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EMMA GORDON Realising a design dream
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KAREN WYNARD Pension problems? Column - Page 4
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Firm’s camper van takes to the road
CAMPER van conversion specialist Wellhouse Leisure has announced the first stages of a project to set up a network of specialist retailers for its award-winning Hyundai i800 vehicle. Initially, nine Hyundai car dealers throughout the UK have taken on the franchise for the Wellhouse Leisure-produced camper van conversion. David Elliott, managing director of the Shepley-based firm, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that so many Hyundai dealers stepped forward to show such interest in our camper.” From next Monday, the camper van will be available from nine dealers – in Northern Ireland, Cheshire, Lancashire. Kent, Hampshire, Devon, Derby, Northampton and Portsmouth. They have joined existing Wellhouse Leisure agents. The company plans to have as many as 20 specialist retailers for the Hyundai i800 camper by the end of the year. Mr Elliott also paid tribute to the team that produces the Hyundai i800, saying: “Without their commitment, we would not have got where we have today. “It’s been a long journey, but it’s been marked by some major milestones – winning a whole host of awards, gaining National Caravan Council and European Whole Vehicle Type Approval and more. We’ve sold a few along the way, too! “In particular, our Hyundai produc-
Backing research FROZEN food retailer Iceland is helping to develop a potential new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. The company, which is led by Grange Moor-born chairman and chief executive Malcolm Walker and has two stores in Huddersfield, has teamed up with London-based Asclepios Bioresearch to fund clinical trials of the potential new treatment, codenamed BLU8499.
● Full story - Page 8
■ REAL DEAL: Wellhouse Leisure’s David Elliott and (left) the award-winning Hyundai i800 camper van
tion manager Cal Firth has been a driving force behind the design, manufacture and indeed perfection of our unique camper.” Said Mr Elliott: “Our plan was to do everything in our powers to produce the perfect camper. It’s been a massive undertaking but – with Hyundai’s support – we’re reaching new boundaries all the time.” The new, premium Nero version of the Wellhouse Hyundai has also been announced. The vehicle will make its debut at October’s Motorhome and
Caravan Show at Birmingham’s NEC. Wellhouse Leisure is the UK’s leading compact camper van converter. It also specialises in importing a wide range of Japanese vehicles for conversion into quality campers, with prices starting at £12,000. The company is the only authorised converter of Hyundai’s i800 MPV. It has already won three key awards from different independent sources – the 2012 Motor Caravan Award, the 2011 Motorcaravan of the Year award and
Best Elevating Roof Camper 2011 from leading specialist magazine Practical Motorhome. The company is a member of the UK trade body, the National Caravan Council, and has ISO 90001 accreditation. Mr Elliott, who admits to being a “massive camper van fan” started Deepcar Motorhomes with his father in 1995 and went on to set up Wellhouse Leisure in 2002. Wellhouse has sold more than 1,000 campers in the last eight years.
Customers don’t think companies ‘really care’ CUSTOMERS have slated the service they get from businesses in a hard-hitting survey. Long queues, incorrect orders and difficulties getting in touch with the right person were cited as major gripes in the survey conducted by Huddersfield-based business transformation specialist Insight with Passion. The survey found that almost 90% of customers thought that providing a good service should be at the heart of business – but three-fifths don’t think
INSIDE
that businesses take the provision of good customer service seriously enough. Two-fifths say they don’t think business cares enough about its customers and half want better training for staff. Almost half of those polled agreed with the statement that bad service made them feel stressed and angry. Nearly 80% of them said they got angry when they experienced bad customer service in cases where they had
spent a lot of money or a lot of time with the business. In contrast, 88% said good service made them happy, with 32% saying it made their day feel like less of a chore. Respondents cited examples of good customer service such as staff being friendly, knowledgeable and willing to offer advice. Insight with Passion co-founder Kate Hardcastle, who runs the Customer at the Heart Awards to reward independent businesses offering great
service, said: “The survey results reveal what many of us suspected. We simply don’t feel the businesses we’re handing our money over to care enough about us. Good customer service makes the consumer feel valued. We want to feel our pound is worth the investment. If not we simply walk away. “Businesses are struggling and Christmas is coming, a major time for retailers. If they engage with their customers and make their experience better then people will be happier.”
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Energetic response PROPERTY landlords have been urged to make sure they meet laws on energy efficiency. The Energy Act 2011 means that landlords will no longer be able to legally let commercial and residential property which has poor energy efficiency ratings. Now landlords, investors and occupiers have been urged to ensure their properties will meet the required standard .
● Full story - Page 6
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
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Dairy Crest to pay more milk money
ONE of the dairy firms targeted by farmers in blockades this summer announced it is to increase the amount it pays for milk. Dairy Crest, which is supplied by about 1,000 dairy farmers, will pay 29p a litre on contracts for liquid milk and Davidstow cheese from November 1. The increase of about 3p a litre is on top of Dairy Crest’s decision to reverse a planned price cut in August and means that its prices are now higher than they were before prices started to come down from May. Dairy Crest coupled the announcement with news that it is to close its Aintree creamery – as the company said its dairies business was facing “unprecedented” market conditions. The firm also said it would consolidate milk rounds to allow the closure of 23 depots. Dairy Crest said its four major brands of Cathedral City cheese, Frijj drinks and
Country Life and Clover spreads continued to perform well in the six months to September 30 – although its dairies arm continued to face difficult trading conditions, The company’s plants in Derbyshire and Gloucestershire were the subject of blockades in July as farmers across the UK protested over the declining amount of money being paid for their milk. Dairy farmers from Huddersfield and the Holme Valley were among thousands of milk farmers who protested at the planned price cuts outside Parliament in July – claiming the move would cost them tens of thousands of pounds a year. Dairy Crest, which supplies about 15% of British milk production, said higher selling prices from its customers and expectations of improving returns from commodity markets had enabled it to raise supplier prices. It said the increases were “much needed to reflect the higher on-farm costs
that all dairy farmers are currently experiencing following the difficult weather conditions this summer”. On Friday, supermarket giant Tesco said the 700 dairy farmers who supply the chain’s own-label non-organic milk will be paid up to 31.58p per litre from October 1 – a rise of just over 2p. Dairy Crest said its own price was competitive as it does not expect its farmers to pay for investment in its dairies or face other charges. Milk buying director Mike Sheldon said: “As the only major processor in British ownership, Dairy Crest’s future is strongly linked to that of our farmers. “We want and need our farmers to be successful.” Shares in Dairy Crest closed 2.1p higher at 340p as the market took some encouragement from higher selling prices and improving returns from commodity markets.
