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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
James is thinking outside the box!
JOBLESS James Scarlett is running his own business – after thinking outside the box! James, 27, who lives at Fenay Bridge, has launched Toadbox to rent out recycled plastic boxes for people moving house. The company drops them off at the customer’s old house and picks them up again from their new address once they’ve moved in. James had the brain wave when he was considering a house move earlier this year and went on the internet looking for suppliers of boxes. “I was concerned about what I would do with the boxes once I’d moved,” he said. “There didn’t seem to be anyone providing recycled plastic boxes. “The thought struck me that there might be a gap in the market, so I got a website up and running and I’ve started getting business.” James was unemployed at the time – having lost his job with a jewellers in Wakefield in January this year.
And he never did move house – because he invested his money in stocking up on the boxes, which are supplied by a Blackpool firm. James said the boxes could be re-used an average of 400 times and are expected to survive for about five years before the plastic has to be recycled. “The product is more convenient, affordable and environmentally friendly than the alternative,” he said. “The plastic boxes are easily recyclable and doing so is far cleaner than recycling cardboard.” Said James: “Cardboard and paper waste make up an estimated 26% of landfill material. “It requires tons of water to recycle paper and cardboard boxes don’t last very long.” Toadbox operates mainly in West and South Yorkshire at present, but James has ambitions to extend its geographical reach over time – as well as drumming up interest with local authorities and businesses moving premises.
first three quarters, 38 – or 20% – involved companies acquired out of administration or other formal insolvency procedures. That compares with 29 insolvency deals – just 7% – out of a total of 412 deals in the region for the whole of 2008. Peter Sargent, president of R3 and its spokesman for Huddersfield, said:
Recipe for success ENTERPRISING student Leon Doyle’s plans to become a takeaway tycoon proved impressive when he served up the concept to judges on TV’s Dragon’s Den. Now his business, The Master Menu, which allows takeaways to put their menus in a glossy brochure, is set to reach a wider audience.
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■ BOXING CLEVER: James Scarlett, who has launched his Toadbox removing box business at Fenay Bridge in Huddersfield (PW291009Ktoadbox-04.jpg)
Cash-rich buyers swoop for ‘distressed’ firms A FIFTH of all mergers and acquisitions completed in Yorkshire so far this year have involved businesses in distress, according to latest research. Figures from M&A data provider Corpfin and insolvency industry trade body R3 showed that distressed deals have been running at their highest level in recent years. Out of 192 deals completed in the
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“We predicted earlier this year that autumn would be an ideal time to start to acquire businesses in distress and these figures seem to bear that out. “The continuing fall in company values, together with low interest rates, are combining to create the optimum conditions for distressed deals.” Mr Sargent, who lives at Meltham, said: “There are now plenty of oppor-
tunities available for companies which are on the acquisition trail and have the capacity to move quickly. “The improvement in business performance that these acquisitions can generate would go a long way towards both maintaining existing employment opportunities and creating new ones in the future.”
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Roll up, roll up! A SIGN company is on a roll with its latest contract – to provide 280 of its new roller boards units to schools across the UK. Horizon Signs has used its existing skills to come up with the new product.
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Glisten soured by accounting errors SNACK food firm Glisten said underlying profits slumped by 49% in the wake of difficult trading and accounting errors in one of its fruit and cereal businesses. The Leeds-based group posted pre-tax profits of £3.38m for the 12 months to June 30, with one-off items stripped out, compared with £6.68 million the previous year. This follows revelations that its Halo Foods business – one of its largest divisions – had been understating costs in the race to provide cut price snacks in the consumer downturn. Glisten said it had addressed the Halo problems swiftly and the business had enjoyed a profitable first quarter in the current financial year. The group also assured investors it
had made a good start to the new year – with like-for-like sales ahead 13% at £25m in the first 17 weeks. Chief executive Paul Simmonds described the previous 12 months as “challenging”. He said that before the issues at Halo “we had considered that Glisten was performing reasonably well in the context of difficult market conditions typified by low consumer confidence and ’trading-down’. He said: “Some of our business units delivered excellent trading performance again this year, but sadly this was overshadowed by the issues which arose within Halo.” Glisten suspended two senior bosses at Halo after discovering the irregularities and said management had been
replaced from within the group. The results described how Halo had developed a plan centred on launching its own “price-fighting” range under the Snax label. However, poor planning meant that in the fourth quarter demand exceeded Halo’s ability to supply products cost-effectively. “A failure to account correctly for these forced operational inefficiencies together with incorrect accounting for some specific running cost items masked poor profit delivery during this period,” Glisten said. Group sales failed to live up to analysts’ expectations for the year. But the 1% increase n takingf to £74.4m was still a record revenues result for the firm, according to Glisten.
