HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014
BEHROOZ SAEED
AMANDA VIGAR
Think of a number!
Taxing our patience
Interview - Page 3
Column - Page 4
1
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
A COMPANY supplying specialist oils to the motor sport industry has made a six-figure investment in new trucks. Brighouse-based Millers Oils has taken delivery of some of the UK’s first Euro 6 trucks. The company has invested more than £200,000 in two vehicles to stay ahead of forthcoming changes to regulations governing vehicle emissions. The Renault D18s not only meet Euro 6 standards but also feature full height cabs, air conditioning, microwaves and fridges for driver comfort. “The introduction of some of the UK’s first Euro 6 trucks to our fleet is a great testament to the company’s success over the last year,” said joint managing director Nevil Hall. “We’re committed to providing innovative oil technologies to our customers and believe in implementing efficient technologies across all aspects of our business.” From January 1, 2014, all new trucks and buses registered in Europe
By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
must be equipped with a Euro 6 certified engine. The new regulations require significant reductions in tail-pipe emissions along with other operational changes, including a 75% reduction of NOx emissions and 66% cut in particulate matter compared to Euro 5. The introduction of Euro 6 vehicles to the Millers Oils fleet enables the company to continue delivering products to its customers in low emission zones. The targets set by Euro 6 have required vehicle manufacturers to develop more efficient engines for their vehicles. Millers Oils is working with manufacturers to develop products that reduce emissions and improve efficiency, durability and fuel economy. The company treats the fuel used in its fleet vehicles with Millers Oils’
additives to ensure that vehicles run at optimum efficiency. “Regulations such as Euro 6 push not only vehicle manufacturers but also suppliers like ourselves to research new and exciting technologies,” said Mr Hall. “We help manufacturers reach the targets set by their specific industries and as a result consumers get all the benefits of decreased fuel consumption and reduced component wear.” Millers Oils, founded in 1887, was the first to offer diesel specific engine oil for cars. Now it is a world leader in the technology of low friction. In 2012, Millers Oils launched nanotechnology engine oils. Tested against a competitor’s oil of the same viscosity, Nanodrive recorded 33% lower friction at operating temperatures of 110°C. Millers Oils has used the expertise gained in developing motorsport and performance car oils to become a leader in oils for commercial vehicles, classic vehicles and industrial lubricants.
■■ Millers Oils is helping manufacturers reach their targets for reducing fuel consumption
Shining example A RETAILER of jewellery and arts and crafts put in a sparkling performance to win a monthly business award. Crafty Praxis, based in Byram Arcade, is run by Elisa Etemad, a jeweller and graduate from Huddersfield University. After graduating, she had the drive and ambition to become selfemployed and began by selling her own designs and a range of arts and crafts from other designers.
examiner.co.uk
Green machines put oil supplier in pole position
INSIDE
The most trusted news brand in the business
Firms trading in cash warned to get VAT affairs in order
Home victory
Small firms and sole traders who trade in cash face an increased risk of being investigated by HM Revenue & Customs – after figures suggested that the amount of unpaid VAT the organisation is missing out on has risen by 25% in the last 12 months. Cleckheaton-based chartered accountancy firm Clough & Company warned that taxpayers operating in cash-reliant sectors are
Budding entrepreneurs celebrated after completing beauty therapy courses organised by the Kirklees-based PERS Home Working Service. The courses, designed to help participants into self-employment, were organised by PERS and Salma’s Beauty Academy in Dewsbury.
now much more likely to face scrutiny as HMRC increases its tax investigations in 2014. Partner Nigel Westman said: “It’s more important than ever that businesses that trade heavily in cash, such as retailers and tradesmen, have their VAT affairs in order. “HMRC estimates that the gap in unpaid VAT increased by £1.5bn in just 12 months, which is
why it has said that it wants to find the minority who aren’t paying what is due and to protect the vast majority of honest businesses and individuals from being cheated by these unscrupulous operators. “Even if there has been no deliberate avoidance of VAT, businesses that regularly receive cash payments could still find themselves subject to in-depth compliance checks through HMRC’s
For an annual fixed fee, we provide businesses with an unlimited HR, Employment Law and Health & Safety support service.
Call us today on 01274 864999 or visit www.howarths-uk.com to see how we can help you.
intervention process as they increase their level of VAT-related investigation activity.” The checks can involve a detailed inspection of the taxpayer’s records, review of relevant documentation by multi-disciplinary teams, meetings with taxpayers to consider the adequacy of their records and enquiries in respect to any discrepancies that ■■ Nigel Westman are uncovered.
2
TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Investment plan to put Network Rail on track Network Rail has launched a fiveyear, £38bn investment plan which includes meeting a tough punctuality target after it failed to reach the target set for 2009 to 2014. NR was expected to run 92.5% of trains on time in the five years to the end of March, 2014 – but the company only reached a figure of about 90%. This means it could face a fine of up to £70m from the Office of Rail Regulation, although the five-year period has included heavy snow, severe storms and floods. NR’s punctuality target for 2014 to 2019 is also 92.5%. An NR spokeswoman said: “Missing our regulatory targets for punctuality is disappointing and our focus for the coming five-year period is to restore record levels of performance and spend and invest some £38bn in our railways targeting the busiest parts of our network to relieve congestion and provide more trains, more seats and quicker, greener journeys.” Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “A key part of this
■■ Network Rail will get record amounts of Government funding
Government’s long-term economic plan is investing in world-class infrastructure. That is why we are putting record amounts of Government funding into our railways over the next five years.
