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TONY NEWHAM Traveller’s tales
COLIN BARRATT Making allowances
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Inter view - Page 3
Column - Page 4
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Demonstration is the right vehicle
A COMPANY helping to clear major road incidents demonstrated its skills in front of a government minister. Huddersfield-based FMG went through its paces for Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin. The demonstrating follows FMG’s success in being re-awarded the Highways Agency National Vehicle Recovery Manager (NVRM) contract, which will see FMG provide recovery services for the Highways Agency across England’s strategic road network for up to seven years. Working alongside specialist recovery operator Egertons Recovery Ltd, based in Cheshire, FMG staged the demonstration to show the removal of an overturned vehicle from a restricted carriageway, while maintaining traffic flow. The demonstration also showcased how screens were coming into use to prevent other motorists “rubber necking” and causing additional delays and risks to recovery operations. The demonstration was co-ordinated by FMG head of network Jim Dawson, who gave the minister a running commentary during the recovery. Said Mr Dawson: “The minister was interested to understand the process and the latest techniques for keeping Britain’s roads moving during times of potential disruption. “Incidents have an obvious human
Wheel appeal A GROUP of business people are launching their own charity cycle ride – in the year that the Tour de France comes to Huddersfield. Ramsdens Solicitors and MYnetwork have organised a 60-mile challenge this summer. The riders will set out at 7am on Friday, June 27, from the Shay Stadium in Halifax and follow a route through Wakefield, Dewsbury and Huddersfield before returning to Halifax. There will be a celebratory lunch at the town’s Bar Eleven that afternoon to welcome all the riders back.
● Full story - Page 8
■ BRIEFING: Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin (above, right) with FMG’s Jim Dawson watch the demonstration of a vehicle recovery incident (left)
impact, but the impact can also be felt on business and UK plc. Delays caused by accidents can cost companies time and money and it’s vital that we continually reappraise our procedures and use practice events like this to ensure we’re prepared for all even-
tualities.” In the past five years that FMG have been handling the NVRM contract, the firm has dealt with more than 48,000 incidents and has helped the Highways Agency to reduce response times to incidents.
FMG also works with long-standing customers including blue chip clients such as GE Capital and SIG, DHL, a number of police forces, the NHS in Scotland and alongside insurance partners like AIG, Zurich, QBE, Allianz and Chartis.
Firms seeking out healthy orders in Dubai COMPANIES in Kirklees and Calderdale are drumming up sales in Dubai this week. Skelmanthorpe-based Visual Systems Healthcare and Drive Medical , of Elland, are both exhibiting at the four-day event Arab Health 2014. Visual Systems Healthcare, which supplies NHS ward management products, is showcasing items such as signs, patient chart holders, whiteboards and anti-slip floor machine signs. Drive Medical is exhibiting its range of wheelchairs, bathing aids and paediatric equipment alongside its new Mountway Solo Toilet Lift. Arab Health 2014 is the largest
INSIDE
healthcare exhibition and congress in the Middle East and Asia, attracting 80,000 visitors and delegates from countries and regions including the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and Europe. Visual Systems has recently worked with Salford NHS Trust in preparation for the Care Quality Commission investigations, supplying signage and ward management products to increase efficiency and helping to take the NHS trust from being a zero-rated trust to one of the top 10 performing trusts in the UK. Chris Hunter, managing director at Visual Systems Healthcare, said: “Visual Systems has over 20 years of
experience working within the NHS. Our products have had a significant impact in combating the perennial problem of increasing numbers of patients with fewer resources through products which promote well-organised and efficient hospital wards.” Speaking before setting out to the United Arab Emirates, he said: “Visual Systems’ products have huge potential to help manage wards and hospitals internationally. “We’re looking forward to meeting interested organisations from around the world at Arab Health and showing them this potential.” At Arab Health, Drive Medical hopes to meet hospital and private
nursing homes supply companies, mobility retailers and distributors based throughout the Middle East. Alan Sullivan, sales and marketing manager, said: “This is our sixth time exhibiting at Arab Health, which demonstrates our commitment to the Middle East region and our determination to build our business in this market place. “We are really looking forward to meeting with existing customers and contacts we have met at previous Arab Health shows. “All our products have undergone extensive research and development to ensure we offer quality products that offer excellent value.”
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Positive response FURTHER evidence that the property sector is growing in confidence has come in a new survey of professionals in the industry. Chartered surveyors Eddisons found that 75% of those polled have more confidence in the market than they had in 2012 while confidence compared to 2010 stands at 85%. More landlords and developers foresee a rise in occupier demand.
● Full story - Page 6
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Hovis gets £200m investment boost STRUGGLING bread business Hovis is to get £200m of investment under a deal that will hand a major slice of the operation to an American firm. Premier Foods, which has owned Hovis since March, 2007, hopes the creation of a joint venture with private equity firm Gores Group will help to reinvigorate the Hovis business after a long period of disappointing sales. Los Angeles-based Gores is paying £30m for a 51% controlling stake in the Hovis and Mothers Pride business, which has 4,000 staff at 10 bakeries and five flour mills. The deal is expected to unlock £200m in investment over the next five years as well as enable Premier Foods to focus on its other brands such as Mr Kipling and Bisto. Hovis was the first to advertise on British television in 1956 and went on to launch one of the most famous TV ads of all time in 1973 with the “Boy
on the bike” directed by Ridley Scott and featuring the music from Dvorak’s Symphony No 9. The business was previously owned by Rank Hovis. St Albans-based Premier, which has debts of about £900m following a spending spree that included Mr Kipling, has sold a number of businesses in recent months, including Sarson’s vinegar and Haywards pickles. It has been overhauling its bread division with the closure of three bakeries in Eastleigh, Greenford in west London and Birmingham, while also shutting distribution centres in Greenford, Birmingham, Mendlesham and Plymouth with the loss of 900 jobs. Premier Foods chief executive Gavin Darby said: “I’m delighted that we’ve found a strong partner in the Gores Group who will help provide the investment necessary to develop
■ MORE BREAD: Hovis owner Premier Foods is set for more investment with a new joint venture
the bread business. “This will be good for our customers, our employees and all those connected with the business.” The two companies have committed not to sell their stakes in the joint
BG Group sees shares slump SHARES in BG Group tumbled after the oil and gas exploration firm slashed production targets on the back of continued problems in Egypt. The company, which has more than 5,000 staff in over 20 countries, said too much of its gas was b e i n g d i ve r t e d i n t o E g y p t ’s domestic market instead of being made available for exports. The problems in one of the company’s biggest production areas will contribute to output this year being in the region of between 590,000 and 630,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, compared with the 650,000 forecast in the City.
