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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Firm plots its next energetic moves A COMPANY providing firms with energy advice is set for a fresh recruitment drive. Brighouse-based Orchard Energy recently made senior appointments to its offices in Glasgow and Newcastle. Now managing director Gareth Henderson said the company had embarked on a further expansion drive. The firm appointment Ross McColl as regional manager of its Glasgow office and Peter Bicchiri as manager of the North East region, based in Newcastle. Orchard, which was launched in 2004, has secured business with more than 80 organisations in Scotland since opening its first office there. Contracts wins north of the border include Dobbies Garden Centres PLC, Bonar Yarns Ltd and Hamilton Park Racecourse. Mr Henderson said: “Both Scotland and the North East are key regions for us and we recently took on
larger premises in Glasgow and Newcastle with a view to growth. “Recruitment is now underway for additional energy consultants in Glasgow and Newcastle and new roles will be created at our head office in Yorkshire to support this expansion.” The firm recently appointed three new account managers in Brighouse to boost the sales team and assist with client liaison. There are also new business development and telemarketing roles to be filled. Orchard Energy’s most recent office openings have been in Cardiff and Bristol – with further expansion into the Midlands planned for 2012. Mr Henderson said the next stage of growth would involve developing Orchard’s blue chip client base. He said: “We are already very strong in the heritage sector, working with tourist attractions such as Jorvik in York and stately homes including Chatsworth, Harewood, Castle
Howard and Ripley Castle. “We also have a large number of manufacturing clients who are big energy users and need to drive down costs to remain competitive.” Mr Henderson said another growth area was the care homes sector, where clients such as Maria Mallaband Care Group and Orchard Care Homes managed dozens of sites and were looking for support with administration and invoice validation as well as purchasing. “Energy tends to be a business’ second biggest overhead and one of the first things to look at when trying to reduce costs,” said Mr Henderson. But he said most organisations were looking for more than just a brokerage service. “They also want advice on efficiency, compliance, renewables and billing queries to make sure they achieve maximum savings on energy spend,” he said.
Autumn Statement, the survey also found that the private sector is not looking to Government to resolve the current economic malaise. Just a third of UK corporates believe the Government has the ability to drive economic recovery and has the strategy to do so. Another third believe the economic situation is simply too much of a global issue for the Government to resolve. Some 84% of respondents said the environment in which they do business
is becoming either steadily or rapidly more competitive. Despite the challenges, exporting remains a bright spot. Among those firms exporting, 60% predicted the amount of goods or services they sell aboard would grow in 2012, compared with just 3% that predicted export orders will fall. Lee Collinson, head of Barclays Corporate in Yorkshire said: “It is clear that UK corporates believe the economic recovery is not going to be
Going by the book BUSINESSWOMAN Jo Haigh is helping managers make sense of finance. The Denby Dale dealmaker has penned her fourth book, Finance for Non-Financial Managers, for the Financial Times Guides. The book has already received several plaudits.
● Full story - Page 4
■ EXPANSION: Gareth Henderson, of Brighouse-based Orchard Energy
‘Only private sector can deliver growth in UK’ COMPANIES are deeply cautious about the economic outlook – but believe only the private sector can deliver growth, says a survey. A poll of 300 business leaders by Barclays Corporate showed that 43% had shelved plans to invest due to market turmoil while 66% said they expected to see more business failures in their sector. However, 54% also viewed the private sector as too risk averse. In the lead-up to the Chancellor’s
INSIDE
Government-led. “This is not a criticism of Government, but a recognition of the limits of Government. Businesses accept they have to compete their way to better times. “The challenge is back on businesses themselves. It is easy to say no to risk taking in the current environment, but it must be done if corporates are going to compete globally, both for the success of the individual business and the economy as a whole.”
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London calling COLNE Valley woman Joanne Dodson was treated to a trip to London – to mark her 20 years service with service provider Sodexo. She joined 140 long service recipients on the excursion.
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Solicitors for business inYorkshire www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk Huddersfield | Wakefield | Halifax | Leeds
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
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Travel group says holidays are ‘safe’
AILING Thomas Cook will this week launch a publicity drive – in a bid to reassure customers that their holidays are “in safe hands”. The holidays firm, which saw its share price slump by 75% in one day last week amid fears of an imminent collapse, is publishing a letter from interim chief executive Sam Weihagen in national newspapers saying it is safe to book breaks with the group. Thomas Cook’s shares closed 3.7p or 25% higher at 21.7p yesterday after it announced an extra £100m lifeline from its banks on Friday night. But although Thomas Cook claims it is now on a sound financial footing, fears persist that the negative headlines may have scared holidaymakers away. Bookings fell by 30% last week amid uncertainty over the group’s future. Rival TUI Travel has run full-page
adverts for its Thomson brand that claimed: “Another holiday company may be experiencing turbulence, but we are in really great shape.” Mr Weihagen’s letter begins: “What a week it has been for Thomas Cook,” adding that it is now “an even stronger and more confident company” and members of the public “can be sure that your holiday really is in safe hands”. His words play on the 170-year-old company’s history and claim it is the “most recognised and established name in the industry”. The letter adds: “I have no doubt that we will still be in another 170 years and beyond.” The deal with its bankers – just one month after it increased its loans by a similar amount – came after it said its French and Belgium markets saw bookings fall by up to 20% in recent
■ SIGN OF THE TIMES: Thomas Cook is launching a publicity drive to reassure worried holidaymakers
weeks, while a move into the Russian market had “got off to an extremely slow start”. The group has suffered from the impact of the Arab spring, which has
Check-in, checkout
hit bookings to Tunisia and Egypt, destinations popular with France and Russia respectively, as well as UK holidaymakers. It is understood the firm could axe up to 1,000 jobs by closing 200 of its 1,100 UK travel shops as it slashes costs and sells hundreds of millions of pounds of assets to help reduce its debt mountain. James Hollins, an analyst at Evolution Securities, said the new lending facility had secured its short-term survival. He added: “The increased facility pushes current gross debt to £1.5bn, but fortunately all the bad press has come at a low point in the booking cycle and the group has the funds and time to restore partner and consumer confidence in its brand and survival.”
