Kirklees Business News 12.04.11

FTSE 100

ANDREW DUNNE Finding space for art

- 2.31 6053.44

Full inter view - Page 3

COLIN BARRATT Capital considerations Column - Page 4

An EXAMINER publication

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees

Bigger and better for staffing agency

■ BIG MOVE: Stafflex managing director Brian Stahelin

A RECRUITMENT company has completed a move to bigger and better premises in Huddersfield.

The move by Stafflex comes almost 12 years to the day after it began trading from offices at Wakefield Road, Aspley, to offer temporary labour to local industry.

Now the firm’s 10-strong staff operate from premises at International House at Chapel Hill.

Managing director Brian Stahelin said: “The time is now right for this move to larger, more suitable premises, but rest assured our core values will remain the same.

“We view the move with confidence.”

Stafflex provides workers of all types to help customers overcome production highs and lows and save them the administrative burden of hiring, firing and payroll.

The company said the “green shoots of recovery” had provided a boost as employers sought more temporary workers to meet increasing demand.

Among them, Stafflex is recruiting engineers of all disciplines to fill waiting vacancies.

The company has also supplied production managers, receptionists, hair-stylists, project managers, direct marketing consultants and computer technicians.

Growth in the industrial, commercial and education divisions has also prompted the move to Chapel Hill, where the premises provide space of further expansion.

Mr Stahelin said: “It’s been a difficult couple of years, but we have retained all our employees, maintained our relationships with our existing clients and brought new clients on.

“This has resulted in new opportunities for us and has provided us the opportunity to invest in our future.

“Our new offices on Chapel Hill, opposite Sellers, will enable us to enhance our recruitment services and support to our existing customers as well as providing a better space in which to run Stafflex.

“It’s been a difficult couple of years for the Yorkshire region, but our philosophy of retaining all our employees backed by excellent customer service towards our applicants and a 100% retention rate with our clients has ensured steady growth.”

Among its activities, Stafflex teamed up with Huddersfield Town as part of its sponsorship of the club to launch HTAFC Employment, a project aimed at getting as many Town supporters who are keen to work into employment as soon as possible.

Yorkshire companies weather the VAT rise WEST YORKSHIRE companies have taken the recent VAT hike in their stride, according to a survey.

The latest Business Barometer from Close Invoice Finance showed that 44% of small and medium-sized firms in Yorkshire and Humber claimed the VAT rise has had no impact whatsoever on their business – with a further 48% saying the impact has been small.

Ian Seward, of Close Invoice Finance, said: “It’s heartening to d i s c ove r t h at t h e m a j o r i t y o f businesses polled aren’t experiencing any major adverse effects of the recent VAT hike, particularly given the fact that the findings of our survey in 2010 showed that 39% of SMEs in this region were expecting to find it difficult to cope. It seems, for many, those fears haven’t materialised.

“One in 10 SMEs in the UK previously stated that they believed the increase would put them out of business in early 2011, compared with one in 100 now.

“It’s reassuring to learn that these businesses, which are undoubtedly vital to our economic recovery, have been able to deal with the change.”

Asked how SMEs were managing to cope with the increase, 37% of firms in

the region said they were passing the VAT rise directly to customers.

“It remains to be seen whether this will discourage consumer spending, meaning a decrease in sales, “ said Mr Seward. “So although there’s reason to feel optimism at the moment, small firms need to keep a close eye on their order books and should be looking at their cash flow to find a way to absorb some of the increase themselves.

INSIDE A right royal row KIRKLEES employers should make their staff policies clear to avoid upset on the day of the royal wedding.

The Government has declared the wedding day a public holiday, but West Yorkshire Society of Chartered Accountants said there would be little to cheer for some workers who have been told they must work.

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Clubbing together FINANCIAL advice firm Robertson Baxter is backing Huddersfield Town’s star players – by sponsoring the club’s annual awards ceremony in May.

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

national

Page 2

Shops crisis deepens with ‘historic slump’

MORE evidence of the crisis on the UK high street emerged today after the British Retail Consortium (BRC) revealed the b i g g e s t s a l e s d ro p i n i t s history.

With consumers reining in their spending on all but essential purchases, the BRC said total sales in March were down 1.9% on a year ago in the biggest decline since the start of the trade body’s monthly survey in 1995.

The earlier timing of Easter last year had a major bearing on the figures but the BRC said it was clear consumers did not want to spend “unless they really had to”, despite a growing number of special offers.

It also warned that weaker retailers may not be able to carry on if such low levels of spending continue, sparking

fears of a bloodbath on the high street.

Helen Dickinson, head of retail at survey partner KPMG, said: “We have seen an emergence of new, lower spending patterns since the middle of January, which are currently continuing to trend downwards.

“Many retailers will not be able to sustain this ongoing weakness in demand beyond the short-term and are hoping for some good news around the extended bank holiday period and a feel-good factor driven by the royal wedding.”

Retailers have issued a string of gloomy updates in recent weeks. with Mothercare, HMV and Currys and PC World parent Dixons Retail all warning on profits and others highlighting testing conditions.

Chains are feeling the pinch after household spending power suffered its

first fall in 30 years as wages fail to keep up with uncomfortably high inflation.

BRC director general Stephen Robertson said: “Falling disposable incomes and the fear of worse to come means people don’t want to spend.

There’s only so much discounts and promotions can do to overcome that.”

He added that the pressures had been made worse when National Insurance contributions rose earlier this month.

Like-for-like sales were down 3.5% in their worst performance since April 2005 and internet sales showed their slowest growth since records began in 2008.

Clothes and book sales suffered their largest declines since 2009 and 2005 respectively. DIY and gardening also continued to struggle as the uncertain housing market caused people to delay improvement work.

BRITISH banks should ringfence their retail businesses from investment banking operations to protect savers’ deposits under proposals outlined by the Independent Commission on Banking (ICB).

The Commission is also calling for Lloyds Banking Group to sell more of its branches to improve competition in the sector, although it has stopped short of recommending a reversal of the HBOS rescue takeover.

The interim report – which will be followed by final recommendations in September – suggests measures designed to reform the industry.

Jobs vow of £450m

■ PRESSURE: Stephen Robertson

Big squeeze on spending

Uncertainty for banks

THERE were fears of further uncertainty for embattled bank workers after a report suggested Lloyds Banking Group should shed more of its branch network to improve competition in the sector.