Profits dimmer
■ CHALLENGE: Glisten chief executive Paul Simmonds
Yell wins backing for debt deal
Split is ‘back on agenda’
DIRECTORIES group Yell said it had finally won enough support from lenders to press ahead with plans to refinance its £3.8bn debt mountain. The Yellow Pages owner needed 95% of its creditors by value to back the move and had delayed the deadline for acceptances three times in its efforts to cross the threshold. Yell will now launch plans to raise at least £500m from shareholders. The Reading-based group has 300 creditors and had struggled to achieve the high level of support needed mainly because of the numbers involved in the process. Chief financial officer John Davis said gaining support from such a
TELECOMS giant Cable & Wireless is planning to dust off demerger proposals that will see the group split its UK and international businesses, it was claimed. The firm is understood to be preparing to announce the move alongside half-year results on Thursday. Cable put the break-up plans on ice last November at the height of the financial crisis due to the stock market turmoil and credit squeeze. But it is believed the group will tell the market it is reviving proposals for separate stock market listings of its UK and international divisions now
wide lender base had been “a huge logistical exercise”. He added: “We are naturally very grateful to all our lenders for what is virtually unanimous support and look forward to announcing details of the planned equity raise in the near future.” Yell had warned that it might seek court approval to push the plans through. But it was able to muster enough support by targeting two final lenders after the third deadline passed. Yell racked up its hefty debt pile following acquisitions in Spain and the USA.
POWER firm Chloride shrugged off falling first-half profits amid signs of “reasonable stability” in orders. The firm, which provides blue-chip companies with systems to protect against power outages, said tighter margins led to a 41% fall in pre-tax profits to £10.4m in the six months to September 30. But the firm’s orders grew by 4% to £143.7m. Chloride said it was “confident” about the full-year outlook as its geographical spread and range of businesses helped it overcome “widespread market softness”. Chief executive Tim Cobbold said: “We continue to see reasonable stability in our order intake. That said, we continue to be cautious in the way that we manage our business until there is clearer evidence of an enduring improvement in market trends.”
that the equity market has recovered its poise after the credit crunch. Cable may look to complete the demerger in the first half of next year – although it is unlikely to commit to a set timetable. A spokesman for Cable said the decision to postpone its “value realisation” plan was being kept under constant review, but declined to comment further on newspaper reports. Cable is thought to be keen to resurrect the plans to give shares a boost. Major investors are also reportedly pushing to see the break-up back on the agenda.
Ford lifts earnings CAR giant Ford reported its first earnings growth in more than a year thanks to the US scrappage scheme and cost-cutting efforts. America’s second largest car maker made operating profits of £672m for the three months to the end of September – £2.4bn higher than a year earlier.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £21.74 +0.51 Gannett 619.06 +20.72 Hess Corp £33.93 +0.57 Microsoft 1704.85 +15.23 Motors Liquidation 45.70 Wal-Mart Stores £30.65 +0.38 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE BAE Systems 3183/4 +41/4 Rolls-Royce Gp 4513/4 -1/8 1 Smiths Grp 909 /2 +161/2 VT Group 551 +7 AIM Brady Plc 711/2 -1 Dawson Intl 23/8 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 1083/8 +11/4 BANKS Barclays 330 +8 HSBC 690 +161/4 Lloyds Banking Gp 85 -2 Ryl Scotland 385/8 -31/4 Stan Chart 1523 +221/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1010 +14 SABMiller 1617 +14 CHEMICALS Croda 758 +81/2 Delta 1641/2 -21/2 Elementis 98 62 -11/2 Johnsn Mat 1437 +25 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2693/4 +4 Costain 27 -1/2
Drax Grp 461 -4 Intl Power 2533/4 -1/4 Scottish & Sthrn 1083 +4 Energy ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Chloride 162 +1/2 Invensys 2941/2 +111/2 Laird 1425/8 -31/4 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 307 +5 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 1337/8 +25/8 C&W 1481/2 +31/2 7 Colt Telecom 122 /8 -11/8 KCOM 41 +1/2 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 283 +3 Sainsbury 327 -27/8 Tesco 409 +15/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 833 +51/2 Cadbury 781 +101/2 Nth Foods 631/2 +3/8 Tate Lyle 450 +1/4 Unilever 1844 +15 Uniq 383/4 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 2457/8 -23/8 National Grid 6041/2 -2 1 Pennon Grp 447 /8 -7 Severn 950 -11/2 United Utils 4371/4 -31/4 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 2613/4 -17/8 ICAP 4051/4 -11/2
Man Group 3111/2 +11/2 Provident Financial 943 +111/2 Schroders 1105 +5 Schroders NV 903 -1 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Avon Rbbr 80 -21/2 Cooksn Grp 3641/8 -1 REXAM 2793/8 +23/8 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 16 -1/4 DSG International 303/8 -1/4 3 Home Retail 289 /8 -17/8 Inchcape 297/8 +1/2 Kingfisher 223 -5/8 M&S 3393/4 -23/4 1 Mothercare 565 /2 -101/2 Next 1798 +3 WH Smith 501 -3 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 5471/2 +7 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 115 -11/2 Barrat Dev 1313/8 -33/4 3 Persimmon 405 /4 +23/8 Reckitt Benckiser £305/8 +1/4 Taylor Wimpey 385/8 +15/8 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 682 -13 IMI 4271/4 -41/8 Man Brnze 1431/2 -5 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 1503/8 +17/8 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 151 -31/4 Forth Ports 1117 +11
