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JEREMY GARSIDE Making a case for business
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JO CLARKSON Boardroom benefits Full stor y page 5
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Website quenches thirst for real ale SMALL breweries across Kirklees are getting a helping hand online. At a time when many pubs face closure, two former Honley High School pupils have launched an internet venture selling real ale on behalf of Britain’s micro-breweries. Edward Turner and Richard Burhouse have set up mybrewerytap.com to bring together a vast array of real ale products from many of the UK's micro-breweries – and provide them with a platform to showcase their lovingly crafted liquid offerings. “Living in Huddersfield, its difficult to avoid great beer,” said Richard. “Huddersfield has a thriving real ale scene – possibly unsurpassed in the UK – with at least five pubs in the town centre offering up to 10 guest ales at anyone time. “The wider West Yorkshire can also boast the largest number of breweries in the nation – 34 at the last count.” Said Richard: “The UK is to real ale what France is to wine – it’s our national product. At a time when the brewing industry is in decline and affecting so many lives in a negative manner, we should be shouting from
the rooftops about the UK's products and championing the passionate and highly dedicated brewers who not only contribute to the economy, but greatly enrich the nation’s cultural and regional diversity.” With the website, micro-breweries get the opportunity to showcase their locally-produced ales to a wider audience At the same time, the consumer is presented with a plethora of diverse, unique and interesting real ales which they may never have heard of nor had the opportunity to sample. “Our research has shown that real ale is one sector of a struggling market wh i c h i s s h ow i n g c o n t i nu e d year-on-year growth,” said Edward. “It’s a sector which is also becoming increasingly popular with a newer, younger market, frustrated by the lack of choice among beers on offer in the usual outlets.” The duo, who have teamed up with more than 40 UK micro-breweries – and has already had enquiries from ex-pat communities in Scandinavia, France, Spain and even the Bahamas. Another innovative idea from the
last year. Failures among wholesale and distribution businesses rose by 34% followed by the financial sector at 17%. Dan Butters, Deloitte’s reorganisation services partner in West Yorkshire, said: “The fact that there has been an increase in manufacturing
Transport targets KIRKLEES is bidding for a big share of government money to improve trans-Pennine road and rail links. Clr Peter McBride outlined the council’s aims to tackle congestion and upgrade transport links at a meeting of the Huddersfield Region Commercial Property Forum hosted by law firm Baxter Caulfield
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■ BREW TECHNOLOGY: Richard Burhouse (centre) and Edward Turner (left), of mybrewerytap.com, with husband and wife Russ and Lorraine Beverley, of Empire Brewing in Slaithwaite, which features on the website
two friends is the 52 Week Beer Club – hand-picked real ales from around the a real ale subscription-based service country straight to the door of the that delivers a seasonal selection of 52 consumer.
Manufacturing bears brunt of administrations BUSINESS failures among manufacturing firms rose by 33% in the first nine months of this year, according to analysis by business advisory firm Deloitte. Administrations in manufacturing rose by 35% in the third quarter alone compared with the same three months
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administrations year-on-year is not surprising given the economic climate. “However, the rate at which they have increased illustrates the fact that the sector is really suffering at the moment.” He said: “Particularly badly
affected sectors include metals and plastics manufacturers, tooling businesses and automotive parts suppliers. “These industries have been under pressure for years, but the recession and the resulting drop in demand and output has escalated the situation.”
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Nursery times A MIDWIFE whose work covers an army base has been named Midwife of the Year 2009 by nursery products company Mamas & Papas. She received her award at a star-studded presentation.
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Bank ‘may split’ to speed repayments BRADFORD & Bingley is to divide its £50bn balance sheet into good and bad assets in an effort to speed up the repayment of a £18.4bn loan, it was reported. Echoing steps currently being taken by Northern Rock, the part-nationalised bank is looking to identify the attractive assets that it can sell to private buyers. The bank was closed to new business last September and its mortgage book nationalised with an £18.4bn loan from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. The Government paid the FSCS fee, but the financial services industry must cover the sum over time. It is claimed that B&B is looking to split off mortgages that are performing
well or are low risk because they have a low loan-to-value ratio, which would be attractive to a buyer. B&B recently announced its intention to turn itself into a mortgage services firm, in which it would manage mortgages for other banks. There are no plans for it to start lending again. At the time of last month’s announcement, managing director Richard Banks, who is in charge of winding down the business, said that if the firm becomes a top mortgage services firm, a third party could buy its £40bn loan book and B&B could run the mortgages. B&B has axed hundreds of posts in the past year, but Mr Banks said the new strategy could safeguard jobs.
The group’s savings business was sold to Abbey and Alliance & Leicester owner Santander a year ago. The Treasury also plans to split Northern Rock into a good and bad bank so that the good part could be sold to a private buyer. Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Money, Tesco and private equity houses are likely to be interested. The plan for Northern Rock is expected to receive the green light from the European Commission this week. However, European competition commissioner Neelie Kroes could impose restrictions on Northern Rock’s ability to write new savings and loan business because of the state aid it has received.
