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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Accountants urge caution over RDAs ACCOUNTANCY chiefs in York- RDA schemes had provided real supshire have urged the Government to port to business, especially through the “keep the best” of Yorkshire Forward recession. when it ditches the regional developInvestment schemes had channelled ment agency. funding to promising start-ups while The Government is to abolish all innovative voucher schemes had given RDAs across England and Wales as businesses access to professional part of cutbacks to tackle the UK’s advice on how to survive the downmassive deficit. turn. Some regions had benefited But the Institute of Chartered enormously from having a regional Accountants in England and Wales, voice for business. said ministers should keep the proSaid Mr Manners: “I believe the grammes that work – while making view is that – compared with other vital savings. RDAs – Yorkshire Forward is conChris Manners, ICAEW regional sidered to be refreshingly free of unnedirector for Yorkshire, said tackling cessary bureaucracy and focused on the UK’s deficit demanded difficult real world support for business. spending decisions, but said particular “Examples which come to mind are RDA programmes that have added the financial health check scheme real value should continue. introduced last year and FASTstart Some RDA functions should be introduced this year, both delivered passed onto new Local Enterprise through Business Link.” Partnerships with some left to the Mr Manners also highlighted Yorkprivate sector – and others should be shire Forward’s commitment – in partnership with Northern Rail and the scrapped altogether. ICAEW research showed that some Passenger Transport Authority – to
other RDA functions presented clear opportunities to making savings. In attempting to attract foreign investment into the UK, for example, RDAs pitted city against city, outbidding each other to attract international businesses. This had driven up the cost of business subsidies and led to duplication where regions compete against each other internationally. The ICAEW said that work could be better done elsewhere, perhaps by UK Trade and Investment. The new LEPs should preserve RDA contacts and knowledge and the ■ FOCUS: Chris Manners, Yorkshire schemes that local business valued, regional director for the Institute of said the ICAEW. Chartered Accountants in England LEPs should support economic and Wales growth, create a business-friendly environment, and work closely with invest £8m in rolling stock to increase businesses of all sizes and sectors. passenger train capacity by 6% on The LEPS should also be accountthree of the region's busiest lines. able to local people, and ensure value However, the ICAEW said that for money.
Investment fund opens its doors in Yorkshire KIRKLEES companies could be in line to share a £90m investment pot. Venture capital and loan fund Finance Yorkshire is seeking suitable firms to support following its move to new premises in Barnsley. Finance Yorkshire, based at the town’s Capitol Business Park, has £90m to support SME business growth across
the region. Deputy chairman Tony Parsons said: “We have received hundreds of applications for finance from businesses across the region and during the coming weeks we hope to announce our first investments. “However, we need the continued support of business organisations and advisers to
identify potential clients and signpost them in our direction.” In recent weeks, Finance Yorkshire has been finalising details of the fund and speaking to financial intermediaries and businesses about the investment packages they can provide to help businesses start and grow. The fund will be looking to
provide seed corn, loan and equity-linked investments ranging from £15,000 to £2m to help small and medium-sized firms. Finance Yorkshire has a partner group with 25 key regional people who represent the main stakeholders. The group also acts as a guide to the operation and development of the Fund and
operates as ambassador for the fund in the market. The project is backed by the European Union and has attracted £30m investment from the European Regional Development Fund as part of the EU’s support of the region. For more information, visit www.finance-yorkshire.com or ring 0845 6490000.
INSIDE Four legs very good A LIFE and business coaching specialist is using horse sense to help people achieve their goals. Heidi Dawson, who runs Highfields-based Pathways Coaching, is introducing the concept of Equine Assisted Coaching to help people learn more about themselves and the way their behaviour influences other people.
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A BRIGHOUSE engineering firm is gearing up for a move to bigger premises. Denford Ltd plans to switch from its premises at Calder Street, Birds Royd, to a purpose-built 18,500sq ft offices and factory at nearby Armytage Road.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
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Builder in warning on planning delays ■ HOUSE CALL: Taylor Wimpey’s Central Square development at Birkby in Huddersfield
HOUSEBUILDER Taylor Wimpey has flagged up fears over planning delays and spending cuts – as the group wrestles with “ongoing political and economic uncertainty”. The firm said the property market had shown an “encouraging level of stability” since April, but warned a shortage of land with planning consent and potential changes to planning policy could “artificially constrain” a recovery in industry volumes. Taylor Wimpey is also “concerned” over the coalition government’s looming spending review which could see the axe fall on housing initiatives and social housing grants. In 2009, one-sixth of the firm’s 10,189 legal completions were affordable housing. The firm reported a slow improve-
ment in mortgage availability and said UK property prices would be underpinned by an underlying shortage of new housing. But it added: “With ongoing political and economic uncertainty, we continue to run the business on a cautious basis, with selective land investment and an ongoing focus on costs and cash.” In the UK, sales have picked up in recent weeks after a “slight softening’’ around the time of the general election, leaving sales rates broadly in line with last year. The housebuilder has now sold 83% of its full-year target and said its order book remained strong. However, it said first-half completions would be slightly below 2009 at 4,650.
The firm has completed several land deals in recent weeks as sellers rush to beat Budget hikes in capital gains tax, but will remain cautious over land buying with lingering economic uncertainty. In the US, house prices have remained “stable” so far this year although the company is braced for volatility in the months ahead after a key stimulus measure – the home buyers’ tax credit – ceased at the end of April. In Canada, the business expects the market “to remain robust for the foreseeable future”. Taylor Wimpey was created by the merger of Taylor Woodrow and George Wimpey in 2007 at the peak of the housing market, but the giant had to battle for survival last year as it risked sinking under the weight of its debts.
