NICKY LYNN
FTSE 100 -25.27 6363.46
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014
Traveller’s tales Interview - Page 3
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NICK GARTLAND Time to get twitchy? Column - Page 4
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
Profit alerts issued by listed companies in Yorkshire and the North East fell to a near-12 year low in the third quarter of 2014 – as the region’s listed companies bucked a nationwide increase in warnings. The latest Profit Warnings Report from accountancy firm EY, showed there were just three warnings in Yorkshire and the North East during the quarter against 11 in the previous quarter and four in the corresponding period last year. The total for the third quarter this year in Yorkshire and the North East matched the record for the fewest profit warnings recorded in a single quarter in the region – set in the first three months of 2002 and equalled in the first quarter of 2003. In contrast, quoted companies in the wider UK issued 69 profit warnings in between July and September, 2014, the highest third quarter total since 2008 and 13 more than the corresponding quarter in 2013.
Hunter Kelly, restructuring partner at EY in Yorkshire and the North East, said: “It is difficult to read too much into this quarterly performance, but it may suggest that Yorkshire and North East-based PLCs are beginning to read the shape of this recovery and forecast profits better than the rest of the country. Many businesses are becoming more operationally agile and focusing on working capital to respond to opportunities and challenges in the more competitive environment. “However, before we get too complacent, the total profit warnings in the region for the first three quarters of 2014 still exceeded those for the corresponding periods in 2013 and 2012. Businesses in Yorkshire and the North East must maintain focus on adapting to the rapid changes created in the economy. “Slower global growth – particularly in Europe, low inflation, low wage growth and low interest rates are likely to be around for some time and some sectors will also see rapid structural change. One only has to look to the supermarket sector for an obvious example. “In short, some companies are find-
ing it tough to grow sales and margins and predict the direction the economy will take.” EY said the rise in profit warnings nationwide exposed the struggles that many companies faced in adapting to the challenges of predicting the new economy. Behind the headline rise in demand, companies faced crowded and competitive markets, savvier customers and rapid structural change as well as the strong pound which is an ongoing issue for business. In the first nine months of 2014, 21% of profit warnings cited competitive or pricing pressures compared with 7% in 2013. Companies citing currency in their profit warnings rose from 14% in the second quarter to 22% in the third. Those sectors reporting the most profit warnings were support services, software and computer services, construction and Materials and media. Mr Kelly said: “The shape of this recovery, in particular the low level of corporate failures during the recession and the relatively benign cycle, means businesses in many sectors face overcapacity. This is leading to intense competition and wafer thin margins – leaving little room for error. “
■■ Hunter Kelly, Yorkshire region partner at EY
Bob doesn’t miss a beat thanks to start-up funding
■■ Bob Crolla, of Sasquatch Music
When Bob Crolla lost his job in 2013, he didn’t realise he was on the way to realising a long-held dream. Bob, 44, who lives in Slaithwaite with his girlfriend, Mandy, was made redundant from his customer relations job at O2 in Leeds following a shake-up at the company. When the Jobcentre referred him to the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) scheme and the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency, he realised it could help him set up his own music studio – something he’d wanted to do for some time. “I’ve been a musician for 30 years and I’d always wanted to own my own studio,” he said. “But I never had the money to set up. The package I got allowed me the opportunity to do this.”
Bob got the keys to a large industrial unit at the beginning of December, 2013, and began work on fitting it out. He said: “The unit is in a great location, near to a college and a high school – both sources of potential customers.” By the end of February, he’d done enough work to be able to open for businss as Sasquatch Music. “I had an open night and invited people to come and have a look around and a glass of wine,” said Bob. “I got my first booking several days later and business has been picking up steadily since then.” The main core of Sasquatch Music is rehearsal studios. Bob hires out the studios to bands on an hourly basis and he also has a fully equipped recording studio, producing professional
quality recordings for solo performers and bands. Most of his customers are young bands starting out, although he’s also attracting established, professional musicians and several bands now have regular weekly bookings. Bob said the support of Veronica Baldwin, his business mentor from West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency’s MYMentor network, was invaluable. “Although I know about music I had no idea how to set up and run a business,” he said. “Getting help and guidance creating a business plan really helped me to formulate my plans, look at obstacles and opportunities I’d not considered before and work through them in detail. “The weekly payments really helped, too. Although it’s only
a small amount of money, it helped more than I expected during the period before I got paying customers and had no income.” The studio is still very much a work in progress Said Bob: “I have another two rehearsal rooms to build and also a live room where young bands can put on public performances for their friends and relatives. I’ve also just taken a booking for a children’s birthday party and I hope to do more of these in future.” Bob said there was a shortage of studios catering for younger bands with a limited budget, but added: “I want to fill that gap, creating demo CDs for up-and-coming talent at affordable prices.” Also among his plans is a youth music club aimed at 10-16-year-olds.
Quality care A company aiming to provide quality care for vulnerable people in the comfort of their own homes has been recognised for its endeavours. Burgundy Care Services Ltd has been named Business of the Month in the competition run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith in conjunction with the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and government export support body UK Trade & Investment. Burgundy Care, based at Queens Square Business Park, Honley, was formed by managing director Gail Sykes and director Anne Hirst in 2011.
