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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Exporting the key for future success KIRKLEES firms have been urged to consider exporting as a way to grow their businesses. The call comes from Barclays – as research by the bank reveals that small and medium-sized enterprises in Yorkshire hit a growth “ceiling” after just four years in business. The study of regional small and medium-sized businesses already exporting showed that 89% had found it easier than they expected to get into overseas markets. Some 41% of those who said they wish they’d started exporting sooner said the reason they hadn’t done so was because they either didn’t know where to start, thought it would too complicated, didn’t think it would work or just didn’t think to do it. Some 38% of SMEs in the region said they wished they’d started exporting sooner. Caroline Pullich, head of Barclays Business Bank for Yorkshire, said: “What strikes me about our research is how successful at exporting SMEs are. “This is despite 58% of business in Yorkshire claiming to have ‘fallen into it’ or only looking at it ‘when an overseas customer got in touch’. With such high growth opportunities, imagine the possibilities that could come from taking a more proactive approach!” The survey comes as a separate report warned that many UK companies were failing to reach their potential as exporters. Analysis by business information firm Experian of more than 40,000 companies currently selling overseas
■ EXPORT OBSTACLES AND OPPORTUNITIES: Caroline Pullich (left), head of relationship banking for Barclays in Yorkshire; Max Firth, director of business information at Experian; Ian Beaumont, partner at BDO, and Katja Hall, chief policy adviser, of the CBI
shows that the typical exporter employs more than 20 people, has several locations across the UK and boasts a strong commercial credit rating. Manufacturers and wholesalers were the top sectors for exporting – but the study suggested many firms have the right components to become successful exporters, but are doing nothing about it. Sectors highlighted as underperforming included textiles, food production and electrical equipment. Experian director Max Firth said: “Trading internationally contributes significantly to business and economic growth for specific regions and industries across the UK. “When you consider that of the known exporting population, the average amount of turnover attrib-
uted to exporting is approximately 50%, the companies identified could potentially double their income capacity by exporting.” A joint report by employers’ group the CBI and business support firm BDO, claimed that too many medium-sized businesses in Yorkshire were “locked out” from exporting and investing abroad due to a lack of access to finance. The report, called Go Your Own Way, urged the government and private sector to get behind the international ambitions of medium-sized businesses (MSBs). Turning non-exporting firms of that size into global businesses could generate an extra £20bn for the regional economy, it was claimed. The report said that only 52 small and medium-sized firms across the
UK received direct assistance from UK Export Finance last year – and called for an expansion of funding to directly assist 250 small and medium-sized businesses by 2015. Katja Hall, CBI chief policy director, said: “There is a disturbing gap in export finance that is shackling the international ambitions of medium-sized businesses across Yorkshire and could damage the local and UK economy’s long-term prospects.” Ian Beaumont, partner and head of BDO in Yorkshire, said: “Local MSBs need help to understand their potential for international success. “They need hands on support to help map out the international journey and, importantly, must have access to the right advice and funding to implement their plans.”
Funding boost for innovative companies A NEW fund has been set up to help Yorkshire businesses develop new and improved products, services and processes in collaboration with local universities. The Yorkshire Innovation Fund, backed by Huddersfield University and 10 others in the region, aims to help Yorkshire and the Humber grow their business through research, development and innovation. To access the fund, SMEs and universities must collaborate to develop
an application that is based upon a business need. Applications for funding are competitive and successful projects will win funding to secure the time and expertise of the partnering university. The YIF will seek to support projects at a variety of levels – from small projects of up to £10,000 in value, such as proof of concept or technical feasibility study or prototype new digital service, to larger projects of up
to £30,000 – for example developing a new formulation, product design or business model. Companies wanting to place graduates to undertake projects could access funding up to £30,000 to help with recruitment and mentoring by university experts. Funding can also be awarded to one or more universities to work with several companies with similar research and development needs, for example an industry network or sup-
ply chain. The YIF will prioritise applications from sectors identified as crucial to the growth of the regional economy, including advanced manufacturing, engineering and materials; bio-renewables, bioscience; chemicals; creative and digital; financial and business services; food and drink and low carbon energy. Go to www.yorkshireinnovationfund.org
INSIDE Creating a buzz A KIRKLEES firm has helped to create a buzz for a child-friendly ambulance. The world’s first interactive ambulance service designed especially for children – the BUMBLEance – has been gifted an assortment of state-of-the-art equipment and technology by Ferno and partner group company Acetech. The ambulance, which looks like a giant bumble bee, has been kitted out with the latest technology, but has been designed with the needs of children in mind.
