Kirklees Business News, 2nd March 2010 by Huddersfield

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees

Firm shakes rivals by landing US deal

A COMPANY which tests industrial equipment for noise and vibration levels has broken into the US market with its latest deal. Fivesquared Vibration Testing Services already works for a host of customers in Europe, including BP, Centrica, British Waterways, Carillion and about 60 local authorities, including Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield. Now it has landed a contract to test and certify equipment for major American grounds equipment manufacturer Schiller, which has four sites in the USA. Fivesquared beat an Italian company to the deal – thanks to its knowledge and previous experience working with some of the world’s leading manufactures and its world-renowned Toolminder software system. Managing director James White and international sales director Jeremy Hoyle flew to the States to view the quality systems and manufacturing processes in order to be able to CE mark Schiller’s products being manufactured for the European market. Having approved the processes and systems, Schiller sent shipping con-

tainers full of its grounds equipment for Fivesquared to test and certify. Equipment tested for vibration levels can range from power shovels, bulldozers, helicopters and cranes to forklifts, earth-moving equipment, trucks and tractors. Said Mr Hoyle: “This is by far the largest single international contract that we have won to date and truly confirms our position as one of the world’s leading independent test and certification companies. “All test work will be run out of our Huddersfield operations office based at Longwood and will take place at test locations including gardens and property owned by English Heritage. “Our test facility at Barnsley will be used for the noise assessments which are controlled environment.” Mr Hoyle added: “To be considered for such a prestigious contract with one of the world’s leading grounds equipment manufactures is testament to the work of our sales force and marketing department. “We try to reach the massive worldwide audience of manufactures and end users which can be difficult and challenging at times.

from the Centre for Management Buyout Research (CMBOR), sponsored by Barclays Private Equity. This represented the lowest annual buy-out value seen in the region since 1993. The number of buy-outs fell to the

Party time for charity A WEBSITE raising money for good causes through children’s birthday parties has completed its charity “team”. PartiesAround theWorld.co.uk, led by Carl Hopkins and Deirdre Bounds, has linked up with EST, a charity offering riding therapy with donkeys to children with special needs and disabilities.

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■ STATESIDE: Fivesquared international sales manager Jeremy Hoyle (second right) and managing director James White (right) with (from left Schiller technical manager Howard Kaplan, quality manager Steve Le Pera and engineering manager Mark Wegner

“We also attend several handpicked national exhibitions in order to keep the Fivesquared brand in front of any potential customers. “We have seen our order book increase by over 40% in the last two years alone.

“Even during the economic downturn we managed to increase turnover and profits. This is down to our policy of offering the very best service and systems available. Service to our clients is everything and they know they can rely on us year after year.’’

Positive signs – despite fall in buy-out values BUY-OUT values have slumped in Yorkshire, latest figures reveal. The total value of private equity-backed buy-outs in the region fell by more than three quarters to £305.4m in 2009 from £1.4bn the previous year, according to the latest data

INSIDE

lowest level since 1992 – with 48 deals completed in the region representing a 28% decline on the 67 deals completed in 2008 and 38% down on the 78 deals of 2007. The average deal value in Yorkshire and Humber fell by 69% to £6.4m

when compared with 2008 – however the fourth quarter of 2009 saw signs that confidence in the region’s buy-out market is returning, with the number of private equity-backed buy-outs in the region rising to £155m from £69m in the third quarter.

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Talking points BUILDING products group Marshalls is making work experience more inspiring for young people – with chief executive Graham Holden taking part in the Big Conversation.

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Bank bonuses row over HSBC profits HSBC revealed it paid three bankers more than £9m each last year as bonuses continued to dominate annual results in the sector. While the banking giant’s chief executive moved to calm public anger by donating his £4m bonus to charity, it emerged that the head of HSBC’s investment banking arm, Stuart Gulliver, was awarded a £9m shares bonus and a 50% pay rise in 2009, according to the bank’s annual report. Two other employees also received hefty pay packages of more than £9m last year, with the bank’s five biggest earners taking home more than £35m in bonuses, albeit in deferred shares. H oweve r, c h i e f exe c u t ive Michael Geoghegan said he would

pass his £4m bonus entitlement to charities around the world over the next three years, while chairman Stephen Green has waived his entitlement to bonus shares. The news comes after it emerged that Peter Sands, the boss of fellow UK bank Standard Chartered, will also give his 2009 windfall to good causes. They faced mounting pressure after the two leading executives at Barclays and the chief executives at Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group decided to forgo their 2009 handouts. HSBC took its turn in the bonus spotlight as it announced underlying pre-tax profits of 13.3 billion US dollars (£8.8 billion) in 2009, up 56% on 2008.