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Homes fixture Holme Valley-based housebuilder Conroy Brook and Keyland Developments, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister company to Yorkshire Water, have secured planning permission for a property development at Ingbirchworth. The scheme approved by Barnsley Council is the second joint project since Conroy Brook’s appointment under Keyland’s Small Sites Initiative Joint Venture. The development at Wellthorne Lane will comprise 13 four and five-bedroom detached natural stone homes.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Insurer makes progress in challenging markets Mutual insurance, retirement and investment group LV= reported a “good performance in a challenging market” as it issued a trading update for the first nine months of the year. The group, which has offices at Folly Hall in Huddersfield, said gross written premiums on general insurance totalled £1.08bn during the period against £1.13bn for the same nine months last year. The figure for the whole of 2013 was £1.45bn. LV= had 3m motor policies inforce at the end of the nine months against 3.1m last time and £3.1m for all of 2013. Total policies in force amounted to £4.5m against £4.4m before and £4.4m for all of last year. Life insurance sales were £1.14bn compared with £1.03bn last time and £1.43bn in 2013. The group saw a rise in protection at £170m against £146m before while savings and investments were at £112m compared with £89m before and already exceed the 2013 figure of £101m. Group chief executive officer Mike Rogers said: “Nine months into 2014, sales in both trading businesses have been good in a challenging market. “In our life business, sales are up £100m compared to this time last year
and we have achieved over £400m of sales in just the last three months. Margins post-budget are generally lower driven by the business mix in our retirement business, but these strong sales are a great achievement and testament to our customerfocused range of products. “Within retirement, sales are good across the board, with our drawdown products, equity release and our oneyear fixed term annuity, which we launched in April, proving particularly popular following the changes announced to the retirement landscape in March. “Our with-profits investments portfolio continues its strong year with sales now up over 60% compared to 2013. We believe this is also being driven by the pension marketplace
changes now annuities are no longer compulsory. “More retirees are shopping around for investment products with a level of guarantee which these products can offer. “We offer a full range of ‘at retirement’ products and we are well placed to benefit from the changes as more retirees look for different financial solutions for their retirement.” Mr Rogers said: “Looking at protection, the last quarter has seen good sales and we are now up £24m compared to this time last year. Given sales were relatively comparable to 2013 three months ago I am particularly pleased with our performance in this last quarter. “The increase includes strong sales of our new income protection product. In the last few weeks we have also added to our awards portfolio, winning Moneyfacts award for the best income protection provider. “In general insurance, we continue to diversify away from motor, with SME growth promising with sales up £23m compared to this time in 2013 and we now insure over 800,000 homes and cover 800,000 customers
Home loans broker plans AIM listing A home loan broker behind £8bn of mortgages a year though 70 lenders is to sell 45% of itself to new investors in a stock market listing. Derby-based Mortgage Advice Bureau, which has a network of more than 600 mortgage advisers and around 110 appointed representatives, plans to join the Alternative Investment Market market for junior firms. The business is well known in the estate agency sector as about 900 UK branches currently introduce their customers to the group’s appointed representatives. The group is seeking to diversify in other specialist sectors, including the new build market. The company, which offers advice on more than 8,000 mortgage products, competes against firms such as Openwork, Sesame, John Charcol, and London & Country Mortgages. Mortgage Advice Bureau was founded in 2000 by chief executive Peter Brodnicki, the former head of Legal & General’s estate agency network. He will be the largest single shareholder in the firm after the flotation. Mr Brodnicki said: “The majority of borrowers use an intermediary and following the Mortgage Market Review which introduced the requirement for advice on residential mortgages, the number of borrowers seeking advice from intermediaries is increasing.”
against car breakdown. “We are proud to have recently been voted Insurer of the Year at the UK Broker Awards, demonstrating our commitment in both commercial and personal lines to an excellent level of service for brokers. “The portfolio split, with 3m of our customers in car insurance, is reflected in overall gross written premiums, which is down compared to 2013, primarily driven by lower rates in motor, where we continue to see pressure on premiums. “We have chosen not to take on unprofitable business in motor and to retain strong underwriting discipline. We do not believe current prices are sustainable, however there have been some limited signs of upwards movement in prices recently and we expect them to continue to increase in the coming months. “Entering the last quarter of the year overall I am pleased with our progress in both business areas. “I believe our focus on being easy to do business with, caring for our customers, and offering good value products means we are well placed to deliver satisfactory results at yearend.”
Mothercare gets £100m funding
Engineering faces a skills ‘crisis’
Plans to modernise struggling retail chain Mothercare are to go ahead after City investors backed a £100m fundraising. Chief executive Mark Newton-Jones said the successful rights issue gave the business a strong financial position for its turnaround strategy, which will see it look to create a smaller, digitally-led store estate.
Most businesses believe Britain is facing a skills “crisis” in technology and engineering - saying they have not detected any improvement for years, according to a new study. Research by food giant Nestle found that a third of firms in the sectors believe the problem had worsened
The company, which owns the Early Learning Centre brand and has a store at Great Northern Retail Park in Huddersfield, is planning more store closures as it looks for a core UK estate of 110 out-of-town shops and 50 in-town sites. Closures will be offset by the opening of 15 to 20 new stores or by moving to larger, better located premises.
Mothercare had a UK estate of 220 stores at the end of March after closing 153 loss-making stores over the last three financial years. A refit programme is also being planned to reverse underinvestment which has meant 80% of the UK store portfolio has not been refurbished in the last seven to eight years.
over the past five years. It said too few young people were studying maths and science subjects to meet future demand for skilled workers – but a survey of more than 300 youngsters aged 14 to 16 found that most would consider a career in industries linked to technology and engineering.
Half said they knew little or nothing about the types of jobs on offer, while many science and maths teachers were also in the dark about careers, said the report. Two-thirds of the youngsters said they were planning to study so-called STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and maths.