Pension levy lower
■ PRICE PLEDGE: Dairy Crest will pay 29p a litre on contracts for liquid milk
PM in talks over BAE merger
AG Barr hails sales boost
DAVID Cameron has spoken to his counterparts in France and Germany about the proposed £28bn merger of BAE Systems and European aerospace giant EADS. The Prime Minister spoke to President Francois Hollande by phone yesterday morning, having discussed the merger with Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday evening, said Downing Street. Although the merger is a commercial deal, the approval of all three governments in London, Paris and Berlin is needed if it is to go ahead. The British Government holds a “golden share” in defence contractors BAE, which means it
THE maker of fizzy drink Irn-Bru put the focus on its own “market-beating” performance – as it gears up for a potential merger with Britvic. AG Barr posted an 8% drop in underlying half-year profits to £14.9m, but said its 2.8% growth in sales volumes was favourable compared with a 1.5% decline in the wider market for take-home soft drinks. Higher raw material costs and the wet summer weather have also hit the industry, which is increasingly promotions-driven.
can veto any merger or takeover of the company. BAE says the planned tie-up with Airbus owner EADS will form a “world-class” company in its sector, with sales of £60bn and 220,000 staff. The merged group would employ about 48,000 in the UK. The deal, which will give BAE access to the lucrative civil aviation market, will leave BAE shareholders with 40% of the combined group. The two companies have until October 10 to finalise terms under Takeover Panel rules. M r C a m e r o n ’s s p o k e s m a n refused to give details of the PM’s discussions.
Barr said merger talks with Britvic – which includes the Pennine Spring bottled water plant at Birkby in Huddersfield – were continuing. Barr added that sales in the first seven weeks of its second half had shown double-digit growth – up from the 5% rise in turnover to £130m for the first half. The proposed merger values the firms at a combined £1.4bn. It would create one of the leading soft drinks companies in Europe – with brands including Britivic products Robinsons, J2O and Fruit Shoot and Barr’s Tizer and Rubicon.
A FUND designed to protect pension pots in the event of an employer going bust unveiled a lower than expected increase in its levy due to the tough economic climate. The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) announced that the pension protection levy estimate for 2013/14 will be £630m, the same aggregate amount that the PPF expects to be collected for the 2012/13 levy year. The decision was welcomed by the CBI and National Association of Pension Funds as it will take the pressure off businesses with so-called defined benefit schemes. PPF chief executive Alan Rubenstein said: “We have seen pension scheme funding deteriorate significantly in the last 18 months. We have seen that reflected in claims in the current year, which already exceed our annual levy.” He said this level of heightened risk would ordinarily mean a substantial increase in the levy estimate. But he added: “We are realistic and have listened. We know that many employers are still struggling in the continuing economic turmoil. That is why, exceptionally, we have set a levy estimate that means schemes will typically see levies at similar levels in 2013/14 as they will for this year.” The PPF warned that levy increases in future were “inevitable” if the current high risk conditions persisted.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £35.53 -0.19 Gannett 1134.50 -22.84 Hess Corp £33.84 -0.50 Microsoft 1895.56 -29.63 Motors Liquidation 46.29 Wal-Mart Stores £46.07 +0.11 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 310 -23/4 BAE Systems 3345/8 -51/2 1 Rolls-Royce 851 /2 -7 AIM Brady Plc 961/2 Man Brnze 11 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 2187/8 -71/8 BANKS Barclays 2201/4 -31/2 HSBC 585 +3/4 1 Lloyds Banking Gp 40 /8 -1/8 Ryl Scotland 2711/2 -41/4 Stan Chart 14801/2 -7 BEVERAGES Diageo 1724 +11/2 SABMiller £271/8 CHEMICALS Croda £241/8 -1/8 Elementis 98 2333/4 +3/8 Johnsn Mat £247/8 -3/8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 3101/8 -21/8 Costain 248 +51/4
ELECTRICITY Drax Gp 521 -11/2 SSE 1389 -8 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 2251/4 -3/4 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3703/4 -31/4 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 2331/2 +11/2 Cable & Wireless 377/8 +1/4 Comm 1 Colt Group 118 /8 +1 +1/2 KCOM 851/4 Talktalk Telecom 1883/4 +1/4 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2941/8 +1/4 Sainsbury 3473/4 +27/8 Tesco 3375/8 -23/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1298 +6 Tate Lyle 660 Unilever £227/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3381/4 +11/8 National Grid 6871/2 +1 Pennon Grp 747 +1 Severn 1739 +7 United Utils 727 +5 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 2261/4 -15/8 ICAP 340 -11/2 London StockExch 1074 -3
Man Group 87 -11/2 Provident Financial 1392 +1 Schroders 1553 -6 Schroders NV 1208 -2 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 620 -101/2 REXAM 4371/4 +7/8 Smiths Grp 1048 +3 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 261/4 +1/4 Carphone Whse 1643/4 +1/2 1 Dixons Retail 19 /2 -1/4 3 Home Retail 92 /8 -11/8 Inchcape 3701/8 -27/8 Kingfisher 2703/4 -21/4 1 M&S 369 /2 -21/8 Mothercare 2051/4 -41/4 1 Next £34 /2 1 WH Smith 643 /2 +81/2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 693 +7 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 611/4 +3/4 Barrat Dev 173 +1/2 1 Persimmon 770 /2 -1 Reckitt Benckiser £363/8 +3/8 Taylor Wimpey 551/4 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 927 -141/2 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 2101/8 -53/8 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 2023/4 -1/4
LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 3291/8 Lgl & Gen 1343/4 Old Mutual 1731/8 Prudential 823 Resolution 222 Standard Life 2773/4 MEDIA BSkyB 7381/2 D Mail Tst 490 3 HIBU /8 ITV 881/8 Johnston Press 8 Pearson 1217 Reed Elsevier 600 STV Group 925/8 Trinity Mirror 511/2 Utd Business 7021/2 UTV 130 WPP 8661/2 MINING Anglo American 18871/2 Antofagasta 1260 BHP Billiton 19481/2 Eurasian Natural 3305/8 Res Fresnillo 1803 Kazakhmys 714 Lonmin 5781/2 Rio Tinto £293/4 VEDANTA 1056 RESOURCES Xstrata 9993/4 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 5831/2
+1 -5/8 -5/8 -3 -23/8 -3/4 +51/2 -17/8 +3/8 -71/2 +21/8 -11/2 -5 -1/4 -31/2 -501/2 -16 -81/2 -137/8 -30 -15 -151/2 -5/8 -30 -51/4 -51/2
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
426 883/4 6871/2 1741
+3 +13/4 +1 -30
closed at at FTSE closed