Qinetiq cutbacks gain support
Sparkling plan for sales
STAFF at defence research and technology firm Qinetiq have swallowed cuts to terms and conditions in return for pay rises, the company said. Qinetiq, which has about 6,700 workers in the UK, is braced for a major spending clampdown by one of its biggest clients, the Ministry of Defence. The company said 75% of staff had accepted less favourable redundancy terms and pension arrangements in a ballot by four unions. In return, employees will get a 2% pay rise from next month. Some will also gain a 1.5% rise backdated to
LUXURY jeweller Theo Fennell announced plans to broaden its customer base with a more affordable range of designs under a turnaround plan kick-started by the return of its founder. Theo Fennell – traditionally a jeweller to the stars with prices ranging up to £250,000 or more per piece – is to launch a silver line starting at less than £100 in October, while it is also set to expand its online sales store. The plans are part of a revival strategy that saw founder Theo Fennell return as creative director last June and bring on board former managing director Barbara Snoad.
last September. Job cuts are looming at Qinetiq amid reports that 10% or more of the UK workforce could be under threat. Mr Quinn said the ballot result was an “encouraging endorsement” of plans to put the group back on a “more secure and stable footing” after several profit warnings. He said the aim was to “strike a balance between an affordable and competitive pay structure for those who remain and one that treats those who leave as a result of redundancy fairly and with dignity”.
Annual results revealed the revamp helped comparable sales leap by 23% in the second half of the year after plunging 20% in the first. The firm said the trend had continued into the new financial year, with like-for-like sales growth remaining at 23% in the first 10 weeks of the year. The company remained in the red with pre-tax losses of just under £350,000 in the year to March 31, but this was significantly lower than the £3.3m seen the previous year. Theo Fennell said it was “confident” of steps taken to return to profit. Analysts are pencilling in pre-tax profits of £500,000 this year.
Page 2 BT nets Sky deal TELECOMS giant BT will offer more live Premier League football next season – after it signed a contract with BSkyB for the supply of two Sky Sports channels. The deal follows the communications regulator’s ruling that BSkyB must sell its premium sports content to rivals at regulated prices. BT said its on-demand digital television customers would be able to view the subscription channels Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 2 from August 1, in time for the new football season. The price to BT Vision customers will be announced in the next few days, but BT has already pledged to undercut its rival by pricing a package featuring the two Sky channels and the ESPN sports channel – which also covers Premier League football – at less than £20 a month.
CBI chief moving on CBI boss Richard Lambert is to step down in 2011 after nearly five years at the helm of the business lobby group. The CBI said Mr Lambert, who became director-general in 2006, will leave early next year. Mr Lambert said it was the “right time” to hand over to a successor.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £28.07 -0.17 Gannett 1004.63 +19.85 Hess Corp £35.10 -0.51 Microsoft 1622.77 -0.83 Motors Liquidation 49.64 Wal-Mart Stores £32.76 +0.46 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 105 BAE Systems 319 Rolls-Royce Gp 5831/2 +11/2 VT Group 781 +11 AIM Brady Plc 57 Dawson Intl 21/8 Man Brnze 401/2 -1/2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 1225/8 +11/2 BANKS Barclays 2853/8 +41/8 HSBC 639 -23/4 3 Lloyds Banking Gp 55 /8 +11/4 1 Ryl Scotland 43 /2 -1 Stan Chart 1710 -32 BEVERAGES Diageo 1064 -6 SABMiller 1972 +101/2 CHEMICALS Croda 1035 +25 Elementis 98 60 -1 Johnsn Mat 1570 +16 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2401/2 +5/8 Costain 205 +33/4 ELECTRICITY Drax Grp 3813/4 +3/8
Intl Power 3067/8 +1/4 Scottish & Sthrn 1135 +15 Energy ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Chloride 3481/2 +1/2 Laird 1151/4 +3/4 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3141/4 +11/4 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 1311/2 +3/4 Cable & Wireless 583/4 -1 Comm -3/8 Cable & Wireless 901/4 Wwide Colt Group 131 -1/2 KCOM 48 +1/2 1 Talktalk Telecom 125 /2 +2 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 272 +1/4 Sainsbury 3265/8 -15/8 7 Tesco 393 /8 -43/4 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 9861/2 +1/2 Nth Foods 441/2 +1/2 5 Tate Lyle 452 /8 -1 Unilever 1820 +8 -1/4 Uniq 91/4 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 306 +1/4 National Grid 502 +3 +1 Pennon Grp 5551/2 Severn 1240 -11 1 United Utils 526 /2 -11/2 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 2821/4 +23/8 ICAP 4123/4 -2 London StockExch 602
+31/8 Man Group 2493/4 Provident Financial 8511/2 +1/2 Schroders 1271 -4 Schroders NV 1046 -2 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS 3 Cooksn Grp 427 /4 -15/8 REXAM 312 -31/8 Smiths Grp 1111 +11 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 123/4 -1/2 Carphone Whse 192 +1/4 3 DSG International 26 /8 +1/4 Home Retail 2221/2 -21/2 Inchcape 265 -21/2 Kingfisher 2193/4 -5/8 M&S 3401/4 +1/4 Mothercare 5711/2 -11/2 Next £21 -1/8 7 WH Smith 414 /8 -31/4 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 638 -41/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 921/2 +33/4 Barrat Dev 1027/8 -15/8 Persimmon 3863/4 +61/4 1 Reckitt Benckiser £31 /4 Taylor Wimpey 293/4 -3/4 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 670 -31/2 IMI 7141/2 +3 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 2753/8 +33/4 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 192 +3/4 Forth Ports 1188 +19 LIFE INSURANCE
3301/2 +53/8 81 +1/4 3 108 /8 +1 5371/2 +71/2 601/4 1801/8 +11/8 MEDIA BSkyB 705 +4 Chrysalis 991/2 1 D Mail Tst 458 /8 -3/4 ITV 527/8 -5/8 Johnston Press 161/4 -1/2 Pearson 921 +1/2 1 Reed Elsevier 505 /2 +51/2 STV Group 831/2 -21/4 Trinity Mirror 70 -11/2 Utd Business 505 UTV 124 -2 WPP 6571/2 -7 1 Yell Group 26 /2 -1/2 MINING Anglo American £251/4 +1/2 Antofagasta 848 +21 1 BHP Billiton 1881 /2 +141/2 Eurasian Natural 948 +171/2 Res Fresnillo 1052 +49 Kazakhmys 1087 +20 Lonmin 1546 +23 Rio Tinto £321/2 +5/8 VEDANTA £23 +1/2 RESOURCES Xstrata 9673/8 +103/8 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 7521/2 +41/2 Vodafone Group 146 +2 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1413 +11 RSA Insurance Gp 1213/8 +7/8 Aviva Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life
