Kbn23092014

DARREN SMITH

1

FTSE 100 DANIEL KRIGERS -64.29 Don’t risk a dressing down Column - Page 4 6773.63

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

Getting better connected Column - Page 5

An EXAMINER publication

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees

Companies get connected Rodda rides in with some worthy causes

INSIDE

henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk

Bank manager Jonathan Wales has notched up the first six months of his year as a Business Connector.

And he admits: “It’s been an eyeopener.”

Jonathan has been seconded from his job as a manager with the Halifax to take up the role of Business Connector for Huddersfield – providing the link between charities and community groups in need of support and private sector organisations that can help them achieve their aims.

It’s part of a national scheme run by Business in the Community – one of the Prince of Wales’ charities.

Jonathan says the scheme is vital in an environment of public sector cutbacks to help charities and community groups get the advice to help them stand on their own two feet and by truly sustainable.

A busy six months has seen Jonathan help to get private sector support for a host of projects.

Among them, he has helped mental health charity Mencap extend its Safe Places scheme to Marks & Spencer at Waterloo, Asda at Bradley and Ruddi’s

Retreat Cafe at Linthwaite. Organisation taking part in the scheme display a sticker showing where vulnerable people out in the community can go there if they feel threatened, frightened or upset.

Jonathan has also forged links between the Welcome Centre and Greggs to arrange for the bakery chain to donate bread and cakes left unsold at the end of the working day to the centre’s food bank.

Another food bank – in the Holme Valley – has been provided with space by Locala at Holme Valley Memorial Hospital to prepare its food parcels – following a four-fold increase in the number of food parcels compared to a year ago.

Jonathan has also worked with Sharing Memories in Holmfirth, which helps elderly people recall memories through painting. Thorough his efforts, a book featuring their art work is now on sales at Waterstone’s.

Among other projects, Howdens Joinery at Lockwood and Turnbridge-based engineering firm Cummins Turbo Technologies provided furniture and equipment for an IT suite at Beechwood Cheshire Home, Edgerton.

In another tie-up, 40 volunteers from the HR department at United Utilities in Sheffield helped Friends of Beaumont Park with the gardening at the eight-acre beauty spot.

■■ Business Connector Jonathan Wales

Alpha Marking Services, of Linthwaite, volunteered time and materials to whiteline the car park at The Nerve Centre while Kirklees Rape and Sexual Assault Counselling Centre has benefited from help with its IT system and the fitting of door locks on its consultation rooms.

Jonathan has helped source funding and volunteer help for local schools and matched organisations with experts in areas such as IT, marketing and HR.

Current schemes include extending the Community Shop initiative, which sells food at 30% of the normal retail price for people on means-tested benefits and develop a cookery school and cafe where people can learn about recipes that make the most of the food they can afford to buy.

Jonathan is also working with charity Making Space to make Meltham into a “dementia-friendly” village and is helping One Good Turn to build up a “bank” of men’s suits which will be available for long-term unemployed people to wear when attending job interviews.

Said Jonathan: “I’m continuing to help small charities that would not get much help otherwise.

“A lot of charities are also looking for trustees. While there are significant responsibilities, it is a terrific opportunity to get involved for people who have the relevant skills.”

Jonathan’s job entails meeting businesses and charities, making introductions – and dealing with unusual requests.

“One charity asked if I could find them a caravan and another was enquiring about how to look after pigs,” he said.

“It’s been a real eye-opener to what is going on out there.

“There’s an enormous among of good being done in Huddersfield.”

New regulations ‘will bring big rise in consultancy costs’ Small firms in Kirklees have been urged to shop around for business services in the face of rising costs for complying with government and EU regulations.

Compliance with new regulations, including flexible working practices, will

cost Yorkshire’s 90,000 small and medium-sized employers a massive £65m – or about £720 per company – this year, according to the Forum of Private Business.

This takes the estimated cost of compliance for employers in the region to

£1.5 bn, equivalent to £16,100 per firm.

Figures from the Forum showed that retailers were least hit by the changes with a rise of £450 on the cost of compliance. Manufacturers saw an increase of almost £940 while health, social and care providers saw an increase of £930.

The survey found that the amount spent on external providers was even more pronounced with retailers spending £150 more on external support against £570 for manufacturers and £630 for those in health, social and care sectors.”

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examiner.co.uk

By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter

Holme Valley developer Conroy Brook has recruited one of the house building industry’s most respected construction directors to help deliver a number of major projects.

John Rodda joins Conroy Brook from Persimmon Homes, where he worked for seven years following his previous position at Ben Bailey Homes.

As construction director, Mr Rodda has delivered some of the country’s largest and most complex housing projects, leading teams across the UK.

The most trusted news brand in the business

Six of the best chartered accountancy firm Clough & Company has expanded its team with six new appointments across a number of its divisions.

Partner Lesley Kendrew said the appointments came as the firm had seen a dramatic increase in business across all of its divisions.

■■ Caption here

www.stafflex.co.uk International House, Chapel Hill, Huddersfield HD1 3EE

Tel: 01484 351010

2

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

national

Tesco suspends four UK staff over profits error Tesco has been plunged into fresh turmoil following the suspension of four UK executives while it investigates a £250m over-statement of profits.

The shock admission that Tesco’s most recent profits warning to the City in August was much too optimistic sent shares in Britain’s biggest supermarket chain down by as much as 11% to their lowest level in a decade. Its shares closed down 26.6p at 203p., UK managing director Chris Bush is believed to be among four directors asked to step aside while accountancy firm Deloitte carries out an “independent and comprehensive” review into the overstatement.

The inquiry will look into the way the company treated rebates paid by suppliers and whether they were reported in the right time period.

The error was brought to the attention of Tesco’s general counsel by a whistleblower on Friday before being passed to new chief executive Dave Lewis. He carried out a preliminary investigation over the weekend before issuing Tesco’s third profits warning in as many months.

Tesco has alerted City regulator the Financial Conduct Authority and

■■ Tesco has launched an investigation into the overstating of forecast profits

asked Freshfields, the group’s external legal adviser, to work with Deloitte.

Mr Lewis said the suspensions would allow the company to carry out a “full and frank” investigation and was not disciplinary or an indication of guilt.

The former Unilever boss, who took over from Tesco veteran Philip Clarke at the start of the month, has placed online director Robin Terrell in charge of running the UK team.

The suspensions add to the difficulties facing Tesco at a time when it is grappling with the growth of discounters Lidl and Aldi.

Mr Lewis said: “We have uncovered a serious issue and have responded accordingly.”

The errors emerged amid the company’s preparations for half-year results, which will now be announced on October 23 rather than October 1.

EE buys 58 Phones 4u retail stores Network operator EE is to buy 58 Phones 4u stores in a deal saving more than 350 jobs at the collapsed mobile phone retailer.

The agreement with administrator PwC comes after Vodafone said on Friday it would buy 140 Phones 4u stores, safeguarding 887 jobs.

The collapse of Phones 4u, which went into administration last week following EE’s decision not to renew its contract, affected 5,600 workers at 560 Phones 4u stores and a further 160 concession outlets, including a store at King Street in Huddersfield and a concession in PC World at Great Northern Retail Park.

Dixons Carphone has already said it will take on the 800 staff who worked at 160 Phones 4u sites within Currys/ PC World stores.