The Independent Commission on Banking (ICB) made clear in its interim report that the decision to wave through Lloyds’s rescue takeover of HBOS was a mistake, but would now be too costly and complicated to undo.

Instead, the five-strong panel of grandees at the ICB wants Lloyds to offload even more of its branches and mortgage and savings business – saying the current plans to appease European concerns on state aid do not go far

‘Protect savers’

enough.

While the bank may be breathing a sigh of relief that the worst case scenario of a full-blown merger reversal appears off the cards, there are concerns that staff at the part-nationalised bank will once again pay the price.

Trade union Unite was scathing in its response to the ICB’s report.

David Fleming, Unite national officer said: “The recommendation to sell off bank branches will not bring radical change, but simply brings more insecurity for working people in the finance sector and often harms communities where the bank branch closure means many will not have access to local financial services.”

FAMILIES are facing the biggest peace-time squeeze in their spending power since 1921 as wages fail to keep up with soaring inflation, according to a report.

The rising cost of essential items such as oil, utility bills, food and clothes are set to leave the average household with £910 a year less to spend in 2011 than two years ago, said the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR).

Disposable incomes are due to fall by 2% in 2011, following a 0.8% drop in 2010, as cash-strapped consumers suffer the biggest hit to their finances apart from during

World War Two and the recession following the First World War, it added.

It forecasts that inflation will average 3.9% in 2011 – its highest since 1992 – as January’s hike in VAT to 20% from 17.5% and the rising cost of oil and other commodities continue to drive up prices.

Pay packets, on the other hand, will rise just 1.9% as unemployment remains high and the public sector makes cut-backs.

But the Government’s austerity drive is “only a minor element in the squeeze on household incomes”.

THE Government today pledged to create or safeguard 100,000 jobs under plans to invest £450m in businesses across England.

Under the first round of the so-called Regional Growth Fund, 50 bids by companies and partnerships to promote economic growth and create new jobs will be given financial support.

Ministers said 27,000 jobs will be directly created or safeguarded, with tens of thousands of others supported in associated supply chains.

SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £28.55 +0.33 Gannett 903.10 -0.61 Hess Corp £51.18 -0.19 Microsoft 1595.22 +5.49 Motors Liquidation 45.73 Wal-Mart Stores £31.98 -0.05 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 249 +1/2 BAE Systems 339 +21/4 1 Rolls-Royce Gp 629 /2 +1/2 AIM Brady Plc 73 Dawson Intl 17/8 Man Brnze 473/4 +1/2 Uniq 691/4 -1/2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 2045/8 +21/4 BANKS Barclays 3053/8 +81/4 HSBC 660 -43/4 3 Lloyds Banking Gp 62 /8 +1/4 Ryl Scotland 443/8 +1 1 Stan Chart 1678 /2 -111/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1192 -9 SABMiller £221/4 CHEMICALS Croda 1749 +9 Elementis 98 1591/8 -37/8 Johnsn Mat 1938 +3 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 3323/8 -27/8 Costain 241 -1 ELECTRICITY

Drax Gp 4215/8 +7/8 Intl Power 3171/4 +11/4 Scottish & Sthrn 1318 +6 Energy ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 1331/4 +1/4 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3751/8 +1 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 1903/4 -1/4 Cable & Wireless 443/4 -1/2 Comm Cable & Wireless 511/4 +11/4 Wwide Colt Group 154 +53/4 KCOM 621/2 +1 3 Talktalk Telecom 136 /4 -23/8 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2811/8 -1/4 Sainsbury 3367/8 -11/4 1 Tesco 395 /4 -3/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1011 +3 Nth Foods 723/4 -1/4 Tate Lyle 581 -2 Unilever 1904 +1 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3243/4 +41/2 National Grid 590 +1/2 Pennon Grp 625 -11/2 Severn 1440 +2 United Utils 602 +3 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 2671/4 -73/4 ICAP 514 -5

London StockExch 880 +9 Man Group 2431/4 +1 1 Provident Financial 975 /2 -41/2 Schroders 1823 +7 Schroders NV 1462 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 672 -141/2 REXAM 372 -1/2 Smiths Grp 1336 +6 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 201/4 Carphone Whse 372 +2 Dixons Retail 121/8 5 Home Retail 208 /8 +3/8 Inchcape 3573/8 -21/8 Kingfisher 2583/4 -1/4 M&S 3591/2 -1/8 Mothercare 382 -71/4 Next £207/8 +1/8 WH Smith 4503/4 +13/4 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 6981/2 +2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 123 -27/8 Barrat Dev 1033/8 -43/4 3 Persimmon 443 /8 -191/8 Reckitt Benckiser £321/2 -1/4 1 Taylor Wimpey 36 /2 -11/2 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 775 -22 IMI 1027 -17 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 475 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 205 -3/8

Forth Ports

1636 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 4523/4 Lgl & Gen 1201/4 Old Mutual 1441/2 Prudential 745 Resolution 3113/4 Standard Life 2151/8 MEDIA BSkyB 8311/2 D Mail Tst 4873/8 ITV 761/2 Johnston Press 75/8 Pearson 1104 Reed Elsevier 537 STV Group 1323/4 Trinity Mirror 481/2 Utd Business 602 UTV 146 WPP 7461/2 Yell Group 67/8 MINING Anglo American £333/8 Antofagasta 1485 BHP Billiton £263/8 Eurasian Natural 9711/2 Res Fresnillo 1661 Kazakhmys 1493 Lonmin 1743 Rio Tinto £451/4 VEDANTA £241/4 RESOURCES Xstrata 15271/2 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 613 Vodafone Group 177

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+ /8 -3/4 -1/4 -3 +61/2 +7/8 -3 -35/8 +5/8 -1/8 -21/2 -33/4 -3/4 -4 +1 -141/2

+8 +1/2 -2 +15 +4 -17 -3/8 +14 -61/2 +1/2

Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp

292 1191/2 590 1784

-3 +41/4 +1/2 -13

FTSE closed at

6053.44 Down 2.31

NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1613 RSA Insurance Gp 1341/2 -1/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1545 -3 BP 4743/4 -33/4 Cairn Energy 4541/4 +91/8 Royal Dutch Shell A £227/8 -1/8 Royal Dutch Shell B £223/4 -1/8 Total £377/8 -1/8 Tullow Oil 1471 -4 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1184 +2

