AJAZ AHMED
FTSE 100 +23.58 6633.51
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014
By royal appointment Story - Page 3
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COLIN BARRATT Personally speaking Column - Page 2
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
The future’s bright for Yorkshire businesses, according to a leading insolvency expert. Levels of UK business growth remain near their record highs with 65% of businesses reporting one or more key indicators of growth, figures from insolvency trade body R3 reveal. Yorkshire firms were even more bullish with 85%, of businesses in the region reporting one or more key indicators of growth. Across the region, 38% of businesses are reporting increasing sales volumes, 55% are investing in new equipment, 29% are seeing increased profits, and 49% of businesses are expanding. Meanwhile, business distress levels in the region and across the UK are staying near record lows, the R3 data shows. The proportion of companies not reporting any key indicators of distress is 35% – down from 64% in March, 2012. The R3 findings follow a poll commissioned by business funder Liberis and conducted by OnePoll which shows that 59% of Yorkshire’s small and mediumsized businesses are feeling confident about their business for the new year. The survey of 1,000 small and medium sized UK companies also showed that 45% expect their business to grow, 34% expect it will stay the same while 21% expect their business to decline. Some 22% said they would be looking
■■ Chris Wood (left), partner at Clough Corporate Solutions in Cleckheaton and Liberis chief executive Paul Mildenstein
for business funding in 2015 – with 49% of those planning to approach their bank for the cash they need, 22% saying they will use their savings and 18% opting to use alternative finance providers. Top reasons for funding in the new year are to help grow the business and buy new equipment. The cost of funding, not having to provide personal assets as security or give up a share of the business were the most important factors for SMEs when it came to funding choices. Cash flow, costs eating into profits and maintaining financial stability were the top three causes for concern among the region’s businesses. Liberis chief executive Paul Mildenstein said: “It has been a tough few years, so it’s heartening to hear that the majority of the region’s businesses are feeling positive about 2015, but it’s still a tough outlook for a considerable number.
“Getting working capital has been a struggle too, which has made it even more difficult for businesses to operate, so it’s encouraging that those who need funding feel confident that they will get it.” Commenting on the R3 findings, Chris Wood, Yorkshire R3 committee member and partner at Clough Corporate Solutions in Cleckheaton, said: “This survey marks a year of record high signs of business growth and record low business distress. “Signs of growth are starting to become more balanced, too. This time last year, many businesses were reporting increasing sales and new investment, but not increasing profits or business expansion. These latter two indicators have caught up. “Hopefully, businesses will now be starting to really feel the benefits of economic recovery. Four out of five of our
growth indicators have increased since the summer.” Mr Wood said: “Businesses do need to be careful that they don’t run before they can walk. Cash flow can become an unexpected issue in recovery.” Larger businesses across the UK continue to show more positive signs of growth compared to their smaller counterparts, the R3 survey revealed. Some 88% of larger businesses – those employing more than 250 employees – are experiencing one or more indicators of growth. That is up from 82% in June, 2014. However, just 46% of sole traders are seeing one or more positive indicators – down from 49% last June. R3’s Business Distress Index showed that 16% of businesses in the region are experiencing decreased profits, 17% are seeing lower sales volumes and 3% have seen market share decline. Five per cent are making job cuts and 3% are regularly using their maximum overdraft. Said Mr Wood: “Signs of business distress have remained very stable over the past year having tumbled before that. While most indicators are at a record low, which is very encouraging, there are still plenty of businesses affected. The 12% of businesses across the UK regularly using their maximum overdraft on a regular basis is equivalent to 206,000 businesses.” Signs of growth continue to be uneven across the regions, with 71% of businesses in the North showing at least one growth indicator, only slightly behind the Midlands (74%) and well ahead of the 54% of businesses in the South.