Shares closed...in the wake of the warning as the company also cut its guidance for production next year. The update is the latest blow to the energy sector after a recent profits warning from Royal Dutch Shell. BG chief executive Chris Finlayson said: “Despite the good progress we have made in 2013, we face short-term issues which are reflected in our revised 2014 guidance. This is very disappointing.” He said key growth projects in Brazil and Australia remained on budget and schedule, but that BG’s growing asset base was leading to higher unit operating costs in 2014.
venture for at least three years following completion of the deal, which is still subject to shareholder approval. Premier also announced plans to invest £20m in improving capacity at a Mr Kipling cake slice production line in Barnsley. It added that it endured a tough finish to 2013 after sales of its frontline brands – which also include Batchelors, Ambrosia and Sharwood’s – fell by 1% amid high levels of promotional activity in the supermarket sector. However, the bread business showed improved momentum, with underlying Hovis sales up by 5.3% in the final quarter of the year. The company is currently considering whether to tap investors for a cash boost in an effort to tackle its debt mountain. It is also believed to be in talks with trustees over a possible pension payment holiday.
Google acquires start-up A BRITISH technology company has been bought by Google as the search giant looks to self-driving cars and robots for new sources of business. Co-founded by 37-year-old neuroscientist Demis Hassabis, artificial intelligence start-up DeepMind Technologies reportedly fetched more than £242m to make it Google’s largest ever European acquisition. DeepMind’s technology helps computers think like humans and has so far been used in simulations, e-commerce and games, according to its website. Mr Hassabis, a former teenage
chess prodigy who founded the company with Shane Legg and Mustafa Suleyma, is also known for a previous career in video game design and for being behind the Theme Park simulation title from the mid-1990s. The London-based company’s website claims to have the backing of “some of the most iconic technology entrepreneurs and investors of the past decade” and is reported to employ around 75 people. The move is the latest in a string of t e c h n o l o g y a c q u i s i t i o n s fo r Boston-based Google as it seeks to diversify revenues. It bought several robotics companies last year.
Page 2 Telecoms deal off SPECULATION linking mobile phone giant Vodafone to a £60bn takeover swoop from AT&T was shot down by the American firm. The telecoms company told the City that it does not intend to make an offer for Vodafone – dashing months of talk about a potential combination. A combination with AT&T would have created a telecoms giant with a market value in the region of £150bn. The speculation peaked at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last week when AT&T chairman and chief executive Randall Stephenson met EU telecoms commissioner Neelie Kroes. It is thought they discussed AT&T’s ambition to become a major player in the European market. Mr Stephenson fuelled his company’s potential links to Vodafone or British rival EE by saying in November that he was excited by the ”huge opportunity” to invest in mobile broadband in Europe. Speculation over a potential bid has also intensified as Vodafone nears completion on the £84bn sale of its share in Verizon Wireless. The bulk of the proceeds will go to Vodafone shareholders, while the Berkshire-based company plans to plough £7bn into organic investment, including in boosting its 4G, 3G, fibre and broadband services. The Verizon deal is expected to complete next month.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £52.26 -0.15 Gannett 1650.49 -5.43 Hess Corp £45.63 -0.33 Microsoft £21.89 -0.30 Motors Liquidation 45.21 Wal-Mart Stores £44.69 -0.17 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 640 BAE Systems 4321/4 +21/4 Rolls-Royce 1184 +12 AIM Brady Plc 66 -2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 3835/8 -4 BANKS Barclays 2693/8 -27/8 HSBC 6351/8 -103/4 Lloyds Banking Gp 803/8 -1 Ryl Scotland 3321/4 -71/2 1 Stan Chart 1303 /2 -6 BEVERAGES Diageo 1910 -361/2 SABMiller £283/4 -1/8 CHEMICALS Croda £235/8 -3/8 Elementis 98 2541/8 +33/8 1 Johnsn Mat £32 /2 -1/2 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2861/2 -27/8 Costain 298 -31/2 ELECTRICITY
Drax Gp 785 -151/2 SSE 1309 -6 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 2961/2 -51/8 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 4387/8 -61/8 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 3765/8 -35/8 Cable & Wireless 511/4 -3/4 Comm 1 Colt Group 121 /8 -1/8 KCOM 971/2 +1/8 Talktalk Telecom 316 -21/2 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2453/4 +5/8 Sainsbury 3573/8 -43/4 5 Tesco 324 /8 -2 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food £27 -1/2 Tate Lyle 753 -121/2 3 Unilever £24 /8 -1/4 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3171/4 -41/2 National Grid 784 -6 Pennon Grp 678 -11/2 Severn 1700 +22 United Utils 7131/2 +13 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 3751/4 -47/8 ICAP 4013/8 -141/4 London StockExch 1821 +10 Man Group 823/8 -1/8 Provident Financial 1631 -2
Schroders £245/8 -1/2 Schroders NV 1905 -35 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS REXAM 4971/8 -27/8 Smiths Grp 1433 -37 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 261/4 Carphone Whse 2713/4 -51/2 Dixons Retail 431/2 -3/4 3 Home Retail 179 /4 -71/4 1 Inchcape 585 /2 -171/2 Kingfisher 3721/4 -11/2 M&S 4721/2 -63/4 1 Mothercare 267 /4 -21/4 3 Next £61 /4 -1 WH Smith 1025 -7 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 885 +2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 1561/2 -43/4 Barrat Dev 366 -3 Persimmon 1250 -14 Reckitt Benckiser £465/8 -1/4 Taylor Wimpey 1111/4 -3/8 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 1480 -16 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 1577/8 -37/8 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 293 -3 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 445 -115/8
2141/2 -35/8 179 -43/8 1239 -23 347 -47/8 368 -53/4 MEDIA BSkyB 858 +6 D Mail Tst 935 +11/2 ITV 1921/2 -15/8 Johnston Press 221/2 -1/4 Pearson 1126 -45 Reed Elsevier 8931/2 -101/2 STV Group 3191/2 -91/2 Trinity Mirror 183 -7 1 +7 Utd Business 704 /2 UTV 246 -11/2 WPP 1272 -28 MINING Anglo American 13191/2 -201/2 Antofagasta 8011/2 -51/2 BHP Billiton 1780 -111/2 Fresnillo 775 -17 Kazakhmys 1723/4 +3/4 Lonmin 3111/2 -15/8 3 Rio Tinto £31 /8 VEDANTA 843 -211/2 RESOURCES MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 716 -11 Vodafone Group 2231/2 -9 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1423 -4 RSA Insurance Gp 1003/4 -1 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
1591/4 1703/4 784 £211/8
-83/4 -3/4 -6 +1/8
FTSE closed at
6550.66 Down 13.081 BG 1082 -173 BP 4753/4 -107/8 1 Cairn Energy 237 /8 -103/8 Royal Dutch Shell £213/8 -3/8 A 3 Royal Dutch Shell £22 /8 -3/8 B Total £347/8 -3/8 Tullow Oil 8431/2 -161/2 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1020 -3 Petrofac 1160 -9 Wood Gp(J) 654 -31/2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1439 -38
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £381/2 -3/8 GlaxoSmithK 14 1 Shire £29 /2 +1/8 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 662 -21/2 Hamrsn 519 -3 3 Intu Properties 314 /4 +35/8 Land Secs 1055 +5 SEGRO 3317/8 -101/4 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Sage Group 4151/2 -4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 918 -5 Bunzl 1401 -18 Capita 1015 -11 De La Rue 8121/2 -18 Electrocomp 2693/8 -2 Experian 1060 -12 G4S 2497/8 -31/8 Hays 128 -21/4 Homeserve 2921/4 +63/4 Menzies J 697 -11/2 Rentokil 118 -1/2 Smiths News 212 -21/4 Wolseley £33 -1/4 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 9571/2 -201/2 Spirent Comms 933/4 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £301/4 -1/2 Imperial Tobacco £221/2 -1/8 LEISURE & HOTELS