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Positive progress BUSINESS activity is increasing in Yorkshire, according to a survey by a Huddersfield law firm. Baxter Caulfield said its latest Yorkshire Economic Index, a six-monthly report which highlights key regional business data, showed the economy was on the right track. The survey shows significant growth in private sector business throughout the region.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Security company rejects £1.5bn bid OUTSOURCING and security giant G4S has rejected an “opportunistic” £1.55bn bid for its cash transportation business. The FTSE 100 group said the offer from private equity firm Charterhouse Capital fundamentally undervalued the business. G4S has been under the spotlight recently over a Government probe into outsourcing contracts. It is said to have been under pressure from activist investors to dispose of the cash solutions arm in order to streamline its operations. But executives insisted that the division, which transports money to ATM machines in high security vans, was key to its plans. Charterhouse, which bid for the business, already owns high street retailer Card Factory as well as parts of AA and Saga. Disclosing details of the offer, G4S
said: “The board consider the group’s cash solutions services to be core to G4S’ operations and strategic plans. “The board regards the nature and timing of the approach to be highly opportunistic and, following due consideration, with the assistance of financial advisers, the offer has been firmly rejected considering the strategic importance of the cash solutions businesses to G4S and because the board believes the conditional offer fundamentally undervalues the business and its prospects.” G4S highlighted the strength of a business which has seen stable cash usage through economic downturn, and where circulation grew strongly from 2007 to 2011. It said it was among the top two operators in the majority of the 66 markets where it operated. Turnover for the division grew by
3% to £1.29bn in 2012, although it fell slightly in Europe – its biggest market – by 0.6%, to £785m. G4S is the largest employer on the London Stock Exchange, with operations in more than 120 countries and over 620,000 employees. Other services include the electronic monitoring of offenders and the management of adult and juvenile custody centres. The rejected offer comes days after G4S announced that its UK chief executive Richard Morris had resigned and been replaced by chief operating officer Eddie Aston. The group is trying to recover from a series of damaging setbacks, including a scandal over the way it charged for tagging criminals on behalf of the Government and the botched handling of its Olympics security contract.
■ MONEY MAKER: G4S said its cash transportation arm lifted turnover by 3%
Deal saves 180 haulage jobs
Pendragon drives sales
A HAULAGE company which transports paper reels for many of the UK’s newspapers has been bought out of administration, saving 180 jobs. Paper distributor C&H (Hauliers) was sold to logistics group CM Downton for an undisclosed sum, administrators FRP Advisory said. C&H’s 126-year-old parent company, Charles Gee, called in administrators last week after suffering “acute cashflow pressures” following worsening trading. FRP warned there are likely to be redundancies among Charles Gee’s 70 remaining staff, who are based across the country and
MOTOR trader Pendragon saw sales jump by a fifth in the third quarter as it said full-year results would be “materially ahead” of expectations. Shares in the group, whose brands include Evans Halshaw and Stratstone, climbed by 7% on the update, while their value has more than doubled in the past year amid strong signs of recovery on car forecourts. It said retail volumes in the UK were up by 19.4% for the three months to the end of September, with a 15.6% increase in new car sales for the year to date. Pendragon saw a 17th successive quarter of growth in used car
serve large UK and European industrial and support services firms. FRP said it is trying to find buyers for the rest of the group, but “overall trading conditions for logistics firms remain challenging”. Downton will take over C&H’s 130 tractor units and 250 trailers, which deliver more than 2.2m tonnes of forest products annually, serving many of the UK’s local and national newspaper groups. FRP said C&H, founded in east London in 1960, continued as a going concern during the administration with the support of its customers.
volumes and – with market share c o n t i nu i n g t o i n c re a s e – a like-for-like rise of 9.7% for the quarter. The update is in line with recent figures from the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which said UK car sales in September hit their highest monthly total for more than five years. According to the SMMT, there were 403,136 new cars registered in the UK, a rise of 12.1% on the same month a year earlier. Pendragon said its service, maintenance and repair business was also boosted.
Page 2 Sexes in the City WOMEN account for just one in eight top management positions in the City – despite the proportion doubling in the last year, new figures show. Research by recruitment firm Astbury Marsden found only 12% of those employed at managing director level – just below the board – were women, up from 6% in 2012. Meanwhile, the figures showed only 20% of all professional-level City employees were women, up from 18%. It also revealed that 19% of those in director or vice-president positions were women, up from 14% in 2012. The proportion was slightly better than the 17.3% of directorships in the FTSE 100 group of companies held by female executives. A Government-backed review by Lord Davies of Abersoch has called for a minimum 25% female representation on boards at these top firms by 2015. The Astbury Marsden research found that there had been a substantial increase in women across the City taking up senior roles in investment banks, fund managers and insurers. But they were still much more likely to be found working as HR professionals or internal auditors than as stockbrokers or private equity staff. The figures also showed that the City workforce was more ethnically and religiously diverse than the rest of the UK, with 70% white compared to 86% across the country.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £51.30 +0.14 Gannett 1697.74 -22.30 Hess Corp £51.42 -0.11 Microsoft £21.98 -0.15 Motors Liquidation 46.45 Wal-Mart Stores £47.54 +0.42 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 547 -21/2 BAE Systems 4473/4 -4 Rolls-Royce 1159 -12 AIM Brady Plc 721/2 +2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 3641/8 -81/8 BANKS Barclays 2631/4 -45/8 HSBC 6827/8 +27/8 Lloyds Banking Gp 795/8 -3/4 Ryl Scotland 3681/2 +1/8 Stan Chart 1534 +81/2 BEVERAGES Diageo £201/4 +1/8 SABMiller £323/4 +1/4 CHEMICALS Croda £261/4 +1/4 Elementis 98 267 +5/8 7 Johnsn Mat £29 /8 +1/4 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2851/4 +1/8 Costain 283 +13/4 ELECTRICITY
