FTSE 100
HANNAH MACKENZIE Fashioning a new career
+19.67 6355.37
Inter view- Page 4
COLIN BARRATT Home in on taxation Column - Page 4
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Recruits ready for self-employment THE Huddersfield-based regional manager for a skincare and cosmetics firm has seen a boost in recruitment – as more people opt to work for themselves. The UK division of Swedish beauty company Oriflame said the size of its sales force rose by almost 10% during the final quarter of last year – with 1,330 new recruits across the UK, including West Yorkshire. Oriflame regional manager Grace Bylinka, who lives at Birchencliffe and is responsible for sales and recruitment across Yorkshire, said that many people who had been made redundant were exploring other options, including part-time work and starting their own business. She said the trend within the company reflected recent figures from the Office for National Statistics which showed that the number of people in self-employment had risen by nearly 10% since the start of the recession to 4.2m. Some 367,000 more people were self-employed in 2012 compared with 2008 when the crisis began. ONS figures also showed that the number of people in part-time work has risen by 660,000 to 8.11m since September, 2007. Oriflame’s own sales force data also showed a marked acceleration over the past few years and recent months. “People are turning to self-employed roles
like direct selling as an alternative or secondary income source thanks to the flexibility it offers and the low start-up costs,” said Grace. “Direct sellers can launch their own business with the back-up of a multi-national organisation to support them if need be. Many of our consultants have made a successful long-term career out of it whereas others choose to direct sell on a temporary basis.” Oriflame is one of the UK’s fastest growing beauty companies selling direct, with an annual growth of 25% a year for the past four years. The direct selling industry as a whole is defying the recession with year-on-year growth. Eric McClenaghan, chief executive of Oriflame UK Ltd, said direct-selling companies were bucking the trend by riding on stable demand, direct engagement with consumers, flexibility in market penetration and lower costs. He said: “We provide our consultants with first class products and excellent support materials. We also remain one of the truly free-to-join operations in the UK and have just waived our minimum order cost, making it even easier for people to come on board. “Going forward, we have ambitious aims to strengthen our sales force by 18%, bringing the total number of consultants in the UK to 5,900 this year.”
■ DELIGHTED: Wilma Teviotdale, president of the West Yorkshire Society of Chartered Accountants
Volunteer mentors NEW and growing businesses in Kirklees have been urged to seek out mentors to provide a guiding hand. The Get Mentoring programme has encouraged thousands of owners of small and medium-sized businesses to complete mentor training and pass on their knowledge and experience of running a business to start-ups and small firms. The volunteer mentors can be accessed through website www.mentorsme.co.uk
● Full story - Page 5
■ OPTIONS: Grace Bylinka, regional manager for cosmetics company Oriflame
Setting a financial challenge for apprentices CHARTERED accountants across Kirklees are encouraging their trainees to take part in a national competition. The contest for apprentices on the Accountancy, Project Management and Professional Services Higher Apprenticeship programmes is an interactive business game. Apprentices compete against each other to be crowned the 2013 Apprentice Business Challenge champions. Taking on the role of business advisers, apprentices will compete in teams at one of three regional heats held in Leeds, Birmingham and London on May 21, 22 and 23. The teams will be made up of a mix of apprentices from different apprenticeship frameworks, organisations and industry sectors. Teams will work through a case
INSIDE
study detailing a real-life business issue. They will then be required to analyse the information, propose a solution and present their recommendations to a judging panel in the form of a presentation and written report. The judging panel and competition mentors will be on hand throughout the day to provide support, guidance and feedback. The judges will then choose a winning team and a top-performing individual apprentice. The six top scoring teams from the three regional heats will be invited to compete at the National Final in London on July 19. Wilma Teviotdale, president of West Yorkshire Society of Chartered Accountants and head of accountancy at Huddersfield University, said: “Our professional body, ICAEW, is
committed to broadening access to the accountancy profession, including the development of non-university routes for talented individuals. “We’re therefore delighted to support Higher Apprenticeships, which help to develop the skills and commercial awareness required in the workplace. “We’re also especially pleased to be hosting the Apprentice Business Challenge, which will enable apprentices to step into the role of business advisors injecting dynamism and excitement into their training and development. “We’d therefore encourage as many apprentices and employers as possible to take part.” The deadline for entries is March 22, 2013. For details, phone 01908 248250, email abc@icaew.com or go to www.icaew.com/abc
The most trusted news brand in the business
examiner.co.uk
2 6 , Fe b r u a r y, 2 0 1 3
Cash for life-savers A CLECKHEATON company has raised more than £18,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance. The cash was raised over the past two years by staff and bosses at Ferno, a world-leading manufacturer of medical equipment to the emergency services. Employees – led by managing director Jon Ellis – have cycled, played football, baked cakes and cooked lunches to raise £18,619.52 for the airborne life-savers.
● Full story - Page 8
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Winter sales boost for retailer Primark CLOTHING chain Primark delivered more forecast-busting sales figures after an “outstanding” performance over the winter. Despite the impact of austerity measures hitting many European markets, owner Associated British Foods said Primark’s sales for the six months to March 2 were expected to be 23% ahead of the same period last year. The retailer, which has a store at New Street in Huddersfield, increased selling space by 13% over the last year, giving it 257 stores across Europe and almost 9m sq ft of selling space. Stripping out changes in store space, sales were up 7% on a year earlier. This reflected good trading over the Christmas period – when jumpers and all-in-one pyjamas sold well – as well as comparisons with the warm autumn a year earlier. Margins were also “much higher” due to the benefit of lower cotton prices and the better trading performance. AB Foods, which also owns British Sugar as well as household brands Kingsmill, Ryvita and Twinings, said
■ COTTONING ON: Lower cotton prices have contributed to improved margins for high street fashion chain Primark
half-year results in April will be ahead of the company’s expectations in September. It said: “Adjusted operating profit will be higher than last year, driven by
an outstanding performance from Primark.” The better-than-expected showing for Primark is in contrast to rival Marks & Spencer, which according to
More stores for Domino’s
Thorntons profits look sweeter CHOCOLATE retailer Thorntons described a 70% rise in half-year profits as an “important step” in the company’s turnaround push. The improvement to £5.3m for the six months to January 12 followed a big jump in supermarket sales of chocolate boxes as it looks to offset ongoing tough trading conditions for its retail estate. Chief executive Jonathan Hart said the retailer still had much to do, particularly with it facing key tests for Mother’s Day and Easter. Thorntons, which has a store at
leaked industry figures at the weekend has continued to lose market share in fashion. Primark said the pace of new store openings will slow in the remainder of the financial year before picking up again in the following year. Its plans for this year include the completion of extensions to its Newcastle and Manchester stores. Half-year revenues from the company’s groceries division are expected to be flat on last year. While it is set to show good market share gains for Twinings Ovaltine, the bakeries division, which makes Kingsmill, increased its prices to recover higher costs caused by the worst harvest of recent years. Revenues from the UK sugar division were higher than last year with volumes up on the previous year’s abnormally low level. But bad weather meant sugar production for the current year is now estimated at 1.15m tonnes against last year’s 1.32m and profits are expected to be lower.
