FTSE 100
SIMON HOWARTH Food’s a family affair
-63.04 5450.65
Full inter view - Page 3
SIMON KAYE Emerging powers Column - Page 5
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Ministers urged to cut tax ‘red tape’
S M A L L bu s i n e s s e s a re b e i n g “strangled” by red tape from HM Revenue and Customs – despite Government promises to implement urgent measures to slash bureaucracy. That’s the view of Amanda Vigar, managing partner at Holmfirth-based accountancy firm V&A Bell Brown. Now she has called on ministers to tighten procedures and cut down on bureaucracy in a bid to help small firms. She said: “All too often, many small businesses find themselves in the firing line and are complaining about ‘harassment and mistreatment' from HMRC. “Issues include heavy-handed treatment for even slight delays in tax bill payments as well as records errors or omissions. “Many SMEs are finding themselves being incorrectly fined for mistakes they haven’t even made. “Barely a day goes by when we don’t hear about frankly scandalous stories from small businesses that have been
targeted by HMRC. “HMRC seems to be targeting SMEs who have complied with the rules and kept up to date with returns by claiming that they have not paid what they should or withholding overpayment. They then compound the issue by asking the small business for “proof ” of why they have overpaid.” Said Ms Vigar: “While claims of underpayment are clearly the most problematic, both scenarios are extremely time-consuming and completely unnecessary burdens for SMEs. “Small businesses are being increasingly, and often, wrongly, targeted. ‘Big’ business is often being treated with a more laissez-faire attitude. “Recently, the Public Accounts Committee estimated that unpaid taxes from big businesses could amount to more than £25bn, prompting Prime Minister David Cameron to pledge action on tax avoidance. “In addition to facing potential fines of up to £3,000 for records deemed inadequate, firms are being forced to
■ CLAIMS: Amanda Vigar, of V&A Bell Brown, said SMEs were angry about a ‘failure to cut bureacracy’
deal with increasing red tape at a time when the Government is pledging to reduce bureaucracy.” Said Ms Vigar: “Small and medium sized businesses are the engine of the
economy and while they are busy dealing with HMRC red tape, they are not making money or creating jobs.” She said: “Many entrepreneurs are, quite understandably, angered that HMRC is taking a tougher stand on small businesses over administrative issues at a time when it has pledged to free SMEs from excessive red tape. “One of the key issues is that the Government, or at least the Conservative part of it, wants to liberate small business from bureaucracy in order to encourage economic growth. This is a sensible and laudable plan. “The Government now needs to act in its position of authority over HMRC to tighten up procedures and cut down on excessive bureaucracy. “It is time to put an end to excessive red tape and to stop these completely avoidable errors from happening in the future. “Less regulation is surely the way forward, as it will free up HMRC time to improve their procedures and free businesses to concentrate on running their businesses.”
Students set to learn from business masters MORE than 100 business-savvy students from across Yorkshire are set to descend on Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium for the 2012 Umph! competition. The 16 to 19-year-olds will pit their entrepreneurial wits for a chance to win the contest, which runs as part of Grant Thornton’s Educate to Innovate programme – encouraging entrepreneurship and forging links between businesses and education in Yorkshire. As part of the day, the students will also have the chance to meet and interrogate successful entrepreneurs in a series of small-group workshop sessions. The student teams will go on to compete for the title using the SimVenture business simulation software. They will also prove their business credentials by making a presentation
■ SPEAKERS’ CORNER: Among those providing sound advice for business-savvy students at the Umph event will be (from left) Huddersfield chairman Dean Hoyle; Allison Whitmarsh, of ProperMaid; Andrea Springthorpe, of Fit4Force; and Richard Paxman, of Paxman Coolers
to the panel of judges and have their entrepreneurial knowledge put to the test in a series of general questions on business. As well as the overall winning team, there will be an award for the student judged to be the most entrepreneurial individual.
The event next Tuesday will be introduced by Gary Verity, chief executive of tourism body Welcome to Yorkshire. Also taking part will be Sandra O’Neill, Grant Thornton’s head of business development. Guest entrepreneurs taking part will include Huddersfield Town chairman
Dean Hoyle; Matthew Benson, of Dean Clough Cooking School in Halifax; Peter Harrington, of Sim Venture; Allison Whitmarsh, of Proper Maid; Richard Paxman, of Paxman Coolers; Andrea Springthorpe, of Fit4Force; and Jacob Hill, of Lazy Camper.
INSIDE Powerful partners A COMPANY providing training in the field of renewable energy has opened a new centre in West Yorkshire. Brighouse-based Ploughcroft has launched the Green Deal-ready centre in Wakefield in partnership with UTN Training to provide Green Deal and renewable energy installation courses as well as health and safety courses for anyone involved in the construction sector.
● Full story - Page 8
The most trusted news brand in the business
examiner.co.uk
2 6 , Ju n e, 2 0 1 2
Pallet firm lifts award A PALLET distributor has lifted the trophy as winner of a national online logistics competition run by a Huddersfield-based firm. La Palette Rouge took the title in the 2012 SCALA Fresh Connection Supply Chain Competition organised by specialist consultancy SCALA, which is based at the Media Centre in Northumberland Street.
● Full story - Page 4
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
City dismayed as finance chief quits
ONE of the driving forces behind supermarket chain Morrisons’ recovery from its botched Safeway acquisition is to leave the business. Finance director Richard Pennycook, who joined the company in October, 2005, is seen as a “safe pair of hands” by City analysts, with one describing his departure as an “unexpected disappointment”. Morrisons’ shares closed 3.6p or 1% d ow n at 2 6 4 . 8 p fo l l ow i n g t h e announcement – adding to pressure on the chain after recent figures suggested its market share was being eroded amid challenging trading conditions. Mr Pennycook, who will leave by next June, was appointed after the chain recorded its first ever loss on the back of its £3bn acquisition of Safeway, which transformed it into the UK’s fourth biggest grocer. Its shares have risen more than 50% since then, with profits hitting £947m.
