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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Firms spell out growth strategy
THE fastest-growing firms in the UK are focusing on new markets, products and services to deliver up to 20% growth, according to new research. Business coaching service GrowthAccelerator, which aims to help Kirklees firms become the best in Britain, carried out a survey among the first 2,000 companies registered for support under the scheme to help them achieve their full potential. It found that one in five firms are pinning their growth hopes on expansion into new markets, while a similar proportion aim to diversify their range of products. One in 10 aim to improve the level of service they provide. Businesses surveyed cited sales, strategy and marketing as the biggest obstacles to growth – challenges that GrowthAccelerator hopes to overcome as its growth managers across the country match businesses with skilled coaches to help them grow more quickly. Simon Littlewood, director at GrowthAccelerator, said: “To deliver significant growth, most companies need to do something differently – be that embracing new markets or diversifying their product range or improv-
ing service. “Doing this unsupported can prove challenging, so we’re delighted to already be helping more than 2,500 businesses innovate to grow. “Our growth managers are helping identify the growth opportunity and matching businesses with expert coaches to fulfil growth potential.” The analysis of the GrowthAccelerator businesses also found that looking at different sectors and clients presented high growth opportunities. Additional barriers for growth were cited as planning, management and access to finance. Mr Littlewood said: “In recessionary times when budgets are hard to find, investing in external advice and training can make all the difference and deliver real growth. “Businesses are taking advantage of the £7.5m GrowthAccelerator to support training budgets and bolster in-house expertise. “Use of this funding is enabling them to deliver both considerable growth and increased staff motivation and loyalty.” A poll undertaken on behalf of GrowthAccelerator talking to businesses who had either achieved 20%
■ INNOVATE: Simon Littlewood, director at GrowthAccelerator
growth in the last three years or who are on track to deliver 20% growth in 2013 found five key areas contributing to their success. Some 23% were working collaboratively with like-minded businesses or partners while 17% had secured access to finance. Some 14% pinpointed training and
development of employees as crucial while 13% cited advice and coaching and 8% said their success was due to being established in a growth industry. GrowthAccelerator has been launched by the Government to focus on small and medium-sized businesses with the potential for rapid and sustained growth – to double their turnover in the next three or four years and achieve a growth rate of 20% year-on-year. The UK-wide programme, which can apply to firms in any sector, has been backed by a £200m investment by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and is being delivered in the Kirklees area by Leeds-based business improvement specialist Winning Pitch. The firm specialises in helping businesses develop through marketing, team building, personal development and customised training programmes. C o m p a n i e s e l i g i b l e fo r t h e GrowthAccelerator programme have to be registered limited companies based in England, employ fewer than 250 people and have turnover below £400m. Go to www.growthaccelerator.com
Survey detects signs of recovery
■ POSITIVE PICTURE: Baxter Caulfield senior partner Stephen Newman
THE Yorkshire economy is showing signs of a “tentative recovery” – according to a survey conducted by a Huddersfield law firm. The latest six-monthly Economic Report by Baxter Caulfield shows that the final two quarters of 2012 saw growth in the economic activity of the region’s private sector companies. The firm has carried out an in-depth evaluation of announcements made by businesses in the region covering job creation, new investment and contract wins. Stephen Newman, senior partner at the Station Street firm, said: “The results of the research make for positive reading, showing that the
skilled, forward-thinking nature of companies in the region attracts investment, bringing in new contracts and from that, creating jobs.” The research reveals that private sector employers in the region created 8,532 jobs during the second half of 2012 while new investment totalled almost £260m during the same period. Mr Newman said: “The final six months of 2012 proved to be successful for the region, especially with the creation of so many new jobs across all industries. “The early part of 2013 alone has seen several big name casualties, especially on the high street. “So, for businesses in Yorkshire
and the Humber to be soldiering on and still managing to invest and take on new staff when others are shedding shows real commitment and determination and makes me very proud of this region. “Despite these results, of course, businesses cannot afford to take their foot off the gas. “It is still an extremely tough economic climate out there. “But the region’s businesses should hold their heads up high as they help to drag us through the gloom of the financial winter. “It is early days, but the green shoots of spring may just be starting to show.”
INSIDE Focus on training A BRIGHOUSE-based company hosted an event to promote apprenticeships. Calder Valley MP Craig Whittaker and the Mayor and Mayoress of Calderdale, Clr John Hardy and his wife, Janet, were among guests at the open day hosted by electrical design and installation company Projex Solutions. The event included a debate about apprenticeships and how they help Yorkshire firms grow.
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Managers matter COMPANIES must invest in their managers if they are to improve their fortunes during the current economic slump, says a Huddersfield-based consultant. David Broadhead, of Partners in Management, said companies needed to focus on managers and other senior staff., saying people were the essential ingredient for all organisations – but usually got the least investment.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
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Ryanair buoyed by December flights LOW-COST airline Ryanair gave another boost to its profits guidance after benefiting from strong demand for pre-Christmas flights. The Dublin-based carrier said bookings from passengers in the UK, Germ a n y a n d S c a n d i n av i a w e r e particularly robust as revenues rose by 15% to (£825m in the three months to December 31. It now expects profits of about £460m in the year to March, which would represent a 7% increase on last year’s performance – despite a 19% rise in oil costs. Ryanair also increased its full-year profits guidance in November to between £417m and £442m. Quarterly passenger numbers increased by 3% to 17.3m, while an 8% rise in average fares meant third ■ HIGH FLIER: Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary, whose company is quarter profits were up by 21% to now forecasting a 7% increase in profits for the year to March £15.4m during the period. The airline has grounded up to 80 Dublin airports and expectations for will be 3% lower in the current quarter, equivalent to 400,000 passengers. aircraft this winter as a result of high oil seasonally weaker demand. Ryanair opened its 51st base in As a result, Ryanair expects traffic prices, airport fees at Stansted and
Toyota on top again
Maastricht in December and will open six more from April in Eindhoven, Krakow, Zadar in Croatia, Chania in Greece and Marrakesh and Fez in Morocco. It said significant capacity cuts by other carriers would also offer it growth opportunities across Europe. The company , led by chief executive Michael O'Leary, said: “We expect further capacity cuts and restructurings in Europe as high-fare, loss-making carriers struggle to compete with Ryanair’s expansion at low prices.” Despite the tough market conditions, analysts at Panmure Gordon stockbrokers said the cuts in capacity growth and higher competitor fares should translate into “attractive and sustainable” profits growth for Ryanair. Analyst Gert Zonneveld described the third quarter performance as excellent and said Panmure continued to hold a buy recommendation on Ryanair.