EE said the stores and 359 employees will be transferred with immediate effect, although the location of the shops has not been disclosed. The stores will be re-branded to EE and it is planned that most will be opened in the next week.

With buyers only interested in the stores, PwC has axed 628 jobs at Phones 4u’s head office in Newcastleunder-Lyme. Some 3,000 jobs and more than 300 stores remain at risk following the deals with Vodafone, EE and Dixons Carphone.

Store staff have been asked to remain at home while talks take place with parties interested in buying some of the estate.

Shore Capital Stockbrokers analyst Clive Black said: “These are serious times for Tesco and its shareholders.

We are flabbergasted by this development.”

The investigation relates to Tesco’s latest profits warning at the end of August, when it said half-year trading profits would be in the region of £1.1bn.

The company admits that the issues uncovered in its UK food business mean the figure is likely to have been overstated by £250m, leaving profits down by about 46% on the £1.58 bn a year earlier.

Mr Lewis said: “The chairman and I have acted quickly to establish a comprehensive independent investigation. The board, my colleagues, our customers and I expect Tesco to operate with integrity and transparency and we will take decisive action as the results of the investigation become clear.”

Mr Lewis took over from Mr Clarke, whose departure from the retailer after 40 years service was brough forward after the profits warning at the end of August.The previous profits guidance of £1.1bn for the half-year to August 23 was already well below the City’s forecasts. serious times for

Moss Bros suited by rise in sales

Digital revenues still booming

Menswear specialist Moss Bros posted a fall in first-half profit today as it revamps stores and adjusts for changing tastes in suit hire.

The retailer which has a store at New Street in Huddersfield among 133 stores UK-wide, reported a 9% drop in pre-tax profit to £2m in the 26 weeks to

Digital advertising revenue from UK publishers rose by 9.1% in the second quarter of 2014, according to a report by business advisory firm Deloitte and the Association of Online Publishers (AOP).

Revenue generated from mobile and tablet subscriptions and advertising were

July 26, after it expanded its refurbishment programme to nine stores from four in the same period a year ago.

But the firm, famous for hiring out morning suits, said total revenues were up by 4.6% to £55.8m, with like-for-like sales rising by 6.4%, as it boosted online sales and sold more

products from stores that had already been refitted.

Hire bookings for the 2014 wedding season are behind last year’s levels, but Moss added that hire prices continue to improve due to the introduction of more modern premium lines such as the Ted Baker morning suit.

the fastest growing revenue stream for digital publishers, up by 69% compared with the same period last year and 60.8% growth in the first quarter.

The AOP Digital Publishers Revenue Index Report showed that year-on-year growth has not dropped

below 50% since mobile revenues were first tracked in 2010.

Tablet revenues made up 60% of the total mobile revenues in the second quarter of 2014 – suggesting users are favouring a bigger screen experience for quality publications.

SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN

American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys

£54.81 £75.64 £43.89 £59.00 1954.47 £59.07 £28.80 45.89 £46.87 £48.94

AEROSPACE & DEFENCE

Avon Rbbr BAE Systems Chemring Cobham Meggitt Rolls-Royce Senior

AIM

600 Group API Grp Brady Plc Highland Gold Mining Johnson Service Grp London Security M”S Intl Nichols Redhall Group Scapa Grp Youngs GKN Barclays

615 4751/8 2341/2 2907/8 4843/4 1003 2781/4

-0.15 - /2 +33/8 -81/4 -33/8 -47/8 -10 -23/4 1

201/4 55 791/2 531/2 597/8 £23 195 9923/4 161/2 140 9671/2

+3/4 -1/4 -1 -131/2

3421/8

-43/8

2315/8

-21/2

AUTOMOBILES & PARTS BANKS

-0.08 -0.73 +0.29 -0.43 -25.70 -0.60 -0.28

Bk Ireland HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart Barr (AG) Diageo SABMiller Croda Elementis 98 Johnsn Mat

BEVERAGES

-11/2 -9 -3/4

£213/4 2641/4 £311/4

+1/8 -11/2 +1/8

CHEMICALS

Balfour Beatty C”R”H Costain Low Bonar Marshalls

-7/8 -57/8 -5/8 -63/8 -20

6311/2 1817 £351/8

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS

Drax Gp SSE +1/4 -5/8

241/8 6573/4 761/4 3595/8 1220

2255/8 1445 2861/2 601/2 197

ELECTRICITY

640 1530

-45/8 +5 +21/2

-4 +7

ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced Ox Instmts Volex

610 3031/4 3191/8 1090 903/4

+4 -63/8 +1/8

+11/4

EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS

Alliance Trust Br Assets Candover Inv Dunedin Inv Dunedin Sml

459 1361/2 579 2683/8 189

-63/4 -1

-11/8 -6

Edin Invst Electra Private Equity Forgn & C Henderson Smllr Cos North American Inc Scot Am Scottish Mortgage Witan

612 £263/4 3941/2 5251/2 8591/2 243 2381/4 7071/2

-5 +1/8 -6 -11/2 -1/2 -3 -13/8 -101/2

3913/4 493/8 1407/8 96 295

-61/8 -1/8 -17/8 -2 -4

FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS

BT Grp Cable & Wireless Comm Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom

FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS

Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco Thorntons AB Food Carrs Millg REA Hldgs Tate Lyle Unilever

179 2783/4 203 1051/4

-3 -51/2 -265/8 +11/2

£27 1643 4103/4 7321/2 £26

+1/4 -2 -1/4 -11

FOOD PRODUCERS

GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES

Centrica National Grid Pennon Grp Severn United Utils 3i Group Close Bros ICAP

320 892 780 1935 8411/2

+51/2 -31/2 -6 -6

392 /2 1428 400

-6 /8 -5 +73/4

GENERAL FINANCIAL 1

3

Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp

1231/2 197 892 £257/8

-41/2 +5 /2 -1/2 1

FTSE closed at

6773.63

down 64.29 London StockExch Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV

1897 122 £215/8 £245/8 1884

GENERAL INDUSTRIALS

Smith DS Smiths Grp

2783/4 1303

GENERAL RETAILERS

Ashley L Dixons Carphone Home Retail Inchcape Kingfisher M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith

27 3741/2 1671/2 6851/2 315 4335/8 2481/4 £691/4 £70 1114

+5 -11/8 -1/8 -26 -41/4 -4 +1/2 +21/2 -3 -10 -11/8 -13/4 -63/4 -7/8 +5

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

Smith Nph

1068

HOUSEHOLD GOODS

+2

Aga Rangemaster Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey

1551/2 3963/4 1637 1367 £531/2 115

+2 -2 -10 +1 -1/8 +3/4

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

Fenner I”M”I Molins Renold Spirax-Sarco Weir Grp Ferrexpo

345 /8 1323 136 585/8 £287/8 £257/8

-2 +1 +3/8 -1/4 -1/2

1297/8

-3/8

3253/4

-41/2

534 3091/4 2383/8 1921/4 1414 4201/4

-11/2 -3/4 -1/4 -11/2 +1 -11/4

888 786 2121/4 37/8 1221 1001 373 1851/4 6091/2 201

-1 -7 -33/4

5

INDUSTRIAL METALS

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

MEDIA

-17 -10 -11/2 -3/4 -31/2 +21/4

WPP

1283

MINING

Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kazakhmys Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES

14261/2 7341/2 17301/2 760 2681/8 2017/8 £305/8 975

-8 -451/2 -18 -63 -161/2 +25/8 -43/8 -11/4 -30

MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Inmarsat Vodafone Group

738 2011/2

+21/2 -31/8

1250 1025 £321/4 4803/8

+16 +1 -1/4 +1/8

1169 470 1783/4 3391/4 £24 £25 £393/8 668

+21/2 -33/8 -71/4 -43/8 -1/8

NONLIFE INSURANCE

Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Ins Gp

OIL & GAS PRODUCERS

BG BP Cairn Energy Premier Oil Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell B Total Tullow Oil

OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

AMEC Petrofac Wood Gp(J)

1066 1058 750

PERSONAL GOODS

Burberry Gp PZ Cussons

1511 380

+1/8 +1 -29 +10 -7 +3 -121/8

PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY

Astrazeneca GlaxoSmithKline Shire

£453/4 14431/2 £521/4

-51/2 -5/8

713 6441/2 599 3425/8 1075 3741/4

-3 -1/2 -41/2 -3 -4 +27/8

377

+1

REAL ESTATE

Brit Land Gt Portland Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO

SOFTWARE & COMPUTER SERVICES

Sage Group

SUPPORT SERVICES

Berendsen Bunzl Capita Connect Group De La Rue Elctro Com Electrocomp Experian G4S Hays Homeserve Interserve Menzies J Northgate Prem Farnell Rentokil Travis & P Wolseley

1011 1643 1171 1481/4 753 2401/8 2401/8 1037 259 125 317 617 5801/2 5161/2 1945/8 1223/4 1714 £333/8

-7 -21/4 -81/2 +3/8 +3/8 +1 -11/4 -13/4 -3 -8 +61/2 +2 -7/8 -13/4 -6 +1/4

-9

935 £1183/8

-131/2 -3/8

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT

ARM Hldgs IBM

Spirent Comms

TOBACCO

Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco

1061/8

-3/4

£361/8 £271/2

-1/8 -1/4

TRAVEL & LEISURE

Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airl Ladbrokes Marston’s Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Punch Taverns Rank Org Restaurant Grp Ryanair Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread William Hill FTSE 100 FTSE 250

941/8 £243/8 988 1304 1183/4 1201/2 £243/8 7931/2 £243/8 375 1317/8 1501/8 4171/2 2513/4 93/8 1613/4 665 5765/8 3721/4 391 £421/2 3603/8

INDEX

6773.63 15744.61

-11/2 -3/8 -10 -32 +13/8 -23/4 +1/8 -61/2 -1/8 -81/8 -21/2 -23/8 -141/4 +5/8 -11 -151/8 -23/4 +71/4 -1/8 +43/8 -64.29 -114.49

3

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

profile

Kristopher and Mark’s powerful partnership They’re a couple of bright sparks making all places including Warrington, Birmingham, out on site, everyone seems busy again. A lot the right connections.

London, Northern Ireland and Scotland. of clients are picking up in sectors such as Qualified electricians Kristopher Johnson Customers include ones requiring PA sys- recycling, logistics and construction. and Mark Copley worked together for a tems and speakers installed in their shops or “We are ahead of our financial targets and number of years before deciding to set up warning alarms fitted at construction sites. the number of projects is ahead of what we their own business, Ti installations, specialisMark and Kristopher work with shopfitters had hoped. We plan to take two people on ing in CCTV and alarms, electrical and audio to install and maintain audio and CCTV sys- before the end of the year. services. tems – most notably for a UK discount retail “Ideally, we want to develop an electrical Now from their base at Marsh Mills in chain as well as a large number of independ- team as well as security engineers and audio Marsh, they range far and wide working for ent stores. Other clients include a property engineers.” clients including domestic properties, student leasing company in Mirfield and the owners The most recent development was the move flats, offices, factories and high street shops. of student accommodation. to Marsh Mills. “We had to fit out the premises And the decision to form the business is “You make a lot of contacts working with and we have also invested in our own trainalready reaping rewards – with the duo plan- shopfitters and other trades such as joiners,” ing,” says Kristopher. ning to take on additional hands to cope with says Kristopher.

The walls of their office are filled with a growing client list.

While the recession had an effect on levels framed certificates bearing witness to their “We used to be sole traders,” says Kristo- of business, Mark says: “The economy has efforts. “We are both trained first aiders, for pher. “I traded as KJS Alarms while Mark was picked up a lot and we have picked up a lot of example, as well as having qualifications for MJC Electrical. We have worked together for new clients through Ti installations.” health and safety and dealing with asbestos.”

10 years. When I first started, Mark helped me Kristopher adds: “When I went selfCCTV and audio are growing areas for the out a bit. We were both operating from our employed it was at the height of the recession, two men. Commercial clients increasingly own homes, keeping our equipment in our so I took a massive chance. But from the start want the two to be linked, so intruders or susgarages. We were working together more and of this year, talking to other people when I’m picious characters captured on CCTV can be more and things were getting more and challenged verbally by security staff via a more busy.” loud speaker system.

Says Mark: “My garage was filling up.

In a fast-changing industry, Mark and We got orders for jobs and we would Kristopher keep up with technological have masses and masses of gear. It got developments by attending major industo the point where we couldn’t work try shows and talking to their suppliers. from home any more – because we were “We have trusted connections with our never really away from work.” suppliers,” says Mark. “We have good Mark, who lives at Birchencliffe, and relationships with all of them.”

Kristopher, of Longwood, eventually set Away from work, football is Kristoup a partnership trading as Titanium pher’s passion, A keen Huddersfield Security. “When we decided to become Town fan, he also plays five-a-side at a limited company, that name was no Soccer City in Waterloo. longer available,” says Mark. “So we “It started with 10 of us getting togethbecame Ti installations – with Ti being er,” he says. “We all enjoy a game of footthe chemical symbol for titanium.” ball followed by a few pints on Friday Mark, 33, grew up in Kirkheaton and night!” Kristopher and his wife Greeta attended Mirfield Free Grammar also enjoy visiting family in her homeSchool. On leaving school, he worked in land of Estonia. computer hardware with his father’s Mark is married to Michelle and the firm. But he says: “I learned that workcouple have a 14-year-old son, Kyle. Says ing with family doesn’t always work out Mark: “I enjoy a game of golf, but I don’t – especially when you live with them!” claim to be very good at it! It’s a good He gained City and guilds qualificawalk, really!” Mark and Michelle also tions as an electrician and set up on his enjoy cruising to destinations in the own.

Mediterranean and the Baltic.

Kristopher, 28, who grew up in Oakes Mark and Kristopher are not short on and lived at Birchencliffe before moving ambition for their business. “We set out to Longwood, was a pupil at Salendine from day one with the vision of being a Nook High School. “I wanted to go into big company,” says Kristopher. computing and worked for the same “We did not want to grow too quickly firm as Mark,” he says. until we had all our procedures in place.

Kristopher, who also gained City and We are developing business systems to Guilds qualifications, worked as a techdo that.” nology troubleshooter – repairing and Says Kristopher: “We thought it was a installing electronic tills in supermarbig step to come into these premises kets. after working from home. Given how far Now their work takes then around we’ve come, it doesn’t feel such a big Yorkshire and further afield to clients in ■■ Ti installation’s Kristopher Johnson (left) and Mark Copley move now!”