Local shares Carclo Chapelthorpe Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
1553/4 23 801/2 502 1104
-21/4 -1/2 +1/2 +3 +23
FTSE closed at
5071.6 Up 25.2
OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 10451/2 -41/2 BP 3081/4 +35/8 Cairn Energy 4301/2 +81/8 Norsk Hdro 4771/2 Royal Dutch Shell A 1769 +161/2 Royal Dutch Shell B 16911/2 +17 1 +1/4 Total £31 /8 Tullow Oil 1076 +9 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 8521/2 +10 Petrofac 1233 +13 1 -3/4 Wood Group 321 /8 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry 795 +101/2 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £295/8
Axis-Shield 262 GlaxoSmithK XD Shire 1413 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 4461/4 Captl Shop Cent 3245/8 DTZ Hldgs 62 Hamrsn 3541/2 Land Secs 586 SEGRO 2643/4 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Autonomy Corp 1870 Dimension Data 1001/4 Invensys 263 Logica 109 Misys 2431/2 Sage Group 2361/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Bunzl 689 Capita 767 Davis Service 3731/2 Group De La Rue 9541/2 Electrocomp 2243/4 Experian 6141/2 G4S 2803/8 Hays 95 Homeserve £203/8 Menzies J 370 Rentokil 1141/8 Smiths News 115 Wolseley 1442 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 2845/8 Psion 743/4 Spirent Comms 1111/4 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £211/2
+1 11/2 -3 +6 +31/8 +13/4 +5 +11/2 -3 +11/4 -1/4 -23/4 -1/8 -11/4 -1/2 -9 +1/2 -4 +21/4 +4 -3/8 -3/4
Imperial Tobacco Arriva Brit Airways Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Greene King Intercontl Htls Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express PartyGaming Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread
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7651/2 2093/8 £227/8 536 409 99 3893/4 1116 402 1160 1353/4 2905/8 227 2421/2 1061/8 1901/4 2223/8 1496
+1/2 +21/4 -1/8 -1/2 +37/8 +17/8 +21/4 -51 +3 +22 -21/8 -11/4 -23/8 -81/2 +1/4 -41/8 +43/4 +14
FTSE 100
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LEISURE & HOTELS
TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.63 dollars Bangladesh................... 98.19 taka Brazil.............................. 2.39 reals Canada....................... 1.48 dollars China ............................. 9.12 yuan Czech Republic ...... 28.73 korunas Denmark....................... 8.61 krone Euro............................... 1.16 euro Hong Kong................ 11.10 dollars Hungary................... 307.98 forints India.......................... 61.17 rupees Japan........................... 127.94 yen Mexico ....................... 16.95 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.98 dollars Norway ......................... 9.24 krone Pakistan.................. 120.94 rupees Philippines ................. 59.70 pesos South Africa................. 10.66 rand South Korea.............. 1574.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 161.20 rupees Sweden....................... 11.08 krona Switzerland.................. 1.56 francs Taiwan ...................... 42.05 dollars Turkey....................... 2.23 new lira USA ............................ 1.44 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS BIKE-RIDING businessman Ian Brierley is in optimistic mood. The joint managing director of one Huddersfield’s oldest family firms has faith in the staying power of businesses in the town – providing companies focus on niche products which give them the edge in world markets. And Ian – who commutes the mile-and-a-half from home to work on a bike – has plenty of first-hand experience to draw on. John L Brierley Ltd, based at Turnbridge Mills on the edge of Huddersfield town centre, was founded as a textile manufacturer in 1893 by Ian’s great-grandfather, who hailed from Saddleworth. By the time Ian joined the company about 20 years ago – after graduating in textile engineering from Leeds University – the firm was specialising in selling undyed cotton yarn to the Lancashire mills. But it was about to embark on the first of a series of step-changes that have transformed the business. Says Ian: “I had been to see some customers in France and they were all talking about a new material, Lycra. I remember coming back and saying ‘I think this Lycra stuff is going to go somewhere’. We spent £400,000 on machinery to twist Lycra yarns and did not look back for the next 10 years.” The company later repeated the process of staying ahead of the game – this time investing in machinery to produce chenille, which gave them the leading edge again. “That gave us another 10 years while the market lasted,” says Ian. John L Brierley diversified further, producing textile machinery monitoring equipment, which was also developed for other industries, including food production. “By the mid-1990s we were expanding strongly,” says Ian. “We were operating weekend shifts and running for more hours. “But when the Far East crash came along, our market was decimated and we could not carry on doing what we were doing at the price we were doing it.” Undaunted, Ian and his brother and fellow managing director Graham looked to develop the firm through astute acquisitions, including a yarn merchant business and a firm reconditioning and distributing turbochargers. But the humble pipe cleaner has proved as big a success for John L Brierley as any of its other products. Says Ian: “We began making pipe cleaners in 1935. Nowadays, we mainly provide them for the handicrafts market – along with other craft products such as paper balls, pom-poms and machinery to make sequins. There is a niche market for craft
profile
Staying ahead of the game Ian agrees that textiles has been an industry in steady decline, but insists: “There is a future for manufacturing if we ‘up our game’. “Otherwise, we will see more examples of what happened to the textile machinery industry – where the UK was at the forefront in the world, but by the 1960s was outpaced by Germany, Switzerland and Belgium, where they were making better machines. “As a country, we have to find the things we can do well and better than anyone else – and keep moving forward. “Toyota have suffered a bit of a blip recently, but they provide a good example of what I mean. Toyota were