Call for action to lift steel sector
Premier Foods boss quits
STEEL production in the UK remained at a “virtual standstill” last year, according to a report. Figures by UK Steel, a division of EEF, the manufacturers’ group, showed output was just 15 higher in 2012 than it had been in 2011 – equal to average production of 184,264 tonnes per week against 182,269 tonnes per week. The report blamed continuing economic stagnation, a fall in automotive production in Europe and the low level of construction in the UK. Andy Tuscher, region director for the EEF, said: “This virtual standstill
THE boss of Hovis and Mr Kipling owner Premier Foods has quit just 18 months into a major turnaround of the debt-laden food group. The departure of Michael Clarke, who joined the company from Kraft Foods in 2011, shocked the City and led to a slump in Premier’s shares. Premier moved swiftly to replace Mr Clarke by announcing the appointment of Gavin Darby, who was boss of Cable & Wireless Worldwide until its takeover last year. He spent 15 years in senior leadership roles at Coca-Cola before joining
position is despite the export-oriented plant in Teesside re-starting last spring under new ownership and leaves UK steel output still around 30% below 2008/9 levels. “Two key factors are the continuing low level of UK construction output, which contributed to the closure of the Thamesteel plant last January and, more recently, the slowdown in European automotive production. Government needs to act more urgently in stimulating shovel-ready investment in the UK’s infrastructure and other construction activities.
Vodafone in 2001. The company said Mr Clarke, who is leaving to pursue other business opportunities, had delivered the initial turnaround of the company and set it on a course for sustainable profitable growth. Clive Black, retail analyst at Shore Capital, said the loss of Mr Clarke was a concern. Premier was hit by a £1.3bn debt mountain after a spending spree which included Mr Kipling owner RHM – but it secured a “landmark” £1.4bn refinancing deal last year.
TOYOTA has regained its crown as the world’s top car-maker. The Japanese firm said that it sold a record 9.74m vehicles last year – higher than the estimate it gave last month of about 9.7m vehicles. It was already clear that Toyota had dethroned General Motors as the Detroit-based car giant fell short, selling 9.29m vehicles. GM had been the top-selling car-maker for more than seven decades before losing the title to Toyota in 2008. GM retook the sales crown in 2011, when Toyota’s production was hit by the earthquake and tsunami in north-eastern Japan. The latest results show Toyota’s powerful comeback. Global vehicle sales for the maker of the Camry sedan, Prius hybrid and Lexus luxury model surged by nearly 23% from the previous year. Overseas sales rose by 19%, while sales in Japan, where the economy has been troubled, recovered a whopping 35%. Volkswagen of Germany, the world’s number three car maker, sold a record 9.1m vehicles around the world. Toyota plans to sell 9.91m vehicles globally in 2013, putting it back on track toward its earlier goal of 10m vehicles – a target that it had made a special effort to play down after having to recall defective vehicles in the USA in 2011.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £37.60 -0.33 Gannett 1255.12 -29.39 Hess Corp £39.78 +2.23 Microsoft 1790.50 +13.23 Motors Liquidation 47.81 Wal-Mart Stores £44.09 +0.10 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 430 +4 BAE Systems 3467/8 +33/4 Rolls-Royce 942 -2 AIM Brady Plc 961/2 -1/2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 2411/2 -51/8 BANKS Barclays 3057/8 +51/8 HSBC 7171/8 +63/4 1 Lloyds Banking Gp 53 /8 -1/4 3 Ryl Scotland 367 /4 +17/8 Stan Chart 1664 -1/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 18591/2 +21/2 SABMiller £303/4 +1/8 CHEMICALS Croda £241/2 Elementis 98 2111/4 -35/8 Johnsn Mat £237/8 -1/8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2805/8 +21/8 Costain 266 +6 ELECTRICITY
Drax Gp 585 -21/2 SSE 1395 +9 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 2313/4 +73/4 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 4053/4 +7/8 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 2521/8 -1 Cable & Wireless 401/8 +1/8 Comm Colt Group 1063/4 +1/8 KCOM 741/8 +11/4 Talktalk Telecom 240 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2571/4 -1/8 Sainsbury 3303/4 +1/4 Tesco 356 +1/4 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1715 +7 Tate Lyle 824 -10 1 Unilever £25 /2 +1/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3455/8 -11/4 National Grid 7001/2 +1/2 Pennon Grp 7021/2 +1 Severn 1638 -9 United Utils 743 -2 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 2587/8 +13/4 ICAP 3323/4 +31/2 London StockExch 1249 +24 Man Group 931/4 -1 Provident Financial 1467 -5
Schroders 1942 +26 Schroders NV 1576 +25 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS REXAM 4693/8 +1/4 Smiths Grp 1246 +2 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 273/4 Carphone Whse 227 -7 Dixons Retail 271/2 -1/8 Home Retail 124 -95/8 Inchcape 470 +5/8 Kingfisher 2767/8 -1/2 5 M&S 381 /8 -25/8 Mothercare 330 -1 Next £405/8 +1/8 WH Smith 6661/2 -41/2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 725 +11/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 831/4 -1/2 Barrat Dev 2235/8 -21/2 Persimmon 8641/2 -10 Reckitt Benckiser £423/8 +3/8 Taylor Wimpey 721/2 -1/2 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 1186 -7 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 2683/8 -43/8 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 2263/4 +1/4 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 3713/8 +7/8
Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life
151 1883/8 9541/2 2681/8 350 MEDIA BSkyB 8041/2 D Mail Tst 5801/2 1 HIBU /4 ITV 1141/8 Johnston Press 121/8 Pearson 1180 Reed Elsevier 691 STV Group 121 Trinity Mirror 1021/4 Utd Business 7631/2 UTV 1401/2 WPP 971 MINING Anglo American 18721/2 Antofagasta 1259 BHP Billiton £211/8 Eurasian Natural 332 Res Fresnillo 1663 Kazakhmys 745 Lonmin 325 Rio Tinto £35 VEDANTA 1185 RESOURCES Xstrata 11751/2 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 6311/2 Vodafone Group 1711/8 NONLIFE INSURANCE