Bwin.Party Digital 1101/2 Carnival £243/4 Compass Grp 926 easyJet 1587 Enterprise Inns 1513/4 FirstGroup 131 Go-Ahead Gp 1955 Greene King 8591/2 Intercontl Htls 1972 Intl Cons Airl 4005/8 Ladbrokes 1501/4 Mitchells & Butlers 4385/8 Natl Express 2761/4 Rank Org 134 Stagecoach Group 3583/8 TUI Travel 4081/8 Whitbread £375/8
-21/4 -1/8 -101/2 -38 -2 -11/8 -1 -11 -54 -53/4 -21/4 -73/8 -41/4 -61/8 -41/4 -5/8
FTSE 100
INDEX 6550.66
-113.08
FTSE 250
INDEX 15528.21
-175.23
TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia..................... 1.79 dollars Bangladesh............... 120.78 taka Brazil............................ 3.54 reals Canada...................... 1.74 dollars China ........................... 8.92 yuan Czech Republic .... 30.45 korunas Denmark..................... 8.56 krone Euro.............................. 1.15 euro Hong Kong............... 12.16 dollars Hungary................. 330.27 forints India........................ 91.26 rupees Japan......................... 161.37 yen Mexico ...................... 19.79 pesos New Zealand ............. 1.86 dollars Norway ....................... 9.67 krone Pakistan................ 164.07 rupees Philippines ................ 64.14 pesos South Africa................ 17.20 rand South Korea............. 1559.00 won Sri Lanka .............. 203.69 rupees Sweden..................... 10.15 krona Switzerland................ 1.41 francs Taiwan ..................... 43.74 dollars Turkey...................... 3.62 new lira USA ........................... 1.58 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Tony takes a route to the top HE’S a much-travelled former a long time have grown banker who has built up his incrementally.” own business helping Tony has seen thousands of companies get the funding businesses in a career which they need to grow. began almost 40 years ago Now Tony Newham, when he joined the Midland principal at Key Commercial Bank. Finance Solutions, is setting Tony was born in Chicago, his sights on further expanding Illinois, to parents who had the commercial brokerage moved to the States from Hull business he set up just six in 1958. His mother got a years ago. green card and worked in a He says: “I had wanted to library while his father took a run my own business for quite PhD at the North Western a few years and explored University of Illinois in the various business models. Windy City. “In 2006, I started to They returned to the UK and become aware of commercial Tony grew up in “Roman wall brokers and how well they country” in Northumberland. were doing. After thinking He attended Hexham about it for some months and Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar lining up my finances I took the School and joined Midland plunge at the age of 47. I Bank in Hexham at the age of though that if I didn’t do it now, 18. I wouldn’t have the energy to “I didn’t have a clue what I do it later in life. wanted to do when I was at “I started from a back school,” he says. “I knew I bedroom doing commercial didn’t want to continue in brokering. Within six months, I education. I didn’t like school had moved to Heritage very much. I wanted to earn Exchange at Lindley.” Tony met wife Vicky at a BNI some money. “With my first wage, I bought networking event. She was just an air rifle, something I’d launching her own wanted for years. After a while, accountancy business and I decided it was a bit cruel they made the decision to shooting birds off the share an office They were telegraph poles and developed married two years later. a conscience! At the bank, I At Christmas, 2012, they was earning £1,800 a year moved their businesses to working as a junior clerk shared offices at a former making about 20 cups of coaching inn at Little coffee for the staff twice a day Brunswick Street, off and balancing all the cheques Fitzwilliam Street. Tony now has a team of four managers and three support staff – together boasting 200 years of experience in banking – and clients as far afield as Leeds, Wakefield, Manchester and Liverpool. He is also looking to place managers in York, Sheffield, Hull and Preston. While he has ambitions to grow the company, Tony is a firm believer in “incremental” change. He says: “Businesses that try to change things too quickly often come unstuck – especially early years businesses. So many people try to be ‘the next big thing’ and choose to taker a big leap ■ GO-AHEAD: Tony Newham, of Key Commercial Financial into the unknown. The businesses that are around for Solutions in Huddersfield
and payments.” After three years, Tony transferred to the Midland’s branch at Hawes in Wensleydale – a remote spot for a 21-year-old lad eager for the bright lights of the city. During two years at the branch, he learned to play badminton and competed in the Wensleydale and Swaledale League. In 1984, Tony transferred to Durham city branch as chief cashier before taking up a post at Sunderland area office. Three years later, he was selected for the bank’s management development programme, which, Tony says “changed my life.” Part of the course asked participants where they hoped to be professionally in 10 years time – and how they intended to get there. Says Tony: “It was about taking responsibility for getting to where you want to be. It really made me think.” Spells with the bank in Northallerton and Richmond followed. Says Tony: “I could draw a map and write a book about the roads and places of northern England. Huddersfield is as far south as I’ve ever lived or worked!” At the age of 28, Tony was appointed branch manager at the tiny village of Aspatria in Cumbria before becoming branch manager in Carlisle. Tony was later appointed to “troubleshoot” a struggling branch in Kirkby Stephen – and turned it around into a top-performing branch. After two years, he applied for and got a post at Leyburn in Wensleydale where he had an assistant manager, had responsibility for two branches and had decision-making powers for all the business accounts. “I spent four-and-a-half years lending money to farmers and publicans,” he says. Tony finally arrived in West Yorkshire in 1999 when he was posted to the Halifax branch of what was now HSBC – dealing with textile and engineering companies. In 2003, he became senior commercial manager at
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Tony Newham
Huddersfield before being promoted deputy head of the bank’s commercial centre in the town. “I looked after the accounts of firms with £5m to £25m turnover, lending up to £20m,” he says. “I dealt with some of the big industry names locally.” Tony ended his career with HSBC as senior commercial manager – before setting up his own business sourcing funds for commercial clients.. Tony likens his team at Key Commercial Finance Solutions to “independent bank managers”. Alongside helping to secure funding for firms to expand and invest, he works on behalf of property investors and developers and has set up Yorkshire Property Finance Ltd in partnership with another local businessman. With a recognition of how things went badly wrong in the banking sector, Tony says he prides himself of running an ethical, professional business. Clients should be treated honestly and straightforwardly, he says. “I try to replicate what I have done in banking to benefit these businesses,” he says.”The trick is to have that ‘line of sight’ to determine which deals are likely to go ahead, which is good for the client because they won’t get messed about.” Tony puts in 60 hours a week at work, but makes time to keep fit. He likes playing squash and is a member of Edgerton Tennis and Squash Club. “I’m a great believer in trying to look after yourself,” he says. “If you look after yourself, you are better able to look after your business – and other people. “I go fell walking,” he adds. “Vicky and I spend a lot of time going to holiday destinations that involve mountains – the Alps, the Pyrenees , Norway and even the Atlas Mountains.” Meanwhile, Tony is keen to help businesses find their own route to the top.