5838.84 Down 13.78 Vodafone Group 178 -1/2 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1095 +5 RSA Insurance Gp 119 -1/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 12531/2 +71/2 BP 443 +2 Cairn Energy 285 +11/4 Royal Dutch Shell A £22 Royal Dutch Shell B £225/8 Total £321/4 -1/4 Tullow Oil 1388 +8 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1162 -10 Petrofac 1608 -25
Wood Gp(J) 812 -5 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1029 -7 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £295/8 +1/4 GlaxoSmithK XD 5 Shire 1845 +31 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 5241/2 -2 Captl Shop Cent 3343/8 -3/4 1 Hamrsn 449 /4 +5/8 Land Secs 764 -3 3 -23/4 SEGRO 228 /4 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 2383/4 -3 Sage Group 3171/8 -73/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 545 +5 Bunzl 1098 -5 -2 Capita 7751/2 De La Rue 985 -71/2 1 Electrocomp 223 /8 -2 Experian 1032 G4S 2677/8 -3/4 Hays 81 -1 Homeserve 2241/2 -13/8 Menzies J 632 -13 Rentokil 833/8 -11/8 Smiths News 118 +1/2 Wolseley £267/8 -3/8 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 5721/2 -6 Psion 86 -1/2
Spirent Comms
1605/8
-17/8 TOURIST RATES
TOBACCO Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
£32 £231/2
1
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LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airlines Gp Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread
1053/4 £225/8 7111/2 589 633/4 2493/4 1363 604 1647 1581/2 1845/8 2861/8 220 145 2857/8 231 £223/4
-23/8 +7 -41/2 -1/4 +23/4 -10 +2 +7 +1/4 -1/8 +27/8 -17/8 +15/8 +1/8 +1/4
FTSE 100
INDEX 5838.84
-13.78
FTSE 250
INDEX 11903.11
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Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.48 dollars Bangladesh................. 124.78 taka Brazil.............................. 2.93 reals Canada....................... 1.51 dollars China ............................. 9.14 yuan Czech Republic ...... 28.61 korunas Denmark....................... 8.89 krone Euro............................... 1.20 euro Hong Kong................ 11.93 dollars Hungary................... 317.05 forints India.......................... 76.26 rupees Japan........................... 120.49 yen Mexico ....................... 18.64 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.83 dollars Norway ......................... 8.90 krone Pakistan.................. 144.35 rupees Philippines ................. 58.04 pesos South Africa................. 12.63 rand South Korea.............. 1583.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 200.48 rupees Sweden....................... 10.19 krona Switzerland.................. 1.45 francs Taiwan ...................... 41.58 dollars Turkey....................... 2.75 new lira USA ............................ 1.55 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Emma’s career in full colour!
EMMA Gordon always felt she was cut out for a colourful career. As a pupil at Hipperholme Grammar School, she enjoyed art, so it was hardly surprising that on leaving school she gained a place at Dewsbury and Batley Art College. “I was always quite creative at school,” says Emma, who runs eyecandy interior design in Lindley. “I knew early on where my interests lay. I started at college doing fashion design, but I switched to textiles and fabrics. I liked looking at the fabrics and patterns and working with them.” On leaving college, Emma worked for a number of design and advertising agencies, but decided to return to her first love of interior design. “I started out doing projects for friends’ houses while I was
still working full-time,” says Emma. “Later, I was able to work part-time and it soon got to the point where I was able to pack in my full-time job and work for myself – which is what I have been doing for the past eight years. “As a freelance interior designer working from home, I designed show houses for developers and carried out projects for individual homeowners.” More recently, the opportunity came to take up business premises when Carol Eastwood, who ran Decorum at Lidget Street, Lindley, was looking to retire. Says Emma: “I knew Carol because of our being in the same industry and she asked if I would be interested. She said she wanted the premises to remain an interior design shop. I got the business on August 24 and it took three weeks to redecorate the shop
and get it how I wanted. “Carol’s style was more traditional and I wanted to introduce a more modern, contemporary look. I like bold splashes of colour. It doesn’t have to be wacky, although some of the collections are quirky and different to what you would see anywhere else. “I have opened accounts with lots of smaller designers who have their own unique styles as well as the larger ones. The aim is to provide everything to do with decorating a house – curtains, blinds, fabrics, flooring, wallpapers and lighting. I also have bespoke furniture, such as headboards, bookcases and foot stools.” Opening a shop was a natural progression for Emma. She says: “Working from home was fine, but having a shop allows people to come in and see what I do. I still go out to visit customers to measure up and get a feel for the place. You still need to see the house, but I am hoping people will come to me to see what’s available and talk through the schemes they want.” Despite the economic downturn, Emma says business has been brisk. “The past years has been one of my busiest ever. The housing market has been slack, so people who want to move but can’t are doing up their houses instead. “Having said that, I
■ PAPER WORK: Emma Gordon, of eyecandy interior design, is happy to be running her own business
profile
Page 3 Emma Gordon
have seen a bit more interest from property developers, so perhaps the market is picking up.” Emma says: “I cover the north of England, but a lot of my customers are local to Huddersfield, Halifax and Leeds.” Emma was born in the Midlands, but has lived most of her life in Halifax. She now lives in Skircoat Green with husband Andy and their two young children, Rudy and Bo. Lindley is new ground to Emma, but she’s already impressed with what she sees. “It’s a busy, bustling place” she says. “Lots of people are coming in to introduce themselves and have a look. There’s a good mix of traditional shops like the baker and the florist as well as boutiques and specialist retailers. Everyone is really friendly and I am looking forward to getting involved in the local community.” The timing of her arrival couldn’t have been much better. “The period between the kids going back to school and Christmas is normally a busy time,” says Emma. “People want a new look – and they want it in time for Christmas.” Emma is glad she launched her own business, even through it can be demanding. “Having been in a job where someone pays you a wage every month, it is a big deal to get out and abandon that security to work for yourself,” she says. “But that’s the incentive – knowing that it’s down to you.