Firm targets overseas growth
Retail sales slide further
BUSINESSWEAR retailer TM Lewin reported a slump in UK trading – but revealed ambitious plans to double sales by focusing on overseas expansion. The firm, which recently opened its 100th store in the UK, selling shirts, ties and accessories such as cufflinks, said UK sales increased by 7% in the six months to August 27, compared to 21% in the previous year. But while UK trading was hit by the squeeze on the high street, it announced plans to grow its international business – which last year accounted for just 13% of its sales – to the same size as its current UK
RETAILERS face a gloomy run-in to Christmas as a key survey revealed the sector cut jobs at the fastest rate in two years amid falling sales. The latest Distributive Trades Survey by the CBI showed sales volumes fell for the sixth month running in November. Another fall in sales volumes next month – although the pace of decline is expected to ease. Store bosses are also reducing staff numbers at the fastest rate for two years. Some 26% of retailers polled saw the volume of sales rise in the year to November against 44% reporting a decline – a weaker showing than
business by 2016 as it taps into demand for UK tailoring. Its expansion plans would see overseas sales increase from £13m to £88m in just five years. The firm, formed in 1898, said overseas sales rose by 26% in the first half of its financial year against 7% in the UK due to strong demand at its seven stores in Malaysia and Singapore and online orders from the US and Australia. It plans to open a new site in Sydney to drive expansion into Asia and Australia. Chief financial officer Mike Trotman said: “The quality of UK fashion is still very highly regarded overseas.’’
expected and represents the fastest decline in sales since March, 2009. Sales volumes were considered below average for the time of year – with a balance of minus 39%, the weakest figure since March, 2009. The figure was slightly weaker than October’s balance of minus 34% and was driven by pressure on groceries, specialist food and drink stores, department stores and clothing. The volume of orders placed with suppliers also fell in November. Employment across the sector fell at the fastest rate since November, 2009, at a balance of minus 27% in the year to November.
HOTEL company Travelodge has joined supermarket chain Waitrose to develop three new hotel-and-retail sites. Travelodge will operate an 81-room hotel at Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, where Waitrose will open a 37,000sq ft supermarket. The project is due to be completed by the end of 2012. In Sidcup, south east London, there will be an 84-room hotel and a 10,000sq ft convenience store, scheduled to open in August, 2012. And in November next year, there will be a 154-room hotel and a 6,000sq ft convenience store opening in Vauxhall, south London. Travelodge is in talks over a further 25 co-partnership development deals with a number of large supermarket chains across the UK. The programme represents a £130m investment and will create about 520 Travelodge jobs.
Profits disappoint JACQUES Vert, owner of the Windsmoor fashion brand, said full-year profits would be below expectations after sales slumped in the seven weeks since September 30. Like-for-like sales for the first 29 weeks of the current financial year were 0.3% lower than the previous year.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £29.61 +0.65 Gannett 693.74 +18.02 Hess Corp £36.59 +1.63 Microsoft 1593.41 +29.60 Motors Liquidation 48.27 Wal-Mart Stores £36.84 +0.23 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 319 -1 BAE Systems 2607/8 +51/8 Rolls-Royce 6981/2 +201/2 AIM Brady Plc 78 Dawson Intl 11/4 Man Brnze 36 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 1771/8 +71/2 BANKS Barclays 1677/8 +121/4 HSBC 4883/4 +213/8 5 Lloyds Banking Gp 23 /8 +1/2 Ryl Scotland 193/4 +1 Stan Chart 1340 +661/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 13261/2 +31 SABMiller £217/8 +3/4 CHEMICALS Croda 1750 +38 Elementis 98 1391/8 +65/8 Johnsn Mat 1809 +70 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2297/8 +87/8 Costain 1883/4 -3/8 ELECTRICITY
Drax Gp 5591/2 +8 Intl Power 3227/8 +71/2 SSE 1287 +33 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 1401/4 +81/2 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 332 +6 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 1833/8 +61/4 Cable & Wireless 361/4 +11/8 Comm 3 Cable & Wireless 15 /4 +7/8 Wwide 1 Colt Group 86 /4 +21/8 KCOM 723/4 +11/4 Talktalk Telecom 1305/8 +15/8 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 3151/4 +41/8 Sainsbury 2935/8 +75/8 Tesco 3961/4 +12 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1100 +15 Tate Lyle 680 +161/2 Unilever £205/8 +1/2 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 2923/4 +61/8 National Grid 639 +71/2 1 Pennon Grp 698 /2 +121/2 Severn 1529 +32 United Utils 610 +10 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 1843/8 +41/4 ICAP 3381/2 +103/4 London StockExch 835 +28 Man Group 1321/4 +71/8
Provident Financial 9821/2 +6 Schroders 1284 +79 Schroders NV 1092 +59 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 4791/4 +263/8 REXAM 3383/8 +75/8 Smiths Grp 911 +271/2 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 183/4 +1/8 Carphone Whse 3113/4 +83/4 Dixons Retail 107/8 +5/8 Home Retail 791/2 +33/8 1 Inchcape 307 /4 +63/4 Kingfisher 253 +6 3 M&S 317 /4 +101/4 5 Mothercare 157 /8 +87/8 Next £265/8 +1/2 WH Smith 5051/2 +61/4 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 565 +10 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 66 +33/8 Barrat Dev 965/8 +25/8 1 Persimmon 477 /4 +133/4 Reckitt Benckiser £321/8 +5/8 Taylor Wimpey 37 +7/8 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 9331/2 +6 IMI 748 +31 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 2911/2 +341/8 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 1683/8 +33/4 LIFE INSURANCE