Petrofac 1541 Wood Group 6821/2 +8 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1159 -24 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £295/8 +1/8 Axis-Shield 326 +3/4 GlaxoSmithK XD 5 Shire 1839 +20 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 5461/2 -31/2 Captl Shop Cent 3891/4 +3 DTZ Hldgs 28 Hamrsn 4463/8 -1/2 Land Secs 736 -4 SEGRO 312 -1 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Autonomy Corp 1582 -15 Invensys 3337/8 -1/8 7 Logica 127 /8 +3/8 Misys 3331/4 -11/8 Sage Group 275 -3/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 4857/8 -1/8 Bunzl 7301/2 -3 Capita 7271/2 -6 De La Rue 780 +2 3 Electrocomp 267 /4 -23/8 Experian 773 -3 1 G4S 263 /4 +1/2 1 Hays 112 /4 -1/2 Homeserve 4611/2 -31/8 Menzies J 5381/2 +71/2 Rentokil 901/8 -7/8 1 Smiths News 87 /2 -5/8 Wolseley £215/8

IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs Psion Spirent Comms

5821/2 100 1371/4

TOURIST RATES

-11/2 -11/2 -3/4

TOBACCO Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco

£247/8 1959

-1/4 -3

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

1313/4 £235/8 5491/2 3221/4 881/4 3165/8 1321 4465/8 1262 2151/2 128 2973/4 2391/4 1491/4 2123/4 2301/8 1646

-37/8 -1/8 -5 -2 +21/8 -1 -11/8 -19 -17/8 -11/4 -15/8 +1/4 +23/8 -31/4 -7

FTSE 100

INDEX 6053.44

-2.31

FTSE 250

INDEX 11689.70

-36.49

Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.46 dollars Bangladesh................. 111.95 taka Brazil.............................. 2.29 reals Canada....................... 1.48 dollars China ............................. 9.54 yuan Czech Republic ...... 25.33 korunas Denmark....................... 8.01 krone Euro............................... 1.08 euro Hong Kong................ 12.04 dollars Hungary................... 267.06 forints India.......................... 63.59 rupees Japan........................... 131.87 yen Mexico ....................... 17.07 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.94 dollars Norway ......................... 8.40 krone Pakistan.................. 130.33 rupees Philippines ................. 60.20 pesos South Africa................. 10.18 rand South Korea.............. 1542.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 169.92 rupees Sweden......................... 9.68 krona Switzerland.................. 1.41 francs Taiwan ...................... 41.27 dollars Turkey....................... 2.32 new lira USA ............................ 1.56 dollars

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS ANDREW Dunne is bringing a new twist to the term “coffee culture”.

For the coffee shop he runs in a quiet corner of Huddersfield town centre has become a haven for creative people as well as shoppers looking for a cuppa and a slice of cake.

Andrew is co-director of Time Circa 2010, a coffee shop with a definite difference tucked away in Hammond’s Yard, off King Street.

The stone-built former cottage, one of the oldest buildings in the town centre, is chock full of interesting features, including classical sofas with Union Jack cushions, clocks, framed prints, ornaments and sculptures.

“Someone likened it to Charles Dicken’s’ Old Curiosity Shop,” says Andrew, with evident satisfaction – because that’s exactly the impression he was hoping to create.

Andrew acquired the premises with partner and co-director Ann Storey last December and in just three months they have expectations.” developed it into a venue for Hogwarts with props Andrew certainly has the recalling items from the the town’s creatives to pedigree to succeed in films. pursue their interests in business. He can trace his It will also stage a Mad poetry, art and music. ancestry on his mother’s side Hatter’s Tea Party as part of “It’s not just a coffee to Sir William Hartley, of official opening celebrations shop,” says Andrew. “It’s a Hartley’s Jams fame, who this summer. relaxing space where The premises also provide was renowned for the ethical people can spend some treatment of his workers. space for music lessons or ‘indulgent’ time. We have Andrew seeks to emulate rehearsals by local drama A-rate staff, wholesome those values with his own groups, cake decorating food and some of the finest staff. coffee in Huddersfield. classes and music events.

“The customers love the “But it is also a venue “We were looking for a catering for creative and staff – they even bring them historic space to base the artistic people. We have an business,” says Andrew. “We cards on their birthdays – excellent rapport with the and the place has rapidly looked at places in York, university with students and developed an extended Harrogate and academic staff coming family atmosphere. We have Knaresborough. However, here.” teenagers, families with Huddersfield provides a Andrew is using his own young children, professionals genuinely creative background in the creative from local firms and retired environment, which links in sector as an interior people. perfectly with what we were designer and production “I can’t thank the staff and trying to achieve. designer who has worked in customers enough for their “The building is very film, television and theatre enthusiasm and support.” versatile and being an old to make the coffee shop a Andrew hails from building its previous lives venue for the arts.

Burnbridge, near Harrogate and history has ‘soaked in’ He explains: “We have in North Yorkshire, but came to the stones, which also developed a Poetry Corner to Huddersfield when he took makes it very atmospheric.” which meets once a month up a post as a lecturer in Andrew admits that and we have started a interior design at Batley Art opening a new business in creative writing course to College. He also ran his own uncertain times was a “bit of give individuals the practice, which brought him a gamble” but adds: confidence to write and into the sphere of TV, film “Everyone needs to eat and present their work in open and theatre. His credits drink. If we make the forums and discussion include the customers feel special they groups.” critically-acclaimed Tina will want to come here. It is Says Andrew: “We are Goes Shopping, which was down to customer service also hosting an exhibition in nominated for a BAFTA. and good quality food.

May by Gillian Pugh, a “You tend to cover all the “If you set high standards costume designer who is disciplines,” he says. “That’s for yourself, you will be putting on an exhibition hopefully meeting customer part of the thinking about based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

“The idea is to develop an in-house core group of cutting edge artists and designers from Huddersfield and to promote them in the town. We have interviewed a number of artists who want to be involved.”