“I could have gone into the industry at the bottom and worked my way up, but this was something I wanted to do and I decided to go for it. I prefer to work for myself and know that I’m in charge of my own destiny. “I also get to meet new people. Quite often, you spend a fair amount of time with them – over a couple of months – and they become friends. I enjoy seeing people’s houses and the challenge of transforming them. The flipside to all that is that there are no guarantees of a wage coming in every month!” Away from work, Emma spends quality time with her family and also enjoys horse riding. But design remains her passion – at home and at work. Emma’s house has featured in style magazines 25 Beautiful Homes and Yorkshire Life while she also competed in ITV’s May The Best House Win last year – where four competitors visit each other’s homes and award them marks out of 10. Needless to say, Emma’s Victorian town house was the winner. As for the company’s name, Emma says: “I was reading a magazine article and ‘eye candy’ was mentioned. I thought it was a really good name for an interior design business. It’s catchy and it’s all about colour and the way things look. I thought ‘eyecandy’ would work quite well.”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Role: Owner Age: 38 Family: Married to Andy with son Rudy, five, and daughter Bo, two Holidays: Majorca – my parents have a place out there! Car: Mini Cooper First job: Working behind the bar at The Fleece in Halifax Best thing about job: Meeting new people and transforming people’s houses Worst thing about job: The paperwork that goes with running a business Business tip: If there’s something you want to try, just go for it
eyecandy interior design Work: Interior design Site: Lidget Street, Lindley Phone: 01484 462226 Email: emma@eyecandy -interiordesign .co.uk Website: www.eyecandy -interiordesign .co.uk
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Food companies on award shortlist FOOD businesses in Kirklees are among the shortlisted entries for a regional award. A total of 15 companies across West Yorkshire have made it to the finals of the deliciouslyorkshire Awards 2012, which showcase the best food and drink from the region. The 15 feature in 13 of the awards’ 16 categories. They include Denby Dale ice cream maker Yummy Yorkshire, shortlisted in the best dairy category; the Butchers Arms at Hepworth and Dewsbury’s Curry Cuisine Ltd, both in the category for best savoury condiment; and Lockwood-based AJ Pies and Pasties, shortlisted in the best “ready to eat” category. Judging panel chairman Elaine Lemm, food writer and former chef, said: “Never has there been a more important time to support the deliciouslyorkshire Awards – to showcase the best of food in the county. “Food producers, the retail and hospitality industry in Yorkshire are not immune to the downturn we are currently experiencing in the UK, yet despite the tough conditions, innovation thrives and standards just keeping get higher. These are set to be the most exciting awards yet.” This year’s winners will be announced on October 25 at a ceremony at the National Railway Museum, York.
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KIRKLEES BUSIN
Pension matters needing attention HERE are millions of T people in the UK – especially women, part-time work-
ers and those who have worked abroad – who have patchy national insurance contribution records. But under the current rules, anyone reaching state pension age after April 5, 2010, will only receive the full basic state pension (£107.45 a week in 2012/13) if they have paid or been credited with NI contributions for 30 years or more. Anyone with less than 30 qualifying years will have their basic state pension proportionately reduced. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, it is, however, possible to make voluntary NI contributions to “plug” gaps in your record, although this may not be appropriate for all individuals. The following should be considered when weighing up if such contributions are worthwhile making: ● Find out your expected entitlement by completing a BR19 form. If you have 30 qualifying years then there will be no need to make voluntary contributions ● Are there any periods for which you may have been treated as though you had been making contributions? These include periods covered by Home Responsibilities Protection and when you may have received other benefits such as Carer’s Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Incapacity Benefit (or for newer claimants Employment and Support Allowance) ● What is the total number of qualifying years you can possibly obtain? If you are married you can receive a state pension of up to 60% of the full basic state pension based on your partner’s NI record and you may be no better off from making voluntary contributions ● Would you be eligible for pension/savings credit, housing benefit or council tax benefit? These are means tested and based on the income and capital you hold. Again, if you will be eligible then any increase in your state pension will reduce these entitlements ● Is the shortfall due to periods when you elected for the married
FINANCIAL FOCUS Karen Wynard
woman’s reduced NI rate? If so, these years cannot be reinstated ● Is your state retirement age beyond 2015? If so, you can only pay voluntary contributions to cover gaps in the preceding six years. But if you do have a shortfall, is the cost of buying the additional credit worth it? When is your state pension age? Voluntary class 3 contributions can usually only be paid for up to six years after the tax year to which they relate. In 2012/13, this means the 2006/07 tax year, or later. The rate you will pay is dependent upon your circumstances and will either be the current rate that applies in the year that you actually make the payment, or the (lower) rate that applied in the year that you are making the payment for. Assuming the latter, the cost of purchasing a full year’s credit for 2006/07 would be £392.60 (the weekly rate of £7.55 for 2006/07 x 52 weeks). One year’s entitlement of the State pension is currently worth 1/30th of £107.45 per week (or £3.58), which annualised is £186.16 (£3.58 x 52 weeks). However, if you attained state pension age today and wanted to buy a gross pension income of £186.16 pa you would require a fund value of £4,967.45 if you were male (aged 65) and £6,016.09 if female (aged 62 and 2 months) – not a bad return on £392.60! “Although this is the assumed cost of purchasing a single life pension annuity paid monthly in advance, with no guarantees but increasing in line with RPI based on the best annuity rate available from the www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk annuity comparison system as at 31 July 2012. This is not an exact replication of the state pension and is for illustrative purposes only. However, for those retiring before April 5, 2015, you may also have the option to purchase up to
an extra six years to cover gaps in your NI record from 1975/76 onwards. In 2012/13, the cost for buying these extra years is set at a fixed rate of £13.25 per week (or £689.00 for a complete year) – although it is important to note that you must already have at least 20 qualifying years and if your state pension age was before April 6, 2010, one of the 20 years must have been on a paid contribution basis. Should I buy additional qualifying years? Whilst the above outlines some of the key considerations it may not make sense for everyone with gaps in their NI record to make voluntary contributions. Your decision may also be affected by your life expectancy, the date you and your spouse or civil partner will reach state pension age and – importantly – what the eligibility criteria for the proposed new “flat rate” state pension will be. The last point is particularly pertinent for those who will reach state retirement age after 2015 which is the earliest anticipated date that the flat rate pension is likely to be introduced. In addition, as mentioned earlier, individuals reaching state retirement age with little or no savings or private pension provision currently benefit from the pension guarantee credit which ensures a minimum weekly income of £142.70 (or £217.90 if you have a partner), regardless of NI contribution history. Before choosing to make any voluntary contributions, it is important to consider your own circumstances carefully, and seek advice where appropriate, especially as there is no automatic right to a refund if, after paying, you decide you have made the wrong choice.