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INDEX FTSE 100 FTSE 250
6363.46 15040.39
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
World view from Nicky As a teenager Nicky Lynn wanted to see the world – so decided she’d join the army. However, the chance to work in a travel agency shop took her globe-trotting career in a different direction – without the need for square-bashing and saluting. Now she’s the familiar face behind the desk at one of Huddersfield’s oldest independent town centre businesses as manager at Althams Travel in Cross Church Street. The former Howden Clough Girls High School student says: “I was going to join the army, so I could travel, but I got a Saturday job at Going Places in Batley. “They wanted me to work fulltime, so I started training. I had been doing travel and tourism at school, so it was clearly what I wanted to do.” Batley-born Nicky, who still lives in the town, spent three years at the travel shop before joining Going Places Holiday World at Junction 27 at Birstall. But she found the work “too impersonal”. Says Nicky: “There wasn’t the chance to really get to know people. It was all about serving one person, then the next and the next.” She left to become the first assistant manager of the Going Places branch at the newlyopened Kingsgate shopping centre in Huddersfield before being chosen to move to the New Street branch and serve as manager there. She has held her current post at Althams Travel for the past nine years and enjoys the job immensely. “We are independent, which means we can source every type of holiday for people without being tied,” she says. “We can get whatever you can get online – and more so. “The internet is important as it makes things easier for us. There is more information than ever, but there is also more competition than ever. “Luckily, there is no substitute for personal service and personal recommendation, which is what we can offer.” While a number of online
travel sites have come and gone – and several agency outlets have disappeared from the high street – Althams Travel has been around for a century and is going as strong as ever. The business was originally founded in 1875 when it rented its Cross Church Street premises to sell tea. It began selling rail tickets as well before changing into a travel agency. The company bought the premises in 1914 and continues to operate from the same site. “We offer experience and continuity, which means we have some very loyal clients,” says Nicky. She says customers also value its status as an independent and its ability to offer impartial advice. Today, Nicky and her six-strong staff have to keep up with technology – and the news. “Lots of things have an effect on the travel industry,” she says. Most obviously, wars, civil unrest, strikes and health scares can seriously effect demand for some destinations. Notably, parts
Nicky Lynn Role: Travel shop manager Age: 33 Holidays: I am addicted to holidays. If I have any time off I try to get away First job: Waitressing at the Masonic Hall in Heckmondwike Best thing about the job? Making people happy. In this job, you are able to build up a good relationship with the customer Worst thing about the job? When things happen that are out of my control Business tip: Treat the customer how you would want to be treated. I have never sold someone a holiday I wouldn’t have been happy to go on myself of Africa and the Middle East are considered areas of risk. Safari holidays to Kenya are among the tours to take a hit as a result of concerns about terrorism. The horrific attacks of 9/11 hit the travel industry hard in the immediate aftermath, but did not have a lasting effect on people flying. Even the loss of two Malaysian airliners did not lead to a wave of people refusing to fly with the airline, says Nicky. “It’s great to be able to offer first-hand advice you can’t get from reading the holiday brochure,” says Nicky. “People come into the shop seeking inspiration. They have their own idea of what kind of holiday they’d like, but it can be completely different to the reality.” She says: “Holidays now are a neccesity rather than a luxury. Everyone was saying that the recession would hit us, but I have never felt it. “People cut back on other things so that they could still
■■ Nicky Lynn turned her back on the army but still gets to see the world
afford a holiday – even if it was a holiday in the UK. “All-inclusive holidays have helped – where everything is paid for and the customer knows exactly how much it all costs. “People have been more savvy with their money. Now, we are seeing new clients every day.” Working in the travel industry remains popular with young people, says Nicky. “It’s a fast-moving business,” she says. “A lot of people think it is going to be easy, but they learn the hard way! “I gained my NVQ with a mixture of on-the-job training and training away once a month, but I didn’t stop learning. After I came here, I took another qualification in management.” At present, Nicky and her staff are busy helping customers looking to book their summer 2015 holidays. Spain, Greece, Florida, New York and sun-kissed beaches around the Indian Ocean are among the favourite getaway destinations – but Althams has also sold trips on the Trans Siberian Express. Adventure holidays are increasingly in demand, especially among the town’s university students, with walking the Great Wall of China and diving expeditions among the most popular. And Nicky’s well-placed to offer advice. She enjoys eating out and meeting up with friends, but her real “hobby” is entirely work-related. “I’m addicted to holidays,” she says. “If I have any time off, I go somewhere. “This year alone I’ve been to Barbados, Majorica, the Costa Blanca and Greece. I will be going back to the Costa Blanca and I’ll also have a weekend in Dublin.” What’s top of Nicky’s “must visit” list now? “Anywhere I haven’t been to yet,” she says. “There’s no one single place. I have lots. I’m happy enjoying the buzz of Las Vegas just as much as the Maldives, where there’s nothing to do but sunbathe. It just depends how the mood takes me.”
Althams Travel Work: Independent travel agency Site: Cross Church Street, Huddersfield Phone: 01484 546511 Email: huddersfield@althams.co.uk Web: www. althams.co.uk
You’re invited to the
ACE COME TO NETWORK NIGHT An opportunity to hear business ideas by selected members of our community in order to help them further their journey. To be followed by: • Live Entertainment • Food & Drink • Opportunity to network with local Businesses
Monday November 3rd, 7.30pm.
Voda Bar, 68 John William Street, Huddersfield HD1 1EH Contact Shondelle Quarshie
07583 289 251
for further information and to reserve your space e:info@acefoundations.org.uk
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local
KIRKLEES BUS
Firms urged to join Export Week Kirklees firms are being urged to get on the fast track to global success as UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) brings the world to the Yorkshire region for Export Week. A programme of events during this year’s Export Week – which runs from November 10 to 14, will highlight exciting opportunities for local companies in overseas markets and outline the support available to help them grow. Previous Export Weeks, which are now in their sixth year, have seen more than 17,000 companies across the UK attend a series of events, seminars and webinars. The flagship event this year will again be ExploreExport, to be held on November 12 in the Royal Hall at the International Conference Centre in Harrogate. Experts from more than 60 countries will be there for a series of one-to-one meetings and seminars for interested parties about what their region has to offer. The programme also includes live webinars providing an introduction to importing and exporting; a conference on taking your business abroad; an evening network event on international growth; and e-exporting and the retail sector. Go to www.exportweek.ukti.gov.uk and click on the Yorkshire and Humber programme to find contact details for each individual event.