Sculpture park embarks on energy initiative Elland-based Orchard Energy is supporting Yorkshire Sculpture Park in a new initiative to improve energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint. The attraction at Bretton, which was named Art Fund Museum of the Year 2014, will introduce online consumption monitoring and data collection in early 2015 as part of a strategy for cutting emissions. “As a venue that has been specifically designed to encourage visitors to explore the relationship between art and nature, it is hugely important that the impact we have on our environment is kept to a minimum,” said Dave Whitehead, facilities and security manager at Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
“Accurate data collection and reporting is essential if we are to achieve optimum efficiency and the new technology that is being introduced will facilitate this.” The online system has been designed by Orchard Energy, which started working with YSP in 2012 to reduce its energy overheads. The venue welcomes more than 350,000 visitors a year and also operates banqueting and conference facilities for corporate events and weddings. “YSP has a number of small buildings and galleries around the park in addition to its visitor centre,” said Lucia Harney-Dey, associate director of sales at Orchard Ener-
gy. “Over the past two years, we have introduced measures to streamline YSP’s energy purchasing and the associated administration in order to keep costs low and release more money for investment in visitor experience. “We have helped co-ordinate energy management across the site, resolving billing issues with suppliers and gathering data on carbon and energy usage. “ Said Lucia Harney-Dey: “This new system will improve the process of data collection and reporting, making it easier for YSP to identify where efficiencies can be made ■■ A work by Antony Gormley at to meet their carbon reduction targets.” the Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Designs on prize A kitchen firm in Clayton West has reached the finals of a prestigious design competition for the first time.. KC Design House, which designs, makes and installs luxury kitchens and interiors, is competing for the title of Kitchen Showroom of the Year in the 2015 kbbreview Retail & Design Awards. The event rewards retailers, designers and manufacturers in the kitchen and bathroom industry and is organised by business magazine kbbreview. Four finalists are chosen for each category and over the course of several weeks, each one is visited by a judge to see the business up close and find out how it ticks.
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Dealer reward A car dealership in Huddersfield has set the seal on an “outstanding” year. Colin Appleyard Cars, which has an outlet at Folly Hall in Huddersfield, took a clutch of trophies at the Suzuki Conference and Awards Dinner in Amsterdam after the company increased its market share of Suzuki vehicles sold in the UK over the past 12 months. Chairman Colin Appleyard and managing director Robin Appleyard were on hand to receive the Suzuki Dealer of the Year award.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
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KIRKLEES BUS
‘Hot Seat’ scheme proves a winner Yorkshire Water has scooped an award for staff development. The Bradford-based utility firm was recognised for the Business Support Group Hot Seat Scheme, which gives colleagues the opportunity to understand and find solutions to a range of challenges that face the business. The company said the scheme had been successful in developing the potential of colleagues, driving innovation and improving communication within the team. The scheme allows colleagues one day a week to work on an initiative and sit in on various senior management team meetings. Yorkshire Water chief executive Richard Flint (pictured) said: “With ever-increasing demands upon the organisation, departments need to come up with new and innovative ways of delivering results. The HotSeat scheme does this to great effect and is a great credit to those involved.”
Due to the success of the scheme and the positive feedback it has received, the third scheme is about to be launched. The award was picked up at the Utility Week Industry Achievement Awards, which recognises the companies and individuals forging the way ahead in the utilities sector. This is the latest in a catalogue of successful wins for Yorkshire Water, which include the Carbon Trust Standard and the innovation category at the National Constructing Excellence Awards.
Confidence at a high Businesses in Yorkshire are heading into election year with confidence higher than ever, according to a survey. Property business Regus polled more than 180 business owners and senior managers to compile the ninth edition of the Regus Business Confidence Index, which is heavily based on business performance over the last 12 months. The index rose to 126 points
from 123 points last year. Among the findings, 64% of businesses saw an increase in revenues in the past year while 59% saw profits rise. Richard Morris, UK managing director at Regus, said: “Businesses in Yorkshire do not seem concerned with 2015 election uncertainty – far from it. These are some of the most robust business confidence figures we’ve ever announced.”