“That investment will generate growth, create jobs and boost business while delivering faster journeys, greater comfort and better punctuality for passengers across the UK.” Meanwhile, NR’s new chief execu-
Airline lands airport deal Low-cost airline easyJet has secured a new 10-year deal with Luton Airport which could see it double in size at the site from 4m to 9m passengers a year. It said the expansion would also see 2,500 jobs created at the airport and in the surrounding region. But chief executive Carolyn McCall said the pace of the growth was dependent on improvements to the site being approved, adding that Luton could make a “real and immediate” contribution to the need for more airport capacity. Easyjet has 15 aircraft based at the site – its second-largest base in the London area – and employs 1,600 staff locally. It says it plans to increase capacity by 20% over the next year. The airline says it will do this by adding new business and leisure routes and increasing frequencies from some of its existing 39 routes. Ms McCall said: “This is a substantial, long-term deal with London Luton Airport - our first base and the airline’s home - which will enable us to double our size at London Luton in the next decade and add an even greater range of business and leisure destinations. “The speed of easyJet’s expansion at London Luton is in part reliant on the airport’s plans for much-needed improvements being approved. “Those improvements will unlock
tive, Mark Carne, hinted that pay for senior staff would be reined in following an outcry over bonuses at the company. Mr Carne said he would take executive pay proposals to NR’s annual meeting in July, adding “We need to ensure that we hire good people who are well paid, not overpaid.” NR also announced that the stormwrecked railway line at Dawlish in Devon will reopen as planned at the end of this week. The coast-hugging stretch of line was first severely damaged in the savage winter storms and then damaged again in another violent storm on February 14. With the line shut and round-theclock work going on to bring it back into service, a massive landslip, involving the collapse of 20,000 tonnes of cliff-face near Teignmouth on March 4, had threatened the planned reopening. But NR said that the reopening - on Friday - was going ahead. Mr Carne said: “Dawlish has shown us at our best when we work in a
Profits race ahead for insurer LV= Clear success for Safestyle UK Insurance group LV= overcome a “challenging” market to post higher profits. The group, which has call centre operations at Folly Hall Mills at Huddersfield, lifted group operating profits by 19% to £105m last year while pre-tax profits were 51% ahead at £156m. Net earned premiums were down by 4% to £2.2bn while customer numbers rose
to 5.5m – mainly driven by growth in the general insurance customer base of 273,000. LV= said the £53m improvement in profit before tax reflected increased operating profit and positive short-term investment fluctuations in its life and heritage businesses. Strong operating cash inflow of £190m during 2013 reflected cash generation in both the life and gen-
Windows and doors company Safestyle UK plc posted increased profits and revenue in its first full-year results since listing on the Alternative Investment Market last December. The company, billed as the UK’s largest retailer and manufacturer of PVCu windows and doors for the homeowner replacement market, lifted revenue by 13% to £124.8m
eral insurance businesses. The group also raised £350m in a highly successful capital raise in May which was five times oversubscribed. Mike Rogers, group chief executive, said: “As a mutual, our efforts are focused on providing an excellent service to our customers and driving increased member value. As such I am delighted to confirm
with gross profit 18% higher at £45.2m. It said leads generated by marketing in the media and online grew by 17% to 47,660 last year against 40,858. Safestyle, which is proposing a dividend of 5.5p per share, increased market share to 7.85% from 7.49% at a year earlier – the ninth consecutive year of market share growth.
Chief executive officer Steve Birmingham said: “Safestyle UK has continued its impressive run of turnover growth, market share gain and margin enhancement, all feeding through to a record level of profits. “We believe that we are the leading player in a highly fragmented yet competitive market and that our focus and dedication to quality and
SHARE PRICES AEROSPACE & DEFENCE
Avon Rbbr BAE Systems Chemring Cobham Meggitt Rolls-Royce Senior
6161/2 4073/8 2561/2 3013/8 4775/8 1077 3013/4
600 Group API Grp Brady Plc Highland Gold Mining Johnson Service Grp London Security M”S Intl Nichols Redhall Group Scapa Grp Youngs GKN
AIM
16 741/2 831/2 701/2 571/2 2000 201 1000 391/2 1143/4 915
AUTOMOBILES & PARTS
Barclays Bk Ireland HSBC Lloyds Banking Gp Ryl Scotland Stan Chart Barr (AG) Diageo SABMiller Croda Elementis 98
394 /4 1
BANKS
+61/2 -31/8 +31/2 -1/8 -17/8 -1 -21/8 - /2 +1/4 +3/4 +11/4 1
-11/4 -1/4 -21/2 +5 /2 1
2311/8 +1/8 241/2 +7/8 611 +23/4 743/8 -1 +51/4 3071/4 1 1259 /2 +271/2
BEVERAGES
6101/2 18681/2 £301/4
+9 +41/2 +3/8
£253/8 2823/4
+1/8 -1/8
CHEMICALS
Johnsn Mat
£321/2
+3/8
2987/8 1673 2831/2 873/4 1791/2
+123/4 +2 +31/4 +13/4 -41/4
765 1511
+131/2 +24
CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
Balfour Beatty C”R”H Costain Low Bonar Marshalls Drax Gp SSE
ELECTRICITY
ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Domino Ptg Laird Morgan Advanced Ox Instmts Volex
777 299 3513/8 1257 1053/4
-10 -53/4 +11/4 -30 -11/2
4541/8 1353/4 5241/2 2681/2 2213/4 597 £26 3713/8 580 7971/4 2391/2 1026 6801/2
+1/4 -1/8 +1/2 -1 -11/4 +11/2 -1/8 +3/4 -1 +33/4 +1 +3 +4
3741/8 527/8 1451/4 981/8 3225/8
-53/4 +1/2 -1/8
EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS
Alliance Trust Br Assets Candover Inv Dunedin Inv Dunedin Sml Edin Invst Electra Private Equity Forgn & C Henderson Smllr Cos North American Inc Scot Am Scottish Mortgage Witan
FIXED LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
BT Grp Cable & Wireless Comm Colt Group KCOM Talktalk Telecom
+1/8
FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS
Morrison W Sainsbury Tesco Thorntons
2147/8 3171/8 2973/4 1523/4
FOOD PRODUCERS