Other plans include a series of events to celebrate St George’s Day – and Shakespeare’s birthday – on April 23. There are plans to use the courtyard for drama events while the surprisingly spacious first floor space has already hosted a Harry Potter themed birthday party – ■ CREATIVE FORCE: Andrew Dunne, co-director of Time with the room transformed Circa 2010, is putting art on the menu in Huddersfield into the great hall at

profile

Now that’s coffee culture having an in-house team of artists.

“I spent a lot of time in London and Edinburgh where this kind of venue is commonplace, but it is something new to Huddersfield – a place where poets and artists can celebrate their work in an environment created specially for them. We have one group of ladies who are all artists and who have been dubbed the new Bloomsbury Group!”

Andrew says being creative has enabled him to “think outside the box” in setting up the business.

He also uses those talents to help youngsters in Kirklees schools develop their academic skills and move towards employment as a mentor with Edgerton-based Compact Education Business Services, which provides a link between schools and industry to

Page 3 Andrew Dunne

help raise educational standards and encourage enterprise.

“I have been involved with CEBS for five years,” says Andrew. “It’s about giving something back to society. We all get something out of life and it is only fair that we put something back.

“It is about assisting students at all levels and providing constructive support to help them become more confident in applying for jobs and attending interviews or helping them to find work placements.

“There is so much talent in this country. We have led the world for centuries, but for a period we became dormant. Now that creative talent is awakening again. There are little blooms popping up everywhere.”

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Role: Co-director Family: Partner Ann and son Oliver, eight Holidays: Cities with some culture. Paris, Berlin and Prague are favourites or St Petersburg in the snow Car: VW Beetle First job: Helping my mum with her interior design practice and my dad with his antiques business Best thing about job: The people – both staff and customers.

Every day is different Worst thing about job: I haven’t come across the worst thing yet!

Business tip: Everyone has the potential to do anything that their heart desires. If you believe you can do something, you can.

Live the dream

Time Circa 2010 Work: Coffee shop with a difference!

Site: Hammond’s Yard, King Street Phone: 01484 531090 Web: www.time circa2010.co.uk E-mail andrew@time circa2010.co.uk

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KIRKLEES BUSIN

How to avoid that wedding day row KIRKLEES firms have been urged to make their staff policies clear to avoid upset on the day of the royal wedding.

The Government has declared the wedding day a public holiday, but West Yorkshire Society of Chartered Accountants said there would be little to cheer for some workers who have been told they must work – but not receive any extra pay.

Society president Tim Parr said: “While millions are looking forward to the royal wedding at the end of April, a row over arrangements for staff that have to work on the day is brewing.

“Communication is the key here. If employees are made aware what the companies’ policies are, then it can make for a very splendid historic

occasion for everyone.”

Mr Parr said employers should consider screening the wedding at their business premises if they are not planning to close for the day and making arrangements for staff to watch the pageantry. They could also allow staff to watch via the web.

But they should also be clear on their policy if staff call in sick on the day of the wedding when they were meant to be working.

Said Mr Parr: “Obviously, companies have had a tough time lately and this includes staff – many of whom have seen hours cut back and wages reduced.

“Businesses can use this opportunity to show that they care about their staff and ensure everyone is paid what

Odds-on favourite THEY’RE off to the races!

The third event organised by Huddersfield Town’s Enterprise Academy will take place at Pontefract racecourse next Tuesday – when delegates will be able to mix business with pleasure.

Company boss Paul Ramsden will provide an insight into how his family-owned business became a success while there will also be a contribution from Town legend Andy Booth.

The event, which starts at noon, will also include an afternoon of racing with the last race scheduled for 5.51pm.

Social media expert Paul Scott, of Yorkshire Business Growth will cycle from Huddersfield to Pontefract to attend the event as part of his training for Town’s epic fund-raising bike ride to Brighton. All donations will be welcome.

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they are entitled to and allow them to partake in the royal celebrations if they so wish.”

Some NHS employees in hospitals in England are expected to work the public holiday at their normal rate with no day in lieu or extra pay. This has caused a row between Unison and health bosses. Staff have been told that they must apply for annual leave if they wish to take the day off – with no guarantee it will be granted.

The governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – and now some hospital trusts in England – have agreed to pay staff at bank holiday rates, but many English hospitals plan to treat it as a normal working day. The Department of Health has said it is up to each local trust to decide whether to pay overtime.

■ ROYALTY CHECK: Accountancy society president Tim Parr

Budget’s capital ideas HE intention of the T Chancellor’s Budget delivered a couple of weeks

ago is about “reforming the nation’s economy, so that we have enduring growth and jobs in the future”.

As part of the process for generating growth, he announced that the lifetime limit for capital gains eligible for Entrepreneurs’ Relief is to double from £5m to £10m for qualifying disposals arising on or after April 6, 2011.

Such gains are taxed at a rate of 10% rather than the higher rates of CGT of 18% and 28%.

B u t fo r i n d iv i d u a l s ( o r trustees) who have already made qualifying gains above the previous £5m limit before April 6, no additional relief for those gains will be allowed following the increase to £10m.

Qualifying gains include the disposal of the whole or part of a trade carried on by an individual or partnership member.

In the vast majority of cases, most saleable businesses are carried on via a limited company and Entrepreneurs’ Relief will be available on the sale of the shares in an individual’s personal company, if throughout a period of 12 months prior to the disposal the company carried on a trade and the individual owned

TAX TALK Colin Barratt

at least 5% of the ordinary share capital and voting rights and they were an officer or employee of the company.

In just over 12 months, E n t r e p r e n e u r s Re l i e f h a s increased by £9m, making it a valuable relief, with potential CGT savings of up to £1.8m (£10m x 28%-10%) or £3.6m for qualifying husband and wife disposals.

In a further move to stimulate growth, pre-announced reductions in the rate of Corporation Tax have been enhanced for companies with taxable profits in excess of £1.5m.

The main rate is to be reduced from 28% to 26% from April 1, 2011 (originally 27%).

Further graduated reductions are to be made until the main rate is 23% by April 1, 2014.

The CT rate applied to companies whose profits are less than £300,000 is to be reduced from

21% to 20% from April 1, 2011.

Although the reduction in the headline rate of Corporation Tax is to be welcomed, the rate of tax relief on capital expenditure incurred on or after April, 2012, is being reduced.

The amount of expenditure qualifying for the 100% write off is to be reduced to £25,000 from the current limit of £100,000.