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01422 358 525 or visit us online
www.wilbyltd.co.uk
UK and US facing interest rate fears 2014 is proving to be something of a transitional period for risk assets. After two years of strong recovery as a result of investors being happy to accept more risk in the face of historically low interest rates, there is now a greater tension building between the promise of more sustainable recovery and the threat of higher interest rates, particularly in the US and the UK, which are likely to be among the first countries to raise rates. The level of interest rates is important in determining the value of many asset classes and rising rates are often associated with falling or stagnant asset prices. However, as we are potentially exiting a period when rates have been at unprecedented lows for a very long time, it is unclear what the results will be. Rate rises in recent decades have been undertaken with the deliberate aim of reducing economic activity to squeeze inflation out of the system. Now inflation is most notable by its absence and the aim of the central banks is to return interest rates to a more normal level without interrupting the recovery, although there remains much dispute about what this level might actually be. The likelihood is that it will be noticeably lower than what prevailed in the decades leading up to the financial crisis. This means that investors will still be encouraged to reach for riskier, higher yielding assets. The situation is confused by the fact that for the first time since the financial crisis not all central banks are moving in the same direction. Contrary to the US and UK, the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of Japan are still very much looking to loosen policy as their economies fail to gain traction and inflation remains doggedly low. In Europe, the headline Consumer Price Inflation Rate has fallen to just 0.3% and any shift to outright deflation would raise the prospect of indebted consumers and governments strug-
CITY TALK Nick Gartland
gling to pay their dues. That is a line that the ECB appears unwilling to cross. Japan, having battled with deflation for many years, is determined to follow through on its promises to reflate the economy via the tools of “Abenomics”, named after Prime Minster Shinzo Abe. The FTSE 100 Index remained down for the nine months to the end of September, 2014, although a generous dividend yield turned that into a small positive total return. The UK’s main stock market index has run into three major headwinds (although one of these is abating). As mentioned earlier the concern about rising interest rates has played a strong part. Not only would higher interest rates risk slowing down what remains a highly indebted and consumer driven economy, but the threat also created the second headwind, namely a very strong pound. Some three-quarters of the FTSE 100’s revenues and earnings are generated overseas and a strong pound reduces the level of those when translated back into sterling. Furthermore exporters’ products are made less competitive. The pound’s strength was a key cause of the drastic reduction in analysts’ earnings growth forecasts from around 10% at the start of the year to below 3% over the summer. There has been some reprieve for dollar earners subsequent-
Nick Gartland, Senior Financial Planning Director, Investec Wealth & Investment
ly, with sterling falling from a peak of over $1.71 to $1.62, although the ECB’s actions continue to weaken the Euro and Europe remains our largest trading partner, so there is little respite there. Sterling’s reversal against the dollar was helped on by another headwind for markets, namely politics. The build up to the Scottish Referendum revealed the cracks in the bull case for the pound as investors stepped back, leaving the currency exposed to its persistently large trade deficit. With a General Election just seven months away, investors are also fretting about the result. A Labour win would raise the prospect of a “mansion tax” and potentially less business friendly policies, whereas a Conservative win would lead to the promised referendum on the UK’s membership of Europe. Together these threats have been enough to stall foreign investment into the UK, and it would seem likely that this situation will persist at least until next May. Our decision to retain a positive view on equities at the start of the year had mixed results, with lack of progress in the UK being offset by our overweight position in emerging markets and retained exposure to the US. However, we cannot deny that bond investors have seen better returns. Markets have proven to be very resilient in the face of a number of geopolitical challenges and uncertain growth with the view being taken that any shortfall in economic activity will be offset by continued “lower for longer” interest rates. Its been reasonable for some time to be of the opinion that volatility could not remain close to historic lows for ever and that markets would inevitably endure periods of losses. We might be entering such a period now, but continue to believe that central banks have no desire to choke off the recovery and also that they will provide liquidity to the financial and banking markets.
New route taking off Wealth & Investment. A wealth of know-how With more than 150 years’ experience of serving clients by investing their money wisely, Investec Wealth & Investment have the knowledge and expertise you need regarding your investments, pensions or other financial matters. Please bear in mind that the value of investments and the income derived from them can go down as well as up and that you may not get back the amount that you have put in. For further information please visit our website, call Simon Kaye on 0113 245 4488 or email simon.kaye@investecwin.co.uk investecwin.co.uk Individuals
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Member firm of the London Stock Exchange. Member of NYSE Liffe. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Investec Wealth & Investment Limited is registered in England. Registered No. 2122340. Registered Office: 2 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7QP.
Aer Lingus Regional’s new service to Dublin Airport from Leeds Bradford is cleared for take-off. The airline will operate two daily return flights between Leeds Bradford and Dublin and expects to carry 70,000 passengers on the route in 2015. The Leeds Dublin route will be serviced by the airline’s newest aircraft which were delivered brand new in June this year and will operate to and from Dublin’s newest terminal - Aer Lingus’ hub - T2 at Dublin Airport. This is the first time in 14 years that Aer Lingus will operate a Leeds to Dublin service and the schedule has been designed to accommodate a day return for business and leisure passengers, offering con-
venient morning and evening flights. Simon Fagan, chief commercial officer at Stobart Air, which will run the service. said bookings had been strong since adding Leeds to the Aer Lingus Regional route network earlier this year. ‘Over 5,000 seats have been sold on the new route and we continue to add key UK destinations like Leeds Bradford to ensure we provide choice, value and convenience for our customers,” he said. This route will provide a link to the US through Dublin for Leeds-based passengers who can conveniently connect to Aer Lingus mainline transatlantic services. This includes flights to New York, Boston, Chicago, Orlando, San Francisco and Toronto.
e networkers
■■ Guy Robinson, of A with some of the produ
All set f fun of t
A giftware specialist in among 68 Yorkshire Christmas fair. At Home in the Cou Tyas, will promote i homeware products Magazine Christmas North Yorkshire. The company is m fair, which has seen a 4 of exhibitors to more t from November 27 to International Centre. With stalls includ crafts, interiors and ised gifts and jewelle is set to be a one-sto those looking for fest special. Guy Robinson, foun Country, said: “We’re to showcasing our pr Living Christmas Fair own-designed home country themed rang mas gifts for the hom share them with Harr Also making a debu Kirklington-based an Food with its locally sausages. Flying the flag for Y Breeze Designs, a jew Dodworth, Barnsley, based Jamali Annay made ceramics with sonal messages.
