Kirklees Business News 31/01/12 by Huddersfield

CLAIRE STEPHENSON High time for training Full inter view - Page 3

FTSE 100

- 62.36 5671.09

NEIL WILSON Red tape reforms Column - Page 5

An EXAMINER publication

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees

Company is a true training champion

A DEWSBURY firm has become a national ambassador for apprenticeships. Rixonway Kitchens has been named as a Yorkshire and Humber Apprenticeship Ambassador for the National Apprenticeship Service and will promote the key benefits to businesses across the region in the run-up to National Apprenticeship Week. The NAS was set up to increase the number of apprenticeship opportunities in England and provides a dedicated service for both employers and learners. And its work is all the more vital after figures showed youth unemployment reaching 1m in the UK last year – and the number of 16 to 24-year-olds in Yorkshire and the Humber rising from 33,000 to 157,000. National Apprenticeship Week runs from next Monday to Friday. This year, Rixonway will offer six apprenticeship opportunities in a variety of roles within the business, including accountancy, administration, warehouse management, distribution, engineering and transport. Anthony Knowles, head of Apprenticeships Employer Accounts for Yorkshire, said: “Rixonway’s involve-

ment as an Apprenticeship Ambassador is key to the success of the programme in Yorkshire. “Apprenticeships ensure that a workforce has the practical skills and qualifications that an organisation needs now and in the future. The mixture of on and off job learning ensures they learn the skills that work best for your business.” Paul Rose, chief executive of Rixonway Kitchens, said: “We have always supported apprentices at Rixonway and have seen great benefits from employing them. “Experience has shown us that apprentices tend to be eager, motivated, flexible and loyal to the company that have invested in them. “We chose to become involved in the growing ambassador network to relay ■ THE AMBASSADORS: Rixonway chief executive Paul Rose (centre) with our great experiences to other busi- apprentices Sam Greenbank and Toni Larkin nesses in the region and to help provide opportunities for the future mitted and competent work-force. operating throughout the UK, the talent in both manufacturing and There are of course financial benefits company said it was committed to too, apprenticeships can deliver real combating youth disengagement and other areas of the UK economy.” Said Mr Knowles: “ “Over 130,000 returns to a company’s bottom line.” worklessness and ensuring it remains a Dewsbury-based Rixonway Kit- socially responsible business. workplaces in England offer apprenRixonway employs 450 people at its ticeships because they understand the chens is one of the leading kitchen benefits to their business which manufacturers working in affordable 170,000 sq ft base in Yorkshire, including 40 dedicated designers who operinclude increased productivity, and social housing. With more than 30 years experience ate nationally. improved competitiveness and a com-

Funding boost for expanding Brighouse firm A BRIGHOUSE company has landed six-figure funding towards a £1.5m investment programme. Halifax Rack & Screw, which has its premises at Coronation Works, Armytage Road, received £200,000 from the second round of the Government’s flagship Regional Growth Fund. Colin Jones, financial director, said the grant would be used to continue the modernisation and expansion of existing production facilities as part of its current £1.5m investment strategy. He said the investment would safeguard existing jobs while helping to create new employment opportunities for the future. He said: “This investment, a continuation of the heavy capital outlay made by the company over the last few years, will help to further enhance the company’s world-wide reputation

as a high quality, niche precision engineering company. “Improved production efficiencies will help expansion plans both within the domestic and export markets in a variety of sectors including engineering, construction, offshore and energy.” HRS was established in 1953 and employs more than 40 people at its 30,000sq ft facility. The firm was founded to serve the local precision tool industry, but has grown to become a leading specialist manufacturer and supplier of gear rack, pinions and screws for use in a wide range of areas, including lifts and elevators, power transmission, transport, power generation, mobility aids, automotive, aerospace, defence, oil and gas, engineering and shipbuilding.

■ BOOST: Halifax Rack & Screw, based at at Armytage Road, Brighouse, aims to create more jobs

INSIDE Join the book club A FASHIONABLE London club is the venue for an event to celebrate the latest book by Huddersfield businesswoman. Denby Dale-based Jo Haigh is marking the launch of her fourth book on business matters at private members’ club “eight”. The book, The Financial Times Guide to Finance for Non-financial Managers, aims to make seemingly complex financial information more understandable.

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Britannia rules! ROADSIDE recovery specialist Britannia Rescue has landed a job-creating deal with Brightside Group plc to provide breakdown cover to 90,000 motor insurance customers within its broker division. The win sees Britannia Rescue, based at Folly Hall Mills, take on 90,000 existing Brightside customers over the next 12 months.

● Full story - Page 4

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

national

Profits set to soar for low-cost airline RYANAIR’S profit hopes continued to climb after mild weather in December helped the airline deliver a 13% rise in quarterly revenues. With fewer planes in operation over the winter, longer routes and increasing ticket prices across the industry, Ryanair said its average fare was up by 17% – a figure which includes the impact of passenger luggage fees. The Dublin-based operator reported better-than-expected profits of £12.6m for the three months to December 31 and said the figure for the year to March 31 should now hit £403.2m. That is better than the £369.6m predicted in November – which itself represented a £33.6m upgrade on its previous estimate. The quarterly improvement, which compares with widespread snow closures at airports during the previous December, came despite an 18% rise in

fuel costs, which Ryanair said it offset by “aggressively” controlling costs. However, the company is braced for its fuel bill in the next financial year to increase by a further £294m, which it warns will pose a “significant” cost challenge. It has paid for 90% of its fuel in the first half of the year at about 99 US dollars a barrel and at 100 US dollars for 70% of the second half. The airline carried 17m passengers in the quarter to December 31, a fall of 2%. But revenues were up by 13% to £626.6m. The profits figure compared with a loss of £8.4m a year earlier. The company has pulled 80 of its aircraft to reduce winter losses amid the soaring fuel prices and cut traffic by 2% over the quarter. James Cooke, an analyst at Panmure Gordon stockbrokers, expects further