AB Food Carrs Millg REA Hldgs Tate Lyle Unilever
+25/8 +35/8 +41/2 -41/4
£281/4 1536 4571/2 6671/2 £255/8
-1/4 -761/2
328 /8 830 748 1829 7961/2
+3 /8 +11 +51/2 +6 +41/2
394 /4 1393 377 1979 99 1967 £253/4 £20
-1 /4 -14 -113/4 -22 -3 +2 +1/8 +1/8
+2 +1/2
GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES
Centrica National Grid Pennon Grp Severn United Utils
5
GENERAL FINANCIAL
3i Group Close Bros ICAP London StockExch Man Group Provident Financial Schroders Schroders NV REXAM Smith DS Smiths Grp
1
GENERAL INDUSTRIALS 4901/8 3201/2 1271
GENERAL RETAILERS
Ashley L Carphone Whse Dixons Retail Home Retail HR Owen
243/4 331 481/2 2161/2 166
3
3
+97/8 -17/8 +4 -1/4 -1/4 -1/2 -1/2
6431/2 4181/8 4533/4 189 £67 £635/8 1205
Inchcape Kingfisher M & S Mothercare Next Signet Jewelers WH Smith
+1/2 -51/2 -13/8 -31/4 -1/2 +11/8 -11
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
Smith Nph
9211/2
+211/2
169 /4 4091/8 1676 1364 £491/4 1163/4
-1 /4 +51/2 +45 +24 +3/4 +13/8
394 1453 1801/2 581/4 £281/2 £251/2
+7 +3
-3 /4 -1/8 +1/4
152 /4
+2 /8
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
Aga Rangemaster Barrat Dev Bellway Persimmon Reckitt Benckiser Taylor Wimpey
1
Ferrexpo
INDUSTRIAL METALS 3
1
7
INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
BBA Aviation
Aviva Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life BSkyB
328
LIFE INSURANCE
-6
4701/4 205 2001/2 12801/2 2961/4 3801/4
-131/4 -73/8 -3/4 -341/2 -223/4 -6
9171/2
-121/2
MEDIA
867 1893/8 221/2 1039 914 366 1973/4 6721/2 2351/4 1215
MINING
1
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Fenner I”M”I Molins Renold Spirax-Sarco Weir Grp
D Mail Tst ITV Johnston Press Pearson Reed Elsevier STV Group Trinity Mirror Utd Business UTV WPP Anglo American Antofagasta BHP Billiton Fresnillo Kazakhmys Lonmin Rio Tinto VEDANTA RESOURCES
1509 8411/2 1852 850 2563/8 278 £323/4 890
-261/2 -31/8 -11/2 +13 -41/2 -2 /4 -71/2 -53/4 +5 1
+22 +14 +191/2 +121/2 +51/8 -53/8 +7
MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Inmarsat Vodafone Group
729 2191/8
+1/2 +11/8
1434 1046 £293/8 891/2
-21 +1/8 +7/8
11111/2 4841/8 1693/4 2923/8 £217/8 £233/8 £395/8 760
+1/2 +73/4 -31/2 -41/4 +1/8 +1/4 +1/8 +1
NONLIFE INSURANCE
Admiral Grp Jardine LloydThomson Marsh McL RSA Insurance Gp
OIL & GAS PRODUCERS
BG BP Cairn Energy Premier Oil Royal Dutch Shell A Royal Dutch Shell B Total Tullow Oil
OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
AMEC Petrofac Wood Gp(J)
1106 1416 7671/2
+6 -16 -1
1409 3461/4
+4 +57/8
£393/8 1618 £301/4
+1/4 +4 -1/8
659 6351/2 5561/2 3111/8 1034 3307/8
+3 /2 +3 +21/2 +23/4 +8 +27/8
420
+13/4
PERSONAL GOODS
Burberry Gp PZ Cussons
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY
Astrazeneca GlaxoSmithKline Shire Brit Land Gt Portland Hamrsn Intu Properties Land Secs SEGRO
REAL ESTATE
1
SOFTWARE & COMPUTER SERVICES
Sage Group
Berendsen Bunzl Capita De La Rue Elctro Com Electrocomp Experian G4S Hays Homeserve Interserve Menzies J Northgate Prem Farnell Rentokil
SUPPORT SERVICES 1098 1600 1102 7991/2 276 276 1093 2377/8 143 3143/4 7081/2 655 5211/2 228 1233/8
+4 +2 +4 +1/2 +1/2 +16 +51/8 -3/8 +1/4 +3 -21/2 -131/2 -23/4 -11/4
Smiths News Travis & P Wolseley
153 1876 £341/2
+4 -7 +1/8
TOBACCO Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
£333/8 £243/8
+1/2
TRAVEL & LEISURE Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airl Ladbrokes Marston’s Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Punch Taverns Rank Org Restaurant Grp Ryanair Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread William Hill
127 £227/8 9201/2 1711 1453/4 1423/8 1866 8911/2 1932 4173/4 134 1431/4 4483/4 2801/4 123/8 154 699 6201/4 3893/4 437 £421/4 3423/4
+1/2 -21/2 +21/4 +3/4 -2 -2 -4 +43/4 +1/8 -3/8 -61/4 -51/4 -3/8 -13/4 -5 -7 +1 -5 -1/4 -4
INDEX FTSE 100 FTSE 250
6615.58 16181.71
+27.26 -20.46
3
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
On track at the Media Centre Self-confessed motor sports fan Behrooz Saeed is driving ahead in the world of marketing. The Huddersfield-born businessman, who lists watching F1 and MotoGP among his interests, has taken his company to pole position since launching it 10 years ago. The firm, called simply 79 – because Behrooz was born in 1979 – lists national names among its clients. Based at Huddersfield’s Media Centre and in London, it has provided integrated marketing services for clients including Puma, Bathstore, property agent Knight Frank, Yorkshire Tea and Manchdester’s Trafford Centre to name just a few. Born in Huddersfield, Behrooz spent his first few months in the town, but at three months old was taken by his grandparents to live in Iran, “The first five years of my life, I lived in Iran,” he says. “But during that time, the Iran-Iraq War was raging and I came back here to live with my father. “I went to Berry Brow Infant School unable to speak a word of English, but I picked up the language relatively quickly and I never looked back.” Behrooz attended Newsome High School and later switched to Honley High School before completing his A-levels at Huddersfield Technical College. He studied software engineering at Hertfordshire University for two years before completing his degree at Huddersfield University. Almost immediately, he was headhunted by a company in Macclesfield. “They invited me to join them before I’d completed my degree,” he says. “They were looking to start expanding into e-commerce and I went there as a consultant. “This was back in the ‘early days’ when people were only just starting to think about selling things online. It was an interesting challenge for me, putting plans together on how to sell online to their clients and building a dummy website.” A few years later, Behrooz moved to a company in Barnsley
