Kbn270514

JANNINE OATES

MARTIN THOMPSON

Leadership material

Mixed messages

Interview - Page 3

Column - Page 6

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2014

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An EXAMINER publication

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees

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

The need to bring fresh talent into the vital field of supply chain management has led some of the UK’s best-known retail companies to support an innovative Huddersfield University degree programme.

Through the NOVUS scheme, students receive mentoring from leading executives, go on paid work placement and can also be guaranteed a job on graduation.

And soon there will be extra opportunities for ambitious students, when a new supply chain course – with a subtly different emphasis, but offering the same career-boosting potential – is launched alongside the existing degree.

Retailers now backing the scheme include Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Sainsbury’s, Dixons, Halfords, Wickes, Argos and ASOS. They are an important addition to an already impressive roster of manufacturing and logistics companies supporting the NOVUS Trust, which aims to attract and develop new talent through specialist courses offered in partnership with Huddersfield University.

The existing BSc (Hons) Logistics and Supply Chain Management degree course was launched at the start of the current academic year.

The first cohort of students – who were selected for the course after successfully passing through an assessment centre conducted by industry experts – have already received mentoring and several will go on paid work placement during the summer.

One student has been invited by his mentor to attend and observe board meetings at retail giant Dixons.

■■ Major names like Marks & Spencer, Argos, Halfords and Sainsbury’s are among organisations partnering Huddersfield University’s new degree programme

The new academic year will see the launch of a second Huddersfield University degree course under the aegis of the NOVUS Trust – a BA (Hons) in Business with Supply Chain Management.

This will have some crossover with the existing logistics and supply chain management course, but will appeal to students will different aptitudes, according to David Leach, a senior lecturer in supply chain management at the university and programme director for the trust.

He said: “If their personal leadership and team working skills are their strength, then they should go for Business with Supply Chain Management.

“If they are interested in taking analytical capabilities to a high level, then the Logistics and Supply Chain Management route is a better, more technical course.”

Mr Leach said students will be advised which route to take when they apply for a NOVUS Trust course.

For an annual fixed fee, we provide businesses with an unlimited HR, Employment Law and Health & Safety support service.

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Once accepted, students enjoy benefits that include guaranteed work experience, paid 12-month placement, mentoring from industry professionals, industry-led seminars and the opportunity to study for additional professional qualifications.

“Best of all is the job on graduation, guaranteed to students that achieve a minimum 2:1 degree classification and a satisfactory reference from their placement,” said Mr Leach.

Backers of the NOVUS scheme now included grocery, fashion, consumer electronics, DIY and general merchandise retailers – with both store-based and online channels represented.

“Combined with manufacturers in food, consumer goods, automotive, construction materials and a host of specialist distribution companies, industry support now spans most sectors of the economy,” said Mr Leach.

“This demonstrates that supply chain

■■ David Leach, senior lecturer in supply chain management at the university

management is now at the top of the corporate agenda and the eagerness of business to attract new talent in this field.

“The new support has enabled us to expand the number of places for 2014 entry – interested candidates should contact us without delay.”

The NOVUS Trust scheme is open to applications from candidates with at least three B grades at A-Level. Applicants then take part in an industry-led assessment to gain a place.

Contact logistics@hud.ac.uk, phone 01484 473346 or visit the NOVUS Trust website www.novus.uk.com

Agency award

An international recruitment agency has scooped one of most hotly-contested awards in the sector.

Brighouse-based Transline Group was named Best Temporary Recruitment Agency at the Recruiter Awards for Excellence 2014 after a panel of independent judges decided that the company had “really struck a chord with their entry”.

The group was commended for adding “outstanding value” to its business partnerships, its commitment to innovation and its own strong business performance, which put it head and shoulders above its rivals.

Full Story - Page 8

examiner.co.uk

Retail giants sold on uni’s new degree programme

INSIDE

The most trusted news brand in the business

Let’s go ‘Poolside liverpool is hosting the International Festival of Business – and Kirklees firms are all invited to take part in the biggest event of its kind since the Festival of Britain.

Full Story - Page 5

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TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

local

Students provide ideas to boost Farnley Estate Students at Huddersfield University have provided a crop of suggestions for ways to help a 1,500-acre estate take advantage of tourism opportunities.

The BA (Hons) travel and tourism management students visited Farnley Estate in March on an information gathering exercise.

Following their visit, groups of students were given a different theme to work on – country park, events, accommodation, adventure and special interest.

Now the students have presented their findings to a panel, which included representatives from Farnley Estates and Dr Nick Hubbard, head of logistics, transport and tourism at the university.

“It was really interesting to see how the student’s perceived the estate and

the type of activities they felt would work,” said Farnley Estates managing director Paul Sykes. “Some of the ideas were very surprising, such as a cat café. Apparently, it’s the latest craze in Japan!”