-5/8 +3/4 +7 +11/2 +41/4 +21/2 +11/2 -13/4 -3/8 -5 -1/2 +1/2 +11/4 -11/2 +21/2 -9 -131/2 +2 +1/8 +7/8 -35 -81/2 -23/4 -1/8 +5 -71/2 +61/2 +7/8
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
482 1083/4 7001/2 £203/8
-9 -3/4 +1/2 -1/8
closed at at FTSE closed
6294.41 Up 9.96 Admiral Grp 1222 RSA Insurance Gp 131 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1142 BP 4681/2 Cairn Energy 2901/4 Royal Dutch Shell A £223/4 Royal Dutch Shell B £231/4 Total £337/8 Tullow Oil 1169 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1102 Petrofac 1709 Wood Gp(J) 8241/2 PERSONAL GOODS
+1 -231/2 +31/8 -11/2 +1/8 +1/8 -1/4 -14 +2 -21 -21/2
Burberry Gp 1374 -13 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £311/2 -1/8 GlaxoSmithK 31/2 Shire £211/8 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 5631/2 -1 Captl Shop Cent 3563/4 -23/8 Hamrsn 487 -41/8 Land Secs 8071/2 -61/2 SEGRO 248 -1/2 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 3435/8 -7/8 Sage Group 3253/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 624 -1 Bunzl 1112 -4 Capita 787 -7 De La Rue 920 -161/2 Electrocomp 249 +11/8 Experian 1080 -10 G4S 2787/8 +2 7 Hays 90 /8 -1/4 Homeserve 240 -4 Menzies J 727 +42 3 Rentokil 90 /4 +1/8 Smiths News 165 3 Wolseley £29 /4 -1/4 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 8681/2 -2 Spirent Comms 1555/8 -11/2 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £321/2
Imperial Tobacco
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113 /2 £261/8 758 9351/2 1011/4 2027/8 1323 673 1864 220 2121/4 3073/8 2133/8 155 3117/8 2927/8 £255/8
-1 -91/2 -5/8 -3/4 -18 -21/2 -16 -3 +13/8 -25/8 +3/4 -1/4 -23/4 -1/4
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Helping firms find the right recipe improvement and learning FOOD fan Veronica and development. Baldwin has hit on a It was during her time winning recipe. as factory manager for a The mother-of-two – bakery employing 200 who likes to spend her people that she first got spare time cooking up the idea of working for new creations in her herself. Holmfirth kitchen – had a Her next job was at a 20-year career in food firm making mince pies in manufacturing before Oldham, but she says: “At setting up her own that point, I realised that I coaching business to help really loved working with firms of all kinds and people and helping them sizes get the best from get the best results.” their people. Says Veronica: “In my Says Veronica: “I have view, you can have the a fascination for what best products and makes people tick and processes in the world, how they work with but unless you have others. people who know what “It saddens me when I they are doing and care see the wasted effort in about what they are doing, some organisations just you will never have a because people can't thriving business.” work effectively with each Since launching other. Baldwin Coaching Ltd “It also inspires me – three years ago, Veronica helping teams has dedicated her time to successfully work helping people become together and seeing how more effective in their jobs their performance truly and drive performance in becomes greater than the their businesses through sum of its parts.” training, coaching and Veronica, who hails mentoring. from Hertfordshire, She helps leaders and moved to Yorkshire in managers understand 1986 when she studied how to win over the chemistry at Sheffield University. She had early ambitions to be a forensic scientist – but decided that might be too boring – and took up a job as a graduate trainee at Northern Foods. She says: “I always loved factories and seeing things being made – and I still do.” During her career in the food industry, Veronica worked in Nottingham, Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley for manufacturers of diary products and desserts, sandwiches and bakery ■ LIFELONG LEARNER: goods in areas including Veronica Baldwin, who runs production, quality Baldwin Coaching control, continuous
“hearts and minds” of their staff and empower employees in their business goals. She undertakes leadership training, team-building and strategic development as well as “soft skills” such as confidence building. delegation, how to listen and handling conflicts. She also offers psychometric profiling, performance coaching and practices neuro-linguistic programming – the study of human communication – and teaches people how to get outstanding results by giving them the practical tools and methods to achieve them. Says Veronica: “I work with the whole spectrum of businesses, from small owner-managed companies to a large food manufacturer. “I love the variety. People are people wherever they work and have the same kind of work-related issues. I work with businesses ranging from garages and recruiting companies to accountancy firms and renewable energy providers.” Veronica says: “I ask companies where they want to be as an organisation. Most of the time, they know what they need to do to get there, but haven’t got the time to talk about it and make it a priority. “The aim is to get them to take action. I love helping people on their personal development journeys.” She says: “Everything I do is centred on making the people part of the business work. It is centred on skills and motivation and behaviour. “My belief is that
Page 3 Veronica Baldwin
everyone goes to work wanting to do a good job. They also want to be fulfilled and get recognition, but in the hubbub of a busy working environment, that can get forgotten.” At the same time, many companies have gone through re-organisation and change due to the economic downturn – with employees given a change of role or more to do. “That can be unsettling,” says Veronica. “Steering them through that process is absolutely vital. “Business is about people, products and processes.” And she adds: “Some people think ‘coaching’ is all a bit ‘pink and fluffy’ but it isn’t. It is about helping businesses achieve their visions – and getting everyone doing what they say they are going to do.” Veronica practices what she preaches by focusing on her own continued professional development. She set up her own business because she wanted to give herself a challenge – and because it meant she would have complete control and responsibility over her work life. She says: “I love learning. I can see myself still adding to my skills in my 80s. “I also believe it keeps you young! I have loved the spin-off benefits of learning how to run and build my own business.” As well as working in-house with her