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Role: Principal Age: 53 Family: Married to Vicky with sons Christopher, 23, Michael, 21, and stepdaughter Elissa, seven Car: Audi A4 Estate. My view is that a car should look respectable and give as many miles to the gallon as possible! Holidays: We spend a lot of our time in the mountains, having visited the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Atlas mountains First job: I had a paper round for three years Best thing about job: Making a difference to our clients by doing something for them that they could not have done on their own Worst thing about job: Not being able to get on with my work without being distracted. Business tip: Recognise you have both skills and deficiencies. Nobody is good at everything
Key Commercial Finance Solutions Work: Commercial funding Site: Huddersfield Phone: 0845 3009053 Email: info@keycommercial finance.co.uk Website: www.keycommercial finance.co.uk
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Page 4
North and south brought together A NEW service aimed mainly at business travellers and linking West Yorkshire with the south coast has been launched by Eastern Airways at Leeds Bradford Airport. The UK’s second-largest regional airline will offer three flights each weekday in each direction between LBA and Southampton – as well as a Sunday service to ensure a high frequency air service for business people. A 6.50am departure from Leeds Bradford allows for a full day in Southampton and the south coast region before returning to Yorkshire just after 5pm or 7.40pm on the same day. The schedule services depart from Leeds Bradford on weekdays at 6.50am, 10.20am and 5.10pm, arriving in Southampton at 7.50am, 11.20am and 6.10pm respectively. Flights leave Southampton at 8.20am, 4.05pm and 6.40pm, landing in Leeds Bradford at 9.20am, 5.05pm and 7.40pm. Sunday services leave Leeds Bradford at 4.15pm arriving in Southampton at 5.15pm, then return at 5.45pm landing into Leeds Bradford at 6.45pm. Yorkshire and the north of England have strong business links with Hampshire and the south coast of England, particularly in finance, insurance, IT, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, construction and manufacturing industry sectors.
More firms do a deal DEAL activity involving Yorkshire-based manufacturing firms was at its highest level for five years during 2013, a survey has revealed. But the report by law firm Irwin Mitchell shows that the region continues to fall behind the North West and the South East when it comes to attracting private equity investment. Yorkshire manufacturers were the target of more merger and acquisition activity during 2013 than at any time since 2008 – some 10.4% of all UK manufacturing M&A activity and up from 7.9% in 2012. .
KIRKLEES BUSIN
Time to seek out those tax savings W
ITH one’s tax return now safely submitted to HM Revenue & Customs, the next tax challenge is to review one’s affairs to ensure that the maximum benefits are obtained of available allowances and reliefs prior to the end of the tax year on April 5. The first task is to ensure that the Personal Allowance and, where possible, the basic rate band are fully utilised, so as to mitigate the incidence of higher rate tax, which for 2013/14 starts to bite where gross income exceeds £41,450. Remember that for married couples, each spouse has their own allowance and basic rate band, so effective planning by transferring assets from one spouse to the other may result in income of approaching £83,000 being sheltered from 40% tax. For very high earners, who begin to lose their Personal Allowance when income exceeds £100,000, the saving can be as high as 60% and those over £150,000 could save 45%. Those couples affected by the taxation of Child Benefit, where one spouse has income above £50,000, transferring income producing assets to the spouse with the lower income could mean that income falls below this threshold so that the full award is retained and at the same time mitigating higher rate tax liabilities on the transferring spouse. Alternatively, the payment of a pre-April 6, 2014, pension contribution should be considered to reduce
■ TARGETS: C director Tim Baile the China-Britain Blackburne
TAX TALK Colin Barratt
income below the £50,000 threshold, thus ensuring the benefit is received in full as well as gaining higher rate tax relief on the contribution paid. Gift Aid donations can also be useful in reducing the impact of any Child Benefit tax and, where these are paid by both spouses, it would be sensible for the charity donations to be made by the spouse with the higher income to obtain the optimum relief for these payments. For those who are able to plan the timing of their income, tax-savings could be obtained by organising savings accounts to credit accrued interest on or after April 6, 2014, or defer the receipt of dividends from your company until into the new tax year to postpone the payment of any higher rate tax liabilities on such income until January 31, 2016, giving a maximum 22 month tax deferral! Remember to use up each spouses’ ISA allowance of £11,520 (£5,760 for cash ISAs and £5,760 for stocks and share ISAs). Don’t forget that children under 16 now have their own junior ISA allowance of £3,720 to shelter further capital from tax.
Children under 18 also have their own Personal Allowances and tax bands, but income from capital gifted by a parent is only taxable on a child if it does not exceed £100 gross per annum. Otherwise it is taxable on the parent. For children over 18, their income will always be taxed on them. Gifts of up to £3,000 per donor (plus £3,000 for the previous year if unused) can be made completely free of inheritance tax. Larger gifts can be made tax-free and without affecting future tax liabilities provided the donor survives seven years. So if grandparents wish to help with ever increasing educational costs, it may well be appropriate for them to gift the money directly to the grandchildren rather than their parents so that any income is assessable on the grandchildren and would therefore be tax free up to the annual Personal Allowance. Potential tax savings may be possible but due consideration should always be given to any commercial or other risks involved with such transactions.
Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth chartered accountants, Huddersfield
Law firm’s brand new look
To promote your business to over 49,000 Examiner readers and over 230,000 online users Call: Anne Joseph 01484 437745 email: anne.joseph@trinitymirror.com
A MIRFIELD branding agency has earned regional and national acclaim following a high-profile assignment for a West Yorkshire law firm. 10 Associates, based at The Watermill, Wheatley Park, created a new brand, new name and the corporate positioning for Leeds, Bradford and Ilkley-based Last Cawthra Feather in the biggest shake up of the company’s brand in more then 30 years. LCF Law has caused an industry stir with positive messages from new and existing customers from across the country since its launch, according to Huddersfield entrepreneur Ajaz Ahmed, founder of Freeserve and one of the executives behind LCF Law. He said: ““The new look and brand positioning is crucial to our long-term future and we had to simply ‘change or die’. We worked with 10 Associates to make LCF fit for the future in a changing and highly competitive legal market.” Said Mr Ahmed: “Law firms are at serious risk of failure unless they change and perception is a huge
problem. People think law is dull and boring – changing those beliefs is one of the keys to growing our business. “Companies have to wake up to how important branding is and how crucial it is to get your message across to customers.” The three-month project saw the 10 Associates team deploy its Brandschool “back to the classroom” concept to encourage the LCF Law team to be involved in the process, think about their values, their vision and their place in the market. “Although Last Cawthra Feather is an established brand, their communication and messages were dated,” said 10 Associates managing director David Worthington. “We talked to the team and totally immersed ourselves in their business, their customers and the legal industry before presenting our concepts back ■ TEN OUT OF TEN: David at the end of last year. Worthington (right), of 10 Associates, “LCF Law now has a brand that fits with LCF Law associate Ajaz the fast moving nature of their Ahmed business and that has struck a chord with not only their customers, but the profile to change the law for good and entire legal industry. As a business they have the look, the values and the for ‘the good’.”
China f new pa
KIRKLEES busi export to China more help – wit links between tw Yorkshire-based organisations. A new joint part firms in the reg trade opportuni second largest created by Cham and the China-B Council (CBBC) The partnership end of this mon of the Chinese Y will give Chamb clients privilege networks. CBBC, which op Leeds in 2005 a regional bases, partnership as p drive to encour medium-sized f China, CBBC director G said: “China is major benefits f businesses pre commitment to rapidly-develop “Our new partn comprehensive China-related a events, worksho topics such as s sourcing from C be greater oppo International cli specialists for b make appointm in-depth discus He said: “A wor service speaks – if Chinese cus what you have t will want to do b “CBBC is well-p links with China offices across t been promoting 60 years. We are market and mak right people.” Tim Bailey, dire Bradford-based International, sa is now about he comprise two-th base. The organ making serious and we are delig help them reach businesses thro partnership.”
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INESS NEWS
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local
He’s pitching up in the US! YOUNG entrepreneur Jacob Hill – who has hit the heights with his business The Lazy Camper – is off to the USA. The Brighouse businessman will be visiting South Carolina for two weeks on an export mission funded by UK Trade and Investments to explore opportunities for his innovative all-in-one camping package. The aim of the visit is to see what the British-based business can offer to America for their 2014 festival period. And as if that wasn’t keeping Jacob busy enough, he has rescheduled flights so that he can speak in the Houses of Parliament the morning he gets back on February 12. This follows an all-Party report which used the student-based business as a case study for a deeper look into enterprise teaching in education. Jacob is currently in his final year at the University of Huddersfield studying for a degree in Enterprise Development – a course which is mentored by Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis. Said Jacob: “I was thrilled to find the government would support me on my trade mission to America. “Then, when I got an invite to Parliament for my commitment to
■ AMERICAN IDLE: The Lazy Camper, headed by Jacob Hill, is bound for the USA – and a meeting at the Houses of Parliament in London
enterprise within education I was over the moon. “I’m proud to be part of a university that supports entrepreneurs wanting to complete a degree and a country which helps the little man set up for international growth. We live in great times!” Jacob now supplies camping equipment to thousands of festival goers and campers across the UK. What started as an idea in a muddy campsite at the Leeds Festival has
now grown into having its own office and three members of staff. The company, whose best-selling product is the £69.99 all-in-one camping kit in a bag, is now a proud campsite owner for the Tour de France, which is coming to Yorkshire. The site boasts the best views on the whole of the race of the most popular stretch the Holme Valley climb.
Focus on mid-sized firms YORKSHIRE has been chosen as the pilot region for a new initiative to help mid-sized businesses by offering them tailored trade advice and an intensive programme of support to help them start exporting or break into new markets. Trade Minister Lord Livingston will write personally to all the UK’s 8,900 mid-sized businesses (MSBs) by this summer to ask them if they would like trade support from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI). Evidence shows that exporters do better with UKTI’s help and that on average mid-sized businesses can increase their sales by £1.8m. Lord Livingston said mid-sized businesses were vital to the Government’s long-term economic plan to reduce the deficit and create more jobs. The CBI estimates that mid-sized businesses reaching their full potential could be worth £20 to £50bn to the UK economy. Currently, mid-sized businesses make up just 0.5% of all businesses but contribute about a fifth of employment and turnover in the UK. However only 17% of UK mid-sized businesses generate revenues outside the European Union against 25% in Germany and 30% in Italy. Lord Livingston said: “Mid-sized
businesses have the potential to be economic powerhouses for the UK economy, creating jobs and growth for all regions of the UK. “Their success is dependant on expanding beyond domestic markets so we will be making personal contact with all mid-sized businesses to find out what we can do to help them go up a gear and compete with the best the rest of the world has to offer. “Businesses excel with UKTI’s support and we want to make sure that they are not just trading abroad, but thriving there.” A pilot study is due to start next month in Yorkshire as well as the South East and finish by early Spring. This will be followed by a full national roll out. Bespoke trade advice will then be given to every business that wants assistance to sell their products and services overseas by April next year.