Electrolux powers profits
BRITISH Airways and two other airlines could be forced to give up valuable take-off and landing slots if they want their transatlantic tie-up to go ahead, it was reported. The European Commission argues that the agreement between BA, American Airlines and Spain’s Iberia signed last year is “likely to result in appreciable competitive harm” on seven Europe-US routes. The routes in focus include lucrative London-New York services, where authorities fear the planned alliance would give BA and AA enough power to raise first and business-class fares. The EC is also worries about ser-
APPLIANCE maker Electrolux reported a 93% rise in third-quarter profits after cost cuts and increased prices helped it offset weak market demand. The maker of refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, vacuum cleaners and cookers said net profits totalled £144.6m as revenue rose by 5% to £2.49bn, boosted by higher prices and favourable currency exchange rates. In comparable currencies, revenue fell by 3%. The company axed 3,000 jobs at the end of last year, including more than 500 posts through the closure of a cooker factory in Spennymoor,
SHARE PRICES Drax Grp 4733/8 +11/2 Intl Power 2571/8 -21/4 Scottish & Sthrn 1077 +3 Energy ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Chloride 1613/4 -3/4 Invensys 302 -37/8 Laird 210 +1/2 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3143/4 -41/4 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 1343/4 -1/2 C&W 1455/8 +45/8 Colt Telecom 1225/8 -13/8 KCOM 43 -11/4 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2701/2 -11/2 Sainsbury 3341/8 -43/4 Tesco 388 -13/4 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 844 -6 Cadbury 7761/2 -91/2 Nth Foods 631/2 -3/8 Tate Lyle 4551/8 -7/8 Unilever 1830 -36 Uniq 413/4 -3/4 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 2403/4 -1/2 National Grid 589 +11/2 Pennon Grp 4561/2 Severn 966 +8 United Utils 440 +3/4 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 2875/8 -83/4 1
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THE UK’s largest pawnbroker said it was trading well ahead of market expectations as it reaps the rewards from its gold buying initiative. H&T Group said the business had benefited considerably from higher gold purchasing volumes from its 56 shopping centre-based ’Gold Bars’. But the firm, which said its core pawnbroking and retail business was performing in line with expectations, cautioned that the current volume of gold purchasing “may not be sustainable”. It said uncertainty over the sustainability of gold purchasing volumes and margins meant that it did not plan to alter its expectations for 2010.
County Durham. It also announced plans last week to close a plant in Spain, costing 450 jobs, as the company looks to shift production to lower-cost countries. Electrolux has a total workforce of more than 50,000 people, with just under 500 staff in the UK. Chief executive Hans Straberg said Electrolux raised prices on its products despite a competitive market. But he warned: “Even though we see things stabilising in North America, the European market has not yet hit bottom.”
PRIVATE label household goods supplier McBride said it has performed ahead of expectations after recession-hit consumers opted for retailers’ own brand products. The firm, which makes products such as laundry liquids, mouthwash and toothpaste for supermarkets, said revenues rose by 7% on last year during the period from July 1 to October 25. Chief executive Miles Roberts said the firm had built on a good start to the financial year.
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NORTH AMERICAN American Express £21.55 +0.39 Gannett 754.97 -53.84 Hess Corp £35.48 -0.59 Microsoft 1752.83 +38.54 Motors Liquidation 45.89 Wal-Mart Stores £30.68 -0.18 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE 7 BAE Systems 318 /8 +15/8 Rolls-Royce Gp 4671/4 -67/8 Smiths Grp 9181/2 -7 VT Group 546 -6 AIM Brady Plc 721/2 Dawson Intl 21/2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 1161/4 -25/8 BANKS Barclays 3525/8 -87/8 HSBC 686 -125/8 Lloyds Banking Gp 893/8 -67/8 Ryl Scotland 443/8 -25/8 Stan Chart 1590 -15 BEVERAGES Diageo 956 -61/2 SABMiller 1631 -16 CHEMICALS Croda 7171/2 -14 Delta 1723/4 Elementis 98 62 -11/2 Johnsn Mat 1473 -19 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS 5 Balfour Beatty 280 /8 -65/8 Costain 281/2 +1/4
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■ SPLITTING IMAGE: Bradford and Bingley may divide its “good” and “bad” assets
Airlines under fire over alliance vices between London and Dallas, Boston and Chicago, as well as Madrid to Miami and Chicago. The planned tie-up between BA, AA and Iberia deepens the trio’s OneWorld alliance by permitting co-ordinated flight schedules, co-operation on fares and marketing and shared revenues. The airlines claim that the financial benefits of the new agreement would lead to lower fares, improved scheduling and new transatlantic services. Opponents argue that the proposed tie-up would create a monopoly at Heathrow.
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London StockExch 8791/2 -1/2 Man Group 3461/4 -43/4 Provident Financial 945 -6 Schroders 1185 -2 Schroders NV 972 -21/2 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Avon Rbbr 821/2 Cooksn Grp 4021/4 -71/4 REXAM 2761/4 -33/4 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 171/4 DSG International 33 -1/4 Home Retail 2985/8 -7 Inchcape 325/8 -5/8 Kingfisher 2303/4 -55/8 M&S 3451/8 -21/4 Mothercare 5821/2 -2 Next 1835 -35 WH Smith 4991/4 -11/4 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 5351/2 -5 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 120 +1/2 Barrat Dev 1443/4 -63/8 Persimmon 4253/8 -173/4 Reckitt Benckiser £307/8 +1/8 3 Taylor Wimpey 40 /4 -1 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 6591/2 -211/2 IMI 4577/8 -5 Man Brnze 157 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 156 -41/8 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION 1
Forth Ports
1145 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 4215/8 Friends Provident 783/4 Lgl & Gen 833/8 Old Mutual 110 Prudential 6131/2 Standard Life 2267/8 MEDIA BSkyB 540 Chrysalis 1021/4 D Mail Tst 4151/2 ITV 451/8 Johnston Press 31 Pearson 840 Reed Elsevier 4573/4 STV Group 80 Trinity Mirror 1721/4 Utd Business 478 UTV 114 WPP 553 Yell Group 52 MINING Anglo American £231/4 Antofagasta 8451/2 BHP Billiton 1805 Eurasian Natural 923 Res Fresnillo 826 Kazakhmys 1262 Lonmin 1675 Rio Tinto £293/4 VEDANTA £233/8 RESOURCES Xstrata 9941/2 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES 1
+5 -95/8 -11/8 -11/2 -23/4 -20 -33/8 -13 1
-18 /8 -23/8 -23/4 -8 -41/4 -1/4 -53/4 -93/8 -1/2 -3 -6 -1/2 -121/2 -27 -211/2 +14 -32 -36 -1/4 -1/4 -171/2
Local shares Carclo Chapelthorpe Instore Marshalls National Grid Rensburg Sheppards Weir Gp
991/2 123/4 6 1093/4 589 680
-51/2 +11/2 +21/2
716
-21
FTSE closed at
5191.7 Down 50.8 Vodafone Group 1363/8 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1078 RSA Insurance Gp 1291/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 11231/2 BP 5671/8 Cairn Energy £281/2 Norsk Hdro 4455/8 Royal Dutch Shell A 19001/2 Royal Dutch Shell B 1852 Total £381/8 Tullow Oil 1271 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