Ti Installations Ltd Work: Electrical, CCTV , audio and alarm systems Site: Marsh Mills, Marsh Phone: 01484 818180 Email: Tmark@ti-installationsltd.co.uk or kris@ti-installationsltd.co.uk Web: www. ti-installationsltd.co.uk

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

local

KIRKLEES BUS

Yorkshire chosen for firm’s new HQ A car repair comparison website has name West Yorkshire its home.

Autobutler, an international web company, has set up its UK head office at Dean Clough Mills in Halifax.

The company is the brainchild of Peter Michael Oxholm Zigler and Christian Legene, of Denmark.

Car owners can use the site to find competitive quotes from quality garages for any kind of car repair, Founded in Denmark in 2010, Autobutler lays claim to being Europe’s largest consumer comparison, quote and booking website for car servicing, maintenance and repair.

It has a network of more than 5,000 member garages and workshops in Denmark, Sweden and Germany. Since its launch, it has provided more than 500,000 customer referrals to its members.

Clive Thorpe, UK managing director, said: “Halifax has been chosen as the site for our headquarters because of its central location in the UK, but mainly due to the high calibre of employees available in the area.”

Index Ventures, investors in online businesses such as Facebook, Skype and Just Eat, have injected £4.6m to aid the UK launch.

Almost 1,000 garages have already chosen to partner with Autobutler to increase their customer base.

The company is rapidly expanding and is expecting to more than double its workforce in the next 12 months, therefore seeking more talented recruits in the near future.

Technology firm is truly on track A Huddersfield firm has completed a major contract for the UK’s number one vehicle tracking supplier.

Remote Asset Management (RAM) employs 30 people, operates from a Leeds-based head office and has expanded into Canada.

The business has more than 3,000 customers in the UK alone and won the Customer Focus award at the National Business Awards.

RAM requires a highly resilient IT infrastructure to support an ongoing load of tracking 2000-plus vehicles. RAM requested a flexible system to cater for future growth and highlighted the need for an ongoing managed IT service to ensure continuity of a reliable internal system.

Lockwood-based P2 Technologies has installed a dual, high availability server and network system with automatic failure detection and recovery to ensure that the company continuously runs efficiently and confidently. An on-site and off-site virtual backup and recovery service was also installed as part of a reliable recovery plan.

The new IT systems put in place are managed by experienced and accredited engineers at P2 under its OneSupport system, while P2 also proactively monitors IT systems, provides on-going strategy guidance and helpdesk facilities.

Self-assessment alert The deadline for completing paper self-assessment tax returns is fast approaching, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants has warned.

Forms must be returned to the taxman by midnight on October 31.

Taxpayers will also have to register for selfassessment if they claim child benefit and their earnings or their partner’s earnings has risen

above £50,000 in the past year. The deadline for registering is October 5 irrespective of whether you wish to complete a paper return or online.

Failure to file a tax return on time will incur an immediate £100 fine, which will then increase the longer you take to bring your tax affairs up to date.

Changes in child benefuit were bringing more people into self-assessment , said the ACCA.

Properly dressed for the workplace?

ACAS has recently updated its guidance focusing on staff uniforms, health and safety requirements and religious dress as well as tattoos and piercings.

The starting point for any dress code should be the staff handbook. Dress codes usually implement either an official staff uniform or promote a more generic “appropriate standard of dress”.

The motivation for introducing a dress code is usually one of the following reasons: In order that staff can be easily identifiable to members of the public; to comply with health and safety regulations; to promote a particular image.

When introducing a dress code, companies are encouraged to consider their purpose for doing so. For example, if an employee is office-based and not client-facing, it is questionable for a company to insist on an official uniform.

When enforcing a dress code, consistency (although taking account of potential discrimination mentioned below) is critical. This is of particular importance for employees who work in factories or with machinery.

Health and safety regulations may require employees to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as work boots.

If such regulations are in place, companies should not allow employees to waver from these requirements.

Accordingly, any employees who breach the company dress codes should be subject to the company’s dis-

EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Daniel J Krigers ciplinary procedure.

Any dress code implemented must be non-discriminatory, in that it should apply to both male and female workers equally. For example, a policy must not require male employees wear a staff uniform but allow female employees to wear casual clothing.

However, dress codes can differentiate between men and women. The ACAS guidelines highlight the example of a policy that may state “business dress” for women but may state for men “must wear a tie”.

As mentioned above, when adopting dress codes to comply with health and safety requirements, universal application is mandatory.

The only exception to this is when employees have a disability that prevents them from complying with the company dress code.

In this scenario companies should consider reasonable adjustments they can make to their policies, which maintains the necessary standard of health and safety but which removes any disadvantage suffered by the worker as a

result of a disability.

The most contentious issue surrounding dress codes often relates to religious dress. The ACAS guidelines suggest that companies are encouraged to allow groups or individuals to wear articles of clothing that manifest their religious faith.

Any company contemplating banning religious clothing should only do so if religious dress conflicts with a real business or safety requirement.

Although not officially part of the dress code, tattoos and body piercings may infringe on the image an organisation is trying to promote.

In such circumstances, companies may require piercing to be removed or tattoos covered.

Once again, the ACAS guidelines stress that companies must have a sound business reason for requiring employees to cover their tattoos and remove their piercings.

For example, organisations working with children, teachers or those with caring responsibilities can usually justify this requirement.

Daniel J Krigers is an employment law solicitor at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors

Firm notches up 100th Ford Terrier order Campervan manufacturer Wellhouse Leisure has sold its 100th Ford Terrier vehicle – in record time.

The important milestone comes less than a year since the Shepley-based firm launched the Terrier campervan in October, 2013, at the Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC, Birmingham.

The 100th vehicle has been bought by a West Yorkshire couple, Mr and Mrs Buckett, who expect to take delivery of their new campervan in April, 2015.

This will be their first campervan, which they intend to use for short breaks in the UK before heading overseas.

Mr Buckett said: “We have been planning to buy a campervan for many years and have been to the Wellhouse showroom several times, so it came as a lovely surprise to discover we were the 100th fans.

“This will be perfect to also

KBW plans a grand finale

Bookings are floo Business Week.

And organisers at Mid Yorkshire Cham to bring activities to a Microsoft will host 2pm to 4.30pm on Fri prestigious 3M Buck (3M BIC), Firth Street Delegates will hear Daniel Langton (abo is travelling to Kirkle talk on the future of d Microsoft has prom for the delegates – ma to be missed.

Prof Liz Towns-An officer at Huddersfiel will also give a brief nesses can take advan available at the centre ing the 3D printing rendering to produc definition images and To book, go to w week.co.uk The university and partners once again fo ed Kirklees Busines whole host of local bu Said Liz: “At the U field, we have a stron ing entrepreneurship tionships with indu cutting-edge research world we live in.

“We are proud to be Business Week and su ty for local business identify opportunities Conferences man said: “This year’s busi be the best one yet.

“We have key even ners throughout the by seminars delivered “Manufacturing, d innovation are the foc and registrations are board. This is as a re support and enthusia truly collaborate and week one not to miss.