Those planning significant capital outlay over the next few months should carefully consider the timing of their expenditure so as to maximise the tax relief available.

Similarly, for those contemplating the sale of their business, they will need to ensure that they fulfil the criteria to obtain the C G T s av i n g s o f f e r e d b y Entrepreneurs’ Relief and do so for at least 12 months prior to disposal.

Check you qualify before you start the sale process.

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

Top marks for 10 associates BRAND specialist 10 Associates has landed two major deals with the UK’s leading agribusiness.

Bradley-based 10 Associates will develop new websites for two of AB Agri’s divisions, KW and Trident, as well as developing and implementing design work for a nine-month marketing programme for KW and that division’s Blends portfolio.

David Worthington, 10 Associates managing director, said: “Although we have worked with AB Agri for several years, these pitches were competitive, so we are delighted to have been successful and to be able to continue providing design work that achieves results for their business.

“With our proposals for the websites, we had to demonstrate that we understood their target audience, which is predominantly farmers and could develop sites that were appropriate for the agricultural industry whilst still being contemporary in look and feel.

“I believe that our experience and understanding of their business were key factors in our being chosen for this project.”

Netta de la Cour, marketing manager for Trident, said: “We were very impressed with the way 10 Associates really understood what was important to our customers and how they would be using this website, as well as the excellent and easy to use content management system they are going to be providing.”

Time to get pension advice SEMINARS have been planned to provide employers with insights into the workplace pension reforms.

Eastwood & Partners (Financial Services) Ltd are running two sessions on Wednesday, April 20, at its offices at Northumberland House, Northumberland Street in Huddersfield.

The morning session gets under way at 9.30am with the afternoon session starting at 2pm.

Refreshments will be available for an hour before the sessions begin.

Karen Wynard, head of corporate services, said: “The seminars are designed to give employers the basic details that they need and give them the knowledge they need to be able to plan for something that is going to affect them at some point in the next few years.”

Email Karen on karen@eastwood financial.co.uk or Lucy Hodgson on lucyh@eastwoodand partners.co.uk

NESS NEWS

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Don’t disregard the key issues S your business protected against Ithe loss of a key person?

T h e m a j o r i t y o f bu s i n e s s e s w i l l

understand the need to manage the risks that they face every day.

They insure their premises, equipment and stock against fire, flood and theft and they insure their vehicles.

Equally, however, the majority of businesses do not think about what would happen if they lost another important asset – their key people.

Many small and medium-sized businesses rely on certain key people.

For example, it could be a sales manager whose contacts and relationships make sure that sales remain on target or it could be a designer who is responsible for the development of new products.

Without such key people, the business could suffer serious financial loss or even go out of business completely.

Going further than financial loss in terms of the loss of key people, what would happen if one of the business owners died or suffered a critical illness?

Who would take their place and would that person have the skills necessary to fill the role? Would that person even want to fill that role?

FINANCIAL FOCUS Karen Wynard

Whatever a key person does, their loss could have disastrous consequences for the business and in the absence of a key person, the business could suffer various problems.

As mentioned earlier, loss of profits is certainly one problem, but what about the need and cost of recruiting and training a replacement or what about the difficulties that could occur in raising new finance for new business developments?

Taking things a step further, the loss of a key person could mean the loss of important personal and business contacts or even goodwill and the loss of both of these could result in financial implications for any business.

Business protection insurance is designed to protect businesses against the effects of losing one of their key people or one of the

Karen Wynard is head of corporate services at Eastwood & Partners (Financial Services) Ltd

Brand update A GROUP of firms providing services in the field of electronics has undergone a re-branding to bring all the businesses under one umbrella.

The move by S2S follows last year’s merger of S2S Electronics and Bruce RID Recycling – when both companies were working under different names.

Now Turnbridge-based S2S has four divisions – S2S Electronics, S2S Lifecycle Services, S2S Data Destruction and S2S Solutions.

S2S Lifecycle Services – incorporating the former Bruce RID Recycling business – and S2S Solutions have taken up a high-security site based in Sheffield.

It is also used by the S2S Data Destruction division, to provide “lifecycle services” and diversify into refurbishing and re-marketing sectors.

S2S Solutions provides a safe and secure solution for redundant, working and non-working corporate mobile phones and smart phones.

Alanna Drysdale, marketing manager at the S2S Group, said: “Mobile phones today

owners through death, critical illness or temporary disability.

Many businesses do not have any such insurance in place, but would it not make sense to insure the most important asset of any successful business – the key people?

Some businesses may not have this insurance because they are not aware of its existence or if they are, they may be worried about the cost.

Eastwood & Partners (Financial Services) Ltd can provide an independent, specialist advisory service with regard to this type of insurance.

If you are interested in finding out more about this insurance and how it works, one of our independent financial advisers would be happy to talk you through this.

provide just as much access to confidential data as hard drives, media tapes, and USB sticks and therefore require the same high security and process measures.”

She said: “Company directors are under greater pressure than ever to decrease the amount of expenditure on assets and to decrease their operating costs, while still supplying technologies that give them a competitive edge within the UK market.

“However many companies do not recognise the residual value that is in their redundant IT equipment and do not have the time or the resources to assess their equipment.

“S2S Lifecycle Services and S2S Solutions can take the pressure off companies by evaluating their units for them, allowing them to make the most economical decision for their organisation.”

In addition to its major divisions, the group also operates a sub-contract manufacturing and design division, S2S Electronics, which is based in Huddersfield.

Fantastic’s figures FULL service marketing agency Fantastic Media posted its best-ever results for the first quarter of 2011 – and said the performance reflects growing optimism among the region’s businesses.

Birstall-based Fantastic Media posted the improved figures after celebrating its fifth birthday at the start of the year with a move into new, bespoke offices – and notching up six contract wins since the start of the year.

Managing director Andy Hobson (pictured) said the firm was continuing to grow at an “exceptional” pace and now

looked to expand its client services team.

Fantastic has been retained to supply marketing services to commercial vehicle retailer Stormont, specialist recycler Sunersol, office fit out company Butler & Willow, IT support provider Adept 4, logistics company LinQ Alliance and prestige car company Overfinch UK. Said Mr Hobson: “We’ve noticed a definite optimism since the beginning of the year, with businesses ready to actively promote themselves in the marketplace once again.”

