Kirklees Business News 15.03.11

FTSE 100

RICHARD BROWN Space to expand

-53.43 5775.24

Full inter view - Page 3

COLIN BARRATT Errors and irregularities Column - Page 4

An EXAMINER publication

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees

Firm scaling new heights in Europe

A HUDDERSFIELD company will showcase its internationally renowned system for reducing hair loss in cancer patients at a major medical conference in Switzerland.

Fenay Bridge-based Paxman Coolers Ltd will showcase its scalp cooling system before an audience of oncologists and worldwide cancer specialists at the St Gallen Breast Cancer Conference this week.

The company developed the system to reduce hair loss for patients during chemotherapy – helping to improve patient’s self-confidence and enabling them to retain their dignity.

Scalp cooling works by reducing the flow of blood to the hair follicles during peak plasma concentration of the relevant chemotherapy agent.

Cancer chemotherapy affects rapidly dividing cells and at any given time, 90% of human hair follicles are in the actively dividing phase. Hair loss frequently occurs due to partial or total atrophy of the hair root bulb, causing constriction of the hair shaft, which then breaks off easily.

Paxman Coolers’ Orbis I & II systems aim to help patients live an unrestricted life during an already traumatic time – with 70% to 90% of users not requiring a wig after using the system.

With the system already enhancing the lives of thousands of patients around the world, operations director Richard Paxman is hoping the conference will raise the awareness of scalp cooling among the visiting oncolo-

gists.

He said: “Attending St Gallen is vital to enable us to build awareness of our life enhancing system and gain feedback from some of the most well respected and renowned oncologists in the world.

“With a number of clinical trials currently ongoing globally it’s an exciting time for us and we’re looking forward to a successful week.”

The conference coincides with a two-year clinical trial of the equipment in Switzerland, which is being run in conjunction with Sanofi-Aventis, a leading pharmaceutical company. The four-day conference, which starts tomorrow will be attended by more than 5,000 delegates from more than 100 countries.

■ DRIVE: John Andrew, owner of Huddersfield-based Direct Golf

“Our expertise is mainly in running golf shops and driving ranges – and the restaurant and conference facilities provide interesting new opportunities at our new Cambridge site.”

John Wilson, of Huddersfield accountancy firm Revell Ward, who advised on the deal, said: “Direct Golf has an excellent track record of running successful retail operations and I am pleased to see them expand in this way.

“It’s great to see a Huddersfield business with the confidence to invest in its future.”

Legal advice was provided by Nick

Shining examples A SOLAR roofing specialist has reinforced its links with one of the UK’s leading builders’ merchant chains.

Award-winning Ploughcroft and partner Plumb Center starred at Ecobuild, the world’s biggest event for sustainable design and construction, which was held in London.

● Full story - Page 7

■ HIGH HOPES: Richard Paxman, operations director at Paxman Coolers

Golf retailer finds the fairway to growth A GOLFING equipment firm has swung into takeover action.

Huddersfield-based retailer Direct Golf UK Ltd has expanded its operations with the acquisition of Cambridge Golf & Conference Centre for an undisclosed sum.

The centre, based near Huntingdon, has a driving range facility and a well-stocked golf shop as well as a restaurant and bar, and conference facilities for up to 200 delegates.

John Andrew, owner of Direct Golf, said “I am delighted to add to our existing retail outlets across the country.

INSIDE

Metcalfe of Huddersfield law firm Baxter Caulfield.

Direct Golf, which has its registered office at Milnsbridge, has 17 retail sites across the country as well as an online operation.

The company was founded in 1991

by Mr Andrew, a PGA professional.

From one small shop in Huddersfield the company has grown into one of the largest specialist golf retailers in the UK and Europe.

It employs over 190 people and boasts a management team PGA professionals and golf “fanatics”.

The most trusted news brand in the business

examiner.co.uk

15, March, 2011

Advice for PR firm HUDDERSFIELD lawyer Stephen Newman has secured a PR coup – advising Graham Robb, founder of Recognition PR on a restructuring of the business.

● Full story - Page 4

Solicitors for business inYorkshire www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk Huddersfield | Wakefield | Halifax | Leeds

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

national

Page 2

Investors lacking Southern comfort SHARES in Britain’s biggest care home provider plummeted after sale talks fell through and it warned it may breach its banking covenants.

Southern Cross Healthcare said its trading outlook continued to worsen in 2011 after admissions and fees declined as local authorities look for cheaper prices in the wake of the Government’s budget cuts.

The company, which owns the Southern Cross Healthcare and Ashbourne Senior Living brands, said it has appointed advisers at KPMG to help it negotiate with landlords and lenders as it tries to stave off “an impending banking covenant breach”.

In a statement, Jamie Buchan, chief executive of the Darlington-based group said: “In the light of reduced local authority placements, the company considers its current rent burden to be unsustainable

and intends to step up discussions with landlords based on a more radical agenda.”

Southern had decided not to pursue a number of “highly preliminary” buy-out proposals it has received in recent months because none are likely to result in a meaningful offer in the foreseeable future.

Shares slumped by more than 50% at one point yesterday, closing down 10.18p at 55.57p each.

Southern houses 31,000 residents cared for by 45,000 staff in more than 750 homes – making it the UK’s largest provider of care home services for the elderly and a major provider of services for people with physical or learning disabilities.

It is being squeezed as councils and primary care trusts, which pay for more

Markets shaken

than 70% of its customers, demand rate reductions while rents have risen and seek more competitive rates from rivals.

The update represents a further slump in trading for Southern, which reported doubled losses of £47.4m in the year to September, 2010.

Its financial year got off to a bad start as like-for-like admissions to its elderly care business fell by 7% in the final quarter of 2010 after a 15% slide in local authority admissions.

The group has embarked on a turnaround programme to increase the number of private admissions and improve standards of care. It is also making “substantial cost savings” through more efficient staffing and reducing the amount it pays for goods and services.

The company said its lenders were fully ■ STEPPING UP: Chief supportive of its actions. executive Jamie Buchan

Printer agrees magazines sale

Earnings boost for Bovis

A MAGAZINE printing business with clients including Time Out, Vogue and The Economist is to be sold in a £20m deal.

St Ives has agreed the sale of its loss-making magazine division – which also prints Look, Sainsbury’s Magazine, NME and lifestyle publication Wallpaper – to the owner of rival Wyndeham Press.