For more informat ber conferences team mycci.co.uk

Head ca ■■ Layne Stuart, ,sales manager at Wellhouse Leisure, with Mr & Mrs Buckett, of Halifax, who ordered the 100th Ford Terrier

use as an everyday car, but also a wonderful way to have a whole different way of life and be able to get away from it all as often as we can without all the hassle and expense of staying in a hotel or B&B.” Wellhouse managing director David Elliott said: “We are delighted to have sold our 100th Terrier and, to

be honest, I must admit we’re also pleasantly surprised as we didn’t dare dream that we would reach this level of sales so quickly.

“The Terrier exceeded even our boldest sales forecasts, thanks to its winning combination of high standard specification, great design and good value for

money.”

To keep up with demand as well as the production of demonstrators for the growing number of Ford retailers who will be selling the Terrier, Wellhouse Leisure has invested £125,000 in new equipment for its factory and has recruited 10 extra staff.

A design agency is s and development of running a free semin Business Week.

Focusing mainly o sector, the 45-minut open to business own ior managers who w about how a slightly brand can support th nesses. It will show h into the shoes of the significant rewards.

The workshop is run Lesley Gulliver, dire Room, based at the M umberland Street. your Game, will he he on Monday, October Centre.

5

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

SINESS NEWS

oding in for Kirklees

the Lockwood-based mber of Commerce aim a close on a high note. t the grand finale from iday, October 17, at the kley Innovation Centre t, Huddersfield. r from key note speaker ove), of Microsoft, who ees to give a first class digital. mised lots of goodies aking this an event not

ndrews, chief executive ld University’s 3M BIC, insight into how busintage of the technology e – whether it’s accessservices or advanced ce professional, highd animations. www.kirkleesbusiness-

d Kirklees Council are or the much-anticipatss Week, alongside a usinesses.

University of Huddersng focus on encouragp and developing relaustry to ensure our h has an impact on the

e partners with Kirklees upport this opportunises to collaborate and s for innovation.” nager Chrissie Slater iness week promises to

nts supported by parte week, supplemented d by local experts. digital, creative and cus sectors for this year e piling in across the esult of the continuing asm of our partners to d make this business s.” tion contact the chamm at myconferences@

an go

supporting the growth f local businesses by nar as part of Kirklees

on the manufacturing te interactive event is ners, directors and senwant to find out more different approach to he growth of their busihow businesses can get eir customers to reap

n by Darren Evans and ectors of The Engine Media Centre in NorthManufacturers: Raise eld from 2pm to 2.45pm r 13, in the the Media

local

How to simplify a daunting task!

Connectivity has become one of the most important tools for any growing business.

In the late 1990s, the internet emerged as a huge resource for companies both in terms of advertising, marketing and communications.

The early forms of internet connectivity (dial up) were very slow and were also charged per minute; one of the major factors that impeded its growth in popularity. In order for the internet to really succeed the question of speed and unmetered access needed to be addressed.

Copper analogue lines were readily available as most consumers and businesses had a phone line.

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) technology was seen as a solution as it could run over copper to allow faster download speeds.

A 256Kbps download speed was roughly equivalent to four times faster than a dial up connection.

The Asymmetry relates to the fact that the upload speed is typically less than the download speed.

The ability to download more data over a shorter time opened the door to content streaming and innovative services such as “the cloud”.

In time, different variations of ADSL would be released with increased speeds and lower contention.

If your service is highly contended by your Internet Service Provider, then it means more people are sharing bandwidth, resulting in slower downloads.

WELL CONNECTED Darren Smith For carriers, this was seen as an ideal opportunity to sell a better service for an additional premium; one with fewer end users sharing a given amount of bandwidth.

In time, cloud services such as hosted voice and video became available for all to access.

However, ADSL has limitations, primarily caused by the length of the wire from the exchange.

So, Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) was born.

Unfortunately, FTTC is not available wherever an exchange has been enabled for it; your street cabinet also needs to have been enabled for FTTC. For those fortunate to be being served by an upgraded cabinet, FTTC can currently deliver download speeds as high as 80Mbps and upload speeds as high as 20Mbps Sadly, our day to day lives depend on connectivity to the internet for so many things, including social media, online shopping and cloud services.

The demand for data is only going to increase, therefore, we should

understand what we need to do to stay ahead.

Choosing the correct connectivity for a business premises can be a daunting task.

Some considerations to bear in mind which may help you meet all your business connectivity needs include: What is your budget? How many users are there in your office?

What is your current connectivity/ infrastructure? What are you looking to achieve?

Is there an application being used driving the need for bandwidth? Does the bandwidth need to be guaranteed or prioritised? Are you planning to use voice over the connectivity? What are your future plans for your infrastructure? What are your timescales?

In the future, more and more services will move into the cloud - email, CRM tools, voice and applications.

Companies are likely to increase investments and grow their cloud presence, but the decision on how you connect as a business is very much up to you.

Darren Smith is head of data at Abzorb, Brighouse

Bridalwear business is already a winner!

A Huddersfield women running a bridalwear business is celebrating success.

Lynette Blythe (right) , who operates Elenor Rose Wedding, Prom & Evening Wear at Waterloo, won the award for customer service at the North of England Wedding Awards run by The Wedding Guide.

The award followed glowing testimonials submitted to the judges by Lynette’s clients.

“It was one of my brides who persuaded me to enter the competition,” she said. “Then I got a message saying I had been shortlisted – and then discovered I’d won!”

Lynette started the business from home, but has been based at the Wakefield Road premises since June.

She named the business after daughter Elenor Rose, who tragically died just four days old. Lynette said: “She would have been nine years old, now.

Her passing away changed my whole perspective on life. You never know what will happen tomorrow.”

Lynette, who is mother to Dominic, 17, Ellisse, 16 and Lola, six, paid tribute to her mum, Susan Shepherd, who helps out as her “Saturday girl”. Said Lynette: “My brides absolutely love her! I can’t take all the credit!”

She said setting up the business had been a massive learning curve, but added: “I’m really busy.

Since January, it has been non-stop.

“I do a lot through Facebook and Twitter, but a lot of my clients have come about through word of mouth. Someone will mention my name at least once a day.”

Car dealership is driving ahead with its digital service A car dealer in Huddersfield has been won an award.

Peugeot dealership Arnold Clark Huddersfield was named the Ultimate Digital Dealer at the Auto Trader Click Awards.

The accolade recognises the UK car dealership group which offers the best digital service to its customers – and the Leeds Road dealership’s website, social media and digital offering really impressed the judges.

Working in conjunction with nine fellow Arnold Clark Peugeot Dealerships – in Clydebank, Edinburgh, Inverness, Kilmarnock, Kirkcaldy, Ayr, Dumfries and Mt Vernon – Arnold Clark Huddersfield has created a comprehensive online showroom to allow customers to browse its Peugeot models and services before visiting the dealership.

In addition to the website, Arnold Clark Huddersfield uses Facebook and Twitter to create an online community for its customers.

This encourages motorists to become aware of and to discuss

new vehicles – like Car of the Year the Peugeot 308 – and draw from the expertise of other drivers as well as the dealership’s professional staff.

Gary Higgins, digital marketing manager at Arnold Clark, said: “The first interaction our customers have with us, in many cases, is online.

“It’s therefore essential to have a comprehensive digital offering to allow online customers to quickly and easily find the information they need.