clients, Veronica runs workshops where people can learn about NLP and drive their business forward at the same time. In February, she is launching a programme of workshops entitled “Effective Manager to Exceptional Leader”. Veronica is a member of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, the Association for Neuro-Linguistic Programming and also attends Huddersfield meetings of the Ladies4Networking group. She is also a member of the Halifax and Huddersfield Speakers’ Association, saying: “I enjoy public speaking. It is a good way to promote what I do. It moves you out of your comfort zone.” Away from work, Veronica is kept busy with her two children. “They are a big part of my life,” she says. “As I’m working for myself, I work around them as much as I can. I love spending time with them. We do a lot of walking and cycling with the children.” And it’s no surprise that food plays a part, too. “I love cooking and I have a real passion for food,” says Veronica. “I must have about 200 cook books! “If I go to a nice restaurant and enjoy a dish I’m always thinking ‘I wonder how you make that? “I try all kinds of recipes, from sushi to classical French cuisine. I particularly love making fancy pastries, so I’ve been avidly watching The Great British Bake Off.”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Role: Proprietor Age: 44 Family: Married to Kevan with children Ben, eight, and Hayleigh, six Car: Volvo XC90 – although if I could have any car I’d have a beat-up old Land Rover! Holidays: Camping in France and ski-ing First job: I had a paper round when I was 12. I worked Saturdays in Woolworths when I was 16 one Christmas – and stayed two years Best thing about job: Seeing results for my clients. Worst thing about job: Deciding which providers of services I want to work with. I find it really difficult because I want to make the right choice Business tip: Set yourself some goals, write them down and stick them up on the wall so you don’t forget them!
Baldwin Coaching Ltd Work: Helping firms get the “people thing” right Site: Holmfirth Phone: 07930 863695 Email: veronica@baldwin coaching.com Web: www.baldwincoaching .com
Independent financial planning services for companies and individuals Eastwood & Partners (Financial Services) Ltd
Pennine House, Lowfields Close, Lowfields Business Park, Elland HX5 9DA 01422 377737 www.eastwoodfinancial.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority
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Search on for top businesswomen KIRKLEES businesswomen have been urged to compete for a national award – with the launch of the 2013 First Women Awards, held in association with Lloyds Banking Group. Created in 2005 by Real Business and the CBI, the awards recognise pioneering women who are setting the agenda for future generations across a range of sectors. The closing date for entries is Friday, April 5, 2013. The awards ceremony, hosted by broadcaster Clare Balding, is on Wednesday, June 12, at the London Marriott Hotel.Visit fwa.realbusiness.co.uk
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Don’t delay over pension changes CTOBER 1, 2012 saw the O long-awaited introduction of pension auto enrolment with a
burst of TV advertising taking place in Government attempts to raise public awareness of the changes. Automatic enrolment requires that employers enrol “eligible jobholders” into a Qualifying Workplace Pension scheme. This could be NEST (National Employment Savings Trust) or another qualifying scheme established by the employer (for example, a Group Personal Pension or Occupational Pension scheme), subject to the scheme meeting certain conditions. Due to the scale of the task at hand, to ensure all employers meet their obligations the requirement to auto enrol employees is being phased in (referred to as “staging dates”) with the largest employers going first. In fact, prior to April, 2013, only employers with more than 10,000 employees will be affected with the very smallest employers (those with less than 30 employees) not subject
P: 01484 423691
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FINANCIAL FOCUS Karen Wynard
to the requirements until 2017. Essentially, employers will be required to enrol all eligible jobholders within a month of their auto enrolment date into a suitable workplace pension scheme (unless they are already members of such a scheme). Generally speaking, most employees aged over 22, earning at least £8,105 per annum will be “eligible jobholders”. There are also compulsory minimum contributions required from both employer and employee. Although initially these will be low, starting with gross contributions of 1% of qualifying earnings from the employee and 1% of earnings from the employer, they will gradually rise until employers must contribute 3% with an employee contributing 5% (including tax relief).
These contributions are based on earnings between £5,564 and £42,475 (for tax year 2012/13). If you do not already have an understanding of the auto enrolment requirements and/or you have not yet started your preparations, you do need to be giving this some thought. It’s easy to think that this is something that you can put to one side until nearer the time, but I would recommend that employers give themselves at least a year before their staging date to sufficiently prepare. When you think about the preparatory work involved and also the fact that as more companies fall into the regime, the demand for the services of advisers and pension companies will increase dramatically, it would be sensible to get ahead of the game!