“Other ideas, such as a ski slope and Segway tracks, gave us a greater insight into the interests of younger people.

“We hope to investigate some of the ideas in greater detail as part of our 25-year plan,” As well as a presentation, the students have submitted a 3,000 word report outlining their findings.

“It’s been fantastic for the students to have the opportunity to work on a live project in the Huddersfield area and they engaged with enormous amounts of enthusiasm,” said Dr Hubbard.

■■ Directors of the Farnley Estate, Paul (left) and John Sykes chat with the students

Yorkshire’ private sector firms making ‘significant’ progress in jobs creation and winning contracts

■■ Stephen Baxter, senior partner at Baxter Caulfield

A HUDDERSFIELD law firm has revealed “significant” growth in private sector business.

Baxter Caulfield, based at Station Street, posted positive findings from its Yorkshire Economic Index – a six-monthly report which highlights key business data in Yorkshire and the Humber.

The report, which features business data on jobs creation, new investment and contract wins from January to the end of May, shows significant growth in the economic activity of private sector companies in Yorkshire and the Humber Among the findings, it shows that at least 1,178 private sector jobs have been created in the region and an estimated

£30,800,000 of new investment has been made by private sector businesses throughout Yorkshire.

In addition, an estimated £54,000,000 worth of new contract wins have been secured by private sector businesses in the region.

Stephen Newman, senior partner at Baxter Caulfield Solicitors, said: “The latest findings from our economic index are good news for the economies of Yorkshire and the Humber.

“Business confidence in the region is continuing to rise and the results tie in with positive national data in terms of economic growth, which is being supported by improving unem-

ployment figures.”

He said the findings boded well for the resurgent economy, as recent statistics from the Office for National Statistics showed that GDP grew by 0.8% in the first quarter of the year – marking the fifth consecutive period of growth and the longest positive run since the financial crisis.

Said Mr Newman: “The economy is certainly on the right track to recovery, although there is still much work to be done.

“However, the report is a positive indicator that the region is showing signs of growth and investment with a significant number of appointments, as well as key contract wins”

Focus turns to funding for exports Kirklees firms will learn the secret of accessing hidden funding to support exports at an event next week.

More than 100 novice exporters are expected to attend the We Are International Export Network event next Monday when speakers from UK Trade & Investment, the Enterprise Europe Network and the Yorkshire Innovation Fund will explore grants, funding and no-charge assistance for exporters.

The event, to be held at the premises of accountancy firm Deloitte, will also include a case study presentation from birthing pool manufacturer AquaBirths, of Shipley, which gained funding support and has also broken into export markets.

The We Are International initiative – delivered by the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership with support from international trade specialists Chamber International, UKTI Yorkshire and Humber, Enterprise Europe Network and MY Export Hub – aims to add £1.6bn to the City Region economy and create thousands of jobs by 2018.

The latest Export Network event is the fourth since the initiative was launched in March, 2013.

Since then, more than 300 businesses have contacted the We Are International export network and the campaign’s Export Ambassadors seeking support with issues including setting up overseas offices, establishing distribution channels, researching their product’s suitability for overseas markets, finding agents and distributors and advice on logistics and export documentation. Several companies have secured their first overseas orders.

The Export Network of ambassadors from successful exporting businesses has now expanded to almost 40 with representation from companies in chemicals, architectural design, healthcare, textiles, flooring manufacturers, surgical instruments manufacturers and business development volunteering to give unpaid mentoring to novice exporters. More than 370 novice exporters, including some from outside Leeds City Region, have attended events.

Tel: 0845 034 7200 or visit www. weareinternational.co.uk

Manufacturers welcome foreign investment Road safety honours Most UK manufacturers think overseas investment in their sector is helping businesses in this country to thrive.

Amid the controversy over Pfizer’s bid to buy AstraZeneca, figures from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and accountants and business advisers BDO show that 69% of manufacturers think overseas investment into UK manufacturing is helping UK companies compared to just 13% who said it was damaging the sector.

The findings are part of the Engineered in Britain 2014: Manufacturing a Successful Econo-

my? report by the institution and BDO. Dr Colin Brown, director of engineering at the institution, said: “While individual takeovers need to be appraised on their own merits, these results show that UK manufacturers are keen to see more overseas investment in UK manufacturing.

“UK manufacturing and engineering lies at the heart of a healthy economy and as long as these investments are being made to create UK jobs and exploit UK skills we should welcome them as investments in the UK’s future.”

Tom Lawton (right), head of manufacturing at BDO, said: “The positive view of overseas investment from UK manufacturers reflects a very successful and long history of foreign companies investing in the UK, bringing huge benefits to employment, skills, investment and the continued development of intellectual property.