Spooky go for the ne
Businesses should attending a forthcom – even if it is taking pl The Last Friday Cl get-together on Octob 1,30pm at Maggie’s, fax. The event includes appeal for Halifax Ro Shoebox Appeal. The networking gro Mid Yorkshire Cham Ramsdens, Barclays, t of Marketing and Mag
5
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014
SINESS NEWS
At Home in the Country, ucts he sells
for the the fair
n Huddersfield will be exhibitors at a major
untry, based at Farnley its seasonally-themed at the Country Living s Fair in Harrogate,
making its debut at the 42% rise in the number than 300. It takes place o 30 at the Harrogate
ding food and drink, homeware, personalery, the four-day event op-Christmas-shop for tive gifts or something
nder of At Home in the really looking forward roducts at the Country r for the first time. Our eware, tableware and ges make great Christme, so we’re excited to rogate!” ut at this year’s event is nd family-run HECK produced, gluten-free
Yorkshire craft is Seawellery designer from , and Knaresboroughy, designers of handh personalised or sea-
oings-on etworkers
dn’t be nervous about ming networking event lace on Hallowe’en. lub will hold its latest ber 31 from 12.30pm to Fountain Street, Hali-
the launch of a special otary Club’s Christmas
oup is supported by the mber of Commerce, the Chartered Institute ggie’s.
local
Firm recognises loyal employees A company has recognised a combined 466 years of service – by presenting long service awards to 17 loyal employees. The awards for 25 years service were presented to staff at Decorative Panels Holdings in Elland by group chairman Steve Gaunt and group managing director Guy Metcalfe. Recipients included Andrew Wortley, who has clocked up 40 years service. The company, based at Lowfields Business Park, is a leading manufacturer of wood-based panel components and flat pack furniture. It is a significant employer in West Yorkshire and Teesside with more than a century of history and experience. Mr Metcalfe said: “We are delighted to be able to present so many employees with awards for long service. A strong business can only be built on the drive and support of its employees and we are extremely appreciative to have such a hardworking and committed team.”
■■ Managing director Guy Metcalfe (left) and chairman Stephen Gaunt (right) with Andrew Wortley (centre) and other award recipients
Safety highlights of driving in the dark Driving in the dark is unavoidable in winter months – but the lack of visibility can increase the risk of fatal accidents happening. It is therefore extremely important for those driving as part of their job – or to and from work – to take extra care and attention when driving in darkness. We have highlighted some key points to remember in order to stay safe in darker times. Days are beginning to start a little brighter, but can still be gloomy – remember to put your lights on. Keeping your lights and windscreen clean will improve visibility.
RISKY BUSINESS Mark Weeks If it’s safe to do so, use your main beam, but please be aware of other road users. Turn it off when you see traffic approaching. If you see another driver who has forgotten to turn their main beam off, a quick glance to the left hand kerb
will avoid being dazzled. Fog lights should only be used when visibility is below 100 metres. Be aware of stopping distances, objects can be harder to see in the dark. Never drive when tired. This statement applies to
Mark Weeks is a risk management consultant at Wilby Ltd
Town opens a bottle to celebrate its latest commercial partnership Huddersfield Town has entered into a new commercial partnership with sports nutrition company iPRO Sport. The new arrangement will see iPRO Sport become the club’s official supplier of isotonic drinks. Town commercial manager for partnerships John Williams said: “This is yet another fantastic partnership that will see iPRO Sport become an official supplier of the club, with a lot more to come as part of this contract. “I am delighted and very much looking forward to working with iPRO Sport.” Dean Cook, managing director of iPRO Sport, said “The relationship with Huddersfield
Town is a significant and strategic step in iPRO’s plans to extend into football and other sports. “It demonstrates the importance to managers, players and coaches of having a genuinely healthy product as their hydration partner. “We have recently announced similar developments within rugby union and have a presence in cycling through Team Raleigh.” iPRO Sport is a natural and healthy sports drink that limits artificial sugar and colouring intake. It includes Stevia – -a natural sugar replacement with no calories – and 188% of the reference intake of B12 and 200% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
both day light and night time driving, and remember – caffeine is not the solution. For new drivers, it could be the first time they have ever driven in darkness. If unsure, it may be necessary to ask a more experienced driver to go out with them and give any advice they might need to ensure they are confident and safe. Always drive carefully and considerately and remain in control of your vehicle by keeping two hands on the wheel and maintaining a steady speed. Also, please remember to remain vigilant of other road users and potential hazards.