Rank confirms talks with Mecca MECCA bingo owner Rank has confirmed it is in talks with Gala Coral over a deal to buy more casinos. R a n k ’s G r o s v e n o r d i v i s i o n already has 35 casinos, including one at Folly Hall in Huddersfield, but hopes to add the 24 outlets owned by debt-laden rival Gala Coral. Such a deal would make Rank the biggest firm in the sector, overtaking Malaysia’s Genting. A deal could be worth £250m. Rank said no terms have been finalised and there was no certainty it will take place. An acquisition would accelerate Rank’s plans to have 45 Grosvenor outlets by the end of 2015 through

the faster roll-out of its G-Casino format, which attracts a younger, less formal crowd. The business, which employs more than 3,000 people, has all but four of its casinos outside London. A sale of the casinos would allow Gala Coral to focus on its Gala bingo and Coral bookmaking divisions, as well as strengthen its finances in the face of a net debt figure of £1.3bn at the end of 2011. The firm has been seen as ripe for a break-up since a big debt restructuring in 2010 saw many lenders left with shares in the company, fuelling speculation about a deal with Rank.

■ ON COURSE: Mild winter weather helped Irish career Ryanair post better-than-expected profits

profits growth after these latest figures came in ahead of expectations. He added: “Despite the tough market conditions, we expect average fares to rise strongly in the coming years, driven by a deceleration – and eventual standstill – in capacity growth and higher competitor fares.”

Ryanair is to open five new bases in March and April at Baden Baden in Germany, Billund in Denmark, Palma in Spain, Paphos in Cyprus and Wroclaw in Poland. At least one more new base will be announced for the summer. Earlier this month, the carrier welcomed its four millionth passenger at Leeds-Bradford Airport and unveiled a new route from the airport to Reus in Spain. The new service, which will operate twice weekly from March 30. Commenting on its latest figures, Ryanair said: “The EU recession, higher oil prices, the unfolding failure of the package tour operator model, significant competitor fare increases and capacity cuts, has created enormous growth opportunities for Ryanair, as large and smaller airports across Europe compete aggressively to win Ryanair’s growth.”

Premier marketing drive HOVIS and Mr Kipling owner Premier Foods will launch a major TV advertising push this week – after admitting its marketing efforts had failed to keep pace with competitors. The debt-laden group has doubled its marketing spend to more than £50m for this year in a bid to build on the “strengths and heritage” of its eight “power” brands, which also include Bisto, Batchelors, Oxo and Ambrosia. Sharwood’s will kick off the marketing push on Thursday with its Great British Curry campaign showing a chef visiting local curry houses across Britain.

American presenter Loyd Grossman, whose name is lent to a number of cooking sauces, will return to television from February 6 in an advert that will highlight his passion for food, while a new Hovis ad from February 10 will continue a previous campaign showing a young boy’s journey through recent history. Chief executive Michael Clarke, who joined the business from Kraft last year, said: “The awareness and popularity of our power brands remain strong, but it’s clear that we haven’t invested enough in marketing compared with our competitors. I’m committed to changing that.”

Page 2 Hungry for sales A SUPPLIER of sausages and bacon to supermarkets reported a 10% sales jump after its pork products featured on more dinner tables over Christmas. Hull-based Cranswick, which supplies the Jamie Oliver brand as well as Sainsbury’s and Tesco, said meat-eaters were turning to pork because it represents good value and is healthier compared to other types of proteins. All its product categories saw improved trading, with “particularly strong” demand for bacon and fresh pork ensuring sales for the quarter to December 31 were up by 10% on a year earlier. Exports sales were buoyant, while sales of pastry products continued to show “pleasing progress”. The latest figure compares with growth of 8% in the quarter to September 30 and 5% in the period prior to that. Cranswick also reported some improvement in its operating margin.

Aviva in sell-off INSURER Aviva has sold its businesses in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania to MetLife for an undisclosed sum. The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, is part of Aviva’s strategy of focusing on key markets. The businesses had combined assets worth £48m.

SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £31.27 -0.50 Gannett 889.68 -80.30 Hess Corp £34.91 -0.31 Microsoft 1862.85 Motors Liquidation 47.80 Wal-Mart Stores £38.72 +0.03 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 314 -4 BAE Systems 3103/4 -43/4 Rolls-Royce 733 -51/2 AIM Brady Plc 80 +1/2 Dawson Intl 13/8 1 Man Brnze 25 /2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 2073/4 -21/8 BANKS Barclays 2131/2 -91/4 HSBC 5271/2 -135/8 Lloyds Banking Gp 311/8 -13/8 Ryl Scotland 263/4 -1 Stan Chart 1543 -45 BEVERAGES Diageo 1418 +61/2 SABMiller £241/8 CHEMICALS Croda 1914 -21 Elementis 98 1501/4 -3/4 Johnsn Mat £201/4 -3/8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2731/4 -61/8

1977/8 -17/8 ELECTRICITY Drax Gp 532 +51/2 Intl Power 332 +2 SSE 1209 -1 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 163 -5 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3551/4 -33/4 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 2021/2 -1 Cable & Wireless 407/8 -3/8 Comm Cable & Wireless 207/8 -1/2 Wwide Colt Group 90 KCOM 71 +11/4 Talktalk Telecom 121 -11/8 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2883/4 -33/4 Sainsbury 2891/4 +3/4 Tesco 320 -3/4 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1160 -13 Tate Lyle 6601/2 -81/2 Unilever £205/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 2911/2 -3/4 National Grid 6131/2 +3 Pennon Grp 694 +1 Severn 1526 -4 1 United Utils 601 /2 Costain

GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 181 -41/2 ICAP 3361/8 -91/2 1 London StockExch 859 /2 -51/2 Man Group 1151/4 -31/8 Provident Financial 957 +21/2 Schroders 1470 -51 Schroders NV 1200 -30 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 5681/2 -21 REXAM 3773/4 -57/8 Smiths Grp 952 -21 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 211/2 -7/8 Carphone Whse 1671/4 -1623/4 1 Dixons Retail 15 /4 +1/4 Home Retail 987/8 -23/8 Inchcape 3361/8 -85/8 Kingfisher 2513/4 -4 1 M&S 323 /8 -87/8 Mothercare 194 -3 Next £261/4 -1/8 WH Smith 541 -111/2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 6121/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 81 -1/2 Barrat Dev 1075/8 -23/8 Persimmon 515 -3 Reckitt Benckiser £335/8 -1/8 Taylor Wimpey 413/4 +1/8 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 8351/2 -27

INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 3353/4 -81/4 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 1851/2 -5 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 3423/4 -133/8 Lgl & Gen 114 -3 1 Old Mutual 146 /8 -21/2 1 Prudential 695 /2 -20 Resolution 2721/8 -21/8 Standard Life 2151/8 -4 MEDIA BSkyB 6651/2 -111/2 D Mail Tst 4311/8 -85/8 ITV 75 -2 Johnston Press 6 Pearson 1155 -15 Reed Elsevier 523 -111/2 STV Group 911/2 1 Trinity Mirror 46 /2 +1/4 Utd Business 539 -12 UTV 104 -41/2 WPP 7371/2 -111/2 Yell Group 57/8 -3/8 MINING Anglo American £263/8 -5/8 Antofagasta 1306 -42 BHP Billiton £211/2 -1/4 Eurasian Natural 700 -281/2 Res Fresnillo 1775 -26 Kazakhmys 1137 -23 Lonmin 1037 -55 Rio Tinto £38 -1/8

Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp

325 941/4 6131/2 1944

+8 -2 +3 -26

FTSE closed at

5671.09 Down 62.36 VEDANTA 1176 RESOURCES Xstrata 10781/2 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 3981/8 Vodafone Group 1713/4 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 8941/2 RSA Insurance Gp 1051/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1404 BP 4581/2 Cairn Energy 280 Royal Dutch Shell A £221/4 Royal Dutch Shell B £23

-50 -251/2 -37/8 -1/2 -26 -15/8 -261/2 -61/8 -21/4 -1/4 -1/8

Total £331/4 -1/4 Tullow Oil 1341 -28 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1002 -21 Petrofac 1429 -12 Wood Gp(J) 647 -6 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1326 -29 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £301/2 +1/4 GlaxoSmithK 7 Shire £211/8 -1/4 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 4895/8 -85/8 Captl Shop Cent 3281/8 -41/2 Hamrsn 3813/4 -71/4 1 Land Secs 681 /2 -12 7 SEGRO 220 /8 -33/8 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 199 -4 Logica 761/4 -31/8 Misys 320 -63/4 Sage Group 2901/4 -41/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 4563/4 -53/4 Bunzl 8511/2 -41/2 Capita 6241/2 -8 De La Rue 940 -271/2 3 Electrocomp 208 /4 -71/4 Experian 8581/2 -161/2 G4S 269 -21/8 Hays 72 -1/2 1 Homeserve 286 /4 -83/8

Menzies J 5611/2 Rentokil 733/4 Smiths News 943/4 Wolseley £22 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 5971/2 Psion 421/4 Spirent Comms 120 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £295/8 Imperial Tobacco £223/4 LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital 1567/8 Carnival 1910 Compass Grp 5891/2 easyJet 4471/4 Enterprise Inns 351/2 FirstGroup 3073/4 Go-Ahead Gp 1247 Greene King 4931/4 Intercontl Htls 1295 Intl Cons Airlines 1777/8 Gp Ladbrokes 139 Mitchells & Butlers 2561/2 Natl Express 2083/8 Rank Org 1311/8 Stagecoach Group 2757/8 TUI Travel 189 Whitbread 1644 INDEX FTSE 100 5671.09 INDEX FTSE 250 10694.17

+61/2 -11/4 +23/4 -1/8 +11/2 -25/8 -1/4 +1/8 -1/4 -11/4 -10 -21/2 -43/4 -1/2 -21/4 -4 -4 -26 -3/4 -17/8 -61/4 -73/8 +41/8 -61/8 -31/4 -46 -62.36 -160.55

TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.41 dollars Bangladesh................. 124.87 taka Brazil.............................. 2.43 reals Canada....................... 1.50 dollars China ............................. 8.86 yuan Czech Republic ...... 27.50 korunas Denmark....................... 8.42 krone Euro............................... 1.14 euro Hong Kong................ 11.54 dollars Hungary................... 314.63 forints India.......................... 68.36 rupees Japan........................... 114.42 yen Mexico ....................... 18.14 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.78 dollars Norway ......................... 8.71 krone Pakistan.................. 133.30 rupees Philippines ................. 57.83 pesos South Africa.................. 11.49 rand South Korea.............. 1541.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 168.48 rupees Sweden....................... 10.15 krona Switzerland.................. 1.37 francs Taiwan ...................... 40.71 dollars Turkey....................... 2.66 new lira USA ............................ 1.50 dollars

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS THE working day starts early for Claire Stephenson. Claire faces a daily commute from home in Newcastle to her desk at the offices of Woodspeen A&R Training in John William Street, Huddersfield – a round trip of some 232 miles. As head of business development and marketing for the Woodspeen group, she also regularly visits its four other companies across 11 training centres in locations as far afield as Bradford, Northampton and Brighton and Bournemouth on the south coast. Often she travels by car, but frequently uses the train and plane to get about. “I listen to audio books while driving,” she says. “I could probably learn about half a dozen languages the amount of time I spend in the car! “I leave home for work at about 7am and I get home no earlier than 8pm. “My spare time is spent with the family. We have two teenagers who like to do their own thing. Jay, my husband and I like to take the dog for a walk, go to the pub or the pictures.” Claire admits: “I am a bit of a workaholic. I generally don’t have a day off – to my husband’s despair. But I have a fantastic supportive family. “I love my job and the opportunity it gives me to make a huge difference to people who don’t necessarily have those opportunities. “I also have a fantastic team at work. They are very supportive and have a wealth of knowledge of the industry.” “Travelling adds four hours to my working day – whereas my previous job was 10 minutes’ up the road from home.” Claire, who was part of an army family, hails from the north-west and attended boarding school in Manchester before growing up in Cheshire and Germany. While her son Liam is keen to pursue a career in the armed forces, Claire says she had no ambitions to join the military, adding: “I don’t like being told what to do!” She trained in nursing and worked as a mental health substance abuse nurse for several years before a switch of careers into sales and recruitment and then a move into the training sector. She says: “I was working as a temp for one agency and I was asked to man one of their desks in their recruitment office in Newcastle. “It provided me with some new skills. Everyone always says I never shut up – and that’s what makes me a very good sales person! “I took a leap and went to work for this recruitment agency. I was asked to support a new business just as the recession hit, which put it into substantial difficulty. “We changed direction and looked at the business plan. We were given a local authority contract to deliver two courses to unemployed people. That grew into a