“In particular, the automotive industry in the UK provides a superb example of foreign investment that has supported and then developed world leading manufacture, design and technology.”

Organisations making an “outstanding commitment” to improving workrelated road safety have been urged to compete for an international prize.

The European Transport Safety Council, which runs the Preventing Road Accidents and Injuries for the Safety of Employees (PRAISE) project, presents annual awards to recognise best practice in road safety at work.

Past winners have included Royal Dutch Shell, VolkerRail Ltd, Electricity Supply

Board, KTL and British Telecom.

The competition is divided into three categories according to the size and type of the applicant organisations.

The categories are for small and medium-sized enterprises, large companies and public authorities.

The winners will be chosen by an independent panel of experts appointed by ETSC. For further information and to download an application form, visit praiseaward@ etsc.eu

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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2014

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

profile

Jannine’s spotting potential leaders You can’t fail to spot Jannine Oates.

A passion for leopard-print means the Batley-born owner of leadership development and coaching business Inspirit Learning Partners stands out from the crowd at networking events, seminars and training events.

“I love leopard-print,” she says.

I’m the Bet Lynch of Batley! I’ll either be wearing a leopard-print dress, or scarf or bangles.”

Jannine also admits to a fondness for champagne and Ferrero Rocher chocolates, but when it comes to the biggest love of her life, it’s family – partner Chris, three-year-old son Oliver and 11-year-old stepson Ewan.

“My parents-in-law have a caravan at Grassington,” says Jannine. “We also go on camping trips.

“We will be going to Disneyland Europe this year, but I think you can’t beat the British seaside holiday and we enjoy Scarborough, Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay as well as the Yorkshire Dales.

“We live in a beautiful place. It is amazing.

“I also love spending time with friends and making time for myself and Chris. We always make time for ‘date nights’ and go to the cinema, restaurants or the pub.”

For someone determined not to miss out on family time, Jannine puts plenty of time and effort into her business – and supporting other companies.

She’s vice-chair of the 800-member Calderdale branch of the Federation of Small Business and sits on the committee of Business for Calderdale. Jannine is also a mentor for the Calderdale Council-backed initiative Business Growth Calderdale.

Jannine, who attended Howden Clough High School, recalls how her earliest career ambition was to become a vet. “I did some voluntary work at a vet’s in Heckmondwike,” she says.

While her career took a different path, the idea of voluntary work has stuck. As a teenager, Jannine designed and sold pictures to family and friends to raise money for good causes.

She has also worked as an

escort for disabled young people ny CragRats. When CragRats with Mencap in Batley and ceased trading, Jannine set up her coached gymnastics. “I was own business, Creative Oates Ltd, involved in voluntary work until I before forming Inspirit Learning was in my mid-20s,” she says.

Partners in 2012.

“I really wanted to be a clinical The company is based at the psychologist, but to do that I had Elsie Whiteley Centre in Halifax, to be a teacher first – not a posi- but Jannine mainly works at clition I wanted.” ents’ premises or doing project Jannine eventually worked in work at home. financial sales for a company in “I’m growing my business,” she Reading before joining a recruit- says. “I aim to double my turnover ment agency in Surrey. this financial year and expand in Returning to Yorkshire, she areas such as helping working joined Horizon Recruitment in parents. I’m also developing semLeeds, where she discovered a tal- inars, such as Fizz and Ferrero ent for helping people prepare for sessions.” job interviews – opening the door A qualified Dale Carnegie trainto a career in business coaching. er, she has worked on leadership “I was coaching people before I development tasks for major knew what ‘coaching’ was,” she names including Adidas, Jaguar says. “I was getting a high success Land Rover, Morrisons and USrate for people going to interviews based Taylormade Golf. and securing jobs.

Jannine is also working with “I’ve always been passionate small and growing companies about people, seeing someone’s under the Government-funded potential and bringing their tal- Business Brains project in partents to the fore.” nership with Bradford University But she says: “I fell out of and Business Doctors. recruitment because it became Leadership is a key issue for very ‘salesy’ Instead, I got into firms as recession gives way to training with a company in Leeds, recovery, says Jannine. “People helping people with management and leadership development.

“One day I had a defining moment. It was like the sun b r e a k i n g through the clouds!

“I packed up by job and left my nice apartment in Leeds city centre and at the age of 30 got a development role with O2.”

Jannine later returned to take a similar role with her previous employer in Leeds before joining Holmfirth-based training and theatre compa- ■■ Jannine Oates says she’s learning all the time

Jannine Oates

are promoted to leadership roles because they are experts in a certain field,” she says. “But firms aren’t necessarily getting the best from their leaders.