On a reported basis, HSBC’s results showed a 24% slide in annual profits to 7.1 billion dollars (£4.7 billion). Those figures were revealed after one-off factors and write-downs on the value of its assets. Its investment banking business, HSBC Global Banking and Markets, saw a 148% surge in profits thanks to the equities rebound and improved conditions. Bumper profits at the division saw bonuses handed out to a swathe of investment bankers, with HSBC on the hook for a 355 million dollars (£234 million) in tax payments under the Govern■ CHARITY: Chief executive Michael Geoghegan ment’s one-off bonus scheme.

Pearson weathers the storm

A great sporting power

FT-to-Penguin group Pearson has reported a 13% rise in annual profits. The firm’s figures confirmed it had weathered the storm affecting financial advertising and consumer books. The group said its North American education publishing arm, which is the company’s biggest business with annual sales of £2.5 billion and operating profits of £403 million, enjoyed strong growth during the year. This helped it overcome tougher conditions for FT Group and Penguin, where profits fell by 4% to £187 million and 10% to £84 million

UK firm Aggreko secured its place at another major sporting event with a £30 million contract to provide power at this year’s FIFA World Cup. Fresh from its work at the Vancouver Winter Olympics, Glasgow-based Aggreko will deliver broadcasting power at all 10 World Cup stadium venues, as well as power and temperature control at the international broadcast centre. The project, which involves the installation of 300 kilometres of cable and 30 megawatts of generating capacity, will support the screening of 64 matches to an estimated global audience of more than three billion

respectively. Trading conditions in those markets brightened towards the end of the year, although Pearson said it was planning on the basis that some of its sectors will remain subdued throughout this year. “Even so, we expect Pearson to produce another year of underlying profit growth, helped by the overall resilience of our company and good growth prospects for our businesses in digital, services and emerging markets,” it added. Pre-tax profits rose to £660 million, from £585 million a year earlier, while Pearson raised its full-year dividend payment by 5%.

people. The firm is operating the contract in partnership with investment company Shanduka. The companies worked together to supply temporary power to the FIFA’s Confederations Cup in South Africa last year. Aggreko, which has also provided temporary power for the Glastonbury music festival and the Beijing Olympics, recently joined the FTSE 100 Index after a strong run for its share price. The business was founded in Holland in 1962 and set up its UK arm in Scotland in 1973.

Page 2 Upwardly mobile merger approved THE creation of Britain’s largest mobile phone operator was given the green light after regulators cleared the merger of Orange and T-Mobile UK competition watchdog the Office for Fair Trading (OFT) said it had withdrawn its concerns over the joint venture and the European Commission (EC) backed the deal after both firms agreed to a number of concessions designed to assuage industry fears. The tie-up between France Telecom’s Orange and Deutsche Telekom-owned T-Mobile – currently the UK’s third and fourth largest operators – will give the combined firms a 37% market share and nearly 30 million customers. Orange and T-Mobile agreed to give up some bandwidth and reached a new agreement with 3, Britain’s smallest mobile provider, which has a network sharing deal with T-Mobile. The UK regulator said it had cancelled its request that it be allowed to review parts of the merger “after the companies offered remedies that fully address the OFT’s outstanding competition concerns”.

SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £25.49 -0.01 Gannett 1054.29 +42.74 Hess Corp £39.96 +0.70 Microsoft 1926.29 +12.02 Motors Liquidation 50.08 Wal-Mart Stores £35.97 -0.13 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE BAE Systems 379 +43/4 Rolls-Royce Gp 562 +4 Smiths Grp 1060 +21 VT Group 672 +41/2 AIM Brady Plc 631/2 Dawson Intl 21/4 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 1155/8 +3 BANKS 1 Barclays 312 /8 -3/8 HSBC 682 -375/8 Lloyds Banking Gp 501/4 -21/4 Ryl Scotland 363/4 -1 1 Stan Chart 1525 /2 -361/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1094 +30 SABMiller 1797 +77 CHEMICALS Croda 917 +17 Delta 1561/4 -11/2 1 Elementis 98 57 /4 -3/4 Johnsn Mat 1621 +33 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2771/4 +13/8 Costain 241/2 +1/2