Karen Wynard is head of corporate services at Eastwood & Partners (Financial Services) Ltd
Pupils venture into Dragon’s Den PUPILS from St Saviour’s Junior School at Birstall will put their business ideas to a Dragon’s Den-style panel tomorrow. Jeremy Garside, managing partner at law firm Chadwick Lawrence; Sean Jarvis, commercial director of Huddersfield Town; and Paul
Smith, procurement and supply chain director at regional purchasing body YPO, make up the panel for the event, which takes place from 10am at Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium. The event – part of Kirklees Business Week – is the
culmination of an educational enterprise programme run by STEP CIC that teaches children as young as nine about running a business. The 10 to 11-year-olds will have to impress the panel with their business ideas including their branding, market research, estimated turnover and profits.
■ CREDITWORTHY: John Catling chief executive of FMG
FMG secures key standards
INCIDENT management specialist FMG has achieved two important accreditations. The company, based at Bradley Mills, has gained BS25999 for business continuity managemen and ISO27001 for information security. The continuity management award endorses FMG’s ability to cope with unexpected events, ranging from computer failure to structural damage to buildings while maintaining a seamless level of service for customers. It covers a wide range of business areas, including people, premises, suppliers and assets and recognises the business has the systems in place to continue operating should unforeseen events effect activity. The information security standard recognises the way FMG handles customer information and provides evidence of the company’s ability and systems to ensure th safe management of sensitive data. Chief executive John Catling said: “Business continuity planning is important for all businesses. The nature of our operation, which includes the need to be there for our customers 24/7 every day of the year, makes this a necessity, not a luxury. “Together with the ISO accreditation on information security, we’re demonstrating to new and existing customers our understanding of the changing needs and demands of business “We hold as absolutely key, the need to maintain the security of confidential and sensitive information. Our people have worked tirelessly to ensure that we have met and exceeded the necessary criteria. The fact that the company has been recognised in this way, makes al the effort worthwhile.”
NESS NEWS
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When taxation isn’t child’s play FTER the granny tax fiasco some AAswill now suffer the new child tax. announced in the Budget, there will be
a new income tax charge on individuals who have income over £50,000 in a tax year where either they or their partner are in receipt of Child Benefit for that year. Income is the total income subject to income tax, including salary, benefits and bonuses, profits from self-employment, pensions, rental income, bank interest and dividends. In other words, all income before tax. For those that might be affected, do not forget that payments to pension schemes and charitable Gift Aid donations as well as trading losses can be deducted from that income. The tax charge will apply at a rate of 1% of the full Child Benefit award for each £100 of income between £50,000 and £60,000. In these circumstances, benefit is initially paid in full as normal with a proportion then clawed back later as tax. The charge on individuals with income above £60,000 will be equal to the whole amount of the Child Benefit award such that no benefit is ultimately retained. For example, a couple having two children will receive Child Benefit of £1,752. If one has adjusted net income of £55,000 a tax charge of £876 will arise, calculated as follows – £55,000 – £50,000 = £5,000 of excess income, or 50 lots of £100. This
Colin Barratt
equates to a tax charge of 50% (1% x 50) = £876. Where both partners have net income in excess of £50,000 the charge will apply to the partner with the higher income. This charge will come into effect from January 7, 2013 and for tax year 2012/13 it will apply to the Child Benefit paid from that date to April 5, 2013. The income taken into account for these calculations will be the full amount of net income for 2012/13. The tax will be collected through an individual’s Self-Assessment Tax Return. For those who do not normally complete a return, they will need to do so and register with HM Revenue & Customs by October 5, 2013, in order to meet the filing and payment deadline of January 31, 2014. Interest and penalties can be levied for late registration and/or filing and payment. Individuals will be able to elect not to receive Child Benefit if they or their partner do not wish to pay the tax and the election can subsequently be withdrawn if they or their partner are no longer liable to pay the
Ben joins lucky 16 on apprenticeship
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■ PIPE DREAM: Ben Carpenter has been chosen from more than 700 applicants for an apprenticeship with Northern Gas Networks
Page 5
TAX TALK
Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth chartered accountants, Huddersfield
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BRIGHOUSE man Ben Carpenter has got a warm glow – after being chosen out of more than 700 applicants for an apprenticeship with Northern Gas Networks. The 28-year-old from Well Close Place has been handed an opportunity to learn the ropes with the North of England's gas distributor. He will undergo a combination of on-the-job training and college-based work in order to graduate as first call operative – a front-line responder to gas leaks reported by the public to the national gas emergency number 0800 111 999. The keen Huddersfield Town supporter who previously worked as an electrician for a bus
company, is among 16 new starters who have been handed places by Northern Gas Networks this year after a region-wide search for the cream of new engineering talent. He said: “I was absolutely over the moon to be chosen, especially with only 16 places up for grabs. I'm now looking forward to learning everything there is to know about the job. My ambition is to work as hard as possible and make the most of this fantastic opportunity.” The gas distributor employs more than 1,000 people across the north and is responsible for ensuring a safe and reliable supply of gas to 2.7m customers throughout the North East, northern Cumbria and most of Yorkshire.
charge should their income fall below £50,000. In making such an election it is important to ensure that valuable National Insurance credits towards future state benefit entitlements are not jeopardised. So make the claim as usual and then elect not to receive it. HMRC have indicated that they will be writing in the autumn to those they believe will be affected by the new rules. However, it would be sensible to review your particular circumstances now to establish if any action can be taken to avoid or mitigate any impact of the new tax charge, for instance by making pre-April 6 pension contributions, or Gift Aid donations to re d u c e i n c o m e b e l ow t h e £ 5 0 , 0 0 0 threshold. In some circumstances the rate of relief for such payments can be as high as upwards of 70%.