Aviva 3891/8 +51/2 Friends Provident 815/8 1 Lgl & Gen 77 /8 -13/8 Old Mutual 1091/2 +31/4 1 Prudential 566 /2 +10 -21/8 Standard Life 2157/8 MEDIA BSkyB 540 +7 Chrysalis 100 -11/2 7 D Mail Tst 391 /8 -53/4 ITV 441/8 +13/8 Johnston Press 30 +13/4 Pearson 8401/2 +8 3 +71/2 Reed Elsevier 469 /4 STV Group 67 -1/2 Trinity Mirror 160 -1/8 5 Utd Business 461 /8 -1 UTV 105 WPP 5481/2 Yell Group 493/4 -11/2 MINING Anglo American £227/8 +3/4 Antofagasta 794 +221/2 BHP Billiton 1690 +461/2 Eurasian Natural 879 +451/2 Res Fresnillo 7681/2 +27 Kazakhmys 1138 +49 Lonmin 1535 +72 +11/4 Rio Tinto £281/8 VEDANTA £22 +1 RESOURCES Xstrata 9211/2 +39 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 568 +8 +15/8 Vodafone Group 1361/4 NONLIFE INSURANCE
Local shares Carclo Chapelthorpe Instore Marshalls National Grid Rensburg Sheppards Weir Gp
991/2 123/4 45/8 951/2 6041/2 6821/2
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RSA Insurance Gp 122 +3/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 10741/2 +191/2 BP 5843/4 +123/8 Cairn Energy £263/8 Norsk Hdro 4087/8 +53/8 Royal Dutch Shell A 18121/2 +51/2 1 Royal Dutch Shell B 1770 /2 +101/2 1 Total £37 /8 +1/2 Tullow Oil 1188 +1 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Petrofac 961 +191/2 5
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PERSONAL GOODS Burberry 545 +6 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £271/4 -1/4 Axis-Shield 429 +7 GlaxoSmithK 3 Shire 1068 -4 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 4603/4 -113/8 DTZ Hldgs 84 +2 1 -14 Hamrsn 392 /4 1 -111/2 Land Secs 650 /2 SEGRO 342 -11 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Autonomy Corp 1330 -13 +1/2 Dimension Data 715/8 1 Logica 117 /4 +11/4 Misys 2081/4 +11/4 Sage Group 215 +11/2 SUPPORT SERVICES AMEC 8221/2 +16 -8 Bunzl 6561/2 Capita 761 -2 3 -43/4 Davis Service 413 /4 Group De La Rue 9261/2 +111/2 Electrocomp 1481/2 +17/8 Experian 574 +15 +11/2 G4S 2541/2 Hays 96 -17/8 Homeserve 1621 +6 -111/2 Menzies J 3131/2 Rentokil 1051/4 +11/4 Smiths News 120 -13/4 Wolseley 1279 +41 IT HARDWARE 1
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TOBACCO Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
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4395/8 1797/8 1919 3931/4 3633/4 1191/2 377 1435 395 800 1243/4 2393/8 3271/8 2223/4 881/4 1431/4 2347/8 1260
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TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.72 dollars Bangladesh................. 107.05 taka Brazil.............................. 2.59 reals Canada....................... 1.69 dollars China ........................... 10.02 yuan Czech Republic ...... 27.19 korunas Denmark....................... 7.88 krone Euro............................... 1.06 euro Hong Kong................ 12.07 dollars Hungary................... 274.62 forints India.......................... 67.84 rupees Japan........................... 140.82 yen Mexico ....................... 19.37 pesos New Zealand .............. 2.12 dollars Norway ......................... 8.93 krone Pakistan.................. 129.39 rupees Philippines ................. 66.90 pesos South Africa................. 12.10 rand South Korea.............. 1692.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 177.76 rupees Sweden....................... 11.08 krona Switzerland.................. 1.60 francs Taiwan ...................... 46.65 dollars Turkey....................... 2.33 new lira USA ............................ 1.57 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS THERE are two words Roz Edwards hates to hear: No comment. “That’s like throwing down a challenge to any journalist,” says Roz, a public relations and marketing expert who has helped scores of local companies get their message across to customers, suppliers and competitors in a wide range of industry sectors. Roz, who runs LAP Public Relations and Marketing, understand why companies may be tempted to pull up the drawbridge when the media takes an interest in matters they would prefer to keep to themselves. But it’s a temptation they should resist if ever incidents such as industrial disputes, customer complaints or a major crisis turn the media spotlight on them. “It is important to say something as soon as you can,” says Roz. “But equally, companies need to take the time to prepare. If it’s a situation that is developing, you should always keep the media informed.” Unfortunately – even in the age of Facebook, blogs and instant opinions – many companies are not prepared when events make them the focus of intense media interest. “I don’t think enough organisations are aware of the dangers of not being prepared,” says Roz, who has helped firms with media crisis management training as a media communications tutor. “Larger organisations particularly need a crisis PR strategy in place. You never know when something is going to happen and you need to know how to deal with whatever occurs.” Bosses who think they know better than their PR advisers also need to re-think. “There’s no point asking the experts for advice then ignoring it,” says Roz. “I don’t think PR is heard at a high level in many companies. PR should have a place at the boardroom table.” Roz, who grew up at Hade Edge and has retained a love for the countryside surrounding Huddersfield, knows as much about the realities of PR and marketing as anyone – despite having found her way into the industry in a roundabout way. “I started my career working for the Midland Bank straight from school,” she says. “I worked at the bank in Holmfirth before doing relief work in London, which was very exciting for an 18-year-old. I also worked in Newcastle when the bank was installing a new computer centre and then worked at Huddersfield.” She left the bank in 1981 to work as a supervisor of 16 and 18-year-olds studying office administration on a Youth Opportunities Scheme before a change of tack led
profile