happy to have other people going round looking at their factories because they knew that by the time their competitors had copied what Toyota were doing, Toyota would have moved further ahead. “In my experience, the companies that are most open are the most advanced. The ones that don’t want to show you around are the ones with old machinery and the ones that are not doing anything at all creative.” As well as encouraging businesses to talk to each other, Ian is also keen to see firms engage more fully with their local communities. In his spare time, Ian is involved with the Kirklees Grantmakers Alliance, which he says “aims to promote
■ MILL WORKER: Ian Brierley sees a bright future for one of the town’s oldest family firms
corporate social responsibility in its fullest sense”. KGA, which was set up with support from Kirklees Council, acts as a broker between businesses keen to help good causes and worthy projects in need of support. The KGA board decides which projects deserve support and promotes them to member firms. Examples could include company employees volunteering to help tidy the gardens at a care home or take a group of elderly people on an outing. “Our experience is that lots of companies want to do ‘their bit’ – but the problem is that employers are too busy running the business to find out how and where they can help. “KGA is a brokerage service to facilitate that link-up between the company and the cause.” Ian accepts that some people are cynical about firms’ motives in embracing corporate social responsibility. “There are the PR benefits – which in the case of John L Brierley are non-existent because we only have one customer in Huddersfield! “But there are two other benefits – what it does to help your employees and what it does to help deserving causes. There’s also the fact that it just feels like the right thing to do!” Along with his commitments to KGA, Ian is helping set up One Foundation – an initiative to build up a pot of money as an endowment fund with proceeds distributed to community organisations in Kirklees. “Both the KGA and
Page 3 Ian Brierley
One Foundation are getting to the stage where they will start to do some real good,” says Ian. All this hasn’t altered Ian’s commitment to John L Brierley’s commercial interests. “I do at least a full-time job in the business,” he says. “My involvement with KGA and the foundation is something I chose to do with my own time.” Always looking for new opportunities, Ian has been considering property matters – and the potential of the firm’s mill complex. The proposed Tesco superstore would be just yards away from Brierley’s Quay Street premises , which are also close to the area between the town centre and the Galpharm Stadium earmarked for development under the ambitious HD One development scheme. Says Ian: “We are not forced to move – but we have a great location in the town and buildings which could lend themselves to phased development at some stage.”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Role: Joint managing director Age: 43 Family: Married to Bettina with children Luke, 12, and Ella, 9 Holidays: Germany Car: Fold-up bike! First job: Morning paper round Best thing about job: Giving people the opportunity and helping them develop Worst thing about job: Dealing with people who want to pull everyone down to the lowest level Business tip: Know your customers and find areas of growth
John L Brierley Ltd Work: Textiles, craft products, turbochargers and property Site: Turnbridge Employees: 70 Phone: 01484 345201 Email: ianb@john lbrierley.com Web: www.grant makers-alliance.org
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KIRKLEES BUSIN
Firms ‘wise up’ to website dangers
■ NAME GAME: Steve Wainwright, of Profiled.com, says too many business people leave management of their online reputation to chance
BUSINESS people are “getting wise” to the importance of managing their reputations online, says a Huddersfield entrepreneur. Steve Wainwright heads business Profiled.com, which allowing professionals to present their CVs and achievements online for free in a clear and honest way. The site, which was launched in late 2009 by Tony Blair’s former press secretary Alistair Campbell, provides an alternative to the common search engine dilemma of wading through a multitude of incorrect and often bizarre results when searching for an individual. Mr Wainwright said membership had grown steadily and in response to comments from users, Profiled.com had now simplified its registration process and refined its offering to include free access to both verified membership and its unique profile tracking tools.
Profiled.com’s tracking tools alert the user to every mention of his or her name on the internet – thereby giving members the power to proactively monitor and manage their reputations online. “The success of any business ultimately rests on how its customers perceive it,” said Mr Wainwright. “Our users have given us some great feedback on how we could further improve the site and its functionality, and we’ve not only listened but acted on it. “The result is that taking those first steps to managing your reputation online couldn’t be simpler. “Most people have absolutely no idea what is being said about them on the internet, but the need to manage your online reputation is now becoming a defining feature of modern life. The internet is the first place that contacts and potential clients will look when trying to find more about
an individual or looking for someone to place business with.” Mr Wainwright said that typing his name into Google threw up a professor of biomedicine and an astronomer among countless other results. “Finding the Steve Wainwright you’re looking for can prove incredibly difficult,” he said. “Even if you’re every entry it’s difficult to get the right story about your experience and skills.” He added: “Our personal reputation is the only currency we have in professional life and it is unique to ourselves and differentiates us from others. “The old adage that ‘people buy from people’ is as true today as it has always been. “Having a fantastic ‘offline’ reputation and an awful reputation online – or worse, no reputation at all – really is a wasted opportunity.