profile

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Career change is just the job substantial contract and within a year the business was running contracts worth £600,000.” Says Claire: “I made lots of contacts and it was through those contacts that I met my last employer. I was there for 18 months when the opportunity came up to join Woodspeen.” She took up her current post in October last year as Woodspeen embarked on a major rebrand to bring a stronger connection between the group. She is based at Woodspeen A&R Training’s offices at Lion Chambers. Woodspeen acquired A&R about three years ago. The company is part of many networks including West Yorkshire Learning Partnership (WYLP) and is a member of both the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and the Bradford Chamber. “We had five individual companies and five individual core values,” says Claire. “We have tried to bring these together in discussion witrh our workforce. The new brand – with the idea of being personal, passionate and

■ TRAINING DAY: Claire Stephenson, group head of business development and marketing for Woodspeen

professional – will be rolled out over the next few months. “We have gone back to scratch, as if the business has just been launched. It is about raising our profile in the market place and being seen as a national provider appealing to national employers while incorporating the local strengths of the individual companies.” As part of next week’s National Apprenticeship Week, Woodspeen is also promoting the advantages of work-based learning – not only for 16 to 18-year-olds, but also for older workers and jobseekers. Claire believes the nature of modern apprenticeships is still misunderstood by some employers, job hunters and parents. “People think apprenticeships are only about engineering or construction,” she says. “But we deliver work-based learning and skills in 15 vocational areas across our 11 centres with more than 50 courses. “Nationally, there are currently 300-plus apprenticeship areas on the market.” Woodspeen offers apprenticeships in areas including contract centre operations, retail, team leading, warehouse and storage, management, IT, care, childcare, business and administration, hairdressing Claire believes that apprenticeships are key to getting people into work, giving them training and providing opportunities for advancement at a time when youth unemployment is rising and tuition fees put a university place outside the financial reach of many families. “Apprenticeships give people the chance to earn while they learn,” she says. “They are in employment

Claire Stephenson

and they have a job from day one. They are given the necessary skills. “It is not about cheap labour. Some employers may try to exploit it, but in reality, apprentices provide value to a business and the individual. “An apprentice is a valuable member of the team and represents an investment in the future.” Claire sees the role of Woodspeen A&R Training as making people “work-ready” with the skills employers need – such as literacy and numeracy skills, adding: “We have some fantastic young people out there who have not been given the opportunity when they need it. “We are raising awareness of Apprenticeships during National Apprenticeships Week with open days and workshops.” Claire admits to being “an

ambitious individual” but is just as ambitious for the success of the companies in the Woodspeen group – and the individuals they seek to help. “As an individual, you have to see the opportunities and take the opportunities because those opportunities don’t come along every day,” she says. “Make the most of them when they do.” As an individual prepared to travel to do the job she loves, Claire says: “Some people don’t even want to travel from Halifax to Huddersfield as they see this as a barrier or too costly – so we help remove those barriers where we can . “How many people get the job they want in the area in which they live? You have to have an open mind when deciding what you want to do.”

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Town’s Tandemettes

Role: Group head of business development and marketing Age: 35 Family: Married to Jay with Jessica, 14, and Liam, 12 Holidays: My favourite place is Mexico, where we got married. We also love Turkey Car: Audi First job: YTS trainee doing business administration Best thing about job: The people in the business and the people who come through the door. Worst thing about job: The current economic environment – when we are asking people to spend money and invest in training Business tip: Take hold of opportunities when they present themselves

Woodspeen A&R Training Work: Training provider Site: Huddersfield Phone: 01484 429359 Email: enquiries @woodspeentraining .co.uk Web: www.wood speen training.co.uk

On the board with

Karen Borowski and Jennifer Davies are proud to be part of the Town’s Tandemettes.

The Tandemettes are taking part in Pedal 4 Pounds 3 in aid of the ‘Keep it Up’ campaign. These inspirational ladies will ride the 280 miles from Yeovil to the Galpharm Stadium on TANDEMS! This is to help raise even more money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Huddersﬁeld Town Academy. If you spot them training around town please tweet them on

@townstandemettes Please sponsor them at

www.justgiving.com/townstandemettes or text

PAIN50 to 70070

Town’s Tandemettes Thank you

01484 538 351

theboard@revellward.co.uk Twitter@RevellWard

www.revellward.co.uk

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New contracts DENBY DALE ice cream firm Yummy Yorkshire has landed deals to supply the National Coal Mining Museum; the Local Pantry at Pool-in-Wharfedale; Clough House, near Huddersfield; The Dog & Partridge Country Inn and Beatson House Restaurant, both near Barnsley.