as a senior programmer and worked his way up to head of the digital department managing a team of designers and programmers. In 2004, be decided to start working for himself and set up a business called Number 79, which has since evolved to its present name – 79. It has offices at the Media Centre’s striking glass building at Southgate, where Behrooz is based along with one colleague, and a two-strong team at Farrringdon in north London. The firm also draws on a team of seven freelancers. Behrooz has no illusions about the challenges presented by the sector in which he works. “There are a lot of people doing this,” he says. “But I think we have been successful because we have worked on building relationships with quite senior people in big companies. “It all starts from creating an integrated marketing strategy. We will go into a business which has a project they want to launch – perhaps marketing a retail park – and we will look at creating brand ID, a website, e-mail promotions and so on to create a marketing strategy which will run perhaps over 12 or 24 months.” The company wins a lot of its business through referrals and recommendations – but Behrooz acknowledges that 79 is not par-
Behrooz Saeed
ticularly well-recognised in its hometown. “We have never really pushed ourselves in the Yorkshire area,” he says. “We have worked with companies in Scotland, Austria, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Zagreb. “If more companies in the Yorkshire area knew about us and the skills set we have, we would be doing more business in the local area!” Behrooz stresses: “Since the recession started in 2008, it has not been easy, but the recession has separated the men from the boys in this industry. “Weaker businesses have gone by the wayside and that has left the people who are better at what they do and have a more solid relationship with businesses. It has left the industry in a better position.” He adds: “Marketing isn’t about creating superb or crazy designs. Now it is about demonstrating to a potential client that such and such a strategy will bring a return on their investment. “We never do anything on a whim. We don’t make assumptions and everything is done for a reason. “We do the research and we speak to our clients’s customers and ask them lots of questions. When we present our plans to the client and he says, for example ‘I don’t like purple’ we can say,
■■ Behrooz Saeed’s lucky number is definitely 79
‘Maybe not, but your customers do!’” Behrooz moved 79 to Huddersfield only in February, but is already benefiting from the decision. “I live in New Mill and I was commuting to Barnsley,” he says. “I was also in partnership with the business and we had decided to go our separate ways. “The Media Centre allows for collaboration with other businesses based here. “Clients come to the media centre, see the list of company names on the board and assume we are all in competition – but we are not all competing for the same type of client. The advantage is that we can call on people with other skill sets to help. “The Media Centre is also a landmark building. Everyone knows where it is and there is room for meetings and to give presentations. Clients want faceto-face meetings and the Media Centre has the facilities.” Behrooz aims to take advantage of the resources Huddersfield has to offer, including the town’s university. “We are going to start looking to take placement students from the university.” he says. “They have fantastic skills and the quality of the people who come out of the university is great.” Away from work, Behrooz says: “I love anything powered by petrol! I have a big passion for cars and always have had since I was a kid. I love motor sport and go to see F1 and MotoGP. “I’ve been to venues like Silverstone and Snetterton. I sponsored a team in the British GT a few years ago. We had created a website and done some marketing work for them. They drive Aston Martins and I was given the VIP treatment.” More sedately, Behrooz is a playing member at Meltham Golf Club, saying: “I am a keen golfer, but not very good – although I came second in one recent competition. That’s how handicapping helps!” There may be fewer weekends on the golf course this summer, however, as Behrooz and his wife Alex are expecting their first child in July.
Role: Managing director Age: 34 Family: Married to Alex Holidays: Portugal, Barbados Cars: Mercedes ML and a BMW M3 First job: Pizza delivery boy at Pizza Hut in Hatfield, Herts, when I was at university Best thing about the job? Meeting new people. I love that aspect of the work more than anything else Worst thing about the job? Not so much about the job, but I am trying to be more healthy by drinking less and eating better. I have lost nearly a stone, but it’s a real grind! Business tip: Old ways won’t open new doors. There are so many businesses out there just doing the things they were doing in the 1990s and they are not embracing technology
79 Work: Integrated marketing services Site: Media Centre, Northumberland Street, Huddersfield Phone: 01484 487951 Email: enquiries@weare79.co Web: www. weare79.co
Who will be the next Business of the Month? If you are proud of what your business has achieved; why not tell us about your success story and you could be a winner of our prestigious award. For further details please contact: Ian Greenwood, Eaton Smith Solicitors, 14 High Street, Huddersfield HD1 2HA T: 01484 821389 E: iangreenwood@eatonsmith.co.uk
Business Of The Month Awards - Rewarding Success Since 1995
4
TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
local Out of Africa to celebrate Tour de France arrival A LIMITED edition coffee has been produced to mark the arrival of the Tour of France to Yorkshire. Meltham-based Grumpy Mule has launched King of the Mountain, a medium roast coffee blend inspired by the cycling spectacular, which comes to Huddersfield this summer. The coffee is sourced from two Fairtrade co-operatives – one on the slopes of Mount Elgon, the highest mountain in Uganda, and the other in a mountainous region in Congo. The King of the Mountain name is inspired by the title given to the best cyclist in a climbing road race. Stockists include Taylors Food Store in Honley and Fairtraders at Holmfirth. The limited edition coffee will be available until August.
Leadership is top priority Developing effective leadership is the number one priority for most UK organisations this year, according to a survey by accountancy firm Deloitte. Leadership issues have moved up from fourth place on the Importance Index in last year’s UK Human Capital Trends survey. “Developing leaders is one of HR’s most important function,” said Deloitte’s David Parry. “Sadly, however, while leadership is listed as the top priority for UK organisations, the readiness to address this issue remains low.”