It’s always good to talk to her becoming marketing assistant and PA to the chairman of a textile company supplying products to clothing manufacturers in the UK and 12 other countries.. “My job involved monitoring sales and assisting with the introduction of new products and product development. I also organised fashion shows and conferences and went to London to meet buyers from stores like Marks & Spencer and Bhs,” says Roz. “While doing that, I was introduced to public relations and took training courses in PR. “The point came where I decided to leave the firm and set up on my own. “I didn’t have a single client to start with, so I put my name down with a recruitment agency. They said they had a client who was interested in using my services in marketing and he became my first client.” As the business developed, Roz joined what is now the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and was invited to write profile pieces for its monthly publication. From a standing start in 1985 her client list grew and has included well-known
local companies such as Hanson Transport, Heywood Williams, Eastwood and Partners, Briton Engineering and Structherm Ltd as well as businesses in Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, London, Scotland, Birmingham, Middlesbrough, the Lake District and abroad. Her PR successes included getting Briton Engineering’s ski slope surface featured on TV’s Blue Peter and co-ordinating the BWD Rensburg Share Race, a long-running competition designed to introduce sixth formers at Yorkshire schools to the workings of the stock market. “I don’t think it worried me that I was in business for myself,” she recalls. “I just got on with it. I suppose there was always the thought that if it didn’t work out I could always go back to working for someone else! “Employing other people is much more of a consideration because of the responsibility for others that it brings. I’m lucky in working with some really talented people, helping to develop ideas and creating really good design work.” Away from work, Roz enjoys music and the countryside, walking her black labrador around the Holme Valley and continues
■ MEDIA WORK: Roz Edwards says communication is vital
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the outdoor theme by listing ski-ing, sailing and travelling among her interests. She has sailed from Antigua to Grenada and taken part in the 1995 Royal Air Force Yacht Club Trade Winds Rally, sailing 600 miles in the Pacific. Communication is important in business, says Roz. Lack of communication – between businesses, their customers, suppliers and the public or between managers and workforce – can prove costly. “Companies need to communicate about who they are, their strengths and achievements, what they have to offer, new products, new services, the benefits that this brings to others and about the people who work for them,” she says, “It’s all about building a brand,
improving reputation, strengthening your position and adding value to your own concern.” “In a recession, it is even more essential to concentrate on PR. Some firms see PR budgets as flexible compared with their fixed costs, so it is often the first budget to be cut in difficult economic times. “But that’s precisely the time you need to be seen to be head and shoulders above your competitors.” Talking to her clients, Roz detects a more upbeat mood among local companies. “People are more confident about their companies’ prospects, but they are being realistic about this recession and are making themselves as efficient as they can.” And you can quote her on that.
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Role: Owner of LAP Public Relations and Marketing Family: Single – divorced, no children but with three brothers and nine nephews and nieces Holidays: Egypt and the Caribbean, Scotland, South of France Car: Looking for something I’d like First job: Bank clerk Best thing about job: The people I meet and work with Worst thing about job: Probably too much time at the computer Business tip: Plan and prepare
LAP Public Relations & Marketing Work: PR and marketing Sites: New North Road, Huddersfield Phone: 01484 426000 Email: roz@lap-pr.com
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Student putting success on menu
■ MASTER CLASS: Huddersfield University graduate Leon Doyle, who has appeared on TV programme Dragon's Den to pitch his business, The Master Menu, to the experts
Facelift for Co-op THE Co-operative food store in Rastrick has been given a new look following a £200,000 refit. The Highfield Road store has been revamped with modern decor, nw lighting and flooring and a more shopper friendly layout. The work is part of efforts to improve services standards across the Co-op’s 5,300 outlets in the UK.
Rethink, Refresh, Rebrand! 01484 483194 info@qtcreative.co.uk
www.qtcreative.co.uk
ENTERPRISING student Leon Doyle aims to become a takeaway tycoon – without cooking a curry, frying a fish or packing a pizza. Instead, Leon helps takeaway owners boost their businesses by including their menus in a glossy brochure. Customers then pick and choose and take up a range of special offers. Business experts were so impressed by Leon’s concept – known as The Master Menu – that he represented Huddersfield University at nationwide competition Venturefest in February and was then invited to travel to Manchester to pitch his idea to TV’s Dragon’s Den judges. Leon, aged 23, who graduated from the university’s transport and logistics department, said: “You walk in after a hard day’s work and you are greeted by 10 to 15 leaflets and tatty menus on your doorstep. “Certainly, that is the case if you are a student. Most of the menus go in the bin or are used just once because they are so cheap and tatty. So I wondered what would happen if I compiled all the local takeaway menus into a tidy magazine on good quality paper.” After research among local takeaway owners, Leon went ahead with his idea. The Master Menu appeared in the Headingley area of Leeds – and takeaway owners who signed up for The Master Menu reported a significant rise in sales. Now Leon aims to roll out his concept to other “student towns” in the UK – as students are the biggest consumers of takeaway food. His fledgling company is also in the running for the New Business of the Year category in the 2009 Examiner Business Awards.