Wyndeham’s private equity owner, Walstead Investments, was set up in 2008 to buy Wyndeham, which prints magazines including Marie Claire, Waitrose Food Illustrated and Zoo. St Ives also prints books in the Harry Potter and The Chronicles of

HOUSEBUILDER Bovis Homes said underlying profits more than doubled after it sold more properties at higher average prices than last year.

Average selling prices rose by 4% to £160,700 as the Kent-based group built more family homes to reduce its exposure to first-time buyers who are struggling to find mortgages.

Pre-tax profits increased by one-and-a-half times to £18.5m as profit margins rose as the group brought down the cost of building homes.

The number of homes sold increased by 5% to 1,900, which

Narnia series. It will still own the magazine printing plants in Peterborough, Plymouth and Roche in Cornwall, which it will lease to the new owners.

The magazine business, which employs 670 people, made a loss before tax of £5.1m in the year to July after facing price pressure as readers switch to the internet.

Bosses at St Ives said the deal would allow it to strengthen its balance sheet and further diversify into higher profit areas like marketing and logistics.

Numis Securities responded by upgrading earnings per share forecasts for 2012 by 14%.

helped to drive a 6% increase in revenues to £298.6m.

After the “strong improvement in profit in 2010’’ the group is to pay a dividend to shareholders for the first time for two-and-a-half years.

Bovis said it had made an “encouraging” start to 2011, with reservations up by 11% in the first nine weeks of the year and the number of people visiting sites up by 28%.

Bovis said it had increased the amount of land bought for future development. It also expects to launch 33 new sales outlets, which would be its “most significant site launch programme for many years”.

WORLD markets followed Tokyo’s Nikkei index into the red as shares suffered further declines in the wake of the Japanese earthquake disaster.

London’s FTSE 100 Index closed nearly 1% lower – down 53.4 points to 5775.2, having held its nerve for most of the day until a late-session sell-off sparked by heavy falls on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average in America dropped more than 140 points in early trading, while markets across Europe also fell despite a weekend agreement over a broad package of measures to ease the eurozone debt crisis.

There were significant losses for some of Japan’s leading companies amid fears about the economic impact of Friday’s disaster, including power shortages that could disrupt factory output.

Car makers were badly affected with Toyota down 8%.

The biggest fall in London’s top flight came from Burberry, which generates a large slice of its sales from Japanese customers.

Shares in UK insurers slumped into the red amid estimates that the claims bill for Japan’s earthquake could reach as high as £22bn.

It is thought the quake alone may have caused up to £13.4bn of damage, while there were fears of major disruption to factory output.

SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £26.86 -0.53 Gannett 936.24 -27.83 Hess Corp £48.75 -0.83 Microsoft 1571.33 -16.70 Motors Liquidation 46.38 Wal-Mart Stores £32.22 -0.30 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 214 -7 BAE Systems 3197/8 -3/4 1 Rolls-Royce Gp 586 /2 -101/2 AIM Brady Plc 741/2 -31/2 Dawson Intl 13/4 Man Brnze 48 -1 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 1941/4 -25/8 BANKS Barclays 2941/2 -41/4 HSBC 650 -75/8 5 Lloyds Banking Gp 60 /8 -1/2 7 Ryl Scotland 41 /8 -1 Stan Chart 1593 +2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1169 -11 SABMiller £203/8 -1/8 CHEMICALS Croda 1601 +45 Elementis 98 1423/8 -3 Johnsn Mat 1756 -47 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 3413/4 +7/8 Costain 2583/4 -11/4 ELECTRICITY Drax Gp 4083/4 +123/8 3

1

Scottish & Sthrn 1184 -17 Energy ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 146 -1/2 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3481/4 -23/8 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 1851/4 -23/4 Cable & Wireless 501/2 -5/8 Comm Cable & Wireless 663/8 -23/8 Wwide 1 Colt Group 145 /2 -1/2 KCOM 623/4 -11/4 Talktalk Telecom 140 -2 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2781/2 -71/2 Sainsbury 3611/4 -57/8 1 Tesco 386 /8 -55/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 9431/2 -1 Nth Foods 721/2 -1/4 Tate Lyle 547 -31/2 Unilever 1835 -22 Uniq 61/4 -11/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3251/4 -61/4 National Grid 5551/2 -131/2 Pennon Grp 607 -8 Severn 1442 -19 United Utils 571 -5 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 2923/4 -37/8 ICAP 5021/2 -6 London StockExch 842 -5 -21/8 Man Group 2643/8 1

Schroders 1771 +16 Schroders NV 1389 +17 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 644 -31/2 REXAM 3631/4 -3/4 Smiths Grp 1288 -14 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 233/4 -3/8 Carphone Whse 371 -33/4 Dixons Retail 161/2 -5/8 Home Retail 1923/4 -23/4 3 Inchcape 366 /4 -63/4 Kingfisher 2361/2 -31/2 M&S 333 -23/4 5 Mothercare 476 /8 -11/2 Next 1868 -32 -37/8 WH Smith 4461/8 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 7061/2 -71/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 131 -7 Barrat Dev 102 -1/4 Persimmon 4403/8 -1/4 Reckitt Benckiser £303/4 -1/2 Taylor Wimpey 395/8 +1/4 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 735 -16 IMI 9331/2 -4 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 3851/4 +73/4 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 2001/4 -3 Forth Ports 1605 -8 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 440 -137/8 3

3

1331/8 718 2787/8 2171/2 MEDIA BSkyB 824 D Mail Tst 4971/2 ITV 86 Johnston Press 87/8 Pearson 1082 Reed Elsevier 525 STV Group 153 Trinity Mirror 481/2 Utd Business 5911/2 UTV 1301/4 WPP 772 Yell Group 61/8 MINING Anglo American £307/8 Antofagasta 1331 BHP Billiton £227/8 Eurasian Natural 904 Res Fresnillo 1499 Kazakhmys 1323 Lonmin 1676 Rio Tinto £393/4 VEDANTA £221/4 RESOURCES Xstrata 13511/2 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 5801/2 Vodafone Group 175 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1592 RSA Insurance Gp 1317/8 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life