Common sense H&S? appears that the current IiveThealth and safety legislatsystem may be over-
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hauled to help SMEs find their way through the baffling situation in which many business owners find themselves. David Cameron had previously asked Lord Young of Graffham to carry out a review of the UK’s “over the top health and safety culture” which has “become embedded in the national way of life”. Lord Young has now been officially appointed as advisor to the Prime Minister on health and safety laws and is to undertake a Whitehall-wide review of the operation of health and safety laws and the growth of the compensation culture. Lord Young said: “Health and safety regulation is essential in many industries, but may well have been applied too generally and have become an unnecessary burden on firms.” His report is expected later this summer. In my experience, too much health and safety is not the problem. The trick is finding which parts of the legislation are relevant to a business and dealing with them in a way that is prioritised and appropriate for that business. Companies often complain that there is too much paperwork involved. Health and
RISKY BUSINESS Mark Dalton
safety should not be about the paperwork. Yes, evidence of staff training, copies of workplace inspections and machinery maintenance records can be worth their weight in gold when faced with questions from an enforcement officer or an insurance inspector. However, we need to be selective when generating paper so we don’t loose focus on what really matters. Risk assessments are mandatory and must be recorded if a business has five or more employees. Importantly, risk assessments are for the benefit of the people, such as employees, exposed to the risk. If you cannot fit a risk assessment on to one or two pages, it is unlikely most workers will ever read them and the risk assessment process becomes purely a paperwork exercise, wasting everyone’s time. Some larger companies, particularly in the construction sector, have introduced excessive burdens on SMEs who want to
work for them. Many smaller companies have put precious time and finances into achieving nationally recognised accreditations such as the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme, but still need to duplicate this effort to meet the requirements of a prospective client’s own internal systems. Lord Young would do well to investigate this unnecessary drain on the resources of small businesses. When the report and its recommendations are produced, hopefully we will see a common sense approach to health and safety. As Safety Minister Chris Grayling said when welcoming the appointment of Lord Young: “It is important that we review health and safety regulation so that while people are protected at work there isn't a burden on business and people can still use their common sense without fearing they are breaking the law.”
Mark Dalton is associate director at Wilby Ltd
■ STADIUM DATE: Danny Matharu, of Mirfield-based Hillrich Ltd
Conference call for Kirklees companies A MAJOR conference for firms across Kirklees is set to go ahead this autumn. The second Kirklees Business Conference will provide a free full day of seminars as well as an exhibition involving 60 organisations and a business clinic. There will also be unlimited networking. KBN ‘10 – backed by organisations including Business Link, Kirklees Council and Huddersfield University – takes place on September 30 at the Galpharm Stadium. Organiser Danny Matharu, of Mirfield, said: “The whole ethos is to offer greater support to Kirklees businesses and thus encourage Kirklees businesses to work with each other more. “If more of us are inter-trading, there’ll be more working capital swimming around – hence a stronger local economy and more jobs created. “KBC ‘10 will provide business leaders, entrepreneurs and start-ups across Kirklees with the opportunity to improve skill sets for themselves and in their companies.” Speakers will include Brad Burton, of 4Networking; motivational speaker Richard McCann; and Dragon’s Den winner Sharon Wright. There are also seminars from Business Link and Huddersfield University, covering key topics of Innovation and business growth. Additions for 2010's Conference include the Kirklees Business Clinic – where delegates can get advice from experts on various subjects, on a ‘drop in’ or appointment basis. And a Chill Out Zone will allow delegates to sample stress busters such as Indian head massage, reflexology, hand and foot massages and hot stone back massages. The conference will kick off with a 4N networking breakfast limited to 40 places. For more info and to book, visit www.kirkleesbusiness conference.co.uk
NESS NEWS
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Split-personalities? HE Jekyll and Hyde nature of T investors has been in full evidence over the past six weeks and the song
■ HORSE TALK: Heidi Dawson (right), of Pathways Coaching with (from left) Alison Quigley,Paula Chilcott, Keith Jackson, Paul Scott, Nathan Martin, Adam Spencer and Dawn Lumb, owner off Turbury Equine
Good advice from coach and horses A LIFE and business coaching specialist is using horse sense to help people achieve their goals. Heidi Dawson, who runs Highfields-based Pathways Coaching, is introducing the concept of Equine Assisted Coaching to help people learn more about themselves and the way their behaviour influences other people. Heidi worked in health and safety for 15 years before setting up her business in 2006 as a life and business coach and hypnotherapist. She moved the business from Leeds to offices in New North Road in 2008. Heidi has organised a demonstration day to show the potential of equine assisted coaching on July 8 at Turbury Equine in Greetland. Taking part will be leading figures practitioners Steve Halfpenny, of Silversand Horsemanship in Australia, and Tricia Day, of Equine Assisted Qualifications, from Dorset. Said Heidi: “There are many ways to become more successful and often it’s about being prepared to do things differently. Equine Assisted Coaching is undeniably different. It’s a great way for people to learn about themselves and the way they influence other people.”
Heidi said the training could help business people develop leadership, communication and “people” skills as well as help in team-building. Said Heidi: “Horses don’t do ‘role play’ – they provide instant and honest feedback based on how we are behaving around them.” Heidi said Equine Assisted Learning could also help young people struggling with school or facing other problems – by helping engage teenagers in learning, manage behaviour, building confidence and self-esteem or improving relationships. Away from the stable block, Heidi also runs Beyond Excellence Mastermind Roundtables, a forum to help members from businesses tackle common business problems relating to issues such as marketing, employment, finance, growth and achieving a work-life balance. Heidi has a background in health and safety, having held senior management posts at Rank Hovis McDougal, York City Council and Greggs. She has also worked with the Environment Agency working as a “go-between” with communities hit by flooding.
It’s back to the classroom for Sean A TOWN director is going back to primary school. Sean Jarvis, commercial director at Huddersfield Town is taking part in World of Work Day in association with club partner Grant Thornton’s Educate to Innovate Scheme – which aims to encourage children to think about what they would like to do for a job in later life. Sean will join the year five class at
Beechwood Primary School in Leeds for a day to answer questions about his role at Huddersfield Town as well as his own path through education. He said: “I’m lucky enough to work at a growing company with high ambitions and genuine drive. “if I can get the children thinking about their own career path, perhaps they will be able to find their dream jobs, too.”