Huddersfield’s Piazza Shopping Centre, is pinning its hopes for this spring on improved presentation and marketing and greater space for its long-running Continental range. Reve n u e s r o s e b y 2 . 9 % t o £133.7m. An 8% fall in own-store sales to £62.6m was offset by a 16% rise in sales from commercial channels. Thorntons, expects to close about 40 of its 3717 stores during the year to June as it aims for a core estate of 180 to 200 sites. Many closures will happen as leases expire.
PIZZA delivery firm Domino’s said the UK’s appetite for takeaway food should help it generate 1,500 new jobs this year. With annual profits up by 11% to £46.7m, Domino’s said it expects to roll out more franchise-run stores as part of a drive for about 1,200 outlets. It sold 61m pizzas last year, but estimates that it only serves on average 19% of UK households, presenting the brand with a “huge growth opportunity”.
More than half of sales are now online, with 56% of UK customers ordering takeaway pizzas over the internet, compared with 44% a year earlier. One week recently saw a dozen stores receiving more than 80% of their delivered sales online. An increasing number of customers were using mobile phones to order. Domino’s Pizza said its UK franchisees opened 57 new shops, taking the total to 727. Like-for-like sales at its 612 “mature” shops rose by 5%.
Page 2 North Sea bonanza INVESTMENT in North Sea oil and gas industry is at its highest for more than 30 years, according to a report. The Oil & Gas UK 2013 Activity Survey said there was £11.4bn investment in the UK’s oil and gas sector in 2012, a figure which is expected to rise to at least £13bn this year. It said the number of projects submitted to the Department of Energy and Climate Change and given development approval almost doubled between 2011 and 2012. Oil & Gas UK said the prospect of large-scale investment highlights the potential for the UK’s offshore oil and gas sector to boost economic activity and contribute to the country’s prosperity in future years. Malcolm Webb, Oil & Gas UK’s chief executive, said: “Here is some really good news for the UK. After two disappointing years brought about by tax uncertainty and consequent low investment, the UK continental shelf is now benefiting from record investment in new developments and in existing assets and infrastructure, the strongest for more than three decades.” He said activity had been spurred by the introduction of targeted tax breaks to promote the development of difficult projects and the Government’s commitment to provide certainty on decommissioning tax relief, adding: “It is crucial that we sustain this momentum in the years ahead.”
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £41.61 +0.19 Gannett 1317.84 +3.31 Hess Corp £43.59 -0.11 Microsoft 1841.74 +4.30 Motors Liquidation 49.64 Wal-Mart Stores £47.06 +0.46 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 4021/4 -23/4 BAE Systems 3473/4 -2 Rolls-Royce 1029 -9 AIM Brady Plc 951/2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 2521/4 +1/4 BANKS Barclays 3115/8 +45/8 HSBC 7297/8 +81/2 7 Lloyds Banking Gp 54 /8 +1/8 3 Ryl Scotland 354 /4 +93/4 Stan Chart 1770 +26 BEVERAGES Diageo 1967 -61/2 SABMiller £323/8 CHEMICALS Croda £251/2 -3/8 Elementis 98 2273/4 -83/8 Johnsn Mat £227/8 -1/8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2863/4 +4 Costain 287 +4 ELECTRICITY
Drax Gp 6201/2 -111/2 SSE 1435 -7 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 245 -21/8 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 4251/4 +51/4 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 2713/4 -53/8 Cable & Wireless 421/8 Comm Colt Group 1241/4 +3 KCOM 82 +1/2 Talktalk Telecom 260 -3/4 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2623/4 +5/8 Sainsbury 3465/8 +15/8 Tesco 374 +13/4 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1815 -15 Tate Lyle 8001/2 -7 1 Unilever £26 /4 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3491/4 -7/8 National Grid 7171/2 +2 Pennon Grp 653 -10 Severn 1611 -9 1 United Utils 735 /2 -41/2 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 3131/2 +43/4 ICAP 3461/4 -1 London StockExch 1343 +17 Man Group 1061/2 -5/8 Provident Financial 1524 +8
+1/4 Schroders £201/2 Schroders NV 1630 +41 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS REXAM 505 +2 Smiths Grp 1250 -6 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 281/4 -1/2 Carphone Whse 213 -1/2 Dixons Retail 261/2 Home Retail 128 +5/8 Inchcape 507 -1/2 Kingfisher 2801/4 -2 7 M&S 367 /8 -93/4 1 Mothercare 278 /4 -41/4 Next £413/4 -3/4 WH Smith 695 -41/2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 7051/2 -1 HOUSEHOLD GOODS 3 Aga Rangemaster 79 /4 +1/4 Barrat Dev 238 -13/8 Persimmon 8981/2 -11 Reckitt Benckiser £433/4 -13/8 Taylor Wimpey 795/8 +1/4 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 1212 -1 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 2455/8 +41/4 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 243 +3/4 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 3587/8 -11/8
1591/2 +11/4 2003/4 +7/8 1 964 /2 -1/2 2611/4 -2 3455/8 -43/8 MEDIA BSkyB 826 -1 +21/2 D Mail Tst 6971/2 3 HIBU /8 ITV 1193/4 -11/4 Johnston Press 123/4 Pearson 1171 -45 -10 Reed Elsevier 6941/2 1 STV Group 134 /8 -27/8 Trinity Mirror 1171/2 -1/2 Utd Business 775 -13 UTV 144 -1 WPP 1042 +7 MINING Anglo American 19811/2 +391/2 Antofagasta 1117 +33 BHP Billiton £211/4 +1/4 Eurasian Natural 366 +11/4 Res Fresnillo 1503 +15 Kazakhmys 684 +6 3 Lonmin 349 /8 -1/2 Rio Tinto £351/4 +1/2 VEDANTA 1219 +4 RESOURCES Xstrata 1139 +20 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES 1 Inmarsat 644 /2 -13 Vodafone Group 1641/8 +1 NONLIFE INSURANCE
Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
472 105 7171/2 £215/8
+11/4 -3/4 +2
closed at at FTSE closed
6355.37 Up 19.67 Admiral Grp 1263 RSA Insurance Gp 1203/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1169 BP 4511/8 Cairn Energy 277 Royal Dutch Shell A £213/4 Royal Dutch Shell B £221/8 Total £335/8 Tullow Oil 1229 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1046 Petrofac 1610 Wood Gp(J) 7971/2 PERSONAL GOODS
+2 +31/8 -11/2 +71/8 +21/8 +1/4 +1/8 +1/4 -12 -1 +21 +1
Burberry Gp 1379 -3 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £293/4 +1/4 GlaxoSmithK XD 31/2 Shire £211/4 +3/8 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 567 -12 Hamrsn 498 -5 Intu Properties 3471/4 -8 Land Secs 831 -10 5 SEGRO 255 /8 -7/8 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 360 Sage Group 3403/4 -21/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 6701/2 +4 Bunzl 1225 +4 Capita 845 -5 De La Rue 938 -121/2 Electrocomp 2591/8 -5/8 Experian 1078 -9 G4S 2865/8 -1/2 1 Hays 96 /2 -3/8 Homeserve 248 +31/4 Menzies J 730 +61/2 Rentokil 921/2 +15/8 Smiths News 1753/4 +31/4 Wolseley £301/2 +1/8 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 939 +15 Spirent Comms 1671/4 +1/4 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £341/4 -1/4
Imperial Tobacco
£231/2
-1/4 TOURIST RATES
LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airl Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread
3
137 /4 £241/4 801 990 1037/8 1907/8 1414 6961/2 1920 223 2261/4 3451/4 2061/8 165 2963/4 3177/8 £255/8
-1 +1/8 +2 -91/2 +1/2 +47/8 +23 -71/2 -20 -33/4 +1/4 +51/2 -13/4 +3/4 -1/2 -41/8 -3/4
FTSE 100
INDEX 6355.37
+19.67
FTSE 250
INDEX 13685.70
+16.84
Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.39 dollars Bangladesh................. 112.65 taka Brazil.............................. 2.67 reals Canada....................... 1.47 dollars China ............................. 8.43 yuan Czech Republic ...... 26.86 korunas Denmark....................... 8.13 krone Euro............................... 1.09 euro Hong Kong................ 11.14 dollars Hungary................... 301.60 forints India.......................... 72.05 rupees Japan........................... 135.58 yen Mexico ....................... 17.12 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.68 dollars Norway ......................... 8.15 krone Pakistan.................. 139.96 rupees Philippines ................. 52.73 pesos South Africa................. 12.59 rand South Korea.............. 1433.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 181.86 rupees Sweden......................... 9.25 krona Switzerland.................. 1.34 francs Taiwan ...................... 39.21 dollars Turkey....................... 2.58 new lira USA ............................ 1.45 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Hannah builds a model career SHE was tipped for a high-flying career in the glamorous world of fashion modelling. But 19-year-old Hannah Mackenzie turned her back on the catwalk. Now she’s happy to be tramping around muddy building sites wearing a high-vis jacket, hard hat and boots in her role as new business sales and marketing executive at Huddersfield-based Radcliffe Plant Hire. And despite her tender years, she has already accumulated a wealth of experience in selling. As a youngster, she helped mum Darcey run her vintage fashion shop and manned stalls at open markets across the north. After leaving school, she launched her own clothing business on eBay. Before joining Radcliffe Plant Hire earlier this year, she also had spells working in a call centre – a high-pressure selling environment if ever there was one – and as a marketing executive for a firm of personal injury lawyers. Hannah, who lives at Mirfield, grew up in East Bierley and attended Batley Grammar School. On leaving school, she set up her eBay business selling vintage clothing. At just 16, she found herself sourcing stock, modelling items for sale and running her own blog. “You could definitely say I come from a sales background,” she says. “My mum left her career in the police to set up her own business selling vintage fashion. “She ran a shop at Saltaire for a number of years and when she decided to close it she had lots of stock. “She sold items online and at local markets. At the age of 11 or 12 I would go alone to help. “I got a buzz out of it and I seemed to have a bit of a flair for working with people. “We would go to Huddersfield open market and later to Hebden
Bridge, Todmorden and Chesterfield. We went to events such as Leeds Vintage Fair and to Newark and Lincoln.” Hannah enjoyed running her eBay business, but said: “Latterly, I got a bit fed up being stuck in the house. It can be a lonely life working constantly online. I’m an outgoing person and I wanted to get out there. “Growing up in a retail and selling environment, you can’t help but pick up the knowledge. I’ve grown up in a house full of stock. It would have been silly not to have made use of that knowledge.” Working in the call centre and for the law firm proved less appealing, says Hannah. “It was good experience because I was dealing with lots of people,” she says. “But it was quite stressful and the atmosphere was always negative.You didn’t get that nice ‘vibe’. “I decided I wanted to work for a smaller company where I felt I would be valued and where I could make a difference – somewhere I could shine.“ Working for a plant hire firm selling everything from
scaffolding and tools to dumper trucks may seem an odd choice to make – but Hannah doesn’t see it that way. She says: “I’ve always wanted to work in a male-dominated industry because from a sales point of view I think it gives me an advantage! “I love the job. It gives me something to get my teeth into. I’ve been out driving the dumper trucks and I get my high-vis jacket on and just muck in! “It’s the best working environment I’ve experienced because the people are friendly and there’s a real ‘family firm’ atmosphere.” Radcliffe Plant Hire, based at Queen’s Square, Leeds Road, has been in business for more than 50 years and is part of the Radcliffe Group, which traces its roots to 1802. The business provides plant and equipment as well as storage space and vehicle repair for the construction sector, mainly serving small building companies. The Radcliffe name is synonymous with Huddersfield. J Radcliffe and Sons has been a family-owned firm since its
■ GIRL POWER: Hannah Mckenzie, is in a man’s world as new business sales and marketing executive at Radcliffe Plant Hire
Page 3
Hannah Mackenzie
formation more than 200 years ago built many of the town’s landmark buildings, including Britannia Buildings in St George’s Square, the Kirklees Council offices, Huddersfield Technical College and parts of the university. Hannah is following in the footsteps of colleague Cath Hirst, who last year became the first female to be appointed plant hire manager in the firm’s history. They now joke that the women are taking over! Hannah says: “It’s a bit of a challenge for me because it’s so different, but selling is selling – and whatever the product or service, selling is about people and building relationships.” “I still like to put on my lipstick and get my nails done! I like music and going out with friends, but I also like going out to see customers and working with the team at Radcliffe’s.” Hannah, who dotes on her two Staffordshire bull terriers Dolly and Stanley, realises she’s turning a few heads in a world of builders and bacon butties. The lads have had to make space in the office fridge for Hannah’s preferred lunch-time choice of healthy food. She jokes: “I’ve already educated them about what an avocado is!” But she says: “If people might think I’m glamorous, they only have to wait until they hear my accent – then they realise I’m just a Yorkshire lass. Everyone is genuinely lovely and we really get on.” She recalls: “I was talent scouted for modelling at the age of 11 and later I had the chance of going on a photo shoot to Milan. I sometimes wonder whether not going on that trip was the biggest mistake of my life. But modelling isn’t glamorous, really. You seem to have to be stick-thin and you’re really just a clothes horse when all’s said and done.”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Role: New business sales and marketing executive Age: 19 Family: Single Holidays: I’d love to go shopping in New York or laze around somewhere hot and sunny Car: My ambition is to buy a beat-up Golf GTI and do it up First job: Working on the market stall with my mum Best thing about job: The people – employees and customers Worst thing about job: Nothing! It’s great working here Business tip: Clients do business with YOU, not your company, so service is always second to any client relationship