“As a Peugeot dealership, Arnold Clark is always trying to keep up to date with the latest trends and developments in digital and we’ve recently added a new analytics package to our website.

“This allows us to better understand the way people use the site, enabling us to make changes and help people to browse more easily.

“Arnold Clark is a forward-thinking brand and our digital activities continually evolve to ensure we can provide the best all-round service for our customers.”

References that aren’t worth the paper their written on One in 10 small and medium-sized firms across Yorkshire have received a fraudulent reference for a potential job candidate, a survey has revealed.

Of that number, 60% say that it has happened between one and five times in the last five years alone, while a fifth state that they have received more than 10 dishonest job references in that time period.

The figures, drawn from the Close Brothers Business Barometer – a poll of SME owners and senior management across the UK – also suggest that the most commonly received false references in the region are for mid-level positions (60%), followed by entry or low level positions (40%).

Lee Hayes, regional sales director for Close Brothers Invoice Finance in Yorkshire, said: “The scale of reference falsification in the region is quite surprising, but also alarming.

“Employee fraud could pose a significant threat

to a small business both in terms of its image, reputational damage and ultimately financial wellbeing.

“An artificial reference could be used to exaggerate experience, cover up breaks in employment or to conceal an otherwise poor recommendation from a former employer.

It’s not difficult to imagine how hiring someone who has in some way deceived you about their work history could potentially cause serious issues down the line.”

The survey also found that 65% of local employers are unaware of the existence of websites that offer fictional references in return for a fee.

“Managing the risk of employee fraud should be high on the list of priorities for all businesses and it merits attention in a firm’s overall risk management strategy,” said Mr Hayes.

“The important thing is to be aware that this type of dishonesty exists so that you can take the necessary steps to protect your business.”

6

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

local

Richard celebrates 20 years at the Rock Cafe A town centre venue is celebrating 20 years in Huddersfield - and everyone’s invited to the party.

Setting up the Rock Cafe was an ambitious venture for owner Richard Downey, but one for which he was well-prepared.

Richard’s father Barry was steeped in the leisure industry, starting out as a dance teacher and principal for Victor Sylvester in Brighton before opening his own dance school in premises at Kirkgate in Huddersfield.

In the early 1970s, he extended it to cover two floors at Waverley Chambers and eventually transformed the operation into the popular Huddersfield venue the Starlight, which opened in 1959. He finally came out of the business in the mid-1980s.

Richard said: “I was practically brought up at the Starlight and I spent a lot of time there. The industry is in my blood and I’m still passionate about it.”

Richard’s involvement in the industry led him to set up a business staging children’s discos at venues such as The Adega in Huddersfield and other nightspots in Halifax, Leeds and Bradford before going UK-wide to venues including ones in Newcastle, Nottingham,. Derby and London.

The idea for an American-themed bar came as Richard walked down Watford high street and past one of the first Chicago Rock outlets in the country.

“I was travelling up and down the M1 on a regular basis,” said Richard. “I was getting a bit older and I wanted to find a venue that was more permanent and one I could call my own. I had learned a lot from working in other people’s clubs up and down the country I saw very good operators and very poor operators and I knew I could use my marketing skills and experience to buy into that.”

The former Examiner building at Victoria Lane provided a location with plenty of space for Richard’s plans.

After a lot of work and expense to carry out the necessary alterations - and a long drawn out legal battle over its licence application – the Rock Cafe was created.

Now it extends over two floors and attracts a broad clientele ranging from students to pensioners. “We get 20-year-olds dancing alongside people in their

■■ Richard Downey (left) celebrates 20 years of Rock Cafe, Victoria Lane, Huddersfield , with his father Barry and staff Rachel Noble and Jacob Lindley.

50s,” said Richard.”We get young women who request Dirty Dancing and older women who want to hear Rhianna. We have people in their 70s who have been coming here for all of our 20 years.

“We get 1,700 people in over the course of Friday nights and 1,400 on Saturdays. We are all things to all people.”

Said Richard: “It was something new in Huddersfield and we have managed to keep it going.”

He said the Rock Cafe, which employs 22 parttime and three full-time staff, had remained suc-

cessful by maintaining standards. operating a “good” door policy and ensuring people had a good time.

Other features to set it apart from “corporate” operators included using fresh food and freshleyprepared food on its menus.

The venue celebrates its 20th birthday on Friday, September 26, with a champagne reception and canapes, extending into the evening with singer Reece Cannon, of The Drifters, stilt walkers, confetti cannons and balloons.

Angie gets the seal of approval from Dragon Theo A Huddersfield-based firm has received a business boost from TV Dragons’ Den starTheo Paphitis.

During “Small Business Sunday” Aspinall Ink co-owner Angie Aspinall (pictured) tweeted Theo about the business she runs with husband Richard.

Theo chose Angie’s message as a winning tweet and he retweeted it to his 444,000 followers the following day. As a result, Aspinal Ink has logged a 58% rise in visits to its website in a single week and is now being profiled on Theo’s website – www.theopaphitissbs.com – which is exclusive to Small Business Sunday winners.

Angie, who overcame deafness to run her own business, said: “This couldn’t have come at a better time for me as Monday was my first day of being 100% self-employed. What an amazing boost.”

Angie said, “I’m really excited to finally be fully self-employed. I was so busy on my first day that I didn’t find out we’d won #SBS until the following day. My Twitter timeline was so full of

people congratulating us that it took over 10 minutes to locate Theo’s retweet confirming it was true. I couldn’t quite believe it.”

Since her first day, Angie has been busy delivering one-to-one social media training to local business people, writing articles for Dog Friendly magazine and setting up Access Solutions – which specialises in supporting the hospitality industry to become ‘hearing loss friendly’ via audits, training and specialist equipment.

Angie, who has overcome deafness to set up her businesses, said: “It is great to have support from Theo because it’s been tough trying to raise our profile and Theo has recognised our hard work and helped spread the word about what we do.”

Angie and Richard, both used to work for Kirklees Council, but now work from their home in Almondbury.

Richard is a professional photographer. One of his recent commissions was as event photographer for the Huddersfield Food and Drink Festival.

His next commission is for underwater photography in Grenada for Diver magazine.

Richard also teaches college students about underwater photography, does product photograpby and takes underwater baby photos for his own business, Triggerfish Photography.

Angie and Richard combine their talents of writing and photography – both are published travel writers – with a professional room-styling and photography service to the hospitality industry, including The National Trust. They travel all over the world, but also have a passion for supporting Yorkshire businesses.

“We provide a range of services for local businesses – everything from photos of Yorkshire to brighten up walls and business websites to product photography, copywriting and social media training,” said Angie.

Angie is perhaps best-known locally as the co-founder of the Twitter phenomenon #Yorkshirehour – a weekly business networking event on Twitter which she started with businesswom-

an Helen Massey in March, 2012.

Angie is undertakes public speaking and a recent talk at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park focused on how deafness changed her life and influenced her move from into self-employment.

Ian’s back at Town Former Huddersfield Town chief executive Ian Ayre (above) has joined the panel for Dean Hoyle’s Chairman’s Lunch.