2981/2 +181/8 1011/4 +41/8 1091/2 +43/4 598 +321/2 5 239 /8 +67/8 1943/8 +91/4 MEDIA BSkyB 7451/2 +191/2 D Mail Tst 405 +167/8 3 ITV 61 /4 +17/8 5 Johnston Press 4 /8 Pearson 1104 +23 Reed Elsevier 511 +13 1 STV Group 88 /2 -3/4 3 Trinity Mirror 46 /4 +11/4 Utd Business 4811/4 +233/8 UTV 1081/4 -3/4 WPP 643 +261/2 Yell Group 51/4 +7/8 MINING Anglo American £231/8 +1 Antofagasta 1094 +50 BHP Billiton 18361/2 +77 Eurasian Natural 633 +321/2 Res Fresnillo 1621 +38 Kazakhmys 8571/2 +521/2 Lonmin 1011 +40 Rio Tinto £315/8 +13/8 VEDANTA 9941/2 +661/2 RESOURCES Xstrata 9481/4 +395/8 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 4123/4 +93/8 Vodafone Group 1681/2 +21/4 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 917 +36 Aviva Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
3061/4 911/2 639 1943
+23/4 -5/8 +71/2 +148
FTSE closed at
5312.76 Up 148.11 RSA Insurance Gp 1061/8 +37/8 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 12981/2 +531/2 BP 4373/4 +123/8 Cairn Energy 2721/2 +81/4 3 Royal Dutch Shell A £21 /8 +3/8 Royal Dutch Shell B £22 +1/4 Total £313/4 +11/8 Tullow Oil 1308 +56 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 862 +18 Petrofac 1351 +52 Wood Gp(J) 613 +22 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1197 +35 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £281/4 +5/8 GlaxoSmithK XD 16
£201/4 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 4713/4 Captl Shop Cent 3041/4 DTZ Hldgs 5 Hamrsn 3735/8 Land Secs 661 SEGRO 2163/8 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 1911/2 Logica 75 Misys 2423/4 Sage Group 275 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 430 Bunzl 806 Capita 636 De La Rue 9041/2 Electrocomp 2031/8 Experian 8001/2 G4S 2391/4 Hays 707/8 Homeserve 2401/2 Menzies J 5053/4 Rentokil 621/2 Smiths News 893/4 Wolseley 1802 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 574 Psion 521/2 Spirent Comms 1221/4 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £285/8 Imperial Tobacco £225/8 LEISURE & HOTELS Shire
+3/8 +175/8 +153/8 +13/8 +193/4 +251/2 +91/2 +91/4 +41/2 +17/8 +81/2 +8 +91/2 +181/2 -311/2 +51/4 +23 +71/4 +4 +53/4 -3 +11/4 +59 +21 -13/4 +23/4 +3/8 +1/8
Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airlines Gp Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread
1363/8 £205/8 560 367 333/4 3115/8 1221 4591/2 1044 1445/8
+17/8 +5/8 +9 +55/8 +13/4 +13/4 +2 +18 +39 +33/4
127 2237/8 2041/2 1421/4 2451/4 160 1579
+3/8 +67/8 +11/4 +21/4 +43/4 +53/8 +51
FTSE 100
INDEX 5312.76
+148.11
FTSE 250
INDEX 9908.46
+268.17
TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.49 dollars Bangladesh................. 111.89 taka Brazil.............................. 2.61 reals Canada....................... 1.53 dollars China ............................. 8.82 yuan Czech Republic ...... 27.66 korunas Denmark....................... 8.23 krone Euro................................ 1.11 euro Hong Kong................ 11.44 dollars Hungary................... 323.92 forints India.......................... 70.80 rupees Japan........................... 114.33 yen Mexico ....................... 19.40 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.91 dollars Norway ......................... 8.68 krone Pakistan.................. 128.05 rupees Philippines ................. 57.94 pesos South Africa................. 12.19 rand South Korea.............. 1555.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 166.13 rupees Sweden....................... 10.28 krona Switzerland.................. 1.37 francs Taiwan ...................... 41.11 dollars Turkey....................... 2.75 new lira USA ............................ 1.48 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Neil Wheeler
It’s a team game for Neil HE’S a Lancashire lad who’s more than happy to be working in Huddersfield. And despite missing out on his first choice career as a PE teacher, rugby league enthusiast Neil Wheeler is helping make sure things stays fit and healthy for business services specialist Code Blue Group, where he is managing director. “Growing up in Oldham, I wanted to be a PE teacher,” he says. “I was offered a place on a course at Liverpool University. But I enjoyed my rugby and my summers too much and failed my A-levels. I was playing rugby at weekends and socialising with my rugby mates. “But as one of nine children I was expected to go out and get myself a job and that’s how I stumbled into retailing.” He started by working on a fruit and veg stall at Oldham open market, recalling: “I was very quiet and shy – until one day my boss threw the money wallet at me and told me to start selling. That meant shouting out the prices to attract customers. “It was a good grounding for a career in sales because it helped you learn how to deal with customers face-to-face and find out what customers wanted. “It taught you that the customer is king – and so many businesses forget that. If the customers are not happy, the bills don’t get paid.” Neil later joined national retail chain All Sports and
at the age of 19 became manager of its Oldham branch. During a 10-year career with the company, he went on to manage its flagship store in Manchester and developed several new stores in Scotland. He insists: “I’m not the best salesman, but I enjoy working with people and bringing out the best in them. I enjoyed my time there, but I eventually made a decision to leave. I was working six or seven days a week as store manager at a time when my daughter was little. When the chance of sales job came up I decided to take it.” Neil recalls having to persuade his wife, Sharon, that this was a wise move! He says: “We had just got our first mortgage and I’d decided to pack in my nice, safe job for a commission-only sales job – but I could see
