Kirklees Business News by Huddersfield

FTSE 100

DAN BAMFORTH Opening doors

+66.42 5699.63

Full inter view - Page 3

COLIN BARRATT Wheels within wheels Column - Page 4

An EXAMINER publication

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees

Providing platform to boost business

A WEEK of activities to boost business gets under way later this year. The inaugural Kirklees Business Week starts on September 24 and includes sector-specific seminars run by different business and free to all. The principle of KBW is to provide a platform for Kirklees businesses to share their knowledge across the district in a way that’s convenient for all sectors of business. All venues will be supplied free and all event delegate places will be free. Danny Matharu, of KBW organisers Hillrich, said: “We really want KBW to be all-inclusive and bring together all types and sizes of businesses across Kirklees. KBW is Open Source in the manner that anyone can get involved and make it better for the ■ TALK TIME: Backing Kirklees Business Week, organised by Danny Matharu (centre) are Jeremy Garside, of law firm Chadwick Lawrence, and Prof Liz Towns-Andrews, director of research and enterprise at Huddersfield University whole Kirklees business community. “Thanks to the KBW Partners, we'll assist in supplying event organisers are sector specific and not general success of Kirklees Business Confer- nesses. Run by Kirklees businesses for with a venue for free. We’ll also help in networking events. Alongside this we ence, will offer support and opportun- Kirklees businesses, it is a clear mespromoting the events through the ask that event organisers market their ity to local business promoting sage to all that Kirklees is very much open for business and collaboration.” Kirklees as the place to do business. KBW website, through emails and event to their network. Events will run from Monday, “It provides an excellent plat“Kirklees Business Week is all about publicity and in the KBW-specific supplement to be published in The sharing knowledge, not selling ser- form for business to discuss ideas September 24, to Friday, September showing that business can succeed in 28. The annual Kirklees Business ConExaminer prior to Kirklees Business vices.” ference takes place on Thursday, Jeremy Garside, of principle KBW these difficult times.” Week. Prof Liz Towns-Andrews, of KBW September 27. “All events are welcome. They will partner Chadwick Lawrence, said: Businesses wanting to submit their be listed on the website and will con- “Chadwick Lawrence is pleased to partner Huddersfield University, said: tinue to be added right up until support the inaugural Kirklees Busi- “Kirklees Business Week is here to event to KBW should visit the website September. All we ask is that events ness Week which, building on the showcase the knowledge of our busi- at www.kirkleesbusinessweek.co.uk

Small firms urged to take austerity measures SMALL firms in Kirklees have been urged to adopt their own austerity measures to help them survive the double-dip recession. Holmfirth-based V&A Bell Brown, which has client accounts across the UK, said the age-old saying “watch the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves” has never been more true. The advice comes as cash-strapped businesses in Yorkshire feel the pinch from the recession, the impact of inflation, the fallout from the bank crisis and a lack of access to funding. The Federation of Small Businesses has cited the state of the economy, uncertainty over contracts, cash flow and access to finance as major barriers

for small and medium-sized firms in the recession. With almost 300,000 firms in crucial “time to pay” tax arrangements with HM Revenue & Customs and banks getting more stringent on lending criteria, the accountancy firm said a large number of businesses were in need of a financial health check. Amanda Vigar, managing partner at V&A Bell Brown, said: “Data has shown that, historically, the highest number of insolvencies have consistently been experienced by firms that have between 10 and 100 employees. Also, it is a well-known fact that one in three businesses fail within the first three years of trading.

“If a good credit management process is not implemented before reaching this size, then a firm may find it significantly harder to keep its head above water as it goes for expansion. “It’s more vital than ever that small business owners take a sharp and focused look at their business finances if they are to succeed in these tough economic times.” The firm urged SMEs to focus on the basics – controlling cash flow, keeping books up to date and in order, increasing sales effort, distinguishing their business from their rivals, considering and costing out strategic options and keep employees informed about company developments.

■ FOCUS: Amanda Vigar, of V&A Bell Brown

INSIDE Student’s success A STUDENT from Shelley College has been offered a one-month paid work placement with a Huddersfield firm after impressing bosses with her entrepreneurial flair. Helena Taylor, 17, who is taking A-level business studies, is working for Paxman Coolers, of Fenay Bridge, after being named most entrepreneurial person at Grant Thornton’s Umph! student business competition.

● Full story - Page 8

The most trusted news brand in the business

examiner.co.uk

3 1 , Ju l y, 2 0 1 2

Site and sound A SITE manager in Holmfirth has won an award for building exceptional homes. Adrian Burridge, of Burridge Homes Ltd, is among the winners in the first round of judging for the annual National House-Building Council Pride in the Job Awards recognising outstanding quality in house-building. He is now shortlisted for a regional title for his Marsh Road development in Holmfirth.

● Full story - Page 7

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

national

Page 2

HSBC boss ‘sorry’ for bank mistakes

HSBC boss Stuart Gulliver apologised for “the mistakes of the past” – as the banking giant set aside a further £950m to cover the cost of mis-selling claims and a money-laundering scandal in the USA. The bank said it increased provision to cover mis-sold payment protection insurance by £341.6m in the three months to June, bringing the total charge to date to £1.1bn. HSBC also took a £150m hit for mis-selling complex financial products known as interest-rate swaps to small businesses, while it has set aside £445m to deal with money-laundering penalties. Mr Gulliver said: “We are profoundly sorry for our mistakes and are committed to putting them right.” The wave of provisions threatened to overshadow better-than-expected first-half results, which showed a 3% dip in underlying pre-tax profits to

£6.7m and a 3% rise in net operating income to £23.5bn. Earlier this month, a Senate investigation revealed that HSBC had inadvertently allowed rogue states and drugs cartels to launder billions of pounds through its US arm. The bank warned that the total amount of fines and penalties levelled against it could be “significantly higher” than the £445m set aside so far. The findings, which accused HSBC of ignoring warnings and breaching ■ NUMBERS GAME: HSBC posted a safeguards that should have stopped strong headline performance the laundering of money from Mexico, Iran and Syria, led to the resignation of investigation by UK regulators which head of compliance David Bagley. The revelations heaped pressure on were published at the same time that Business Minister Lord Green, who the Libor-fixing scandal emerged. With regard to Libor, HSBC said it was chairman of HSBC at the time the was co-operating with investigations failings took place. The charge for interest rate swap and requests for information from mis-selling follows the findings of an authorities, but added that it was not

“practicable at this time” to predict the resolution of the investigations. The additional provision for PPI mis-selling comes after Lloyds last week increased its provision for PPI claims by £700m to £4.3bn. Elsewhere, HSBC revealed that bad debt charges fell by 9% year on year to £3.1bn in the period, while its return on equity, a key measure for shareholders, improved to 10.5% from 9.5% in the previous half. Shares in the bank closed up by 12p or 2% to 543p after the results. Richard Hunter, head of equities at Hargreaves Lansdown Stockbrokers, said: “HSBC has added to the emerging theme of the banking updates so far – strong headline performance partially offset by corporate contrition.” But there was “much to be said for the numbers themselves” – with strong performances from emerging markets and its investment banking arm.