“I focus on a person’s strengths and potential and tap into their personality to see what drives them.

“I focus on people being the best they can be in the areas in which they are strong and managing the things they’re not so good at – focusing on their innate strengths.

“It’s about performance and personality. I do a lot of work around engagement, relationships, time management and how to prioritise.”

During the recession, many firms took the axe to training as a quick and easy way to save money.

Now, they’ve put it back on the agenda, but, as Jannine says: “People expect more for less.

“Organisations that are not so far-sighted put a hold on training.

Now more and more businesses are becoming savvy. They realise they have to get the best from the people in their business.”

Jannine is taking a far-sighted approach to her own business. “I have a three-year plan in place and I have a business coach who works with me on strategy,” she says. “I practice what I preach!

“I love being coached because it is so beneficial.

“I have taken part in the Growth Accelerator programme to look at my own strategy and I’m working towards an executive and corporate coaching qualification to underline what I’m already doing.

“I’ve also been on a television presenter course. I’ve even been to a magic class to learn some close-up magic, which means I will be able to bring a little magic to my training events! I’m learning all the time.”

Along with her “trademark” leopard-print, Jannine can often be seen in the company of a small plastic frog. “He’s there to remind me to do the things I don’t really want to do,” she says.

“He’s there to tell me not to leave that boring paperwork sitting in the in-tray!”

Role: Owner Age: 37 Family: Partner Chris and children Ewan ,11, and Oliver, three Holidays: I love camping and I don’t think you can beat a good British seaside holiday Car: I drive a Mazda RX8, but my dream is to get a Range Rover Evoque First job: I started my first Saturday job aged 14 working on a fruit and veg stall at Batley market Best thing about the job? I love seeing people get that “lightbulb moment” and start to recognise who they are and the impact they can have.

I’m delighted when I’ve helped people to be more successful Worst thing about the job? Doing the accounts. I have a frog on my desk to remind me to do the things I don’t like doing!

Business tip: Believe that you can. Be confident and positive

Inspirit Learning Partners Work: Leadership and personal development and coaching Site: Halifax Phone: 01422 399555 Email: jannine@inspiritlearning.com Web: www.inspiritlearning.com

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

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4

TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

local

It’s service with a smile, claims CBI The service sector is continuing to feel the benefits of the economic upswing with growing optimism, business volumes rising briskly and firms taking on more staff, said a report today.

The CBI’s latest quarterly Service Sector Survey for the three months to May showed businesses were increasingly confident about the business situation – with optimism rising at the fastest rate since the start of the survey in 1998, while business volumes rose again, marking a full year of growth.

The survey of 151 firms also revealed that companies have continued to take on more staff and increasing expenditure on training.

Katja Hall, CBI deputy director-general, said: “With a full year of growth under their belts, service sector firms are more upbeat than they have been for a long time. The recovery continues to strengthen with both consumer and business-facing firms taking on more staff and investing in training and IT. “But a rising number of firms, particularly in business and professional services are having problems finding the right staff. This survey identifies a skills gap as a growing constraint on business expansion in the sector over the year ahead.”

Consumer services - hotels, bars, restaurants, travel and leisure firms and others in consumer-facing sectors - regarded levels of business to be comfortably above normal.

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Peter Sargent, Partner Richard Kenworthy, Director Begbies Traynor 36 Clare Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2HX www.begbies-traynor.com

KIRKLEES BUS

Another fine mess for the taxpayers?

Barely a week goes by without HM Revenue and Customs getting us into another fine mess; or a potential one.

I could hardly believe my ears, when I heard that Mr Taxman may soon have the power to seize money from bank accounts.

HMRC wants the power to take money from any account – including ISAs and incredibly also joint accounts – if it believes that someone owes taxes or money is owed as a result of tax credit overpayments.

This strikes me as yet another barmy plan by Mr Taxman designed to frustrate and to charge us tax that we may not even owe.

Also, what happens if the account is a joint one and an innocent party is penalised?

Many couples do not even know what their other half is contributing to the account or may not even be aware that he/she is being chased for tax.

Even the Treasury select committee has attacked the plan, saying: “This policy is highly dependent on HMRC’s ability to accurately determine which taxpayers owe money and what amounts they owe – an ability not always demonstrated in the past.

“Incorrectly collecting money will result in serious detriment to taxpayers.”

I couldn’t have put it better myself.

It all feels rather like HMRC in ask-

THE BUSINESS BATTLEAXE Amanda Vigar ing for this power is trying to set itself up as some sort of state-sponsored pay day lender.

Currently, only by securing a court order can HMRC seize tax owed from bank accounts.

These new plans will almost certainly result in error and potential fraud.