Change in the air MARKETING MATTERS Claire Quartermaine
TRIKES, bankers’ bonuses, expenses, S worst recession in 50 years, redundancies...oh and let’s not forget that swear word
– politicians! Is it any wonder we are all angrier than ever? According to a recent report, 39% of us are angrier than we were in 2007. But then, 56% of stats are made up on the spot! Yes, we feel let down by the banks, politicians and even the media – but maybe there is something positive coming out of this? Maybe we are appreciating the “cultural detox” following on from the credit fuelled consumerism. The situation hasn’t changed – the recession hasn’t actually stopped (even the media is confused about that one) and the subject of how consumers/customers are reacting to the current situation is still the most relevant subject for businesses at the moment. Research tells us that we are all being more thrifty – and perhaps even enjoying it! We are doing this through greater research before we buy products (thank you, internet!) and taking notice and advantage of more deals and offers. We are expecting more from our purchases both
in value and services and expecting companies to take less profit from us. When this doesn’t happen – we feel (quite rightly) angry. So what are companies doing? Those that recognise these consumer-driven developments are spending their time and money trying to convince consumers that they are genuine. Have you noticed how so many big brands are aligning themselves with charities at the moment? This isn’t something to be cynical about – but let’s not forget that big organisations only have one thing on their minds – profit. But maybe that word has now changed to “survival”. I can’t help but feel smug when up until recently, large companies have been making so much profit at our expense and are now fighting to keep doing so (and let’s not forget those that make the products in the first place). Are we on the edge of a really exciting cultural and political change? After feeling dictated to for years - are we taking our power back? We want truth and values, not empty promises. At least they axed Big Brother! (sigh of relief)
Claire Quartermaine is founder and managing director of QT Creative
KIRKLEES BUSIN Christmas deliveries
A GREETINGS card retailer has teamed up with a Huddersfield haulage firm to make a bright start to the Christmas season. Card Factory is the one of the first high street chains to launch Christmas each year – and Netherton-based company The Pink Link Ltd annually delivers Christmas to Card Factory’s 480 outlets. The chain began stocking Christmas products from late August – when The Pink Link Ltd ramped up its service to ensure an ever increasing amount of seasonal product reaches each store at the right time. The Pink Link Ltd has grown with Card Factory and the partnership between the two has gone from strength to strength, with The Pink Link Ltd transporting daily from Card Factory’s Wakefield warehouse to locations across the UK. Card Factory stores are also showcasing the firm’s new Christmas card packs, which again celebrate the company’s partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support. Card Factory has been supporting Macmillan for more than four years and last year donated £1m to the charity. Managing director Richard Hayes said: “The Pink Link Ltd understands the nature of our business and this is what makes it such a successful partnership. “The ability to ramp up and down according to the seasonaiity of our industry is essential and The Pink Link has the flexibility and professionalism we need.”
WiRE set for more meetings
A GROUP helping Huddersfield women develp their businesses is set for another series of meetings. The Huddersfield branch of Women in Rural Enterprise was launched in 2006 by Sarah Gathercole, of Mosaic Virtual Office, a company providing professional office support to small business owners. WiRE was set up to unite like-minded rural business women to provide mutual support as well as host interesting speakers and an opportunity for business exchange. It meets on the first Friday of every month in Shepley and also occasionally visit members’ premises. Meetings begin with networking and coffee, 60-second introductions and include a guest speaker. The discussion of business issues and best practice can really assist small businesses in moving forward with their businesses, and this is encouraged within the network. The next meeting will be at 2pm on Friday, November 6, at the offices of Stead Robinson Accountants. Sarah will lead the meeting and will look at the business value of online sites such as Twitter and facebook. Contact Sarah on 0845 2415620 or email sarah@mosaic-virtualoffice.co.uk. To find out more about WiRE membership visit visit www.wireuk.org
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Top marks for Horizon A SIGN company is rolling out a new product in the classroom. Horizon Signs, based at Milnsbridge, has used its expertise to develop and manufacture an innovative new design of roller board. Now it has won a large contract to supply 280 units to schools across the UK. The government’s Building Schools for the Future programme has seen many schools being modernised, expanded or even re-built to incorporate the latest technology and materials for the fixtures and fittings. However, the roller boards found in the majority of classrooms are still the out-of-date, less durable models manufactured from chipboard or similar material. Horizon was approached to design and build a new style of roller boards which would bring the product into the 21st century. Using its knowledge and skills in sign manufacturing and fabrication,
Horizon has built an aluminium version which is lightweight, simple to fit and can be provided in a range of sizes. The Horizon roller board can also be retro-fitted by removing the existing roller material and roll bars from the old wooden models and inserted them into the modern aluminium version – providing a cost saving for the school. Horizon has invested in its own powder coating works. That means it can also powder coat the units to the specific colour requirements of the school, rather than wood being the only option. Company director Ross Ball said: “We are excited that we have been able to come up with a solution that is in keeping with all the latest technologies and materials used in modernising schools, but one which also provides a long term cost saving – essential in a time when budgets are being reduced.”