Karen Wynard is head of corporate services at Eastwood & Partners (Financial Services) Ltd
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Firms deserve better bosses COMPANIES must invest in their managers if they are to improve their fortunes during the current economic slump, says a Huddersfield-based consultant. David Broadhead, who runs Partners in Management, based at the Media Centre, said companies needed to focus on managers and other senior staff. He said: “People are the one consistent, essential ingredient of all organisations – but usually the one with the least investment, especially the more experienced and senior they are. “You wouldn’t spend over £25,000 on a new car or machine and then not service and improve it, yet that’s what we do with our people – year on year. A survey by the Chartered Management Institute showed that only 21% of managers are rated as highly effective by their subordinates and 43% are considered either ineffective or highly ineffective. Said Mr Broadhead: “In other words, eight out of 10 are doing a bad to acceptable job, yet we are relying on them to lead us out of the situation we are in by letting them do what they have always done. “It’s probably worse in a lot of
organisations as they put more fear and pressure on these people to perform, so they work longer and harder to produce even more disastrous results.” Mr Broadhead said several organisations had seen “spectacular, successful experiences” by investing in the development of their managers and “professional knowledge workers”. Mr Broadhead has developed the 21st Century Manager programme, which is designed to kick-start key workers into developing the entrepreneurial and leadership skills needed to deliver effective strategic change in these challenging times. A five-day course, delivered one day a month, will take place at the Media Centre from February. Said Mr Broadhead: “We’ve seen organisations that were struggling achieve 200% profit growth, obtain full order books and reduce overdues whilst also employing fewer people, all after developing their management teams. “It does work and is probably the most cost effective investment any organisation can make, especially in the current environment.”
Set the c RTI shak
KIRKLEES employers must prepare for a major shake-up in the way Pay As You Earn operates, says a Kirklees expert. Nigel Westman (pictured), partner at Clough & Company in Cleckh change would affec employers. Yet a su only 16% of busine of their obligations From April, the Rea Information program the heart of the gov welfare reform – wi information about e to the Department f Pensions, so it can calculate payments individuals are enti A survey by the Fed Businesses of 1,70 companies found th have never heard o companies had not communication fro Customs about the Mr Westman said: “ force from April, 20 biggest shake-up to PAYE was introduce Employers will be r PAYE information to time a payroll is run are paid. “In addition they wi any changes to PAY they occur, instead each financial year. “The scheme is als simplify the reporti a company recruits or when staff leave making the payroll straightforward.” He said: “Because have to transmit an submission to HMR every pay date, the systems in place to this. Almost a third that reported being changes said they h software, so it’s cle businesses will hav changes in the com
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NESS NEWS
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local
Review your tax position
S we approach the end of A another tax year – with significant tax change already in
place and due to come in – it is important to use the remaining time before the April 5 deadline to review one’s affairs to ensure that the maximum benefits are obtained of available allowances and reliefs. In doing so, it is worth looking not just at husband and wife but also parents and children. Both husband and wife have the benefit of the Personal Allowance and the basic rate tax band. Transfers of assets between them are free of all taxes. It may be beneficial to review the assets of each spouse to see if transfers can be made from one to the other to ensure Personal Allowances are not wasted and basic rate tax bands are utilised as far as possible whilst at the same time mitigating the extent of any higher rate tax liabilities on the transferring spouse. Basic rate taxpayers can save 20% tax on income earned on assets transferred to a spouse who has not used their Personal Allowance. Those with gross income in excess of £42,475 can save tax at 40% taxpayer and 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 50%. From April 6, 2013, the highest rate of tax is to be reduced from 50% to 45% (42.5% to 37.5% for dividend income) and for those 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, 2013, to
TAX TALK Colin Barratt
ensure this income is taxed at the lower rate in the 2013/14 tax year. Similarly, deferring the award of bonuses or dividends from your company until into the new tax year or delaying the encashment of investment bonds until after April 5, 2013, could secure tax benefits. Charitable Gift Aid donations should also be made by the spouse who is the highest rate taxpayer as they are able to obtain the optimum relief for these payments, without affecting the tax position of the charity. Remember to use up each spouses’ ISA allowance, given that the maximum subscription limit has increased to £11,280 (£5,640 for cash ISAs and £5,640 for stocks and share ISAs). Don’t forget that children under 16 may be able to have their own junior ISA to shelter further capital from tax. I n d e e d , rev i ew i n g m a r r i e d couples’ affairs is now even more significant from January 2013 for those with children who face a loss of their Child Benefit where one spouse has income above the £50,000 threshold. 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, income will always be taxed on
Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth chartered accountants, Huddersfield
Look to Latvia KIRKLEES engineering firms looking to trade with Latvia have been urged to attend a free seminar. The newly-opened Kirklees College engineering centre is the venue for the event, Doing Business in Latvia, which will be held from 5pm to 7pm on Wednesday, February 13. Latvian beer and snacks will also be available. The event is aimed at firms in mechanical engineering and metalworking, electronics and electrical engineering, technical plastics and textiles. Event organiser Joanna Lavan, of Honley-based Alfran UK, said: “The
engineering sector is one of the leading industrial sectors in Latvia. It produces about 20% of total manufacturing industry output and value added and is the leading exporting sector in Latvia – accounting for more than a third of total exports. “Latvia is known as the gateway between Europe and CIS and its capital Riga is the largest city in the Baltic States. Latvia is the fastest growing EU economy in 2012.” The event will include speakers from Latvia and the UK who will give a detailed overview of the country’s engineering sector. Email joanna@alfran.co.uk
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 7 years. So if grandparents wish to help with increased 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.
Page 5 Town unveil their true blue partner! A NEW partner has joined forces with Huddersfield Town. Leeds-based Blue Apple Training, which has more than 15 years experience in the “Welfare to Work” and recruitment industries will use the football club’s facilities at the John Smith’s Stadium and Canalside sports complex to run training courses to help unemployed back into jobs. Blue Apple Training owners Mike Gore and John Perrin joined tutor Joanne Wray alongside Town commercial director Sean Jarvis and international development manager Ajin Abraham to announce the new partnership. Said Mr Jarvis: “We are well aware of Blue Apple Training’s excellent training programmes as they have worked closely with Kirklees College, another valued club partner, for some time now and we’re very happy to provide a well-known base and an opportunity for the two organisations to help the unemployed and youths not in education, employment or training to get back on track.” Mr Perrin said: “We want to stand out as a training and recruitment organisation and we want those who come on our courses to stand out when they apply for vacancies and attend job interviews. “We are working with local employers to offer free bespoke recruitment solutions as well as working with the Job Centre Plus and Work Programme providers to help and support the unemployed in and around the Huddersfield area. “We work closely with our learners over a four or five-week period and so we get to know them, their strengths, their attitude and work ethic and then we can confidently put the right people forward for interview to the employers with whom we work in partnership.”