-11/8 -9 -3/4 -151/2 +21/8 -3/4 -117/8 -31/2 -1/2 -3/8 +10
Wood Group 3407/8 -91/8 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry 540 -9 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY 3 Astrazeneca £27 /4 +1/8 Axis-Shield 4271/2 -131/2 GlaxoSmithK 61/2 Shire 1035 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 4803/4 -11/4 DTZ Hldgs 821/2 -43/4 Hamrsn 428 +53/8 1 Land Secs 671 /2 +21/2 SEGRO 3717/8 -31/2 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Autonomy Corp 1410 -34 Dimension Data 701/2 -21/2 Logica 125 -3 Misys 2193/4 -11/8 Sage Group 2261/4 -31/4 SUPPORT SERVICES AMEC 840 -24 Bunzl 6611/2 +10 Capita 7721/2 -9 Davis Service 4217/8 +27/8 Group De La Rue 9011/2 +51/2 Electrocomp 150 -37/8 Experian 566 -8 1 G4S 245 /4 -31/8 Hays 1041/8 +11/8 Homeserve 1705 -8 Menzies J 350 -10 3 Rentokil 112 /8 -23/8 Smiths News 123 +3/4
IT HARDWARE 1491/4 1191/4 91
ARM Hldgs Psion Spirent Comms
TOURIST RATES
-13/4 +1/4 -17/8
TOBACCO Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
19791/2 1812
+41/2 -5
LEISURE & HOTELS Arriva Brit Airways Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Greene King Intercontl Htls Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express PartyGaming Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread FTSE 100
4473/4 1993/4 1994 3921/4 3733/4 1331/4 3925/8 1400 414 8021/2 134 2401/4 389 2421/4 851/2 157 2411/2 1269
INDEX 5191.74 INDEX
-61/4 -101/8 -88 -13/4 -41/4 -51/8 -10 -17 -53/4 -9 -33/8 -11/2 -10 -3/4 -3/4 -11/8 -27/8 -22 -50.83
Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.67 dollars Bangladesh................. 105.95 taka Brazil.............................. 2.50 reals Canada....................... 1.63 dollars China ............................. 9.93 yuan Czech Republic ...... 25.79 korunas Denmark....................... 7.67 krone Euro............................... 1.03 euro Hong Kong................ 11.97 dollars Hungary................... 258.37 forints India.......................... 66.80 rupees Japan........................... 142.37 yen Mexico ....................... 18.97 pesos New Zealand .............. 2.01 dollars Norway ......................... 8.60 krone Pakistan.................. 127.78 rupees Philippines ................. 65.48 pesos South Africa.................. 11.36 rand South Korea.............. 1665.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 176.37 rupees Sweden....................... 10.52 krona Switzerland.................. 1.56 francs Taiwan ...................... 46.06 dollars Turkey....................... 2.30 new lira USA ............................ 1.55 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS JEREMY Garside is a man with a plan. As managing partner at law firm Chadwick Lawrence, he is responsible for charting a course for a growing company with 90 fee earners, 190 staff and offices across West Yorkshire. And although he trained and practised as a lawyer for many years, he has found his niche in management as well as spearheading initiatives to raise the profile of a firm which is still a “comer-in” to Huddersfield. Jeremy gained a degree at Keele University and studied at Chester Law College before undertaking two years of training at law firm Ware & Co in York. He joined Chadwick Son & Nicholson in Dewsbury before its merger with Lawrence Son and Thorp to form Chadwick Lawrence in 1987. “I had settled on law from a very early age,” he says. “It came from watching television courtroom dramas and programmes like The Main Chance, which presented law as a very exciting career.” He recalls: “In the 1980s, almost everyone was a general practice. I would do everything – criminal law, family law, conveyancing, litigation and personal injury. “But as practices got bigger and bigger, they needed to offer the services clients came to expect, which meant an increase in specialists.” Jeremy became a partner in the firm in 1988 and was quickly involved in the development of the practice – running the Ossett branch and opening the Halifax and Huddersfield branches. “Managing partners were unheard of in the smaller regional practices in 1985, but I gradually took on more responsibility for the practice. “At that point, I reined back on legal work – and stopped doing it completely about four years ago. The management side of things is better suited to my skills and mindset.” Jeremy studied economics as part of his degree, but to strengthen his management skills further is undertaking an MBA at Bradford School of Management, which he believes will hold him in good stead for the future. He also devotes lots of time to building stronger links between Chadwick Lawrence and organisations in Huddersfield, where the firm opened its Railway Street offices in 1998. “I remember a former partner at Chadwick Son & Nicholson saying the firm had tried to open a branch in Huddersfield in 1904 and it had never
profile
Jeremy Garside
Man with the plan “We saw that Huddersfield was a big centre – a market capable of producing work flows for us. Huddersfield has a level of independence from Leeds and Manchester which other towns and cities in West Yorkshire don’t have. “The professional services in Huddersfield has strengthened over the past few years because it is more independent from Leeds and Manchester when compared with other similar sized towns in the region. “Back in the late 1980s and into the 1990s there was a tendency for clients to go to Leeds because firms in the city had a level of specialist that Huddersfield lacked. Now, there’s no reason to do that because they can get that level of advice in the town.” Jeremy says: “We are established in Huddersfield now, but we are still comers-in. There are lot of long-established professional services firms and we are one of the newer entrants. We had to create a profile in the town to drive the business forward. And we have achieved significant growth.” Chadwick Lawrence has contributed to the town – working with Huddersfield University as Partners in Law, with Huddersfield Town and sponsoring the Examiner Business Awards. Jeremy has also made a major contribution at a personal level. He joined Huddersfield Choral Society 22 years ago and has served on its