Getting personal over tax changes The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement was delivered with one eye on next May’s General Election – although any prospect of surprise give-aways was tempered by continuing uncertainty of the strength of the economy. The personal tax highlights of the Statement are as follows: From April 6, 2015, the amount of income a person can receive tax-free will be increased to £10,600 for those born after April 5, 1948, although the personal allowance will still continue to be reduced for those with income over £100,000. The basic rate of tax will continue to be 20%, but the band of income taxable at this rate is being reduced from £31,865 to £31,785. For those who are entitled to the full basic personal allowance, the threshold at which the 40% band applies will rise by £520 to £42,385. The additional rate of tax of 45% will remain for those with taxable income above £150,000. From April, 2015, married couples and civil partners, neither of whom pay tax at the higher or additional rate may be eligible for a new Transferable Tax Allowance. The Transferable Tax Allowance will, on making a claim to HMRC, enable spouses and civil partners to transfer £1,060 of their personal allowance to
NORTH AMERICAN
American Express Chevron Du Pont Exxon Mobil Gannett Hess Corp Microsoft Motors Liquidation Wal-Mart Stores Wrigleys
£60.70 £73.33 £48.05 £60.21 £20.89 £48.11 £30.58 48.31 £55.78 £51.51
Pennine House, Lowfields Close, Lowfields Business Park, Elland HX5 9DA 01422 377737 www.eastwoodfinancial.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
-0.03 +0.39 -0.34 +0.17 +0.44 +0.24 -0.25
AEROSPACE & DEFENCE
AIM
Eastwood Financial Services Ltd
Colin Barratt
■■ Business mentor Aj
the other partner, giving rise to a tax saving of up to £212 where one person does not use all of their personal allowance. On July 1, 2014, ISAs were reformed into a simpler product, the NISA, and the overall annual subscription limit for these accounts was increased to £15,000 for 2014/15. From April 6, 2015, the overall NISA savings limit will be increased to £15,240. The Chancellor has now announced an additional ISA allowance for spouses or civil partners when an ISA saver dies. From April 6, 2015, surviving spouses will be able to invest the inherited funds into their own ISA, on top of their usual allowance. This measure applies for deaths from December 3, 2014.
Those aged 65 or over can invest in National Savings “Pensioner” Bonds from January 1, 2015. The one-year bond rate is 2.8% and the three-year bond rate is 4%, with an investment limit of £10,000 per product. There will also be a modest increase in the annual subscription limit for Junior ISA and Child Trust Fund accounts from £4,000 to £4,080 from April, 2015. The current rates of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) are 18% to the extent that any income tax basic rate band is available and 28% thereafter. These rates will continue to apply for 2015/16 as will Entrepreneurs’ Relief which, for disposals made on or after April 6, 2011, taxes qualifying gains up to £10m made by business owners at a rate of 10%.
Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth chartered accountants, Huddersfield
SHARE PRICES
Avon Rbbr BAE Systems Chemring Cobham Meggitt Rolls-Royce Senior
Independent financial planning services for companies and individuals
TAX TALK
600 Group API Grp Brady Plc Highland Gold Mining Johnson Service Grp London Security M”S Intl Nichols Redhall Group Scapa Grp Youngs GKN
755 4755/8 238 3263/8 5161/2 8781/2 3023/8 16 471/2 78 271/4 617/8 £233/8 1481/2 891 111/2 1331/4 1060
AUTOMOBILES & PARTS BANKS