■ TEAM LEADER: Neil Wheeler, Code Blue Group managing director
a better future.” So in 1999 Neil began selling ads for a trade magazine publisher in Leeds – working alongside old friend and Huddersfield University graduate Tony Kenny. They first met at Oldham market and Neil later gave Tony a job working weekends at the All Sports store. When the publishing firm ceased trading three years later, Neil and Tony decided to set up their own business – initially publishing FMCG magazine, for which Neil had been sales manager at the Leeds company. “We chose to set up the business in Huddersfield,” says Neil. “I live in Oldham and Tony lives in Leeds, so Huddersfield seemed a good compromise. Now we would never consider moving out of town because most of our staff are local people.” Neil and Tony launched Code Blue in the Media Centre with FMCG magazine. After 18 months, they launched Construction Industry News. As the business grew, they took on additional sales and studio staff. Code Blue began offering the services of its design studio to other businesses as a way to keep staff busy during the lulls between deadlines. That led to the launch of Code Blue Design – and a move in 2005 to larger premises in Hammond’s Yard, off King Street. Since then – and despite the credit crunch – Code Blue Group has
Page 3 Role: Managing director Age: 39 Family: Married to Sharon with children Ella, 13, and Joseph, 10 Holidays: Orlando and Clearwater, Florida – the theme park for me and the kids and the beach for Sharon! Car: Audi A7 First job: Parading the dogs around Oldham greyhound track. My family used to race greyhounds when I was young Best thing about job: Helping the people I work with keeps me coming into work every day! I enjoy helping them meet their challenges and solve their problems Worst thing about job: Regulation and red tape Business tip: Customer service is priority number one – but you should also treat your staff the way you expect to be treated
widened its business services to include mobile communications, recruitment, IT support and systems management and marketing. Code Blue’s success is easy to decipher. Says Neil: “It was a case of seeing opportunities and exploiting them. We didn’t want to miss out. “It has been very tough, but we are getting through these difficult times by sensible management – keeping things nice and tight and overheads low – and by offering good customer service and competitive rates.” Part of the success lies in Neil’s management style. Not only do staff have a pleasant working environment, there’s an XBox to play with at lunchtimes and a staff tuck shop. “It’s a cliché, but we do have a ‘work hard, play hard’ mentality,” says Neil. “It is important to keep staff morale high. I don’t like hierarchies. I don’t sit in a private office with the door closed.” Neil thinks the need for good management skills is often overlooked, but dismisses the suggestion that good managers are born, not made. “It’s the old argument about nature and nurture,” he says. “Can you develop someone to be a good manager? You can. “I would not have put myself down in the early days as a particularly strong leader. I was a good team player, probably because of my sporting background. But I
got help and advice and that is something I can pass on to the other guys here. “It is easy to be cautious, but I believe in giving staff the autonomy to make decisions. All our sales staff are encouraged to think of the customers as their customers and the business as their business.” Team spirit and team work are things Neil has learned from the playing field. He played rugby league to a decent standard, representing Lancashire and turning out alongside some lads who went on to careers in the professional game. Neil still takes part in matches for the over 35s at his home club of Waterhead. “I’m playing with some of the lads I was playing rugby with when I was 10 years old,” he said. “We just take a little longer to recover from the knocks and bruises! It keeps us going. “I’ve also started playing golf. It has to be the most frustrating game in the world, but I enjoy it.” Neil’s rugby allegiance is with Leeds Rhinos – mainly because good friend Barry McDermott played for the club and another star player, Kevin Sinfield, is a Waterhead product. “My lad Joseph plays rugby as well,” says Neil. “He has big dreams of playing for Leeds Rhinos and we watch them when we can.”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
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Page 4
Recruitment firm enjoys early win A RECRUITMENT agency in Huddersfield has landed a top award – just 18 months after setting up in business. Expion Search & Selection won the title of Best Recruiter Overall and two other categories at the 2011 annual RecruitRank Awards, hosted by Jobsite.co.uk in London. The awards recognise best practice and customer service among recruitment agencies – and are the only accolades in the industry where finalists and winners are chosen purely on the basis of candidate feedback. Keith Potts, Jobsite chief executive, said: “With several thousand recruitment consultancies eligible for inclusion in the RecruitRank Awards every year, Expion stand out as an example of providing exceptional customer service.” Expion directors Richard Clegg and James Didgiunaitis said they were delighted with the award. Said Mr Clegg: “From the outset at Expion, our goal was to provide an outstanding candidate experience in line with our business values and let our candidates be ambassadors for our service level in the marketplace.” Expion offers search and selection services to a wide range of sectors, particularly automotive and engineered products, FMCG and healthcare. The company was established 18 months ago by recruitment professionals, Richard Clegg and James Didgiunaitis.