Airline faces winter woe

JJB recruits La Senza director A FORMER director of lingerie chain La Senza has been appointed to lead the turnaround strategy at another troubled retailer, JJB Sports. Beverley Williams, who takes the chief executive’s role vacated by Keith Jones last week, will work alongside US retail recovery specialist Bob Corliss as they look to revive the performance of the sports goods firm. Wigan-based JJB has admitted that more poor sales figures mean it will need additional funds to support its store overhaul programme. Ms Williams was commercial director and co-chief executive of La Senza, but left last year before its

Cold comfort

collapse into administration in January. She was previously general m a n a g e r o f C o n t e s s a , w h i ch merged with La Senza in 2007. Mr Corliss, who previously ran franchise-based footwear business The Athlete’s Foot, said Ms Williams had a wealth of experience in multi-channel retailing. He said: “She is particularly well known for her expertise in product and trading. I am looking forward to working with Beverley as we set about improving the overall experience for JJB customers.” Ms Williams, who will hold the role on an interim basis, said: “JJB has a great deal of potential.”

RYANAIR boss Michael O’Leary admitted that the low-cost airline was braced for a difficult winter as austerity measures and the eurozone crisis hit demand. He said the Dublin-based carrier, which operates more than 1,500 flights a day across 28 countries, was expecting traffic growth of 1% between September and March – down from 7% this summer – following winter capacity cuts. The update came as the airline, which expects to carry 79m passengers this year, reported an 11% rise in revenues in the quarter to June 30 to £1bn.

The increase reflects a 6% rise in traffic combined with a 4% increase in average fares. However, Mr O’Leary said a 27% surge in fuel costs was behind a 29% slide in underlying pre-tax profits to £77.5m in the period. Ryanair reported a 15% rise in ancillary sales, including baggage and administration fees as well as in-flight food and drink, to £223.9m. Ancillary sales now account for 22% of all revenues. Ryanair, which has 294 planes, said growth in the first quarter was hit by the recession, austerity measures and heavy discounting at new bases.

DRUGS and hygiene giant Reckitt Benckiser revealed under-pressure revenues in Europe and North America – as fewer cases of the common cold and flu hit sales of its Nurofen pain-relief range. The company behind Durex condoms and cleaning product Dettol saw revenues in the transatlantic region drop by 1% to £2.3bn in the six months to June 30 as weak consumer sentiment hit performance. A strong period for heartburn relief Gaviscon was offset by weak sales of decongestant Mucinex, Strepsils lozenges and some products in the Nurofen range due to “lower incidence” of colds and flu. Reckitt reported a 1% increase in group revenues to £4.7bn and a 2% rise in underlying operating profits to £1.1bn due to a strong performance in emerging markets.

Premium result GENERAL insurance business LV= said trading profits rose by 13% to £62m after it increased premium income by 6% to £747m in the six months to June 30. The group, which owns Britannia Rescue, based at Folly Hall Mills in Huddersfield, said it now has an 11% share of the private car insurance market.

SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £37.35 +0.06 Gannett 908.51 -7.65 Hess Corp £30.40 -0.41 Microsoft 1881.05 -14.65 Motors Liquidation 47.78 Wal-Mart Stores £47.76 +0.29 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 310 +21/4 BAE Systems 3123/4 +11/2 1 Rolls-Royce 877 /2 +2 AIM Brady Plc 911/2 1 /2 Dawson Intl +1/8 Man Brnze 271/2 +1 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 211 +3 BANKS Barclays 1701/2 +31/2 HSBC 5431/8 +12 Lloyds Banking Gp 311/8 +7/8 Ryl Scotland 2221/4 +73/4 1 Stan Chart 1505 /2 +121/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1732 +221/2 SABMiller £277/8 CHEMICALS Croda £233/4 -1/8 Elementis 98 200 +31/4 1 Johnsn Mat £22 /4 +1/2 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2983/4 +27/8

210 +31/2 ELECTRICITY Drax Gp 4703/4 -43/4 SSE 1310 +3 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 2173/4 +2 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 362 +2 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 2187/8 +3/4 Cable & Wireless 317/8 +1/8 Comm 7 Cable & Wireless 37 /8 Wwide Colt Group 1131/4 -33/4 KCOM 781/4 +1/8 1 Talktalk Telecom 174 /4 -11/8 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2771/2 -3/8 Sainsbury 3201/2 -23/4 3 Tesco 318 /8 -25/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1257 +7 +31/2 Tate Lyle 6591/2 3 Unilever £22 /4 +1/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3203/4 +23/4 National Grid 6681/2 +7 1 Pennon Grp 771 /2 +111/2 Severn 1743 +24 United Utils 692 -1 GENERAL FINANCIAL Costain

3i Group 2101/8 +23/4 ICAP 3223/4 +55/8 London StockExch 9811/2 +1 Man Group 821/4 +3/4 Provident Financial 1290 -14 Schroders 1320 +33 Schroders NV 1059 +17 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 5611/2 +12 REXAM 440 +23/4 Smiths Grp 1085 +8 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 213/8 +3/8 Carphone Whse 129 -2 Dixons Retail 163/4 +5/8 Home Retail 781/8 +4 Inchcape 3883/4 +13/4 Kingfisher 2673/4 +21/4 M&S 3371/8 +45/8 1 Mothercare 196 /2 -5 3 Next £32 /8 -1/8 WH Smith 558 +8 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 664 +7 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 711/2 +3 Barrat Dev 1363/4 -17/8 Persimmon 6241/2 -13 Reckitt Benckiser £353/8 Taylor Wimpey 45 -5/8 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 8241/2 +111/2 INDUSTRIAL METALS