Drax Gp 6651/2 -6 SSE 1440 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 2453/8 -5/8 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 4467/8 +35/8 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 3613/4 +25/8 Cable & Wireless 441/8 -1/4 Comm 1 Colt Group 120 /2 -13/4 KCOM 993/8 +1/2 1 Talktalk Telecom 264 /4 -1/4 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2841/2 +21/2 Sainsbury 3983/4 +2 3 Tesco 371 /8 +11/4 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food £211/2 +1/4 Tate Lyle 795 +4 1 +1/4 Unilever £25 /4 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3573/4 +15/8 National Grid 7831/2 +11/2 Pennon Grp 689 -11 Severn 1866 -15 United Utils 713 -51/2 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 365 +11/2 ICAP 3741/8 -13/4 London StockExch 1672 -10 Man Group 89 -11/4 Provident Financial 1610 -10
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Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
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FTSE closed at
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PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1525 -7 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £33 +1/2 GlaxoSmithK 20 1 Shire £28 /8 +3/8 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 624 -4 Hamrsn 5381/2 +2 3 Intu Properties 346 /8 +13/4 Land Secs 993 +2 SEGRO 3313/8 -17/8 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 4993/4 -43/4 Sage Group 3343/8 +21/2 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 949 -6 Bunzl 1356 -1 Capita 970 +31/2 De La Rue 848 +3 Electrocomp 2947/8 -3/4 Experian 1227 +6 G4S 2571/4 -11/4 Hays 122 -3/4 Homeserve 232 -1 Menzies J 785 -121/2 Rentokil 112 -3/4 Smiths News 2101/4 -1/4 Wolseley £325/8 -3/8 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 972 -11 Spirent Comms 1161/8 -3/8 TOBACCO
Br Am Tob £343/8 Imperial Tobacco £231/2 LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital 123 Carnival £221/8 Compass Grp 9031/2 easyJet 1300 Enterprise Inns 1523/8 FirstGroup 1157/8 Go-Ahead Gp 1715 Greene King 834 Intercontl Htls 1823 Intl Cons Airl 3455/8 Ladbrokes 1915/8 Mitchells & Butlers 3943/8 Natl Express 2571/8 Rank Org 150 Stagecoach Group 3341/4 TUI Travel 3813/4 Whitbread £341/4
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+1 +1/8 -31/2 -29 -31/2 -21/4 -5 -42 -41/8 +13/4 -61/8 -23/4 -1/2 -27/8 -33/8 +1/2
FTSE 100
INDEX 6725.82
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FTSE 250
INDEX 15428.79
-62.84
TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia..................... 1.60 dollars Bangladesh................ 118.37 taka Brazil............................ 3.16 reals Canada...................... 1.61 dollars China ........................... 8.80 yuan Czech Republic .... 27.67 korunas Denmark..................... 8.32 krone Euro.............................. 1.12 euro Hong Kong............... 11.90 dollars Hungary................. 306.77 forints India........................ 87.69 rupees Japan......................... 150.27 yen Mexico ...................... 18.52 pesos New Zealand ............. 1.81 dollars Norway ....................... 9.08 krone Pakistan................ 162.33 rupees Philippines ................ 59.64 pesos South Africa................ 14.85 rand South Korea............. 1496.00 won Sri Lanka .............. 199.77 rupees Sweden....................... 9.76 krona Switzerland................ 1.38 francs Taiwan ..................... 41.51 dollars Turkey...................... 3.04 new lira USA ........................... 1.54 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
It’s the greatest job, by George! LIVERPUDLIAN George Ungi is glad he listened to his dad. George admits he was never “academic” at school and was uncertain about his career prospects when he finished his formal education in 1987. But he has found his forte after heeding a spot of fatherly advice. “There weren't many opportunities for me when I left school,” he says. “My dad said I should either be a hairdresser or a chef – because people will always need their hair cutting and they will always need to eat!” George shunned the comb and scissors to train as a chef and at the tender of age of 17 left home to work in the Lake District as a kitchen porter. Since then, he has been busy in the kitchens of hotels and restaurants all over the country – from Scotland and Cheshire to Surrey – progressing to the role of head chef.. Classically trained in French cuisine, he worked in Guernsey for two years before travelling to Australia for six months where he became adept at preparing pan-Asian dishes. He was head chef at the Woodman Inn, Thunderbridge, for seven years and has worked in Huddersfield for the past eight years. A year ago, he was appointed head chef at the family-owned Durker Roods Hotel, Meltham, where he has quickly made his mark leading the five-strong kitchen team – and has been given the freedom to create his own menus. “I enjoy being here,” he says. “I have worked for big corporations before where you have no say in what you are cooking. Here, I have been lucky enough to find a hotel in Huddersfield which lets me do what I want to do. “The owners are here
day-to-day and I can see them at any time. They can see how the business is going – as opposed to an accountant for a big chain who is only interested in counting the figures at the end of the month. All the staff – in the kitchen and front-of-house – get on well. It is a small business and everyone wants to do their best.” The 30-bedroom hotel, for many years the family home of industrialist Sir David Brown, had been in the doldrums for some years before new owners Richard and Pauline Hough and their daughter Fiona took over and set about transforming its fortunes. The hotel with its well-manicured grounds is a popular wedding venue and also does good business catering for funerals and christenings, Christmas and birthday parties, corporate events and wedding fairs. “We are going in the right direction,” says George. “The hotel has been refurbished and it is getting back to where it belongs. The restaurant is
getting busier. I have put on new menus which focus on value for money and the kind of food people like to eat – freshly cooked using locally-sourced ingredients. “This hotel was the hub of the community. That’s what we want it to be again.” The hotel stages cookery demonstrations, jazz nights and hosts a ladies luncheon. On November 21, it will hold a fundraiser for the Bradley-based West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust. George’s day begins at 10am and finished 10 hours later. Mondays and Tuesdays are his days off. However, the quality of the food offered remains consistent as all the kitchen staff have been trained to George’s exacting standards. “I have always worked long hours,” he says. “I worked in a factory for a short time starting at 7am and finishing at 3pm with the weekends off. I couldn’t do it. I didn’t know what to do with myself after leaving work at 3 o’clock. I’d much rather be busy.