Drax Grp 4031/2 +35/8 Intl Power 3295/8 +51/4 Scottish & Sthrn 1128 +7 Energy ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Chloride 1883/8 +33/4 Invensys 3201/2 +53/4 Laird 134 +61/4 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3221/2 +51/2 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 1131/2 -13/8 C&W 1371/4 +3/4 Colt Telecom 137 +31/2 1 KCOM 48 /4 +1/2 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 3043/4 +61/4 Sainsbury 3383/8 +8 Tesco 433 +133/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 970 +20 Cadbury 8591/2 +81/2 Nth Foods 563/4 -3/4 Tate Lyle 4331/2 +123/8 Unilever 1971 +47 Uniq 241/2 +1/2 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 2823/4 +31/8 National Grid 656 +4 Pennon Grp 5221/2 -2 Severn 1174 +9 1 United Utils 552 /2 +9 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 2593/8 -33/4 3

London StockExch 680 +15 Man Group 2251/4 +1/2 Provident Financial 972 +27 Schroders 1220 +24 Schroders NV 1007 +23 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Avon Rbbr 87 -4 Cooksn Grp 468 +8 3 +23/4 REXAM 281 /4 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 12 -1/2 DSG International 295/8 -11/8 Home Retail 2571/8 +21/8 Inchcape 25 -3/8 7 Kingfisher 218 /8 +37/8 3 M&S 330 /4 +3/4 Mothercare 648 -1 Next 1856 -19 WH Smith 465 +61/8 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 687 +131/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 136 +6 Barrat Dev 1141/4 +3/8 Persimmon 4005/8 +101/2 Reckitt Benckiser £35 +1/2 Taylor Wimpey 361/8 +1/2 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 6791/2 +14 +71/2 IMI 5721/2 Man Brnze 83 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 294 +12 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION 7

Forth Ports

1069 +2 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 3751/4 -151/8 Lgl & Gen 731/4 -4 Old Mutual 114 +5/8 Prudential 530 -721/2 Resolution 721/4 Standard Life 1931/8 -21/4 MEDIA BSkyB 554 +10 Chrysalis 1043/4 +21/4 5 D Mail Tst 445 /8 +1 +11/4 ITV 551/4 Johnston Press 253/4 +1 Pearson 956 +44 Reed Elsevier 498 +6 STV Group 50 +1 Trinity Mirror 1371/4 +51/4 Utd Business 4497/8 +125/8 UTV 101 WPP 6211/2 +171/2 Yell Group 403/4 +11/8 MINING Anglo American £241/2 +5/8 Antofagasta 916 +321/2 3 BHP Billiton £20 /4 +5/8 Eurasian Natural 1066 +39 Res Fresnillo 7821/2 +32 Kazakhmys 1410 +69 Lonmin 1842 +35 Rio Tinto £345/8 +1 VEDANTA £263/8 +7/8 RESOURCES Xstrata 10671/2 +371/2 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES

Local shares Carclo Chapelthorpe Marshalls National Grid Rensburg Sheppards Weir Gp

170 143/4 831/2 656 590 7941/2

-5 +1/2 +4 +1 +131/2

FTSE closed at

5405.94 up 51.42

Vodafone Group 1423/4 +13/8 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1265 +25 -11/4 RSA Insurance Gp 1281/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 11531/2 +81/2 BP 596 +171/4 5

Norsk Hdro 4551/2 +9 Royal Dutch Shell A 18331/2 +431/2 Royal Dutch Shell B 1761 +441/2 Total £373/8 +3/8 Tullow Oil 1199 +10 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Petrofac 1065 +38 +4 Wood Group 3633/4 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry 6371/2 +12 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £291/4 +1/2 Axis-Shield 380 -11 GlaxoSmithK XD 151/2 Shire 1443 +36 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 4443/8 +43/8 DTZ Hldgs 801/4 5 Hamrsn 389 /8 +65/8 Land Secs 6391/2 +7 +43/8 SEGRO 3231/8 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Autonomy Corp 1572 +42 +11/4 Dimension Data 891/2 Logica 1193/8 Misys 2315/8 +33/4 Sage Group 2371/4 +3/8 SUPPORT SERVICES AMEC 809 +21 +16 Bunzl 6961/2 Capita 7221/2 +61/2 Davis Service 4071/2 +11/2 Group De La Rue 940 +41/2 Electrocomp 185 -3/8