Make a date at the mill
■ ON A ROLL: Keith Ball, director at Horizon Signs, with one of the firm’s newly designed roller boards
Interesting move by Blacksmith
s ■ OFFICE PLAN: Creative director Jason Kirk in Blacksmith Design's new offices at Lepton
A DESIGN agency has moved to a building with an interesting past. Blacksmith Design Consultancy has transferred operations from Shepley to larger, newly renovated premises in Lepton. The agency’s new home at Wakefield Road was originally a clinic – complete with a mortuary. Blacksmith, which first moved to Lepton from Leeds in 1991, is one of Huddersfield’s longest established design companies and counts Huddersfield University, Ice Valley Mineral Water and Earnshaw’s Fencing Centres among its local clients The agency also works nationally on highly specialised pensions and benefit communications for some
of the UKs leading brands, including T-Mobile and Volkswagen. Managing director Neil Smith said: “We have always wanted a location that raised our profile and reflected our creative flair. The move is part of a strategy designed to win new business and engage with the best of Huddersfield’s companies.” The building in Lepton has been empty for several years, but has been revitalised under the guidance of creative director Jason Kirk. Said Jason: “It’s always been an ambition to create the ideal space for a design studio. This move has allowed me to design an environment that is perfect for a creative business like Blacksmith.”
Fashion and football
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■ NEW GOAL: Tracy Nelson
HUDDERSFIELD Town has teamed up with House of Fraser to target the club’s female fans and beyond. The football club is staging a Ladies Who Lunch afternoon at 11.30am on Friday, November 13, at the Galpharm Stadium. More than 150 people have already reserved their place for the event – the third of its kind – when they will enjoy a two-course lunch as well as a fashion show hosted by House of Fraser, featuring clothing,
handbags, shoes and jewellery. Fashion house Guerlain will also be hosting a number of displays and holding a make-up demonstration. Town commercial manager Tracy Nelson said: “An event such as Ladies Who Lunch is unusual in the football industry, which traditionally focuses on males. But both of our previous events have proved very popular and we cannot wait for November 13.” Visit www.htafccommercial.com
A TRAINING and assessment company is staging an open day to mark its move to new premises. ESTL is opening its doors to businesses across Kirklees and Calderdale from 1pm to 6pm on Friday at Folly Hall Mills, Folly Hall, Huddersfield. The highlight of the day will be the official unveiling of ESTL’s new state-of-the-art Waterfront Conference Centre, which offers a suite of seven modern conference suites and meeting rooms. ESTL business development manager Janet Washington said: “Our open day has two purposes. Firstly, we want to celebrate our move into these absolutely wonderful premises. Secondly, we want all local businesses to have the chance to see our exceptional conference facilities.” She said the new centre, which offers facilities including audio visual equipment, break-out room, onsite catering and two fully-equipped IT suites, had already attracted a number of clients. Said Janet: “Folly Hall Mills is one of the most magnificent buildings in Huddersfield and it has been superbly restored. It provides the perfect setting for our fully-staffed conference suites, which will cater for all types of conferences, team-building days and social events in the evening.” ESTL managing director Rachel Stirling said: “This is a very exciting new facility for the whole Waterfront Quarter, which is being transformed into one of the most significant business locations in the whole of Huddersfield. “We believe our new conference centre will meet an important business need and complement the surrounding developments”. ESTL operates from offices in We s t Yo r k s h i r e a n d t h e north-east. It also has a national network of trainers and assessors.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Page 6
Council backs bid to build up skills
Rates alert for property owners
JOBLESS people in Kirklees have improved their skills after completing a construction training scheme. Seven trainees from the Pathway into Landscaping programme and six from the Trainee Assessor programme were presented with awards by Kirklees councillor Molly Walton under schemes supported by the council-backed Build organisation. Both programmes were part of the “b-best” project funded by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward under the West Yorkshire Investment Plan. The trainees gained valuable work experience and qualifications in their chosen fields and some have secured employment or gone on to further training. Among them, Gavin Woodworth has been working at Beaumont Park on the landscaping programme for the past few months. The Pathway into Landscaping programme started in April. Trainees gained practical knowledge by working alongside staff based at various parks and open space venues across Kirklees during a 20-week course. They were also helped towards a Level 1 NVQ qualification accredited
Lunchtime network for RICS PROPERTY professionals in Kirklees are taking part in a networking event designed to forge stronger links in the sector. The Royal Institution of Charted Surveyors is hosting its latest Surveyors@Lunch event on November 20 at City Inn, Granary Wharf, Leeds. The informal event is open to professionals from all areas of the land, property and construction sectors. It provides a forum for them to discuss the latest developments in the regional property market. Colin Harrop, RICS chairman for Yorkshire, said: “We always get a really strong turnout at these events as they give our region’s property professionals the perfect opportunity to meet new contacts and establish good relationships – which is imperative for the success of any business. “Chartered surveyors, solicitors, project managers, planners, civil engineers, architects and many more will be attending. For further details contact RICS events co-ordinator Lisa Metcalf on 01924 229305 or email lmetcalf@rics.org