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Centres of attention FIVE purpose-built control centres released to market last year have attracted “significant attention” from prospective buyers. The control centres, including one in West Yorkshire, were released by the Department for Communities and Local Government. Centres in Hampshire, County Durham, Cheshire and London have already been secured for use – with ones in Wakefield, Cambridge, Castle Donington, Taunton and Wolverhampton still seeking buyers. Each control centre extends to some 30,000 sq ft and benefits from a fully secured environment in an accessible, out-of-town business park location. A number of serious enquiries have already been made by a range of potential users including educational providers, data centre operators, local authorities and the emergency services. Andrew Venables, director for national markets with GVA, who is handling the lettings, said: “We have been pleased with the level of interest from organisations seeking modern, cost-effective, functional and highly resilient accommodation. “Each of these five buildings is immediately available to a wide range of potential occupiers looking for a high specification finish, in-built technology and an extremely secure environment.” The self-contained three-storey buildings incorporate substantial office space and a double height control room area suitable for a variety of uses. Other accommodation includes specialist equipment and plant rooms, storage space and full catering and canteen facilities. The buildings are accessed through gate-houses and are fitted with comprehensive CCTV. They also have diesel powered standby generators fitted as standard along with air-conditioning, fire suppression systems and rain water harvesting.
property
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Small firms ‘not into Green Deal’ THE Green Deal needs to involve more small, local builders to work, says a construction group. The Federation of Master Builders said red-tape and negative publicity threatened to s c u p p e r t h e G ov e r n m e n t ’s f l ag s h i p energy-efficiency policy before it gets off the ground. Just over a quarter of small to medium-sized construction firms are planning to get involved in the Green Deal, according to a survey by the FMB. But many said the application and accreditation process was overly complicated, while householders were unaware of the potential benefits because of a lack of positive publicity about the scheme. Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “Trusted local traders are ready and willing to help homeowners fit energy-saving measures such as double-glazing and insulation. “However, many have expressed frustration that it is not easy for smaller firms to get involved in Green Deal work and that there hasn’t been a marketing campaign to explain to householders what the Green Deal is all about.” Mr Berry continued: “People want to use their local builder to have energy-efficient improvement work carried out, because they know them and have used them before. “But the scheme has been designed so large numbers of small firms are excluded because of the significant costs involved in offering ■ GREEN MESSAGE: FMB chief executive Green Deal finance directly to homeowners. Brian Berry says SMEs need more support “Instead local firms will have to find a large finance provider to work with, rather than getting started on work which would boost the environment and great for the economy – but economy and help home-owners save money without more support, training and publicity the Government risks this policy becoming a on their fuel bills.” Mr Berry said: “We welcome the Green Deal damp squib. “The FMB is committed to helping builders launch because in principle it is good for the
become certified Green Deal installers and we offer advice and pathways to training and certification to ensure people can use a builder they know and trust to future-proof their homes.” Meanwhile, Rich Hall, of accountancy firm PwC's Northern sustainability team, said critics should delay making a verdict on the Green Deal. "It's easy to get distracted by the headlines or expect too much too soon,” he said. “The reality is this has the potential to be a truly transformational programme, kick-starting a much- needed upgrade of Britain's housing stock, and help the economy on the way. “It could also make one of the most significant contributions to our 2020 carbon reduction commitments. "As this is a long term approach, I wouldn't expect everyone to come flocking to the idea straight away. “Many people will still wait until they can fit it around other home improvements or moving house. "Rising energy prices means fuel bills are only going in one direction. Keeping our energy bills affordable means we need to tackle energy efficiency on a large scale, for the long term. “The Green Deal allows households to install these measures with no up-front cost. The Green Deal Finance Company's lending policy has also made this affordable and accessible to over 80% of the population. “ Mr Hall said: “With Green Deal repayments linked to your home, not you personally, we could find that as adoption builds, people's expectations of lower carbon, higher energy efficiency being built into the bricks and mortar of a home will be changed, whether your home is big or small, and built last year, or last century.”
Things are brewing up nicely! VOLUNTEERS from a local group for the over-55s are helping make the perfect brew. The 12 members of Huddersfield-based Not Just a Community Enterprise are helping to pack tea for social enterprise Not Just a Trading Company. The tea is then sold to Dewsbury-based Rixonway Kitchens, a leading manufacturer of kitchens for the social housing sector, with profits going to help support tea producers in developing countries. Rixonway buys the tea and gives it away to tenants visiting the company’s exhibitions as a means of support and to raise awareness of Netherton-based Not Just a Trading Company. The over 55s group is a perfect way for older members of the community to socialise and make new friends while helping support fair trade. The wide age range means younger members can
help older members with transport and IT skills, creating an inter-generation group. Laura Smith, business and community initiatives manager of Not Just a Trading Company, said: “Members from the over55s group enjoyed packaging the tea as it allowed them to do something different, whilst having a cup of tea and a good chat as they complete the work – and make an income too.” Rixonway chief executive Paul Rose said: “We are always happy to support schemes which benefit all those involved in an ethical manner. We are dedicated to building links with local charities and organisations and hope our partnership with Not Just a Trading Company will promote the benefits of the scheme to our customers.” Rixonway chose to work with Not Just a Trading Company as the two companies share similar ethical policies. Rixonway is
committed to playing a positive role in the communities in which it operates and has developed strong links with local charities and organisations. Not Just a Trading Company was funded by Kirklees Community Partnerships and set up under the Lorna Young Foundation’s Not Just a Community Enterprise programme, which provides opportunities for groups to run their own social enterprise based on the principles of ethical and fair trade whilst gaining experience, learning valuable business skills and earning an income. The Huddersfield-based Not Just a Community Enterprise group has held two stalls selling products including hand-made dishcloths and lavender bags. The group will have a stall in Holmfirth on March 9.All the money raised will go back into the business.