Mr Pennycook has been widely viewed as a key part of its success, taking on broad responsibilities for finance, IT and strategy. Independent retail analyst Nick Bubb described the announcement as a shock: “The news about his leaving comes at an awkward time for the business, with trading under pressure as Tesco fights back.” The acquisition of Safeway led to a difficult few years for the Bradford-based group – which has stores at Waterloo, Meltham and Dewsbury – as it struggled to integrate the new business, which increased its presence in the south of England. But Mr Pennycook played a central role in the “optimisation plans”, which eventually overcame the problems. Morrisons chairman Sir Ian Gibson said: “Richard has done an outstanding job over the last seven years. “He was the architect of the com-
Radio stations tune into Global A NETWORK of radio stations operating under the Real and Smooth brands has been bought by Classic FM and Heart broadcaster Global Radio. GMG Radio, which was launched in 1999 and has a 4.5% share of the radio listening market, consists of five regional stations under the Real name and Smooth Radio’s six FM regional stations and digital output. The business is part of Guardian Media Group, which said the stations will have the chance to “develop and flourish” as part of Global Radio. They will continue to be run separately from Global Radio while a reg-
ulatory review into the acquisition takes place. The sale price has not been disclosed. Global founder Ashley Tabor said: “We believe that this is a very strong business with brands and assets that are highly complementary to those of Global Radio.” Other stations in the Global portfolio include Capital, XFM, LBC and Choice FM. Guardian Media Group said: “The talented team at GMG Radio have been very successful in building strong brands, which have been attractive to listeners and advertisers and have attracted considerable external interest.”
■ LOSS LEADER: Morrisons faced a difficult time after buying Safeway
pany’s optimisation plans and has played an increasing strategic role in the last few years as Morrisons has completed its transformation into a nationwide retailer.” But more recently trading has slowed, with the latest data from Kantar Worldpanel showing that the chain’s market share dipped in the 12
weeks to June 10. Mr Pennycook said he planned to seek new challenges with a “portfolio career” in numerous roles. Clive Black, an analyst at Shore Capital, said: “He is considered by considerable elements of the market, in our view, to be a safe pair of hands, having brought much needed control and stability to Morrisons after a period of turmoil post the Safeway acquisition. “Morrisons will not sell any fewer baked beans because its finance director is going. However, his departure is an unwelcome loss and distraction for the board.” He was seen as a potential candidate to take over as chief executive when Marc Bolland left to lead Marks & Spencer, but the role went to Dalton Philips from Canadian retailer Loblaw.
Refinery turnaround plan THE UK’s second biggest oil refinery reported a loss – but its new owner said an efficiency drive will help it make money even when oil prices fall. India-focused Essar Energy bought the Stanlow refinery near Ellesmere Port from oil giant Shell in July. The Stanlow refinery accounts for 15% of production from UK refineries and produces about 1.5bn litres of kerosene a year for aircraft fuel. The operation made an underlying loss of 3£19.4m in the first eight months under new ownership as refining margins in Northern Europe were squeezed by overcapacity.
But its plans to make efficiency savings and diversify the business into producing more oil-based chemicals and diesel are expected to add two to three US dollars on the margin on a barrel of oil over the next three years. This would mean that the operation would provide “attractive returns” throughout the market cycle. The loss at the plant comes after the Coryton refinery in Essex fell into administration, jeopardising nearly 1,000 jobs. Essar saw profits slump by almost two-thirds to £82.7m in the 15 months to March 31.
Page 2 Shop talk is upbeat TOWN centre vacancy rates improved during May, according to a survey. Latest figures from the Local Data Company, which monitors retail trends, showed the proportion of empty shop units on Uk high streets fell by 0.1% to 14.5% last month. That is the first improvement since February when the figure stood at 14.6% – where it stayed in March and April. LDC director Matthew Hopkinson said: “This is an encouraging improvement in shop vacancy rates nationally – albeit a small one. “The good news is that the shops vacancy rates has stabilised within the 14% to 14.6% range since August, 2010, whilst prior to this we recorded a three-fold increase.” Mr Hopkinson said: “Assuming that nothing unforeseen happens to the UK economy and that this month’s quarter rent day does not trigger any retailer administrations then we might have reached the peak in the number of vacant shops in Great Britain.”
Fees rise THE UK’s top 100 law firms achieved moderate growth in the final quarter of their 2011 financial year, says a report. Fee income rose by 6.3% in the three months to the end of April, 2012, compared with the same period last year, according to business advisory firm Deloitte.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £36.14 -0.37 Gannett 849.78 -18.00 Hess Corp £25.58 -0.77 Microsoft 1912.27 -61.12 Motors Liquidation 48.21 Wal-Mart Stores £43.41 +0.15 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 2991/2 +21/2 BAE Systems 2795/8 -67/8 1 Rolls-Royce 839 /2 -3 AIM Brady Plc 811/2 +1 Dawson Intl 11/8 Man Brnze 27 +1/2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 1741/2 -47/8 BANKS Barclays 1941/4 -61/2 HSBC 5581/4 -4 Lloyds Banking Gp 303/8 -1 Ryl Scotland 2363/4 -63/8 1 Stan Chart 1354 /2 -311/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1587 -7 SABMiller £245/8 -3/8 CHEMICALS Croda £211/4 -1/2 Elementis 98 1877/8 -2 5 Johnsn Mat £21 /8 -1/2 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2883/4 -3/4
2061/2 -31/2 ELECTRICITY Drax Gp 5601/2 -51/2 Intl Power 4175/8 +1/4 SSE 1369 -7 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 1897/8 -55/8 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3411/4 -33/4 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 201 -4 Cable & Wireless 291/4 Comm Cable & Wireless 373/4 Wwide Colt Group 1217/8 -7/8 KCOM 711/2 -11/2 7 Talktalk Telecom 176 /8 -17/8 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2643/4 -35/8 Sainsbury 2933/4 +1/4 1 Tesco 309 /4 -23/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1235 +1 Tate Lyle 635 -11/2 Unilever £203/4 -1/4 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3085/8 +11/2 National Grid 661 +21/2 Pennon Grp 749 -81/2 Severn 1610 +4 United Utils 647 +1 Costain
GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 1813/4 -21/4 ICAP 357 -15 London StockExch 976 -91/2 Man Group 747/8 -15/8 Provident Financial 1191 +1 Schroders 1296 -16 Schroders NV 1050 -2 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 600 -131/2 REXAM 4021/2 -3 Smiths Grp 1002 -15 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 22 +1/8 Carphone Whse 142 -3 1 Dixons Retail 17 /2 +1/4 Home Retail 81 -17/8 Inchcape 3345/8 -53/4 1 Kingfisher 280 /2 -3/4 M&S 3227/8 -37/8 Mothercare 1961/2 -63/4 Next £313/4 1 WH Smith 514 /2 -31/2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 6171/2 -21/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 757/8 -7/8 Barrat Dev 1333/4 -2 Persimmon 589 -141/2 Reckitt Benckiser £333/4 -5/8 Taylor Wimpey 453/4 -15/8 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 821 -271/2
INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 2031/8 -91/8 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 196 -25/8 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 2631/4 -113/8 Lgl & Gen 1203/8 -11/8 3 Old Mutual 153 /4 -1 Prudential 712 -161/2 Resolution 1961/4 -33/4 Standard Life 2231/2 -3 MEDIA BSkyB 656 -91/2 D Mail Tst 3911/4 -7 5 ITV 73 /8 -11/2 Johnston Press 5 -1/4 Pearson 1204 +1 1 -17/8 Reed Elsevier 486 /8 STV Group 92 Trinity Mirror 253/4 -1 Utd Business 5521/2 -81/2 UTV 148 +21/2 WPP 743 -20 Yell Group 11/4 MINING Anglo American £201/8 -1/2 Antofagasta 1035 -11 BHP Billiton 1726 -44 Eurasian Natural 400 -141/4 Res Fresnillo 1418 Kazakhmys 674 -28 Lonmin 717 -26 3 Rio Tinto £28 /4 -11/8
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
4321/2 88 661 1432
-1/2 -41/2 +21/2 -28
closed at at FTSE closed
5450.65 Down 63.04 VEDANTA 877 RESOURCES Xstrata 7941/4 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 472 Vodafone Group 1785/8 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1149 RSA Insurance Gp 1043/8 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 12011/2 BP 402 Cairn Energy 2481/4 Royal Dutch Shell A £207/8 Royal Dutch Shell B £215/8
-261/2 -221/4 -71/8 +1 -9 -11/4 -16 -51/4 -61/4 -1/8 -1/8
Total £271/8 -1/2 Tullow Oil 1407 -24 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 9461/2 -17 Petrofac 1357 -14 1 -131/2 Wood Gp(J) 653 /2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1330 -9 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £271/2 -1/4 GlaxoSmithK XD 2 Shire 1743 -223 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 4971/8 -33/8 Captl Shop Cent 3141/2 -35/8 Hamrsn 4241/2 -25/8 1 Land Secs 727 /2 -5 1 SEGRO 216 /4 -27/8 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 2167/8 -31/4 Logica 1071/4 +1/4 3 Sage Group 265 /4 -21/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 470 -21/4 Bunzl 1022 -13 Capita 647 -21/2 De La Rue 999 -15 Electrocomp 2001/2 -41/2 1 Experian 906 /2 -5 G4S 2753/4 -5/8 Hays 715/8 -23/8 Homeserve 1581/2 -3/4 Menzies J 575 +81/2
Rentokil 721/2 Smiths News 971/4 Wolseley £223/8 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 4993/4 Psion 873/8 Spirent Comms 1635/8 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £313/4 Imperial Tobacco £24 LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital 1181/4 Carnival £211/2 Compass Grp 6521/2 easyJet 5251/2 Enterprise Inns 63 FirstGroup 213 Go-Ahead Gp 1165 Greene King 524 Intercontl Htls 1520 Intl Cons Airlines 1535/8 Gp Ladbrokes 1733/4 Mitchells & Butlers 2433/4 Natl Express 2011/4 Rank Org 117 Stagecoach Group 2493/4 TUI Travel 1675/8 Whitbread 1986 INDEX FTSE 100 5450.65 INDEX FTSE 250 10671.42
-1/2 +11/2 -1/4 -61/4 +1/8 +3/8 -1/4 -1/4 -41/2 -1/4 +11/2 +2 -1 -33/4 -6 +41/2 -3 -21/2 -13/4 -1/8 -11/4 -1 -21/8 -13/4 -11 -63.04 -152.44
TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.47 dollars Bangladesh................. 120.10 taka Brazil.............................. 2.88 reals Canada....................... 1.52 dollars China ............................. 8.86 yuan Czech Republic ...... 29.40 korunas Denmark....................... 8.80 krone Euro............................... 1.19 euro Hong Kong................ 11.46 dollars Hungary................... 320.91 forints India.......................... 77.71 rupees Japan........................... 118.63 yen Mexico ....................... 19.17 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.84 dollars Norway ......................... 8.88 krone Pakistan.................. 138.46 rupees Philippines ................. 56.85 pesos South Africa................. 12.30 rand South Korea.............. 1576.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 195.27 rupees Sweden....................... 10.48 krona Switzerland.................. 1.42 francs Taiwan ...................... 40.75 dollars Turkey....................... 2.66 new lira USA ............................ 1.48 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS THERE was never any real doubt that Simon Howarth would join the family firm. At the age of nine, he was already making himself useful on Saturdays helping to clean the meat slicing machine at Howarth’s freezer centre in Birkby. And as a teenager, he abandoned his A-level studies after just one year to take over the running of the Birkby store when the shop manager fell ill. Now he has risen through the ranks to become managing director of Dalton-based Total Foodservice – a business which traces its roots to his great-grandfather, William Howarth. And while he takes evident pride in the company’s achievements since its formation in the 1920s, he is single-mindedly focused on ensuring its future remains secure. William Howarth and his brother George Henry began the business distributing fruit preserves by horse and cart to shops from a base at Huddersfield’s Prospect Jam Works. Soon after, William’s son George Henry, named after his uncle, joined the restaurants, pubs and coffee “Moving into the new depot business and persuaded his shops, hospitals and was a major milestone. I had father to move into colleges. Major customers to study project greengrocery and fresh fish. include Shire Hotels and the management, but the A new store opened in Bagel Nash chain. For many scheme also called on my Moldgreen and then in years, it supplied Kirklees existing skills in logistics and Shambles Lane in schools – and is now looking mechanics. I had to make the Huddersfield town centre. at resuming a service for decision on everything – from In 