired British car maker Ginetta in 2005. The company now operates from state-of-the-art factory in Leeds and exports GT-winning racing cars all over the globe. Ginetta Supercars was born in 2009 with the launch of the Ginetta F400, which has been showcased on Top Gear. LNT Group employs some 2,000 people across its five core businesses of care homes, construction, software, chemicals and car manufacturing.
■ HONOUR: Lawrence Tomlinson, of LNT Group
Firm lands Legal Aid award
Ramsdens Solicitors LAW firm Ramsdens Solicitors has promoted Sinéad Sopala to director of marketing. Ms Sopala (pictured) has been with the award-winning firm for four years and leads in all areas of marketing strategy and implementation. Managing partner Paul Joyce said: “Sinéad was very successful in her previous role and we have created this new position to accommodate the promotion she deserves. “This promotion brings strong leadership to our marketing function and supports our strategy to create a strong regional law firm in Yorkshire with the development of web-based legal services and the use of social media.” Said Ms Sopala: “I am looking forward to the challenges of my new role and working with the fantastically talented team at Ramsdens.” The law firm has offices in Huddersfield town centre, Edgerton, Holmfirth, Slaithwaite, Mirfield, Dewsbury, Elland, Halifax and Wakefield.
Page 8
■ EXCITING: Jennifer Stroud, of Makin Dixon Solicitors
A LAW firm in Huddersfield was landed a top award. Makin Dixon, which has a branch at Queen Street, has been named Legal Aid Law Firm of the Year at a prestigious ceremony in London. The firm, which specialises in family law, was one of three shortlisted entries in the category in the awards, which are run by the Legal Aid Practitioners Group. Jennifer Stroud, head of the Huddersfield office, joined Makin Dixon partners and
colleagues at the awards ceremony, which took place at the Globe Theatre. Jennifer said: “It was a real honour to take part in such an important event. It has been a crowning achievement after an exciting period for the firm, which has seen us open our Huddersfield office last year, plus three new offices in Wakefield, Leeds and Rochdale earlier this year to bring the total up to 10 offices across Yorkshire and Lancashire.” Managing partner Caroline Makin said: “We are thrilled to
Ready for a second helping of seminars LAW firm Chadwick Lawrence has launched its second series of 2013 employment law seminars – following the success of its seminar series earlier this year. The free seminars will be held at the firm’s offices in Railway Street, Huddersfield and at its Leeds city centre and Wakefield offices and will be led by employment law specialist Neil Wilson (pictured). The first seminar in the series, Essential Employment Law Changes, is aimed at business owners, managers and HR advisers and takes place on September 19 in Wakefield.
Chadwick Lawrence has also teamed up with Dale Carnegie Training to provide a one-off seminar on performance management which will take place on October 16 at the Wakefield office. Neil
Wilson will be joined by Mirfield-based Juliette Dennett, of Dale Carnegie Training, for the event. Mr Wilson said: “This new seminar series follows on from the success of our employment seminars earlier in the year. As well as providing valuable advice, the seminars also provide a great networking opportunity. “We are delighted to have teamed up with Dale Carnegie Training to offer a one-off seminar on performance management.” Go to www.chadwick lawrence.co.uk or contact Sarah Guest on 0113 2258811 or email sarahguest@chadlaw.co.uk
have won the award. It is a tribute to the hard-working staff at Makin Dixon who are prepared to go the extra mile for our clients.” She added: “It is also important for people to be aware that although Legal Aid has been reduced in scope, it is still available in certain circumstances. If people have a legal problem, they should still ask abut Legal Aid. Unless they make that enquiry, they will not know whether or not they do qualify for Legal Aid.”
Just champion for Thorite’s Ian HE’S a champion in his field. Ian Wood (pictured), who is based at the Huddersfield premises of pneumatic products group Thorite, has completed a rigorous training course to become one of 10 Air Tool Product Champions providing the first point of contact for enquiries coming to the firm’s sales and service centres covering Yorkshire, Lancashire, the North East and the West Midlands. Ian, who works at the centre in Barge Street, was trained to offer service, product knowledge and advice in areas such as operational features, compressed air requirements, potential applications, relevant markets and industries, legislation and safety.