■ PRIZE DAY: Clr Molly Watson, Kirklees Council cabinet member for adults and communities, presents the awards (PC261009Centerprise-01.jpg)
by Bishop Burton College, Beverley, followed by help to gain employment search training in order for them to promote themselves with local landscaping and horticulture businesses. The Trainee Assessor Programme started earlier this year and gave unemployed qualified construction craft operatives the opportunity to become qualified assessors in the con-
struction industry. The course involved vocational training and shadowing qualified assessors. Kirklees Council leader Clr Mehboob Khan said: “It was a real honour to be asked to present the awards to the trainees. Build provides a very important function in Kirklees by offering unemployed people training opportunities and work experi-
ence “A lot of hard work goes into getting the trainees through their courses and a large number of people play an important role in this including course tutors, mentors, local construction companies and council staff. This event was an opportunity to also acknowledge all the hard work that Build and its partners do.”. Diane Maxwell, director of Lapis Mindset, a coaching and development company and partner of “b-best” said: “We were involved in supporting the trainees to work towards achieving their qualifications as well as identifying suitable work placements for them to gain work based evidence for their portfolios. “Build does some amazing work. They put a lot of effort and hard work in to getting the most ‘hard to reach’ individuals into training and employment.” Build is a local purchasing and local labour initiative for the construction industry in Kirklees. It is part of Kirklees Council and seeks to ensure that local residents and local construction businesses benefit fully from construction development projects in the district.
Lettings agent joins the industry’s elite A PROPERTY management company in Huddersfield has joined a nationwide scheme. Wigwam Lettings, based at Honley, is the latest firm to join the National Approved Lettings Scheme, which provides accreditation to enable landlords and tenants to avoid the pitfalls of dealing with “cowboy” letting agents. NALS ensures that agents comply with defined service standards and have a customer complaints procedure offering independent redress through the Ombudsman for Estate Agents Scheme, professional indemnity insurance, client money protection cover and access to tenancy deposit protection. The scheme is supported by the British Property Federation, Sanctuary Shaftesbury Housing, the National Union of Students and the Guild of Letting and Management, who are all directors of the scheme. The scheme is endorsed by the National Federation of Property Professionals. NALS is also endorsed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Accreditation is open to any firm operating in the lettings sector which meets the scheme’s strict criteria.
■ CREDIT: Paul Hollingsworth, of Honley-based Wigwam Lettings
NALS operations director Isobel Thomson said: “NALS service standards are the consumers’ benchmark against which to judge the performance of letting and management agents operating in the private rented sector. “We are delighted to welcome Wigwam Lettings into the scheme. “Agents such as Wigwam Lettings are in the vanguard of a drive to establish uniform service standards in
the industry. “Those agents who are not prepared to meet the standards required by NALS and – most importantly – the public will not survive for long.” Paul Hollingsworth, managing director of Wigwam Lettings, said: “We see our NALS membership as an excellent opportunity to increase business within our letting and management department. “This visible assurance provided by the NALS logo gives prospective landlords and tenants the confidence of knowing the service they can expect from dealing with us.” Wigwam Lettings was launched less than a year ago to take advantage of current trends to help maximise returns on property which remains unsold in the stagnating sales market – as well as offering existing or aspiring l a n d l o r d s a c u s t o m e r - fo c u s e d approach to letting. Mr Hollingsworth has years of experience in the lettings market in London, Leeds and more recently managing a town centre office in Huddersfield. Mr Hollingsworth said he was committed to providing a tailored service – doing everything possible to take the stress out of letting.
COMPANIES across Kirklees have been urged to beware “cowboy” advisers offering to help them reduce their business rates bills. The Valuation Office Agency said some unscrupulous rating agents offering to reduce business rates bills ended up charging more in fees than they saved. Others even claimed to be working on behalf of the VOA to confuse business owners and drum up trade under false pretences. The VOA is sending out new business rates valuations. It is urging businesses to check that all the details are correct, as this will form the basis for next year’s rates bills. The VOA said the valuations were straightforward and could be completed with or without professional help. The VOA has teamed up with professional bodies that represent rating agents and surveyors, including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, to produce a fact sheet explaining why new valuations have been sent, what services are available and how to avoid being caught out. VOA customer services manager Andy Booth said: “Businesses have a choice to employ an expert to check the details of the valuation we send them and see where savings might be made. “There are many agents who offer a very useful, value for money service. “However, some others don’t – and we’re often made aware of ratepayers paying for a service that offers them absolutely no benefit.” RICS spokesman Blake Penfold said: “Unfortunately, there are some companies that are opportunists, taking advantage of business owners who may not have a solid understanding of how their property is valued for business rates or how their bill is calculated. “We’re keen to ensure that ratepayers have the information they need to make an informed choice, not a mistake.”