1960, Richard Howarth, schools and care homes. choosing the door handles to George Henry junior’s son It now distributes 5,000 selecting the cold store plant. and Simon’s father, joined the product lines – with its 20 As I had to make the company and within five vans and 10 7.5 and decisions, I had to do the years had modernised the 10-tonne trucks based at research!” Moldgreen store to attract Huddersfield each making The company has new custom – boosting between 15 to 35 drops continued to make steady takings to £22,000 a year. every day. progress since the new When George Henry junior Simon says the company depot opened, but Simon died in 1966, Richard took up has survived by pursuing says: “We have expanded the reins at the age of 21. without doing anything As the business entered its opportunities – but avoiding rash decisions. That’s dramatic. Because we have third generation, the firm pursued a policy of prudent changed its name to Richard certainly true when it came to developing its new depot growth, we have survived in Howarth and Son Ltd as at Clitheroe, Lancashire. the recession.” Simon joined the team. Over Under managing director Simon says the firm’s the next 10 years, the David Pratt, the company success is also down to its company developed a chain merged with Lawsons of loyal workforce. “We are a of 10 shops and in 1980 Clitheroe in 2002 and family business with family Howarth Foodservice was business ethics. That means formed with new premises at brought in Huddersfield many of our employees have Cross Green Road in Dalton. building firm Radcliffe Projects to develop a been with us for 20 years or Sitting in the boardroom – 30,000sq ft depot with more. We have just surrounded by sepia-tinted pictures from the company’s state-of-the-art refrigeration presented watches to two past and portraits of his systems, a demonstration employees for their 10-year predecessors – Simon recalls kitchen and offices. awards. A number of staff how the company was not Simon was head of have been promoted from slow to diversify where it saw operations at the time and within. Two of our area an opportunity. It was one of became closely involved in managers started out loading the first companies to the project. “It was a 10-year and driving trucks. introduce domestic and process to project manage “But we have not been too commercial microwave ovens the Clitheroe scheme and insular either. Neither of our in the UK, for example. build an extension here in operation managers were Richard Howarth, who is Huddersfield,” he says. internal appointments and I now company chairman, was a founder of Fairway Food Service, a group of more than 20 independent businesses who came together to boost their buying power with suppliers. Simon joined the Fairway board as a director for the first time this year. Over the years, the company moved away from greengrocery to frozen foods, chilled products such as cheese, sliced meats and quiches, and “ambient” products like crisps, drinks sugar and custard powder. It also has an own-brand range of products. ■ FAMILY LIFE: Simon Howarth, managing director of The wholesaler supplies Dalton-based Total Foodservice with one of its trucks
profile
Page 3
Food firm’s family values
Simon Howarth
didn’t directly succeed my father. David was managing director for 22 years and the experience I have gleaned from David has been tremendous. “We became a sponsor of Huddersfield Town last year. The club does a massive amount to promote Yorkshire businesses and there are a number of Town fans working here. We are passionate about Huddersfield and now Town are in the Championship we expect some friendly inter-depot rivalry with employees at Clitheroe who support Bolton and Blackburn!” Simon values his time away from work, saying: “When I became managing director, the operations staff sent me an email saying that now I was MD I shouldn’t have to work Saturday mornings any more – so I have a little more times at weekends.”
Simon, his wife Sue and their 11-year-old daughter Eve enjoy mountain biking in the countryside close to their Holmfirth home and in the Lake District. Simon also rides his motorcycle “occasionally” and plans to do more of that this year. “At the age of 40, I learned to ski and since then we have been on several family ski holidays.” he says. “We also have a 25-year-old speed boat, so we do a little water ski-ing.” Daughter Eve is already taking an interest in what the company does and has helped at a number of events. Says Simon: “I would never push her into it, but it may well be that a fifth generation could joining the family firm eventually.”
Role: Managing director Age: 45 Family:Married to Sue with daughter Eve, 11 Holidays: Lake District and ski-ing in France Car: Subaru First job: Working as a Saturday lad in the Birkby shop Best thing about job: It is never dull. There is always something different to tackle. Worst thing about job: I don’t do negatives – I haven’t the time! Business tip: Strategic planning is key. Also, build the right team around you
Total Foodservice Work: Family food service company Sites: Dalton and Clitheroe, Lancs Employees: 110 Phone: 01484 536688 Email: sales@total foodservice.co.uk Web: www.totalfood sevice.co.uk
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Director Loan Accounts
On the board with
Contrary to common belief overdrawn directors loan accounts are not illegal, although they can have tax implications for the director and the company. For example: • If the loan is interest free, the director pays tax on the interest as a benefit in kind, unless the loan balance remains below £5,000. • If the loan is not cleared within 9 months of the company’s year - end, tax at 25% will be payable by the company.
Revell Ward Tip:
Seek tax advice before your year end, to ensure you are not faced with a larger tax bill than expected!
Lesley Sutton Tax Director
01484 538 351
theboard@revellward.co.uk Twitter@RevellWard
www.revellward.co.uk
local
Page 4
Accountants lend a helping hand CHARTERED accountants are offering a helping hand to businesses in Yorkshire. A series of events has been organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales to help start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises. Topics include access to finance, business growth, exporting and better business finance. The events form part of ICAEW’s Business Advice Service Week to boost prospects for a private sector-driven recovery. BAS offers businesses a free advice session with a qualified ICAEW Chartered Accountant. Businesses can go to www.businessadvice service.com to find their nearest office.