-11/8 -3 -51/4 -53/4

-71/2 -11/4 -1/2 -12 -3 +1 -23/4 -31/2 -73/4 -71/2 -1/8

Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp

2761/2 1123/4 5551/2 1600

-181/4 -13/4 -131/2

FTSE closed at

5775.24 Down 53.43

3

- /8 -8 -1/4 -81/2 -12 -12 -34 +1/8 +3/8 +11/2 -10 -37/8 -8 -11/8

1

1

-9 /8 BP 459 /4 Cairn Energy 4281/4 -11/4 Royal Dutch Shell A £211/4 -1/8 7 Royal Dutch Shell B £20 /8 -1/8 Total £36 -5/8 Tullow Oil 1370 -18 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1115 -37 Petrofac 1398 +7 -12 Wood Group 6201/2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1123 -51 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £291/8 -3/8 Axis-Shield 314 -13/4 GlaxoSmithK XD 81/2 Shire 1797 +1 REAL ESTATE 1

Captl Shop Cent 3751/2 DTZ Hldgs 363/4 Hamrsn 4451/4 Land Secs 736 SEGRO 3163/8 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Autonomy Corp 1576 Invensys 3391/4 Logica 1271/4 Misys 3151/4 Sage Group 2641/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 480 Bunzl 7111/2 Capita 754 De La Rue 780 Electrocomp 2701/4 Experian 744 G4S 2567/8 Hays 117 Homeserve 4451/4 Menzies J 500 Rentokil 881/4 Smiths News 843/4 Wolseley £205/8 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 5251/2 Psion 90 Spirent Comms 1453/8 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £235/8 Imperial Tobacco 1938 LEISURE & HOTELS Carnival £251/2 Compass Grp 5291/2 easyJet 3481/4 Enterprise Inns 89

-81/2 +3/4 -33/4 -9 +13/8 -15 -1/2 -13/8 -7/8 -61/2 -3/8 -11 -7 +5 +1/4 +4 -5 -11/8 -11/2 +5 -1/2 -1/4 -3/8 +21/2 -13/4 +3/8 -1/4 -37 -1/2 -8 -15/8 +5/8 3

Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airlines Gp Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express PartyGaming Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread

1380 4377/8 1287 2293/4

-14 -35/8 -27 -31/4

1327/8 3011/4 2335/8 177 130 2017/8 228 1616

+1/8 -4 -27/8 -1/4 +3/4 -53/8 -23/4 -35

FTSE 100

INDEX 5775.24

-53.43

FTSE 250

INDEX 11349.66

-59.87

TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.51 dollars Bangladesh................. 108.21 taka Brazil.............................. 2.39 reals Canada....................... 1.49 dollars China ............................. 9.42 yuan Czech Republic ...... 25.73 korunas Denmark....................... 8.18 krone Euro............................... 1.10 euro Hong Kong................ 11.86 dollars Hungary................... 281.14 forints India.......................... 63.84 rupees Japan........................... 125.42 yen Mexico ....................... 17.00 pesos New Zealand .............. 2.02 dollars Norway ......................... 8.59 krone Pakistan.................. 129.19 rupees Philippines ................. 59.87 pesos South Africa................. 10.32 rand South Korea.............. 1576.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 166.64 rupees Sweden......................... 9.74 krona Switzerland.................. 1.42 francs Taiwan ...................... 41.30 dollars Turkey....................... 2.40 new lira USA ............................ 1.53 dollars

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS FORMER apprentice engineer Richard Brown believes there’s room for a different kind of construction company.

So now he is building up a business helping people extend their homes as director of Space+ based in Edgerton.

But Richard’s first career was a long way removed from the property sector.

Sunderland-born Richard moved to Huddersfield in 1984 because of his father’s work as a salesman and attended Fixby Junior School and Fartown High School.

Richard became an engineering apprentice at valve firm Hopkinson’s in Birkby – in the same year that the business was bought by Glasgow-based Weir Group.

Later, he moved from the factory floor to the sales department and spent two years working for a Bradford firm using lasers.

One of his biggest deals was to sell a five-axis laser to BAE Systems. The machine was used to help in the production of the Eurofighter.

But Richard was to turn his back on engineering in favour of forging a career in architects and planners, property. setting on trusted Through his friendship sub-contractors and with businessman Joe overseeing the work while Cookson, Richard moved keeping the client up-to-date into the property industry – throughout. rising from sales negotiator Richard says Space+ aims to become sales director for to provide peace of mind for Lanson Homes. homeowners who have As a result, he was watched “all those Builders involved with some of from Hell” TV programmes” Huddersfield’s foremost and are worried about letting apartment developments, builders, plumbers, roofer including mill conversion and electricians they don’t projects 1535 The Melting know loose on their property.

Point at Firth Street and The Lighthouse at Marsh as well “We have put together a as John William Court at proposition to get over those John William Street in the worries,” says Richard. town centre and Equilibrium “We give a guarantee that at Lindley. the work we agree to do will Richard went on to join be delivered on budget, on Elite Homes, later bought time, at the best price and at out by Bovis, where he the level of quality the client worked for 18 months. wants.

Says Richard: “I “Instead of dealing with a developed a passion for tradesman on-site, the client property. I have thoroughly deals with a professional enjoyed it. Everyone should manager. We will always aim have a job they enjoy doing to give client satisfaction.”

– and I love my job.”

Says Richard: “It takes a At the start of 2010, long time to build a brand, Richard got together with but you can kill it overnight. former Lanson Homes So we give our workmen commercial manager Martin instructions about how to Parker to set up Space+ with a view to helping householders add value to their property by extending their homes.

A number of factors have combined to add weight to Richard’s business strategy.

A sluggish property market, tight mortgage lending and lack of buyer confidence have combined to encourage more homeowners to improve and extend their properties as an alternative to moving.

“We came up with the idea of putting together a construction company which would tap Martin’s skills and my skills to project manage developments,” says Richard.

“We wanted to do something a bit different.”

■ BRAND BUILDER: Richard Space+ provides project management – liaising with Brown, of Space+ at Edgerton

profile

Space is the final frontier dress appropriately and how to behave on-site.

“We will help to arrange alternative accommodation for clients who have to leave their property due to the nature of the work and we will help with matters such as sourcing architects and submitting planning applications.

“We can take a project from drawing board to the finished article.”