Radcliffe Plant Hire Work: Plant and tool hire, vehicle services and storage for the construction industry Site: Huddersfield Employees: Five Phone: 01484 420212 Email: enquiries@jradcliffe .com Website: www.jradcliffe plant.co.uk
Independent financial planning services for companies and individuals Eastwood & Partners (Financial Services) Ltd
Pennine House, Lowfields Close, Lowfields Business Park, Elland HX5 9DA 01422 377737 www.eastwoodfinancial.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority
local
Page 4
An early start for networking group BUSINESS leaders will learn more about Google Adwords at a networking event next week. 4Networking Huddersfield meets every other Tuesday over breakfast at the Aspley Table Table on St Andrew’s Road. The next meeting, which runs from 8am to 10am, is on March 5, when there will be an opportunity for networking, three focused one-to-one meetingsd and a presented called “Eat your way to health – it’s cheaper than the gym” given byBob Snowzell, of e-bob (Boosting Online Business). 4N aims to offer a relaxed, friendly environment that is 50% business and 50% social. Members can attend meetings at any of the UK’s 318 groups, with each session including open networking and three 10-minute one-to-one appointments. 4N was founded in 2006 by business speaker and author Brad Burton For details email paula.atherill@wpcauk.com or visit www.4networking.biz
LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A BUSINESS? Use our knowledge and experience to guide you through the process: ➢
Valuation advice
➢
Negotiating the deal
➢
Raising finance
➢
Due diligence
➢
Tax mitigation ideas
➢
Getting the job done Our independent and partner-driven approach ensures clients receive advice they can rely on and trust. To discuss your plans in confidence please contact David Butterworth
W&S
Wheawill & Sudworth Experience you can count on
P: 01484 423691
E:david.butterworth@wheawills.co.uk W: www.wheawills.co.uk
KIRKLEES BUSIN
Taxing issues on the home front! T is common for the Iforself-employed to use their home work and in doing so incur
expenses on which they may be able to claim tax relief against their business income. An expense will be allowable where it is incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of the business and in the context of the home this will mean that when part of the home is being used for the business then that is the sole use for that part at that time. It does not mean that part of the home must be permanently used for business purposes and not used for any other purpose at any other time nor must the business expenditure be separately billed. Expenses which are usually allowed for tax purposes are the property’s business-related running costs including cleaning, heat, light and power, telephone (line rental & call charges) and broadband costs together with business insurance on plant and machinery such as computer equipment. The amount of tax allowable expenses that can be claimed by both sole traders and partners will depend on the extent and nature of the business activities carried on at home and it will be necessary to apportion these costs on the basis of the area occupied for business, how long the area is used in the business and, in the case of running costs, the amounts used for business. As an example, an individual works
TAX TALK Colin Barratt
from home and uses their living room from 9am to 1pm for business and from 6pm until 10pm it is used by the family. The house has four rooms, excluding hallways and bathrooms with total running costs of £4,000 per year. The allowable running costs will be £500 – £4,000 x 1/4 x 4/8 (business use against private use of the room). Where there is only minor use of the home, for example writing up the business records at home, HM Revenue & Customs has indicated that they will accept a reasonable estimate without detailed enquiry. Otherwise, extensive records will need to be kept when making such a claim. The fixed costs of the home, which include council tax, mortgage interest payments (not capital repayments), water rates, general repairs and rent will not normally be allowed unless part of the home is used exclusively for business, in which case business rates rather than council tax will apply with any private use of that expense being disallowed for tax purposes.
It is also important not to overlook the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) implications of using the home for business. If a room is set aside exclusively for business purposes, where fixed costs are claimed, then the Principal Private Residence exemption will not apply to the gain arising on this part of the house once the house is sold. Any business related gain, after deduction of the annual CGT exemption, currently £10,600, is then likely to be taxed at 10% due to the existence of Entrepreneurs’ Relief rather than the standard rates of 18%, or 28% for those subject to higher rates of tax. Depending on the circumstance, the amount of CGT payable may outweigh the income tax relief obtained in claiming the fixed expenses, so care needs to be taken when making a claim. Where there is both business and private use of the room, where only running costs are claimed and not fixed costs, the Principal Private Residence exemption should not be jeopardised.
Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth chartered accountants, Huddersfield
Bright sparks on shortlist TWO Huddersfield businesses have made it to the regional shortlist in a competition for enterprising university students. That Creative and The Lazy Camper are among nine finalists in the Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards. They are in the running to scoop top prizes of £10,000 and £50,000 to invest in their businesses. Categories cover Best Start Up and Best Enterprise. The first goes to a business in its early stages, while the second will be awarded to a company
judged to show real potential to grow over the next five years. That Creative is a team of graduates with skills encompassing mechanical design engineering, technical detailing, advanced computer-aided design, photography, high-quality product and technical drawings. The team is now working with several clients and has designed items as diverse as kitchen chopping boards, plant pots, watering cans and babies’ dummies The Lazy Camper, which has already
won several awards, provides a complete camping package with everything in one bag. It has sponsored a range of festivals, sold kits all over Europe and plans a selection of products for other outdoor activity kits Initial rounds will be held throughout March, with the heat for the North East taking place on March 13 in Newcastle. The winners will go on to compete for the overall title of Best Start Up and Best Enterprise on April 23.