Agency workers SOLICITOR Kate Booth will focus on the implications of the new Agency Workers Regulations at a free seminar hosted by the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. Ms Booth, of Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith, will explain how companies are affected by the rules – which came into affect in October – at a 60 Useful Minutes event from 8.30am to 10am on Thursday at the chamber’s Lockwood Park offices. To book your place, phone Tracy Smith on 01924 311607 or email tracy.smith@mycci.co.uk
AUSTIN
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Tel: 01484 483 033 Fax: 01484 741 442 www.austinkemp.co.uk
KIRKLEES BUSIN
Keep control of those legal costs OING to law can be a very GBack expensive hobby. in 2006, a cargo of toxic
waste was dumped in the Ivory Coast. A large number of Ivorians complained that they had suffered ill effects from the chemicals and a prominent English firm of personal injury specialists took up their cases. In 2009, the company responsible for the dumping agreed to pay damages totalling £30m to the defendants (who were nearly 30,000 in number). As part of the deal, the company also agreed to pay their legal costs. The bill presented totalled almost £105m, three-and-a-half times as much as the total damages. The company’s lawyers, by contrast, had billed only (!) £14m (which, let’s face it, was more than bad enough). You can certainly see why the company is objecting noisily to the claimants’ bill. Unlike personal injury cases, in family law, there’s no external agency to pay the lawyers – it all comes out of the family pot. The more spent on lawyers, the less will be there for the separating couple and their children. Despite this, sadly, family law has also been plagued with cases where costs destroy any chance of a sensible outcome.
FAMILY BUSINESS
Jonathan James
Back in 2008, Mr Justice Munby had to deal with Mr and Mrs O whose joint legal costs amounted to over 70% of the money and property which they had! The judge listed the cases he knew of personally in which something similar had happened and ended his judgement with a quotation from the Charles Dickens novel “Bleak House” in which the whole of an estate was consumed by legal costs. So how can separating couples avoid this sort of disaster? Choose the right level of lawyer to handle your case. If you don’t have offshore accounts, trust funds o r c o m p a ny i n t e re s t s, yo u shouldn’t be shelling out for the most expensive specialists. They won’t give you value for money. Take the advice you’re given by your lawyers – nothing can be more foolish than to pay good money to be advised and then
reject it because it’s not what you wanted to hear. Don’t get carried away chasing after every little financial detail – keep a clear eye on the big picture. Always ask the question, “how much difference is this going to make?” Remember what lawyers are not good at, namely helping you with the emotional fall out of a separation. Use professional counsellors or close friends for that – don’t use expensive lawyer’s time for it. If necessary, be prepared to be generous to your former partner. Giving a little more than you absolutely have to may well save you the same or more in legal costs. Why make yourself even worse off and the lawyers better off instead? Don’t get too excited about your ex’s new relationship – courts think it a great deal less important than you do.
Jonathan James is head of private client and family department at Austin Kemp Solicitors
Hotel’s five-star effort A HOTEL group with a site in Huddersfield is celebrating success. Cedar Court Grand Hotel & Spa has become York’s first five-star hotel and the only AA five-star rated hotel in Yorkshire. The hotel is part of Cedar Court Hotels, Yorkshire’s largest independent hotel group, which includes the four-star Cedar Court at Ainley Top and in Wakefield, Leeds/Bradford and Harrogate. The York hotel’s grill room has also been awarded two prestigious AA Rosettes for the outstanding quality of its culinary offering. There are just 90 other AA five-star hotels in the UK and, excluding The Grand, only 23 outside London. A spokesman for the AA said: “The Grand has achieved one of the highest accolades awarded by the AA. Five black stars are a symbol of excellence achieved through dedication, high levels of investment and a passion to be the best. We are delighted that York has its first 5 star hotel.” The £25m Cedar Court Grand
■ STAR SHOWING: General manager Maria Florou (right) and staff at the five-star Cedar Court Grand Hotel and Spa in York, part of the group which also includes the Cedar Court Hotel at Ainley Top Hotel & Spa opened in May, 2010, following the extensive refurbishment of the former North Eastern Railway headquarters – one of York’s most iconic Edwardian buildings. General manager, Maria Florou, said: “When The Grand opened its doors last year, it was
with the stated ambition of becoming York’s first AA five-star hotel and we are over the moon that we have now achieved that. “The team here deserve enormous credit for what they have done – they have worked incredibly hard and have put their heart and soul into this project.”
Jo puts focus on finances
BUSINESSWOMAN Jo Haigh (pictured) is helping managers make sense of finance. The Denby Dale dealmaker has penned her fourth book, Finance for Non-Financial Managers, for the Financial Times Guides. The book, which has already received several plaudits, follows Jo’s previous books, The Business Rules, An Entrepreneur’ Guide and Tales from the Glass Ceiling – A Survival Guide for Women in Business. The Business Rules, published 20 and 2006, was such a success tha foreign rights deal has been confirmed with a publisher in Chin Tales from the Glass Ceiling, published in 2008, sold out of its first reprint after five days and was the best-selling business book of the year – shifting more than 500,000 copies. Finance for Non-Financial Manage is available at www.amazon.co.uk and can be viewed on Jo’s website www.jo-haigh.com Jo is a partner in fds Corporate Finance Services, with bases in London, Birmingham and Yorkshir and a partner in the fds Group, a specialist training and developmen business. She has bought and sol more than 300 companies in the la 20 years, specialising in owner-managed companies.