In its first 12 months, Space+ has completed projects ranging from small-scale domestic extensions to multiple unit sites as well as commercial and industrial sites in areas including Edgerton, Meltham, Liversedge and Dewsbury.

Richard and his colleagues have ambitions to develop Space+ as a regional specialist in building extensions.

“People are crying out for a brand that can do small extensions rather than relying on the Yellow Pages or word-of-mouth recommendation,” he says.

“If we can make this proposition work by operating out of one office, why not 10 offices?

“The construction industry is turning into a sub-contracting industry where tradesmen can earn more working for themselves than they can as direct labour.”

Says Richard: “We had a good year last year.

“There is a lot of speculation that 2011 could be more difficult than 2010 and I wouldn’t disagree. It is going to be a battle.

“But with Space+ we don’t have massive overheads.

There are lots of tradesmen out there looking for sub-contract work.

“Through our experience, we are able to project manage effectively and efficiently.”

While Richard has put endless hours into building up the business, he has a hard and fast rule.

“I am a big believer in the idea of working to live – not living to work,” he says.

“My father was very ‘old school’ and was a big believer in living to work.

He went to work at 7.30 in the morning and got home again at 7.30 at night. He was a hard-working bloke.

“To a certain extent, I have adopted his principles and work ethic.

“I have the same passion I remember him having.

“Unfortunately, that means my brain is always in work mode.

“The difference is I enjoy going to work at 8.30am and leaving work at

Page 3 Richard Brown

5.45pm.”

Says Richard: “I’m a fitness fanatic. I play squash and I’m often on the driving range at Bradley Golf Club. I also used to love windsurfing.

“I find sport helps me refresh myself.

“Exercise is a great way to keep the ‘demons’ at bay – in my case it keeps feelings of negativity at bay.

“It’s a good way to switch off from work. It’s like stepping through an invisible door.”

Given his business interests, its no surprise that Richard believes that everyone needs to find a little extra space now and again!

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Role: Managing director Age: 37 Family: Fiancée Deena – we marry in June Holidays: Maldives Car: Range Rover Sport First job: Working at a Huddersfield show shop Best thing about job: I derive great satisfaction from coming up with an idea that works and makes a difference Worst thing about job: Worrying about the short-term prospects of the property market Business tip: Life’s too short, so be in a job you love

Space+ Work: Design and build Site: Edgerton Phone: 01484 538828 Web: www.spaceplus.org E-mail info@ space-plus.org

local

Page 4

KIRKLEES BUSIN

Law firm provides advice for buy-out A HUDDERSFIELD law firm has played a major role in the restructuring of one of the north’s most successful public relations firms.

Stephen Newman, senior partner at Baxter Caulfield, advised Graham Robb, founder of Darlington-based Recognition, on a buy-out of his former business partner. The deal gives Mr Robb full control of the business.

Recognition is one of the largest PR companies serving the Yorkshire and the north-east. Its clients include well-known national brands, including The Priory, The Bannatyne Group, Pimlico Plumbers and Wensleydale Creamery.

The firm also maintains a video and audio production arm producing web videos and web TV programmes.

Mr Robb is now sole owner and senior partner of the business after Frances Bourne, joint owner of the firm for 11 years, left to follow a new

career path.

Mr Robb appointed three new partners – Jamie Collis, Caroline Walker and Paul White. Between them, they have almost 30 years service at the firm.

The new partners all manage key clients and have demonstrated talent and skill in three different specialist areas – Ms Walker in crisis management, Mr White in social media and web-related PR and Mr Collis in national media liaison for key brands.

Mr Newman advised Mr Robb on the complex legalities involved in the negotiations.

Said Mr Newman: “Recognition i s a we l l - e s t abl i s h e d a n d well-respected communications business. Baxter Caulfield has worked with Graham Robb for a number of years. We were delighted to assist him in buying out his former business partner.

“The buy-out has also been

accompanied by extra investment in the business, bringing new services such as the introduction of iphone apps to clients.”

Mr Robb said: “Having worked with Baxter Caulfield on a regular basis, I was completely confident they had the expertise to manage the deal.

“Smaller business owners only conduct a small number of deals like this in their lives, so it is reassuring to know there is a friendly voice at the end of the phone ready to guide the deal through. Cost was important, too and the Baxter Caulfield team presented excellent value for money.”

He added: “I have a skilled and enthusiastic team at Recognition and I am looking forward to the challenges and successes ahead as I shape the business and move forward with new services and innovative ideas.”

■ ADVICE: Stephen Newman, senior partner at Huddersfield law firm Baxter Caulfield

HMRC tax crackdown VER the past few years, O HM Revenue & Customs has been cracking down on

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

Management Buy-Out On The Horizon?

Get some trusted and independent advice and experience on assessing your options We can guide you from start to finish: ✑

Negotiating the deal

✑

Raising acquisition finance and working capital

✑

Due diligence

✑

Tax-planning

✑

Getting the job done For further information please contact David Butterworth P 01484 423691 david.butterworth@wheawills.co.uk

W&S Wheawill & Sudworth Chartered Accountants Business & Tax Advisers Registered Auditors www.wheawills.co.uk

those who have not disclosed all of their income and capital gains and consequently have underpaid tax.

O c c a s i o n a l ly, t h e y h ave offered opportunities for those affected to disclose their tax irregularities in return for a pre-determined penalty.

At the beginning of this m o n t h , H M RC l a u n c h e d another opportunity aimed at those working within the plumbi n g i n d u s t r y a n d h e at i n g industry. The Plumbers Tax Safe Plan (PTSP) has arisen as HMRC has secured information from regulating bodies and has started identifying those with tax irregularities.

Normally, those with tax irregularities face penalties for inaccuracies in returns with the level of penalty being linked to their behaviour. For careless errors, the maximum penalty will be 30% of the tax unpaid rising to 70% for deliberate errors but not concealed. Errors which are both deliberate and concealed face a maximum penalty of 100% of tax unpaid. Penalties can be reduced if a person makes an unprompted disclosure to HMRC of their irregularity and co-operates in the course of the disclosure process. No penalty will be charged

TAX TALK Colin Barratt

if a person has a reasonable excuse.

Under the PTSP, the penalty rates are 0%, 10% and 20% depending on the person’s circumstances.