Seeking future stars of finance SENIOR finance professionals in Kirklees have been urged to highlight key members of their team by putting them forward for the 2013 Yorkshire Rising Star Awards. The awards set out to recognise and celebrate Yorkshire’s finance directors of tomorrow – high-calibre accountants, both fully and part qualified, who have made a significant contribution to the running of the finance function within their organisation. The awards are run by Grant
Thornton, Cobbetts, RBS and Sharp Consultancy. The closing date for entries in March 31. Categories include companies with turnover under £25m, over £25m and over £150m. There is a plc award and a category for public sector organisations as well as the coveted Overall Rising Star award. Previous years’ winners include finance stars from leading organisations across the region,
including Asda, Bettys & Taylors, Jet2.com, Sheffield Hallam University, Leeds Metropolitan University and Airedale NHS Foundation Trust. The rigorous judging procedure for the awards will include an interview with a panel of judges from the award backers. The winners will be announced at a black-tie gala dinner on Thursday, May 9, at Oulton Hall Hotel, in Leeds. Go to www.yorkshirerisingstars.co.uk
Franchis chance t
FRANCHISORS building booming businesses have been urged to enter a national competition. The British Franchise Association has launched its 2013 Franchisor of to champion the UK outstanding franch driven business su Three categories ar entries – the bfa HS of the Year Award, Franchisee Suppor Express Newspape of the Year Award. Last year’s Franchi Award winner, Auto largest manufactur of professional veh products to the aut the UK, was recogn commitment to inve research and devel to diversify its prod and cut costs. Brian Smart (pictur director-general of “The awards bring exceptional stories have to tell, regardl sector. “The overriding me witnessed at the aw franchising continu effective business thrive given the cor and support. “We hope that the s this year will encou enthuse others to c franchising as a via structure for thems Franchisors can en the categories. The Friday, April 5. National finalists w interview with the j May and winners w at a gala dinner in L Thursday, July 4. Go to www.thebfa.o
Ferno la new con
A CLECKHEATON-b supplying equipme firms and mortuarie a contract in the so Ferno has supplied lifting equipment to Services, an indepe operating funeral h the London area. The refrigeration sy specially designed and funeral parlour space. Ferno also offers a stretchers and troll and mortuary secto after-sales service maintenance.
NESS NEWS
sors get to shine
the Year Awards K’s most hisors that have uccess. re open for SBC Franchisor the HSBC rt Award and the ers Brand Builder
isor of the Year osmart, the rer and supplier hicle cleaning tomotive trade in nised for its esting in lopment in order duct offerings
red), the bfa, said: to light the s that franchisors less of size or
essage we’ve wards is that ues to be an model which can rrect strategy
success stories urage and consider able business selves.” nter any or all of e deadline is
will be invited for judging panel in will be announced London, on
org
ands ntract
based company ent for the funeral es has completed outh-east. d refrigeration and o Haven Funeral endent company homes across in
ystem chosen is for mortuaries rs with confined
range of leys for the funeral or as well as an with repair and
local
Age no barrier to enterprise
YORKSHIRE firms with the biggest potential for growth aren’t restricted to start-ups, a survey has revealed. Contrary to the popular view that start-ups are the most dynamic enterprises, analysis by business coaching service GrowthAccelerator shows that 31% of those tipped for the top are five to 10 years old while 25% have been going for more than 10 years. Andrew Brocklehurst, spokesman for GrowthAccelerator in Yorkshire, said: “High growth is often perceived to be the exclusive domain of start-ups or young enterprises which are new and nimble enough to grow quickly. “This research shows that growth can come at any stage in a business’ lifetime. Many of our most prosperous, ambitious organisations are those which are setting and achieving new goals whether in their fifth,, 50th or 100th year of trading. “With the right support and guidance, the growth opportunity exists no matter what the business age.” GrowthAccelerator’s team of expert growth managers, including Huddersfield-based Ann Storey, said the opportunity for high growth can come more than once in a business’ lifecycle
– and that high growth should not, be limited to “young” companies. Most of the growth managers said the biggest catalysts driving these periods of high growth in businesses over five years old are changes to management or ownership of a business or shifts in the wider economy. The research also highlights that businesses between five and 10 years old face unique challenges which can affect their ability to achieve their growth potential. The most common challenges at this stage include lack of confidence among management teams in how to approach their next phase of growth; b o a r d s fo c u s e d o n m a n ag i n g “day-to-day’” issues rather than creating a long-term plan; and innovative businesses needing support in turning
Feel the benefit EMPLOYERS should consider introducing low-cost or no-cost benefits to attract and retain staff, said a human resources expert. Julie Sykes (right), of Shepley-based JCS HR, said: “It’s a proven fact that most employees look for more than just a salary from their employer these days. In fact, a common theme amongst The Times Top 100 Employers list was that they all offered a range of benefits that employees value. “These included holidays above the statutory minimum, childcare provision, health and wellbeing, pensions and opportunities to be involved in charitable or public service volunteering.” Ms Sykes said many small firms did not offer staff benefits beyond those they are legally obliged to provide – mainly because of concerns about the cost and lack of knowledge about what is available. But she said: “Whilst is it is true that some benefits can come with a hefty price tag, there are a range of benefits that employers can provide at very little, or even no, cost.” They included childcare vouchers, the Cycle To Work scheme, the Computer Purchase Scheme and healthcare cash plans. Said Ms Sykes: “The benefit of childcare vouchers to employees is that they can be purchased through a salary sacrifice scheme. This effectively means that the employee
Page 5
new ideas into new products and services. Said Mr Brocklehurst: “What is clear is that established companies are as capable of delivering high growth as innovative start-ups, but they face a unique set of challenges – and opportunities - as they mature. “The steps they need to take to achieve their growth potential are often where the biggest challenges lie, which is where GrowthAccelerator can help. “Our growth managers work with businesses to identify opportunities, and ensure they’re on the right path to achieve them, before they’re matched with an expert coach who will work with them to unlock that exciting growth potential.”
It’s time to make more of mentoring NEW and growing businesses in Kirklees have been urged to seek out mentors to provide a guiding hand, The Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative is behind the successful Get Mentoring programme which has encouraged thousands of owners of small and medium-sized businesses to complete mentor training – and pass on their hard-earned knowledge and experience of running a business to those just starting out or with ambitions to grow their business. Some 15,000 volunteer mentors have been trained – bringing the national total to more than 27,000. The mentors can be accessed through the website www.mentorsme.co.uk which lists more than 100 mentoring organisations operating across the UK, some of which operate in the Kirklees area. Ruth Lowbridge, executive chair of SFEDI, said: “Choosing the right business mentor is essential and with a host of newly-trained volunteers having recently been registered, there has never been a better opportunity to find a mentor that can make a difference to their company. “Small businesses tend to look for mentors who either have experience of running a business or knowledge of specific areas such as finance, sales and marketing. Mentors act as a sounding board for ideas and share their own experiences of dealing with particular issues.” The National Federation of Enterprise Agencies found that 70% of small firms which receive mentoring survive for five years or more – double the rate for non-mentored entrepreneurs – while 20% are more likely to grow and expand when compared to non-mentored companies.