Ferrexpo 1831/2 +4 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 187 +1/8 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 299 +125/8 Lgl & Gen 1291/4 +21/8 Old Mutual 1601/4 +17/8 Prudential 778 +9 3 Resolution 210 /4 +25/8 Standard Life 243 +41/8 MEDIA BSkyB 715 D Mail Tst 4511/4 +21/2 ITV 763/4 -13/8 1 Johnston Press 5 /8 -1/8 Pearson 1190 -40 Reed Elsevier 545 -31/2 STV Group 911/2 +1 3 Trinity Mirror 26 /4 -1/4 Utd Business 661 +81/2 1 UTV 136 /2 +2 WPP 825 -61/2 Yell Group 11/4 MINING Anglo American 19171/2 +231/2 Antofagasta 1087 +17 BHP Billiton 1880 +30 3 +171/4 Eurasian Natural 401 /4 Res Fresnillo 1453 +35 Kazakhmys 7191/2 +201/2 Lonmin 710 +101/2 Rio Tinto £293/8 +1/2 VEDANTA 928 +321/2 RESOURCES

Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp

4413/4 785/8 6681/2 1704

+14 +13/8 +7 +45

closed at at FTSE closed

5699.63 Up 66.42 Xstrata 8443/8 +213/8 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 4901/4 -31/2 Vodafone Group 1821/2 +11/8 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1115 -4 RSA Insurance Gp 1111/8 -1/2 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 12771/2 +24 BP 4441/2 +53/4 Cairn Energy 2913/4 +163/4 Royal Dutch Shell A £213/4 +3/8 Royal Dutch Shell B £221/2 +1/4 1 Total £29 /4 +1/8 Tullow Oil 1333 +31

AMEC 1118 +19 Petrofac 1503 +42 Wood Gp(J) 7761/2 +81/2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1296 +12 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £30 +3/8 GlaxoSmithK 22 Shire 1923 +5 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 538 +11/2 Captl Shop Cent 3237/8 +17/8 Hamrsn 4687/8 +17/8 Land Secs 799 +71/2 SEGRO 241 +31/2 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 2473/8 +67/8 Logica 1045/8 -1/8 7 Sage Group 298 /8 +41/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 5141/2 -21/2 Bunzl 1124 +11 Capita 7231/2 +7 De La Rue 1018 -7 Electrocomp 2193/8 +13/8 Experian 964 +1 G4S 2463/4 +15/8 Hays 741/8 +23/4 Homeserve 2111/2 +81/4 Menzies J 638 +8 1 Rentokil 72 /4 +1/2 Smiths News 111 -21/4 Wolseley £233/4 +3/8 IT HARDWARE

ARM Hldgs Psion Spirent Comms

554 871/2 1651/4

+6 +1/4 +13/4

TOBACCO Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco

£34 £243/4

+3/8 +1/8

LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airlines Gp Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread

1101/4 £213/4 701 572 583/4 2251/2 1314 6071/2 1597 162

+11/4 +3/8 +111/2 +41/2 +1/4 +5 -14 -31/2 +17 +107/8

1553/4 2631/8 2151/8 1161/2 2861/2 1811/4 £215/8

-63/4 +6 +13/4 -21/8 +35/8 +2 +1/4

FTSE 100

INDEX 5693.63

+66.42

FTSE 250

INDEX 11238.91

+59.90

TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.42 dollars Bangladesh................. 121.01 taka Brazil.............................. 2.84 reals Canada....................... 1.50 dollars China ............................. 8.95 yuan Czech Republic ...... 29.75 korunas Denmark....................... 9.04 krone Euro............................... 1.22 euro Hong Kong................ 11.55 dollars Hungary................... 322.43 forints India.......................... 76.72 rupees Japan........................... 117.14 yen Mexico ....................... 18.57 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.81 dollars Norway ......................... 9.08 krone Pakistan.................. 139.92 rupees Philippines ................. 56.38 pesos South Africa................. 12.04 rand South Korea.............. 1556.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 194.70 rupees Sweden....................... 10.32 krona Switzerland.................. 1.46 francs Taiwan ...................... 41.20 dollars Turkey....................... 2.69 new lira USA ............................ 1.50 dollars

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

profile

Dan’s the man with a plan! DAN Bamforth is following in his have been with us for quite a long parents’ footsteps. time and they have grown with And he’s fully aware of the us.” He says: “There are so many responsibility of taking forward empty commercial sites around the family business. the region it’s gobsmacking. The 25-year-old is operations “But we are reasonable about director of commercial property rents and we work with our development and rental company tenants. Towndoor Ltd, which was started “We actually have a waiting list by his late father Stuart and also for units up to 10,000sq ft. We involves his mother, Lucy. have businesses ranging from Dan’s parents started the manufacturing and warehousing business in 1988 when they to a cake maker and a Ferrari bought half of the sprawling garage.” former David Brown Tractors site Now expansion is on the cards. at Meltham Mills. It proved an “We have three plots of land at astute move. the moment which we are looking Now Towndoor provides in to develop,” says Dan. excess of 1 million sq ft of space “We have also been to look at with more than 40 companies properties in Leeds and occupying its 70-plus units and Manchester, which would take us employing many hundreds of to the regional level. people. “However, the bulk of our The company headquarters properties are on our doorstep, occupies a two-storey building which means we can react fronting Meltham Mills Road, on quickly to issues that crop up.” the Meltham Mills complex. Dan is also spearheading a Dan and his colleagues make significant investment in the their decisions sitting around the business – including a new original boardroom table used by website, rebranding and new the tractor firm’s founder Sir software systems to streamline David Brown and his directors. operations to benefit both Towndoor has three other sites Towndoor and its tenants. The in the area – Concept House on object is to improve customer Huddersfield Road in Meltham, Crosland Road Industrial Estate in Netherton and Bent Ley Industrial Estate in Meltham. Despite the general economic climate, they are all fully let. Says Dan: “It’s the first time in 24 years we have every unit let on all four sites. “I think it’s because we have such a mix of properties – from basic lock-ups to huge sheds.” The company also boasts some growing, go-ahead companies as tenants – including geosynthetic specialist ABG, Bolling Coffee, paper towels and washroom supplier UK Disposables and award-winning horse trailer manufacturer Equi-Trek. “These are firms which we have watched grow from small businesses occupying 10,000sq ft. of space to successful companies taking 100,000sq ft. or ■ LEGACY: Dan Bamforth, operations director of Towndoor more,” says Dan. Ltd, based at Meltham Mills