To take advantage of the PTSP a person must: ● Notify HMRC by May 31, 2011, of their intention to take part in the PTSP. This can be done online, by phone or by post.

At this stage, HMRC only need to know that a disclosure will be made. ● Once the intention has been submitted, they have until August 31 to make the disclosure of omitted income/gains, calculate the tax/NIC, interest and penalties due and make the appropriate payment.

Under the terms offered through the PTSP, those who took care but still paid too little tax will only have to go back to the three years ended April 5, 2010. Those who were careless in submitting returns will need to go back five years. Those in

business prior to April 6, 2005, and who have been deliberately understating their liabilities or have paid no tax at all may need to go back 20 years.

HMRC will carry out certain checks against their own records and the information they hold before they accept a disclosure.

U n d e r t h e P T S P, t h e self-assessment of the level of penalty is new and those taking part need to be very careful in deciding what behaviour led them to get previous returns wrong. If the disclosure does not match the information which HMRC holds they could find themselves with a higher penalty or in the most serious of cases a criminal investigation.

While the PTSP is aimed at the plumbing industry, HMRC has indicated this disclosure opportunity can be used by others who want to bring their affairs up to date in which case they will be treated on similar terms on offer through the PTSP.

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

Labour leader is awards guest A BUSINESS support group in Yorkshire has appealed for entries to its 2011 awards.

ABDN – The Network of Influence is seeking nominations for nine categories in the its Aiming High Awards to be held on March 31 at the Royal Armouries in Leeds.

Labour leader Ed Miliband (pictured) will be the keynote speaker at next month's Business Awards Dinner to be Held in Leeds as a celebration of the region's phenomenal talent by leading entrepreneurial business support network ABDN. The group’s 13th annual awards will celebrate the achievements of outstanding businesses across Yorkshire who have contributed to the economic regeneration of the region.

Last year’s event attracted 850 guests – and this year organisers expect interest to be even stronger.

The event will be hosted by actor and comedian Paul Chowdhry.

Awards include ones recognising the outstanding business of the year, SME of the year, brand of the year, young entrepreneurs, most promising new business, innovation, service and the best company to work for.

Chairman Arshad Chaudhry said: “It is fantastic to see the incredible range of talent our region has to offer and even better to be able to create an environment which recognises its success and develops a wider network of business support.”

Opportunity to be a winner KIRKLEES manufacturers are being urged to show they’re fit for the future.

Firms of all sizes are invited to take part in the EEF Manufacturing Future Awards – to demonstrate how manufacturing and engineering companies are at the forefront of re-building the UK economy.

The regional and national awards run by manufacturing employers’ group the EFF include categories for innovation, enterprise, environmental responsibility and apprenticeships.

The judging panel is chaired by Prof Steve Evans, of Cranfield University.

The awards will be judged in six regions across the UK throughout September. Regional winners will be named in November with the national awards being presented next January in London.

For details of the awards, which are free to enter, go to http://www.eef.org.uk/awards

NESS NEWS

local

Page 5

Company secures its second funding boost ■ CASH CROP: Liquid Accounts board of directors (from left) Lisa Kendrick, marketing director; Richard Doyle, chairman; Matt Holmes, managing director; Jon Wright, technical director; Denis Kaye, financial director; and Curtis Wright, non-executive director

ACCOUNTANCY software specialist Liquid Accounts has secured a second round of funding to further develop its sales.

The new financial backing comes as the Longwood-based business releases the latest version of its award-winning online accounting software, which includes a new payroll module.

The funding was raised from Liquid Accounts’ existing consortium of investors, which includes technology entrepreneurs Richard Doyle, who is company chairman and accountant Ian McNeil as well as accountant Curtis Wright.

The private investment was matched by The Aspire Fund, a Government fund for women-led businesses managed by Capital

Time for a school report AUTHOR and former school inspector Gervase Phinn (right) will be the guest speaker at a business dinner in Huddersfield.

Edward Lee, president of the Huddersfield Society of Chartered Accountants, will welcome guests to the organisation’s annual dinner on Thursday, March 24, at the Galpharm Stadium.

Mr Lee, who is finance director and company

secretary of John Edward Crowther (Holdings) plc, said: “In 2004, Gervase was received the

Speaker of the Year Award from the Association of After Dinner Speakers.

A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, he has a particular interest in children’s reading and is widely known as a lively and entertaining speaker.”

The evening, sponsored by law firm Chadwick Lawrence and Yorkshire Bank, will include a raffle in aid of Kirkwood Hospice at Dalton.

Marketing in the spotlight MARKETING provides the topic for the March meeting of the Kirklees branch of the Federation of Small Businesses.

A panel of marketing experts will share their experiences with FSB members at the meeting, which takes place at 7.30pm next Tuesday at the Briar Court Hotel, Birchencliffe.

The panel has expertise in areas including online marketing, social media, market research, direct mail, public relations and advertising and much more.

The speakers, who will also take part in an open discussion, will be Robert Healey, mid-Yorkshire chairman of the Chartered

Institute of Marketing and sales director at Phase 1; former CIM chairman and business development manager at SMileS Andy Earnshaw; chartered marketer and marketing consultant at CIM Tutor Rob Watson; and chartered marketer and marketing account manager at Engage Mutual Assurance Claire Collins.

Email davidcramp @taxassist.co.uk for a booking form.

The February meeting, which was well-attended by members from Kirklees and Calderdale, was a talk by Ian Smith from the Business Crime Reduction Centre.

for Enterprises, who invested because of the role of Liquid Accounts marketing director Lisa Kendrick in founding and developing the business.

Aspire had previously supported the first round of funding.

The Liquid Accounts team was again supported by Connect Yorkshire, a not-for-profit company that helps growth businesses in Yorkshire get the funding and expertise they need.

Andy Chaffer, programme manager for Connect Yorkshire, said: “Liquid Accounts is an innovative, ambitious Yorkshire company and Connect Yorkshire is delighted to have played a role in bringing significant new investment to a local company with exciting global potential.”

Matt Holmes, managing director of Liquid Accounts, said: “In the past year, we’ve done a lot of work on restructuring the company for growth and refocusing our sales efforts on building strategic partnerships where Liquid can be included as part of an offering of essential business services for an existing SME market or client base.

“We have also significantly grown our network of accountancy services professionals who are supporting Liquid Accounts.