KIRKLEES BUSIN

Keep an eye on China’s currency

RITAIN has recently said it B will partner with Hong Kong to develop the City of

London as a major offshore centre of trade in China’s yuan (Renminbi) currency. This deal sees Britain and Hong Kong agreeing to launch a joint private sector forum to enhance cooperation and support China’s efforts to develop the offshore market for the renminbi (RMB). China's economy continues to expand rapidly and, along with it, commercial ties with the UK and opportunities for Kirklees businesses. Exports of goods from Britain to China leapt 20% in 2010, a measure of the importance of Asia to Britain’s long-term economic growth. HSBC expects this growth to generate further significant opportunities for businesses looking to develop their products and services in new markets. Recent deregulation has further opened the Chinese market to enable an increasing number of Chinese trade partners to receive cross-border payments in their local RMB currency, in addition

BANKER’S BLOG Jill Hague

to their capacity to make cross border RMB payments. Last year, HSBC launched a service enabling UK businesses to open a UK-domiciled RMB account which can then be used to trade with and make payments to mainland China in the country’s own currency. Therefore, commercial contracts can now be agreed in RMB, allowing Chinese suppliers to invoice and receive settlement from UK buyers in local currency, enabling them to avoid foreign exchange risks and costs. Why is RMB growing in importance? China is the world’s second largest economy, the largest exporter and the fifth-largest source of foreign direct investments (expected annual growth of 40-50%). HSBC believes that RMB will become a top three international currency if it becomes fully convertible. So what does this mean for businesses in Kirklees? Thinking… outside the books Previously, RMB was a restricted currency that could not be taken out of China, meaning companies had to

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change RMB back into US dollars or euros to hold it outside China. The deregulation of RMB means companies can hold the proceeds of trade settlements in RMB. A natural currency hedge will be achieved for businesses who have existing receivables or payments already in RMB. Those businesses seeking to become RMB-enabled first need to check their internal accounting systems can cope. Businesses should also check their bank has the capability to handle RMB transactions – many don’t as yet. As RMB becomes more commonplace in the future, businesses which have RMB capabilities may find they can negotiate improved trading terms with Chinese suppliers and purchasers. While the internationalisation of RMB has begun, the currency is not yet fully convertible and businesses need to observe the existing regulatory guidelines set out by the Chinese government. HSBC relationship managers are well placed to help businesses keep pace with the fast moving changes. Businesses trading in foreign currencies always need to be mindful of foreign exchange risk.

Jill Hague is HSBC area commercial director for Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield

Britannia seals Brightside deal

A ROADSIDE rescue company based in Huddersfield has landed major contract. Britannia Rescue,which has its headquarters at Folly Hall Mills, has secured a deal with the Brightside Group plc to provide breakdown cover to 90,000 motor insurance customers within its broker division. The win sees Britannia Rescue ta on about 90,000 existing Brightsid customers over the 12 months starting tomorrow. The portfolio includes motorbikes and cars, as well as commercial fleet business Britannia Rescue has more than 200 people based at its Folly Hall Mills premises. The company has seen significant growth in the pas year – and this new contract will result in further recruitment over the coming 12 months. As well as recruiting new staff to handle breakdown calls for this contract win, the company is recruiting people to deal with customers reporting car insuranc claims for parent company LV= Britannia Rescue was awarded th contract after a review of the incumbent and a competitive pitc The company is recognised as th fourth-largest road rescue company in the UK and operates network of more than 3,000 UK roadside technicians – enabling t company to offer unique local knowledge and experience to customers that have broken down It also covers the whole of Europe Customers have an average wait o less than 42 minutes and the company receives over 98% customer satisfaction. Peter Horton, Britannia Rescue managing director, said: “Huddersfield is the home of Britannia Rescue and we are delighted about this new win. “A key element of our five-year strategy is to grow our partner portfolio, so this win is fantastic news and means more jobs for local people. We see 2012 as a ye of growth for Britannia Rescue an are currently in discussion with a number of other potential partners.”

Safety call

Airline unveils new flight plan

KIRKLEES companies putting safety first have been urged to enter a major award. The British Safety Council is inviting applications for the International Safety Awards 2012 – which recognises the commitment of organisations in all sectors and across the globe to good health and safety management. The awards are open to all organisations – both members and non-members of the British Safety Council – with the winners earning a pass, merit or distinction. Last year, there were 602 applications – 90% of which were successful. Some 33 organisations gained a distinction – from sectors including construction, education, energy generation and transmission, facilities management, food and drink, manufacturing, oil and gas, public services, transport and distribution and utilities. For details of the awards, go to www.britsafe.org/isa The closing date for applications is February 29. The results will be formally announced on March 23 and the winners will be invited to attend as awards banquet on May 18 at the Grosvenor House in London.

REGIONAL airline Flybe will operate a service three times a week between Leeds Bradford Airport and Knock on Ireland’s west coast. Flybe, which is Europe’s largest regional airline and the UK’s number one domestic carrier, will launch the service from March 25 The service further expands the airline’s summer schedule from Leeds Bradford airport to a total o five routes with a choice of up to flights a week. Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The additional route is expected t benefit both business and leisure passengers.

NESS NEWS

local

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lenge” has resulted in a number of changes aimed at assisting businesses and boosting economic recovery. In this article, we summarise some of the main changes and what they will mean in practice for businesses. The most significant development is that the unfair dismissal qualifying period for unfair dismissal will increase from one to two years. The change will take effect from April 6, 2012, and we have now been informed that the new qualifying period will only apply to employees whose employment begins on or after April 6, 2012. Those employees already in employment before that date will retain the current one year qualifying period. There has been a recent increase in employment tribunal awards and from tomorrow onwards the maximum limit on a week’s pay has increased from £400 to £430. The maximum unfair dismissal compensatory award is now £72,300 for dismissals taking effect on or after February 1. In April, 2012, the standard rates for statutory maternity pay, statutory paternity pay and statutory adoption pay will rise to £135 from £128.73. The weekly earnings threshold increases from £102 to £170 Statutory sick pay will also increase from April, 2012, from £81.60 to £85.85.

EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Neil Wilson

In October, 2012, new laws taking effect will require all employers to automatically enrol eligible employees into a pension scheme. Initially, the scheme will only apply to the largest employers and the full implementation period will last for four years. In addition to the changes already confirmed, the Government is continuing consultation in a number of other areas. The conciliatory service ACAS may become more heavily involved in employment disputes. Potential claimants will be required to submit details of their dispute to ACAS and pre-claim conciliation will be offered for one month. This will effectively “stop the clock” on any limitation period, but it is not expected that this service will be introduced until at least April, 2014. There is a long-term reform programme being undertaken by the Government looking at increased use of mediation to resolve disputes. This will involve working more closely

with the private sector to share knowledge of mediation with smaller businesses. It is proposed that financial penalties will be introduced for employers who lose at tribunal up to a maximum of £5,000. This will be applied at the tribunal’s discretion and the penalty will be reduced by 50% if paid within 21 days. Fee charging structures may be brought in for the first time at different stages of employment tribunal claims. The consultation into this matter was published on December 14, 2011, with option one proposing an issue fee and a hearing fee depending on the nature of the claim. Option two proposes only an issue fee. It is suggested that such proposals could be implemented in 2013 or 2014. The red tape challenge has already brought about some change and it will be interesting to see how many of the above proposals are implemented in the coming months and years.

Neil Wilson is an employment lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors

Business is a Blessing TEENAGER Blessing Maregere certainly means business. The 18-year-old is undertaking the enterprise development degree course at Huddersfield University – and has already launched a range of enterprises. When he was just 16, Zimbabwe-born Blessing spotted a gap in the market and set up the Essential Cleaning Company, based in Leeds. He eventually sold the business, but soon found new outlets for his energies, including a company named Bright Futures Enterprise, which seeks to encourage entrepreneurship among youngsters. Now Blessing, who arrived in the UK in 2006 to join members of his family, has become involved with the Leeds group of a go-ahead venture named Not Just A Trading Company. The business, which fully launches this month, sells products including rice, coffee, chocolate and tea and operates on Fair Trade

■ ENTERPRISING: Huddersfield University student Blessing Maregere has already launched a range of enterprises principles – pledging to pay a proper price to its food suppliers abroad and in the UK. Despite having a number of enterprises under his belt, Blessing

says he is still learning. “I work hard and like to get involved with new things all the time,” he said. “Fortunately, I only need four hours’ sleep a night!”

Page 5 Get the message about social media COMPANIES must have proper policies in place to deal with employees misusing social media, a human resources consultant has warned. Helen Casson (pictured), of Skelmanthorpe-based Vibrant HR, said: “With employees increasingly using social media accounts such as Facebook and Twitter to let off steam about their jobs, a number of tribunal cases involving social media provide useful guidance for employers wanting to protect their business from damaging statements on social media sites – and what to do if it does happen. “The key message coming from the employment tribunal decisions is to have adequate policies in place and conduct a thorough investigation.” Helen said firms should have a comprehensive social media policy in place making it clear that derogatory comments made about the business, product or services and customers on social networks are strictly prohibited. They should also make it clear that a breach of the policy could result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Employers should make sure all staff know about the policy and understand the contents. Bosses should also update the induction process so new employees receive the same information.

property

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Page 6

Picture brightens for industrial sites

Plea to put priority on construction THE Government must make construction a priority, says the Federation of Master Builders. The FMB was commenting after figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that construction and manufacturing had dragged the economy back into negative growth. FMB director Brian Berry said workloads in the SME construction sector had declined in each of the 16 quarters to the end of 2011 while confidence in the building industry has collapsed with only 5% of small building firms expecting workloads to increase in 2012. He said construction was essential to the health of the UK economy, adding: “The industry needs the Government to adopt a bold approach to reducing the burdens upon it – pursuing the proposed planning reforms and reducing the overall burden of developer contributions, which are still making many sites unviable, are urgently needed.”

FEWER properties coming onto the market and a steady take-up of space should help paint a more positive picture for Yorkshire’s industrial and logistics property market, claims a report. Toby Vernon, senior director of industrial agency at property firm CBRE, said: “2006 and 2007 saw a major increase in the supply of new build, speculatively-built, large-scale logistics schemes. “This coincided with a significant contraction in occupier demand as the recession bit and the Yorkshire region, like most across the UK, was faced with an over-supply of indus- ■ DRIVE: Toby Vernon, senior director at CBRE trial stock. “Throughout 2008 and 2009, the market was sluggish, but demand has itself.” returned to form with a substantial CBRE’s research shows that the amount of building take-up over the take-up of logistics buildings over last two years. 100,000sq ft fell back last year in line “With no speculative development with UK-wide statistics to just under taking place during this time, supply 800,000sq ft. That compares with levels began to diminish and we are take-up of more than 4m sq ft in now in a much stronger position with 2010. While the 2011 take-up was below the market imbalance correcting

multi-let investment

LOCKWOOD ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD, HD1 3TG £520,000

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to planning consent

● Rental LANEIncome £56,715 4 RANGE Halifax, pa, HX3 6DL£73,215 pa ERV FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

● Busy2)main road location 395m2 (4,250ft Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) possession ■ Vacant(A616) ■ Suitable for refurbishment for ● 1 Mile from Huddersfield town alternative occupational residential uses or possible centrecomplete redevelopment, subject to consent planning ● Development potential

town centre retail

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

4 RANGE LANE fronted retail ● Double Halifax, HX3 6DL 922 sqft HOSTEL PREMISES FORMERunit

395m2 (4,250ft2) ● 0.13 Ancillary accommodation Site Area Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession 3,022 sqft ■ Suitable for refurbishment for alternative occupational residential possible complete uses or ● Finished to a high quality redevelopment, subject to planning ● consent Excellent display frontage

office building

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

7-9 CROSS CHURCH STREET, HUDDERSFIELD, HD1 2PY £25,000 p/a

THISTLE STREET, HUDDERSFIELD, HD1 6PU £23,000 p/a

● 233.18sqm (2,510sqft) 4 RANGE LANE HX3 to 6DL Halifax, ● Close Huddersfield town FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

centre 2) 395m2 (4,250ft Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) car parking for 20 ● Secure ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for cars alternative occupational residential possible complete uses or ● High quality accommodation redevelopment, subject to planning ● consent Predominantly open plan