762-2)6-4 0/1+4%3* 9-2!62! 1$%/ 81& , )-25( *%% - "-8 #1/"-/'. ?3E'9$97 8&AEA>&E" :7=B"9D( C=% E79 9!:97&9A>&A5 &A C=%7 B%(&A9(() #9 >EA 39":2 6E"" %( A=# 8=7 E >=A(%"'E'&=A 0.+-- ,+4++4 ###2B95B&9(!'7ECA=72>=D *!+$)!" ,#%&('# ,* 6"E79 1=E;) /E"&8E!) /@ -/<
Can your business afford to ignore Health & Safety? With Competent Health and Safety advice from just £25 a month you don’t need to Wilby Risk Management offer a range of services including: Competent Advice Risk Assessments Assistance with CHAS applications contact us today on 01422 358525 or email healthandsafety@wilbyltd.co.uk
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Supply chain contest win A COMPANY providing pallets for distribution operators across Europe has lifted the trophy as winner of a national competition run by a Huddersfield-based firm. La Palette Rouge took the title in the 2012 SCALA Fresh Connection Supply Chain Competition, which is organised by specialist consultancy SCALA, based at the Media Centre, Northumberland Street. The online competition pits teams from organisations ■ CHAIN REACTION: across the country against each SCALA director John Perry other to help firms train their “As a business we strive to be staff to understand the impact the best at everything we do, so a supply chain has on company to come first amongst such performance. John Salsbury, operations strong competition reflects manager for La Palette Rouge, well on all involved at LPR.” Other prizes went to Jordans which has sites in the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, & Ryvita, ASDA and Mars Portugal, Scandinavia and the UK. During the final of the comBenelux countries, said: “The whole team are over the moon petition, participants were entertained by interesting to have won.
industry talks from Neil Healey, head of national accounts at Toyota Material Handling; and Steve Agg, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. John Perry, SCALA managing director, said: ‘Congratulations to LPR with an impressive win. It’s great to see a logistics service provider take the Fresh Connection crown.” He said: “This year’s competition has been especially competitive with winning teams from both 2010 and 2011 – Kraft and Mars respectively – striving for second victories.” La Palette Rouge will travel to Barcelona in September to take part in the global Fresh Connection final, competing against more than 200 teams from major companies across the world.
Loads of good advice COMMON misconcepA tion among businesses RISKY BUSINESS is that fork lift trucks crossing public roads do
not need to be taxed, registered or insured. It is true that fork lift trucks which travel less than 1,000 yards have special dispensation from compliance with the Construction and Use Regulations, but this dispensation does not make fork lift trucks exempt from road traffic legislation. Even if the fork lift truck travels less than 1,000 yards – on public roads, between sites or for unloading vehicles outside the workplace – then it can be driven with little modification to lighting, excise duty, number plate etc.
Will Morris
H o w e v e r, i t m u s t b e registered and insured and the operator must hold a valid driving licence. If, on the task to be performed, the fork lift truck travels more than 1,000 yards, then it must comply with the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations which can be very complex and would likely involve major modifications to the vehicle.
This is a misconception I’ve seen at many workplaces and I would suggest that each company reviews their use of fork lift trucks to ensure that they comply with the relevant legislation. Incidents involving fork lift trucks are all too common, so it’s important you look to reduce the risk of using them wherever possible.
Will Morris is risk management consultant at Wilby Ltd
Jubilee charity luncheon Who will be the next Business of the Month? If you are proud of what your business has achieved; why not tell us about your success story and you could be a winner of our prestigious award. For further details please contact: Ian Greenwood, Eaton Smith Solicitors, 14 High Street, Huddersfield HD1 2HA T: 01484 821389 E: iangreenwood@eatonsmith.co.uk Business Of The Month Awards - Rewarding Success Since 1995
MORE than 200 members of insolvency trade body R3 flew the flag with a Jubilee-themed lunch to raise more than £2,500 for the charity Help for Heroes. Guests dressed up in “best of British” attire for the annual Yorkshire R3 Women in Business Recovery Ladies Lunch, in Leeds. The event, hosted by the R3 Yorkshire Women’s Group, was
attended by business professionals from throughout Yorkshire. Asma Iqbal (pictured), corporate recovery and insolvency partner at law firm Chadwick Lawrence, with offices in Huddersfield, said: “The Ladies Lunch is always extremely popular with our members and a great opportunity to raise money for worthy causes.”
Town sample outdoor life! HUDDERSFIELD Town has announced a partnership with one of the UK’s leading outdoor media businesses. CBS Outdoor, part of the CBS Corporation – a mass media company spanning five continents – has become the second new business to join Town after their promotion to the Championship following in the footsteps of Northern Commercials. Town’s latest business partnership will see CBS Outdoor help the Terriers promote, market and sell season cards ahead of the 2012/13 season through an advertising campaign on local buses. Town advertising manager Mark Jacobs will head up the partnership for Town. Club commercial director Sean Jarvis said: “I believe this deal portrays the way the club is moving and how our promotion to the Championship has helped us attract a globally recognised business such as CBS Outdoor. “Promoting and selling season cards for our upcoming season in the Championship is a massive objective for us and we believe with the help of CBS Outdoor, we will be able to achieve our goal and have the stadium bouncing every match day, full of Town fans!” CBS Outdoor account executive Paul Taylor said: “CBS Outdoor is delighted to have Huddersfield Town on board. “We are excited about giving Huddersfield Town the platform to drive awareness of their season card.”
Expansion for hotels group THE owner of a hotel in Huddersfield has announced plans to invest in upgrading its bedrooms. Cedar Court Hotels, which includes the Cedar Court at Ainley Top, has launched the five-year programme by unveiling 18 new-look bedrooms at its Cedar Court Hotel in Wakefield. The company said it will make “significant” investment at each of its four star hotels in Wakefield, Huddersfield, Bradford and Harrogate. The completion of the new bedrooms comes in the wake of a £25m launch of the five-star Cedar Court Grand Hotel & Spa in York. Group director John Horvath said: “That we are making such an investment in spite of the harsh economic climate is testament to the confidence we have in the Cedar Court brand and its offering to business and leisure guests alike.”
Your business is in safe financial hands… Huddersfield’s long established chartered accountants in Greenhead Road, just on the edge of town, is already the number one choice for many local and national businesses and continues to grow a portfolio of commercial and personal clients.