KIRKLEES BUS
‘Time for HMRC to help honest firms’ At a time when small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) are still struggling to make ends meet, I could not believe my ears when I learned that Companies House and HMRC are complicit in allowing debt-ridden companies to avoid their creditors. Companies House are automatically striking off companies that haven’t filed their accounts or annual returns despite objections from creditors. In the past, this was swayed by objections from HMRC - who are often amongst those creditors - but they no longer seem to be objecting if the amounts owed to them are small. Quite rightly, Companies House is asking creditors to show that they have a valid debt and that it has been chased, but there comes a point when it’s not economically viable for small businesses to carry on pouring good money after bad! It doesn’t mean that the debt is any less valid! Their only hope then is that someone else stumps up the money to take the company through proper insolvency proceedings. But alas, Companies House doesn’t see it that way and actively strike com-
THE BUSINESS BATTLEAXE Amanda Vigar panies off for pure administrative noncompliance. Whilst I normally have sympathy with HMRC, in these situations it’s often HMRC that gets hit hardest. HMRC loses the tax/VAT/PAYE from the business that has gone bust AND the creditors get a bad debt write off claim too - so HRMC loses out twice over! So why aren’t they objecting to Companies House and stopping them from allowing the offending directors to walk away from their responsibilities, often scot free? SMEs are the life-blood of our nation’s economy, after all, and it serves no one any good at all to be forced under - except the real tax evad-
ers, that is! Too often, directors stick their heads in the sand and hope things will go away whilst taking others down with them. The Government needs to insist that to get rid of a company either the directors have to confirm that the company has satisfied all its creditors or that a proper insolvency process is gone through. Small businesses don’t have the financial or time resources to do this for themselves, so for once the Government needs to stop treating them as unpaid tax collectors and policemen and help them to get paid for the work they’ve done in good faith.
Amanda Vigar is managing partner at Holmfirth-based accountants V&A Bell Brown LLP
Self-employment route for the 5,000
Business Advisors and Chartered Accountants
• A firm led by people who have actually run businesses • Through the year support and advice delivering comfort and value • Management information and account specialists • VAT, payroll and tax support • Year end reporting and full compliance service • Planning and support for your business and you Contacts Phone: 01484 688 616 Email: enquiries@bellbrown.com Web address: www.bellbrown.com Part of the V&A Vigar Group
More than 5,000 jobless people in Yorkshire and the Humber have stopped claiming benefits – after setting up their own business using Government support. The New Enterprise Allowance has helped 5,020 people set up new businesses across the region – including Halifax-based Kyle Scarborough, who launched his own business with the help of the NEA and the Lockwoodbased Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce’s sister company for start-ups, the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency (WYEA). Kyle, 26, signed up for the Royal Marines after working at Tesco for six years. However after a few months he realised that Marines life wasn’t for him – so he decided to do an online personal trainer diploma and try and find work in a gym. He said: “I had always worked out and I realised that if I could achieve my own fitness goals I could help others.” He was unable to claim Jobseekers Allowance while doing the course, but the move paid off. “When I signed back on, I wanted to get to work immediately,” said Kyle, “So I applied to jobs in Leeds and Bradford and looked around
■■ Personal trainer Kyle Scarborough with Georgina Worthington, who he has helped train to run the London Marathon
at local gyms.” The jobcentre recommended Kyle try the NEA scheme and within a week he was sitting down with his mentor, Joe Cahill, of WYEA. “Joe was able to get me through the scheme quickly,” said Kyle. “I had a business plan already from doing my course and Joe helped me tweak it. He also gave me
loads of hints and tips and talked me through some ideas.” Joe also advised going on some free business workshops held at the chamber’s offices in areas such as starting and running your own business, being your own boss and social media. Now Kyle has a Facebook business page for his per-
sonal training business, SKS Personal Training. He also went on a two-day business course in London to qualify for a licence scheme at one of his local gyms. Two clients contacted him as soon as he launched his Facebook page and he has recently helped Georgina Worthington, a local fundraiser, train to run the London Marathon in aid of Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. The regional figures for people getting into selfemployment via the New Enterprise Allowance were welcomed by Prime Minister David Cameron. He said: “In the last two years, we have helped tens of thousands of people to turn their ideas into a viable business through the New Enterprise Allowance and I am delighted that so many people in Yorkshire and the Humber have benefited. “My message is simple – if you have drive, determination and are prepared to work hard, we will back you. That is part of our long-term economic plan to ensure a better and more financially secure future for Britain for hardworking people and their families.” To find out more, ring 01924 786500 or visit www. wyea.co.uk.
Awards for asse
Managers and con can learn more abou agement and see h drive improvements b assessor for the Nor lence Awards. The awards organis tary assessors for the sors can come from voluntary sector and some understanding ment and performanc However, they will world-leading quality be assigned to teams before submitting the awards jury. David Teale, chief England Excellence, w said: “This is a great hone their business and learn from organ tors. “You will see at first nesses have implem and change managem from their successes way. It is also a chan with other managers experiences with them Previous assessor organisations such Moores University, Express, Axa Insura Yorkshire Probation a as well as consulta retired business peop The next assessor take place on April 2 details, see www. Suzanne House on 0 www.noee.co.uk.
Commu spirit on
A GROUP of Yorksh joined forces to high strategic communityCorporate social r the agenda as recruit Group UK, which has Birstall, joined forces Logistik to highlight th derive from businesse ty-based projects The event – part of munity’s Responsible paign – featured p themes of working w porate business case ity, recruitment and r with young people. Speakers from the were joined by others and charities, inclu Streets, which works w in Huddersfield. Gi Group regional m son-Greenwell discu Employability Progra improve the employm seekers. There were also “br ering subjects includ being, homelessness, toring impact and wo Gi Group won a BI ness Award last year saw it empower and p unemployed people i
5
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014
SINESS NEWS
s call essors
nsultants in Yorkshire ut performance manhow other businesses by becoming an awards rth of England Excel-
sers are seeking volune 2014 awards. Assesthe public, private or d must already have of business improvece management. l undergo training by y experts and will then s to conduct site visits eir final reports to the
executive of North of which runs the awards, t way for managers to and leadership skills nisations in other sec-
t hand how other busimented improvements ment plans and learn and failures along the nce to make contacts s and share your own m.” rs have come from as Liverpool John First TransPennine ance, Siemens, North and Bradford Council, ants, academics and ple. training sessions will 23 and 24. For further .noee.co.uk; contact 01925 715242 or go to
unity n show
hire-based companies hlight the benefits of -based partnerships. responsibility was on tment consultancy, Gi s offices at Centre 27 in with Croda, DWF and he gains all parties can es backing communi-
Business In The Come Business Week campresentations on the with charities, the corfor social responsibilretention and working
e four Yorkshire firms from Leeds University uding Simon on the with homeless people
manager Kate Maddiussed the company’s amme, which aims to ment prospects of job
reakout” sessions covding health and wellmeasuring and moniorking with schools. ITC Responsible Busir for a scheme which place more than 2,500 in permanent jobs.