they have sung has changed from “Don’t Worry – Be Happy” to “Tragedy”, with a more measured “We Can Work It Out” being the current refrain. This is very much more in tune with the reality of global economic prospects over the coming year. Without wishing to extend this light-hearted simile too far, however, the operative word in the last song title is “can” not “will”. In essence, a realistic appreciation of the risks facing us has been restored, without the risks themselves being removed from the equation. So what has changed fundamentally over the period? Most obviously, markets lost patience with European political dithering in the face of the Sovereign debt crisis, which in turn finally prompted a credible response to the problems. However, practical implementation of the plan has yet to fully occur and comes at the price of substantial budgetary retrenchment across the Euro Zone. In short, the net effect of a more secure supply of liquidity offset by tighter fiscal conditions is unknown – but impending moves to reduce public expenditures while growth remains fragile has prompted adherents to the Keynesian economic orthodoxy to ring the alarm bells. Looking forward, having apparently stepped back from the brink, the tone of investment markets over the coming months is likely to be set by two factors. Firstly, close attention will continue to be paid to European Sovereign debt spreads. So far, there is still little evidence that debt
CITY TALK Simon Kaye
investors’ nerves have been soothed to any significant degree and they require convincing of the political will to address the problems. Otherwise the (previously) unthinkable question of the very future of the Euro will return to centre stage. Secondly, we will all be searching for evidence that recent volatility has not meaningfully slowed economic momentum outside Europe. The key variable to watch in this regard is employment growth in America. The logic here is that if the recovery in the world’s largest economy running the most aggressively stimulatory policies with the most traditionally gung-ho consumers is faltering, we should all be concerned. We are certainly in a better position today than at the beginning of May, but the unavoidable truth is that we are currently trying to judge not just the investment “weather”, but the consequences of movements in the tectonic plates of both economics and politics. Even if we are correct on the first, we can be overwhelmed by a mistake in the second. It is, after all, little comfort if the sun is shining when an earthquake hits. As a consequence, our investment policy will retain a high degree of diversification. We are attempting both to identify those areas that offer the cheapest “insurance” against an adverse outcome while at the same time looking for the cheapest “leverage” to an improving picture.
Simon Kaye is divisional director at Rensburg Sheppards Investment Management
Are you a Creative, Digital Business, Organisation or individual based in Kirklees?....then you may be interested in being part of one of the most exciting developments in this area... Research is now underway to support the development of Kirklees Studio School, a bold new type of state school, that will equip young people with the skills and experiences they may need to succeed in the local creative and media sector. And to support that development, we need your help... please help us by completing a simple questionnaire online at http://www.askinsight.co.uk/bepartofit We are keen to hear from Advertising Agencies, Crafts, Design Agencies, Fashion Designers, Performing Arts, Film, Video & Photography, Interactive Leisure Software, Printing & Publishing, Software and Computer Services & TV & Radio Companies who are interested in being part of this exciting new development. For more info: Susan Kenyon or Richard Noon ask insight 01484 437424 http://www.askinsight.co.uk/bepartofit
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Page 6
Apartments scheme enjoys strong demand
AN AWARD-WINNING property developer has secured more than £500,000 worth of sales in the last month at an apartment development in Huddersfield. Brockholes-based Conroy Brook said the success at its Somersbury Court scheme showed its ability to perform in what remains a difficult market. The success was underlined by Huddersfield estate agent and chartered surveyor, Chris Jowett, who said: “Selling apartments has been a real challenge since the downturn, but Conroy Brook has risen to the challenge with tremendous enthusiasm and zest. “The development at Somersbury Court exudes quality and this has been one of the determining factors in making progress, and resulted in 50% of the apartments now being sold. “The finish and specification is second to none and Somersbury Court is, in my opinion, the best modern purpose-built apartment block in Yorkshire. “The developers have taken a great deal of care and thought in producing a unique development with luxury fittings, very large curved
glass balconies and communal areas of the highest quality.” The company has found that the main reasons customers are choosing Somersbury Court are downsizing from a larger family home, security and ease of maintenance. Sales executive Christine Jackson said: “Somersbury Court offers security, low maintenance, convenience and modernity. “But the residents have also developed a real sense of community and warmly welcome any new owners – they really are our best advert! “A new conservatory – The Somer House – is also being planned for later this summer which we are sure will enhance the community spirit even further.” Ms Jackson said there were signs of the housing market slowly beginning to recover – with average property values increasing over the last 12 months in the local Huddersfield market and the number of completed house sales in England and Wales up by 49% from last year. She said: “This will help to revive the confidence in house purchase. The ideal situation would be for a period of stabilisation in the
■ DESIRABLE RESIDENCE: Half of the apartments at Somersbury Court have been snapped up despite the impact of the recession and tough lending environment
housing market over the next few years. “Everyone in the industry – government, banks, estate agents, valuers and surveyors – has a collective responsibility to maintain con-
trol of the housing market as far as possible, whilst satisfying housing demand on a national level.”
Prices subdued as property levels rise To leT/For Sale Pennine Business Park
Bradley, Huddersfield 1 High specification offices 1 372 & 557m2 (4,000 & 6,000 sq ft) 1 Ease of access to J25 of the M62
rental/Price: on application. Joint agents: eddisons
For Sale
Industrial Unit
Marshall Hall Mills, elland lane, elland
1 Single storey industrial unit 1 Established industrial location, excellent road links 1 GIA 869.53m2 (9,360 sq ft) 1 0.293 Hectare (0.72 Acre) site offers in the region of £450,000
To leT
Newly Constructed Retail/Office Units
29 – 33 Greens end road, Meltham
retail 1 Lock-up retail unit 20.91m2 (225 sq ft) rental: £75 p/w exc. offices 1 High-grade office development, on-site car parking 1 44.46 – 142.32m2 (479 – 1,532 sq ft) rental: on application
For Sale
Red Doles Road
Huddersfield
1 Large secure surfaced yard area 1 Approx. 0.24 Hectares (0.60 Acres) 1 Redevelopment potential 1 All mains services available to site Price: on application
HOUSE prices in Yorkshire remained flat last month, according to an industry survey. The latest findings from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors showed that 22% of members polled in the region reported a rise in house prices during May against 17% in April. But more members reported a fall in prices. And although the balance in the region improved from minus 8% in April to minus 6% in May, the figure remains in negative territory. Other areas reporting more price falls than rises in May included Northern Ireland, Wales and the West Midlands. However, the RICS said the abolition of Home Information Packs had given a boost to supply. In response to the survey, 73% of surveyors said that they expect the decision on HIPs to lead to higher levels of new instructions – with the increase in supply anticipated to be about 15%. Across the UK, the net balance of surveyors reporting rises in new instructions increased from 11% in April to 21% in May. Buyer ■ FLAT PLAN: Jim Spencer, spokesman for interest continued to increase – at about the the RICS in Yorkshire same pace as in April. In Yorkshire, the number of chartered sur- starting to see many more people bite the veyors expecting prices to rise increased from bullet and sell. minus 15% in April to minus 9% last month. “This has led to an increase in stock levels The net balance of surveyors reporting new where prices will remain the same or fall instructions rose from 6% to 20% while the throughout the rest of the year. balance reporting newly agreed sales fell from “Going forward, the government needs to 8% to minus 5%. improve mortgage availability and finance RICS Yorkshire spokesman Jim Spencer options for those who need to borrow large said: “HIPs not only delayed the selling loans. “Without this, stock levels will only increase process, but they were very costly, too, so they further and this will lead to a flat situation in put a lot of people off selling their home. “Now they have been abolished we are the market.”