It’s time you got more from your accountant Thinking… outside the books
added value services include…
Tailored programme to maximise profitability buys the vouchers from their gross salary and only pays tax on the remaining net salary.” Under cycle to work schemes, the company buys a bike for the employee to ride to work. The employee “hires” the bike through a salary sacrifice scheme and at the end of the “hire” period the employee buys the bike from the employer. Ms Sykes said the computer purchase scheme worked in a similar way while under healthcare cash plans the company provides access to a plan for which staff make a small monthly payment, enabling them to claim back dental, optical and other medical costs. Alternatively, the company can pay for a corporate scheme.
Tailored tax efficient solutions Regular updates & support to help your business FREE use of our facilities for your meeting Support all day, every day
Call Freephone: 08000 32 32 03 and quote KBN /1211 to give us the chance to help you achieve your goals, or contact us through our website at:-
www.walker-sutcliffe.co.uk
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Town taps into charity donation DRINKS dispense specialist Brewfitt has presented the Huddersfield Town Foundation with £500 to help fund its important work in the community. The foundation was set up to help improve the quality of life for young people across Huddersfield and West Yorkshire. And every pound that comes into the foundation is doubled by trustee and Town chairman Dean Hoyle. No administration or business costs are taken from the fundraising pot – that cost is met instead by Huddersfield Town. Brewfitt, based at Fenay Bridge, was keen to back the initiative – and decided to reallocate funds that were originally put aside for client and supplier Christmas gifts. James Paxman, operations director at Brewfitt, presented the cheque to foundation corporate fundraising officer Mandy Taylor. Said James: “We are delighted to help such an inspiring cause. We as a business understand the importance of healthy eating and lifestyles. “The foundation is doing great work to improve the quality of life for young people in our region with initiatives such as the Early Kick Off breakfast clubs in local schools. We look forward to continuing to support the foundation in the future.”
Treble top for technology firm A KIRKLEES-based IT company has expanded its activities. Ancar B Technologies, which has offices at Liversedge, has redeveloped its own website and launched a further two sites offering new services – one as a hosting service for Sage applications and the other as a site covering Cloud computing. Andrew Barnes, Managing Director comments “This is a really exciting time for the company. By expanding into specialist areas to enhance key services, we feel we can really enhance a companies IT infrastructure whilst still remaining cost effective for them. In this ever competitive market it is important to recognise the needs of our customers and supply the services which can really help them develop for the future.”
Join the club? MEMBERS of Huddersfield’s business community will be letting off steam on Friday. The next meeting of the First Friday Club will be held from 12.30pm to 1.30pm at The Head of Steam, St George’s Square. The informal networking event is a chance for business people based in the town centre to get together for a drink and a chat. For details about the meetings and the First Friday LinkedIn group email enquiries@revellward.co.uk or go to www.revellward.co.uk
local
Page 6
Optician focuses on a major prize AN award-winning optician has been recognised for his entrepreneurial vision. Moin Valli, managing director of The Valli Group, was named Young Business Person of the Year in last November’s 2012 Examiner Business Awards. Now his business has been shortlisted for one of his industry’s most prestigious awards. The Valli Group, which has seven optical practices in West Yorkshire, is among the contenders in the business excellence category of the 2013 Optician Awards. The winner will be announced in April at a glittering ceremony in Birmingham. Mr Valli said: “I am delighted that we have been shortlisted for the awards. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication that our entire team gives every day. “Our goal is to position The Valli Group as the leading independent opticians across West Yorkshire and eventually beyond, offering ■ FAR-SIGHTED: Moin Valli, managing director of The Valli Group, professional eye care and out- which has been shortlisted in the 2013 Optician Awards standing service in our local comre n t p ra c t i c e s, bu s i n e s s Moin, 35, became a qualified munities. “We’re working hard to achieve development and extensive finan- optometrist in 2000 and worked for this through the acquisition of fur- cial investment in our staff devel- five years as a locum at various ther practices, the growth of cur- opment and training.” practices as well as establishing an
optical recruitment agency. He and his wife Rachel founded The Valli Group in 2005 by acquiring Hampshire Opticians with three practices in Lockwood, Honley and Meltham. They now have a portfolio of seven independent optical practices across Huddersfield and Calderdale with a team of 25 staff. The other sites are at Almondbury, Cleckheaton, Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd. The Valli Group has invested heavily in technology, optical equipment and refurbishment, spending more than £300,000 in the past six years. The group also plays a strong role in the communities in which its practices are based – offering a free service to elderly and disabled patients in their own homes if they are unable to visit their local practices. Mr Valli regularly delivers talks at local schools and community groups to raise the awareness of eye health. while the group offers help to sufferers of dyslexia and visual stress, which enhances their ability to read.
Don’t fall victim to further fines KIRKLEES companies that missed the January 31 tax deadline have been urged to file their returns quickly to avoid further fines. Nick Brook, who runs TaxAssist Accountants in Lockwood, said: “Businesses and individuals who are yet to submit their tax returns need to act fast. “HM Revenue & Customs will now have issued them with a £100 penalty, claiming approximately £73m of small business owners’ hard-earned income, but this is just the tip of the iceberg.” Mr Brook said HMRC added on
a late payment penalty of 5% of any tax outstanding after 30 days – and the rate of late payment penalties grows if the tax gets over six months old. For late filing of tax return, a daily penalty of £10 per day will be incurred if the return is over three months late – up to a maximum of £900. Even harsher penalties are applied if the delay is over six months. The late filing penalties are in addition to the £100 automatic penalty mentioned above. “In some circumstances, such as serious family illness or bereavement, HMRC may waive
penalties, but most other reasons for late filing can be difficult to justify. Said Mr Brook: “We have helped many businesses and individuals by completing the appeals process for them. HMRC has really clamped down on late returns, last year issuing an estimated £1bn in late filing penalties. “Whilst we are urging people not to delay in filing, first make absolutely sure you haven’t been issued a tax return in error; for instance your business may have ceased trading and HMRC may not have the changes on record.”
■ PENALTIES: Nick Brook, of TaxAssist Accountants
Double incentive for students A SCHOOL dedicated to creating the next generation of financial advisers is providing a double incentive for students at Huddersfield University. The Financial Adviser School has teamed up with the university to sponsor two awards in the personal financial planning module undertaken by second-year students on the Business Studies with Financial Services and Accountancy programmes. To support the module, the FAS
has sponsored one individual award offering the best student £100 and one group award rewarding the best group assignment with £200. The FAS will monitor students’ progress along the module and also provide lectures on various aspects of personal financial planning in order to give the students deeper insight into the importance and relevance of savings and investments. FAS director Lisa Winnard said:
“Personal financial planning is a very important module for those wishing to enter the financial services and so supporting these students was a natural decision for the Financial Adviser School. “We have a designated trainer who will deliver lectures throughout the module and also be on hand to provide students with further information about a career as a financial adviser. “We look forward to developing our relationship with the University
of Huddersfield as the module progresses and to rewarding those who stand-out in their class.” Kirsten Jones, senior lecturer in the department of accountancy at the university, said the module was vital for students considering a future in the financial services industry, adding: “The support of the Financial Adviser School not only provides the class with extra incentives, but also enables them to see how these skills can be attributed to a career.”