HMRC insists it will not take any money unless the person has at least £5,000 left across all their bank accounts, including ISAs, after the debt has been paid.

It will not create or increase overdrafts – that is the plan anyway.

Innocent victims of the policy could include pensioners who put money into a joint account, managed by younger relatives.

If their younger relative owes taxes, the money could be seized, even though it belongs to the elderly person.

Around 17,000 people a year will be affected by the plans which will apply to anyone who owes more than £1,000 and has at least £5,000 left across all bank accounts – including ISAs. HMRC plans to only target those who have long-term debts and have received at least four demands for payment.

The plans are currently going through a consultation phase and, if approved, will be implemented in 2015/16.

This tactic should absolutely be the option of last resort and should only happen after a court order has been secured to prevent any “omnishambles” type mishaps.

HMRC should look at instituting a more rigorous incremental system of fines, seek a court order for recovery and, if all else fails, sell on the debt to a reputable business debt collection agency – but only once steps 1 and 2 have been followed.

Amanda Vigar is managing partner at Holmfirth-based accountants V&A Bell Brown LLP

Warnin home w

People working fro sure they claim vital t Nick Brook, who ru ants in Huddersfield, especially relevant to “mumpreneurs” as almost two-thirds of starting their own bu mothers with children With full-time annu two children now rea half of mothers surve Business believed the financially if they sta home as well as bene ble working hours.

Lockwood-based M setting up your own daunting prospect, w care spiralling, it can fits, offering more fle potential to be more ta you know what you ca “Over 70% of new started from home an connections and the and tablets, many lo continue to be run f how to manage cash business owners sho benefit from any supp “HM Revenue & Cu to offset a share of so reduce the tax you pa of your home and th spend there.

“These can includ insurance, rent, utili well as a percentage the cost of business on internet connectio “Coupled with savi transport costs, worki very effective for man ers.”

It’s all meat and drink to print specialist Cleckhe A design and print company has landed a tasty contract.

PrintPod, based at Huddersfield’s Media Centre, has won the contract to design and print the marketing material for this year’s Huddersfield Food & Drink Festival.

The company was chosen not only for the quality of its environmentally-friendly print, but also for its creative design skills.

The festival, which will run from August 7 to 10, is Yorkshire’s largest free food festival, last year attracting more than 100,000 visitors to St George’s Square over four days.

Karen Hobson, of Huddersfield Partnership, who is organising and promoting the event, said that PrintPod’s design was chosen because it reflected the partnership’s new brand, which was a vibrant development of the brand that PrintPod established in 2010 for the festival’s 10th anniversary.

PrintPod director Richard Armitage said: “Winning the Food & Drink Festival account is testament to the design skills offered by Print-

contrac

■■ Karen Hobson, of Huddersfield Partnership, discussing the 2014 designs for the Huddersfield Food and Drink Festival with Richard Armitage (centre) and Darren Fisher, of PrintPod

Pod, as well as our green credentials.”

The Food & Drink Festival is not the only local organisation to turn to PrintPod for design and print.

For the second year running, the company has designed and printed the programme for Honley Show, which takes place on June 14.

It was also charged with the design and print of the brochures, posters, roller banners and a bespoke display banner for this year’s Huddersfield Literature Festival.

Festival director Michelle Hodgson said: “This is the second year we’ve used PrintPod, and while the company’s green credentials

were an important factor, we were very impressed with the quality of the design, which worked effectively across a range of marketing material.”

For the past three years, PrintPod has also serviced the design and print needs of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner, held in October.

A company making m the emergency servic is reporting strong de tion chairs.

Cleckheaton-based ties, leisure centres, s shopping malls were orders – in addition to tal and ambulance cli The company has a tract to supply evacua hampton University.

UK SAS (Specialist one of the largest pri ices in operation serv hospitals and healthc porting public events the Saver Safe chairs Glide chairs.

Meanwhile, South Service is to kit out Saver Safe chairs.

These deals follow year in 2013 which sa uation equipment to t ping centre, Trinity new 13,000-seater Fir Further afield, Fer University of Strathc quarters in Dublin, th Scotland, Old Trafford with its evacuation ch

5

HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2014

SINESS NEWS

local Yorkshire SMEs braced for interest rate increase in 2015

ng for workers

om home must make tax benefits. uns TaxAssist Account, said the message was o a growing number of figures showed that f the 500,000 people usiness last year were n under the age of 10. ual childcare costs for aching £11,702, almost eyed by Direct Line for ey would be better off arted a business from efiting from more flexi-

Mr Brook said: “While n business can be a with the cost of childhave significant beneexible working and the ax efficient – as long as an claim. w businesses are now nd with better wireless e use of smart phones ocal small businesses from home. Knowing h flow is essential and ould ensure that they port available.