singing member and a first “But directing tenor in the choir, he was resources to community general secretary for seven projects helps people in years until recently standing business become more rounded individuals and down and has been helps them in terms of involved in many of the their progression and society’s recent trips development.” abroad – including ones to Jeremy also believes sing at world-famous that better times are venues in Japan, Portugal, coming for the France, Belgium and the recession-hit companies Czech Republic as well as across Huddersfield. places like the Royal Albert “It got very annoying Hall and the Festival Hall in when we were going into London. recession because “I joined the society as a people were constantly singer,” he says. “My family talking everything are all musical and I down,” he says. “What is decided I would audition. annoying now is that The commitment for an people have picked up ordinary singer is on this ‘double-dip’ significant. It can average jargon and are starting two nights a week during to talk things down the concert season and again. sometimes three nights “We are not out of when the concert schedule recession yet, but there is particularly heavy. are signs that the “At Christmas, we will property market is sing six nights in eight days picking up and funds are with Messiah and our being released again. Christmas concert But we also have to start programme. being positive and talk “It is a quality things up. organisation. It is very “You have to have a difficult in life to say you have been part of something that is the best, so it is good to be part of something that has an international reputation.” Jeremy urges more companies to get involved in their local communities – although he recognises the difficulties. “Society has changed and people seem less likely to be committed to organisations than they would have been 30 years ago,” he says. “There are greater pressures on business and people are working harder than they were 25 years ago. There is ■ POSITIVE: Jeremy Garside says talking up less time to devote to business is important
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Role: Managing partner Age: 48 Family: Married with two sons Holidays: New York, France, South Africa Car: Audi A4 First job: Supermarket shelf stacker Best thing about job: Variety and flexibility Worst thing about job: Pointless emails Business tip: Always have a plan – and stick to it
Chadwick Lawrence plan and stick to it. People should be planning to move out of recession, to re-establish a platform for growth.”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Work: Solicitors Employs: 190 Sites: Huddersfield, Halifax, Wakefield, Morley, Pudsey Phone: 01484 519999 Email: jeremygarside@chadlaw.co.uk
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KIRKLEES BUSIN
‘Banks must back viable businesses’
A MINISTER is urging banks to increase their level of support for viable manufacturers after a briefing with business bosses in Huddersfield. Rosie Winterton, regional minister for Yorkshire, and Kirklees Council leader Clr Mehboob Khan met directors of 13 manufacturing firms along with representatives of several banks to look at improving access to finance for businesses. Major manufacturers including Cummins Turbo Technologies, David Brown Gear Systems, Birkby Plastics and VTL Group were represented at the meeting along with Barclays, HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland and Yorkshire Bank. Ms Winterton said: “I was pleased to take part in this constructive discussion on how we can improve bank support for manufacturers. “This issue has been one of my priorities for some time. I will continue to press the case for banks to support viable business proposals in Yorkshire and Humber.” The meeting at the Galpharm Stadium was also attended by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and the Manufacturing Advisory Service. Council officers outlined initiatives offered by the local authority, including its Prompt Payment Code, Meet the Buyer events to encourage more local firms to bid for council contracts and its Huddersfield Loan Fund providing low-interest loans for job creation. Clr Khan said the meeting was an opportunity to get a number of the area’s largest firms around
Better business BUSINESS failures fell by 7.8% in Yorkshire during the third quarter of the year compared with the previous three months, a survey has revealed. Business information provider Equifax also showed a 13.5% fall in quarter-on-quarter failures UK-wide.
■ TEAM WORK: Rosie Winterton (seated, centre) minister for Yorkshire, with representatives of manufacturing firms, banks, business support bodies and Kirklees Council attending the meeting at the Galpharm Stadium
the table to share ideas, set common goals and forge new relationships. He said: “The manufacturing industry is extremely important to Kirklees – some of the businesses represented have been based in the district for over 100 years – so it’s vital that they remain sustainable. “The council is committed to supporting busi-
nesses through the recession. “As a result of our first meeting, we set up the rate relief scheme to offer eligible businesses reduced business rates for a set period of time. “This latest session was about encouraging businesses to form relationships with the major banks as well as cementing the council’s own relationship with local businesses.”
Latest Town signings TOWN stars stepped out to help a Huddersfield company mark the expansion of its operations. Former striker Andy Booth was joined by current squad members Andy Butler and Michael Collins at the opening of a new-look showroom for Lockwood-based Spectacular Driveways UK Ltd. The footballers also signed a shirt for managing director John Quinn, who plans to raffle it to raise cash for the West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust . Spectacular Driveways UK Ltd provides patterned imprinted concrete products for domestic driveways. The company, founded by Mr Quinn, has refurbished its Albert Street premises to include a distribution centre, showroom and training school for potential franchisees and independent contractors. A series of open days has also been held for customers and
Google clicks at exhibition
VISITORS to a Yorkshire business exhibition will learn how to make the most of their companies’ web-based presence in a series of free seminars from online specialists at Google. The Business Yorkshire exhibition, which takes place at Doncaster Racecourse on November 25 and 26, will feature the demonstrations in the Google University Theatre. Experts from Google will reveal how businesses can better understand visitors to their websites and improve their online communications to suit. They will also learn about search engine optimisation and how to drive more traffic to their websites. Scott Hider, managing director of Nationwide Media Group, which organises the annual Business Yorkshire show, said: “The internet represents one of the most cost-effective ways to attract new customers and service existing customers. “The SMEs that will prosper through these challenging times are those that understand the value of both off-line and online marketing. “The seminars in the Google University Theatre will give business owners the knowledge they need to take advantage of online opportunities.” The Google University Theatre and seminars complements a busy programme at Business Yorkshire which includes keynote speakers, speed networking sessions and seminars on issues such as sustainability and funding.
Big freeze pleases Suma A FOOD supplier in Elland is taking things extra cool. After 30 years selling wholefoods around the world, Suma – based at Lowfields Business Park – has added hundreds of frozen products to its portfolio, including ranges from Linda McCartney, Quorn and Green and Blacks ice cream. Spokesman Andrew Mackintosh said: “Many of our customers use Suma as their main supplier of whole foods but had to find other suppliers to fulfil their frozen food requirements. “It is a natural extension of our current chilled range, and as a growing sector it makes sense for us to allow our customers to buy their frozen food from us.”