Walker & Sutcliffe was started by David Walker in 1975 and has grown to become one of Huddersfield’s top chartered accountancy businesses acting for companies of all sizes from sole-traders to those with a turnover of tens of millions. Walker & Sutcliffe currently has over 350 clients working in all sectors of industry and commerce. Highly qualified and dedicated staff give advice on all areas of business life including business start-ups, cash flow planning, statutory accounts and audit, CGT and IHT planning, buying and selling businesses, HMR & C investigations, tax compliance, payroll, management information systems and strategic issues, to name but a few. Nick said “We differ from many other accountants by taking the time to fully understand our individual client’s needs and
Managing partner Nick Ledgard, who leads the specialist financial team and oversees the day-to-day running of the business, said “We always say we ‘think outside the books’ to make the customer’s corporate and personal financial needs our primary driver and ultimate goal”. goals. This allows us to ensure our advice is directed towards achieving the client’s actual goals, not some presumptions of them. We specialise in succession planning to safeguard the future of the business and to maximise its worth. It is amazing that many people leave it too close to their desired retirement date to think about how they are going to realise the value in their business, which is often their largest single asset. All our clients are different and therefore our services are tailored to meet their individual needs”. Although Walker & Sutcliffe offers help to many local businesses, its portfolio includes customers from Scotland to the South Coast, and even overseas. Local clients are always welcome to use free boardroom facilities at Walker & Sutcliffe for meetings or small conferences etc. This is all part of the service and continuous dedication to its valued clients.
Our Mission Statement “To be the first choice as auditors, accountants, taxation and general business advisors for the Small Medium Enterprise sector in West Yorkshire and the surrounding areas by offering a progressive, proactive approach through a value-for-money service of financial measures and advice, enabling clients to meet their financial and business goals in the short, medium and long terms.’’
Nick said “Walker & Sutcliffe exists to help our individual client’s financial needs. Through a joint venture, R B Walker & Sutcliffe, we are also working with colleagues who are specialists in wealth management. Our aim always is to improve the financial performance of our clients’ businesses and personal assets and make sure they are structured to perform in the most profitable and efficient way”.
Contact Nick and his team on FREEPHONE 08000 32 32 03 and quote KBN/1211
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS New routes put airport to the fore HOLIDAY firms Thomson and First Choice are set to double capacity at Leeds Bradford Airport next summer – with the introduction of new routes to Menorca, Ibiza, Rhodes, Tenerife and the addition of another weekly flight for existing Mallorca and Turkey routes. The decision follows the launch earlier this year of exclusive routes from Leeds Bradford to Sharm El Sheikh and Tunisia. The move to introduce these routes is part of the UK’s largest tour operator’s strategy to ensure customers across the UK can fly from their local airport and stay at the best hotels in some of the most exciting destinations. Not only will customers from Yorkshire be able to fly to far-flung destinations, they will also have the opportunity to choose varying durations – not just the standard seven and 14 night stays. The changes also mean that Thomson and First Choice will be the only tour operator flying customers to Sharm El Sheikh and Tunisia from Leeds/Bradford in Summer, 2013 – and Thomson Cruises will be operating the largest flight/cruise programme out of the airport to Majorca, Corfu and Turkey. Paul Cooper, airport negotiations manager for Thomson and First Choice, said: “Doubling capacity at Leeds Bradford Airport demonstrates our continued commitment to the Yorkshire region and following the success of our expanded programme announced earlier in the year at the airport, we know that the demand is there.” Tony Hallwood, marketing director at the airport, said: “’LBA is delighted to see the widening of holiday choice for both Thomson and First Choice in summer, 2013, from West Yorkshire.”
Traditional values and modern methods in Wealth & Investment At Investec Wealth & Investment we offer expertise and out of the ordinary levels of personal service. Our heritage extends as far back as 1827 but our eyes are firmly fixed on your future. Located in 11 offices across the UK, we are well placed to offer one-on-one insight and expert advice on your investments, pensions or other financial matters. Please visit our website, call Simon Kaye on 0113 245 4488 or email simon.kaye@investecwin.co.uk investecwin.co.uk
The value of your investments may go down as well as up and you might not get back the money you’ve put in. Individuals • International • Charities • Financial Advisers Court of Protection
Member firm of the London Stock Exchange. Member of NYSE Liffe. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Investec Wealth & Investment Limited is registered in England. Registered No. 2122340. Registered Office: 2 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7QP.
local
Page 6
Economies are on collision path HE credit crunch has T accelerated the shift in global economic power to
emerging market countries, led by the so called BRIC – Brazil, Russia, India & China – nations. Evidence of this can be seen in the increased share of world GDP coming from EM countries as they continue to see growth, while the majority of the developed world is suffering from an anaemic recovery as the private sector slowly de-leverages. In the developed world, the private sector has started to improve its balance sheet, whilst the public sector balance sheet has deteriorated as tax revenues have fallen and government spending has increased. Historically, the credit ratings of EM countries have been dependent on the economic cycle. The majority of EM countries were dependent on hard currency borrowings (mainly US dollars) which saw their abilities to service their debts largely reliant on foreign earnings. Earlier recessions in the 1970s and 1980s were accompanied by falling commodity prices which, while providing a stimulus to the developed world, hit the earnings of many EM countries due to their dependency on commodity exports. Since then, the majority of EM countries have significantly
CITY TALK Simon Kaye
improved their economic positions with many (especially in East Asia) running large current account surpluses. The key catalyst for the change in policy was the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s when a number of countries suffered “hot money” outflows, which led to a serious contraction in output as countries were forced by the IMF to improve the structure of their economies. Countries such as Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia realised that focusing on balanced public sector finances and running trade surpluses reduced the impact of external shocks (i.e. capital outflows) on their domestic economies. While Asian countries have led the progress towards stable finances, a number of other emerging market regions have followed a similar path. Latin American countries such as Brazil and Chile have benefited from higher commodity prices and have used their improved
trade position to strengthen their economies. The improved economic stability of many EM countries has improved the standing of their debt with investors. The credit crunch and subsequent crisis in the eurozone, in contrast, has led to the downgrade of a significant number of developed countries’ debt. The highest profile downgrade was the USA losing its AAA rating last year. Both the US and Europe are currently facing fiscal strains with weak public balance sheets. While the US has not yet seen a significant fiscal consolidation, the mandatory cuts in government spending in 2013 may push the US back into recession. The fundamental weakness of the eurozone, however, continues to be a drag on growth and the credit worthiness of the region. It has also led to the risk of a downgrade of the entire eurozone if a Greek exit from the euro leads to a significant negative macroe-
Simon Kaye is divisional director at Investec Wealth & Investment
conomic shock. A possibility of a disorderly Greek exit remains given the inability of eurozone’s politicians to implement a comprehensive solution to the crisis. A final point to note is that, even before the credit crunch, the majority of developed world countries were likely to face increased age-related expenditure (healthcare and pensions) as the baby boomer generation retired a n d t h e d e p e n d e n c y r at i o increased. Countries that previously had decades to solve the problem of ageing societies and the associated increases in government expenditure are forced to face the problem now due to the credit crunch increasing the public sector debt/GDP ratio. Without clear policy action, the catch-up of EM countries with their developed counterparts is likely to continue, especially as the majority of EM countries are not currently facing a similar demographic shock. For fixed income investors, the emergence of EM countries with better macroeconomic fundamentals than many developed countries may over the long run alter the concept of what constitutes a risk free asset. Evidence of this can been by the strong inflows EM dedicated bond funds have received since the credit crunch.