Export advice worth heeding KIRKLEES companies have been urged to join the export drive.

Figures from the government’s export support organisation UK Trade & Investment showed that firms embarking on exporting could expect to see a 34% improvement in productivity.

And exporting business are 11% more likely to survive than those without overseas sales.

The relatively low value of Sterling against most major currencies is also helping the competitiveness of UK products and services across the world.

Now Business Link Yorkshire has teamed up with South Yorkshire International Trade Centre and UKTI to run a series of workshops called Are You Ready to Export?

They are paired with sessions entitled Developing and Bringing New Ideas to Market, which offer small and medium-sized firms tips on exploiting new ideas.

The workshops run from 1.30pm to 4.30pm on Thursday at Leeds Metropolitan University; Tuesday, April 19, at the Holiday Inn, Sheffield; Thursday, May 5, at the Hallmark Hotel in Hull; Monday, May 9, at The Cairn, Harrogate; and Tuesday, June 7, at The Regent Hotel, Doncaster.

Visit www.businesslinkyorkshire.co.uk or call 08456 048048 to book.

Strata forges on YORKSHIRE housebuilder Strata Homes hailed a “very successful” year as it posted annual pre-tax profits of £1.8m.

The Doncaster-based company, which has a development at Norfolk Avenue in Huddersfield, sold 305 new homes in the past 12 months – generating revenue of £43.18m with an average selling price of £150,025.

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

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS New record for busy DTZ team THE industrial and logistics team at DTZ in West Yorkshire has smashed its own record for the number of deals.

The team completed more than 50 deals involving 2m sq ft of space during the third and fourth quarters of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011 – more than ever before in an equivalent period.

The deals include a mix of acquisition and disposals on a freehold and leasehold basis of industrial, warehousing and manufacturing premises across Yorkshire.

Paul Mack (pictured), associate director of industrial agency, said “Despite tough economic conditions, we have seen a dramatic rise in transactions over the last nine months.

“A combination of lower rents and greater incentives being offered by landlords over the past two years and a continued appetite for freehold premises from the occupier sector has certainly created an environment where in some locations take-up levels have exceeded all expectations.

“In addition, certain sectors are seeing strong growth, such as the steel stockholding industry and any company related to the food sector.”

Said Mr Mack: “Take-up levels are expected to continue at a similar rate. However, with no new development on the horizon, the demand-supply ratio is starting to shift back into the landlord’s favour in certain locations.

“For example, we have started to see certain occupiers struggle to find suitable accommodation in Leeds in the 15,000sq ft to 20,000sq ft range and we are aware of a couple of companies with large requirements for West Yorkshire who are having to consider design and build packages due to a shortage of available stock.”

Page 6

Industrial space in big demand THE amount of industrial space acquired across Yorkshire during 2010 reached a record high, according to latest figures.

The National Industrial and Distribution Report published b y p ro p e r t y c o n s u l t a n c y Lambert Smith Hampton showed the take-up of space rose by 30.5% compared with 2009 to reach a record 10.5m sq ft.

Rob Whatmuff, regional head of industrial and logistics agency for LSH in Yorkshire said: “The last 12 months has seen an increased level of take-up for existing stock, albeit on favourable terms for the occupier.

“This take-up has seen a significant reduction on standing stock.”

The research found that take-up in the distribution sector soared – with 10 transactions

undertaken on buildings over 175,000sq ft.

Activity came from the retail sector with super markets, department stores, discount and internet retailers responsible for 79% of take-up.

Despite demand reaching a record high, availability rose to 44.4m sq ft, an increase of 14.5% on 2009.

However, much of the stock returning to the market is obsolete, lower quality and unwanted stock, said Mr Whatmuff.

Focusing on rental values, he said: “Landlords have become more accommodating in retaining existing tenants and have been prepared to offer strongly incentivised deals on lease renewals.

“This has led to a downward spiral in rental levels.

“ H ow e v e r, t h e g row i n g shortage of good quality accommodation combined with a continuation of 2010 take-up figures will lead to increased rental levels in the future, resulting in a shift in the balance of power to landlords.”

Said Mr Whatmuff: “There are several key development sites in West Yorkshire which could facilitate the anticipated demand in the ‘big shed’ distribution market over coming years, as well as the immediate demand for small to medium-sized new build accommodation “While in South Yorkshire, the larger distribution market r e q u i r e s f u r t h e r t a ke - u p, medium-sized units in the primary locations continue to generate demand and are of limited supply.”

■ RENT RISE: Rob Whatmuff, regional head of industrial and logistics agency for LSH in Yorkshire

Job cuts put office space in spotlight

Further fall in ‘void’ periods lifts sector THE average “void” period of private rented sector property has fallen for three consecutive quarters on the back of strong levels of tenant demand, according to latest research by buy-to-let mortgage specialist Paragon.

The average annual void period recorded in the first quarter of 2011 stood at 2.8 weeks.

Paragon said this figure had steadily declined from a high of 3.5 weeks recorded in the second quarter of 2010. The current figure is at its lowest since the first quarter of 2009.

The survey by Paragon showed that 45% of landlords experience a void period – the length of time a property is without a tenant – of less than two weeks a year, with 34% experiencing voids of between two and four weeks. Void periods allow landlords to carry out maintenance and improvement work on their properties.

Paragon said tenant demand had risen significantly over the past two years due to the continued shortage of mortgage finance in the owner-occupied sector and longer-term socio-economic changes such as greater numbers of economic migrants and single person households, which is placing greater pressure on private rented sector stock.

property

■ EFFICIENCY: Jonathan Shires, director of office agency for CBRE in West Yorkshire

MASSIVE job losses in the public sector will hit West Yorkshire’s office market hard, a regional property expert has warned.

The Office of Budget Responsibility has estimated that 320,000 general government jobs will go over the next five years.

Property agency CB Richard Ellis said that the job cuts would put extra pressure on the private sector to drive growth.

Jonathan Shires, director of office agency at CBRE in Leeds, said civil service and public sector jobs accounted for about 10% of employment across the UK office markets. In Leeds alone, more than 1m sq ft of offices space is occupied by central government.

Said Mr Shires: “As part of the

Government’s measures to significantly reduce spending, there will be substantial job losses in forthcoming months and undoubtedly these cuts will lead to a reassessment by government of the office space it occupies.