Christmas test for retailers
RETAILERS are embarking on a crucial trading period, an insolvency expert says. Chris Wood, partner at Clough Corporate Solutions in Cleckheato and a Yorkshire committee memb of insolvency industry body R3, said the next few weeks were a crucial period for retailers to build up their reserves before the New Year when consumers will curtail their spending once again. He said: “Shoppers are likely to have started on their Christmas lis early this year to make allowances for the higher costs of living – in particular the hike in energy price which will squeeze households even further in the coming month “It is a good idea for consumers to even out their Christmas spending over several pay packets to avoid any unexpected outgoings tipping them into insolvency or resorting short-term lending solutions.” R3 figures showed that more than four out of 10 people struggle to pay day, while one in 10 take out “pay day loans” to make ends me at the end of each month. Mr Wood said individuals turning short-term loans and credit cards fund Christmas should be wary of the high interest rates that often accompany these products as debts could quickly snowball out control.
NESS NEWS
local
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It’s traditional versus trendy!
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PEOPLE. RESULTS. VALUE. THE KEY TO MARKETING SUCCESS Gary Pattison OOGLE has unquestionably G changed the face of marketing and is invaluable in driving website traffic.
It has become one of the most powerful and influential tools in any marketeer’s kit and has the influence to thrust your brand in front of thousands, if not millions of potential customers. Adwords is a simple to use system which has opened up online to anyone who is willing to spend some time selecting keywords and setting budgets in return for a sponsored link on page one of Google and ultimately, increased website traffic. However, there is currently a trend for companies switching their Adword spend over to the comparatively old fashioned medium of TV. This is for a number of reasons. The cost of traditional media is falling. It is simply more affordable than it once was
and with hundreds of channels competing for advertising spend, businesses can be quite savvy in selecting a niche audience and negotiating a good deal. Modern technology has also meant that the production costs of TV advertising have dropped significantly. Many businesses have recognised that whilst Google Adwords increases web traffic, it simply cannot build a brand in the same way that TV can. On the other side of the coin, Adwords is, in many instances, the victim of its own success as the competition for certain Google search terms is driving costs up. So what should companies looking for brand awareness and growth through advertising do?
Look at the bigger picture. It’s about blending different media to get the most out of them. Also, understand the different media and how they work – Google is immediate whilst TV is a slow burn, but its effects can last longer. Think about how the two could complement one another – with a growing number of people who watch television whilst surfing the net there is an increased likelihood that a name heard on an advert will be linked with an internet search. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. We would always advise a multi-pronged approach to marketing, mixing the traditional with the modern to achieve the best possible results.
Gary Pattison is senior account manager at Fantastic Media
Graduates take the honours
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A YOUNG entrepreneur from Mirfield has scooped a prize at this year’s Yorkshire Graduate Entrepreneurship Awards. Chris Ramsden, of Huddersfield University, who runs The TV King, beat off competition from graduate and student entrepreneurs from universities across Yorkshire in the competition, which involved pitching their business ideas to an independent panel of regional business experts. Chris was highly commended in the contest and picked up a certificate and a £150 cash prize. The awards, held to mark Global Entrepreneurship Week, were organised and supported by the award-winning Graduate Entrepreneurship Project, a partnership of Yorkshire’s higher education institutions and led by Huddersfield University. The project supports entrepreneurs from Yorkshire’s graduate and student population into business. Ten finalists from universities in Huddersfield, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield, York and Bradford submitted business plans and ■ HIGH FLIERS: Chris Ramsden (left), who was highly commended in the 2011 GE Awards, with winner Lucy Nuttall (centre) and runner-up Alex Beardsley cash flow projections and presented a “Dragon’s Den” style pitch, before facing a gruelling question and answer session. watch TV from across the globe via legal executive of Graduates Yorkshire, said: The winner of the £1,500 top prize was links, said: “To be awarded ‘highly “The standard of business ideas was Lucy Nuttall, of Sheffield Hallam commended’ in the Yorkshire Graduate extremely high this year. University’s Frontline Forensics. The £350 Entrepreneurship awards is a wonderful “Chris impressed the judging panel with second prize went to Alex Beardsley, of achievement.” strong knowledge of his market and the Bradford University’s Talk Direct Marketing. Chris, whose business allows people to Martin Edmondson, head judge and chief drive to really grow his business.”
Let’s hear your big export ideas! INNOVATIVE small firms across Kirklees have been urged to show they’ve got what it takes to “export for growth”. A new competition run by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) aims to encourage more small businesses to take their products and services to overseas markets by offering a comprehensive package of support to the firm with the best export idea. The winner will receive a package of support from UKTI and partners HSBC Bank and PwC – including expert business knowledge and insight, access to a range of international resources and grants towards overseas travel. SMEs across Yorkshire and the Humber have until Friday, January 13, to submit their entries. Shortlisted firms will then be invited to present their big export idea to a live audience of business leaders and a judging panel who will then select the winning idea. Mark Robson, UKTI international trade director for Yorkshire, said: “Businesses in this region have a long and proud history of international trading, which has resulted in record export figures in recent months – but the reality is that only a small number of SMEs export their products. “Companies that export improve their financial performance, are more productive and are more likely to stay in business.” To find out more about the Export for Growth Prize, visit www.ukti.gov.uk/exportingforgrowthprize or contact the UKTI Y&H team on 0300 3651000. UKTI has also launched a search for the region’s Most Innovative Mobile Company – businesses that can demonstrate a new product or service that has the potential to change the way people use mobiles across the world. That competition closes on Wednesday, December 14. For further details, visit www.smartukproject.co.uk
property
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS It’s time to take up training FUNDING has been secured to train up to 350 female construction workers – and women in Huddersfield have been urged to apply. The National Construction College, the training division of CITB-ConstructionSkills, has developed Women and Work training courses which will run until the end of March, 2012. Women in Huddersfield who
wish to take the courses can apply now and find out whether they are eligible for funding. A spokesman for CITB-ConstructionSkills for Yorkshire, said: “Funding to support women to undertake these courses is available now – so I encourage anyone who might be interested to get in touch soon to avoid disappointment.” Phone 0300 4565118.