■ CUP WINNER: Laura Smith, of Not Just a Trading Company
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Openings for window firms THE market for doors and windows is opening up, according to a report. A study on the UK residential windows and doors sector, published by Market & Customer Insight, has valued the market at about £3.2bn in 2012. The report found that the UK market for doors, door frames, windows, window frames and conservatories is expected to increase to £3.5bn by 2017 throughout the forecast period 2013-2017 – but at “moderate levels” of annual growth. That growth is expected to accelerate as the period progresses and the UK economy improves. Financial availability and house price inflation will also improve conditions in the longer term and growth can be expected to return to the market at modest levels initially, the report said. The windows and window frames sector is expected to continue to form the largest element of the UK market up to 2017. The doors and door frames sector is forecast to increase throughout the review period.
Richard Pogson (pictured), managing director of Huddersfield-based Lockwood Windows and sister company Composite Doors Yorkshire, said: “In our experience, the uPVC windows and doors market is still tough but we have been able to hold our own. “However, composite doors seem to be bucking the trend somewhat and this has definitely been a growth market for us over the last 18 months.” The conservatories sector is forecast to increase to approximately £1bn. Sales in the conservatories sector are expected to grow throughout the period under review – and its growth will lead the total market. The report said that the market for direct-sell conservatories was improving and would grow more strongly as the period progresses and financial restrictions are lifted, house price inflation increases and people look to invest in their existing property with a changed attitude towards house moving following the past few years.
property
New opportunities A COMMERCIAL glazing contractor has opened up doors with a new product. Dortech Architectural Systems Ltd, based at Old Fieldhouse Lane in Huddersfield, has launched a new door to cater for high traffic, pedestrian environments such as schools and shopping centres. Managing director James Sutherland (pictured) said: “Trading conditions have been incredibly tough. “The UK construction market is in a poor state and some market forecasters do not believe the situation will get much better until 2022.
Government’s unwanted properties are now online A NEW website has been launched letting members of the public see for the first time what government property is available to buy or rent. Find Me Some Government Space operates similarly to commercial sites such as Rightmove in that the public will be able to find available property using either a postcode or area keyword. The website will open up more than 300 properties available to rent and about 900 currently available to buy across Great Britain. Property available includes county court and magistrates court buildings in Dewsbury and land at Thornhill Viaduct in Brighouse. Chloe Smith (pictured), Minister for Political and Constitutional Reform, said: “We’re making the civil
service more efficient and cutting waste. “As a result we will have a number of properties both owned and rented that we need to do more with. “Not only will this website help to save government money, but we will see new opportunities, jobs and
growth in local economies as new life is brought into empty, unused properties.” Users will be able to access the site via the new government website to search for property to purchase or rent from the government. Property will be displayed with photos and building guides where available. The National Property Controls introduced by Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude, which stop signing of new leases and renewals of existing leases, have already reduced costs by £362m for the period from May, 2010, to September, 2012. Additionally, more than £640m has been raised in capital receipts by selling more than 250 surplus buildings during the 20 months from May, 2010.
Shop vacancy rates fall THE number of vacant shops across Britain fell for the third month running in December, according to figures. But a retail export said the collapse of several major chains, the number of “distressed” retail businesses and the drive towards more technology making online shopping even easier suggested vacancy rates would rise again in 2013. Retailing information service The Local
Data Company said shop vacancies fell by 0.06% to 14.25% last month. Town centre vacancy rates fell from 14.31% to 14.25%. But director Matthew Hopkinson said: “In light of recent administrations and the number of distressed retailers being quoted I fear that we will see a rise in the number of vacant shops as we enter 2013. There is the potential for a doubling of closures from what we have seen in 2012.”
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Upon Instructions of K Hinds and J P McLean as Joint Administrative Receivers of Foray 1088 Limited.
FOR SALE
Land at Crosland Hill Huddersfield, HD4 7AD 1 24.84 Hectares (61.38 Acres) approximately 1 Significant Development Potential 1 Substantial Agricultural Land Holding 1 Available as a Whole or as Smaller Lots
“To make things worse, manufacturing output has not picked up, house building in 2012 was at its lowest since the 1920s and all this whilst the bank rate has been 0.5% for the past four years.” Mr Sutherland said the new Dor-Strong door aimed to remedy the problems often found with aluminium commercial doors. Enhancements included welded corners, additional tie rods, steel reinforced door thresholds and extra- robust bottom pivots. He said: “These components typically need to be replaced on a regular basis with standard commercial doors and the costs of maintenance and repair work can sometimes be significantly higher than just buying a higher quality product in the first place! “Since opening our doors in 1993, we have manufactured over 20,000 door sets and over the past few years our maintenance division has repaired and replaced hundreds of doors. “During this time, we have found the same repeat problems time and time again, which is why we decided to develop the Dor-Strong concept.”
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Movers and shakers
Page 8
Royal command
Daniel Krigers & Jack Oldroyd
Chadwick Lawrence LAW firm Chadwick Lawrence is celebrating two of its trainees successfully qualifying as solicitors after completing training contracts at the firm. Daniel Krigers and Jack Oldroyd both studied law part-time over four years at Huddersfield University while working as office juniors at Chadwick Lawrence, which has offices at Railway Street in Huddersfield and at Wakefield, Leeds and Halifax. Having successfully completed their degrees, they undertook a two year part-time legal practice course while running a training contract alongside this at the firm. Pictured are Jack Oldroyd (front, left) and Daniel Krigers (front, right) with (back from left) Neil Wilsoni, Jeremy Garside and Robert Brackup. The training contract, funded by Chadwick Lawrence, saw Daniel and Jack appointed as trainee solicitors which allowed them to assist on and run files alongside qualified solicitors. Throughout his training, Daniel worked in the employment department, mainly helping commercial clients deliver Chadwick Lawrence’s Employer Support Pack service as well as working on sports law and business immigration cases. Jack was based in the firm’s dispute resolution department and assisted with a range of civil litigation cases. He continues to work in this department and now specialises in both general and commercial litigation.