service. “I can’t recall any business leaving us because we have fallen out or because there’s a better offer elsewhere,” says Dan. “That’s something we want to maintain.” Towndoor has invested £20,000 in a solar panel system to help tenants reduce their energy bills. “We are trialling the system at the moment,” says Dan. “We hope to invest £200,000 in similar solar systems if it is successful in the near future “We’re also investigating the viability of a water turbine. A reservoir feeds into our sprinkler system, so we might be able to position a turbine at Meltham Mills. “We want to do what we can because energy costs have increased massively for all businesses. It is killing our tenants. We use in excess of £1m of electricity a year across our portfolio of properties.” The firm’s commitment to its locality has extended to supporting local youth football and cricket teams. The company is also donating £2,500 for a skateboard park in Meltham. Joining the family business wasn’t Dan’s original intention. He grew up in Holmfirth and attended Huddersfield Grammar School and Huddersfield New College before studying hospitality and business management at Manchester Metropolitan University. Dan bought his own bar – the former Minstrel pub at Cross Church Street in Huddersfield – which he named Bam and ran it for two years. “It was good fun, but the hours were anti-social,” he says. His interest in the hospitality industry was sparked by his parents, who owned Belle Vue Stadium at Manchester and where his mother was in charge of the catering. Dan still has business interests outside Towndoor Ltd. Including a beauty Salon, ITAN. He and his partner Rich, also have a small and growing

Page 3

Dan Bamforth Role: Operations director Age: 25 Holidays: New York, Florida and Spain Car: Mercedes SLK First job: Managing a bar in Manchester – although I started working in pubs washing up from 13 or 14 Best thing about job: Interacting with clients and continuing my father’s legacy Worst thing about job: Maintenance work. Meltham Mills has more than 1m sq ft of space, which makes it very daunting! Business tip: Don’t pass up an opportunity, you never know what might come of it portfolio of four residential properties – one they live in and three others they rent out. “We hope to buy more properties to rent as and when we can afford it,” says Dan. “It will be our nest egg and pension fund!” Another interest Dan shared with his father is cars. But while Stuart raced stock cars to trophy-winning success, Dan isn’t keen to take to the track. “Dad used to tell me gory stories about all the accidents,” he says. “I’m a car fanatic, but I don’t compete on the track.” Dan is deeply appreciative of his father’s work in building up Towndoor – and the contribution made by Nigel Dyson, since Stuart’s death in 2002. Says Dan: “Nigel worked for my dad from 1993. His first role was as plant electrician at Meltham Mills Engineering, a company once owned by the family. Nigel became involved with both companies over the years before being appointed general manager in 2002. “Nigel’s expertise and knowledge has been fundamental to Towndoor’s success to date. Having purchased his own business, Nigel now manages the finances and acts as my right hand man.” Meanwhile, Dan is pressing ahead with further improvements. A six-figure refurbishment programme at Meltham Mills includes redecorating, replacing windows, gates and fences and installing new signs “to bring the place up to scratch”. Towndoor’s headquarters building is being altered to provide office accommodation for new tenants. Energy-efficient floor-to-ceiling tinted windows are also being installed by our tenant Clear View Bi-Folding, highlighting its commitment to supporting its tenants. Says Dan: “We are taking a pro-active approach as a family business very much involved in helping our tenants. “I’m keen to continue my father’s legacy.”

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Towndoor Ltd Work: Commercial property development and rental Site: Meltham Mills Staff: Four Phone: 01484 850015 Email: dan@town door.co.uk Website:www.town door.co.uk

Print/Copy Solutions from • Facsimile Printers • Full Colour Printers • Black and White Printers • Wide Format Printers • Production Machines Digital, Colour and Black and White • Software Solutions

Six reasons why you should choose Copymark 1.Value for money whilst improving quality and productivity 2.We can help you ﬁnd out the TRUE cost of your current expenditure 3.We offer a wide range of printers and photocopiers to suit all your needs

4.We provide technical support and training 5.Reduce your carbon footprint and improve your environmental credentials 6.Help you develop a clear understanding of your prints and optimize your output

01924 520199 Unit 8 & 9, Ponderosa Business Park, Smithies Lane, Heckmondwike WF16 0PR

local

Page 4

CAR dealership Polar Ford, based at St Andrew’s Road, Huddersfield, has been commended by disabled drivers’ group Motability for its outstanding customer service to disabled motorists and their families for the seventh year running.

Independent ﬁnancial planning services for companies and individuals Eastwood & Partners (Financial Services) Ltd

Pennine House, Lowfields Close, Lowfields Business Park, Elland HX5 9DA 01422 377737 www.eastwoodfinancial.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A BUSINESS? Use our knowledge and experience to guide you through the process: ➢

Valuation advice

➢

Negotiating the deal

➢

Raising finance

➢

Due diligence

➢

Tax mitigation ideas

➢

Getting the job done Our independent and partner-driven approach ensures clients receive advice they can rely on and trust. To discuss your plans in confidence please conatct David Butterworth

W&S

Wheawill & Sudworth Experience you can count on

P: 01484 423691

E:david.butterworth@wheawills.co.uk W: www.wheawills.co.uk

Taxing time for cyclists?