014 8 4 4 3 2 0 4 3
Contact Jason Metcalfe or Philip Deakin
01484 4 32043 The Old Gatehouse
Offices
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Stotts Island Wakefield Road Brighouse
Ashley Industrial Estate Leeds Road Huddersfield
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Joint agent Michael Steel & Co
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Anne Salisbury
YABA Anne Salisbury has been named by the Yorkshire Association of Business Angels as its ambassador for West Yorkshire. Ms Salisbury will be responsible for raising YABA’s profile among businesses seeking financial assistance and to boost its membership. YABA has also appointed ambassadors for South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, the East Riding of Yorkshire and North and North-east Lincolnshire to build links with local businesses, seek investment opportunities, recruit new angel and associate members and raise the profile of the association and the benefits of angel investment. Ms Salisbury worked for HSBC before managing West Yorkshire Ventures. She now undertakes business development for a number of professional service organisations. She sits on the board for Venturefest Yorkshire and is also responsible for managing the event’s iInnovation showcase. YABA is a non-profit making introduction service that puts entrepreneurs and companies seeking finance in touch with private investors, known as business angels, looking to invest in start-up, growth stage and turnaround opportunities.
Russell Wallace
PwC Russell Wallace has been appointed forensic technology director in West Yorkshire by accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr Wallace (pictured), a director with more than 27 years’ investigations experience, has relocated from PwC’s Hong Kong office to head its new forensic laboratory Leeds, which served the whole northern region. Mr Wallace, a former commercial crime agent with the New South Wales Police in Sydney, has applied forensic technology in support of fraud investigations, corruption and other financial crimes in emerging economies such as China and Asia for the past 10 years. He joined PwC in Sydney in 2000 and spent the past nine years in Hong Kong drawing on his combined experience in law enforcement, computer forensics and database technology.
Movers and shakers
Lion is roaring in to Dewsbury FORMER British Lions legend John Bentley will be special guest of honour at the launch of a new business in Kirklees. The ex-player, who hails from Dewsbury, will be in the town on Friday to open a new branch for HGV Direct. The 3pm launch of the branch at Leeds Hall Road will be followed by a customer open day, which will include a barbecue and a charity draw as well as special launch-day offers. Prizes in the charity draw include a games console and all proceeds will go to the Wooden Spoon charity, which aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in Britain and Ireland. HGV Direct, which provides parts and spares for leading makes of trucks, has invested more than £30,000 to refurbish the premises – installing a dedicated service desk and creating extensive storage area as well as fitting new outdoor lighting and signs. The company already runs six branches
across the Midlands and north-west as well as e-commerce site. Customers include fleet and owner operators, independent and franchised commercial vehicle garages, distributors and owner drivers. Its product range encompasses everything from truck and trailer hardware, electrical and lighting products to oils and lubricants, exhausts and aircon parts, tools and in-cab equipment. Nurul Haque, who has more than 20 years experience in the industry, has been appointed as branch manager together with two further members of staff. HGV Direct managing director Simon Smedley said: “After two months of hard work, I’m delighted that we will be welcoming customers to our new Dewsbury branch – and would like to take this opportunity to thank John Bentley for taking time out from his busy schedule to conduct the official opening ceremony.”
Winner Mark is in the pink
■ STAR TURN: John Bentley in his days with the British Lions
Putting clients first FLEET management company FMG Support has won national acclaim for customer service. The Huddersfield-based firm was named winner of the service award at the Human Capital Awards – outscoring major brands including Sainsbury’s, Carphone Warehouse and Northern Rail to take the service category. The company, which has its headquarters at St Andrew’s Road, Bradley Mills, demonstrated how initiatives delivered by its human resources team resulted in an improvement in the service customers receive. That translated to FMG Support landing a string of major contracts last year with clients including ING Car Lease, Lloyds TSB Autloease and the Highways Agency.
Shaun Ellenthorpe
Lloyds Banking LLOYDS Banking Group has appointed Shaun Ellenthorpe as head of area for West and North Yorkshire. Mr Ellenthorpe’s appointment is part of a nationwide expansion in the number of area directors and the teams dedicated to supporting corporate customers of the bank. Said Mr Ellenthorpe: “In the past 12 months, feedback from our customers tells us that the role of the local relationship directors and their local knowledge and experience has become increasingly important. “This is crucial to the way in which we do business and the reason why we now have a distinct, separate team focused on the North and West Yorkshire business community.” Mr Ellenthorpe (pictured) pointed to recent deals with Acorn Stairlifts, which has moved all its day-to-day banking to the Leeds office, and Barratts Priceless, for whom the bank provided working capital and an international trade facility as examplles of its backing for business.
Page 8
AN account executive with Huddersfield haulage firm The Pink Link has driven away with an award for the second year running. Mark Buchanan (above) was overall winner at the annual national sales convention run by Palletways, the UK’s largest pallet distribution network. The prize, which Mark first won a year ago, recognises his use of “best practice” methods at Netherton-based The Pink Link – which have been taken up at other Palletways depots across the UK. Said Mark: “I’m thrilled to have won for the second year running.
“Our success at The Pink Link is down to a real team effort – with everyone from drivers and customer service representatives to senior managers pulling in the same direction. “It’s been a tough year for the industry, but we’ve maintained a positive attitude and our goal is to identify every single opportunity for the business and not let anything slip through our fingers.” The awards recognise the best business development performers among Palletways’ UK network of 100-plus member companies.