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Food retailer puts new look on menu A FOOD retailer has appointed a creative agency to rebrand its 11 stores, including one in Huddersfield. Bagel Nash has recruited Leeds-based Two Birds One Stone to handle the rebrand of the shops at Kingsgate in Huddersfield and in Leeds, Manchester and York. The “youth-focused agency” has also been appointed to handle the company’s PR account ahead of its 25th anniversary next year. The appointment comes just months after the YFM-backed management buy-in by business partners Andy Micklethwaite and Sara Hildreth. The new owners have plans to expand the chain of coffee and bagel bars in the North, North West and West Midlands. Two Birds One Stone combines the PR expertise of the Bell Pottinger Academy, the youth department of well-known agency Bell Pottinger, and the design and marketing expertise of Magpie Magpie Comms. Both have worked with brands such as Oxford Stationery, Leeds Corn Exchange and a number of UK uni-
■ TASTY ASSIGNMENT: Adam Burns, Ged Savva, Becky Edlin and Ben Ridley from Two Birds One with Bagel Nash staff members Emily Zadok and Emma Thompson (centre)
versities and colleges. Ms Hildreth, retail operations director at Bagel Nash, said: “We are looking to breathe new life into the brand and to turn Bagel Nash into the number one retail bagel business in the UK.” Two Birds One Stone recently won funding from Leeds Metropolitan University and is now based in the enterprise department on the uni-
versity campus. The team core team of eight is made up of graduates and students who are managed by senior professionals from Bell Pottinger and Magpie. Ged Savva, director at Magpie Comms and co-founder of Two Birds One Stone, said: “Bagel Nash is a very strong brand in the north of England and we are delighted to have been appointed to handle the rebrand.”
Commercial Huddersfield
£15,000 pa
Lockwood
Offers around £150,000
JOHN WILLIAM STREET
WOOD END, LOCKWOOD SCAR
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Overlooking St Georges
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345m2 of office
Slaithwaite
Arranged on 3 floors
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Ground floor reception
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Meeting room
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6 1st Floor Offices
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7 2nd Floor Ofices
Offers around £100,000
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P P FOR 28
Available as a whole
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Available by way of
£11,500 pa
TO LET £11,500 per annum
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FROM 1 FEBRUARY 2012.
Frontage to Byram Street
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Secondary frontage to
Large frontage onto the
£20,000 pa
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Suitable for a variety of trades and uses
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The first floor
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212 square metres plus
Wood Street
Highly visible location
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Very prominent building
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In the heart of Holmfirth
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With very large display
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Almondbury
office,
Extended sales shop, accommodation ove
space for 36 covers
VACANT POSSESSION
Holmfirth
WAKEFIELD ROAD FOR SALE £150,000
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pedestrianised area,
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Fully fitted kitchem
Prominent position car park.
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windows Rateable Value - to be reassessed
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Unique, Listed shop front and interior fittings.
beneath the bus station
LOCATED FOR TOWN
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CONVENIENTLY
READY FOR IMMEDIATE
Seating area & bar with
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subdivision..
CENTRE
Dalton
Well renowned Town Centre premises
(subject to appropriate
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FULLY EQUIPPED
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consents).
OUTLINE PP FOR THE
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Successful restaurant
£20,000 pa BYRAM STREET
5,031 SQUARE FEET OF
ACCOMMODATION
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HOME ●
Huddersfield Town Centre
OFFICE/RETAIL SPACE
ERECTION OF NURSING
ENDOGANS, KILN HILL
START
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BEDROOMED STUDENT
accommodation ●
THE SITE HAS TWO
Price on application
CONSENTS
Square ●
Huddersfield Town Centre
Pedestrian access available
www.boultonsestateagents.co.uk 54 John William Street, Huddersfield HD1 1ER 01484 515029
£7,200 pa ST HELENS GATE
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Fully serviced ground
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RENT £7200 per annum,
floor office
all inclusive. ●
Within an attractive Listed Building
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Popular village location
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Communal reception
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Private office
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Shared wc facilities
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Communal boardroom
Industrial/Warehouse
Industrial
Industrial
Industrial
TO ON E ATI U D OC L RE
Calder Bank, off Thornhill Road, Dewsbury 929 – 3,819 m2 (10,000 – 41,108 sq ft)
Automation Works 656 Leeds Road, Huddersfield 639 m2 (6,880 sq ft)
Modern single storey industrial/ warehouse space with excellent on site loading only a short distance from main A644 Huddersfield Road.
Good quality single storey industrial/ warehouse premises with offices located adjacent main A62 Leeds Road next to Hepworth Honda.
TO LET
www.michaelsteel.co.uk
Part Let
TO LET/MAY SELL
Available January 2012
Bretfield Court off Bretton Street, Dewsbury 258 – 1,183 m2 (2,782 – 12,737 sq ft)
Barncliffe Business Park, Shelley, Huddersfield 62 – 678 m2 (667 – 7,298 sq ft)
Modern single storey industrial/warehouse units with good parking close to town centre.
Modern single storey warehouse/industrial units with good site loading and parking. Well located for M1.