Ace idea offering would-be tycoons a chance to shine A business networking event with a difference comes to Huddersfield next week. The town centre’s Voda Bar will host the Ace Come to Networking Night from 7.30pm next Monday for a mix of business pitching, entertainment, food and drink. The highlight of the evening will be a Dragon’s Den-style session when people with promising business ideas will pitch their proposals to an expert panel – with the would-be entrepreneurs hoping to secure support in the form of mentoring or money to turn their dreams into reality. The event is being staged by Ace Foundations, a community interest company which aims to provide bespoke student accommodation in Huddersfield. Ace – standing for Accommodation, Care, Equality – was formed to fill a gap in the market to supply such facilities to disabled students. Ace aims to provide a safe, secure environment for students and peace of mind for their families by offering whatever support the students need while allowing them to maintain an independent lifestyle. Bradley-based Craig Simpson, of Ace Foundations, said research by the company over more than a year suggested that new student accommodation was not adapt-
ed for disabled people – with things like light switches, sockets, cupboards and drawers at awkward heights rather than being easily accessible and rooms without space for wheelchair users. Craig pitched the business to potential investors at a similar Dragon’s Den-type event in London – which helped Ace find a backer and has now prompted Craig to come up with the idea for next Monday’s event. He said Ace’s ambition was to provide four and five-bedroom apartments with kitchen-living rooms, bathrooms or wet rooms and internet and TV access. The facilities would also feature communal areas – one designated as a quiet area with sofas and desks and the other a social area with a TV, DVD, pool table and chairs and tables. There would also be a laundry with assistance provided to those who require it. Carers would be available if needed along with 24-hour. Said Craig: “We would also like to offer additional support to students in becoming familiar with the local area and getting them into part-time employment. “If possible, we would like to liaise with companies in securing employment. “We would also like to enhance life skills.”
QUESTION 4 BUSINESS PLANNING – HOW DO YOU GET THERE? 01484 538351 www.revellward.co.uk
Your business plan is your recipe for success. It is a formal statement of your objectives and your plan for achieving them. Your recipe for success will need to detail all your key success drivers, the required ingredients, the equipment and an assessment of the adequacy of your working environment. It then needs to communicate how your recipe produces the final product that beats the competition and makes your customer want to buy from you. At Revell Ward we follow a step by step process (and you can’t miss out any steps) and we conclude with a One Page Plan that you can communicate easily both internally and externally. Once you have achieved this we help you work on your business forecasts. Starting with your sales forecast, moving onto projecting the profitability and finally producing an integrated cash flow forecast for the 12 months ahead and then a summary forecast for the 3 years ahead. “Revell Ward are supportive, honest, constructive… a strong foundation to build on”
We are running a series of seminars on the Wheel of Fortune. To register your interest email krishna.patel@revellward.co.uk or call 01484 538351. Revell Ward LLP, 7th Floor, 30 Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2HG. 01484 538351 or enquiries@revellward.co.uk
6
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Joint venture’s second project ■■ Richard Conroy (right), of Conroy Brook, and Peter Garrett, of Keyland Developments
Holme Valley-based housebuilder Conroy Brook and Keyland Developments, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister company to Yorkshire Water, have secured planning permission for a property development at Ingbirchworth. The scheme approved by Barnsley Council is the second joint project since Conroy Brook’s appointment under Keyland’s Small Sites Initiative Joint Venture. The development at Wellthorne Lane will comprise 13 four and five-bedroom detached natural
stone homes with associated car parking and landscaping. All homes will be built in traditional Yorkshire stone. The site lies between Huddersfield, Barnsley and Sheffield with good access to the M1. The rural setting offers beautiful views of open countryside and access to local village amenities and is within walking distance of Ingbirchworth Reservoir. The Conroy Brook team said work was expected to start next year with first completions towards the end of 2015.
Visit our Auction Site for the latest news!
10a Kings Mill Lane
LAND AND PROPERTY AUCTION THURS 4 DEC 2014 7PM
Huddersfield, HD1 3AN
Stone built former coach house in need of refurbishment, close to University – potential student let.
Cedar Court Hotel, Lindley Moor Road, Ainley Top, Huddersfield, HD3 3RH
Guide Price: £95,000 plus
126a Trinity Street
153/155 Richardshaw Lane
Huddersfield, HD1 4DT
2 Vacant lock up shops with upper floors suitable for residential conversion STPP. Good investment/refurbishment opportunity.
Substantial stone built character property opposite Greenhead Park and convenient for town centre and University. Ideal 5/6 bed student let following refurbishment. Potential income £29,500 pa.
Guide Price: £30,000 – £40,000 each
Guide Price: £150,000 – £175,000
1 Barum Top
23/27 Dewsbury Road
Retail/hot food takeaway investment. Next to Wetherspoons in town centre. Rental £12,140 pa exc. Upper parts suitable for residential STPP.
Prominent town centre retail/ residential investment/ development opportunity with busy main road frontage and car park.
Guide Price: £135,000 plus
Guide Price: £100,000 plus
3 Church Street
Gatehouse Lodge
Prime town centre retail unit next to Halifax Bank with upper floors suitable for residential conversion STPP. Investment/refurbishment opportunity.
Detached character stone built gatehouse with potential for residential conversion STPP.
Guide Price: £79,500
Guide Price: £95,000 plus
1/3 Oldfield Lane
Private Car Garage and Driveway
Pudsey
Halifax, HX1 1NL
Cleckheaton
Dewsbury, WF13 1JJ
Westfields Road, Mirfield, WF14 9PW
Heckmondwike
Substantial former council offices and WC block situated close to market place. Suitable for a variety of uses STPP. Planning application submitted for hot food takeaway and residential.
Westgate, Almondbury, Huddersfield, HD5 8XJ
Guide Price: TBC
Paddock/Grazing Land – 4.93 Acre
Blackmoorfoot Road, Crosland Moor, Huddersfield, HD4 7AF Ideal equestrian paddock in picturesque rural setting.
Guide Price: £40,000 – £50,000
Guide Price: £5,000
ALSO AVAILABLE (FURTHER DETAILS TBC) RESIDENTIAL BUILDING LAND – VARIOUS LOCATIONS, WEST YORKSHIRE 0.074 Acres
Battye Street, Dewsbury Application submitted for 2 houses.
0.468 Acres
Battye Street, Heckmondwike Application submitted for 6 houses.