“As a result of this and our progress, our investors have committed more funds to accelerate the process and allow us to enhance and add value to our existing software.”

Loyal staff well rewarded A HUDDERSFIELD man is among five employees to receive long-service awards from pneumatic products and process systems firm Thorite.

Brian Day, who is service centre manager for the firm’s Rochdale branch, received a wrist watch for his 25 years service from Thorite managing director Stephen Wright.

Other 25-year recipients were capital sales engineer Steve Bradbury, from Doncaster; sales secretary Ann Fox, from Bradford; service manager Duncan Holmes, from Halifax; and assistant accountant Chris Streets, from Bradford Mr Wright said: “Although Thorite now employs over 100 staff, our growth has been created by the expertise, dedication and enthusiasm shown by individuals, so it’s a real pleasure to congratulate Ann, Steve, Duncan, Chris and Brian.”

The presentation was followed by ■ TIME TEAM: Thorite managing director Stephen Wright (centre) with a meal at the Aagrah Restaurant in 25-year award recipients (from left) Steve Bradbury, Ann Fox, Duncan Holmes, Thornbury.

Chris Streets and Huddersfield man Brian Day Bradford-based Thorite, which was formed in 1840, is the UK’s largest The company provides equipment distributor of pneumatic products and Huddersfield and at sites in Blackburn, Bolton, Doncaster, Leeds, and services for a range of industrial process systems.

Rochdale, Sheffield and North sites including paint manufacturers It has sales and service centres at and iron foundries.

Barge Street, off St Thomas’ Road in Shields.

property

Brighter future for post offices

TO LET

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

TO LET

Commercial Unit

12 Old Leeds Road, Huddersfield, HD1 1SP 1 12 Old Leeds Road, Huddersfield, HD1 1SP 1 Prominent commercial unit 1 274.84m2 (2,958 sq ft) 1 Generous parking provision 1 Edge of town centre location Rent: On Application

FOR SALE

Unique Town Centre Investment Opp 19, 21 & 21A Southgate, Elland

PRICE REDUCED

1 84.34 m2 (908 sq ft) exc resi accom 1 2 self contained retail units with separate 3 bed flat 1 Designated off road parking 1 Prominent position fronting the busy Southgate 1 Current rental income £7,000pax with one retail unit and flat available to let when sold Price: OIRO £165,000

FOR SALE

Workshop Premises

Calder Road, Mirfield, WF14 8NR

1 Single storey workshop 1 123.77m2 (1,332 sq ft) 1 Rare, small commercial freehold opportunity Price: On Application

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

FOR SALE/TO LET 2 Period Office Buildings

Coach House & Stoneleigh Halifax Road, Brighouse

PRICE & RENTS REDUCED

1 2 detached office buildings set within own private grounds 1 107.88 – 647.24m2 (1,161 – 6,967 sq ft) 1 Open-plan & private offices, w/c’s, kitchen facilities & all mains services 1 Good private car parking provision 1 Private gated entrances Price/Rents: On Application (Available To Let individually)

(The Coach House)

FOR SALE

Development Site With PP

Land At Stainland Road, West Vale, Elland

1 Development site for remediation for industrial/ warehouse development 1 Site area of 2.5 Hectares (6.15 Acres) 1 Planning permission for 7 units totalling 7,896m2 (85,000 sq ft) B2/B8 development 1 Prominent location close to J24 of M62 Price: OIRO £250,000

FOR SALE

Site for Mixed Use Development

Hangingroyd Mill & Victoria Works, Victoria Road, Hebden Bridge

1 Site for mixed use development extending to 0.67 Acres (0.27 Hectares) 1 Prominent position fronting Victoria Road situated in mixed built up residential and commercial area 1 FPC for residential/work/office development Price: On Application

FOR SALE

Mixed Use Property With Resi PP

Pecket Well College, Keighley Road, Hebden Bridge

1 300.16m2 (3,231 sq ft) 1 Rural location with stunning views 1 Accommodation over 4 levels, with passenger lift 1 WCs, shower rooms, car park and all mains services 1 PP for residential conversion Price: OIRO £200,000

Page 6

ax lif Ha 29 A6

ad Ro

Road land Stain Photograph and outline for identification purposes only – not to scale.

THE future for post office businesses is looking brighter, according to a property expert.

Following a lengthy period of uncertainty and change, the Coalition Government has announced its intention to ensure that post offices remain a “valuable social and economic asset for communities and businesses”.

The government has confirmed that there will be no programme of post office closures under this Government and £1.34bn will be provided over the next four years to modernise the network of about 11,500 Post Office branches and safeguard its future.

Minister for postal affairs Edward Davey said: “We’re determined to turn the Post Office network around and end the years of decline. The Post Office is a tremendous national asset. It will not be for sale and there will be no programme of closures.”

Nick Nunn, head of retail for property agency Christie + Co, said the announcement provided encouraging news for post office operators – about 97% of whom are independent business people.

Christie + Co reported a 20% increase in the number of post office businesses sold in 2010 compared with the previous year and predicts that more sites are likely to change hands in the coming months.

Said Mr Nunn: “Post office businesses have faced considerable uncertainty over the last few years with operators concerned about the threat of branch closures and the potential withdrawal of certain services.

“This uncertainty caused hesitancy in the transactional market, with a reduction in the number of post office businesses changing hands.

“Fortunately, the sector has recovered well from confidence dips in the past. We witnessed increases in buyer interest at the conclusion of the Network Change Programme in 2008 and also when the tender process for the Post Office Card Account was cancelled later the same year.

“The Government’s announcements about the future of the network provide some clarity for independent operators and will help

■ STAMPING GROUND: Prospects are looking better for community post offices

restore buyer confidence.

“There are already signs to suggest that post office business opportunities are becoming increasingly popular, with an increase in viewings and general enquiries from potential buyers.”

The policy statement also confirmed that the Government wants to expand Post Office services and become a “front office” for Government at national and local level.

Ideas under consideration include document verification for Pension Service customers and support to Jobcentre Plus in the National Insurance Number application process. The Government is also keen for the Post Office to expand further into financial services.

Said Mr Nunn: “Post offices continue to play a key role in community life — particularly those where a post office counter is housed in a convenience store or newsagents, which offers the local community a range of products.