local
Starting out on path to business Budding entrepreneurs celebrated after completing beauty therapy courses organised by the Kirkleesbased PERS Home Working Service. The courses, designed to help participants into self-employment, were organised by PERS and Salma’s Beauty Academy in Dewsbury. Three 12-hour free accredited training courses were delivered to 50 participants from across Kirklees. Clr Masood Ahmed presented certificates to the participants at the end of their training. He said: “It is a great pleasure to see so many people benefiting from the PERS Home Working Service and learning new skills. “These types of practical learning opportunities provide the skills, knowledge and experience for participants to begin their journey into the world of business.” Courses completed included facials, skincare and head massage, waxing, manicure, pedicure and nail art. The courses also helped the participants in terms of personal development and provided them with new, relevant employability skills. Many of the participants are eager to start their own enterprises and several have already begun to receive support from the PERS Home Working service. They are currently undertaking market research to assess the viability for beauty/holistic therapy in their respective areas. One participant stated that the course was the first stepping stone for
■■ Salmas Beauty Academy staff (front) with the participants on the beauty therapy courses run with PERS Home Working Service
her to embark on her entrepreneurial journey. She now wants to progress on to further training and development before she starts working from home as a beauty therapist. Salma Laher, owner of Salma’s Beauty Academy, said: “All the participants were a pleasure to work with and I hope that they have really benefited from their time with us, learnt new skills and can now use them to start and grow their own businesses.” The project is funded by the Big Lottery under the Reaching Communities
Programme. It started in 2009 and is staffed by a group of development officers who support individuals who are doing either paid work from home or want to become self-employed working from home. The project also provides information on home working, training, spotting scams, advice and free health and safety risk assessments and free equipment, subject to funding. For further information, contact the PERS home working team on 01924 428032.
All smiles with the Chancellor at Number Ten There were smiles all round when businessman Mustafa Mohammed visited Downing Street as part of National Apprenticeship Week. Mustafa is managing director of Genix Healthcare and owner of Sparkle Dental Labs. Leeds-based Genix owns and operates a chain of dental clinics, including one in Huddersfield. Sparkle Dental Labs began life as a small business with only a few employees. However as the business grew, the company moved to a a brand-new £1m laboratory, which was opened by the Chief Dental Officer, Barry Cockcroft in August, 2013. As part of this move, Mustafa set about creating more than 200 local jobs, including apprenticeships and opportunities for young people to gain new skills and qualifications in a respected profession. Mustafa has been a key figure in helping to promote apprenticeships in dentistry and was recently appointed chairman of the Trailblazers programme in dental health. As part of his role, he heads a group of national associations, employers and educational institutions working to improve the quality of apprenticeships to give apprentices the skills and
Waverley is the new Growth Voucher provider A COMMUNICATIONS and strategy consultancy is now accredited to offer business advice as part of the Government’s Enterprise Nation programme. Brighouse-based Waverley Consultancy, set-up by former journalist, political adviser and PR manager Stephen Naylor (pictured) in 2013, has been accepted as a Growth Voucher provider. The scheme means that companies can spend up to £4,000 on a strategic review of their communications and positioning and claim half that amount back from the Government scheme. It is available for small businesses which have been trading for at least one year, have fewer than 49 employees and have not sought strategic busi-
ness advice in the last three years. Mr Naylor, managing director, said: “Ensuring that your business is speaking to the right people in the right way is vital as you look to grow and create jobs. I hope the Growth Voucher scheme will encourage more businesses to invest in getting the right strategy in place to move their company forward.”
PR agency to help boost law firm’s Leeds and London sites Birstall-based agency Faith PR has been appointed to work with an expanding law firm. Legatus Law was founded in 2013 by Rashmi Dubé, who has a 20-year career in the legal industry. The firm, which works with a growing range of clients from offices in Leeds and London, incorporates Rashmi’s debt recovery and credit control company Liquid Recovery and also specialises in supporting businesses with services related to commercial law – particularly small and medium sized busi-
nesses with turnaround solutions and access to finance. Faith PR will work with Rashmi to support the development of Legatus Law both in Leeds and London. Said Stefanie: “Faith PR has strong experience of working to promote Yorkshire businesses and we look forward to promoting Rashmi’s work building Legatus Law. “Rashmi is passionate about ensuring businesses across key sectors get the best possible legal advice and we will be working with her to get her message across.”
Good times. Bad times. Whatever financial problems you are experiencing in your business, we can help. Call us for a consultation on
01422 348 448 ■■ Mustafa Mohammed (seated), managing director of Genix Healthcare and apprentice Courtney Morgan-Jones (centre) meet Chancellor George Osborne
training they need to help their employers grow and compete. As testament to Mustafa’s work promoting apprenticeships, he was invited to 10 Downing Street for a reception to mark National Apprenticeship Week. He attended alongside apprentice Courtney Morgan-Jones, where they met Chancellor George Osborne. Said Mustafa: ““It really was a great
honour to be invited to 10 Downing Street to such a prestigious event. “I have always been passionate about apprenticeships in dentistry and as such I am proud to be associated with the Trailblazers programme. “I believe apprenticeships can be an excellent way to give young people the skills and experience they need to build a successful career within the profession.”