Barclays Bk Ireland HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart Barr (AG) Diageo SABMiller Croda Elementis 98 Johnsn Mat
+30 +11/2 +43/4 +13/4 +1/2 +31/2 +1/4
+1 +1/2 -1/8 -12 -3/4 +20
3503/4
+25/8
242 /2 247/8 6197/8 761/4 3933/4 968
-3/4
1
BEVERAGES
586 1870 £341/8
CHEMICALS
+5 /4 -1/2 -11/4 +95/8 3
-18 +51/2 +1/8
£263/8 2613/4 £341/8
+3/8 -3 +1/8
2067/8 1550 2793/4 501/4 234
-11/4 -8 +13/4 +7/8 +1
CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
Balfour Beatty C”R”H Costain Low Bonar Marshalls
-0.20
ELECTRICITY
Drax Gp SSE
4521/2 1632
+1/2 +3
ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced Ox Instmts Volex
6601/2 3071/2 3165/8 1256 693/4
+3 -41/2 -21/4 -1 -17/8
4783/8 1333/4 3961/2 2661/2 1851/4 651 £301/8 421 5521/2 8821/2 2501/2 2461/2 767
+23/8 -1 -21/8 -5/8 +31/4 -4 -1/8 -31/2 -3/4 +71/2 -27/8 -11/2 -6
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
BT Grp Cable & Wireless Comm Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom
4051/2 495/8 1321/8 881/2 3051/4
-111/4
183 246 1881/2 90
+11/4 +11/4 +21/2 +1/2
-27/8 -23/4 +1/8
FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS
Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco Thorntons AB Food Carrs Millg REA Hldgs Tate Lyle Unilever
FOOD PRODUCERS
£321/8 1702 337 6051/2 £265/8
-1/8 -201/2 -3 +9
2861/4 9221/4 9191/2 £203/8 9331/2
+11/2 +31/2 +1/2
GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES
Centrica National Grid Pennon Grp Severn United Utils
6633.51
GENERAL FINANCIAL
3i Group Close Bros ICAP London StockExch Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV
4513/4 1521 4611/8 £223/8 1581/8 £243/4 £271/8 £203/4
GENERAL INDUSTRIALS
Up 23.58
Smith DS Smiths Grp
Smith Nph
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
Aga Rangemaster Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey
+20
1171/4 4671/4 1925 1577 £521/8 1363/8
+13/8 +71/4 -4 +10 -1/8 +13/8
2113/4 1267 81 573/4 £287/8 1927
-3/4 -19
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Fenner I”M”I Molins Renold Spirax-Sarco Weir Grp
INDUSTRIAL METALS
+31/4 +1 +33/8
+ /4 +1/8
-21/4 +1/8 -2 +7/8 -3/4 -23/4 -1/2 +7/8 +12
1193
BBA Aviation
1
30 4621/4 2061/4 7181/2 334 4831/4 1751/4 £651/8 £85 1354
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
+2 /2
-3/8
-1/4 +8
GENERAL RETAILERS
Ashley L Dixons Carphone Home Retail Inchcape Kingfisher M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith
53
-1/8 +3 /4 3
INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION 3545/8
-37/8
4923/4 3703/4 2481/8 1923/4 1523 4081/4
-2 -7/8 -3/8 +25/8 +71/2 -1/2
LIFE INSURANCE
Aviva Friends Life Gp Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Standard Life
MEDIA
D Mail Tst ITV Johnston Press Pearson Reed Elsevier Sky STV Group Trinity Mirror Utd Business UTV WPP
816 2161/8 1673/4 1188 1103 9061/2 375 1561/2 4781/4 1787/8 1365
MINING
3231/2 1108
Ferrexpo
1
-1 +1 +31/2
FTSE closed at
EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS
Alliance Trust Br Assets Candover Inv Dunedin Inv Dunedin Sml Edin Invst Electra Private Equity Forgn & C Henderson Smllr Cos North American Inc Scot Am Scottish Mortgage Witan
89 234 9221/4 1927
Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kaz Minerals Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES
-4 -1/8 +33/4 +9 +3 +71/2 +6 +11/2 +11/4 +63/8 +6
12141/2 +321/2 755 +91/2 1407 +38 1 749 /2 +191/2 2511/8 +27/8 1731/4 +41/2 £295/8 +3/4 589 +15
MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Inmarsat Vodafone Group
8021/2 2243/4
-51/2 -1/4
1334 890 £371/2 4427/8
-2 -41/2 +1/8 -53/4
8893/4 418 1833/4 1681/8 £221/8 £227/8 £341/4 4221/4
+81/2 +11/8 +3/8 -2
NONLIFE INSURANCE
Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Ins Gp
OIL & GAS PRODUCERS