Charting a course for bigger profits
Hospice trip gets up steam
A LEARNING and development organisation is bringing a new kind of sales course to Yorkshire. Dale Carnegie is working with internationally renowned salesman Jeffrey Gitomer to create Sale Success, an interactive sales programme designed to combine attitude confidence and systems that help sales professionals improve their performance. Dale Carnegie, which celebrates its centenary in 2012, has launched the course to help businesses in Yorkshire breed a sales culture to improve sales skills and increase profitability. Mark Fitzmaurice, director at Dale Carnegie in Northern England, said: “The dynamic combination of Jeffrey Gitomer and Dale Carnegie will help participants to create explosive sales growth through the techniques learnt. “Many people can sell when they have to, but most don’t have the culture instilled in them to constantly be looking for leads and following these through. “In the current economic climate this culture is a must for a business to grow and thrive. Preview sessions are being held on Friday, June 29, at Thorpe Park Hotel in Leeds.
BUSINESSES are being urged to climb aboard a classic steam train – and raise cash for Huddersfield’s Kirkwood Hospice. The renowned Northern Belle will travel from Huddersfield to Edinburgh and back as part of fundraising efforts to support the hospice’s £3m Capital Appeal to refurbish and extend the in-patient unit at the hospice in Dalton. Hospice officials are offering tickets for Orient Express-style trip to businesses interested in sampling a luxurious and unforgettable venue for corporate hospitality. The excursion on Friday, September 28, costs £330 per person with an optional Extra Premier package of £125 per couple. The train will leave Huddersfield at 8am when passengers will enjoy a three-course brunch. They will be able to enjoy a full afternoon in Edinburgh before setting off back from the city’s Waverley Station at 6pm and sampling champagne and canapes before a four-course dinner and arriving back in Huddersfield at 10pm. Contact Marie Peacock or Siobhan Hooper on 01484 557911 or email info@capitalappeal.org
■ CULTURE: Mark Fitzmaurice, director at Dale Carnegie in Northern England
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
School wins architect prize A BUILDING project masterminded by an architect firm with offices in Huddersfield was among the winners of the Royal Institute of British Architects’ White Rose Awards. Cliffe Hill Primary School at Halifax and Aedas Architects were recognised in the competition to honour the best in building design in Yorkshire. Three other Yorkshire buildings were among the winners of RIBA’s national award. The national winners were The Hepworth at Wakefield, Saxton in Leeds and Kirk Balk Community College in Barnsley. The winners were among 59 buildings in the UK and Europe to receive RIBA Awards. RIBA president Angela Brady said: “For nearly 50 years, the RIBA Awards have reflected the changing state of British architecture and revealed emerging design trends. “What really stands out is that even in times of austerity, we can still deliver amazingly clever, high quality buildings that reflect the needs of today and
■ COURT CIRCULAR: The curved building designed by architect firm Aedas for Cliffe Hill Primary School at Halifax impressed judges in the RIBA White Rose Awards enhance our daily lives.” Joining Cliffe Hill Primary School as White Rose winners were Ad++ House at York, The Horsefield House in Sheffield and M&S Simply Foods also in Sheffield. Judges commended Aedas for its work on the £5.5m project at Cliffe Hill Primary School to replace rundown buildings and temporary classrooms with a new curved building wrapping round a large external
courtyard, which provides a secure outdoor space for activities including dining, play, performance and teaching. The building accommodates 210 pupils and associated teaching staff supplemented with a specialist nursery for autism spectrum disorder unit and community room. Classrooms are arranged in year group order showing a clear progression through school life.
Industrial
Albert Works, Albert Street, Lockwood 538 m2 (5,800 sq ft) Single storey workshop just off main Lockwood Road
TO LET
recently vacated and occupation immediately available
Staincliffe Trade Centre, Halifax Road, Dewsbury Unit 8 541 m2 (5,828 sq ft) Single storey warehouse/industrial unit with 2 storey office and showroom facing Halifax Road
TO LET
good on site parking
Offices
The Watermill, Wheatley Park, Mirfield 710 - 10,000 sq ft Available as a whole or in five suites. Modern specification with under floor comfort cooling and excellent on-site parking
TO LET www.michaelsteel.co.uk
All enquiries to Alec Michael at Michael Steel & Co on 0113 234 8999 or email alec@michaelsteel.co.uk
Page 7
Powerful role for surveyors
CHARTERED surveyors in rural areas are getting busier – as more landowners consider siting wind turbines on their properties. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said growing concern about climate change and energy security had sparked the country-wide development of renewable energy facilities and commercial interest from landowners and developers. RICS members in rural areas across Yorkshire were seeing a substantial increase in demand for due diligence reports from banks seeking advice on the viability of using a given site to develop wind or solar power. M o s t c o m m o n ly p ro m p t e d by developers, banks were increasingly asking surveyors to advise on the suitability of sites to build wind farms. Most importantly, they were seeking advice on the performance of wind turbines, construction and planning issues and if the site is windy enough to generate sufficiently high energy levels. Said the RICS: “The additional revenue and income stream that can be generated for landowners and developers by selling the renewable energy generated – mainly electricity – into the grid has become an increasingly attractive prospect. “The UK government has taken a num-
ber of steps, including the Feed in Tariff to encourage growth in the renewable energy market as it comes under increasing pressure to meet UK and international carbon reduction targets. “Surveyors across Yorkshire are also seeing a rise in the demand for freehold and leasehold valuations for sites where the value may rise as a result of its potential to generate renewable energy as the market continues to grow.” The RICS said it had recognised this demand and provided some guidance in its recently published information paper that can assist surveyors in the valuation of the freeholds and leaseholds which should help to deliver consistency and reliability to landowners, investors and the lending community. The valuation approaches discussed in the paper should provide additional reassurance to financial backers. Andrew Fallows, of Carter Jonas, with offices at Slaithwaite, said: “Landowners and developers in rural communities can create a good income by selling the energy from renewable energy installations, like wind turbines to the national grid – powering homes with electricity across the country. So it is no surprise that interest in the financial benefits of generating such renewable energy is growing.”