Work experience firms get reward KIRKLEES companies backing work experience are urged to enter a national award. The National Council for Work Experience is celebrating 10 years of work experience excellence as its 2013 awards open for entries. The NCWE Awards reward UK employers who provide valuable internships to students and graduates, both in this country and overseas. Thirteen award categories cover the full spectrum of organisations – large and small companies and organisations in the public and charitable sectors. Organisations can enter their own placements online or students and careers advisers can nominate a company for an award at www.work-experience.org/awards. The closing date for entries is December 7, 2012. Finalists will be notified in January, 2013, when they will be invited to the awards ceremony to be held in March in London. To mark the awards’ 10th anniversary, a new category has been introduced. The “Best of the Best” is open to all previous overall winners. Mike Hill, chief executive of the Higher Education Careers Services Unit that runs the NCWE Awards, said: “One of the more significant employment developments over the past decade has been the rise of the internship. “We’ve seen many improvements to standards in work experience provision and the benefits don’t stop at the intern with many organisations reporting about how internships have benefited their business.”
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Page 6
Time to show some energy
■ GOING UP: Cherry pickers at work with Haven Building & Maintenance Ltd
Highlight of the year FAMILY-RUN business Haven Building & Maintenance Ltd reached new heights with a corporate demonstration day featuring its fleet of specialist vehicles and portfolio of services to new and existing clients. Brighouse Sports Club hosted the event, which included a demonstration of the company’s rapid response vehicle “Ellie-Mai” along with high level access machines,
drainage response vehicles and other specialist equipment. The company, based at Holywell Green, has dealt with many incidents on behalf of local councils and other clients, including fire damaged mills, commercial properties, buildings damaged by being struck by vehicles and dangerous structures such as loose chimneys,.
PROPERTY landlords have been urged to make sure they meet to laws on energy efficiency. The Energy Act 2011 means that landlords will no longer be able to legally let commercial and residential property which has poor energy efficiency ratings. Stuart Hailey, associate director for DTZ’s project and building consultancy team in West Yorkshire, said: “Although the Energy Act 2011 does not come into force until April 1, 2018, landlords, investors and occupiers need to act swiftly to determine whether their properties will meet the required standard and, if necessary, take remedial action to maintain value. “It is worthwhile noting that this date is a long-stop date and the legislation could be enforced sooner. “DTZ research recently highlighted that continued lack of new development in the commercial property market over the next three to five years will lead to an increase in demand for existing property, leaving those which do not comply with legislation in the Energy Act being potentially ‘obsolete’ until improvements are made. “Dependant on the type of property interests you hold, the impact of the forthcoming requirements may vary. “If your property is of an industrial nature, then the impact will be less severe as warehouses are typically unheated when compared to office space or other commercial uses such as retail. “Also, the extent of your property interests will be a key factor when
■ IMPLICATIONS: Stuart Hailey, of property agency DTZ, said property owners face significant costs
looking at the cost of carrying out improvements.” Said Mr Hailey: “The first question to ask is why does a property have a poor EPC rating? Whilst the obvious view is that the day-to-day running of a property requires a high level of energy consumption, the reasoning behind this may not be overly clear. “High energy consumption may be due to factors such as poor quality lighting or inefficient heating installa-
tions. The age and construction of the building may also result in poor thermal properties or air leakage. “The second question to consider is what improvements need to be made to address the deficiencies in a building’s energy performance. “Initially, the requirement to prepare an EPC will give some indication as to the level of energy consumption and, as a result, identify high level measures which if implemented could improve the performance of a property and in turn increase the overall rating. “For property owners, your initial concerns are expected to be focused around the financing of any improvements needed. “As an occupier, there will be an equal concern surrounding any obligation to pay towards improvements, for example, through service charge arrangements. “Either way, to bring a property with a poor energy efficiency rating up to an acceptable level will most likely incur significant costs.” He said: “The implications of the Act are complex because there is the need to understand where the energy performance issues exist, what is needed to address these issues and how the mechanism for repayment through the Green Deal will work. “Whatever your interest in property, as with all changes in legislation, a timely and well planned approach adopting the correct professional advice is key to ensuring compliance before embarking on any ‘green crusade’.”
Listed building owners race to beat VAT rule amendment PROPERTY owners in Yorkshire are trying to complete alteration and restoration work on their listed buildings – in a bid to beat the introduction of VAT on listed buildings and save themselves of pounds. The Government is lifting the exemption on VAT to listed buildings from October 1 and imposing VAT at 20% to all alterations and restorations. The move is set to cost owners of listed buildings in the region thousands of pounds just to ensure their property does not fall into disrepair. However, investors that applied for listed building consent before March 21, 2012, can breath a sigh of relief if their applications are approved, as their building will be exempt from the imposition of VAT providing preservation or refurbishment work has started and are at least 50% complete by September, 2015. The imposition of VAT has been vigorously opposed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, which fears that it will make essential works no longer financially viable. As a result many owners of listed properties
in the region are rushing to complete works and ensure the survival of the building and Britain’s heritage, said the RICS. The lifting of the VAT exemption is also making listed properties less desirable to investors, which could result in a significant number “rotting” on the market and decreasing in value. The RICS, as part of the Cut the VAT Coalition, is calling for the government to abandon the introduction of 20% VAT to listed buildings and introduce VAT at 5% on all home repair, maintenance and improvement works. Jones Lang La Salle is advising caution to clients whose projects will start before the deadline but finish after, to be mindful of the VAT imposition, and of course those who fall within the exemption (having applied for listed building consent before 21 March 2012), to ensure that their works are least 50% complete by September, 2015. Spokesman Colin Harrop, a director at Jones Lang La Salle, said: “Listed buildings are some of our country’s greatest assets. Removing the VAT exemption on alterations
could mean the difference between a bright future and potentially damaging our region’s heritage, with potential investors and current owners simply unable to foot the bill for this extra expenditure.” He said: “Listed status often means improvements and alterations have to use traditional methods and materials, which are already more expensive than for non-listed property. “The exemption gave some respite and, in some cases, meant the building had a future as the responsibilities of owning and looking after often fragile listed properties are demanding enough. Any disincentives will, in the long run, harm the sector and our region as we have a lot of listed buildings.” Stephen Thornton, UK head of external affairs at RICS, said: “The Chancellor has missed a golden opportunity to create a level playing field on all residential works. “Research shows that 5% VAT across the board would create 26,560 jobs in the construction sector with a total economic stimulus of around £1.7bn in 2012 alone.”