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Marshalls gets an app A NEW gardening tool has been launched by paving supplier Marshalls. The Birkby-based company has become one of the first firms in the UK to introduce an application for the new iPad. Its free Garden Moodboard app brings together Marshalls’ landscaping expertise and garden inspiration ideas to provide the perfect way to plan a garden. The Garden Moodboard features four main garden themes. The Gardener’s Garden inspires the fruit and veg growers to plan their planters and raised beds while the Sanctuary Garden creates a haven of tranquillity with ideas for accessories and areas designed for relaxing and sunbathing. Play and fun are a big feature of the Kids Garden, while the Socialising Garden includes ideas for entertaining and making the most of your outdoor space for summer parties. Each garden comes with lifestyle photos, videos, product information and swatches to bring ideas to life. Users can add images from an extensive library and find information on product colours, sizes and carbon footprint. Chris Harrop, group marketing director at Marshalls, said: “This is a really exciting time for Marshalls. We designed this app specifically for the iPad and the result is an app that inspires and helps our customers visualise their dream garden. “We’re really pleased with the result and we know people are going to love this app – it brings together all the elements you need to make their outdoor spaces perfect for them.” He said: “We’re planning more updates for the Moodboard, which are planned for release later this year.” Designed by leading digital creative agency Dolphin, the Marshalls Garden Moodboard has been approved by Apple and is now available to download from Apple’s App Store and Marshalls’ website.
Shortlisted A FIRM supplying specialist wall cladding for the construction industry has been shortlisted for a major award. Meltham-based Structherm Ltd is among the finalists in the category for refurbishment project of the year in the Sustainable Housing Awards 2010. The awards focus on the best “green” social housing projects in the UK and the organisations responsible for them. The trophies will be presented in October at an awards ceremony at London’s Hilton Hotel. Almost 500 people attended last year’s event. Structherm has reached the finals for its work with Liverpool Mutual Homes in the extensive refurbishment of the 600 properties on the Daneville estate. The properties were constructed in a “non-traditional” manner and were in varying states of disrepair. Structherm’s structural cladding system addressed the houses’ structural problems and improved their appearance and thermal efficiency.
property
Page 7
Firm plans move to new premises AN engineering firm is gearing up for a move to bigger premises. But Denford Ltd is staying in Brighouse – with its planned switch from Calder Street, Birds Royd, to a purpose-built 18,500sq ft offices and factory at nearby Armytage Road. Chief executive Andrew Denford and managing director Simon Moorhouse took up spades for a ground-breaking ceremony at the new site. When development is completed, the new premises will include 3,200sq ft of office space, and a showroom and demonstration and training facility. Building work is due to be completed by the end of the year with the firm set to move in next January. Denford specialises in providing computer-aided design and manufacturing machinery for schools, colleges and universities around the world – and is one of the few British manufacturers working in the educational sector. Denford, which has been based at Birds Royd for 60 years and employs about 25 people, was one of the first companies to develop a computer numerically controlled lathe specifically for education and training. The firm is also founder and sponsor of the global F1 in Schools Technology Challenge and 4x4 in Schools, which aim to stimulate interest in design and manufacturing among students and encourage them to opt for courses in engineering and design and technology. The new premises will provide a northern base for both initiatives. Mr Denford said: “The time is right to make a move.
“Our business model has changed dramatically over the last few years. “Our brand new facilities will allow us to improve manufacturing efficiency and give us the opportunity to welcome our customers from home and abroad to a modern, purpose-built venue.” He said Denford would continue to focus on the international educational market and to invest in the company’s manufacturing facilities – with innovation and n e w p ro d u c t d e ve l o p m e n t remaining key strategies for the company. As sponsors of both F1 in Schools and 4x4 in Schools, Denford will continue to act as a manufacturing centre for schools involved in both of these challenges. Denford Small Tools was founded in Brighouse by Horace Denford in the 1930s to make a range of engineering inspection and measuring equipment and tool holders. Part of the manufacturing operation later moved to Box Tree Mills in Wheatley, Halifax, after which a new company called Denford Machine Tools was formed to make small precision bench lathes. The firm moved to Birds Royd in 1952 and by the end of the decade was making a variety of metal and wood turning lathes, tool sharpening equipment, grinders and polishers. More recently, the firm has expanded its range to design and make a comprehensive range of mills, lathes and routers specifically designed for education. The firm’s machines are a familiar fixture in design and technology laboratories around the world.