“The introduction of an increasingly broad range of services should help independent operators to increase customer numbers and drive retail sales.

“We have completed a number of post office-related deals over the last 12 months and expect this positive trend to continue throughout 2011.”

Rental demand high TENANT demand for privately-rented property hit a two-year high during the fourth quarter of 2010, a survey has revealed.

Paragon Group’s latest quarterly snapshot of developments in the market said the proportion of landlords reporting growing levels of tenant demand was at its highest level since the final quarter of 2008.

Four out of 10 landlords said tenant demand grew during the final quarter of 2010, compared to 36% during the third quarter.

The proportion of landlords reporting growing levels of tenant demand has now risen for six consecutive quarters – coinciding with a shortage of mortgage finance in the owner-occupied mortgage sector.

Just 4% of landlords said tenant demand fell during the quarter, the lowest proportion since the third quarter of 2008 and the second lowest level since Paragon started collating the data in 2004.

Nigel Terrington, Paragon Group chief

executive, said: “Tenant demand shows no signs of slowing down and in some busy markets, such as London, there is anecdotal evidence of sealed bids being used for certain properties.

“This will become more commonplace across the UK unless the private rented sector is able to expand to meet higher levels of demand.

“Four out of 10 landlords say that tenant demand grew during the period, which is a significant number and has major implications for renting in the UK if the issue of rental property supply cannot be addressed.”

Mr Terrington said: “The prospects for landlords are strong. Tenant demand continues to strengthen, yields are healthy and stable and confidence is high. The housing market is presenting some strong buying opportunities and landlords are well-placed to take advantage.”

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

property

Ploughcroft has solar flair A BRIGHOUSE solar roofing specialist has reinforced its links with one of the UK’s leading builders’ merchant chains.

Ploughcroft and Plumb Center were the star performers at Ecobuild, the world’s biggest event for sustainable design and construction, which was held in London.

Their stand was opened by scientist and ex-pop star Brian Cox, who presents BBC 2 show Wonders of the Universe.

The stand was also voted best stand at Ecobuild by visitors voting via social networks Twitter and Facebook.

The two companies have teamed up to offer a national solar roofing service to plumbers and electricians.

This package, available in all 600 Plumb Center stores, means that Ploughcroft’s highly skilled roofers will undertake the roofing element of a solar installation project, removing the hassle for plumbers or electricians who purchase a solar package from Plumb Centre.

Since forming the partnership with Plumb Center, Ploughcroft managing director Chris Hopkins has been asked to join the British Photovoltaic Association as chairman representing roofers.

Said Chris: “We are very proud to work with the UK’s leading supplier of heating and plumbing supplies offering a revolutionary and incredibly useful package to plumbers and electricians.

“The Ecobuild event was a great success for Ploughcroft as it enabled

Page 7

Quality sites in short supply TOP quality industrial space remains in short supply, according to a major report.

The latest UK Property Times Industrial market report from DTZ Research showed availability of grade A industrial space continued to fall in the last quarter of 2010.

And it concluded that – in most UK locations – falling levels of availability combined with a lack of speculative development was creating competition for prime space.

In Yorkshire, take-up in the final quarter totalled 390,000sq ft – making an annual total of 3m sq ft.

Non-food retailers were dominant throughout the year as the region was targeted for national distribution hubs.

Yorkshire also benefited from inward migration as higher rents and a shortage of supply in the North West increased the attractiveness of the region.

The trend to consolidate distribution is expected to continue driving demand this year with a number of large deals currently in the pipeline.

Mike Baugh, director of DTZ’s industrial team in West Yorkshire, said: “The Yorkshire region, with its excellent infrastructure and labour supply, continues to be successful in attracting large scale distribution occupiers.

“With take-up of speculatively built grade A space continuing, and a lack of any new development, the window of opportunity for occupiers to secure significant incentives is closing.

“Consequently it is likely that we will see a return to design and build-led deals.”

Nationally, take-up during the fourth quarter was slightly down from the previous three months at 5.8m sq ft – with availability of prime space falling to 37m sq ft.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AGENTS CONSULTANT ADVISOR •

•

•

TRAFALGAR MILLS LEEDS ROAD HUDDERSFIELD HD2 1YY •

■ PLUMB LINE: Ploughcroft boss Chris Hopkins is confident of further success for the firm following is link-up with the Plumb Center chain

us to promote our solar package with Plumb Center and remind everyone of the importance of the quality renewable training courses, which we offer.”

Ploughcroft Building Services was started in 1997 by Chris Hopkins and his father Bill Hopkins as a traditional domestic building and roofing business.

Following Bill’s retirement in 2004, Chris took the helm and focused his efforts on team development and creating a roofing company that was a little bit different from the rest.

In 2006, Ploughcroft’s training

centre was granted awarding body status by CITB, City & Guilds and Chris had achieved NVQ status within one year.

Two years later, Ploughcroft opened its Eco Roof Centre in Brighouse where schools, colleges, councillors and environmentalists can see live demonstrations of solar panels in action.

Chris is chairman of Yorkshire Independent Roof Training Group, chairman of the Yorkshire region of the Institute of Roofing and president of the Yorkshire branch of the Federation of Master Builders.

•

•

Modern Industrial Units To Let Lease terms available on request

Junction 25 Business Park, Huddersfield Road, Mirfield Industrial Units to let. Secure and spacious yard with generous parking available. Easy access to motorway.

Units range in size from 3,260 to 3,934.

Queens Mill, Queens Mill Road, Huddersfield Industrial Unit close to town centre available at reduced rental.

The unit is a recent build and is fitted out accordingly.

Size 4,899 square feet.

Fieldhouse Park, Leeds Road, Huddersfield

Pharmacies dispense their views PHARMACISTS are split over the outlook for their sector over the next 12 months, a survey has revealed.

The study by property agency Christie + Co showed that half of the 3,500 pharmacists polled believe that trading levels for their businesses in 2011 will remain constant or will improve.

But the other half are less confident of trading prospects – highlighting the impact of issues such as the Government’s proposed changes to NHS funding.

The study, which banded pharmacists according to levels of annual prescription income, found that those based in high street and village locations were more confident about the trading outlooks than those in the suburbs or on shared sites.

Those outlets dispensing up to 2,500 items and between 7,500 to 10,000 items were more optimistic about the coming year than those

dispensing between 2,500 and 5,000 items and over 10,000 items.