YCLING in the UK is at an all-time high – C buoyed by the first British winner of the Tour de France and with expectations for

continued Olympic cycle success running high. Tax incentives also exist to promote cycling via the Cycle to Work scheme. Under the scheme, an employer can buy or hire bikes and lend them to their employees on a tax-free basis as long as the offer of a bike is open to all employees who use the bike mainly for qualifying journeys, generally taken as travel between the employee’s home and work place or for work related travel. “Mainly” means 50% of the time the bike is used. Private use of the bike by the employee or members of their family will not disqualify the exemption provided that the other use is not the main use of the bicycle. Businesses buying bikes and safety equipment such as lights and reflective clothing to loan to their employees can reclaim the VAT incurred (if registered). Also, they can claim an immediate write-off against profits of the cost of the equipment as long as the total amount of all qualifying expenditure does not exceed £25,000 per year. Often, an employer can choose to recover the cost of providing the bike directly from employee via a salary sacrifice arrangement. A salary sacrifice happens when an employee gives up the right to receive part of their cash pay due under their contract of employment in return for a non cash benefit. In doing so, an employee saves tax and NIC on that part of the salary forgone and the employer also saves its NIC. A salary sacrifice cannot be used if in doing so the employee's gross pay drops below the

TAX TALK Colin Barratt

National Minimum Wage. If ownership of a cycle is transferred to an employee after a period of use during which the above exemption applied, to avoid a tax charge on the bike’s transfer they would have to pay the employer the market value of the bike at the date of transfer. Difficulties can arise in establishing the second hand value of bikes and in order to ease the administration of valuing cycles sold to employees both parties may choose to use HM Revenue & Customs’ simplified approach to valuing the bike which is found by multiplying a fixed percentage rate against the original price of the bike. Under the simplified approach a bike, for instance, with an original price of £450 transferred to an employee after two years would have a market of £58 (13% of its original price) and after four years its value would be £36 (3% of its original price). The employee would have to pay these amounts to avoid a tax charge on the transfer of the bike. Even if cycling to work does not breed a future Olympic champion, it may still improve the financial and physical well-being of both employers and their staff.

Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth chartered accountants, Huddersfield

Sandringham signed up A NEW financial services company has turned to another Huddersfield-based business to help get its brand across. Sandringham Financial Partners, which will provide financial advice to clients across the UK, has appointed The Sharp Agency after a three-way pitch for brand creation, communications and website development. Sandringham will be launched later this year by managing director Steve Braidford, previously group sales director at SimplyBiz. The new business is backed by SimplyBiz, whose chairman is Ken Davy. Mr Davy said: “Sandringham will be a name that engenders trust amongst the public and we are working hard to create the right kind of brand and material that advisers can use with their clients to demonstrate their capabilities and professional standing.” The Sharp Agency, based at the Media Centre, is a pioneering integrated agency which bases its

■ CREATIVE: Richard Sharp, creative partner and Mandi Taylor, strategic partner at The Sharp Agency ethos on collaborative ways of working. ‘Co-Create by SHARP’ is one of the tools used to develop campaigns working closely with the target audiences. Recent senior appointments to The Sharp Agency include Theresa Baker as senior account director and Jo Richards as senior copywriter. The two-year-old agency has grown to

13 under the leadership of the partners Richard Sharp, Darlene Sharp, Mandi Taylor and Tom Wass. Richard Sharp said: “We are delighted to be appointed by Sandringham. There is a strong feeling that our businesses are similarly aligned in our quests for customer centricity and making things happen.”

KIRKLEES BUSIN Blue, white and Brown

HUDDERSFIELD Town has joined forces with Holmfirth-based design firm Worthington Brown to add a new creative spark to the club in preparation for the Championship season. The full service marketing communications agency, established in Holmfirth in 1990 and led by managing director Neil Worthington, becomes the club’s creative consultant and adviser for the coming season as part of a new commercial partnership between the two organisations. Worthington Brown, which also has an office in China, provides graphics, branding, web design, multimedia and marketing. Clients have included David Brown, Principle Group, Equi-Trek, Wellhouse Leisure, Welcome to Yorkshire and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

Awards focus on technology

TECHNOLOGY companies in Kirklees have been urged to enter a top award. The 2012 Deloitte UK Technolog Fast 50 awards recognise and rank technology companies with an exceptional growth in turnover over the last five years. Rob Seldon (pictured), a partner at Deloitte in Yorkshire, said: “The Technology Fast 50 awards are now in their 15th year and provide an excellent opportunity for businesses to gain recognition for their successes and achievements. “We have seen 700 UK Fast 50 award winners in all areas of technology – from computers to life sciences, digital media to biotech and semiconductors. Previous winners have included some of the most dynamic and iconic UK technology companies, including Booking.com, Lastminute.com and LoveFilm.” Said Mr Seldon: “There is a positive outlook for the UK technology industry and we believe that tremendous growth rates are still possible. “This has been an important year for the UK technology sector with the continued development of technology hubs.” Visit www.fast50.co.uk

NESS NEWS

local

More companies created

. r

Page 5

■ ON COURSE: Direct Golf UK founder and chairman John Andrew (centre) with spectators sporting the company's free caps at the Open Championship, where the company was giving away thousands of caps and £20 gift cards to fans attending the prestigious event at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s

In the swing at the Open A GOLF retailer based in Huddersfield is “recovering” from its biggest-ever Open Championship promotion. Direct Golf UK, which has shops at Leeds Road and the Galpharm Stadium, organised a £2m giveaway at the 141st Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s. During the course of the competition, the team from Direct Golf UK handed out 50,000 Union Jack caps and £20 gift cards to spectators. And at a time when the UK retail economy is suffering – with golf being hit by unprecedented levels of rainfall, which has seen the number of rounds being played drop by over 30% – Direct Golf UK teamed up with Your Golf Travel to provide a boost for the industry at the biggest event on the UK golf calendar. John Andrew, Direct Golf UK founder and chairman, said: “As a proud British company, we see the Open Championship as a wonderful and unique opportunity for the UK golf industry to create a genuine feel-good factor that the game needs – particularly with the horrendous weather these past couple of months. “ O u r p ro m o t i o n wa s ex t re m e ly well-received by both spectators and many within the golf trade.” Direct Golf UK had a team of 40 to hand out the cap and gift cards to many of the 185,000 spectators who attended the competition throughout the week. The gift cards can be spent at any of Direct Golf’s 21 stores nationwide, by mail order or online In total 50,000 caps and 100,000 gift cards were given out amounting to £2m. Said Mr Andrew: “The caps provided welcome relief from both the rain and sun and were not only seen all over the course, but were also picked up by the hundreds of TV cameras from the worldwide media covering the event.” Direct Golf UK also provided a fleet of

double-decker buses to transport thousands of spectators to and from the course – as well as painting the town red, white and blue with lots of branding around Lytham. Said Mr Andrew: “We’ve been extremely active this year at The Open and our efforts have not gone unnoticed by the UK golfing public. “Many children used our caps to get signatures of their favourite players and others have been using the DGUK branded transport to get to and from the golf course. “The Open is the biggest week in the golfing calendar and we want to do our bit to make it the best yet and get people buzzing about the game.” Other activities included Golf on the Beach St Anne’s beach – a project aimed at increasing junior participation in the sport. The event was Inspired by Seve Ballesteros’ 1988 win at Royal Lytham and the way Seve learned to play the game on the beach in his home village of Pedrena in northern Spain. Direct Golf UK and Your Golf Travel partnered with John Letters to promote junior golf – inviting all the local schools and clubs to participate and raise funds for The Seve Ballesteros Fo u n d at i o n a n d Cancer Research UK. Direct Golf UK also offered free coaching on the beach front, the chance to meet celebrity golfer Sophie Horn and take part in a chipping challenge.