■ SPADEWORK: Andrew Denford (right), chief executive of Denford Ltd, and managing director Simon Moorhouse make the first cut at the site of the firm's new premises
Company has space to grow Retail Units To Let Huddersfield Road, Brighouse
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AGENTS CONSULTANT ADVISOR •
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TRAFALGAR MILLS LEEDS ROAD HUDDERSFIELD HD2 1YY •
A COMPANY helping people make more of outdoor spaces has moved to Brighouse. Martin Ford, 32, has moved to the area from Wiltshire with his family. Mr Ford has worked for major public listed companies as well as domestic clients by using design, plants and landscape to transform any area to maximise its potential. Clients also include restaurants and pubs. He set up Martin Ford Design after 15 years in the horticultural sector in nurseries, landscaping,
design and project management. Mr Ford, who founded the business in 2001, said: “With the new housing market slowing in recent years, we have had to look to other areas in which to maintain our profits – like any other company wanting to survive and become stronger in the future. “We are keen to adapt and move forwards as a company and the challenge of moving to a new area and it’s design requirements is something we are all looking forward to.”
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From 1,117sqft to 2,519sqft Situated in a busy town centre with a main road location. The premises are ideal for various uses (subject to planning) Terms available on application. Contact:
Paul Andrew Walker Singleton 01484 477600
Christine Eccleston MB Services 01484 557102
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Jon Bailey
Conroy Brook DEVELOPER Conroy Brook has boosted its team with the appointment of former Ben Bailey Homes sales director Jon Bailey. Since leaving Yorkshire’s largest independent housebuilder following its successful sale to Gladedale Homes in 2007, Mr Bailey has been undertaking his own development work. Mr Bailey, who is pictured (above, left) with Jason Conroy (centre) and Richard Conroy, now joins the award-winning Conroy Brook team as a consultant to advise on sales and marketing strategy in addition to identifying new business opportunities. Conroy Brook, based at Brockholes, has been responsible for some of West Yorkshire’s most innovative housing schemes. it has also been one of the few industry specialists to have recorded a profit throughout the difficult recent market conditions. Conroy Brook chief executive Richard Conroy said: “Jon’s wealth of experience on large-scale projects will enhance our capabilities and we are confident that our shared philosophy on quality of delivery and service will prove to be a good match.”
Movers and shakers
Celebrity chef gets cooking!
CELEBRITY chef Rosemary Shrager cooked up a treat for homeless people in a project with Dewsbury-based kitchens manufacturer Rixonway Kitchens. Rosemary, best know for her appearances in TV programmes Ladette to Lady and Soapstar Superchef, caused a stir when she gave people on the Harrogate Homeless Project lessons to cook rack of lamb with cous cous and asparagus in the new kitchen donated by Rixonway Kitchens. Rixonway supplies kitchens to the social housing sector and works to build strong local communities by supporting local and national schemes and through its employment and worklessness agenda. The Harrogate Homeless Project complemented Rixonway’s ethos of working in the community and supporting vulnerable and homeless adults. A £225,000 refurbishment scheme funded by the government’s Places for Change programme and a number of individual contributors means 16 residents now sleep in individual rooms, using new shared shower, toilet and kitchen facilities. Rixonway operations director Nick Greenall said: “Rixonway is dedicated to all aspects of community regeneration, including worklessness and homelessness. We believe tackling these issues is essential to creating sustainable communities. “We are pleased Rosemary accepted our invitation as it allows us to celebrate the opening of the new hostel by working with the residents to prepare a delicious and nutritious
■ DINNER TIME: Celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager (front, right) with (back, from left her assistant Gilly Robinson, Andrew Langley, Sean Golightly and (front) Declan Donnelly and Adrian Harrington
meal which everyone really enjoyed.” Said Rosemary: “It’s great that Yorkshire-based businesses such as Rixonway Kitchens have supported the Harrogate Homeless Project. I was delighted to be able to get involved in this project and give my time to cook a delicious meal with the residents.”
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Page 8
ACCOUNTS staff from a Huddersfield firm have raised almost £3,000 for charity by taking part in a fundraising walk in Edinburgh. Employees (from left) Louise Wibberley, Lara Dare, Lynn Dare and Gemma O’Toole, of Kirkburton-based CoGri Group, were joined by Val Dyson (right), a fellow member of Colne Valley Ladies Circle for The MoonWalk to raise cash for Breast Cancer Research. Kate Atkins, a member of CVLC was unable to join them as planned as she contracted acute tonsillitis. However, she is determined to complete her 26.2 mile walk around Huddersfield when she is better. Completing the midnight walk was a
particular achievement for Louise – who was still recovering from a broken leg sustained during training! Lynn Dare, financial director at CoGri Group, said: “The whole atmosphere was brilliant. We were stopped by people on the streets who were handing their cash over when we told them what we were doing. For one man, it meant a lot to him as his wife died of breast cancer. This made us even more determined and made all the blisters worthwhile.” CoGri Group, which provides industrial flooring, is still accepting donations to swell the charity fund further. Go to www.walkthewalkfundraising. org/cvlc_cogri_girls 0RW
Rixonway, formed in 1978, is the only UK kitchen manufacturer working solely in affordable and social housing. It makes 12,000 rigid units a week and employs more than 400 people at its UK headquarters and factory in Dewsbury.
All the best connections HOUSEHOLD brands including Cadburys, Heinz and Bernard Matthews are among the finalists of a competition run by a Huddersfield company to help firms get their goods to market more smoothly. Supply chain consultancy SCALA, based at the Media Centre, is running the Fresh Connection Live Final, the UK’s first supply chain strategy competition. SCALA is being backed in the venture by Huddersfield University. The interactive web-based competition helps high-profile brands train staff to refine supply chain management processes by asking teams of four to save a virtual ailing fruit juice company from closure and develop it into a successful, profitable organisation. After two months of competition, 23 teams have been shortlisted to compete in the final event on July 8 at Wroxall Abbey, Warwickshire. More than 180 supply chain professionals have participated in seven weekly decision-making rounds, developing logistics strategy for the virtual business. The finalists will battle through three live final rounds with the goal of generating greatest return on investment – and winning the title of UK supply chain champions 2010.