“The Government Property Unit is now tasked with the management of civil estate and this has led to a moratorium on the signing of new property leases or extensions. This, along with the job cuts and a drive for more efficient occupation, will all mean that less space is occupied.

“However, where office space is occupied on commercial leases, the realities of the property market cannot be ignored which could go some way to counter-balance the

situation. Therefore, lease expires will generate opportunities to consolidate into more efficient buildings and we could witness modest demand for Grade A stock as a result.”

Mr Shires said: “Take-up by the public sector had already slowed throughout 2010 with pressure placed on private sector businesses to lead the country out of recession.

“This will continue in the wake of the new, expected job cuts. It is therefore encouraging that the main source of private sector demand for office space, the financial and business services sector, is forecast to see stronger nationwide growth over the next five years, which should hopefully outpace the losses expected from the public sector.”

Bank sets up property team A FOUR-STRONG team of relationship managers has been created to help Yorkshire property businesses – as Lloyds TSB Commercial announces that lending to the sector in the region rose by 8.75% in 2010.

That figure represents lending to small and medium-sized property businesses with a turnover of up to £15m – companies which need dedicated advice to help them navigate a slowly recovering

sector.

The investment in a specialist team comes as Lloyds TSB Commercial has been appointed the preferred banking partner by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and is offering dedicated banking services to RICS members.

Dave Catley, relationship director for Lloyds TSB Commercial in Yorkshire, said that securing preferred supplier status with the RICS meant the

bank was establishing itself as a leading provider of finance and banking to one of the most important business sectors in the UK. He said: ““The SME property sector is crucial to the UK and regional economy.

“The fact that we have increased lending by 8.7% is an indicator that our strategy of investing in this dedicated team is what businesses are looking for.

“Many of our property customers are now considering purchasing property – such as their own premises – again after a cautious couple of years. This is good news for a recovering economy.”

Said Mr Catley: “By establishing this team in Yorkshire, we are aiming to further increase lending to the right businesses at a time when the SME property sector needs confidence and stability.

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

property

FOR SALE

Car Sales & MOT Station Well Lane, Batley, WF17 5HQ

1 Garage and substantial car display area 1 378m2 (4,071 sq ft) 1 Site area of 0.22 ha (0.54 acres) approx 1 Edge of town centre location

Price: On Application

TO LET

■ GOING UP: inflationary pressures are driving up raw material costs for the construction sector as the Government austerity cuts kick in

Worries pile up for construction A ROBUST performance by the UK construction sector in March has been overshadowed by warnings over the spiralling cost of fuel, oil and steel.

The latest Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index survey for the construction sector – where a reading above 50 indicates growth – fell to 56.4 in March.

That was slightly down on the eight-month high of 56.5 for the previous month.

Economists had forecast that the rate would fall to 54.8, but each of the three sub-sectors of the industry – civil, residential and commercial – recorded continued growth in March.

There were further signs of inflationary pressure after the industry said input prices rose to a 31-month high, driven by higher raw material prices.

Other “worrying” signs about the sector’s future health have also emerged – as confidence was dented by the Government’s austerity cuts and growth in new orders slowed to below its historical average.

David Noble, chief executive of CIPS, said: “On the surface there wasn’t much of a change in the construction sector in March, but there is plenty to put businesses on edge about their future prospects.

“The spectre of government spending cuts is causing the greatest concern, particularly as government stimulus starts to crumble.”

Today’s figures will boost hopes that the economy returned to growth in the first quarter of 2011, but will heap more pressure on the Bank of England to raise interest rates in a bid stave off mounting inflation.

Industrial Premises

Pine Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1SS

1 Workshop/storage unit 1 473.64m2 (5,098 sq ft) 1 Edge of town centre location 1 Ease of access to A62 Leeds Road Corridor

Rent: £15,000 per annum exclusive

FOR SALE

Land at Red Doles Road Huddersfield, HD2 1AT

1 Large surfaced secure yard area 1 0.24 ha (0.60 acres) 1 Redevelopment potential (STP)

Price: On Application

TO LET

Modern Warehouse Unit

Old Fieldhouse Lane, Huddersfield, HD2 1AG 1 Up to 1,465m2 (15,760 sq ft) 1 Leeds Road Corridor location 1 Generous, secure yard and 1 Car parking provision

Rent: Reduced with incentives available

TO LET

Prominent Office/Workshop Unit Unit 7, Brookfoot Business Park Elland Road, Brookfoot, Brighouse, HD6 2SD 1 Frontage to busy A6025 Elland Road 1 Ease of access to J25 of M62 1 364m2 (3,921 sq ft)

Rent: £19,500 per annum exclusive

TO LET

Success for agency as Industrial estate is fully let

Modern Workshop Unit

AN industrial estate is now fully let following a series of deals.

Eddisons, which has offices in Huddersfield, acted on behalf of landlord Royds Properties to complete the lettings at Enterprise Court, off Tong Street, Bradford.

Fusion Paper and Board has taken a unit extending to 2,113 sq ft while Butterfield Signs have increased their presence on the site by taking two further units totalling 6,000 sq ft to add to the 16,000 sq ft they already occupy.

Shazad Mahmood (pictured), of Eddisons said: “We are delighted to

New Build Workshop Units

have concluded these deals which prove that even in difficult times there is still demand for good quality industrial space. The fact that some tenants are taking additional space to be able to handle more work is also a positive sign.”

Eddisons has acted on behalf of the landlord, Royds Properties on all lettings since they bought the site three years ago, in a deal which Eddisons also concluded.

Max Royds, director of Royds Properties said: “The site has proved popular with a range of tenants ever since we

bought it.

“It has excellent loading and parking facilities and its close proximity to the M606 is a real benefit.”

Since the start of the year, Eddisons has also completed lettings on a further 18,000 sq ft of space at industrial sites across Bradford, many of which are let to small and medium-sized businesses.

Mr Mahmood said: “The success or otherwise of small and medium-sized businesses is often a key economic barometer. The fact that we are seeing demand from tenants in these groups is encouraging.”