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Land at Low Road
Dewsbury, WF12 8BS 1 Ripe for residential development STPP 1 Site area 345m2 (412 sq yds) 1 Secluded woodland setting 1 Private access road
Guide Price: £75,000
Former Honley Council Offices
Eastgate, Honley, HD9 6PA 1 PP for residential conversion 1 Close to village centre 1 Waterside frontage 1 Prominent landmark building
Guide Price: In Excess of £125,000
■ IN FULL BLOOM: Tina Harrison, marketing co-ordinator at Green Future Buildings, with trainee Tom Steinke (left) and apprentice Oliver Downes
Town Hall Hotel
52 Huddersfield Road, Elland, HX5 9AH 1 Prominent town centre location 1 Planning consent for hotel or office use 1 213m2 (2,293 sq ft) 1 Potential for residential conversion 1 Close to new Morrisons supermarket
Firm is building on its success A SOCIAL enterprise helping young people get a foothold in the sustainable construction sector has put on a blooming good show. Heckmondwike-based Green Future Building Ltd won a gold award for its presentation at the Royal Horticultural Society's Harrogate Autumn Flower Show. The eye-catching stand included a range of innovative garden structures such as planters, animal houses and log and bin stores, all of which incorporate “living” roofs. Plants for the stand’s floral displays were provided by Kirklees Culture and Leisure Services’ Bradley Nursery, which is supporting the new enterprise. GFB has also been confirmed as the contractor to deliver an exciting project at Todmorden High School, where the business will build an innovative green-build food hub. The award and the contract provide the icing on the cake for the social enterprise, which is based at Ponderosa Business Park, Heckmondwike. . The organisation is also celebrating the success of four young trainees, who have graduated to a full-time apprenticeship scheme. GFB undertakes training and offers work
placements to disadvantaged young people. West Yorkshire Probation Trust and Kirklees Youth Offending Team place trainees with GFB to gain experience in a real working environment and to gain vocational skills via a variety of conservation and eco-build projects. Director John Beaumont said: “These young lads have progressed from being on placement with Kirklees YOT to undertaking a 24-week course in our workshops and on our sites. “To then graduate onto a full-time apprenticeship, they have all demonstrated a high level of commitment and developed skills over this period which only confirms that GFB’s investment in them as apprentices and long term skilled employees will be of great benefit to both themselves, their communities and the organisation.” GFB is following up its success with an exciting project to create a local amenity that includes a leisure fishing lake with a floating café. If the full potential for the site is realised, a green build academy along with green build enterprises will generate opportunities for further businesses, employment opportunities and apprenticeships.
New president in place The Federation of Master Builders has named Jim Gilmour as its new national president. Mr Gilmour, of Glasgow, is a well known figure in the Scottish construction sector, representing the FMB on the CITB ConstructionSkills Board. David Bentley, from the Yorkshire and Trent region, was elected as national vice-president. Mr Gilmour said: “It is an honour to be the first Scotsman elected as national president of the FMB. “My theme during my two-year presidency is ‘professionalism’ and supporting the FMB new five-year strategic plan which is to transform the FMB to become a professional trade
association. “As part of this commitment I’m also looking forward to meeting and representing FMB members across the UK.” Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “Jim Gilmour is a passionate advocate for the SME construction industry and I look forward to working with Jim during this difficult time for the construction industry. “The building industry is experiencing the longest recession that most people can remember, which is why it is more important than ever that builders across the UK can have access to a national trade association that support their business needs.”
Guide Price: £75,000 – £85,000
2-4 Southgate
Elland, HX5 0BW 1 Town centre building 1 Suitable for a variety of uses STPP 1 Car parking on site 1 Ripe for residential conversion
Guide Price: £110,000 – £120,000
Land and Buildings at South Street
Paddock, Huddersfield, HD1 4UH 1 Residential building land 1 Outline PP for residential development 1 0.31 Acres (0.126 Hectares) 1 Quiet backwater location 1 Close to local shops and amenities
Guide Price: £105,000 – £120,000
Development Land at Eastlawns
Thomas Street, Lindley, Huddersfield, HD3 3JJ 1 PP for 12 semi-detached houses 1 0.62 Acre site (0.25 Hectares) 1 Lindley village location 1 Close to shops and amenities
Guide Price: £300,000 – £350,000
FOR SALE
Highfield United Reformed Church Earlsheaton, Dewsbury, WF12 8BB
1 Substantial detached church 1 GIA 384m2 (4,133 sq ft) 1 Large private car park 1 Alternative use potential (STP) Offers in the region of £275,000
TO LET
Unit 4, Triangle Business Park Paddock, Huddersfield, HD1 4RR
1 Modern open span industrial unit 1 115m2 (1,243 sq ft) 1 Excellent secure yard and car parking Rent: £8,125 per annum excl.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Silvia Serpa & Lyn Thomas
KOSO Kent Introl BRIGHOUSE-based KOSO Kent Introl has created two new senior positions – as the specialist control valves manufacturer and supplier continues to grow in Yorkshire and further strengthens its presence in Brazil. Silvia Serpa (top) joins as area business manager within the growing Brazil team in Rio de Janeiro, a region where KKI has increased its presence recently. A chemistry engineering graduate with a control valves and applications engineering background, she will focus on business development and continue to build strong customer relationships in the oil and gas market sector. She will also work with KKI’s local agent in Brazil, RTS Valvulas, with whom a five-year deal was signed last year. Lyn Thomas (also pictured) takes on the role of business development manager in the UK for the severe valves service area. He brings more than 30 years of valve experience, mainly in the oil and gas industry for companies including BP, CCI and Masoneilan. Mr Thomas joins from the Dubai office of parent company KOSO where he covered the Middle East region. His remit involves working across a range of industries to design the best value and highest quality valve solutions.