0.61 Acres
Commercial Street, Slaithwaite Consent for 8 flats.
0.55 Acres
Upper Road, Batley Application submitted for 16 flats.
Keyland Developments appointed Conroy Brook as preferred partner under its Small Sites Initiative (SSI) in 2013. The SSI involves the redevelopment and regeneration of surplus and redundant Yorkshire Water sites to bring them back into beneficial use for business and the community. The joint venture is already delivering results with the first scheme in Sheffield, Forge View, well underway. Conroy Brook chief executive Richard Conroy said: “We were delighted to be selected as Key-
land’s development partner last year. The SSI is moving forward positively and gathering momentum with a number of new projects in the pipeline. “We are now looking forward to our second joint development in another quality location.” Peter Garrett, managing director of Keyland, said: “We were delighted to secure planning permission for this site which will provide much needed executive homes in Barnsley. We look forward to working on this and many more schemes with Conroy Brook in the future.”
New distribution base for Rixonway Dewsbury-based kitchen manufacturer Rixonway Kitchens has opened a new distribution centre in Milton Keynes and invested in new equipment and IT systems to improve customer service. The company, which operates nationally, produces more than 18,000 units a week. After a number of contract wins in the capital, Rixonway kitchens are being fitted in homes across London at the rate of one an hour. Located on the main delivery route to the capital, the Milton Keynes centre will enable customers within the M25 to order and receive replacement kitchen units much more quickly. As well as the new centre, Rixonway has also invested more than £300,000 in new machinery for its automated assembly lines. The new investment will help Rixonway meet anticipated volume growth for the year in addition to increasing efficiency and managing stock levels. In a further move designed to boost customer service, the company has also completely restructured its sales office to establish a dedicated customer service department as well as introducing a new customer relationship management system management tool to improve communications with its customers. Due to go live in August, the system has been installed at a cost of £60,000 and will enable Rixonway to manage and process the 175,000 emails and 95,000 calls the business handles each year. Chief executive, Paul Rose, said: “We’ve
■■ Rixonway chief executive Paul Rose
had a fantastic period of growth so far this year, winning several new contracts in the capital. “However it is important that we invest across the business to ensure we can continue to maintain our high levels of customer satisfaction. “Spending £60,000 on the new CRM system for example will be essential if Rixonway is to expand any further and the investment in production capacity will ensure we can continue to meet customer demands. “As a service-driven manufacturer, we are always thinking of the best ways to provide an efficient service to our clients and customers and this latest round of investment is just the beginning.”
Last chance to enter awards Organisations and businesses in Kirklees have until the end of this week to submit nominations for the Institution of Civil Engineers’ (ICE) prestigious annual Yorkshire and Humber Awards. The awards celebrate excellence in civil engineering and are open to projects which are constructed in the region, or which are designed in Yorkshire and Humber, but implemented overseas. Those where a feasibility study or research project are conducted in the region are also eligible. The awards will be presented by incoming ICE president Prof David Balmforth, at the ICE Yorkshire and Humber annual
aala dinner next March in Harrogate. There are three awards categories – The Centenary Award for projects valued greater than £5m; The Smeaton Award for projects valued between £500,000 and £5m; and the Sir John Fowler Award, for projects valued below £500,000. The Sir John Fowler Award is new for 2015. Projects must have been completed – or substantially concluded – not more than two years before the closing date of October 31, 2014. Penny Marshall, director of ICE Yorkshire and Humber, said: “The annual awards are an important element of the civil engineering calendar.”
TO LET
Industrial
FOR SALE/TO LET
Commercial
Thornhill Beck Lane, off Bradford Road, Brighouse 850m2 (9,350sq ft)
Spring Grove, Manchester Road, Linthwaite, Huddersfield 164m2 (1,760 sq ft)
Good quality single storey warehouse/ industrial unit located just off main Bradford Road, making it easily accessible to M62 (J25)
Highly prominent two storey commercial premises suitable for a variety of uses (subject to planning)
FOR SALE/TO LET
Industrial
Jubilee Business Park, Grange Moor, Wakefield 2,640m2 (28,415 sq ft) High quality modern warehouse and office facility with car park and rear service yard, located just off A642 Wakefield Road
All enquiries to Alec Michael alec@michaelsteel.co.uk
www.michaelsteel.co.uk
Commercial Residential, Commercial & Industrial Surveyors, Estate Agents, Auctioneers & Property Management Consultants To Let
TANYARD ROAD, MILNSBRIDGE HD3 4NB
UNIT 5, RIVERSIDE COURT, COLNE ROAD, LOCKWOOD HD1 3ER
To Let
Industrial/Warehouse Accommodation
Modern Industrial / Trade Counter Unit
889sqm (9,572sqft) to 1,267.6sqm (13,645sqft)
1,027 sqft plus 502 sqft Mezzanine Levels
Inexpensive Industrial Accommodation
Prominent location 3 Phase electricity
Available on flexible terms
Secure site
Popular industrial location Recently refurbished
To Let
QUAY STREET, HUDDERSFIELD
GREENHEAD ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD HD1 4EN
First Floor Workshop/Office Accommodation
2 Storey Office Building with Car parking
511.98sqm (5,511 sqft)
317.8sqm (3,420sqft) NIA
Inexpensive
Outskirts of Huddersfield town centre
Suitable for a variety of industrial, office or leisure users, subject to obtaining the relevant planning consents EPC Rating: E
t: 01484 530361
commercial@bramleys1.co.uk
Security alarm and CCTV system DDA compliant EPC Asset Rating E
14 St Georges Square, Huddersfield HD1 1JF e:
To Let
www.bramleys.com/commercial
8
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
movers and shakers
Firm recognised for its caring approach Clocking up the mileage! Distribution company The Pink Link Ltd is celebrating the commitment of its longserving staff. The Oakes-based business has recognised personnel who have together amassed more than 150 years of service. They include depot manager Roland Jackson, who has been with the business for more than 20 years and sales and commercial director Vicki Davenport, who joined the business in 1991 and has more than 32 years’ industry experience. Overall, members of The Pink Link Ltd team have stacked up 284 years combined of transport industry experience.