Customs will allow you ome household bills to ay, based on the layout he amount of time you

de mortgage interest, ity costs and rates as e of phone line rental, calls and expenditure ons. ings on premises and ing from home can be ny small business own-

eaton ct wins

medical equipment for ces and funeral sector emand for its evacua-

d Ferno said universisports complexes and e among those placing o long-standing hospiients in the UK. also negotiated a conation chairs to Wolver-

Ambulance Service) ivate ambulance servving the NHS, private care facilities and sups – has ordered 150 of s together with 30 EZ

h Central Ambulance its vehicles with 140

w a highly successful aw Ferno deliver evacthe UK’s newest shopLeeds, and the city’s rst Direct Arena. rno has equipped the clyde, Google’s headhe National Gallery of d and Wembley Arena hairs.

It’s time to take up Mersey beat!

It’s a trip across the Pennines that Kirklees firms just have to make.

Liverpool is staging one of the biggest business events ever seen in the UK – and Kirklees companies have been urged not to miss out on the opportunities to build contacts and win contracts.

The International Festival of Business (IFB), which runs from June 9 to July 22, is being billed as the biggest showcase for British businesses since the Festival of Britain in 1951.

About 240 events, including seminars, conferences, networking sessions and trade talks will be held at 96 venues across the city and the wider region – with major focus on topics such as manufacturing and technology, education, the digital and creative sector and carbon reduction and renewables.

The festival opens on June 9 with a British Business Embassy, welcoming 200 civic leaders from major cities around the world, including Paris, Istanbul and Vancouver.

Organisers are investing £18m in the festival, which aims to generate £100m of business for UK plc over the medium-term as a result of deals done against the backdrop of the Mersey.

The festival aims to build on Liverpool’s success as 2008 Capital of Culture – but organisers are at pains to stress that the extravaganza is designed to showcase companies from across northern England – and demonstrate that the North can stage prestigious events just as well as London.

One Kirklees company has already booked its place. Birstall-based Fantastic Media has been shortlisted for the Northern Agency of the Year Award at the CIM Northern Marketing Awards, which are taking place as part of the festival.

The awards, hosted by the Chartered Institute of Marketing, recognise and reward the insight, creativity and success of the northern marketing indus-

■■ Andrew Hobson, of Birstall-based Fantastic Media and (top) the rum warehouse which is being turned into a 153-bed hotel in time for IFB 2014

try and aim to raise the profile of marketing in the region and champion professional marketing practices.

The category for which Fantastic Media has been nominated looks at the agency as a whole, taking into consideration its objectives, team, recent campaigns, achievements and details of challenges faced and how they were overcome.

Eight agencies, including Fantastic Media, Lancashire based agency Contrado Digital and Chester-Le-Street based agency, The Works, have been shortlisted after a high and competitive level of entries were submitted.

The CIM Northern Marketing Awards judges include David Teale, chief executive at North of England Excellence; Diane Earles, network manager at CIM; and Giovanna Battison, senior lecturer in marketing at Sheffield Business School at Sheffield Hallam University.

Andrew Hobson, managing director at Fantastic Media, said: “Industry awards recognise the consistency, reliability and quality of work delivered

and it is with great pride that Fantastic has been recognised amongst a number of prestigious Northern agencies by the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

“This marks our second shortlisting of the year following the Prolific North Awards, I am looking forward to considerable growth in 2014 and hopefully we’ll win a few awards on the way!”

IFB organisers said the summer of events aimed to rebalance the UK economy and close the wealth gap between north and south.

Festival director Ian McCarthy said: “It’s the Edinburgh Festival for business.

“It’s an opportunity for companies to meet other businesses in their field.

Lots of business will be done on the fringes and margins of the big events, too. This will show what cities outside London can do.”

Events such as the IFB and the Tour de France’s arrival in Yorkshire this summer was turning the spotlight on the north.

Said Mr McCarthy: “Northern cities working together can demonstrate their ability to deliver results.”

Venues nearing completion for the IFB include the 153-bed Titanic Hotel, which also features restaurants and conference and exhibition centre.

The £35m project sees the transformation of a former rum warehouse at Liverpool’s Stanley Dock.

Other sites include the IFB Hub, a striking city centre building with facilities for conferences, a “trade floor” for companies to do business with potential overseas customers and suppliers and a media centre.

Overall, the IFB will provide an estimated 1,000 business opportunities worth £1.7bn for businesses including retailers, manufacturers and construction companies.

To register for free membership of the IFB Business Club, go to www.ifb. com

MORE than half of small business owners in Yorkshire anticipate a rise in interest rates by Spring 2015 – with over half of those respondents saying any increase would have a negative impact on their cash flow.