Chris Leach
Orchard Environmental
WASTE management specialist Orchard Environmental has appointed Chris Leach as sales manager as the Elland-based firm embarks on an ambitious three-year expansion programme. Mr Leach (pictured) has worked in the waste industry for 22 years. He has held management roles with Biffa and most recently Shanks, where he was general manager for the North of England and Scotland. He will work alongside Orchard Group managing director Gareth Henderson and Orchard Environmental business manager Justin Holley as they implement plans to grow the business nationally. The firm expects to increase its national field sales team from five to 26 people over the next three years. Mr Henderson said: “Chris’s industry insight is already proving invaluable as we cultivate a strategy for growth and his national sales experience will assist us as Orchard Environmental expands across the UK.”
Sally Tundall & Jonathan Palmer
Propaganda A BRANDING consultancy founded in Huddersfield has attracted two senior marketeers from London and made three other appointments at its Leeds office. Propaganda, founded by Denby Dale businessman Julian Kynaston, has appointed Sally Tundall as senior planner and Jonathan Palmer as senior account director. The other appointments are Julian Pearce as corporate communications manager, Beth Catling as project manager and Lucille Pickering as marketing executive.
Movers and shakers
Page 8
Iceland boss in charity pledge FROZEN food retailer Iceland is helping to develop a potential new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Grange Moor-born chairman and chief executive Malcolm Walker said the company was determined to help find a cure for the condition. Iceland, which has stores at Aspley and Trinity Street in Huddersfield, has teamed up with London-based Asclepios Bioresearch to fund clinical trials of the potential new treatment, codenamed BLU8499. The treatment has been developed by Bellus Health, based in Montreal, Canada. Iceland and Asclepios have jointly funded Phase 2a clinical trials which are also termed “proof of concept in humans”. Mr Walker said: “Beating Alzheimer’s disease has been the prime focus of our charitable fundraising for the last two years. “In 2011 we raised more than £1.2m for Britain’s leading dementia research charity, Alzheimer’s Research UK and this year we are pledged to raise at least a further £1m to help support ARUK’s pioneering scientists
■ RESEARCH: Malcolm Walker has made a comitment to help combat Alzheimer’s
drive forward their research.” He said: “Investing in this potential treatment is a natural extension of our commitment to finding a cure for this terrible disease. “We are excited to come together with Asclepios and Bellus Health to advance BLU8499 into this new phase of testing and
Celebration Games
Awards deadline THE deadline is fast approaching for firms to enter the Kirklees Responsible Business Awards. Companies have until Friday to submit their entries in the competition, which honours companies for their work to support the community and reduce their impact on the environment. The awards are free to enter and are open to all businesses in Kirklees. The categories are Excellence in the Community Award and Excellence in the Environment Award. Each category has a number of awards –
THE owner of a human resources consultancy celebrated 10 years in business – working as a Games Maker at the London 2012 Paralympics. Julie Sykes, who runs JCS HR in Shepley, was part of the events service team. She is pictured with Mike Kerr, a member of the Team GB wheelchair rugby team at the Paralympics. Mike, 29, from Glasgow, carried the Torch as part of the relay leading up to the opening of the Olympics She said: “Being part of the Paralympics was a real honour and a fantastic way to celebrate my 10th anniversary!” Julie was also fortunate to win a ticket in a Games Maker ballot and was thrilled to be able to see Olympic and Paralympic legend Oscar Pistorius compete, which she described as “a dream come true”! Before launching JCS HR, Julie took time out to work as a volunteer at the Manchester Commonwealth Games, so she was thrilled to be able to round off her first 10 years in business as a volunteer at an even more prestigious event.
hope that this compound will make a difference to the lives of those affected by this dreadful condition.” Simon Conder, director of Asclepios Bioresearch said: “We are delighted to have co-invested with Iceland on such an important project. The successful clinical development of BLU8499 at Phase 2a could potentially significantly advance the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. “The most recent statistics show a continuous rise of Alzheimer’s – both in the UK and abroad. “This is why we as a society need to do whatever is possible to tackle this extremely debilitating disease.” Asclepios Bioresearch provides private equity, pharmaceutical advice and capital raising services for early-mid stage pharmaceutical candidates, medical devices and diagnostic technologies. Since its launch in October, 2009, it has raised more than $100m to advance trials for a number of clinical-stage candidates for Alzheimer's disease, Type 2 Diabetes and chronic wound healing.
providing entrants with a chance to come home with a clutch of trophies. Kirklees council leader Clr Mehboob Khan (pictured) said: “It’s great to see so many Kirklees businesses improving their green and corporate social responsibility credentials. We’re extremely supportive of their efforts and hope that they continue to strive for sustainability. “We are proud of our green credentials here in Kirklees, as well as the number of businesses quietly striving to help the local community. I hope
that other businesses are inspired by the efforts of their peers and that we see a large number of entries for this year’s awards.” Go to www.batley anddewsbury.co.uk
Time to innovate MANUFACTURERS in Kirklees and Calderdale have the chance to tour one of Huddersfield’s most exciting new business developments tomorrow. Members of the Calderdale and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance will meet at the new multi-million pound 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, on Firth Street to see how they can collaborate on innovative projects to benefit local small businesses. They will get a guided tour of the development and hear how they can work with the centre and Huddersfield University to develop new processes and products which they otherwise may not have been
able to consider due to the amount of investment and specialist expertise required. The centre is keen to contact local manufacturing businesses with potential projects and ideas. The event, which is part of Kirklees Business Week, starts at 5.30pm and is open to members and non-members. It will include updates on support available from the Manufacturing Advisory Service and UKTI and information about access to finance for projects and innovation experts. Go to www.kirklees businessweek.co.uk or contact Alan Archer on 01484 221417.