PRICE REDUCED

Unit B, Brockholes Business Park, Rock Mill Road, Huddersfield, HD9 7BN

1 307m2 (3,308 sq ft) 1 Prominent location adjacent to the A616

New Mill Road Rent: £5.25 per sq ft per annum exclusive

TO LET

Calder Trading Estate, Lower Quarry Road, Huddersfield, HD5 0RR

1 149.96m2 (1,614 sq ft) 1 Generous yard and car parking 1 Leeds Road Corridor location, close to J25 of M62 1 Located off busy A62 Leeds/Huddersfield Trunk Road

Rent: £3 per sq ft per annum exclusive

TO LET

Various Workshop Units

Caldervale Works, River Street, Brighouse, HD6 1NL 1 Various workshop units 1 265 – 2,748m2 (2,857 – 29,581 sq ft) 1 Ample secure yard/parking provision

Rent: From £2.75 per sq ft per annum exclusive

Page 7

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Movers and shakers

Page 8

Town’s net gain from sponsors Tim Ingram

WAM A MARKETING company has made a key appointment.

Wright Angle Marketing (WAM) has recruited Tim Ingram as head of creative. His appointment follows three recent additions to the team at the Greetland-based firm.

Mr Ingram has more than 20 years experience in graphic design and print. For the past 11 years, he ran his own business, Ten Men Design, producing print literature and large format exhibition graphics for clients nationwide.

He said: “I’ve loved working freelance, but feel the time is right to join a vibrant creative team again. I jumped at the opportunity to work with WAM.” The appointments come as WAM, led by managing director Judith Wright (pictured front, left with other team members), celebrates its 10th anniversary.

A FINANCIAL advice firm in Huddersfield is backing Huddersfield Town’s star players.

Robertson Baxter will be title sponsors of the club’s annual awards ceremony held after the home game against Brentford on May 7.

Ten awards are up for grabs on the night. They include the Player of the Year Award, which was won by Town captain Peter Clarke last year, and the Contribution to the Community Award, which went to Carl Dickinson.

Robertson Baxter will sponsor Town’s showpiece commercial event of the year held at the stadium. In attendance will be Town’s entire playing and management squad as well as members of the media and club partners.

Robertson Baxter, headed by

Greg Robertson and Stephen Baxter, is an independent financial adviser managing close to £100m for more than 140 families and trustees.

Town commercial manager Tracy Nelson said: ““It is fantastic to have a successful, Huddersfield-based company as the main supporters of our showpiece event of the year.

“Planning for the ceremony is well under way and – as always – everyone associated with the club is looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic night.”

Said Greg: “Huddersfield Town are a club heading in the right direction. They have an excellent portfolio of business and commercial partners and we are very proud to be associated with them and sponsoring their annual awards ceremony.”

■ PRIZE GUYS: Huddersfield Town commercial manager Tracy Nelson with Greg Robertson (left) and Stephen Baxter, of independent financial advisers Robertson Baxter, who are sponsoring the club’s awards night

Ace service rewarded

A HOLMFIRTH businessman took centre stage at an international conference.

Steve Harvey-Franklin, who owns WSI Yorkshire, addressed the annual WSI Global Excellence and Innovation Conference in Birmingham to talk to delegates from the UK, Europe, USA and further afield about effective marketing activities.

He also joined a round table panel to provide advice to businesses on growth.

Said Steve: “In these difficult economic times, it’s vital that every business has the information that it needs to enable it to prosper. The E&I conference is a great event to help all those who attend to do just that.”

Other speakers at the event included Scott Klososky, a globally-renowned technology speaker who addresses future trends in any areas of business and society.

Seminars put focus on backing business A LAW firm with offices in Huddersfield is hosting seminars covering IT and legal topics of interest to small businesses in West Yorkshire.

Chadwick Lawrence will host the Brighter Connections seminars at its offices at Paragon Business Village in Wakefield.

The first, focusing on Low Cost Business Disruption Planning, will take place from 8.30am to 10am on Thursday.

Another talk, Getting Ahead of the Game, will be held at the same time on Wednesday, May 11.

Said a spokesman: “We hope these events will give local businesses the opportunity to meet some of the team here at Brighter Connections and gain an insight into some of the current ‘hot topics’ in the world of IT that could bring tangible benefits or cost savings

to your business.”

He added: “Today, more than ever, all businesses depend on the availability of data and it may be something we take for granted.

“Data may be ‘mission critical’ to your business and loss or interruption of this data could be disastrous or you may simply be sending emails to and receiving emails from your customers and suppliers.

“Whatever the case, one thing is certain – loss of data or interruption of service through fire, flood, human error or hardware/software failure could be costly, inconvenient and time consuming for your business.”

Call 03707 551515 or email marketing@ brighter-connections.com

Conference call for Holmfirth man

■ CAR CARE: Richard Guthrie, of West Yorkshire Trading Standards, presents the award to Sarah Robinson, of Quarmby Garage A MOTOR trader in Huddersfield is the latest to be recognised for customer service.

Quarmby Garage, of Quarmby, has received an award from West Yorkshire Trading Standards for its commitment to high standards of customer care as a member of the West Yorkshire Motor Trade Partnership.

Graham Hebblethwaite, chief officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards, said: “This award illustrates the continued dedication that Quarmby Garage has in ensuring that their customers receive the highest level of customer service.

“Choosing to use a garage that is a

member of the partnership should eliminate doubt and give consumers the extra reassurance that they are dealing with a reputable trader.”

Clr Mohan Sokhal, a member of the trading standards committee, said “It is encouraging that local garages are working in partnership with Trading Standards to provide consumers of West Yorkshire with an excellent standard of service and care.

“Consumers should be aware that this Partnership is a means of providing peace of mind when making such purchases, and is a valuable asset”.

Legal presentation A HUDDERSFIELD solicitor returned to his old university for a prize-giving ceremony.

Nigel Priestley, senior partner of Ridley & Hall and Law Society Private Practice Solicitor of the Year for 2010, was back on familiar ground at Warwick Law School.

He was on hand to present the Julia Kerr Prize to the student making the best use of the skills and knowledge gained at Warwick Law School to make an important contribution to human rights in the community.

Margaret O'Leary was awarded the Julia Kerr Human Rights Award 2011 for her involvement with Femin Ijtihad, an organisation promoting Asian women’s rights to activism.

Mr Priestley also gave a talk entitled How to Make a Difference Through Law.