BG BP Cairn Energy Premier Oil Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell B Total Tullow Oil
+1/8
OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
AMEC Petrofac Wood Gp(J)
10553/8 709 6091/2
-141/2 +2
1653 3053/8
-2 +11/4
£455/8 1398 £453/8
+13 +3/4
7811/2 734 609 3411/4 1157 3807/8
-101/2 -7 +51/4 -27 -23/8
PERSONAL GOODS
Burberry Gp PZ Cussons
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY
Astrazeneca GlaxoSmithKline Shire
REAL ESTATE
Brit Land Gt Portland Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO
SOFTWARE & COMPUTER SERVICES
Sage Group
469
SUPPORT SERVICES
Berendsen Bunzl Capita Connect Group De La Rue Elctro Com Electrocomp Experian G4S Hays Homeserve Interserve Menzies J Northgate Prem Farnell Rentokil Travis & P Wolseley
+5
1100 1792 1088 152 5201/2 216 216 1103 2773/4 1451/4 3271/4 560 3551/4 5881/2 1741/4 1201/2 1840 £371/8
-6 +2 +1 -10 -3/8 -3/8 +8 -3/4 -3/4 +21/4 -41/2 +33/4 -4 -31/4 -1/4 -10 +1/8
996 £1033/8 751/2
+1/2 -11/4 -11/2
£351/2 £281/2
+1/4 -1/4
1141/2 £291/4 1118 1642 1105/8 1063/4 £241/2 7451/2 £261/4 4713/4 1137/8 1423/4 3797/8 2463/4 117 1613/4 657 7685/8 3673/4 £471/4 3625/8
-31/4 +3/4 +2 -36 -21/4 +3/8 -1/4 -41/2 -1/8 -33/8 +27/8 -3/4 -31/2 -33/4
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE & EQUIPMENT ARM Hldgs IBM Spirent Comms
TOBACCO
Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
TRAVEL & LEISURE
Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airl Ladbrokes Marston’s Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Punch Taverns Rank Org Restaurant Grp Ryanair Stagecoach Group Whitbread William Hill FTSE 100 FTSE 250
INDEX
6633.51 16050.71
-3 -9 +195/8 -33/4 -1/4 +6 +23.58 -54.21
Mentor meets r
Huddersfield ent has been congratulat for his contribution people in some of York communities. The founder of Free closely with Yorkshir started working wit Mosaic three years founded by the Prince And he has made su Prince Charles invited other successful men Sandringham to cele ments. Ajaz has worked wi five years and is a co pany’s free legal libr com. He served two ter council of Huddersfie tinues his involveme advisory board of the school. Said Ajaz: “Mosaic tion that makes a hu sands of young peopl their aspirations, hel to grow and supportin huge range of skills fr nication through to neurial talents. “I’m always proud with Mosaic and me and hearing about his sation was a huge priv Mosaic, an initiativ Community, provides ing programmes to h ties for young people the most deprived com
Time we
Kirklees firms hav their time to good use The Lockwood-ba Chamber of Commerc of its 60 Useful Minu and February. Topics coming up f how to increase pro understanding your auto enrolment; em and the importance Powers of Attorney. All January and Feb utes events will take the chamber’s Hudde wood Park. Visit www.mycci.co details.
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HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014
SINESS NEWS
jaz Ahmed
r Ajaz royalty
trepreneur Ajaz Ahmed ted by Prince Charles to mentoring young rkshire’s most deprived
eserve, who also works re law firm LCF Law, th mentoring charity ago. The charity was e of Wales in 2007. uch an impression that d him and a number of ntors to a reception at lebrate their achieve-
ith LCF Law for the last o-founder of the comrary at www.legal365.
rms on the governing eld University and conent by sitting on the e university’s business
is a fantastic organisauge difference to thoule every year by raising lping their confidence ng them in exploring a rom effective commudeveloping entrepre-
to say I am associated eeting Prince Charles s vision for the organivilege.” ve of Business in the s fully funded mentorhelp create opportunigrowing up in some of mmunities.