Peter Sargent, Partner Richard Kenworthy, Director Begbies Traynor 36 Clare Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2HX www.begbies-traynor.com
6
TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Small fims ‘deliver value for money’ Small and medium-sized firms are key to delivering best value for local government spending, claims a report. The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) said increasing SME engagement in public procurement was the best way to deliver value for money for local government. Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said the group had concerns about the emphasis placed by a Commons Select Committee comment in examining the topic on economies of scale. He said: “Although the advantages of SME procurement are also recognised, if economies of scale
are the priority, there is a danger that councils will overlook the value for money and wider social value that good local procurement can achieve. “For instance, in construction, 60% of apprentices are employed by micro-businesses so they must be given fair access to these public sector opportunities if we are to maximise employment opportunities for our young people.” Mr Berry said: “The committee has taken heed of the FMB’s advice and highlighted the need for greater standardisation of PQQs in order to reduce the administrative burden on SMEs. Our own research
shows that almost half of small construction firms have a negative experience of completing these forms and they are a major barrier to SMEs.” He said: “If central government really wants to encourage more SMEs to bid for public sector work, it must transpose the article in the new EU Public Procurement Directive that requests public sector clients, including councils, to divide their contracts into smaller lots wherever possible. “Of all the new measures in this Directive, this would have the most positive impact on small construction firms.” ■■ John Andrew (left), of Direct Golf UK, shakes hands with MFS managing director Duncan Marrison, watched by MFS chief executive Tony Gill (centre)
Golf retailer drives ahead A GOLF retailer based in Huddersfield is investing in new storage and distribution systems to ensure it continues to provide the quality of service which saw it named the sector’s best mail order company for eight successive years. Direct Golf UK, which has been wholly owned by PGA professional John Andrew since its inception more than 20 years ago, has outgrown its longterm home in an old textile mill in Huddersfield. Now it has joined forces with Mosaic Fulfilment Solutions (MFS) to move its outdated storage and distribution centre to Wetherby. In addition, it is benefiting from a seven-figure investment in computer software which will lead to more efficient handling of web and mail-order deliveries. Wetherby-based MFS will provide more than 100,000sq ft of modern purpose-built warehousing - an increase of more than 35% on Direct Golf’s current facility. It will also provide increased 24-hour security, improved quality con-
trol and state-of-the-art picking systems driven by specially designed distribution software. The company provides a similar service for many major organisations, including the British Red Cross and Leeds United FC. Mr Andrew, chairman and owner of Direct Golf, said: “Our old Milnsbridge warehouse has served us well for a long time, but was becoming impractical. “The facility offered by MFS is a vast improvement in all areas and is able to cope with any future expansion. Like any company we are looking for efficient ways to ensure we remain a profitable business. This will enable us to maintain our quick, lowcost delivery services in a world where, increasingly, everyone wants everything yesterday. “This move ensures we are able to deliver on customers’ expectations even at a time when we are increasing our brands and, therefore, demand on our warehousing and distribution.”
MFS chief executive officer Tony Gill said: “Like many sectors, golf retail is becoming increasingly competitive and for John Andrew and his team at Direct Golf to remain number one in terms of service and delivery it was deemed necessary to change their business model slightly to enable them to concentrate on what they do best. “The issues they face in terms of demand and fulfilment meant they had to seek a solution away from their old Union Mill base. “Fortunately, in MFS, Direct Golf has been able to maintain a West Yorkshire facility and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.” Direct Golf UK has 20 branches nationwide, including ones in Huddersfield, and was named Best Mail Order Company for eight years running in the now defunct Today’s Golfer reader awards. Last year, it also won the direct commerce award for the quality of its website at the 2013 ECMOD (European Catalogue and Mail-order Days) Awards.
High accolade for construction firm A CONSTRUCTION and civil engineering firm which has worked on projects in Huddersfield has won a top award. Clugston Construction was named Contractor of the Year at the Committed
to Construction in West Yorkshire Awards run by the Chartered Institute of Building and held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds. Clugston has worked on several projects across West Yorkshire, including
refurbishing Huddersfield’s Richmond Flats, now known as Harold Wilson Court. The awards celebrate the work by West Yorkshire’s construction industry supply chain.
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 â€
TO LET
Retail
TO LET
Industrial
Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, Huddersfield 56m 2 (600 sq ft) gross
Silkwood Park, J40 M1, Ossett, Wakefield 3,814m2 (41,049 sq ft)
Recently refurbished retail unit close to centre of Holmfirth. Planning consent to extend or separate unit adjacent
High quality warehouse/factory with three loading bays and two storey comfort cooled offices, strategically located just off J40, M1
TO LET
Offices
TO LET
Industrial
Ponderosa Park, Smithies Lane, Heckmondwike 800 - 1,500 sq ft
Unit 7 Brighouse Trade Park, Armytage Road, Brighouse 683m2 (7,349 sq ft)
High quality office suites with on site parking and conference facilities. Immediately available for occupation
High quality trade warehouse/industrial unit with parking, only a short distance from M62 (jcn 25). Joint agents: Carter Towler
www.michaelsteel.co.uk
7
TO LET
All enquiries to Alec Michael alec@michaelsteel.co.uk
Commercial Residential, Commercial & Industrial Surveyors, Estate Agents, Auctioneers & Property Management Consultants To Let
RADCLIFFE ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD HD3 4LX
UNIT 2, SPRINGFIELD MILLS, ROYD STREET, HUDDERSFIELD
To Let
Modern Industrial/Workshop Unit
Single Storey Industrial Unit
304.81 sqm (3,280 sqft)
218.46sqm (2,351sqft)
Well established industrial location
Popular industrial location
3 Phase electricity
Approximately 3 miles from Huddersfield town centre
Good sized loading door
3 Phase electricity
3 Miles from Huddersfield town centre
Good loading
EPC Asset Rating C
EPC Asset Rating: E
To Let
LEEDS ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD HD2 1YY
RAWFOLDS WAY, CLECKHEATON BD19 5LT
Office Suites 37.99sqm (409sqft) and 31.43sqm (446sqft) Prominent main road position Good access to Huddersfield town centre and Junction 25 of the M62 Can be let independently or as a whole EPC Asset Rating C
14 St Georges Square, Huddersfield HD1 1JF
t: 01484 530361
e: commercial@bramleys1.co.uk
www.bramleys.com/commercial
For Sale
Industrial/Business Development Opportunity The site is situated in a prominent main road position in a popular industrial location approximately 3 miles from Junction 26 of the M62 motorway network. Suitable for variety of industrial warehouse or business uses, subject to obtaining the relevant planning consents
8
TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Stefan Rodgers
Digital design appointment Holmfirth man Stefan Rodgers has been appointed sales and marketing director by digital design and build agency Degree 53. Mr Rodgers (pictured) will be responsible for developing an internal sales and marketing team and leading the Manchester-based company’s communications and strategies. He will also have the task of raising the firm’s profile regionally and nationally, growing revenues in the B2B customer sector, expanding Degree 53’s eGaming client portfolio and being recognised as leader in its field. Mr Rodgers, 39, has worked in senior sales and marketing roles for
major blue chip companies, including Huddersfield-based incident management specialist FMG. Degree 53 managing director Andrew Daniels said: “2013 was a phenomenal starting year for Degree 53 with some exceptional business wins. Stefan’s appointment will enable the company to evolve and expand in our strengthening economy. “
Jonathan Wales
Making new connections Bank manager Jonathan Wales has taken up a new role helping voluntary sector organisations thrive. Mr Wales (pictured), has been seconded from his job as branch manager of the Halifax at Cloth Hall Street in Huddersfield, to become fulltime Business Connector for South Kirklees linking Third Sector bodies such as community groups and charities to people in business who can help them overcome issues relating to employment, education and enterprise. Mr Wales, who will hold the post for 12 months, succeeds Mark
Yarwood, of Lloyds Banking Group, who has completed his one-year secondment. Mr Wales was appointed manager at Huddersfield branch three years ago after managing the bank’s branch at Markest Street in Halifax. He is a former governor of a primary school in Mirfield.