■ HISTORIC SETTING: George Ungi works at the Durker Roods Hotel, the former home of industrialist Sir David Brown
Page 3
George Ungi
“I really enjoy my job. Some of my friends work in IT and say they would love to have my job. You aren’t doing the same monotonous things every day and while I’m not exactly my own boss, it’s the next best thing to it!” He says: “The best thing about the job is being able to provide creative input. Every day is different and brings different challenges. I get to come up with ideas, I deal with the suppliers and get the stock in and I enjoy teaching the juniors how to do things.” Away from the hotel, George enjoys family time with partner Shanane and their children Finlay, six and Rielly, two. “Family life is good,” he says. “Starting at 10am means I see my children in the morning and I have Monday and Tuesdays to be with them.” The family live at Kirkburton and enjoy walks in the nearby countryside. “I’m a full-time chef and a full-time dad, so our time is spent with the children,” says George. Growing up, George followed Everton and before becoming a chef, used to watch his beloved team every Saturday. Eldest son Finlay, however, has his father completely confused – by opting not to support Everton, or Liverpool, but Blackpool “I don’t know where that comes from,” laughs George, adding: “Orange is a bit too close to red for my liking!” Meanwhile, the head chef at the Durker Roods reckons he knows the score when it comes to tempting the tastebuds of his diners. “Yorkshire folk like good value for money, but also fair-sized portions, variety and locally sourced food,” he says.”Oh, and gravy...lots of gravy!”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Role: Head chef Age: 40 Family: Partner Shanane and sons Finlay, six and Rielly, two Car: Renault Scenic - with two young children it looks like a bomb site! Holidays: North Yorkshire and Devon, although we plan a trip to Australia when the boys are older First job: Kitchen porter earning £20 a week on the YTS Best thing about job: Every day is different and brings its challenges. I get to come up with ideas and teach my junior staff how to do things Worst thing about job: Scrubbing the stoves Business tip: Do your best. If you are passionate about something, get on and do it
Durker Roods Hotel Work: Hotel and restaurant Site: Meltham Phone: 01484 815413 Email: enquiries@durkerroods hotel.co.uk Web: www.dufrkerroods hotel.co.uk
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Spell-binding talk KIRKLEES and Calderdale business leaders will learn all about “the magic of sales” at a networking event this week. Helen Tones, known as The Implementer, who aids businesses in the areas of sales, sales operations and sales process improvements, is the speaker at the 4N Halifax lunch meeting, which takes place from noon to 2pm on Thursday at the Tower House Hotel in Halifax. For details, email helen@theimplementer.co.uk or go to www.4networking.biz
To promote your business to over 49,000 Examiner readers and over 230,000 online users Call: Anne Joseph 01484 437745 email: anne.joseph@trinitymirror.com
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KIRKLEES BUSIN
Positive signs for regional economy BUSINESS activity is increasing in Yorkshire, according to a survey by a Huddersfield law firm. Baxter Caulfield said its latest Yorkshire Economic Index, a six-monthly report which highlights key regional business data, showed the economy was on the right track. The survey, which focuses on the major economic indicators from June to October this year, including job creation, new investment and contract wins, shows significant growth in private sector business throughout the region. Stephen Newman, senior partner at Baxter Caulfield, said: “This new data is good news for the regional economy of Yorkshire and the Humber and suggests that business confidence is returning to the region. The findings tie in with positive economic data at a national level. “The report is further evidence that the UK’s economy is on the right
■ POSITIVE: Stephen Newman, senior partner at Baxter Caulfield
track and that business activity is increasing in Yorkshire.” Firms reported that incoming new business continued to be strong, that they have hired new staff and that
expectations of future activity are positive. The findings stand in stark contrast to the start of 2013, when many economists feared that the UK had dipped into a renewed recession. The Yorkshire Economic Index reveals that at least 1,376 private sector jobs have been created in the region while more than £14,650,000 of new investment has been made by private sector businesses throughout Yorkshire. In addition, private sector businesses across the region secured an estimated £495m worth of new contract wins during the period. Mr Newman said: “These positive findings for Yorkshire business show that business leaders are now more confident in investing and growing their businesses, which can only be good news for our region. The report bodes well for the continuing economic recovery.”
Firm achieves full marks A FIRM specialising in education software has reported a big rise in sales for one of its products. Hipperholme-based Formative Data Systems has seen a 137% increase in sales of Early to Primary Essence, its online data tracking tool for nurseries and schools. The software, which allows instant access to pupil data, has been adopted by more than 50 schools and nurseries across Yorkshire. An international “beacon” school in Thailand is also trialing the software and 14 independent schools in the South of England have taken the package, which is the brainchild of former deputy head teacher and data management specialist, Scott Parkin. The company is now working with
3,200 teachers and 12,000 pupils across 600 classes. Early Essence and Primary Essence are education management products designed to eliminate paper-based systems in support of the Early Years Foundation Stage ‘Development Matters’ statutory framework. They deliver live, online data tracking that allows nursery providers, primary schools, parents and pupils to work together to follow the progress, development and attainment of children from birth to 11 years. Formative Data Systems has enjoyed growth in the independent schools sector thanks to a partnership with leading school information system developer,
Double First Ltd, which has introduced and distributed the software systems to the fee-paying nursery, pre-prep and fee prep schools worldwide. The system will save teachers and early years providers hours of time, making live information more widely available in tracking a child’s progress and signposting potential problems. Mr Parkin, Formative Data Systems director, said “As a start-up business we are delighted with the progress we are making to introduce our pioneering software packages to nurseries and schools in the UK and overseas. “We are particularly pleased with our initial success in the independent schools sector.”