Ian, who is now chief executive at Liverpool FC, will sit alongside Dean and Hull City Tigers owner Dr Assem Allam and Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey at the Huddersfield Town Foundation’s inaugural Chairman’s Lunch on Friday at the Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top. The panel will answer questions on business and football matters. The event, sponsored by Ferno UK Ltd, is set to provide an intriguing insight into the current state of the game with a variety of interesting topics to be debated.

Ian will explain how Liverpool operate and how the club is competing to become the powerhouse of British football once again.

Dean will talk about his own journey, including his story of the rise of Card Factory and what it’s like running Huddersfield Town FC. Dr Allam is also set to prove an interesting speaker given his high profile as chairman of Hull City Tigers.

To book, email mandy.taylor@ htafc.com. The event is set to start at noon and finish with an opportunity to network.

Managing your costs Kirklees businesses are set for some advice on managing their costs.

The Kirklees branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has assembled a panel of speakers to provide ideas on how a firm can make the money they have available to spend on operations go further.

The line-up includes Paul O’Leary, of Truefleet, who will speak about the benefits of vehicle leasing and how to get the best value from transport investment; Jonathan Hill, of Pierrepont, who will explain the various ways of making your money go further in your business; Mark Butterick, of Reach Higher HR, on the benefits of outsourcing HR; and Helen Tones, of HT Services, who will cover other outsourcing options.

Helen will also help host the event, which will include Q&As and networking. The event takes place at 6pm on Thursday at Canalside, Leeds Road in Huddersfield.

Book at www.fsb.org.uk, phone Helen on 07866 438189 or email branchsec.kirklees@fsb.org.uk

7

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

property

New director to head key housing projects Huddersfield-based developer Conroy Brook has recruited one of the house building industry’s most respected construction directors to help deliver a number of major projects.

John Rodda joins Conroy Brook from Persimmon Homes, where he worked for seven years following his previous position at Ben Bailey Homes.

As construction director, Mr Rodda has delivered some of the country’s largest and most complex housing projects, leading teams across the UK. At Brockholes-based Conroy Brook, he will head a number of key pipeline projects including forthcoming joint venture developments with Keyland Developments, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister company to Yorkshire Water.

Mr Rodda will also deliver a number of largescale housing schemes currently in the planning process. In his new role, he will also be reunited with former Ben Bailey colleague, sales director Jon Bailey, who joined Conroy Brook in 2010.

Mr Rodda said it was a great time to be joining the team due to the exciting high quality projects coming through the pipeline, adding: “I am looking forward to drawing on my experience of delivering large-scale projects to work closely with the team on bringing the developments to fruition.

“The regional house building sector is picking up its pace and Conroy Brook is well placed at the forefront of Yorkshire development.”

Conroy Brook has been responsible for some of Yorkshire’s most innovative, high-end housing schemes and is one of the few industry specialists to have recorded an operating profit throughout the difficult recent market conditions.

Chief executive Richard Conroy said: “Construction directors with strong track-records and reputations are highly sought after in the industry, so we are delighted that John has decided to bring this wealth of experience to the Conroy Brook team.

■■ John Rodda (left) and Richard Conroy, of Conroy Brook Developments Ltd, at Forge View, Sheffield

“Our policy to recruit the best people in the business in line with our sustained growth has proven successful and we now have a highly capable team to take the business forward over the next five years.”

In 2012, Conroy Brook was appointed as Keyland Development’s joint venture partner under its Small

Sites Initiative to redevelop redundant former Yorkshire Water sites for housing. The first JV underway is “Forge View” in Sheffield, which consists of five large detached family homes.

Prices range from £725,000 to £850,000 and two properties have already been reserved.

Property auctions get plenty of hammer in Yorkshire Yorkshire is one of the fastestgrowing regions outside the South East when it comes to people buying property at auction, according to new figures.

Auction Finance, one of the leading lender in the property auction industry, saw a four-fold increase in sales figures in the region for the first six months of 2014 compared to 2013.

The number of properties sold at auction is increasing at the fastest rate for years, according to latest statistics.

Nationally, Auction Finance report-

ed a 135% increase in sales it financially supported compared to the same period in 2013.

The biggest increases were the West Midlands (370 %), the South West (266%) and Yorkshire and Humber (216%).

Auction Finance claimed that with about 75% of properties sold at all UK auctions being completed and exchanged within four weeks – about 10 weeks quicker than properties sold through an estate agent – the popularity of property auctions was set to

increase.

“The days of buying or selling a house through an auction being seen as last resort, are fast becoming a thing of the past,” said Scott Hendry, director at Auction Finance.

“We’re seeing a significant increase in the appetite for property purchases at auction; we attended an auction recently that hosted over 750 people and was full to capacity.

“As a principal lender solely dedicated to the auction market, we have seen a shift in the geographical

requirements of property investors and purchasers at auction over the past year; this is particularly reflected in the regional increases in Auction Finance supported property sales at auctions.”

Auction House, the UK’s biggest property auction house, said it saw the number of lots sold at its venues in the first six months of 2014 increase by 11% compared to the same period in 2013. The value of property sold also increased significantly, with a 30% rise compared to 2013.

Agency is shortlisted

Estate and lettings agent Applegate Properties have been shortlisted for the UK’s most recognised awards in estate agency - The Negotiator Awards.

The awards identify, reward and celebrate industry excellence and promote best practice in the residential property market. The winners and runners-up will be announced at a gala dinner hosted by Alexander Armstrong on November 4 at the London Hilton.

The Applegate team has been shortlisted for the Yorkshire & the Humber Agency of the Year category.

Director Amy Wray said: “The Negotiator Awards celebrate the sector’s entrepreneurialism, innovation and business acumen.

Achieving finalist status for such high profile industry awards is a credit to the entire Applegate team.”

This year has already proved a success for Holmfirth-based Applegate with the launch of a sales department, new offices and Amy being shortlisted for The Sunday Times and The Times Property Manager of The Year Award.

Home win for HR firm A Holme Valley human resources consultancy has secured a contract with one of West Yorkshire’s best-known estate agencies and surveying practices.

The Personnel Partnership, based in Honley, will provide operational and strategic HR services for Bramleys, which has offices across Kirklees and Calderdale and employs more than 60 people throughout the region.

Helen Straw, owner and managing director of The Personnel Partnership, will work with Bramleys partner Helen Hollingsworth to advise the business on its HR policies and procedures, as well as revising the strategy behind its existing performance management process to ensure it adds maximum value to the business.

She will also provide regular employment law updates to Bramleys’ partners, focusing specifically on issues that will directly affect the company and its policies.

Property auction nets £6m-plus

Factory plans for John Cotton

A former caretaker’s house at a Huddersfield school has been sold at auction for £89,000.

The detached property at Moorlands Primary School on Moorlands Road in Huddersfield had been offered at a guide price of £85,000-plus at the Eddisons sale, which took place at Elland Road stadium, Leeds.

Meanwhile, a tenanted retail investment on Trinity Street, close to Huddersfield town cen-

A Mirfield textile firm has tabled plans to upgrade part of its Huddersfield Road site.

Bedding manufacturer John Cotton Group Ltd is seeking permission to pull down a 1950s building and construct a new two-storey building in its place.

A report by the firm’s agents, Heppenstall Architects, of Milnsbridge, said

tre, producing annual rent of £11,200 sold for £111,000. The guide was £100,000-plus.