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS James Roberts
Ryder & Dutton CHARTERED surveyors and estate agents Ryder & Dutton have appointed James Roberts to the firm’s commercial department, where he will work as an associate director at their head office at Royton, Oldham. Mr Roberts (pictured) has been a chartered surveyor for 15 years and previously worked for Morris Dean in Rochdale. Richard Powell, a director of the firm which has offices in Huddersfield and Holmfirth among 15 sites across Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, said he was delighted with the addition to the commercial team. He said: “James is an experienced operator and this moves allows us to expand our commercial property team which remains highly active. “Despite challenging market conditions, we still see areas of opportunity for our clients.”
Steve Brown
Ferno (UK) Ltd FERNO (UK) Ltd has appointed Steve Brown to its supply chain team as senior buyer. Mr Brown (pictured) brings a wealth of experience in buying and negotiating to the Cleckheaton-based company, which is a leading supplier and manufacturer of medical equipment to the emergency services and funeral sector. He has held similar roles with VTL Precision, Crosslee PLC, George Baker & Co Ltd, Henry Barrett Group, James Durrans & Sons Ltd and British Steel Corporation. Jon Ellis, Ferno managing director, said: “We wish Steve success in his new position and welcome him on board as part of the Ferno team.” Mr Brown lives in Cleckheaton with his wife Kelly and daughters Lucy and Maisy.
David Moore & team
Movers and shakers
Training centre is powering up A COMPANY providing training in the field of renewable energy has opened a new centre in West Yorkshire. Brighouse-based Ploughcroft has launched the Green Deal-ready centre in Wakefield in partnership with UTN Training. The purpose-built training centre will provide Green Deal and renewable energy installation courses as well as health and safety courses for anyone involved in the construction sector. It includes a 14,500 sq ft indoor training area with 15 fully-equipped classrooms, which can cater for 180 delegates at any one time. It also has a 3,000 sq ft outdoor training area and car parking available for 200 cars. The centre also features a training roof, extensive work bays for solar PV, solar thermal installation and training areas for heat pumps and biomass boiler installation. There is also an external training facility for wind turbine installation. Ploughcroft managing director Chris Hopkins, who represents SMEs on the Government’s Green Construction Board, said: “We are really excited about the new training centre. From August, a full turnkey training solution for Green Deal installers and Green Deal assessors will be in place, opening up new opportunities for construction industry professionals. “The centre will be capable of upskilling 10,000 people a year, so will help meet the Government’s ambitious targets for full Green Deal adoption across with the UK, with a fully qualified Green Deal workforce.” Mr Hopkins said the aim was to help construction workers meet consumer
■ ON COURSE: Ploughcroft managing director Chris Hopkins (right) and Steve Fisher, chairman of UTN, outside the new training centre
demand arising from Government incentives, such as the Renewable Heat Incentive and Green Deal. Ploughcroft already offers NVQs in solar PV for roofers. Said Mr Hopkins: “There are fantastic opportunities for construction industry professionals to upskill in renewable technologies and reap the benefits of lucrative new income streams and we can offer them everything they need to do this. “We have geared up to meet demand in the industry with what must be one of the most impressive training facilities in the country, backed up by the highest quality training available.” Ploughcroft will create at least five new jobs in its first year during which it expects to train 10,000 people. Courses will begin in
Accountants’ new additions
early July. Alongside the renewable energy installation courses, Ploughcroft will be working with Wakefield-based health and safety training company UTN to deliver health and safety training for construction industry professionals. UTN chairman Steve Fisher said: “We are delighted to be working with Ploughcroft to deliver the very highest quality health and safety training to help meet the needs of the construction industry. “With Ploughcroft’s expertise in renewable energy and our reputation for health & safety training, we have everything that a construction worker needs to meet market demand.”
Robert Adamson & Chris Wood
R3
Lloyds TSB Commercial LLOYDS TSB Commercial has launched a new dedicated manufacturing team to provide tailored financial support to businesses across Yorkshire. Relationship director Dave Moore (pictured) is leading the team, which includes seven manufacturing relationship managers whose sector experience has been accredited by the Warwick Manufacturing Group following extensive training with the University of Warwick. The bank has worked with the Engineering Employers Federation and the Manufacturing Technologies Association to develop the course which provides the new team with practical knowledge. It follows a 20% rise in lending to manufacturing during 2011 and £3.2bn of committed gross lending to UK SMEs during the first quarter of 2012.
Page 8
CHARTERED accountancy firm Sheards has added three new faces to its team. Sheards, based on New North Road in Huddersfield, has recruited Andy Bell, Tim Musgrove and Sophie Hill (pictured above). Both Mr Bell and Mr Musgrove have several years’ experience with other accountancy practices in the region. Mr Bell joins the accounts team at Sheards and is responsible for
looking after a portfolio of owner-managed business clients. Mr Musgrove joins the firm to manage its payroll and taxation services Both of them will soon start studying for professional qualifications. Ms Hill has joined as an apprentice and will be introduced to all aspects of the services offered by the firm and will study towards the AAT qualification. The three were welcomed by director Kevin Winterburn.
INSOLVENCY body R3 has announced two senior appointments in Yorkshire. Robert Adamson (right), a partner at Mazars in Leeds, has been named regional chairman while Huddersfield-born Chris Wood (left), partner at Clough Corporate Solutions in Cleckheaton, becomes vice-chairman. Mr Adamson has more than 20 years’ experience working with various stakeholders in distressed situations. He has extensive knowledge of corporate restructuring and insolvent company rescue procedures. His specialist areas include manufacturing and agriculture/food processing. He also has knowledge of personal insolvency procedures. He has been a member of R3 for more than 20 years and spent the last two years serving as vice-chairman alongside predecessor Andrew Walker. In his new role, Mr Adamson will be responsible for raising the profile of the work of R3 and its 300 members in the region.