Driving on the dark side! RIVING in the dark is D unavoidable in winter months.
But the lack of visibility can increase the risk of accidents. It is therefore extremely important to take extra care and attention when driving in darkness. We have highlighted some key points to remember in order to stay safe in darker times. Days are beginning to start a little darker and can be very gloomy – remember to put your lights on. Keeping your lights and windscreen clean will improve visibility. If it’s safe to do so, use your main beam, but please be aware of other road users. Revert to dipped when you see traffic approaching. If you see another driver who has forgotten to turn their main beam off, a quick glance to the left hand kerb will avoid
RISKY BUSINESS Mark Weeks
being dazzled. Fog lights should only be used when visibility is below 100 meters. Be aware of stopping distances, objects can be harder to see in the dark. Never drive when tired. This statement applies to both daylight and night time driving. And remember – caffeine is not the solution. For new drivers, it could be the first time they have ever driven in darkness. If unsure, it may be necessary to
ask a more experienced driver to go out with them and give any advice they might need to ensure they are confident and safe. Always drive carefully and considerately and remain in control of your vehicle by keeping two hands on the wheel and maintaining a steady speed. Also, please remember to remain vigilant of other road users and potential hazards.
Mark Weeks is a risk management consultant at Wilby Ltd
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ess ishowing live ther for customers’ areas, must be alid TV licence. a valid licence are w and run the risk of a ion and fine of up to nce, plus costs. guilty are also a TV licence at y could face a nd prosecution.” ned by a skeleton staff mas period, some be tempted to allow TV, Mr Williams said. sses and staff legal implications of ing has produced a “TV in the Workplace” ad the template at Xk6a
warning ax filing
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Page 5
Which path should we all follow now?
HE principal focus for investors T during the past quarter was on the expected path of tapering from
the Fed and the implications that had for the movement in interest rates, not merely in America but across the developed world. Many economists still believe that the grand experiment of unconventional monetary policy on a scale previously untried, together with the passing of time, will not be sufficient to restore the global economy to sound health without a major trauma along the way. The authorities successfully avoided a re-run of the debt deflation spiral of the 1930s, but have thus far bought only a modicum of growth in the advanced economies (and mostly in the US). The question for investors therefore is whether they can keep the foot off the brakes long enough for the rest of the developed world to pick up speed. As demonstrated by Mr Bernanke’s comments in May, the Fed judged at that stage that both the US economy and investors were strong enough to withstand a shot across the bows in terms of forward guidance that the Fed would soon begin to consider how to apply the brake – not immediately though ceasing its $85bn monthly liquidity injections, but merely slackening the pace of their creation until
CITY TALK Nick Gartland
stopping them completely after the elapse of a year or more. This was at least partly influenced by the improving momentum in the domestic economy, but doubtless also prompted by the leakage of this excess liquidity into financial markets and not the real economy. The creation of asset bubbles, whether in bonds, shares or real estate values is all well and good for inflating the asset side of the balance sheet for both consumers and the banking system, but the Fed clearly had an eye on the pain that would be caused when it came ultimately to deflate those bubbles. Thus the focus has been on the path that central banks must tread that, on the one side, leads to excessive bubbles and an eventual pop and, on the other side, to removing stimulus before the
rocket has reached escape velocity, leaving it to fall back to earth with a crash. Also on the Fed’s near-term horizon was the likelihood that the political squabbling in Congress over both the Budget and the extension of the debt ceiling could be sufficient to undermine any decent build-up of speed in the US economy. As a result, it judged that it did not have enough confidence in the strength of economic recovery to tighten as quickly as it had led investors to believe. Consequently, economists are divided on the future paths for both Quantitative Easing (QE) and interest rates in the US. “Normalisation” of rates would suggest that interest rates need to approach
a level of about 3%, being 1% above the potential inflation rate, which from index-linked bonds is predicted to be about 2% over the next decade. There needs to be a decent interval between the end of QE and the start of rises in interest rates. Present indications are that the former will be a year from now and the latter potentially after a further 18 months. As investors have generally retreated from prime sovereign debt, they have redeployed into higher yielding bond plays, such as investment grade corporate bonds and, in particular, high yield, where spreads have tightened by 35bp during the latest quarter. They felt encouraged to enact this trade for a number of reasons – in part because of the higher yields on offer, in part because those bonds have shorter average maturities than do sovereign bonds (making their market prices less sensitive to rising market yields) and in part because of the improvements in both corporate balance sheets and the economic cycle (reducing the possibility of a default).