That can include support from UKTI market and sector experts based both in the UK and overseas – across 160 locations in 111 countries. Mark Robson, UKTI regional director for Yorkshire, said: “We have a diverse business community across Yorkshire and the Humber and that includes a good number of ambitious and successful MSBs in a wide variety of sectors that have what it takes to go further and deeper into global markets – whether through securing a footing in new countries or regions, or through expanding or strengthening an existing overseas operation. “We’re here to help, and we have dedicated professional advisers with years of experience in helping similar like-minded businesses to achieve success.” Contact UKTI at www.ukti.gov.uk/midsizedbusiness
Page 5 Yorkshire bosses set to raise wages ALMOST two-thirds of Yorkshire businesses plan to give their workers a wage rise this year, according to the Barclays Employers Survey 2014. Some 62% of Yorkshire firms plan to increase wages in the year ahead. Despite rising living costs, 56% in Yorkshire also said that wage pressure from employees wasn’t an issue with 24% saying it was a concern to some extent and 20% saying it is a major concern. Tony Walsh, co-head of Corporate Banking UK & Ireland at Barclays, said: “After an extended period of wage freezes, which have been tough for employees, it’s good to see that so many Yorkshire employers will be increasing wages in the coming year. “This can only have a positive impact on employee morale. However, it will increase inflationary pressure as the year progresses.” Prior to last week’s announcement of falling UK unemployment, only 14% of respondents in Yorkshire thought that unemployment levels would fall sufficiently to trigger an interest rate rise this year. Some 37% thought it would be in 2015 and 29% thought it would be 2016 or later. Mr Walsh said: “Whilst no one knows when interest rates will rise, Yorkshire businesses should not be complacent. It would be prudent for firms to ensure they have sufficient cash flow to absorb the increase when it comes.” A key focus for Government – apprenticeships – also seems to be getting traction, as employment of apprentices is on the rise. Some 29% of businesses say they took them on in 2013 and the same percentage plan to take them on in 2014. This is an increase from last year’s survey, when 22% had taken on apprentices in 2012 and 27% were planning to take them on in 2013. Among other findings, the survey showed that 22% of respondents think the eurozone crisis is behind them and 71% of businesses still believe sales increases lead to job creation – rather than believing job creation can drive sales. Zero hour contracts have been the topic of much debate, and Barclays’ survey shows that the vast majority of businesses (82%) won’t be creating them this year, although 13% plan to do so – with healthcare and facilities management the sectors most likely to do so The largest companies are most likely to create zero hour contracts, with 35% of them saying they intend to do so.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Property chiefs are more upbeat
FURTHER evidence that the property sector is growing in confidence has come in a new survey of professionals in the industry. The survey by chartered surveyors Eddisons found that 75% of those questioned have more confidence in the market than they had in 2012 while confidence compared to 2010 is even higher, at 85%. There is also positive news for landlords and developers with more than 65% of those polled predicting a rise in occupier demand and 58% expecting this to result in an increase in pre-let activity. John Padgett, head of agency at Eddisons, which has offices in Huddersfield, said: ‘Today, there are more cranes and scaffolding poles than the previous six years put together, demonstrating the emerging confidence. “An increase in demand will see
prices hardening in the short term along with a reduction in the incentives being offered, particularly on modern purpose built space, with resultant uplifts in rents. ‘Demand is likely to manifest itself in a move towards Grade A space, which in turn will create a shortage. “The reverse will be true of lower quality stock, which is likely to come under pressure as occupiers demand better quality space.” Opinion on the general economic outlook is also positive with three- quarters of respondents to the survey feeling that the economy turned a major corner in 2013 – and anticipate it to improve further throughout this year. Bank lending also came in for criticism, with 56% of respondents feeling that there was no improvements in this area or that it had stayed the same.
In an open question about Government policy aligned to the property market, there were overwhelming calls for changes to the business rate system – and in particular concern over the postponem e n t o f t h e 2 0 1 5 Ra t i n g Revaluation to 2017. This was ignored in the Chancellor’s last Autumn Statement and means businesses are still paying rates based on rents before the crash in the UK economy in 2008/2009 and the necessary re-balancing is further delayed. Rod Edwards, director and head of rating at Eddisons, said: “Although the Autumn Statement contained some important changes for business rates, these are very retail biased. “They do not take into account the many other struggling business sectors and the burden of empty rates liability remains fully on non-retail property.”
■ INCENTIVES: John Padgett, head of agency at Eddisons
Page 6 Nigel is flooring the competition FLOORING installer Nigel Bawn is a master of his craft. The Longwood-based boss of Bawn Flooring, has already been recognised as a Quick-Step Master Installer. Now he has received praise and acknowledgement for his outstanding workmanship and consistently high levels of service at the first-ever B&Q Homefit vendor partner day. Following a stringent vetting process, the B&Q Homefit scheme provides customers with rapid access to locally-approved tradesmen with recognised qualifications. In recognition of the numerous positive comments about Nigel coming from B&Q’s internal sources and happy customers, the multinational home improvement store has awarded the Master Installer with a Certificate of Excellence. Fiona Brookes, B&Q Homefit national customer manager, and Jonny Westbrooke, chief executive and Clerk of the Furniture Makers, presented Nigel with his certificate at the Homefit vendor partner day. Paul Carroll, B&Q Homefit business development manager praised Nigel for his “high workmanship standards as well as his helpful outlook and desire to put his customers at the heart of what he does”.
Estate agency hails its star performers
■ HOME WIN: Stuart Stocks (left), of Barclays, with Astley Grange resident Lucy Hopkins and Paramjit Banwait, managing director of Mulberry Care Homes
Change of owner for nursing home A HUDDERSFIELD care home is under new ownership. Astley Grange, a 40-bed care home located at Woodhouse Hill, Fartown, has been acquired by Huddersfield entrepreneur Paramjit Banwait, who has set up Mulberry Care Homes. The acquisition of the three-storey home, which was purpose-built in 1992, was backed by Business Barclays, the small business arm of the global financial services provider. Mr Banwait said: “Care for the elderly and dementia sufferers has never been more important and with an ageing population, it’s crucial we can provide the right level of care this vulnerable sector of society deserves.
“Barclays has supported the purchase with funding and we hope to improve and extend the facilities over 2014.” Mulberry Care Homes employs 40 staff locally with an additional four new jobs created this year. Stuart Stocks, senior business banking manager at Barclays, said, “It’s been very rewarding working with Paramjit and his team and it’s great that we’ve been able to fund the purchase. “ This deal demonstrates Barclays Business is open for business for quality deals in Yorkshire and we’re hopeful that businesses will make the investment decisions they’ve been putting off in 2014.”