Tony Evans, head of Christie + Co’s pharmacy team, said: “The key message from this survey is one of uncertainty about the outlook for the coming year, although it is encouraging to note

the percentage of operators who believe trading will improve or remain at 2010 levels this year.”

The most common concerns were product availability and supply; control of entry legislation; the abolition of Primary Care Trusts; and potential transfer of funding to GP consortia.

Another negative factor that pharmacists believe could impact their businesses was Direct To Pharmacy supply schemes, which will potentially reduce discounts previously generated.

Said Mr Evans: “The overwhelming opinion is that this will impact heavily on pharmacy businesses with particular concern expressed over a potential conflict of interests if GP consortia were to hold the purse strings.”

But he added: “While it is clear that the industry faces some significant challenges over the years to come, appetite within the sector continues unabated.”

Ideally situated just off the main Huddersfield traffic network. Units are available for immediate occupation.

Incentives available on application, size 13,706 square feet.

Caldervale Works, Brighouse Recently acquired by MB Services, newly refurbished, modern, self contained industrial units available for immediate occupation.

Large secure yard and loading area.

Sizes range from 4,453 to 13,195 sq ft.

Trafalgar Mills, Leeds Road, Huddersfield First and second floor offices available in historic building fronting Leeds Road. Ideally located for both town centre and motorway. Discounted rentals available for a short time only.

Contact:

Paul Andrew Walker Singleton 01484 477600

Christine Eccleston MB Services 01484 557102

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Jacob Thornton, Matt Newton & Olivia Scott

The Mill Group FILM and digital media communications agency The Mill Group has welcomed three new starters.

The Elland-based agency has appointed (from left) Jacob Thornton, Matt Newton and Olivia Scott.

Ms Scott, 24, of Easingwold, York, joins as project manager. She has a degree in marketing and joins The Mill Group from post-production house VTR North.

Mr Thornton, 28, of Sowerby Bridge, joins the group’s design team from a print and design firm in Hebden Bridge after working as a designer for three years. He trained as a scientific illustrator.

Mr Newton, 22, of Tingley, joins the group at Westbury Street has just started as a runner/production assistant. A recent graduate of the International Film School of Wales, he also studied media production at Leeds College of Technology.

Marketing director David Fawcett said the appointments showed that the firm was enjoying a strong period of growth.

Movers and shakers

Firm secures monthly award A SECURITY company has won an award for excelling in its chosen field.

AMR Security was named Business of the Month in the contest run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith in conjunction with the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Business Link.

AMR Security, formed in 2008 by husband and wife Andrew and Jackie Russell, provides security staff and accredited training for people working in the security industry from its centre in Wakefield.

The company has won contracts with local councils and has worked in partnership with Safer Leeds, British Transport Police and West Yorkshire Police during the past two years.

The firm has some of the highest trained security staff in the region – with its 28-strong team all having valid SIA licences and undergoing regular in-house training.

Mr Russell formed the company after being made redundant from the print security sector.

Judges were impressed by the company’s remarkable year-on-year growth and aspirations to develop the business by adding to its range of training courses.

Mr Russell, who is managing director, said: “This is a pat on the back for all the hard work from our staff since we formed the business.”

■ SAFE HANDS: Sandra Crichton (centre), of Eaton Smith, presents the award to Jackie Russell (third right), Andrew Russell (second right) and Janos Papai , of AMR Security Services, with (from left) Alan Lascelles, of Business Link; Melissa Healy, of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; Susan Lynch and Faye Formisano, of St James Place

The Business of the Month Award is open The company has achieved a raft of standards in the last three years and scored in the to all companies in Calderdale, Kirklees and top five percentile nationally in the Security Wakefield.

Go to website www.eatonsmith.co.uk, or Industry Authority Approved Contractor contact Ian Greenwood on 01484 821389.

Scheme, ISO 9001:2008 to name just two.

Raising a glass to excellence Community Awards

2011

sponsored by

Nominate Friend of the Year Services to the Community Community Project of the Year Community Event Award Young Personality Sports Personality of the Year Sports Team of the Year Services to Charity Arts Award Teacher of the Year Award

Emergency Services Personality Achievement Award

To receive your entry form call 01484 437702 or enter online www.examiner.co.uk /communityawards Closing date Friday 25th March

Welcome awaits guest speaker!

THE man responsible for selling Yorkshire to the world is coming to Huddersfield.

Gary Verity (pictured), chief executive of tourism body Welcome to Yorkshire, will deliver the annual lecture of the Chartered Management Institute’s Central

inspirational people in your community today...

Courage Award

Page 8

■ CHEERS: Martin Ogley (left), of Elland Brewery, receives the champion’s title in the National Beer Competition award from Barry Jones, of Rankin Brothers & Sons A BREWERY in Elland has been recognised as one of the best in the country.

Elland Brewery won a champion’s title in the National Beer Competition held by the Society of Independent Brewers.

The brewery’s 1872 Porter was judged champion in the category for porters, strong milds, old ales and stouts. It was one of just 10 beers to win a champion’s prize from more than 1,400 entries at the initial stages of the contest.

Martin Ogley, of Elland Brewery, was presented with a trophy and a plaque. In addition, the title

guarantees a place for 1872 Porter on the SIBA Champions’ Bar at the Great British Beer Festival in London this summer, which is visited by over 60,000 people.

Said Mr Ogley: “We work hard to make our beers the best they can be and it’s fantastic to receive this public recognition.

“I’m grateful to everyone at the brewery, to the pubs who sell our beers and to our many loyal drinkers locally, for helping us to win this award. We promise to go on producing our great beers for as long as there’s demand for them.”

and West Yorkshire branch, which is to be held at Huddersfield University’s new £17m Business School.

The free event, which takes place on Wednesday, March 23, is open to CMI members and the public.

Yorkshire attracts millions of visitors a year – with the region’s tourism industry supporting 250,000 jobs directly and generating £7bn in revenue.

Since his appointment, Mr Verity has implemented award-winning marketing campaigns to raise the region’s image in the UK and around the world and oversee the launch of website yorkshire.com.

Mr Verity has an established track record in brand building, customer service and managing complex businesses with national and international profiles.

To book for the event, email s.berry@hud.ac.uk