Nick Gartland, Senior Financial Planning Director, Investec Wealth & Investment
Pick-up trucks A BIRSTALL-based logistics business has secured three new clients. Bedfords Group has acquired Flint Group, Eclipse Print and Kermi, who were all formerly clients of Midlands-based Bill Chippington Haulage. When that company went into administration, Bedfords stepped in to ensure Chippington’s good name was maintained and that all existing contracts continued to be serviced to the same high standards they were used to. Bedfords provided a seamless transition, adopting specialist vehicles and saving five jobs in the process. All three clients are now in formal contract discussions with Bedfords. Vijay Patel, European supply chain director for Flint Group, said: “The transition from Bill Chippington Haulage to Bedfords was handled professionally without any issues, ensuring our customers received deliveries on time, which is crucial to the newspaper industry.” Steff Pfadenhauer, managing director of Bedfords, said: “These businesses are welcome additions to the Bedfords portfolio and fit perfectly within our business strategy. “Whilst our main focus has been consolidation in recent months, we are always actively seeking new clients. We provide a cost effective and quality service, backed by expertise and experience, and delivered through our nationwide network.” Bedfords Group offers nationwide distribution for single pallets through to double deck articulated vehicle loads. The company has more than 130 employees and a fleet of more than 70 vehicles ranging from 7.5 tonne rigids to 44 tonne articulated vehicles.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
First for estate agency A HUDDERSFIELD estate agent is the first letting agent in the town to join a new scheme which rewards tenants, landlords and letting agents. Jowetts Chartered Surveyors at Market Street has joined Consider-Rate to enhance its services to tenants and landlords. Under the scheme, tenants build a rental history showing they have paid their rent and looked after the property – meaning that they become an attractive proposition to any future landlords. The tenants also get a Mastercard pre-pay top-up card allowing them to earn on average £250 a year in cash-back. Under the scheme, tenants and letting agents/landlords rate each other – so they can see who are good tenants and who are good letting agents or landlords. A spokeswoman for Consider-Rate said: “Landlords, letting agents and tenants need a way to know that the people they are dealing with can be trusted – and now there is! “If you are a good tenant, letting agent or landlord, this scheme will help you demonstrate this and by using the online rating system, it gives people on both sides of the property fence a fantastic resource to validate their own reputation and check the reliability of others – allowing them to rent with confidence.” Go to www.consider-rate.co.uk
■ CHAMPAGNE MOMENT: Darren Clarke (left) and Nancy Walker, of Consider-Rate, with Luke Whitaker (second right) and Chris Jowett , of Jowettt Chartered Surveyors
TO LET
First and Second Floor Offices
7 St Georges Square, Huddersfield, HD1 1LA 1 87.6 – 120.49m2 (943 – 1,297 sq ft) 1 Frontage to St George’s Square 1 Ease of access to town centre amenities Rent: First Floor: £9,000 per annum exclusive Second Floor: £4,000 per annum exclusive
TO LET
Ground Floor Offices
7 St Georges Square, Huddersfield, HD1 1LA 1 49.33m2 (531 sq ft) 1 Frontage to St George’s Square 1 Ease of access to Town centre amenities Rent: £6,000 per annum exclusive
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Residential Development Land
Macaulay Road, Birkby, Huddersfield, HD2 2US 1 PP for 14 houses 1 0.62 Hectares (1.7 Acres) approx. 1 Ease of access to local amenities 1 Would suit alternative residential scheme (STP) Price: £475,000
Page 6
Trade event focuses on apprenticeships A TRADE event in Yorkshire is set to boost opportunities for young people and employers in Kirklees. The Painting and Decorating Association is hosting a trade show alongside its annual national conference next month at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate. In a bid to boost employment and training opportunities for young people, the PDA has teamed up with the Construction Industry Training Board to provide information about grant funding for apprenticeships and training during the two-day event. Diane Wood, CITB account co-ordinator for the PDA, said: “We have grants available for companies registered with us to assist with apprenticeships and training. “We are keen to ensure that employers who offer apprenticeships and training claim any grants they may be entitled to as we feel our schemes are an important part of supporting businesses, investing in young people and safeguarding the future of the industry.” The trade show will also feature stands from manufacturers and associate members, offering demonstrations, give-aways and information about the latest products and techniques. PDA chief executive Neil Ogilvie, said: “The PDA trade show is a great opportunity for people working in the construction sector to find out more about employment opportunities, the latest developments within the industry and new products and services. “We’re ready to welcome the painters and decorators of the future at this event as well as our stalwart members from across the North.” The trade show will be held from noon to 6pm on Friday, November 1, and from 10m to 3pm on Saturday, November 2. Admission is free and the event is open to all.
Action call over energy A BRIGHOUSE roofing specialist and energy expert has urged ministers to do more to encourage householders to make their homes more energy efficient. Chris Hopkins, managing director of Ploughcroft, made the plea at a meeting with officials from the Department of Energy and Climate Change in Whitehall. Mr Hopkins, who is a member of the Government’s Green Construction Board, was called in to advise the Government on its Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. ECO was introduced a year ago to fund energy efficiency improvements in homes – but has achieved a take-up from consumers of just 1.84% of its target Carbon Emission Reduction Obligation of 20m tonnes – leaving the big six energy companies just 18 months to encourage consumer take up - or to incur stinging penalties. Mr Hopkins said: “With rising energy prices, many people are once again facing higher home fuel bills this year. I am pressing DECC to allow Room in Roof Insulation (RIRI) to qualify for primary funding. Such insulation can have huge environmental benefits, reducing heat loss and saving carbon tonnes, as well as making cost savings for hard pressed consumers.” The ECO scheme was introduced
for so-called “hard to treat” homes built of stone before 1967. Currently, funding for RIRI can only be given when a primary measure such as external or internal wall insulation is installed first. But householders are deterred from doing this as it radically alters the appearance of a house and – in the case of internal insulation – is hugely disruptive, said Mr Hopkins. He said: “On current figures, the Government will fall short of achieving its Energy Climate Obligation and I hope to convince them that RIRI can help them achieve it by demonstrating that RIRI could save 50 lifetime carbon tonnes per home. “As there are more than 2m homes in Yorkshire alone that would benefit, Government could easily achieve its target and benefit not only people’s pockets, but the environment and create up to 100,000 jobs.” This latest accolade comes on the back of success at the prestigious Ceramics Industry Annual Health and Safety Pledge Awards when Ploughcroft was awarded the Contractors Award. “The award recognised Ploughcroft for safety work it completed on more than 3 km of fragile guttering on a f a c t o r y ro o f i n M i d d l e w i c h , Cheshire.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Landlords urged to take hard line
LANDLORDS have been urged to take steps to protect themselves financially in the face of “increasing manipulation” of the insolvency system. The British Property Federation has taken the unprecedented step of advising landlords to take extra security from tenants, including guarantees from parent companies and extra deposits of up to three month’s rent. The BPF said that it took the step “reluctantly” given the extra cost it would place on occupiers and urged the Government to act quickly to restore creditors’ faith in the rules governing insolvency. It advised landlords arranging commercial leases with a group of companies to take a guarantee from the parent company to protect against the subsidiary being put into administration.