■ SIGN HERE: Huddersfield Town footballer Andy Butler (front) adds his signature to the shirt for auction with Spectacular Driveways managing director John Quinn (right) and Town’s Andy Booth (left) and Michael Collins
businesses to see the products in action. The company also staged a franchise open day – with the opportunity for potential franchisees to meet Mr Quinn, staff and the firm’s marketing team. Visitors also had the chance to meet the company’s first franchisee, Steve Dunning, ask ques-
tions about the product and tour the Albert Street premises. Mr Quinn is a former builder and lecturer in construction. He is a member of the Concrete Society. The company is an accredited member of the Chartered Institute of Building.
Yorkshire top for confidence FIRMS in Yorkshire are the most confident in the UK about their prospects for the next six months. A poll by Santander Corporate Banking shows that 86% of firms in the region expect business to pick up between now and early 2010. It said turnover was the factor most responsible for improving confidence among northern firms.
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Safety first for Thorite THE UK’s biggest supplier of compressed air products and process systems has gained accreditation recognising exceptional standards of health and safety practice in industry. Thorite, which has premises at Barge Street, off St Thomas’ Road, Huddersfield, has received renewed accreditation from the SAFEcontractor programme. To gain SAFEcontractor status, Thorite was subject to an in-depth vetting process, which examined all aspects of health and safety procedures, along with the company’s past record of safe working practice. Thorite first attained the standard in 2007. Managing director Stephen Wright said: “Thorite is particularly pleased to be able to demonstrate that it has maintained the highest health and safety standards,
enabling the company to continue to be included on the www.safecontractor.com website. “Employer organisations signing up to the scheme can access the database, enabling them to vet potential contractors before they set foot on their premises. “These employers agree that they will only deal with those who have received SAFEcontractor accreditation. Said Mr Wright: “It is crucial for companies installing mechanical products and systems in industry to operate within stringent levels of health and safety procedures, for the benefit of their own staff, those employed by their clients and the public at large. “I’m extremely proud that our standards of safe working have been demonstrated to be of the highest order.”
Gaining an Absolute advantage
■ RIGHT WAY : Thorite, which has a depot in Huddersfield, has retained its SAFEcontractor status
Taking all issues on board BUSINESS owners in Kirklees gathered around the boardroom table to discuss issues affecting their operations. Huddersfield accountancy firm Revell Ward hosted a taster session for The Alternative Board, a Harrogate-based peer support and business coaching organisation which brings together business owners to share experiences and seek solutions to problems. About a dozen delegates from West Yorkshire firms attended the event at Revell Ward’s Market Street offices to consider issues including how to deal with procurement people in large organisations and how to get managers in a company to work together as a team. Jo Clarkson, of TAB, said it was hoped to invite other companies to a second taster session before officially launching a TAB for the Kirklees area. “We already have two TABs covering Harrogate and Ilkley and Leeds and Doncaster,” she said. “We also have someone interested in starting one in Manchester and another for York.”
■ TABLE PLAN: Jo Clarkson (front) of The Alternative Board with (from left) attendees Gill Alden, Gerald Hey, Douglas Adamson and Joanne Whitehead
Jo said Revell Ward had agreed to host the event after one of their managers came across TAB and suggested it might be helpful for some of the firm’s clients. Each TAB board comprises similar-sized, non-competing businesses who meet monthly to share experiences and get unbiased advice. TAB managing director Paul Dickinson said: “We combine hard-won practical
experience from like-minded board members with individual coaching and sophisticated online business analysis tools. “Owner-managers can benefit from meeting with their peers to air their concerns and receive unbiased counselling on the challenging business issues they face – the sort of advice they are unlikely to find anywhere else and certainly not from their own organisations!”
Firms urged to prepare for the upturn KIRKLEES firms must start preparing for the upturn now if they are to seize the opportunities presented by improving economic conditions, a banker has warned. Phil Hawker, area director for Lloyds TSB Commercial in Yorkshire, said: “Recession has weighed heavily on UK businesses and it
is easy to see why talk of a recovery might bring welcome relief. But in the same way that we have encouraged firms to take action to survive the downturn, they will also need to prepare for the return to growth. “The shape and scale of any recovery is still uncertain, but one thing is clear – those
businesses already looking towards the upturn and planning how to make the most of it are the ones that will thrive.” Mr Hawker delivered the message at seminars run with Business Link and local professional firms for for 300 regional business delegates.
A HAULAGE firm has been given £220,000 in start-up finance to get its business moving. Birstall-based Absolute Invoice Finance is providing a boost to S A Transport Ltd, which was formed by entrpereneur Sue Rowland only in July, but is already employing 15 people at its base in Grantham, Lincolnshire. S A Transport is defying the odds for new business start-ups and is on track to exceed its turnover target of £1.5m by the end of its first financial year after landing a string of contracts with clients including The Quality Furniture Company. Calvin Dexter, regional sales director at Absolute Invoice Finance in Yorkshire, said: “The haulage industry has been hit hard during the recession as the demand for consumer goods has fallen. “But the industry will be vital to our economy as the recession ends and there are huge growth opportunities for companies with strong business models. “S A Transport is one of those businesses – and we are delighted to be working with Sue and her team as they steer the company through the early stages of its growth.” The deal is a landmark of sorts of Absolute Invoice Finance. The company was known as Cattles Invoice Finance before being bought from parent Cattles plc by financial services specialist private equity house AnaCap Financial Partners last month. Funding for the company is provided by Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance., one of the foremost funders in the sector. Absolute has six regional offices across the UK covering Scotland, Yorkshire, the north-west, Midlands, south-west and south-east.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Page 6
Office market more confident CONFIDENCE in sales and lettings of office space is increasing in Yorkshire, according to a new report. Figures from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors showed that 33% of the region’s surveyors were reporting a rise in activity against minus 6% in July. The retail property market in the region also appears to be showing steady signs of recovery, with 10% of surveyors reporting an increase in lettings compared with minus 6% in July. Some 22% of surveyors also reported an increase in enquiries for retail space this quarter – up from a figure of minus 6% last time. The survey also showed that chartered surveyors in Yorkshire are confident that sales and lettings of office space will increase in the next quarter. It said that current occupier demand is not demonstrating the same confidence as the retail property market – although enquiries are still consistent.