A vacant former leisure property close to the Kingsgate Shopping Centre sold prior to the sale, for an undisclosed sum.

In total, Eddisons generated proceeds of more than £6,000,000 at its two day sale in Leeds and Manchester and reported strong interest in a range of stock.

Tony Webber, director and

auctioneer at Eddisons, said: ‘This was our first sale after the summer break and attracted large attendances. There was competitive bidding for lots in all categories which helped drive prices up.

“With plenty of interest in stock still available, the final figure seems sure to increase.”

Eddisons’ next Leeds auction takes place on Thursday, October 23.

the existing brick and masonry building needed replacing. The building houses machinery used in blending and distributing raw materials to various production processes around the firm’s Nunbrook Mills site.

The report said investment in the project would help secure jobs at the firm, which is Europe’s biggest

manufacturer of bedding and a major Kirklees employer.

The first floor of the replacement building would allow for a better production layout and provide warehousing space.

The report said the premises involved were at the rear of John Cotton’s site and could not be seen from Huddersfield Road.

8

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

movers and shakers

Six newcomers for accountancy firm Nandishkumar Thippeswamy

Strategic appointment International process engineering specialist Manrochem Ltd has appointed Nandishkumar Thippeswamy as process and strategy director.

Mr Thippeswamy is a chartered chemical engineer with an executive MBA and has a wealth of experience in all aspects of process engineering, having spent more than 20 years managing diverse projects as a project manager and a lead engineer.

He is pictured (second left) with (from left) engineering director Andrew Pearson, technical director Dave Wakefield and business director Edward Jennings.

Mr Jennings said: “Nandish is well known and respected within

the industries we operate and we are delighted to welcome him onto the Manrochem board.

“Since the completion of a management buyout in January, 2013, Manrochem has seen its turnover and profits increase significantly and the appointment of Nandish will enhance our services and allow the company to continue its growth within our controlled expansion plans.”

Established in 1990, Manrochem Ltd is based at New North Parade in Huddersfield and employs 20 people.

It also has an Asia and Middle East office in Chennai, Southern India and delivers specialist design, build and commission projects for a large and diverse blue chip client base.

Visitors’ seal of approval A company playing a key role in the safety of industrial processes such as oil refining and chemical manufacture welcomed visitors from a number of Kirklees an Calderdale firms.

Twenty-eight members of the Calderdale and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance (CKMA) visited the Cleckheaton premises of seals and gaskets specialist Flexitallic to see its “Academy of Joint Integrity” which is a unique facility with an international reputation.

The event, hosted by managing director Mark Horton, started with an covered the history of the market-leading manufacturer and its plans to grow by implementing lean manufacturing at the site.

Peter Catton, of CKMA, said: “This is yet another example of a local manufacturing business working extremely hard from senior management to the shop floor staff to make all their processes

as streamlined and costeffective as possible.

“The academy gives a real insight into Flexitallic’s technical ability and the complexity of joint integrity which is central to so many potentially dangerous applications around the world and yet something most of us rarely consider.

“The fact that their training is requested in places such as Saudi Arabia and New Zealand demonstrates they are global leaders in this field ,which is good news for the Cleckheaton site as the technical hub for this international business.”

Flexitallic supplies seals and other products to the oil and gas, power generation, chemical and petrochemical industries in emerging and developed markets.

It has operations in Europre, the USA, Canada, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan and China plus a network of worldwide licensing partners.

By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk

Cleckheaton-based chartered accountancy firm Clough & Company has expanded its team with six new appointments across a number of its divisions.

Sam Batch joins Clough Management Services as a management accountant. With more than 15 years experience, she will look after the production of regular management accounts for a wide portfolio of clients.

Clough & Company’s audit division has made two new appointments with Wei Song joining as an audit senior after relocating to Yorkshire from Ipswich and Thomas Conway joining as an audit assistant.

In addition, Bethany Naylor joins as a trainee chartered accountant after graduating from Manchester Metro-

politan University and Rebecca Dixon joins the firm on a 12-month placement from Leeds University where she is studying for a maths degree.

Lottie Smith has been appointed client administrator supporting Chartford Financial Management’s team of independent financial advisors, after previously working at a Huddersfieldbased financial services company.

Lesley Kendrew, staff and audit partner at Clough & Company, said: “Since the start of the year, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in business across all of our divisions and these appointments will help us to maintain the standards of service that we are renowned for.

“Sam, Wei, Thomas and Lottie all bring a great deal of experience to their positions and both Bethany and Rebecca take a tenacious approach to their work, which is vital in this industry, and I’m sure they will enjoy long ■■ Clough & Company’s (left to right) on the back row Bethany Naylor, Wei Song, Thomas Conway and (front) Rebecca Dixon, and successful careers.”

Lottie Smith and Sam Batch

Company to count on wins award A company more than 100 years has won a monthly award.

Huddersfield-based Sheards Accountancy Ltd has been named Business of the Month in the competition run by law firm Eaton Smith in conjunction with the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and government export support arm UK Trade & Industry.

The firm of chartered accountants, business and tax advisors, has been acting for family businesses and private individuals since 1903 when the business was founded. It remained in family ownership until 2002.

Current owners and directors Kevin Winterburn and Carolyn Atkinson have remodelled and rejuvenated the business, enabling it to grow significantly as a modern innovative firm which can service the ever-changing needs of a modern day client while providing a highly personalised service primarily to SMEs

■■ Andrew Sugden (centre) presents the award to Carolyn Atkinson and Kevin Winterburn (right), of Sheards Accountancy, with (from left) Tim Hill, of Jolliffe Cork; Matthew Scholey, of Eddisons; and Joe Cahill, of West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency

in Huddersfield and surrounding areas.

The firm, based at New North Road, is also well known for its proactive efforts in working on a

number of initiatives that benefit the local community, The judges chose Sheards as Business of the Month for its good track record in the local business

community, its growth in recent years and the launch of new services.

Staff numbers have increased and the firm is active in providing apprenticeships. In addition, five members of staff are going through training for qualifications. Sheards also supports charities and undertakes volunteer work via the chamber’s Mentor Scheme.

Mr Winterburn said: “At Sheards we are proud of our long history, but are equally passionate about delivering a service that meets the requirements of today’s businesses.

“We are therefore delighted to have been awarded Business of the Month and that our hard work and dedication to our clients, employees and wider community has been recognised.”

The awards are open to firms in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. Contact Ian Greenwood on 01484 821389.

Growing agency makes two more appointments Birstall-based Faith PR has made two key appointments with the arrival of ELlie MacDonald and Adam Aewsome.

Ellie has joined the team as an account manager while Adam comes on board as a website developer.

Ellie joins Faith PR after two years at the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, where she was marketing manager.

She will be working on delivering integrated communications campaigns covering PR, marketing and social media for clients across both B2B and B2C sectors as well as managing key relationships and helping develop new business opportunities.

Adam, who was previously operations manager at Axita has already been a key asset to the team, developing Faith’s

digital PR offering as well as expanding the businesses e-marketing services and standalone website builds.

Faith PR founder and director Stefanie Hopkins said: “We are thrilled to have Ellie and Adam join our expanding team.

They both bring with them valuable skills and experience which has allowed us to widen our offering and bring new cli■■ Adam Newsome and Ellie MacDonald ents on board.”