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ve been urged to put e in the new year. ased Mid Yorkshire ce has unveiled details utes events in January
for discussion include ofits and cut costs by customers; pensions motional intelligence; of having a Will and
bruary 60 Useful Minplace from 8.30am at ersfield office at Lock-
o.uk/events to find full
local
Car dealer drives off with awards A car dealership with operations in Huddersfield has set the seal on an “outstanding” year. Colin Appleyard Cars, which has an outlet at Folly Hall in Huddersfield, took a clutch of trophies at the Suzuki Conference and Awards Dinner in Amsterdam after the company increased its market share of Suzuki vehicles sold in the UK over the past 12 months. Chairman Colin Appleyard and managing director Robin Appleyard were on hand to receive the Suzuki Dealer of the Year award at the event, which was hosted by comedian Al Murray. It’s the sixth time that the company has won this much-coveted award. Colin also received a standing ovation from the 400 guests when he received the award together with a special award to mark the company’s 35 years as a Suzuki dealer and for achieving sales of 30,000 Suzuki vehicles. In addition the Huddersfield and Keighley dealerships both picked up sales awards for out-performing their volume sales targets and for achieving outstanding customer service. Dale Wyatt, Suzuki’s UK sales director, said: “Colin Appleyard Cars was, once again, Suzuki’s top performing dealership this year. “They were up against some stiff
■■ Denis Houston (left), aftersales director for Suzuki Cars UK, with (from left) Dale Wyatt, sales and marketing director at Suzuki Cars UK; Robin Appleyard; Colin Appleyard; Nobuo Suyama, managing director of Suzuki Cars UK; Ian Price, senior general manager for dealer operations at Suzuki Cars UK; and host for the evening Al Murray
competition from dealers from all over the UK, so it is a great achievement. The win also highlights the professionalism and commitment of Colin Appleyard’s staff.” Robin Appleyard said: “To win one award is great, but to win four is just fantastic. I am particularly pleased for my father, Colin, who was clearly moved by the reception he received. He has dedicated 35 years of his working life to building the business into
Suzuki’s number one dealership in the country. At Suzuki’s UK Motorcycle Conference, the company’s Keighley multifranchise motorcycle dealership also receiving a special award in recognition of 40 years as a Suzuki dealer. Colin Appleyard Cars was Suzuki’s first official car dealership in the UK and now has showrooms in Keighley, Huddersfield, Ashton-under-Lyne and Shipley.
Kitchen company hopes it has the winning recipe A kitchen company in Clayton West has reached the finals of a prestigious design competition. KC Design House, which designs, manufactures and installs bespoke luxury kitchens and interiors, is one of four finalists in the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards 2015 in the category of Kitchen Showroom of the Year. The annual event – which celebrates 21 years in 2015 – rewards retailers, designers and manufacturers in the kitchen and bathroom industry and is organised by business magazine kbbreview. The awards take place on March 16 at the London Hilton. In the retail categories, submitted entries are viewed by an expert judging panel. Four finalists are chosen for each category and over the course of several weeks, each one is visited by a judge to see the business up close and find out how it ticks. This is the first time that KC Design House has entered these awards. Richard Jewkes, managing and design director, said the company had been very creative and worked hard to provide clients with showroom sets to inspire. He said: “It is such fabulous news that KC Design House has been selected as a finalist for such a prestigious award. We have tried to be as creative as possible with our showroom, with our aim to inspire all who walk in the door. We hope that the showroom is not only cutting edge, but a welcoming place which demonstrates the passion for what we do. He added: “Being received well by our clients is one thing, However, to get recognition from the trade is another!” KC Design House has been in business for more than 33 years and has been based at its purpose-built in Clayton West since 2007. Tim Wallace, editor of kbbreview says: “After the great success of our 20th anniversary last year, we’re delighted to see this enthusiasm carried through to 2015. As always, we have received an abundance of submissions of the very highest standard.”
Handelsbanken scoops hat-trick of top awards A bank with offices in Huddersfield has won three awards. Handelsbanken, which provides banking, wealth and investment management, was named Best Private Bank in a competition run by the Financial Times and Investors Chronicle magazine; won the Bank of the Year award from financial newspaper City AM; and took the title Best Overall Medium Firm in awards run by Citywire Wealth Manager magazine. Tony Jones, manager of the branch at Bradley, said: “As a bank built on strong and lasting relationships, we focus first and foremost on satisfying our customers by providing the best local advice and service we can every day.
“We make all the decisions that matter to our customers here in the branch, free from head office targets or bonus incentives. “Since we conduct no national marketing, we are only able to develop our business by building a strong reputation within the communities we serve – and it is this reputation for customer service across our banking and wealth management services which sometimes attracts wider positive attention. ” The branch’s staff of eight bankers draw on a combined 241 years of banking experience. Handelsbanken has more than 820 branches in 24 countries, with the UK representing its fastest-growing market.