HUDDERSFIELD has seen a record number of new companies being set up in June, according to research by company formation experts Duport.co.uk. Some 104 new companies were established in June – the highest figure on record for the town during that month. The latest figure is viewed as an impressive increase on the 89 companies that were set up during the same period in 2011. The survey said Huddersfield was looking to expand its tourist market with events such as the Food and Drink Festival and a Discover Huddersfield campaign designed to celebrate what is unique about the town. Kirklees Council has also organised a networking event next month to help local businesses learn how they can benefit from tourist trade. Officials are also working with neighbouring areas to maximise tourism for the region. David Thornton, head of marketing and

deputy chief executive of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “We are very much looking forward to meeting businesses in Kirklees and sharing knowledge and information about how we could work together in future to maximise the considerable benefits that tourism brings to the area and the local and regional economy. Peter Valaitis, managing director of Duport.co.uk, said: “A record breaking number of new companies in June is fantastic news for Huddersfield and a very encouraging sign for future economic growth. “Tourism is good for bringing wealth to an area and new businesses will benefit from any increase in visitor numbers.” He said: “A growing tourist trade can only serve to strengthen the economy in Huddersfield, which is great news for all the new companies that were set up during June.”

It’s time you got more from your accountant Thinking… outside the books

added value services include… Tailored programme to maximise profitability Tailored tax efficient solutions

Regular updates & support to help your business FREE use of our facilities for your meeting Support all day, every day

Call Freephone: 08000 32 32 03 and quote KBN /1211 to give us the chance to help you achieve your goals, or contact us through our website at:-

www.walker-sutcliffe.co.uk

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS New bakery brings 14 jobs A BAKERY has created 14 jobs by opening an outlet in Huddersfield town centre. Poundbakery, part of the Sayers Group, has set up shop at New Street to offer a range of bakery products for just £1. The company, which already has stores in locations across the North West and in Halifax, is making a bid to rival Greggs

as a value bakery on the high street with products including bacon rolls, sandwiches, pasties, loaves and cream cakes. Cheryl Simpson, area manager, said: “Poundbakery’s success lies in its simplicity as our customers just get it – everything they buy costs a £1.”

Property auction nets £4m A RESIDENTIAL development site in Birstall has been sold at a property auction. The site on Raikes Lane, close to Birstall town centre has planning consent in place for nine two-bedroom apartments. It sold for £60,000 at the Eddisons sale in Leeds. Elsewhere, a redevelopment opportunity in Halifax sold for £80,000. The property on Cross Hills incorporates three

former retail units with ancillary upper floor accommodation. The property is in need of renovation and would suit a variety of uses subject to the usual consents. Eddisons, which has offices in Huddersfield, reported that proceeds from its latest two-day sale in Leeds and Manchester were in excess of £4m.

Number of stores declines A RETAIL industry survey has revealed a decline in the number of stores. Figures from the British Retail Consortium showed a 0.5% fall during the second quarter of 2012 compared to the previous three months. At the same time, retail employment for the second quarter rose by 1.8% – driven

entirely by food retailers. The fastest growth was in part-time employment. Retail employment in the non-food sector fell. But the proportion of retailers suggesting that they will cut staffing levels over the next quarter has fallen to just 4% compared with 25% for the same period last year.

property

Page 6

Stimulus needed for building sector WEAK demand in the construction industry is holding back the economic recovery, a building sector body has warned. The Federation of Master Builders was commenting on the latest official figures showing that the UK economy shrank again in the second quarter of 2012. FMB chief executive Brian Berry said: “The GDP figures are not a surprise to small and medium sized businesses in the construction industry and the remainder of this year is, without doubt, looking gloomy. “The latest industry forecasts predict construction output to fall by

nearly 6% before 2014. Among our own members, 47% reported a fall in enquiries in the three months to June.” He said: “On the one hand, we know the Government recognises the importance of construction to the economy. Officials know that every £1 invested in construction generates £2.84 in total economic activity. But on the other hand, the initiatives coming through from government are not enough to offset the deep cuts in public spending.” Mr Berry said: “The private sector is not leading the economic recovery in the way the Government hoped. Therefore, we think it is now time for

the Government to think more openly about stimulating private sector d e m a n d , p a r t i c u l a r ly fo r t h e industry's hundreds of thousands of small businesses. “The Chancellor should cut VAT on all housing repair, maintenance and improvement work to 5%, which would provide a big stimulus to the UK economy and create over 100,000 new jobs by 2020. “It would provide immediate help to private landlords or local authorities to bring more existing properties back into use and provide a bit more certainty about demand for the Government’s flagship energy efficiency scheme the Green Deal.”

Security firm’s royal day A SECURITY company based in Huddersfield was commended for its professionalism during a royal visit to West Yorkshire. Edgerton-based Jayfort Security Services Ltd was praised by royal protection officers from Special Branch for its contribution to ensuring the safety of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh during a visit to Salt Mill at Bradford. The royal visitors attended a lunch for Yorkshire business leaders at the staff restaurant of set-top box maker Pace PLC. The visit was part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee tour of the UK. Those attending included the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Salts Mill chairman Maggie Silver, the Lord Mayor of Bradford and Pace PLC non-executive chairman Allan Leighton. Graham Barker, group facilities manager of Pace PLC, said: “The overall day went very smoothly and the seven people from Jayfort played a big part in that. He said Jayfort

■ WELL DONE: Steve Morris (right), of Jayfort Security Services Ltd, with the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Clr Dale Smith, during the royal visit received “positive comments from the police staff that follow the Queen around and that was well-deserved.”