TO LET
It said landlords should also consider taking an extra three month’s rent from tenants as a deposit, given the widespread use of the tactical timing of insolvencies and the losses that this creates. The rules currently state that if a business is placed into administration immediately following rent quarter day, then it can continue to use the property for free for up to three months without paying any rent. Ian Fletcher, director of policy at the British Property Federation, said: “Over the past 10 years, landlords have become ever more flexible with tenants and so we take this step reluctantly given that it will add to the costs of renting a property – particularly for start-ups, –and can only have a negative impact on economic growth. “However, there have been some horrendous examples of
Offices
FOR SALE
small landlords and pensioners losing their savings via dubious pre-packs, while the owners of the companies that use them to strategically restructure their businesses lose nothing and gain a competitive advantage over their competitors. “Unfortunately, Government policy on this issue is one of dither and delay. First, they were going to tighten regulation, then they weren’t, then they asked the insolvency profession to implement the most minor of changes to self-regulation and now they are having a review. “While we very much welcome Teresa Graham’s Review, we can’t stand by and watch smaller landlords and pensioners being robbed of their savings. Hopefully, the Graham Review will lead to quick a c t i o n s i n s t e a d o f m o re words.”
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High quality office suites with on site parking and conference facilities. Immediately available for occupation
Centrally located office suitable for redevelopment/conversion to a variety of uses (STP). Covered/secure parking
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Industrial
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556 Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury 175m2 (1,891 sq ft) on 0.45 acres
The Watermill, Wheatley Park, Mirfield 550 - 9,000 sq ft
Highly prominent industrial unit with large self-contained yard adjacent to A644. Joint agents: Holroyd Miller 01924 465671
High quality modern office space with comfort cooling and on-site parking. Available as a whole or in smaller suites
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All enquiries to Alec Michael alec@michaelsteel.co.uk
■ REGRET: Ian Fletcher, of the British Property Federation
Page 7
Career path A FURNITURE manufacturer in Huddersfield has joined a work-related learning programme linking businesses and schools. Slaithwaite-based Daval has recruited Will Smith (pictured) as a placement student on the Nexus In-Schools programme – also supported by Kirklees Council – which provides work experience for year 11 students in their final year of high school. Under the scheme, Will, 15, a pupil at Colne Valley High School, works at Daval from Monday to Wednesday and is involved in manufacturing and warehouse processes at the firm. He then attends school on Thursday and Friday to continue his studies. He will remain with Daval until summer, 2014, after which he should be able to provide prospective employers with a range of skills and a good understanding of the working environment. The opportunity may also give him a head start in any apprenticeship or other training. The work offered is designed to help provide practical work skills, boost confidence and help bridge the gap between school life and work. Alan Bodsworth, of Daval, said: “We already have a long standing relationship with Colne Valley High School providing similar placements in the past and work experience for a number of students over the past few years.”
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Samantha Melton
NCM A FORMER senior event executive at the Tower of London has been appointed as event sales co-ordinator at the National Coal Mining Museum for England, at Overton, near Grange Moor. Samantha Melton (pictured) has more than 18 years’ experience in event management, having previously worked as senior events executive for Historic Royal Palaces, the group which includes attractions such as Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace and Kew Palace. Named in Event Magazine’s 100 Club, as one of the top 100 events people in 2009, Ms Melton developed corporate and private events revenue at The Tower of London to more than £1.4m and successfully delivered more than 300 events a year – from gala dinners and receptions to conferences, private tours of the Crown Jewels, concerts and music festivals. She said: “I am really pleased to have joined the team at the National Coal Mining Museum, which has excellent conference facilities that are already well used by businesses throughout the region and nationally. “My initial agenda is to develop daytime conferences working with our on-site caterers Kudos and chef/manager Tom Moorby to provide a quality, simply priced conference offer.” She said: “I’m also looking forward to developing plans for corporate and private evening and weekend events at the museum. The purpose-built event space coupled with the option to include private access to the museum, bespoke tours and excellent outdoor space makes the venue very flexible and suited to a wide range of uses.”
Ahmed wins award for recycling initiative THE man behind a project to engage young people in recycling has won an award for his work.. Ahmed Khan (pictured) was presented with a Leaders of Change Award at the Re:think Awards held in Newport and run by DS Smith Recycling, which is based in Caerphilly, but has a recycling site at Birstall. The judges praised him for setting up not-for-profit social enterprise the Young Engineers Academy – after one source of funding was withdrawn – and for helping to boost initiatives to recycle uPVC in the Huddersfield area. As a result of Ahmed’s work with the Turnbridge-based group, more than 50 people have been trained and 12 full-time jobs have been created. The award comes just weeks before the Examiner Business Awards – where The Young Engineers Academy is shortlisted for the Sandal BMW & MINI Green Award. The Leaders of Change Award is presented to those who have brought a culture of innovation to their organisation – working on a process or activity, instilling creativity and change in their team and successfully achieving improvements in costs and environmental efficiency. The awards were open to all DS Smith Recycling customers to reward those that have demonstrated environmental best practice by implementing the most sustainable and innovative recycling and supply chain processes.