It’s a case of fine-tuning for motor repair business A motor repair business has expanded its operations. Walter Barlow, of 4x4 and Mitsubishi specialist WB Motor Services, based at Grove Mills in Huddersfield, has added engine tuning to his servicing, repairs, diagnostics and MoT services by joining Tunit Diesel Performance as part of a UK wide network of engine tuning specialists. Tunit is a device which allows a diesel engine to produce more power, higher fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Tunit has been trading for more than 16 years and devel-
oped a plug-in tuning solution which is removable and doesn’t damage or affect a vehicle’s engine control unit. Unlike similar plug in tuning devices, each Tunit is individually calibrated for each customer. Said Mr Barlow: “It’s about doing the best job you can for your customer and by yourself as a trader. My customers are the most important thing in my business so I wanted to do right by them. I feel similar tuning specialists don’t offer as much care to each customer.”
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■■ The team at KC Design House, Clayton West, with company mascot Henry (above) and the showroom (below) which has reached the final of a prestigious industry awards scheme
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Hopes for 2015
Our business wish list for 2015 Kirklees Business News discovers what six industry figures want to see happen in the new year
■■ GARY SMITH, director of Novaglaze Ltd and chairman of Calderdale and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance, said: “Local manufacturing mainly saw in the last year slow growth, but with very tight profit margins. Sadly, This has not allowed most companies to invest too much and grow the number of employees. The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement was a little help, but still with most companies now taking on apprentices, the training wages they receive do not leave a lot of money for spending in the local economy. As more people are looking not only to buy British and locally, hopefully we will see continued business growth and employment growing locally at the current rate. Supporting buying from local business will help the Calderdale and Kirklees area steadily prosper and wages will be able to increase too.” ■■ AMANDA VIGAR, managing partner of Holmfirth-based accountancy firm V&A Bell Brown, said: “A simplified tax system would make it much easier for HMRC to do its job, ensure that all taxpayers pay the correct amount of tax and also prevent small business bosses from being overwhelmed by red tape and stress. The increase in the High Street Rates Discount to £1,500, announced in the Autumn Statement, should be extended to all small businesses and not just apply to retailers. Big businesses should pay proper attention to the quality of their customer service rather than merely paying lip service to it. Delivering an excellent customer experience is one way a company can make sure it stands out from the crowd.” ■■ BRENT WOODS, chief executive of the Media Centre in Huddersfield, said: “A few of my wishes for 2015 have already come true – the extension of the doubling of Small Business Rate Relief, the promise of a structural review of business rates and the introduction of a tax credit for children’s television production. Further out of reach however is my big hope that we discover a new way to protect and grow Huddersfield’s art and culture offer as it faces potentially devastating cuts in funding. Art and culture is the furnace that fuels creativity and innovation. A deficit of diverse art and culture would put the town’s vibrancy, economic growth and the well-being of the community at risk. My hope is that the
■■ Hoping for a happy new year for the business community are (clockwise from top left) Gary Smith, of Novaglaze Ltd; Steven Leigh, of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; Brent Woods, of the Media Centre; ; CBI director-general John Cridland; Colin Barratt, of Wheawill & Sudworth; and Amanda Vigar, of V&A Bell Brown
business and art sectors locally can collaboratively put some of Huddersfield’s rich history of innovation and radicalism to work and discover new ways of ensuring that art and culture keeps the heart of our town beating.” ■■ COLIN BARRATT, partner at Wheawill & Sudworth Chartered Accountants, said: “Business and the economy can only improve if people are confident – confidence from the top downwards. We need a decisive election and a government that will help business and promote confidence. Sadly, this is probably a wish rather than a real possibility (a non-decisive election will create greater uncertainty). The Help to Buy scheme has been welcome. The scheme needs to be con-
tinued whatever happens in the election. It is pointless having a go at banks, which creates negativity which destroys confidence. Those in high places who should know better should be trying to promote some confidence so that the banks can lend responsibly to proper businesses.” ■■ STEVEN LEIGH, head of policy at the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Government continues to stress the importance of rebalancing the economy towards international trade. We wish that the Government would prioritise assistance for British companies aspiring to start exporting. Additional tax allowances on sales or profits derived from international