Jason Gledhil
HSBC HSBC has appointed Jason Gledhill as area commercial director for Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield. Mr Gledhill (pictured), who is based at HSBC’s Chancery Lane Commercial Centre in Huddersfield, will focus on supporting businesses with a turnover between £2m and £30m as well as ensuring that the bank continues to meet the needs of its commercial clients. Mr Gledhill has spent 24 years in the banking industry in the North of England, most recently with Barclays Corporate in Manchester. His varied career has seen him undertake roles in branch management, commercial and corporate banking, including a spell leading a bank’s offshore business in the Isle of Man. He said: “I’m delighted to join HSBC. Yorkshire is a key geographical area for HSBC and we have been expanding our team over the past year to meet the needs of businesses in the region. I look forward to getting out and meeting both the business and professional services communities and have been impressed with the quality and breadth of companies I have met so far in the area.”
A BRIGHOUSE businessman has been invited to become an Ambassador for the Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise. The charity, backed by the Prince of Wales, is dedicated to helping unemployed people over 50 set up their own businesses. Carl Hopkins, who has more than 25 years’ business and marketing experience, first became involved with PRIME following an invitation to attend a round table hosted by Prince Charles last June to discuss how businesses and organisations can connect better with people over the age of 50. Carl, who has launched a number of businesses himself, said that he was attracted to the initiative’s aims as he also champions enterprise skills for young people in connection with the not-for-profit organisation Are You Ready? of which he is a founding patron. Said Carl: “With the retirement age getting progressively older and pensions getting smaller, those aged 50 and over need to think of other ways to finance their futures and become financially independent. “Self-employment provides a very viable solution and the Prince’s Initiative is the only national organisation dedicated to
■ PRIME PICK: Carl Hopkins
offering support to achieve this. I am honoured to have been invited to become an ambassador for the Prince’s
Initiative and look forward to empowering even more over 50s who are unemployed or facing redundancy, to explore self-employment. This demographic is a great untapped resource of experience that could benefit all businesses.” Nick Bunting, CEO of Prince’s Initiative, said: “We are delighted that Carl Hopkins has become an Ambassador for the Prince’s Initiative as he brings a wealth of business and entrepreneurial experience. “Mature workers have the right skills to benefit the UK economy and we hope that Carl will continue to assist us in our advocacy, fundraising and programme efforts to support the unemployed over 50s.” In the Yorkshire region, employment prospects for the over 50s are stark. According to the latest Labour Market statistics from the Office for National Statistics, 35,000 thousand people aged 50 to 64 are currently unemployed. To help support the over-50s, the Prince’s Initiative is hosting several free events over the next couple of months. Go to www.prime.org.uk or phone 0845 8622023.
Highlighting apprenticeships A BRIGHOUSE-based company hosted an event to promote apprenticeships. Calder Valley MP Craig Whittaker and the Mayor and Mayoress of Calderdale, Clr John Hardy and his wife, Janet, were among guests at the open day hosted by electrical design and installation company Projex Solutions. The event, held at the firm’s Thornhill Beck Lane site, opened with a debate surrounding the scope and capacity of apprenticeships and how they help Yorkshire businesses grow. Projex Solutions managing director Jamie Ashton started his working life as an apprentice and credits this as the foundation of his successful career. Projex Solutions now has its own apprentice, Lewis Copeland, who has been given the chance to increase his skill levels. Mr Whittaker said: “Apprenticeships are a great way to try and rebalance the economy. They are a huge asset to business and the individual – providing a huge skill set to feed business needs.” Mr Ashton said that the recession and the increase in university tuition fees meant apprenticeships were becoming more popular. Businesses were seeing the benefits of having apprenticeships and school leavers were seeing the benefits in doing them.
■ SUPPORT: Craig Whittaker MP (left) with (from left) Jamie Ashton, managing director of ProjexSolutions, and the Mayor and Mayoress of Calderdale Said Mr Ashton: “The day was a great success. Mr Whittaker attending was an honour and receiving a visit and speech from the mayor was an exceptional bonus. “I completed my apprenticeship 18 years ago and since then the decline in companies running an apprenticeship
programme has led to a reduced skill set being available for the industries we work within. We now have an apprentice of our own, he has been a credit to himself and the company on the projects in which he has been involved.”
Poundworld boss to tell his story THE co-founder of value retailer Poundworld will share his success story at a business conference in West Yorkshire. Chris Edwards (pictured), who joined the family business when it was a market stall owned by his parents, opened his first store in 1975 in Wakefield after his personal bank loaned him £2,500 to build a new shop front on a vacant store. Since then, managing director Chris and marketing director Martyn Birks, who was brought up in Huddersfield, have created a major chain which lifted sales by 55% to
£206m last year – during which it launched 52 stores, including its 200th outlet in August. The company is now eyeing another 150 stores. It has also hopped across to Ireland, opening six stores. Despite its success, Chris isn’t resting on his laurels. “There’s no sitting back,” he says. “I still see 4,000-plus staff waiting for their wages, landlords waiting for their rent and a massive commitment. I know I have got to be on it 24/7 so I can keep everybody happy.”
Chris, who went back to the tills alongside Martyn in TV’s Undercover Boss, is among the speakers at the Wakefield Business Conference, which takes place on Wednesday, March 20, as part of Wakefield Business Week. The full day of events, which is free to delegates, is organised by Birstall-based Hillrich Ltd and includes seminars, a business clinic, networking opportunities and an exhibition with almost 50 local suppliers. Go to www.wakefield businessconference.co.uk