average, the lack of speculative development resulted in a total supply for the region now standing at about 4.04m sq ft. This still represents a significant amount of space, but when taking into account the five-year average annual take-up of 3.03m sq ft, this means that current availability of existing buildings represents only 16 months of supply. Said Mr Vernon: “Of the five-year take-up figures, 75% of stock was new build or good quality modern. This tenant drive for quality bodes well for the remaining available stock in the Yorkshire market and will eventually dictate a requirement for pre-let led development in core areas.” He said demand had been driven by factors including opportunistic retailers seeking to take advantage of market conditions and the continued drive for economies of scale by consolidating supply chains into a smaller number of strategically located, larger footprint buildings. The growth in online retailing had

a big impact on the logistics sector and continued to be one of the major drivers for warehouse demand. Examples included Amazon’s acquisition of 415,000sq ft at Vulcan in Doncaster and ASOS taking 530,000sq ft at Crossflow in Barnsley. The current economic climate had also created an opportunity for growth of budget retailing which, in turn, has also resulted in new demand for logistics space. “Looking ahead, we expect that the steady levels of take-up will continue and that we will see an increase in demand from other UK regions where building supply is far more limited,” said Mr Vernon. “We expect the online retailers and major high street chains will continue to be the main drivers for logistics demand. “As supply levels reduce further, rental levels will harden and the prospects for pre-let led development will begin to improve.”

town centre retail

Unit 1, Standard House, Half Moon Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2JF £7,000 p/a

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

● 39.02sqm (420sqft) LANE 4 RANGE Halifax, HX3 6DL ● Close to bus station and FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

395m2 (4,250ft2) railway station(0.33 Acres) Site Area 0.13 Hectares ■ Vacant possession ● Excellent display frontage ■ Suitable for refurbishment for alternative occupational residential Close complete to Sainsburys possible uses or ● redevelopment, subject to planning consent supermarket

modern industrial

Industrial Units, Whitacre Street, Off Leeds Road, Huddersfield, £10,000 p/a

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

4 RANGE LANE (1,973ft²) ● 183.34m² Halifax, HX3 6DL ● Popular Leeds Road Corridor HOSTEL PREMISES FORMER

395m2 (4,250ft2) location Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ● Close to M62 Motorway and ■ Suitable for refurbishment for alternative occupational residential complete uses or possible town centre redevelopment, subject to planning ● consent Good loading and yard space

office building

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

JOHN STREET, ELLAND, HX5 0AW £115,000

● 72.87 sqm [784 sqft] 4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

● Excellent car parking 2) 395m2 (4,250ft Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for ● Freehold alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to planning ● consent Vacant Possession

T. 01484 530361 www.bramleys.com

■ industrial LAND ■ offices OFFICES INDUSTRIAL ■ retail INVESTMENT ■ investment RETAIL ■ land

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

VAT cut call to beat ‘cowboys’ A BUILDING industry chief has called on the government to cut VAT for home repair, maintenance and improvement work – and counter the damaging effect of cash-in-hand cowboy operators. Brian Berry, a director of the Federation of Master Builders, made the plea after the country’s most senior taxman criticised people who pay builders cash for work on their properties. Dave Hartnett, permanent secretary for tax at HM Revenue & Customs, said by avoiding paying VAT, they were reducing the tax take and hitting public spending on areas like schools and hospitals. Mr Berry said: “We are pleased HMRC is becoming more vocal about the damaging effect cash-in-hand payments have on individual businesses and the economy at large. “Businesses that avoid paying VAT have a 20% head start, but all too often this cheap deal comes without a proper written contract or any kind of paperwork meaning the enforcement of consumer

FOR SALE

Development Land

Land at Calder Street/River Street, Brighouse, HD6 1NB

1 South Site, River Street 0.22 Hectares (0.54 Acres) Offers are invited in the region of £150,000

TO LET

■ CASH CALL: Dave Hartnett, permanent secretary for tax at HM Revenue & Customs

rights is almost impossible if something goes wrong.” Said Mr Berry: “The Government can reduce the competitive advantage of these rogue traders and help protect consumers by cutting VAT to 5% for all home repair, maintenance and improvement work. “This simple, single action would help reduce the size of the ‘informal economy’ in the home improvement market, which is now estimated to be worth an astonishing £9.3bn year.”

He added: “Over 5,000 construction businesses have gone into insolvency since 2010. At a time when the economy is on the brink of tipping back into recession, the Government should be doing everything it can to support legitimate businesses, not adding to the total number of unemployed. “According to research by the analysts at Experian, last year’s rise in the standard rate of VAT to 20% resulted in nearly 4,000 job losses in the home improvement market in 2011 alone.”

Office scheme shines through for Lighthouse A PROPERTY agency with offices in Huddersfield has been appointed sole agent for a new office development in West Yorkshire. Building work is under way on a new 15,000sq ft extension at the Bradford headquarters of Christian education charity, The Lighthouse Group. The charity, which works with disadvantaged young people, attracted £1.2m of funding from the Bradford Local Enterprise Growth Initiative and the European Regional Development Fund to finance the project. Eddisons, which acted as letting agent for the original building, is now sole agent on the three-storey extension, which will provide Grade A office space at the site on Trevor Foster Way. Jonathan O’ Connor, of Eddisons, said: “We are delighted to extend our involvement with the site which benefits from good road links and includes managed reception facilities, meeting rooms and an on site café. “The small suites and flexible terms make this facility

Workshop/Warehouse Unit

Part Hope Bank Works, Honley, Holmﬁrth, HD9 6QA

1 829.71m2 (8,931 sq ft) 1 Suitable for a variety of alternative uses (STPC) 1 Generous car parking provision Rent: On Application

TO LET

Unit 3, Rawfolds Industrial Estate

Bradford Road, Cleckheaton

1 Modern trade counter 1 163.46m2 (1,760 sq ft) Rent: On Application

TO LET

Character Town Centre Offices

10 New North Parade, Huddersﬁeld, HD1 5JP

1 Attractive character town centre ofﬁces 1 66.1m2 (712 sq ft) 1 Newly refurbished Rent: On Application

TO LET

Prominent Town Centre Ofﬁce 8 Victoria Road, Elland

1 102.49m2 (1,103 sq ft) 1 100% Business Rates Relief current year 1 Private car parking Rental: £6,000 pax

■ SITE LINE: Jonathan O'Connor (left), associate director for Eddisons, with Tom Almas (centre) and David Horsfall, of The Lighthouse Group, at the building site attractive to a range of businesses, particularly those in the creative and digital sector, looking to grow and develop in a thriving enterprise environment.” The original building, just off the M606, was completed in 2008 and is known as the

Centre of Excellence. As well as providing a base for TLG, it has nine tenants, including Costa Coffee and Swedish bank Handelsbanken. The new building is set to be ready for occupation after Easter.