The findings are drawn from the Close Brothers Business Barometer, a quarterly survey that aims to gauge SME sentiment on a number of financial issues that affect their business.

Lee Hayes, regional sales director for Close Brothers Invoice Finance in Yorkshire, said: “It’s clear that the possibility of increasing interest rates is something that is a concern for a large number of local SMEs. “The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently estimated that UK GDP will grow faster than any other Western state in 2014. However, there is a danger that increasing interest rates too quickly could hinder the UK’s economic recovery, which at the moment is growing at a slow but steady pace.”

Mr Hayes said: “Some businesses are sensitive to changes in the interest rate. It can have a serious effect on cash flow as it dictates how much a business can borrow and on what terms.

“An increase in interest rates will affect the amount of disposable income that consumers have and may prompt them to cut back on spending.

“In particular, industries where the goods or services purchased are often financed by debt, for example property, vehicles or holidays, may feel the impact more than other sectors as people seek to reign in their debt financed spending.”

The survey also revealed that 34% of SMEs in Yorkshire think that Labour’s proposed reintroduction of the 50% tax rate will have a negative effect on the economy. Over half of respondents fear that it will stifle entrepreneurship in the UK, while almost a fifth believe that it will drive keys skills and talent from the economy.

“We need to ensure we have the right conditions to allow businesses to grow and flourish,” said Mr Hayes. “It’s important that our top talent isn’t driven elsewhere due to unfavourable tax rates and rising interest rates.

“Entrepreneurship will be key to getting the economy back on track and ensuring our GDP continues to grow at the rate the IMF has predicted.”

Looking forward to Friday!

It’s all about making the right contacts.

And companies will be able to do just that when the Last Friday Club holds its get-together at 12.30pm to 1.30pm this Friday at Maggie’s, Foun-

tain Street in Halifax.

The free event, is backed by Ramsdens Solicitors, the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Barclays and the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

6

TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

property

‘Mixed bag’ for property chiefs The dust has well and truly settled from a budget that has been described by many in the home and building industry as a “mixed bag”.

The Help to Buy equity loan scheme has been extended and is expected to help at least 74,000 households buy a newbuild home by March, 2016.

But the scheme has been criticised in two ways with RICS believing the problem does not lie in helping first-time buyers onto the property ladder, but in creating new homes for them to

buy in the first place and secondly with house building mainly being undertaken by larger national firms.

Interestingly, the four biggest listed house building companies increased their market value by 81% since the start of last year.

To help smaller builders and support SME builder access to finance, the government has created a £500m Builders Finance Fund, to support the

INFORMED DEVELOPMENT Martin Thompson delivery of 15,000 housing units by smaller builders, by making finance more available.

The fund is designed to help restart and speed up housing developments between 15 and 250 units that have slowed

down or stalled and help bring forward stalled but viable sites.

Funding is being made available on the basis that it is recoverable and will be operated as an open competition.

Bidding for the fund was launched on May

14 and expressions of interest are to be submitted by noon on June 25, 2014, to the Homes and Communities Agency.

RICS chief economist Simon Rubinsohn has also highlighted the need for the Government to overhaul the stamp duty system to avoid potential house buyers having to meet a huge tax bill given wages have been well below inflation for some years and rents rising rapidly over the

past number of years.

However, the only significant change to stamp duty was the extension of the 15% SDLT charge on properties put into a corporate envelop, disappointing many who had lobbied for raising the £250,000 start point.

All indicators do show a notable increase in house building in recent months but with 280,000 new homes needed every year to 2013 and demand for care home places to double by 2026 there is some way to go.

‘Funding for small builders aims to deliver 15,000 units’ Martin Thompson is a partner in Commercial Property at Armitage Sykes in Huddersfield

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8

TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Recruitment team’s ‘temporary’ success

Simon Worrall

Orchard Group appointment Elland-based utilities management business the Orchard Group has appointed Simon Worrall as group financial director overseeing all three of its companies.

Mr Worrall, who is pictured (above left) with Orchard co-founders Gareth and Rachel Henderson, is a chartered accountant who gained audit and client management experience at PwC before taking on group finance director roles with companies including consumer goods group Shonn and international insurance broker Doodson.

Orchard Group managing director Gareth Henderson said the move marked a new direction for the organisation with the aim of uniting the growth plans of its energy brokerage Orchard Energy with those of its waste management consultancy Orchard Environmental and IT and telecoms company Orchard Networks.

“With an increasing number of our clients working with multiple Orchard businesses to control their utility costs, we recognised the need to appoint a high calibre FD to work in-house across all three of our

companies on a co-ordinated business strategy.