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS John’s all set to offer some solid advice A HUDDERSFIELD businessman is helping to pave the way ahead for the UK concrete industry. John Quinn (pictured), founder of Lockwood-based Decorative Concrete Ltd, has been invited to the UK Concrete Show at Birmingham’s NEC to speak about the benefits of imprinted concrete paving. The show, which takes place tomorrow and Thursday, is Europe’s largest event dedicated to the concrete industry. Decorative Concrete Ltd is best-known for its Spectacular Driveways UK brand, but is also enjoying success with its latest venture, Hi-spec Concrete Ltd, which is now firmly established in the local concrete supply market. Commenting on the Birmingham event, Mr Quinn said: “We’ve been installing superb driveways for private and commercial clients for close to 20 years and I always enjoy extolling the virtues of this attractive, durable and virtually maintenance-free paving to such an expert audience.”
Birstall company finds new location A COMPANY has moved from premises in Birstall to a larger site. Alliance Disposables, a national supplier of non-food products, has moved from Norquest Industrial Park to take a five-year lease on a 15,000sq ft warehouse and industrial unit at Gildersome Spur Industrial Estate, Leeds. DTZ advised on the letting, acting on behalf of Orchard Street Investment Management. Gildersome Spur Industrial Estate is owned by Orchard Street’s client St. James’s Place UK plc and is the largest single-owned industrial estate in Leeds, comprising 470,000sq ft in total. Paul Mack, associate director at DTZ, said: “The completion of this transaction with Alliance Disposables further demonstrates the quality of the premises on offer at Gildersome Spur Industrial Estate. “Alliance Disposables needed a modern and high specification facility in a location that offers direct access to the national motorway network. “A programme of extensive refurbishment and proactive marketing has again borne fruit and we are delighted to have landed another national brand name at the estate.” DTZ and Carter Towler are joint letting agents for the estate.
Developer detects renewed confidence A PROPERTY developer in Huddersfield has predicted that 2013 will see renewed confidence in the housing market. Brockholes-based Towngate Homes, part of the Conroy Brook Group, also forecast an increase in the number of visitors to its developments, including its new site in Mirfield. The company commented after a survey by Rightmove reported a 22% rise in the number of properties coming to market during the first two weeks of January against the same period in 2011. Traffic was up by 27% – the highest level recorded for the period since 2008. Towngate said the improving trend boded well for its Woodsome View development of six luxury four-bedroom detached houses in Mirfield – which has entered its second phase with a new showhome open and ready to view.
property
Page 7
House in order – now for awards!
A HOUSING association which only two years ago was staring at financial disaster has been shortlisted for a national industry award. A major turnaround in the fortunes of Huddersfield-based Sadeh Lok Housing Group – which owns and manages more than 1,000 homes in Kirklees and Wakefield – has earned it a place in the final of the business transformation category at this year’s UK Housing Awards. In 2010, the Edgerton-based organisation was looking at a £2m loss and was under the close scrutiny of the housing regulator. However, a comprehensive business improvement programme, developed by the new management team and board, has seen the organisation dramatically turn around its financial position, performance and reputation across the housing sector. This reversal of fortune has enabled Sadeh Lok to invest more than £1.3m last year in its existing housing stock. Chief executive Paul Dolan said: “Being shortlisted for this national award proves just how dramatic our transformation has ■ HOUSE PROUD: Chief executive Paul Dolan (back, left) and the team at Sadeh Lok been. “To get us back on a firm footing we had to take some very tough decisions. Through satisfaction and operational performance. organisations to improve the lives of people “The changes made will allow us to in their communities. They are organised by the collective commitment and dedication of our staff, board members and residents continue to provide high quality homes and the Chartered Institute of Housing. This year’s awards attracted more than we have transformed Sadeh Lok during a services to current and future generations very short period of time into a high across all of the communities in which we 300 entries from all over the UK. The winners will be revealed at a cerework.” performing housing business. The awards, now in their 17th year, mony at the Lancaster London Hotel on “In what is our 25th anniversary year, we are now delivering UK-leading customer recognise outstanding work by housing April 16.
We need a ‘builders’ Budget’ CHANCELLOR George Osborne’s forthcoming Budget must include measures to make Britain’s homes more energy-efficient, says a construction industry body. Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, made the plea in a letter to the chancellor – warning that by 2016, some 9m British households could be in fuel poverty. He said: “We need action now to help get Britain building towards growth and independent economists estimate that diverting funds into a massive public-sector programme to improve the energy-efficiency of Britain’s existing 26m homes
would boost GDP by 0.2%, create 130,000 jobs and help the Government meet its own targets for cutting carbon emissions.” Said Mr Berry: “We also want ministers to rethink the unrealistic timeline for zero-carbon homes, which was set back in 2006 before the economic slump. Our own survey of smaller housing developers found that the proposals to change Part L of the Building Regulations in October this year could add more than £3,500 to the cost of building a new house. “This will discourage even more developers from building new homes, further exacerbating the desperate housing shortage and locking low and
middle-income buyers out of the market.” Mr Berry said: “Finally, we need to see a cut in VAT from 20% to 5% on home renovation and repair. Britain’s ageing housing stock is deteriorating as home-owners can’t afford to get work done. “Families are trapped in a vicious cycle, in which they can’t afford to move and planning red tape makes it harder to alter their homes to meet changing need. Cutting VAT on renovation and repair would give a shot in the arm to beleaguered builders, create jobs and encourage householders to make their homes more comfortable, affordable and energy-efficient.”
■ PLEA: Chancellor George Osborne has been urged to get Britain building in his Budget
Kitchen firm backs town centre A COMPANY providing kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms has shown its commitment to Huddersfield with the opening of a town centre showroom. Bradley man Darren Price, who has been involved in the sector for more than 22 years, has launched HD1 Kitchens and Bathrooms at Beastmarket
to serve the domestic market as well as local tradespeople. Mr Price began his career with Ram Kitchens in 1990 before becoming a director of a Halifax kitchen firm, where he spent 16 years. He sold his shares in the company in 2008 to work for a company specialising in bathrooms.