■ NOTABLE: Jeff Pearey
Despite a slowdown in demand for industrial property, 44% of chartered surveyors said they were confident that sales and lettings of space would increase in the next quarter – with 72% reporting more available floor space and a steady number of enquiries. Jeff Pearey, RICS Yorkshire spokesman, said: “The
INDUSTRIAL
LAND tO LEt
Single Storey Industrial/ Workshop Unit
unit 5 Branxholme Industrial Estate, Brighouse
FOR SALE
– NEw INStRuctION
Substantial Former Mill Premises woodland Mill, Dale Street, Huddersfield
1 3,717m2 (40,000 sq ft) 1 Secure yard/car parking provision 1 on a site area of 0.23 Ha (0.56 Acres) Price: On application
FOR SALE
– NEw INStRuctION
Modern Workshop & Offices
Martin Street, Brighouse 1 Modern Workshop & offices 1 548.21m2 (5,901 sq ft) 1 close proximity to J25 M62 Price: On application
latest research certainly reinforces the general improvement in underlying business confidence that we are starting to see. “Over the summer months, we received a notable increase in enquiry levels from occupiers, most notably in the office sector. While these have yet to translate into transactions, I think it is indicative of a small but perceptible improvement in market sentiment. “The fact that Yorkshire and Humberside currently boasts a healthy supply of commercial property means that occupiers now have a window of opportunity to choose from a wide range of potential buildings and units. “However, we are advising occupier clients not to leave their decision making too late as the supply could soon dwindle given the lack of new product coming to the market and this could result in a supply shortage in certain locations.”
1 90m2 (969 sq ft) 1 established industrial estate 1 Benefits from Scf and fSL throughout 1 Drive-in access by way of a steel roller shutter door Rental: £6,500 pax
FOR SALE
tO LEt
Brighouse
Bradley Business Park, Huddersfield
Land at Bramston Street 1 Residential development site 1 0.17 Ha (0.42 Acres) 1 full planning permission available Offers Invited
1 63.98m2 (687 sq ft) 1 Return frontage overlooking Park Street and West Park Street 1 open plan retail space with additional stores 1 w/c and Kitchenette facilities Rental: £8,250 pax (Incentives available)
1 Modern B1 office suites 1 1,000 sq ft to 2,637 sq ft 1 considerable car parking provision 1 competitive rentals Further Details: On Application
Pennine Business Park
Bradley, Huddersfield
1 High Specification offices 1 372 & 557m2 (4,000 & 6,000 sq ft) 1 ease of access to J25 M62 Rental/Price: On Application Joint Agents: Eddisons
tO LEt
44 Park Street, Brighouse
Pennine House
tO LEt/FOR SALE
ReTAIL Town Centre Retail Unit
offIce
tO LEt
MISc
Land at Leeds Road tO LEt Huddersfield Substantial Town 1 Prominent Leeds Road Centre Leisure Unit frontage 1 close to Mercedes/Audi dealerships 1 0.27 Ha (0.68 Acres) (may divide) 1 Potential for alternative uses Rental: On application Joint Agents: Hanson chartered Surveyors
9 Brook Street, Huddersfield
1 336.85m2 (3,626 sq ft) 1 Prominent town centre position 1 open plan floors 1 Suitable for a variety of uses subject to P.P Further details: On Application
■ POWER PLANT: Construction spending is the best way to boost GDP, a survey reveals
Building benefits SPENDING on construction significantly benefits the UK economy, according to independent research. A report by international strategy consultancy LEK Consulting showed that construction was the best sector for stimulating employment. The report, commissioned by building industry body the UK Contractors Group, said that for every £1 spent on construction leads to an increase in GDP of £2.84. In some areas, such as building schools, the economic benefits of construction are even more pronounced. LEK Consulting estimates that every £1 spent in this area leads to a total economic benefit of between £3.87 and £5.04 – partly because of the direct benefit to the economy – but also because of improved education services that lead to a long-term benefit via a higher-skilled workforce. The report follows figures last week showing that GDP fell by 0.4% in the third quarter of this year. It makes the case for continued investment in construction projects that are crucial to the long-term future of the UK economy. John Cridland, CBI deputy director general, said: “With the Chancellor’s Pre-Budget
Contract proves a real high point A COMPANY providing glazing for some of Yorkshire’s most prestigious buildings has scaled new heights. Architectural aluminium specialist Technal was chosen for the new visitor centre on the summit of Snowdon. The centre is more than 1,000 metres above sea level and subject to extreme weather. The new £8.3m centre for the Snowdonia National Park Authority provides a café, visitors’ facilities and railway terminus. It replaces a 1930s building and is designed to blend into its spectacular setting, and to minimise any environmental impact. Wakefield-based Technal provided large picture windows to create a “wall of windows” and maximise the magnificent views from the summit. The windows were angled to reduce glare in the valley below and to provide some shading from the sun.
Report looming, the CBI is continuing to press the case for protecting capital spending by government. “A strong economy needs fit-for-purpose schools and hospitals and it will be the construction industry that builds the new transport and energy infrastructure needed to shift to a low-carbon economy.” James Wates, chairman of the UKCG, said: “This is the first time the industry has put together a set of compelling and powerful arguments to support the case for investment in infrastructure. “Now is the time for the whole industry to come together behind the CBI to press the message home.” The report said the construction industry was a driver of growth in other sectors due to its heavy reliance on an extended and varied supply chain. The sector also relied little on imports – so that investment was more likely to generate additional economic activity within the UK. The report added: “Construction is not only immediate economic production. “It is also investment rather than consumption, which provides significant long-term economic and social benefits to the country.”