“Simon has spent over 20 years working with entrepreneurial, expanding businesses like ours and has a vast amount of experience in strategic business planning, which will be invaluable as we finalise and begin to implement a long-term vision for group-wide national growth.”

Mr Henderson founded Orchard Energy 10 years ago, going on to launch an environmental services consultancy and business-to-business IT support and telecommunications under the Orchard banner.

Mr Worrall takes over the finance role from Orchard co-founder Rachel Henderson, who has held the position for 10 years.

“Rachel will continue to be a director in the business working alongside me, Simon and the rest of the senior management team to develop and implement our 2020 vision and strategy plans,” said Mr Henderson. “The 2020 vision will see us expanding to launch more regional offices across the country, taking our rapid and proactive management into all corners of the UK and Ireland.”

Tour competition launched A Holme Valley accountancy firm is entering the spirit of “Le Tour”.

As Yorkshire prepares for the arrival of the Tour de France this summer, Holmfirth-based Balance Accountants has launched a competition to win a weekend for two in Paris.

Managing director Ashley Barrowclough said: “Le Tour goes right past our offices and the interest and excitement is building rapidly in Holmfirth – so we thought that Balance should start to get involved and what better way to start than with

movers and shakers

something that links Holmfirth to France.

“The competition is just the first of a number of French-related initiatives that we are going to roll out in the run up to the race.”

The competition is free and requires participants to guess the time that the first rider hits the top of Holme Moss checkpoint. The time needs to be entered on a business card and pinned to Balance’s Tour de France competition board, which is travelling around Yorkshire at various business exhibitions.

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

International recruitment consultancy Transline Group has scooped one of the most hotly-contested awards in the sector.

The Brighouse-based business was named Best Temporary Recruitment Agency at the Recruiter Awards for Excellence 2014 after a panel of independent judges decided that the company had “really struck a chord with their entry”.

Transline Group was commended for adding outstanding value to its business partnerships and relationships above and beyond their solid professional service. The firm’s commitment to innovation and its own strong business performance also meant it stood head and shoulders above the competition.

The glittering award ceremony was held at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London and was attended by more than 1,200 people.

Paul Beasley, joint managing director at Transline Group, said: “This is a huge moment for the company and one we’re celebrating with our team, clients and everyone that’s played a part in getting us to where we are today.”

■■ The Transline Group team celebrate their success at the Recruiter Awards for Excellence

Transline Group is going from strength-tostrength this year, posting record financial results, making key appointments and winning significant new accounts.

Jon Taylor, joint managing director, added:

“The entire team is delighted with the award win and it is a real landmark achievement for Transline.

“To be recognised by our peers in this way is just fantastic.”

Agency shows Faith in new account manager A Birstall-based PR company has appointed a new account manager.

Alex Mason (pictured) joins Faith PR to work on both PR and social media for a variety of clients across both B2B and B2C sectors.

Mr Mason began his career working as a brand manager for high street retailer Topshop/Topman before joining Mirfield-based healthcare IT

solutions provider Intouch with Health as a PR and marketing executive, where he developed the company’s marketing plan and PR presence.

Most recently, he worked at Huddersfield-based Mamas & Papas in the role of online marketplace executive looking after the company’s third-party seller accounts before joining Faith PR.

Faith PR founder and director Stefanie Hopkins said: “We are thrilled to have Alex join our expanding team and believe his experience, skills and enthusiasm will add significant value for our clients.

“He has come on board at an incredibly exciting time following a series of account wins. I’m confident that he will be a valuable asset .”

Town’s business breakfast initiative Huddersfield Town has teamed up with club partner Louise Woollard Financial to create a new series of business breakfasts.

Titled ‘A Business Breakfast with HTAFC’, Town and Louise Woollard have joined forces to create engaging, quarterly business breakfast meetings that are open to all businesses to attend across the West Yorkshire area and beyond.

The first event, which is free to attend, will take place on June 16 at Town’s PPG Canalside complex at Leeds Road. The briefing will address the 2014 Budget and how it could affect the market and investments.

As well as the chance to network, attendees will receive a complimentary seasonal break-

fast from PPG Canalside’s recently refurbished kitchen.

Town commercial director Sean Jarvis said: “The club has come together with Louise Woollard Financial to create this new series of quarterly seasonal business breakfasts and we’re really looking forward to getting under way with our first event.

“Louise and her team share our commitment to the local business community – that’s one of the major factors behind our partnership. As a result, we’ve created this new series of events to try and get like-minded businesses working together and sharing best practise.

“The 2014 Budget sprung a number of surprises in relation to ISA allowances and the reform of

■■ Sean Jarvis and Louise Woollard are issuing a breakfast invitation

pensions. This breakfast meeting their retirement, navigating the would be invaluable to anyone investment markets and saving who is interested in planning for income tax.”