■ SUCCESS STORIES: Pictured (top, from left) are Ryder & Dutton’s James White, Jake Rowson and Wendy Robertson with (below) Lee Whitehead, Stuart North and Damien O’Grady ONE director and five associated at estate agency Ryder & Dutton have qualified as associates of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. It means they can now use the designation Assoc RICS. Director James White is based at the firm’s Huddersfield office and associates Wendy Robertson, Stuart North, Lee Whitehead, Jake Rowson and Damien O’Grady are based in property management at Springhead, Halifax, Holmfirth, Middleton
and Glossop respectively. Meanwhile, 11 trainee estate agents have become student members of the National Association of Estate Agents and two trainee lettings agents have become student members the Association of Residential Lettings agents. All have enrolled to study for either the National Federation of Property Professionals courses in residential estate agency or residential lettings agency.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Higher demand
DEMAND for commercial property of all kinds saw sizeable increases across the North of England towards the end of last year as economic recovery began to gather pace, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.. However, with the Water Bill determining that commercial property in flood risk areas will soon not be entitled to compulsory insurance cover, only time will tell what impact this has on regional recovery, said the RICS. As 2013 drew to a close, total demand for commercial property experienced the most marked growth on record – with a net balance of 54% of surveyors across the North seeing rising demand, compared to a national average of 42%. This figure – the highest in the UK – reflects the increasing optimism about the UK economy and more accessible lending filtered through to the commercial sector. The North saw higher demand than other UK regions in all sectors with the exception
of London. Demand for retail space in the North was higher than all other UK regions outside of London, with 43% of surveyors seeing demand, compared to 63% in the capital and an average across the UK of 38%. Demand for office space across the North was also robust. Some 41% of surveyors cited interest, only slightly lower than the 43% seen in London and higher than the national average of 35%. A net balance of 68% of surveyors in the North reported demand for industrial space – the highest in the UK and set against a nationwide average of 51%. However, as demand from potential commercial tenants rose, the amount of available premises fell – especially in terms of offices and industrial space. Significantly, this is the first time in almost nine years that every part of Britain has seen availability of commercial property dip. One concern raised by some RICS mem-
bers is the diminishing stock of offices as owners look to convert to residential in some areas. This is seen as having the potential to drive rents higher in parts of the country. The North has experienced a particular squeeze on availability, with all sectors aside from office space seeing higher than average supply constraints. Looking ahead, expectations for rent levels over the course of 2014 revealed a net balance of 19% of surveyors expected rent levels to increase throughout the year. This figure was roughly on par with the broader UK picture, although far lower than London where 55% of surveyors believe rents will increase. However, with the Water Bill dictating that commercial premises will soon not be covered by the Flood Re scheme; it could be that businesses in flood risk areas will not be able to afford appropriate insurance – with the economy suffering in certain parts of the UK.
Sales soar for Safestyle UK REPLACEMENT doors and windows firm Safestyle UK has reported increased revenues and profits in line with expectations as it delivered its latest results. The company, billed as the largest retailer and manufacturer of PVCu windows and doors for the UK homeowner replacement market, posted revenues of more than £124m for 2013 – an increase of more than 12% on the previous year and in line with management’s expectations. Profits for the year are also expected to be in line with management forecasts as the company increased its market share to 7.85% from 7.49% in 2012. Industry body FENSA said the overall market grew by 4.5% – the first year of growth
since 2007. Safestyle UK chief executive Steve Birmingham (pictured) said manufacturing increased during the year with 250,185 frames produced during the period against 232,687 frames in 2012 while the number of installations increased by 9.4 % to 55,112 from 50,357 last time. He said: “The order book at the year end was strong and order intake in the first three weeks of 2014 has got off to a positive start exceeding management expectations.” The company, which was founded in 1992 and has operations at Leeds Road in Huddersfield, will announce its audited results for the year ended December 31, 2013, on March 31.
Page 7
Competition to find the best A MAJOR construction industry competition is up and running. The Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) 2014 Awards are now open for entries. The annual awards have been running for more than 10 years and play a key role in rewarding innovation in a growing industry which is central to helping the UK to meet its carbon reduction targets. The awards provide a platform to showcase the wide-ranging benefits of EWI, including high levels of energy efficiency, lower energy bills, improved living standards and the regeneration of local communities. There are six award categories recognising the most successful EWI new build and refurbishment projects in the non-residential and domestic sectors from the past year. Winners will be selected by an independent judging panel of industry experts who will be looking for outstanding thermal performance, a high level of technical difficulty, excellent workmanship and striking design and aesthetics. Following the successful introduction of the INCA Training Award in 2013 – which celebrates the commitment of INCA members to investing in a qualified and skilled workforce – this year sees the launch of the INCA Sustainability Award recognising those who have gone above and beyond to reduce their carbon footprint. The entry form can be downloaded at www.inca-ltd.org.uk and the winners will be revealed at the black-tie INCA Awards Dinner on 16 October 2014 at the prestigious Sheraton Park Lane Hotel in London’s Mayfair. The INCA 2014 Awards are open to all EWI projects where the system designer and contractor are members of INCA. The closing date for entries is Monday, March 17.
Electrical contractor powers ‘Must try harder’ ahead to land £5m contract over Green Deal A £5m contract for the mechanical and electrical services at Kirklees Council’s new flagship leisure centre in Huddersfield has been awarded to NG Bailey’s engineering division. The new multi-million pound leisure centre, which will be owned by Kirklees Council and managed by Kirklees Active Leisure, is set to open to the public in 2015 and will include a 25-metre, eight lane swimming pool, as well as a large sports hall and an air-conditioned fitness suite with 120 fitness stations. Working for main contractor BAM Construction, Ilkley-based NG Bailey will install all low-voltage distribution, lighting, security systems, water services and cooling systems. NG Bailey’s offsite manufacture division is creating corridor service modules, while its IT services division will provide voice and data solutions, as well as a full security system.
■ POOLSIDE: An impression of the pool facilities planned for Huddersfield's new leisure complex, where NG Bailey’s engineering division has landed a contract to provide mechanical and electrical services. The centre is set to open in 2015 Mike Darlington, joint managing director of NG Bailey’s engineering division, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded this contract and our unified approach means our divisions can work together seamlessly to drive
efficiency and provide integrated solutions that deliver real value. “Our truly integrated approach sets us apart from our competitors and makes us the obvious choice for a job of this nature.”
THE Government must try harder to broaden the appeal of its flagship energy-efficiency policy the Green Deal, according to a report by the Federation of Master Builders. The FMB has scored the Green Deal just two out of five in a “report card” for the scheme’s first anniversary. Brian Berry, FMB chief executive, said: “It’s clear that the Green Deal simply has not achieved the desired results in its first full year – with the majority of SME installers and home owners failing to engage and the financial package underpinning the scheme proving unattractive to most consumers. “Our report card shows that the main problem the Green Deal faces is that consumers are not interested because of the limited appeal of the financial incentives currently being offered. “This in turn means that most small local builders are reluctant to spend their time and money becoming certified Green Deal installers, when the potential customer base is really still in its infancy.” Mr Berry said: “As a financial package, the Green Deal just doesn’t
stack up. There are many attractive high street alternatives out there, with loans and credit cards generally available at more competitive rates to fund both the lower and higher value types of eligible energy-efficiency project. “Other government incentives such as the recently announced reduction in stamp duty for those taking up the Green Deal are also not inclusive. The pot of money is too small and, worse still, this incentive will only apply to people who are buying or selling their home.” Mr Berry said: “The Government needs to accept that the Green Deal’s first year has been underwhelming at best. “The single most effective measure to kick-start demand would be to reduce the rate of VAT from 20% to 5% on all domestic repair and maintenance work, including energy-efficiency improvements. “This would be a real incentive to home owners across the board to think about getting a professional tradesperson in to quote on a variety of repair and maintenance projects.”