Rosemount House Rosemount Estate Elland
TO LET 2,659 sq ft
LY ON UITE S G E ON AININ REM
Ground floor newly refurbished open plan offices Ample on site car parking Within 1 mile of junction 24 M62 Contact Richard Smith
Contact Jason Metcalfe
014 8 4 4 32 0 4 3 www.hanson-cs.co.uk
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Kirklees bids for investment cash KIRKLEES is bidding for a big share of government money to improve trans-Pennine road and rail links, property professionals in Huddersfield have been told. Clr Peter McBride, Kirklees Council cabinet member for regeneration, said Leeds City Region, which includes Huddersfield and Dewsbury, was bidding for £4.5bn to tackle congestion problems and upgrade transport links. T h e c o u n c i l ’s “ w i s h - l i s t ” includes adding another platform to Huddersfield railway station and improvements to the Leeds Road corridor between Huddersfield and Leeds as well as roads into and out of Dewsbury. Investment should also include electification of the trans-Pennine rail route between Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester. But Clr McBride stressed that the Leeds City Region may have to settle for less money than hoped as a result of the recession and government spending constraints. His comments came at the latest meeting of the Huddersfield Region Commercial Property Forum hosted by law firm Baxter
■ PROPERTY TALK: Jason Metcalfe (left), Richard Gillatt (centre) and Clr Peter McBride were among those assessing the state of the sector
Caulfield at its offices in Station Street, Huddersfield. Clr McBride said plans for Leeds Road included creating a gyratory traffic scheme for Cooper Bridge and installing “intelligent” traffic lights which would assess traffic volumes and give priority to heavy traffic on the main roads. Clr McBride said it was expected that the government would shoulder most of the cost of road improvements, but developers
would also be expected to contribute financially – given that new residential and industrial schemes on the route would increase traffic. Forum members said a lack of land for industry remained a problem for the local property sector. Mike Sellers, of Boultons Estate Agents, said: “The existing small industrial units are not attractive to companies at present. Leeds Road can be a problem because of
the volume of traffic.” Jason Metcalfe, of Hanson Chartered Surveyors, said: “There are a number of companies that would like to buy modern industrial units, but there are no sites that fit the criteria. There are engineering and manufacturing firms that want to move premises, but want to stay in Kirklees – and they cannot find the sites to suit.” Forum chairman Richard Gillatt, partner at Baxter Caulfield, said: “We were a bit surprised that after a reasonable summer things went quiet again in September. We were expecting the property market to start on a slow, gradual recovery. “A lot of solicitors have found September incredibly quiet in terms of new instructions, particularly for residential properties.” Mr Metcalf said more people were looking at potential opportunities, but said they were holding off until after the general election. Mr Sellers said the sector was also worried about the 2010 rating assessment and the levying of rates on empty industrial properties.
Page 7
Spending stays in the home HOUSEHOLDERS in Kirklees are spending more on improving their homes, a survey claims. Figures from Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance showed that homeowners in some parts of Yorkshire, including Huddersfield, Bradford and Harrogate, has increased spending on home improvements by 50% compared with a year ago. Top of the list for house proud purchasers were conservatories, kitchens and bathrooms followed by white goods such as washing machine and dishwashers. Gerald Grimes, divisional managing director of Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance, said: “We are seeing a growing trend with homeowners across the Yorkshire region looking to add value to their homes by investing in their properties inside and out. “During the property boom, people were releasing equity or taking out loans to finance purchases. However, in the current climate when funding is much tighter, it seems local homeowners are using point of sale finance to make changes to their home.” Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance has a 27 year history, providing consumer finance to more than 1,200 UK high street retailers and offering a comprehensive range of in-store and online finance products for quality retailers.
commercial properties
14 st georges square, huddersfield hd1 1jf telephone 01484 558231/530361 - jonathan.wilson@bramleys1.co.uk
www.bramleys.com
offices office
7 CLIFTON LANE, MELTHAM
£300,000
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Characterful
●
Office Building ● ●
Large Car Park
●
COLNESIDE BUSINESS PARK, MILNSBRIDGE
£30,000 PA
Pleasant private
●
Office Premises
setting
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541.62m²
246.65m²
Huddersfield town
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Good car parking
(2,655ft²) Net
centre
●
Popular location
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Will Split into
Industrial Units
5954 sqft &
1778.33 sqmt [19,
13,188sqft
142 sqft]
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3 Phase Elec
Gas Supply
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Good Loading
● ●
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Showroom
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Single storey workshop 501.48m² (5,398ft²) B1 Planning Consent
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Rateable value £7,300
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Town centre
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*MAY SPLIT INTO
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Car parking for up to 12 vehicles
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Good Car Parking
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Secure Site
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Rateable Value £6,200
£400 PER WEEK
On site car
Rateable Value £2,850 ● Good natural light ● Shared Kitchen/Toilet facilities ●
Car sales pitch with office and workshop ● 76.08m² (819ft²) ● 20 - 25 Sales pitches ●
LEYMOOR ROAD, GOLCAR, HUDDERSFIELD
£175 PER WEEK
Modern Industrial Unit ● 154.44sqm (1662sq ft) ● Popular Business Park
72.93m² (785ft²) parking
TWO SUITES
GLEDHOLT BUSINESS PARK, HUDDERSFIELD
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Open plan office suite
location ●
LUCK LANE, HUDDERSFIELD
£5,500 PAX
industrial
£17,500 P/A
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Ground Floor Office/Retail Unit Prominent Position 110.46m² (1189ft²)
commercial
LOCKWOOD ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD
£8,000 P/A
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Open plan
PENISTONE ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD
FROM £15,000 PA
Single Storey
Potential Call Centre
(5,830ft²)
6 miles from
THE NEW MILL, MILNSBRIDGE
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UPPERHEAD ROW, HUDDERSFIELD
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Warehouse and Offices 579.60m² (6,233ft²) Roller shutter door access
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5 Car parking
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3 Phase electricity
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Rateable value £7,200
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Established trading position Prominent location 2 Miles from Huddersfield town centre
£10,500 P/A/X
spaces ●
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BLACKMOORFOOT ROAD, CROSLAND MOOR
£13,750 P/A
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REDUCED RENT Double fronted sales shop 79.7 m² [858 ft²] Customer car park
Close to Co-op Supermarket ● Modern development ● Rateable Value £9,300 ●
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Rob Marshall and Phil Wright
RM Water Services
TWO experts in the water industry have been headhunted to launch a new enterprise. RM Water Services, which aims to help business users cut their water costs, improve water efficiency and achieve environmental compliance, have recruited Rob Marshall (top right), of Brighouse, and Wakefield man Phil Wright (right) . The two men have more than 40 years of combined experience in the industry – having worked with Yorkshire Water’s business services and Cawthorne-based Naylor Drainage. RM Water Services, operating from office in Wakefield, has been launched by Ruddle Merz, a commercial property business rates specialist which was formed in 1996 by Tony Ruddle, former chairman of Ruddles Brewery.