Movers and shakers
Page 8
Company creates a buzz of excitement A KIRKLEES firm has helped to create a buzz for a child-friendly ambulance. The world’s first interactive ambulance service designed especially for children – the BUMBLEance – has been gifted an assortment of state-of-the-art equipment and technology by Ferno and partner group company Acetech. BUMBLEance, based in Ireland, was launched at the beginning of September. The ambulance, which looks like a giant bumble bee, has been kitted out with the latest technology, but has been designed with the needs of children in mind. The Saoirse Foundation – the charity behind the service – has created a fun environment for sick children to travel to and from hospitals and medical centres for scheduled appointments. BUMBLEance has a 19-inch LED TV, a Playstation games console, an iPad Mini and a dual channel Wi-Fi hotspot which enables the ambulance to communicate, allowing live streaming from the internet, Skype calls and more. Ferno, which makes and supplies patient handling equipment, donated a trolley complete with its latest anti-microbial pressure-reducing mattress and harness and restraints.
■ BEE LINE: The BUMBLEance, which includes equipment donated by Ferno
The company also donated a locking mechanism to secure the trolley in the BUMBLEance safely and allow it to be positioned either on the offside or centre of the vehicle for patient treatment. Jon Ellis, managing director of Ferno, said: “This is a great initiative and one which Ferno is extremely proud to support and be a part of. “An ambulance journey can be an unnerving and sometimes frightening experience for anyone, but even more so for children. “I am sure that BUMBLEance will have a positive impact on all the children they
transport, as well as their parents and carers.” Cleckheaton-based Ferno has also teamed up with Cambridge-based Nebulair Technologies to supply one of its Nebulair decontamination systems to BUMBLEance for free. The system uses patented dry mist technology to decontaminate an area and is ideal for use in hospitals, nursing homes, ambulances, schools, vets, offices, trains and aeroplanes. In addition, Ferno has installed its vehicle intelligence system ACETECH into the BUMBLEance. ACETECH is a vehicle performance monitoring and control system for ambulances and other emergency response vehicles which provides on-board intelligence to help reduce operating and fuel costs. Tony Heffernan, founder of the Saoirse Foundation, said: “We have been very lucky to receive fantastic support from every sector of Irish society and companies like Ferno, ACETECH and Nebulair. “The Saoirse Foundation receives no state funding for this service and is reliant on support from the business community and members of the public.”
Jigsaw puts the pieces together A NEW monthly networking event has been launched to bring together disabled jobseekers and potential employers. Jabber with Jigsaw, hosted by Jigsaw Enterprise Training, will take a particular theme or topic for discussion each month –starting with Barriers and Challenges in the Workplace. The event will look at the issue from the point of view of disabled employees, potential employers and placement providers. Gemma Blagbrough, of Dalton-based Jigsaw, said the idea for the networking group grew from delivering hr own pre-employment programme for disabled adults. She said: “It was felt that there was a gap still to be filled, as people had grown in confidence, but did not have the contacts or connections to gain meaningful employment or work placement opportunities. “My vision is that this new
network will act as a platform to bring talented disabled employees and like-minded employers together to network, discuss issues and find solutions in an informal and supportive environment.” Gemma said potential employers would be urged to attend the events regularly, be open and honest in the discussions, have an open mind and be willing to at least consider taking on a disabled employee in either a paid job or Work Placement. Employers will also be asked to sponsor the event or provide donations in kind. Said Gemma: “We need accessible venues to hold the networks and the provision of refreshments. As we have no funding for the events, as yet, we are looking to secure sponsorship, or donations in kind.” She said employing a disabled person allowed a firm to widen the talent pool of candidates from which to
■ IDEA: Gemma Blagbrough, of Dalton-based Jigsaw Enterprise Training recruit while having a diverse workforce could attract diverse customers – providing the firm with competitive advantage.
Said Gemma: “There are over 10m disabled people in the UK, spending about £80bn every year.” She said it also made the company more representative of the community and helped foster an enviable reputation as an inclusive employer of choice, attracting the best talent. It could also improve staff morale and loyalty as well as enabling firms to meet their corporate social responsibility aims and objectives. The first networking event will be held from 11am to 12.30pm on Thursday, November 21, at the Methodist Mission in Lord Street, Huddersfield. There will be a box for donations to cover the costs of refreshments . Said Gemma: “We will need ideas for venues for future meetings, so if anyone is aware of accessible venues or feels they could contribute in other ways, please get in touch on 07747 770322.”
Strengthening their sporting links SPORTING connections are being strengthened between Huddersfield Town and sports centre operator Kirklees Active Leisure. The football club is continuing its partnership with KAL for a fourth successive season. KAL, which manages 12 centres across the Kirklees
area, has been at the forefront of Town’s community promotion activity in recent years through its “KAL Kickers” children’s football courses, children’s birthday parties and its sponsorship of Town mascot Terry the Terrier. The focus on the new partnership is going to be
about developing the football stars of the future. Huddersfield Town and KAL are developing a football development scheme aimed at six to 16-year-olds called KAL Football Performance. Up to 500 young footballers will get high quality football coaching from professionally-qualified
coaches in close collaboration with Town’s Academy. Ross Wilson, Town’s head of football operations, said: ““We are delighted to extend our partnership with KAL. This will allow our academy to further extend its footprint across the region and that can only be good for us as we continue to develop and grow.”