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Movers and shakers
Page 8
Fundraisers ready to get on their bikes Sally Wilis, Jamie Whiteley & Trevor Flannery
Fantastic Media MARKETING agency Fantastic Media has appointment of (above, from left) Sally Willis, Jamie Whiteley and Trevor Flannery to the team. The Birstall-based agency, which specialises in strategic, digital and mobile marketing, saw a 7% rise in profitability in 2013 and has taken on the new recruits in support of its growth plans for the year ahead. Sally Willis joins the agency’s client services department where she will be responsible for managing a range of accounts including John Smith’s Stadium, Copymark, Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors and Bedfords Transport. Ms Willis has more than six year’s marketing agency experience, having worked in sectors including retail, fashion, B2B as well as the public sector. She joins from dR Agency in Leeds where she worked on accounts including ASDA Photo, Bonprix and Investors in People. Jamie Whitely joins the client services team as account executive from Cheshire agency Steinias where he worked on digital apps, infographics, print and exhibitions for B2B clients that included Trelleborg, BP and ABB. Bofore that, Mr Whiteley was an intern at GREY London where he gained experience on global TV and digital advertising campaigns for oral care brands Corsodyl and Paradontax. Fantastic has also appointed Trevor Flannery as new business director. Mr Flannery who is well known in the industry for his flair for new business development will work with Fantastic to generate new business and help the agency enter new sectors and market itself more confidently and effectively. Fantastic Media managing director Andy Hobson said: “These new additions to team Fantastic follow a series of recent account wins including Daval furniture, Smartsearch and plastic stationery manufacturer Duraweld and are testament to our stability and continued success. “I believe that Sally and Jamie will add significant value for our clients while Trevor’s experience will be a great asset to achieving our growth targets. “Last year, we won eight new full service clients and scooped nine industry award wins. This year we aim to beat both those figures and increase turnover and profitability while we’re at it. Our secret to success is very simple, we are not reliant on any business and no single client contributes more that 5% of our turnover.” Fantastic has also appointed undergraduate, James Bragg, Megan Bowker and Mark Chodacki, onto its trainee programme in September. The programme offers third-year students a 12-month full paid position, providing dedicated training and development, combined with hands on practical skills.
First of the last! IT’S time for networking again. The Last Friday Club stages its first get-together of 2014 from 12.30pm to 1.30pm next Friday at Bar Eleven in Halifax. The networking group is free to join and offers a chance for business people to meet informally and enjoy drink and conversation. The club is supported by Huddersfield-based law firm Ramsdens, the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, insolvency specialist Begbies Traynor and Barclays.
A GROUP of business people are launching their own charity cycle ride – in the year that the Tour de France comes to Huddersfield. Ramsdens Solicitors and MYnetwork have organised a 60-mile challenge this summer. The riders will set out at 7am on Friday, June 27, from the Shay Stadium in Halifax and follow a route through Wakefield, Dewsbury and Huddersfield before returning to Halifax. There will be a celebratory lunch at the town’s Bar Eleven that afternoon to welcome all the riders back. The group has nominated four local charities to receive all money raised – the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, Wakefield Hospice, Age UK Kirklees & Calderdale and the Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust. Barclays will match fund money raised while anyone not taking part but keen to donate can do so at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/mycycle. To take part in the challenge, register at http://mycycle.eventbrite.co.uk/ Stuart Stocks, senior Barclays Business manager at Barclays, said: “I am delighted that Barclays are involved helping promote an event that will bring millions of pounds to Yorkshire. “The world’s greatest cycle race is coming to Yorkshire and this charitable event raises the scale of the opportunity, income to local businesses and the community.” Sinéad Sopala, director of marketing at Ramsdens, said: “It's going to be a tough challenge, but it is all going to be worthwhile as we’re raising money for four
■ PEDAL POWER: Sinéad Sopala (left), of Ramsdens Solicitors with (from left) Gary Lodge and Stuart Stocks, of Barclays; John Fryer, senior partner at Ramsdens; Mark and Sarah Evans, of Better Telecoms who will be driving the support vehicle during the race and handing out lots of jelly beans for extra energy!
fantastic local great charities. “Thanks to the fantastic partner support from Ramsdens, Barclays, the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Copiserv, Better Telecoms and 02 Dewsbury. Without their support we’ve been able to make this event happen.” Jason Costello, corporate partners manager at the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, said: “The hospice are honoured
to be announced as one of the charity beneficiaries from Ramsdens Charity Cycle Challenge. “It’s fantastic the cyclists will be pedalling through the streets Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield as these are the very same towns and villages where we deliver support and care for the children and families with life shortening conditions.”
Charity drive
Tim Seckleman
A HUDDERSFIELD-based insurance broker has launched a fund to boost local charities. Eastwood & Partners has formed Eastwood & Partners Charitable Giving to raise money for worthy causes in Yorkshire. Spurred on by the firm’s donation of more than £170 plus food and toiletries for The Welcome Centre at its Christmas party, Eastwood & Partners decided to create a dedicated committee to organise and drive their charitable giving in 2014. Director Lucy Hodgson (pictured, right) said: “We regularly encourage our people to raise money for worthy causes, but we felt it was important to really focus our efforts by creating the committee. “Rather than working all year to raise funds for one charity we’ve taken the decision to give back to several organisations in our community and help as many local causes as possible.” Karen Selley, centre manager at The Welcome Centre, said: “We are incredibly grateful for all Eastwood & Partners’ support. Their donation will go a long way to help the individuals and families we support.” The new drive by the firm, which has offices at
ENERGY management consultancy Orchard Energy has made a senior appointment within its energy solutions team. Tim Seckleman (pictured) joins the Elland-based firm from Npower where he worked for 15 years – the past five years spent managing the supplier’s metering services for large businesses. In his new role at Orchard, Mr Seckleman will be responsible for expanding the company’s portfolio of energy solutions clients. Orchard Energy managing director Gareth Henderson said: “Tim has over 17 years’ experience in the energy sector and has played a key role in metering and usage monitoring with one of the UK’s leading suppliers. “His experience will enable our clients to gain a deeper understanding of their pattern of usage so that they can begin to put efficiency strategies in place. “At Npower, he has been heavily involved in managing customer relationships and this experience will be extremely important at Orchard where we have such a heavy focus on maintaining high standards of customer service.” Mr Seckleman said: “I am looking forward to working closely with businesses to help them unpick their energy data and find ways to reduce costs. “I am particularly pleased to be joining Orchard Energy, which has an outstanding reputation for integrity within the energy management industry.”
Northumberland Street in Huddersfield and in Halifax and Sheffield, will see them organise and run various fundraising activities in 2014. The next will be a corporate quiz evening. The invitation-only event will be held on March 6 at the John Smith Stadium and aims to raise more than £1,500 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Contact Victoria Shaw at VickyS@eastwood andpartners.co.uk or phone 01484 820000.
Orchard Energy