wBudget measures in focus More than 125 business people and professionals gathered at Greenhead Masonic Hall in Huddersfield for a Budget report by chartered accountancy firm Wheawill & Sudworth. Tax partner Colin Barratt (centre) highlighted some major new changes to the ways in which retirees can access their pension savings. “The relaxation in the rules is a very unexpected but welcome development to help encourage longer-term saving,” he said. Guest speaker Jon Wyn-Evans (right), strategist at Investec Wealth & Investment, provided a global economic overview, including thoughts on how an independent Scotland might pan out.
A major tax boost for capital investment and further tax breaks for research and development projects were analysed by Wheawill & Sudworth managing director David Butterworth (left), who said: “This is further good news for local businesses looking to build and invest for the future,.”
movers and shakers
Glittering prize for university graduate By HENRYK ZIENTEK Business Reporter henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk
A RETAILER of jewellery and other arts and crafts put in a sparkling performance to win a monthly business award. Crafty Praxis, formed in September, 2012, is based at Byram Arcade in Huddersfield and is run by Elisa Etemad, a jeweller and graduate from Huddersfield University. After graduating, Elisa had the drive and ambition to become self-employed and started out by selling her own designs and a range of arts and crafts from other designers. Initially, she worked with 30 designers out of a small retail outlet, but the business grew to take larger premises in the arcade – resulting in her working with about 100 different local suppliers. Elisa has a passion for helping other small businesses too – not only those whom she supports directly by stocking their work , but also by organising a regular art and craft market where small business owners can have a stall for the day in the arcade. Judges in the Business of the Month Award, run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith, were impressed by Elisa’s enthusiasm and dedication to the business and the fact that she took the brave decision to start a small business during difficult economic times – with little or no financial backing and when people have less disposable income, particularly for non-essential items such as crafts. Having achieved a steady growth in sales in
■■ Elisa Etemad (second right), of Crafty Praxis, receives the Business of the Month Award from Alison Palmer (third right), of Eaton Smith, with (from left) Ellie Lyon, of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; Kevin Winterburn, of Sheards; Steven Pollit, of Eaton Smith; and Jayne Pearson, of Kirklees Council
the initial few months of trading, Crafty Praxis has seen a three-fold increase in sales since then. Elisa said “It is a great privilege to have my business win Business of the Month for February. The past 18 months, while tremendous-
ly enjoyable, have been hard work and it feels fantastic to get recognition from a panel of experts from the local business community.” The Business of the Month Award is run by Eaton Smith in conjunction with the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and UKTI.
Agency pledges support for cancer trust A PR and design firm in Brighouse is backing a cancer charity’s fundraising efforts. The Lenny Agency has pledged to support the Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust, which raises funds towards medical research into cancer affecting teenagers and young adults. The agency is one of the first local companies to sign up to the charity’s corporate membership scheme, pledging its support for the year. Managing director Emma Leonard said: “It’s extremely important for us as a local business to give something back to a local cause and what the Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust is doing is just fantastic. “Through fundraising and campaigns that generate awareness of
cancers affecting 13-24 year olds, the trust is making a real difference. We’re proud to have pledged our support to the charity in its fight against cancer and hope to be embarking on further fundraising activities during the year.” Helen Mervill, fundraising manager for the Laura Crane Trust, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that The Lenny Agency has joined our corporate partners community.” Visit www. lauracranetrust.org/want-tohelp/companies.aspx Established four years, Lenny is a full service agency specialising in PR, marketing, design and web. Clients include Indesit/ Hotpoint, Braun, OXO Good Grips, Leeds University and British Ceramic Tile.
■■ The Lenny Agency account executive Zara Ahmad (left) and managing director Emma Leonard (right) with Helen Mervill, fundraising manager at The Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust
Engine Room offers insight into world of work A BRAND and design agency is helping to prepare students for their next step into the working world. Award-winning design company The Engine Room, based at Leeds Road, Huddersfield, led a
visiting lecture at Bolton University for final year graphic design students who are gearing up to enter the world of work. The visiting lecture, delivered by brand strategy director, Lesley Gulliver, covered the business
side of design, helping students to understand what employers might be looking for. She said: “A strong creative portfolio is essential, of course, but so is an understanding of the role of design in business and
indeed the business of design. “Deadlines, budgets, teamwork, client demands and changing briefs are all part of the daily challenges faced by designers and it’s important that graduates have an insight to this.”