He took redundancy in 2012 to launch HD1 Kitchens and Bathrooms – and take him back to his retailing origins. Mr Price, who is holding an open day on Thursday to promote the new business, said: “I was looking for suitable premises and took a lease on these premises at the end of December.
This is a nice-sized showroom in a prominent location. “This side of town has good footfall, particularly in the mornings and evenings and also benefits from being near Kingsgate. We were in a town centre with the Halifax firm and that proved very successful.”
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Sue Bell, ibrar Akram & Russell Wheeler
P2 Technologies A FIRM of IT support specialists in Huddersfield has appointed three new members of staff. Lockwood-based P2 Technologies has recruited Sue Bell, Ibrar Akram and Russell Wheeler to help its current team manage increased demand for its services. Ms Bell takes up a position in sales, following up leads and updating the customer database. She has more than 22 years experience in technology-based sales roles. Mr Akram joins P2 Technologies as senior IT support engineer. Having worked in IT support roles for more than 12 years, he will be responsible for ensuring that P2’s customer IT infrastructure is supported. Mr Wheeler also joins as senior IT support engineer with more than 23 years experience working for law firm software company Iris, formerly Videss. He will work with the P2 service team managing customer IT issues and installing equipment. P2 director Martin Page said: “Being a service business, our staff is our greatest strength. It is great to welcome Sue, Ibrar and Russell to the business. Their combined experience and skill sets will benefit P2 positively. “The new additions, will allow us to continue to expand and deliver excellent customer service throughout 2013 and beyond.”
Movers and shakers
Firm supports air ambulance A CLECKHEATON company has raised more than £18,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance. The cash was raised over the past two years by staff at Ferno, a world-leading manufacturer of medical equipment to the emergency services. Staff at the firm have cycled, played football, baked cakes and cooked lunches to raise £18,619.52 for the YAA. And representatives of the company visited the YAA at Leeds-Bradford Airport to celebrate the fundraising and meet the paramedics to learn about their role as the region’s airborne life savers. The YAA is an independent charity which needs to raise £7,200 each day to stay in the air. It operates two life-saving helicopters across the Yorkshire region around the clock. Staff at Ferno, which has also donated emergency medical
equipment to the YAA previously, raised funds throughout the year through various initiatives. Ferno managing director Jon Ellis also cycled hundreds of miles in the Pedal for Pounds bike ride organised by Huddersfield Town. In 2011, he cycled from Brighton to Huddersfield and last year pedalled from Yeovil to the Terriers’ John Smith’s Stadium. This year, he will cycle from Huddersfield through Hull, Scarborough, Harrogate and back to Huddersfield again as part of the “Keep It Up” campaign. He said: “The team at the YAA does a fantastic job and everyone at Ferno is very proud to be associated with an organisation that saves so many lives in the Yorkshire region. “Every year colleagues at Ferno look for new ways to
■ TAKE-OFF: Ferno managing director Jon Ellis (right) with (from left) YAA’s Nicky Mason and paramedics Andy Armitage and Paul Kilner
raise funds for this very important charity.” Ferno has been trading for more than 40 years. The com-
Joanne’s no mug!
Online advice is the business KIRKLEES companies have been urged to get online – to share advice and best practice with other businesses around the north of England. The Business Exposure Group, which runs business-owner discussion forums to business owners with a collective turnover of over £300m, has launched an online service offering business owners direct access to peer-to-peer business advice. It follows comments made be those attending the events that more business owners would welcome access to advice from like-minded business owners on a real-time basis. The new social BXG Online site works in a similar way to both LinkedIn and Facebook – but differs in that it targets business owners only and is ultimately a “virtual board” for business owners, with wide-ranging expertise rather than simply networking. The site allows vetted business owners and directors to participate in detailed discussion on all topics. It’s billed as a place to troubleshoot, mastermind, sell and trade with other business owners in the online market place. The site is also accessible through mobiles and tablets. David Jay, one of the founding members of BXG Online, said: “It promises business owners invaluable access to business discussions with trusted, like-minded and legitimate business owners. “The BXG round table discussions have shown just how keen business owners are to get together, brainstorm and talk openly about the challenges of modern day business.” The site is now live at www.bxgonline.conm
Page 8
■ CUP WINNERS: Joanne T Kell with the Heath McCable team of (from left) John McCabe, David Smith and Phil Heath and the mugs she designed at the NEC in Birmingham WILDLIFE artist Joanne T Kell is drinking to further success after the launch of a set of china mugs featuring four of her designs. Joanne, who lives at Greenhill Bank Road, New Mill, was commissioned by Cotswolds company Heath McCabe to provide four images for a new mug gift set. And she joined the company’s representatives for the launch of the product at the Spring Fair – Europe’s leading home and gift trade fair – at Birmingham’s NEC. Joanne said it was her first commission for such work, adding:: “I am delighted with the product and Heath McCabe had a successful week at the NEC, receiving orders
worldwide.” Joanne, whose love of wildlife has involved her working as a bat conservation volunteer and with badger conservation groups, works with pencils and is known for the intense detail in her work. She has completed work for family and friends and has designed several greetings cards featuring British wildlife such as foxes, hares and bats. Joanne has previously been commissioned by the Derwent Pencil Company, based in Cumbria, which uses her work on some of its packaging. She also runs workshops schools and for groups to interest them in drawing.
pany exports to more than 153 c o u n t r i e s wo rl dw i d e a n d employs 62 staff at its site in Cleckheaton.
It’s a piece of cake for MP CAKEMAKER Allison Whitmarsh (pictured right) has already got a vote of support from entrepreneur Deborah Meaden. Now Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney (also pictured) has congratulated Allison on her success in secured £50,000 of investment from the Dragon’s Den panellist. The Conservative MP visited Allison’s company ProperMaid to find out more about the firm’s success, tour its premises at Heritage Exchange, Lindley – and sample some of its quirky cakes. Allison landed the deal with Deborah in a festive edition of BBC’s Dragons’ Den late last year. Deborah, who has admitted to not having cooked a meal for herself in 28 years, invested the sum in return for a 25% slice of the cake firm. ProperMaid’s “traditional cakes with a twist” so intrigued the TV Dragons that two of them ended up battling over the investment before Allison, a former dinner lady, chose to accept Deborah’s offer of investment. Allison and her creative team have made a name for themselves with their out-of-the-ordinary home-baked cakes and loaves. Flavours have included Courgette and Lime, Beetroot and Chocolate, Liquorice, Dandelion and Burdock – which won a Gold Star at the 2012 Great Taste Awards – and Chocolate Chilli and Fudge. ProperMaid was named New Business of the Year in the 2008 Examiner Business Awards – the first of several accolades.