activities would directly incentivise those companies thinking about stepping-up their efforts to develop new export markets. On transport, it is essential that any proposals for high-speed rail infrastructure should fully connect and integrate with the existing rail network. In his Autumn Statement, the chancellor announced a review of the business rates system. We continue to argue that Business Rates are a counter-intuitive tax which impact on businesses before they have turned over a single penny. Work remains to be done in alleviating the burden of this tax for businesses. We welcome the chancellor’s announcement that there will be further NI relief for businesses taking on apprentices under the age of 25, but we wish that further consideration could be given to funding training for young people and apprenticeships being channelled directly through employers, rather than always through the training providers. Many small businesses continue to experience difficulties in accessing affordable finance and this remains a serious obstacle to growth. We welcome the extension to the Funding for Lending Scheme, together with additional funding of £400m for the Business Bank. We are generally supportive of the idea that growth can be best achieved through the City Regions and Local Economic Partnerships. There is a clear role for chambers of commerce to assist with the promotion and delivery of regional growth. ■■ JOHN CRIDLAND, CBI director-general, said: “We must sustain the best launch pad for the UK economy and our young people. Cementing Britain’s reputation in the world as one of the best places to do business has to be a top priority for 2015. For business leaders, deficit reduction is a must for the next Government. The main political parties are in agreement on the need for action, but seem reluctant to be upfront on the major structural changes needed to prevent public services suffering decline through a thousand cuts. All political parties need to give as much attention to how they will run Government as to what Government should do. PostAutumn Statement, the same approach to public service reform is no longer an option. Much of the low hanging fruit is long since gone and only radical solutions will deliver. Let’s see the integration of health and social care and a significant increase in services available online. On education, we need to get the basics right first time in primary school and provide a personal menu of tailored learning plans for all 14-18 year olds. offering high quality academic and vocational ‘A-levels.”
Year of promise and hard decisions ahead The jury is still out on business prospects for 2015 as members of the West Yorkshire Business Jury were unable to reach a majority verdict in its final ruling of 2014. The jury, which is run by Holmfirth accountants and business advisers V&A Bell Brown and made up of business owners and directors from the West Yorkshire area, felt 2015 held plenty of promise for employers, but said they also faced some hard decisions. Amanda Vigar, managing partner at V&A Bell Brown and founder of the jury, said: “There is some uncertainty for the economy – both domestic and overseas – with the state of the Eurozone, which looks as though it is moving into recession in parts. The threat of an interest rate rise is already putting people off ■■ West Yorkshire Business Jury investing and auto enrolment and wage members Mike Funnell (top) and rises will be a real cost to employers. Morgan Wilson Unrest in the public sector is also a concern going into 2015.
“However, some industries are seeing growth, partly because of alternative finance sources and the fact they are being more creative in how they do things, so there is plenty of positivity for the year ahead. I think it could be another tough year with both winners and losers!” Morgan Wilson, of Juice Learning, said: “Most organisations see staff training as an investment for the future and they only invest if they are confident about their own prospects. Even in sectors where we’re led to believe that the pressure is on, they’re keen to invest in their people, retain the very best and recruit for the future. “I’d add the caveat that things can change quickly. When the recession first hit, it hit fast and hard, so we, like any sensible business, hope for the best, but are ready for the worst.” Mike Funnell, of Power Tool Services, believes business will continue to suffer
until the Government makes changes to suit everyone, especially in the North. He said: “For all the politicians have to say, I’m afraid, in the North, we’re still in recession. With the cost of living crisis and wage freezes, disposable income has become restricted, which has impacted heavily on business and will continue to do so, as this has led to a change in buyers’ habits who tend to lean towards the internet. “Low cost immigrant labour is also having an effect on people and jobs. It’s going to be another tough year all-round and until the Government recognises what’s happening, nothing is going to change.” Charles Brook, partner at Brook Business Recovery, said: “There are so many contradictory indicators around. I would like to think that the overall trend is towards improved trading conditions across most business sectors, but it remains an extremely fragile trading
environment. The combination of a general election year and capacity for increases in interest rates and fuel prices could be influential in the economic outcome. “Many businesses are still hampered by a lack of cash flow and significant liabilities, especially unpaid tax and with a shift towards more assertive collection procedures by some creditors, I think that we can anticipate an increase in failures amongst less experienced businesses formed during the recession.” But, Max Earnshaw, of Earnshaw Kay, is confident about the year ahead as he feels the property market will stabilise and the economy will continue to grow. He said: “On balance, I’m optimistic for 2015. I think the property market will remain stable and the Government will be keen to run into the general election with people feeling confident that the economy is buoyant.”