Movers and shakers
Sweet charity? Just ask Susan
A MARKETING and research company has raised cash to fight malaria. ASK Strategic Marketing and Research, based at the Media Centre in Huddersfield, raised hundreds of pounds for Comic Relief’s Malaria No More Appeal by staging a chocolate tasting and judging session. Director Susan Kenyon said the firm raised enough money to supply 64 malaria nets for the appeal. Tasters included 128 guests from Kirklees businesses and other organisa-
tions who sampled chocolate for ASK as part of a benchmarking process for a leading European chocolates maker. Malaria No More UK launched in April and is committed to ending suffering and death caused by malaria. Working with governments, corporations and the public, the charity aims to help the United Nations achieve its goals – to provide mosquito nets for every person at risk of malaria in Africa by 2010 and to eliminate malaria deaths completely by 2015
Business partners coasting it
Caroline Slinn
Batoyle
BATOYLE Freedom Group has appointed Caroline Slinn (right) as an additional development chemist for the firm’s specialist lubricant divisions. Ms Slinn, the winner of the 2008 UK Lubricants Association’s Young Employee of the Year award, has spent six years in the industrial sector working on lubricant formulation and development and will be responsible for developing and expanding current product ranges. Her appointment strengthens Batoyle’s existing product development resources. The Milnsbridge-based company’s existing ranges of specialist lubricants include more than 400 products designed for use by manufacturing and industrial businesses, including wire and tube drawing, engineering, glass and textiles.
Richard Conroy
Conroy Brook RICHARD Conroy has been appointed chief executive of Brockholes-based Conroy Brook (Developments) Ltd. Richard (right) takes over the reins from his father Ivan who, as founding director, will still have a significant role in the business concentrating on land acquisitions and home sales. Before joining the family business in 2005, Richard gained an honours degree in surveying at Reading University, then spent 10 years in property development in London – first at Taylor Woodrow Plc, then working alongside renowned developer Sir Stuart Lipton at Stanhope plc. He also holds a masters degree in design from Harvard University, where he graduated top of his year. Richard is a professional member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Despite the current economic climate, turnover for Conroy Brook has risen from £2.9m in 2007 to £5.8m in 2009 and the company has remained in profit. The firm focuses on developing high specification properties across Yorkshire .
Page 8
■ BEACH PARTY: Jill Harris with husband Jim (right) and fellow director Neil Craven celebrate after completing their gruelling coast-to-coast cycling challenge HUSBAND and wife Jim and Jill Harris have raised more than £1,500 for charity by completing a gruelling coast-to-coast cycling challenge. The couple, who live in Almondbury, are directors at Leeds-based public relations and marketing company Harris Associates. Joined by fellow director Neil Craven, they completed the 140-mile trek from Workington to Sunderland in three days. All the cash raised is going to the British Kidney Patient
Association. Said Neil: “My father has received wonderful support from the British Kidney Patient Association following a kidney transplant 20 years ago, so this was the perfect way for me to show my gratitude to them.” Jim added: “Having gone the extra mile for our clients for over 20 years now, we all felt completing a sponsored cycle for a fantastic cause would really show how dedicated we are to going the extra mile.”
■ NET GAIN: Susan Kenyon and Deborah Binks have boosted the Malaria No More Appeal
Nursery firm salutes NHS midwife Carol HUDDERSFIELD nursery products firm Mamas & Papas has chosen a NHS midwife whose work covers an army base as its Midwife of the Year for 2009. Stars of Coronation Street and Hollyoaks helped midwife Carol Clayton celebrate her success in the annual competition. Carole was recognised for her “tireless duty of care” to the wives of servicemen at Weeton army base in Lancashire – often delivering the babies of soldiers that have lost their lives in wars without ever seeing their newborn children. Carol was nominated by army base mother Kirsty Charlton – whose husband serves in The King’s Division band – for the ongoing care and compassion she showed the family after their baby Alex Clayton was born with a cleft palette. The nomination was supported by all the new parents on the army base – including women who have spent their whole pregnancy waiting for the return of their soldier partners and women who know their partners will never return. The award was presented at a gala luncheon hosted by Hollyoaks actress and mum-to-be Terri Dwyer and attended by Coronation Street stars and new parents Tina O’Brien, Jack P Shepherd and Ryan Thomas. More than 150 midwives and parents attended to find out the winners of 13 regional awards as well as a lifetime achievement and student midwife of the year awards.
Stride out for the NSPCC TWO workers at Huddersfield estate agency Bramleys stepped up to hand a £1,000 to charity. Mortgage adviser John Savage and secretary Eleanor Ransby braved sleet and rain to complete a 25-mile trek up Ingleborough, North Yorkshire, for the NSPCC’s Stop Cruelty to Children campaign. John, who lives at Mount, and Eleanor, of Lockwood, were invited to take part by colleague Gemma Oldroyd, of Bramleys’ Mirfield office, who is a marshal for the annual
Ingleborough Massif, which has been held for the past 11 years. The duo completed the hike in 10hrs 30mins – well inside the 12hrs limit set by organisers – despite driving sleet and boggy conditions. The fundraisers, who were sponsored by partners and collagues at Bramleys as well as business contacts, families and friends, were back in step to present a giant cheque to Helen Verity and Rosie Cleave, of the NSPCC.
■ CHEQUE THIS: Eleanor Ransby and John Savage (left), of Bramleys present sponsored walk cheque for £1000 to Helen Verity and Rosie Cleave (right) of the NSPCC