Jayfort has held responsibility for security at Salt Mill since Mrs Silver’s husband Jonathan bought it in 1987.

Firm breaks with tradition A PLANT hire company has broken with a 30-year tradition. Cath Hirst has been appointed plant manager at Huddersfield-based Radcliffe Plant Hire. The company, based at Queens Square, Leeds Road, has been in business in the town for 30 years and has never had a woman at the helm – until now. Cath, who joined the firm in August last year, said: “ “It was quite a challenging prospect taking over the role of plant manager as it has always been under a male wing! “But after being in the position for a few weeks its not as scary as I thought it would be.” Said Cath: “I think its an advantage being female actually

as you can have a bit of banter with the customers. The men don’t seem as harsh with a woman and you can always play the female card and then they do try and help you out!“ John Radcliffe, chairman of Radcliffe Plant Hire said: “We are delighted to appoint Cath to the position of plant manager. “She was the outstanding candidate and we have every confidence that she will do an excellent job in serving both our regular customers and also bringing in new customers. “Her charm and friendly nature put all visitors at ease, and her professionalism makes sure that she solves their problems, and provides the equipment they need”.

■ PLANT MANAGER: Cath Hirst, has made history at Radcliffe Plant Hire

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS To Let/May Sell Modern Industrial Unit

Unit 3 Mead Street, Huddersﬁeld HD1 6HE

1 Secure yard/parking 1 Convenient for town centre Rental £13,950pa exclusive

To Let Modern Industrial Unit

Fieldhouse Business Park, Old Fieldhouse Lane, Leeds Road, Huddersﬁeld HD2 1FA 1 Modern secure unit 1 Immediately available 1 Leeds Road corridor

Unit 3 – 4,227sqft, Unit 6 – 10,362sqft, Unit 10 – 13,706sqft

Rents from £4.50psf exclusive

For Sale/To Let Detached Ofﬁce Building & Small Workshop,

Concept House, Hazel Grove, Linthwaite, HD7 5TQ ■ MORE IN STORE: Meadowhall commanded higher than average rents, but many town and city centres have seen retail rents fall

Shops rent figures fall RETAIL property rents have fallen in Huddersfield, latest figures reveal. But the town fared less badly that some of its near-neighbours in the survey conducted by property advisers Colliers International – while Dewsbury held steady. Colliers’ Midsummer Retail Report showed that average retail rents in Yorkshire fell by 1.8% in the year to June, 2012. The decline was only slightly steeper than the UK average of 1.2%. The drop in high street and shopping centre rents comes as retailers continue to feel pressure from the squeeze in consumer spending. Huddersfield saw a 5.6% fall in rents from £90 per sq ft to £85 per sq ft. In contrast, Hull reported a 13% decline from £115 to £100 per sq ft while Sheffield was down by 10% from £200 to £180 per sq ft and York was down by 5.3% from £185 to £175 per sq ft. Dewsbury remained unchanged at £40 per sq ft. The report showed no rise in rents across Yorkshire – 17 of the 21 locations assessed were stable, maintaining the same rents as in 2011. Key regional cities and malls still com-

manded higher than average rents – such as Leeds at £270 per sq ft and Meadowhall at £400 per sq ft. Comparably, Manchester maintained rents at £250 per sq ft, Liverpool at £265 and Birmingham at £275. Greg Styles, head of retail development at Colliers International, said: “Retail rents in Yorkshire and the Humber have shown reasonable stability when compared to other regions across Great Britain. “As the new Trinity shopping centre opens in Leeds next spring it will be interesting to gauge the impact on rents, but the city needs the scheme to keep pace with other major regional centres and we are predicting that rents here will remain strong.” Towns that had previously experienced a rapid decline have now achieved encouraging stability. Barnsley maintained rents at £100 per sq ft and Grimsby even higher at £120 per sq ft. Mr Styles said: “We believe that rental adjustments have now taken place in many sub-regional centres and rents in those towns should now remain more stable provided economic conditions do not deteriorate further.”

Site manager lands award A SITE manager in Holmfirth has won an award for building exceptional homes. Adrian Burridge, of Burridge Homes Ltd, is among the winners in first round of judging for the annual National House-Building Council Pride in the Job Awards. He is now shortlisted for a regional title for his Marsh Road development in Holmfirth. Pride in the Job recognises outstanding quality in house-building throughout the UK, rewarding the best site managers, who are responsible for managing the construction of new homes from start to finish and have a unique influence on the overall quality of the finished product. Mr Burridge was shortlisted for a first-round Single Plot Commendation

across the UK. He joins a select group just under 450 who have excelled in 12 months of rigorous judging. All aspects of the homes they built are assessed against stringent criteria defined by NHBC. Isabel Hudson, executive chairman of NHBC, said: “For over 30 years, Pride in the Job has been one of the cornerstones of NHBC’s work to improve housing standards for the benefit of home-owners. It has been extremely successful over the years in promoting and encouraging best practice on site. Regional Winners will be announced in the autumn, with successful individuals then progressing to the final in London nest January in London.

1 Superb designer ofﬁces – 1460sqft 1 Small workshop – 1004sqft 1 Ample parking 1 Semi rural location 1 Land for expansion 1 Suitable for owner occupation or investment

Rental £22,500 per annum exclusive, Freehold offers around £325,000

To Let Ofﬁces & Studios, Huddersﬁeld RUFC Sports Club

Lockwood Park, Huddersﬁeld HD4 6EN

1 Various sized suites 1 Superb parkland setting 1 Ample parking 1 Flexible terms

Rents from £5psf exclusive.