TO LET

Modern Workshop Unit

Unit B, Brockholes Business Park, Rock Mill Road, Huddersﬁeld, HD9 7BN 1 307m2 (3,308 sq ft) 1 Prominent location 1 Frontage to the A616 New Mill Road Rent: £5.25 per sq ft per annum exclusive

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Kate Briggs

Buy It Direct FORMER Sainsbury’s and Asda buyer Kate Briggs has joined growing Huddersfield-based online retailer Buy It Direct as nursery category manager at its Bambino Direct arm. Ms Briggs, pictured with managing director Nick Glynne, has joined Buy It Direct, based at Trident Business Park, Deighton, from Sainsbury’s, where she was senior buyer for toys and nursery. She previously worked for Asda in the toys category. She said: “Bambino Direct has massive potential and I’m looking forward to growing the business.” Mr Glynne said: “Kate brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from years working with some of the biggest brands in the country. “We have huge ambitions for the company and I believe Kate will help us become one of the largest independent nursery retailers in the UK.”

Giles Clegg

IoD CORPORATE lawyer Giles Clegg has been appointed deputy chairman for the West Yorkshire branch of the Institute of Directors. Mr Clegg (pictured), a director with Lupton Fawcett since 2007 who specialises in mergers and acquisitions, management buy-outs, shareholder disputes, joint ventures group re-organisations and limited liability partnerships, will support Charlotte Britton, who chairs the branch. Since joining the branch committee, he has worked on projects including the organisation of the recent Parliamentary Panel, which saw opposing MPs come together to discuss their respective parties’ views on how best to help business in the region.

Jon Lowe

Barclays Corporate BARCLAYS Corporate has strengthened its charity support in Yorkshire with the appointment of a relationship director responsible for providing specialist support in the region. Jon Lowe, who already has responsibility for Barclays Corporate’s relationships with the business services sector, will join a nationwide team of 40 specialists providing local-level support to the voluntary sector. The move is a direct response to the problems facing third sector organisations, which include declining Government grants and increasing pressure on donations.

Movers and shakers

Page 8

Customers get service pledge

A COMPANY distributing pallets of goods across West Yorkshire has made two special deliveries. Netherton-based firm The Pink Link Ltd has pledged its long-term commitment to providing excellent customer service with the announcement of a company mission statement – and the presentation of two pink hampers to the winners of its “pink prize draw”. The Pink Link Ltd has developed a company mission statement to reflect its continued focus on providing excellent customer service: “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skilful execution: it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” The mission statement will be rolled out throughout the business to ensure a consistently high level of service is maintained. Continuing to focus on its customers, The Pink Link Ltd announced the winners of its prize draw. Josie Fennick, of TEV Ltd, and Claire Marshall, from Leeds-based CB Imports, both received a pink-themed hamper as part of The Pink Link’s continued commitment to providing an exceptional customer service. Vicki Davenport, sales and commercial director at The Pink Link Ltd, said: “We have developed a company mission statement as we saw it as a useful tool which would highlight our continued investment in our customers. “We are delighted to have presented Josie and Claire with their prizes.” Vicki is a former winner of the corporate

■ PASS THE PARCEL: Claire Marshall (left), of CB Imports, with Vicki Davenport, of The Pink Link Ltd

businesswoman of the year title in the Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards. The Pink Link is also a major charity fundraiser for causes including Cancer

Jo goes by the book! A FASHIONABLE London club is the venue for an event to celebrate the latest literary achievements of a Huddersfield businesswoman. Denby Dale-based Jo Haigh (pictured) is marking the launch of her fourth book on business matters on Thursday at the capital’s private members’ club “eight”. The book, The Financial Times Guide to Finance for Non-financial Managers, transforms seemingly complex financial information “into data you feel comfortable talking about”. One critic has hailed the book as a must-read for entrepreneurs, saying: “Business owners are brilliant at coming up with new ideas. “But they don’t always have the brains for budgets. This book ‘de-jargons complex financial concepts and is jam-packed with practical tips. Jo is a partner at fds Corporate

Finance Services and a partner in the fds Group, a specialist training and development business. She has spoken at major business conferences on topics as diverse as corporate governance and corporate finance along with issues affecting women in business. An experienced dealmaker, she has bought and sold over 300 companies in the last 25 years and has held more than 40 non-executive positions in her career. Jo’s previous books are The Business Rules, An Entrepreneur’s Guide and Tales from the Glass Ceiling – A Survival Guide for Women in Business. 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.

Research, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Everyman Campaign, The Anthony Nolan Trust, Kirkwood Hospice, The Laura Crane Trust; Cash for Kids and Breast Cancer Haven.

Helen Lees

Applebys Solicitors LAW firm Applebys Solicitors has announced a new appointment. The firm, which has offices in Huddersfield and Bradford, has welcomed professional negligence solicitor Helen Lees. Ms Lees (pictured), who lives in Oldham, will head the firm’s professional negligence department which deals with claims where a person has been the victim of a negligent level of service from a professional adviser. This can include solicitors, barristers, financial advisors, accountants, architects, surveyors, estate agents, bankers etc. Ms Lees, who will be based at the offices in Westbourne Road, Marsh, read law with psychology at the University of Central Lancashire and studied the legal practice course at Manchester Metropolitan University.