TO LET
May Split
TO LET
Flexible Terms
For more information contact Alec Michael on 07717 870 320 or email alec@michaelsteel.co.uk
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Movers and shakers
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Joanne enjoys capital day out Novel approach to launching business A NEW business in Huddersfield has made an impression with two book-related events this month. Local author and international bestseller Joanne Harris, pictured (above right) with Michelle Hodgson, of Key Words, entertained an audience of more than 40 diners at The Keys restaurant in Kirkgate with stories about meeting Ewan McGregor, the success of her novel Chocolat and the Norse myths that inspired her new novel Runelight. At a separate event, a group of aspiring novelists attended a masterclass – How to Write & Sell Your Novel – at The Keys with editor and “book doctor” Andrew Wille and former publishing PR and the owner of Key Words, Michelle Hodgson. Andrew and Michelle, who worked together for many years at Little, Brown publishers in London, lifted the lid on the publishing world and gave advice on both the writing process and how to approach agents and publishers. Michelle said: “I’m delighted with the response to these first two events. Having worked in publishing for many years, it’s great to see the enthusiasm of a Huddersfield audience for author and creative writing events. “We have some fantastic authors lined up for next year, including Iain Banks and Peter James, and I was pleased to hear some people say they planned to book for all of them.” Go to www.key-words.co.uk/events
A COLNE Valley woman has returned from a memorable trip to London – to mark her 20 years service w i t h s e r v i c e p rov i d e r Sodexo. Joanne Dodson, of Golcar, joined more than 140 colleagues from across the UK and Ireland – all recipients of the long service award – for an afternoon tea cruise aboard Bateaux London’s Symphony, the city’s largest restaurant cruise vessel. During the cruise, which took in the famous sites of London, each recipient was congratulated by Sodexo chief executive Aidan Connolly. Following the cruise, they took a trip on the London Eye before having a celebratory dinner at Madame Tussauds, where a live band played and they were presen-
ted with their chosen gifts in recognition of their service. Mr Connolly said: “People are at the heart of Sodexo. Our business relies on tens of thousands of talented individuals who provide our customers and clients with exceptional service. “This annual event is a great opportunity to show our appreciation for people like Joanne and to show just how much we value and appreciate all the hard work, dedication, and loyalty she has shown over the years.” Sodexo employs 43,000 employees in the UK and Ireland – providing catering and facilities management services to clients at more than 2,300 locations in business and industry, education, healthcare, leisure and defence sectors.
■ CONGRATULATIONS: Joanne Dodson, of Golcar, with Sodexo chief executive Aidan Connolly
Wise guys at the ready
Chris Glen
FSB THE Federation of Small Businesses has elected Chris Glen as chairman of its West Yorkshire region. Mr Glen (pictured), who is owner and managing director of Wakefield-based AAT Associates Ltd, has also been appointed as the West Yorkshire representative on the FSB National Council, making him a director of the UK’s leading business organisation. He succeeds Mike Salamon, who has been chairman of the FSB in West Yorkshire since 2008. Mr Glen has more than 23 years experience working as an independent financial adviser and is also a Director of Greenway Finance Ltd. As chairman of the FSB in West Yorkshire, he will be the principal spokesman for the federation and will lead its lobbying activities on behalf of local small businesses. He was the FSB’s national transport chairman between 2007 and 2010 and chairman of its Yorkshire and Humber Transport Board. One of his first tasks in his new role will be to front the FSB’s “Real Life Entrepreneurs Campaign” which celebrates the achievements of men and women of all ages who have realised their ambitions and started their own business. The campaign aims to promote self-employment and seeks to remove the barriers to starting and running a small business.
■ SERVICE CREW: Pictured from left are Colin Dawson, John Warburton, Danny Pickering, Jon Hodgson, Steven Gash, Nigel Bullas and Stephen Thornton, of Clough and Company's BusinessWiser service A CLECKHEATON accountancy firm has launched a new division – to help plug the gap left by changes to the government’s Business Link service. Clough & Company has set up BusinessWiser, led by Danny Pickering. Its four-strong team of advisers have all previously worked for Business Link and will offer advice to owners and managers of small and medium-sized businesses. Government funding for the face-to-face advice provided by Business Link and the regional development agencies has now been withdrawn. Clough and Company said many SMEs were now concerned about the quality and consistency of advice available – particularly at a time
when they faced challenging economic times. Steven Gash, practice chairman at Clough & Company, said: “Sometimes an outsider’s perspective can help a business immensely. “Danny set up a very successful manufacturing business making copper wire in Yorkshire. It was it sold to a French telecommunications giant in 1989 and the original business is still operating in the region, employing around 50 people with a turnover of over £60m. “All our other advisors have also enjoyed some fantastic business successes and are in a great position to share their knowledge and experience.”
Staff join Norman’s 80th birthday bash A COMPANY chairman celebrated his 80th birthday by taking his staff on an all-expenses paid weekend to Bruges. Norman Hirst, chairman and founder of HB Bearings, treated his family, friends and the entire workforce and partners to a weekend break. More than 90 people travelled to Hull in two coaches and by ferry to Zeebrugge before checking into two four-star hotels in the heart of the historic city. On Saturday evening Norman played host to a dinner party given in his honour when guests were entertained by English group The Suburbians, who were shipped in from the UK especially for that evening. The party returned to the UK on Sunday by overnight ferry. HB Bearings, based in Honley, was founded by Norman in 1972. Next year sees it's 40th anniversary. The company makes special bearings for industry and the motor sport sector. Norman, who still puts in a full-day’s work at the company, said he had been to Paris twice – to mark his 70th and 75th birthday – and thought they would have a change of venue this time!
Clubbing together! BUSINESS people in Huddersfield are invited to get together. The next meeting of the First Friday Club will be held between 12.30 and 1.30pm on Friday at The Cotton Factory in King Street. The informal networking group enables town centre business leaders to meet without formalities or the pressure to provide leads. For details, email krishna.patel@revellward.co.uk