AUCTION RESULTS JANUARY AUCTION – 80% OF LOTS SOLD

JULY AUCTION: LOT 1 76 Ashbrow Road, Sheepridge LOT 2 58 Market Street, Milnsbridge LOT 3 42 Manchester Road, Slaithwaite LOT 4 25-29 Market Street, Huddersﬁeld LOT 5 Former Honley Council Offices LOT 6 Moorlands, Huddersﬁeld LOT 7 31 Market Street, Heckmondwike LOT 8 Dean Bottom Works LOT 9 28 Waterhouse Street LOT 10 11a The Hough LOT 11 Town Hall Hotel LOT 12 Clough Ing Barn

SOLD £40,000 SOLD £57,000 SOLD £90,000 SOLD £245,000 Withdrawn SOLD £90,000 SOLD £82,000 Available at o/a £200,000 Available at o/a £39,000 Withdrawn Available at o/a £110,000 SOLD £266,000

LOTS NOW INVITED FOR OCTOBER AUCTION COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL AND LAND REQUIRED

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Alison Gladwyn & Tanya Lowe

Orchard Energy ENERGY management consultancy Orchard Energy has made two new head office appointments as it prepares to expand it range of business services. Alison Gladwyn (above left) joins the Elland-based firm’s account management team and Tanya Lowe (right) is the latest addition to the energy pricing department. Managing director Gareth Henderson said the appointments were in response to increased demand for the firm’s energy solutions services – which promote efficiency within business – and expansion of its European purchasing division. “Cutting costs through improved efficiency is a priority for most businesses and we are increasingly being asked by existing clients to advise them on carbon reduction, consumption and demand reporting, renewable energy options and metering,” said Mr Henderson. “In addition we are now acting for a number of UK businesses with sites in Europe and we have a dedicated European purchasing team in place to handle these accounts. “Alison and Tanya will join our busy accounts management and pricing departments to provide additional support to our energy consultants as they respond to enquiries from new and existing clients throughout the UK.”

Movers and shakers

Helena makes an impression

A STUDENT from Shelley College has ben offered a one-month work placement with a Huddersfield firm after impressing bosses with her entrepreneurial flair. Helena Taylor, 17, who is taking A-level business studies, was chosen by Paxman Coolers, of Fenay Bridge, for the placement after being named most entrepreneurial person at Grant Thornton’s Umph! student business competition earlier this month. The Umph! event at the Galpharm Stadium attracted more than 100 students aged 16 to 19 from across Yorkshire to pit their wits at running a virtual business. Helena was selected for the placement on the strength of her business instincts and positive attitude. Paxman Coolers produces scalp cooling caps that help prevent hair loss, a distressing side effect of chemotherapy. Helena will work alongside operations director Richard Paxman this summer on a project to develop a business plan for a new product range to complement the company’s existing hair loss prevention system. Mr Paxman said: “We chose Helena for

■ SKILL SET: Helena Taylor, has been selected by Paxman Coolers to carry out a one-month paid work placement

this role because of her excellent attitude at the Umph! event. She was confident and inquisitive and asked lots of insightful questions.” He said: “It is great to be able to give a young person an opportunity to gain some valuable experience. I strongly believe that

The fruits of victory

Mark Wiliams, Lee Searle & David Spence

Ferno UK A COMPANY manufacturing and supplying medical equipment to the emergency services and funeral sector has strengthened its team with a trio of appointments. Mark Williams has joined Ferno UK at its headquarters in Cleckheaton as a telesales executive while Lee Searle and David Spence have been appointed business development managers for the South of England and Scotland and North East respectively. Ferno is a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of emergency patient-handling equipment and mortuary products, exporting to more than 75 countries worldwide. It is also looking to introduce its products to the military sector, workplaces, visitor attractions, schools and universities.

Socially acceptable A LAW firm based in Huddersfield has been shortlisted in the category for best use of social media in the LFS Conveyancing Awards. The award category demands that a business uses blogs, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as integral parts of its marketing strategy. The awards ceremony will take place on September 20 at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. Sinead Sopala, marketing manager at Edgerton-based Ramsdens, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted for this award and it really highlights the impact social media is having on the property industry today.”

Page 8

■ POT LUCK: Fantastic Media's Fruitypot account team (from left) Hannah Phelps, Donna Gardner and Emily Smith THEY’RE getting fruity at Fantastic Media. Fruitypot, the Huddersfield-based healthy snack company, has enlisted the Birstall-based marketing agency to devise a strategic marketing plan to help the brand’s expansion into the wider retail market. Fruitypot, which has its offices at Bradley, has developed a tasty and healthy alternative to sweets, chocolate and crisps – providing consumers with fast fruit on the go ideal for lunchboxes, car journeys or trips to the gym with a handy spoon attached. Fantastic has created a marketing strategy to raise brand awareness and sales – which will focus on social media campaigns, PR, blog and web updates and email marketing.

The agency’s new mobile department is also developing an app for iPhone and Android which will take the format of a game. The app will encourage interaction with the brand and reward gamers with prizes. Client services director Donna Gardner said: “We’re delighted to have won this contract and the team is looking forward to working on the project. The strategy encompasses a good mix of different disciplines and should provide a great all round result.” Sarah Booth, managing director of Fruitypot, said: “We contacted Fantastic Media due to the company’s growing reputation in the region. We believed they were the perfect company to take our business forward.”

education gives you a great basis for starting your career, however you really only learn about work when you start!” Said Helena: “Taking part in Umph! has opened many doors for me and I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to work at an established and successful business. “I hope to work closely with Richard to learn more about the marketing and product development as it will give me an insight into a career that I would like to pursue in the future.” She said: “I think more companies should offer a similar scheme for younger people to experience the working environment.” Sandra O’Neill, head of business development at business adviser Grant Thornton, which organised the Umph! business and enterprise contest, said: “It is marvellous news that Helena has been given this opportunity. “Umph! is all about equipping young people with the skills that they will need to be the business leaders of tomorrow, as well as helping them to maximise the chances that they are given in life.”

Caroline Pullich

Barclays BARCLAYS has appointed Caroline Pullich as the new head of relationship banking for Yorkshire and the North East with responsibility for the SME sector and Premier Banking. Ms Pullich (pictured), who lives at Oakworth, joins Barclays from National Westminster and has a wealth of experience in retail and SME markets across Yorkshire. Her previous roles include responsibility for more than 700 staff as regional director in the South West region, working at head office level developing strategy and shaping the future of retail banking, and as head of customer experience including overall responsibility across National Westminster and RBS for complaints and treating customers fairly.

Call for co-operation CO-OPERATIVES in Kirklees are being urged to enter a national award. The Co-operative Awards 2012 recognise excellence, innovation and ethics of businesses and individuals across the diverse co-operative movement. The competition is open to all members of Co-operatives UK. Award winners will be announced on October 31 in Manchester as part of Co-operatives United – a major event to mark the culmination of the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives. The deadline for nominations is September 10. Go to www.uk.coop/form/co-operative-awards-2012