The Pink Link Ltd, based at Crosland Road, recently received a national award in recognition of its customer service and operational excellence by the Palletways Platinum Club – a scheme designed to reward only the best members of the Palletways distribution network for excellence in performance, commitment and compliance. Said Vicki: “Our people deliver excellence and we are extremely proud to have such commitment and loyalty from all of our staff members. To have 151 years combined service, and 284 years’ experience within the transport industry shows we have the right people for the job!”
Steve Bradley
Regional spokesman role Businessman Steve Bradley has been appointed as a regional spokesman for the government-funded Growth Vouchers programme. Mr Bradley (pictured), of Lockwoodbased Pennine Business Partners, has already helped a number of local firms over the past year to spend their vouchers, which enables them to access strategic advice and guidance in areas including marketing, recruitment, management skills, raising finance and digital technology. The Growth Vouchers Programme distributes subsidies of up to £2,000 to be spent on high quality business advice – with 20,000 small businesses across England set to benefit. Mr Bradley said: “I am delighted to be one of the regional spokespersons for the Growth Vouchers Programme. Having assisted a number of local compa-
nies over the last year to spend their voucher by providing them with sound, strategic business advice, I have seen the benefits of the programme first hand – and now I can officially shout about it. “Strategic advice can be fundamental to the success of a company. The programme has enabled some of the smaller businesses that ordinarily wouldn’t have the budget to pay for such guidance to thrive and grow in a competitive marketplace.” Pennine Business Partners works with clients in the areas of marketing, human resources and health and safety.
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
A company aiming to provide quality care for vulnerable people in the comfort of their own homes has been recognised for its endeavours. Burgundy Care Services Ltd has been named Business of the Month in the competition run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith in conjunction with the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and government export support body UK Trade & Investment. Burgundy Care, based at Queens Square Business Park, Honley, was formed by managing director Gail Sykes and director Anne Hirst in 2011. After working in the care industry for a number of years and hearing about poor care providers and services, they took the decision to set up their own care agency with the aim of providing high quality services to vulnerable people in the comfort of their own home. Burgundy Care operates in the private home care sector and specialises in helping people who have a range of mental health issues, including dementia, schizophrenia, bi-polar, anxiety and depression among others. It also work closely with the NHS to help people with end of life care in their own homes. Judges for the monthly award recognised Burgundy Care Services for its progress from
■■ Alison Smith (centre), of Eaton Smith, presents the award to Anne Hirst (third right), Gail Sykes (second right) and Alex Charlesworth (right), of Burgundy Care Services Ltd, with (from left) Jo McBeath, of UKTI; Alyas Hussain, of West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency; and Paul Greetham, of the University of Huddersfield
occupying a small office in a community centre – with just Gail and Anne working on the business – to building up its reputation from word of mouth recommendations, which resulted in a move to larger premises in July, 2012. It now employs 25 staff. Gail said: “We feel we are meeting our aim
of providing high quality services and the whole team are very proud to receive this award.” The Business of the Month award is open to firms in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. Contact Ian Greenwood on 01484 821389 for more information.
NGN turns heat on the opposition North of England gas distributor Northern Gas Networks overcame stiff competition to scoop a fistful of awards in the UK Customer Experience Awards. The business is now taking the trophies on a tour of the network – including celebrating at its Heckmondwike depot where NGN’s team has responsibilities including carrying out essential gas mains replacement work and providing the emergency response to gas escapes in the town. NGN entered several award categories, including Best Customer Experience, the Business Change/Transformation – Simplification Award, Small Contact Centre Award, Employee Engagement – Taking the Lead Award, Team - Customers at the Heart and Overall Customer Experience Award. Despite being up against tough competition from major names –
including Nationwide, Balfour Beatty, Graze, Royal Bank of Scotland and LV= – the network operator won every category it entered as well as scooping the “bonus” award. NGN was recognised for revolutionising its business to put the customer at the centre of everything it does – from transforming its connections service to introducing rigorous complaints resolution targets, including the challenging 90 in 60 initiative to seek to resolve 90% of customer issues in 60 minutes. Judges praised NGN for its “focused and relentless” drive to be the best when it comes to delivering exceptional customer experience. NGN was also recognised for its approach to employee engagement, in particular the success of its inspire Academy, which offers an active programme of training
■■ Northern Gas Network employees at the Heckmondwike depot with the trophies won by the company at the Customer Experience Awards
and personal development and a chance for employees to learn and develop new skills. Neil Armstrong, NGN customer operations area manager for Pennines, said: “We are delighted to
have won six UK Customer Experience Awards and everyone working in the Pennines area can be extremely proud of what they’ve done to help make this happen.”
Jo named non-executive director at Care Plus Partnership Denby Dale businesswoman Jo Haigh has added another nonexecutive directorship. Jo is bringing her business experience to the board of the London based Care Plus Partnership, a specialist brain injury rehabilitation clinic.
Care Plus works to improve the lives of patients with challenging behaviour, severe cognitive difficulty, psychiatric difficulties or substance abuse. Jo said: “I am delighted to be part of the team at Care Plus. The passion they have for the rehabili-
tation they offer their patients and their belief in their methods is inspiring to see and I can’t wait to be involved in the future of this company.” Dr Richard Seamark, of Care Plus, said: “From our first contact I am aware that Jo is someone
special. She was able to grasp the possibilities and realities of our business so quickly and generate great ideas from the start. “We do have a great organisation, but with Jo’s help we can grow while maintaining our integrity and passion. “