G4S 2755/8 Hays 105 Homeserve 1680 Menzies J 312 Rentokil 129 Smiths News 1141/2 Wolseley 1590 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 2091/8 Psion 891/2 Spirent Comms 1033/4 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £227/8 Imperial Tobacco £21 LEISURE & HOTELS Arriva 518 Brit Airways 2123/8 Carnival £253/8 Compass Grp 500 easyJet 4191/4 Enterprise Inns 1011/4 FirstGroup 3561/2 Go-Ahead 1358 Greene King 4331/4 Intercontl Htls 946 Ladbrokes 1451/8 Mitchells & Butlers 2871/4 Natl Express 2043/4 PartyGaming 3053/4 Rank Org 1117/8 Stagecoach Group 1751/4 TUI Travel 2781/4 Whitbread 1455 INDEX FTSE 100 5405.94 INDEX

+47/8 +3/4 -20 -13/4 +1/8 -2 +40 +51/4 -1/2 -1/4 +5/8 +5/8 +6 +11/4 +5/8 +123/8 +51/8 -1/4 +7/8 +13/4 +26 -3/4 +33/4 +13/4 +21/2 +93/8 +3/8 +4 +35 +51.42

TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.59 dollars Bangladesh................... 98.73 taka Brazil.............................. 2.44 reals Canada....................... 1.52 dollars China ............................. 9.23 yuan Czech Republic ...... 26.41 korunas Denmark....................... 7.86 krone Euro............................... 1.06 euro Hong Kong................ 11.14 dollars Hungary................... 267.58 forints India.......................... 61.24 rupees Japan........................... 128.46 yen Mexico ....................... 17.18 pesos New Zealand .............. 2.01 dollars Norway ......................... 8.52 krone Pakistan.................. 121.05 rupees Philippines ................. 59.72 pesos South Africa................. 10.81 rand South Korea.............. 1527.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 163.48 rupees Sweden....................... 10.27 krona Switzerland.................. 1.55 francs Taiwan ...................... 42.32 dollars Turkey....................... 2.23 new lira USA ............................ 1.44 dollars

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS ACCOUNTANT Karen Borowski is determined to make Huddersfield count. Karen, a partner at town centre accountancy firm Revell Ward, is keen to make sure Huddersfield retains its strong identity – and believes building links with other organisations in the town is the best way to ensure its survival. Revell Ward is playing its part through its involvement in groups such as the Huddersfield Town Centre Partnership, its support for accountancy students at Huddersfield University and its role as a patron of Huddersfield Giants and an official partner of Huddersfield Town. The firm has purposely raised its profile following the September, 2008, management buy-out of the business by Karen and fellow partners John Wilson and Jennifer Davies – a move motivated by the belief that Huddersfield was the best base for its business, rather than Leeds. “This was a big turning point for us,” said Karen. “We were determined to keep Huddersfield on the map and not be sucked into Leeds like some of the other nationals. “Despite the recession, we have had a fantastic first year and staff numbers have increased by 17% since we started.” Karen came to Huddersfield in March, 2002, to join the firm, which then called Mazars Neville Russell. “I thought I would be here five years,” she recalls. “Eight years later, I’m well and truly ‘embedded’ in the town.” Bradford-born Karen was brought up in Cumbria before gaining a degree in accountancy and economics at Newcastle University. She trained with Grant Thornton in Leeds and ended up spending 10 years with the firm before working for WBS in the city. “I wanted to go back to a national firm,” she says. “It was a period of consolidation in the industry and Mazars appealed because it had a good strategy. “I was offered a position in the Huddersfield office and I thought that would provide me with a new challenge.” Karen recalls some resistance from the town’s business community when Mazars came to town, but says: “When we did the buy-out, people knew we were here to stay. “The culture of the firm is very different and there is almost a family feel about it now. “We tried to raise our game – and everyone else’s – not just for ourselves but for Huddersfield. “We want to help keep the town economically healthy.” The firm has a healthy concern for its staff –

profile

Karen Borowski

Karen’s a real town fan! encouraging them to organise charity events and promoting team-building exercises. One employee, Matthew Bestwick, has single-handedly organised a 26-mile trek through the Colne Valley to raise cash for Kirkwood Hospice and the Laura Crane Trust. Karen is among those who will take part in the event, which takes place later this month. “The work ethic at Revell Ward is very much one of work hard and play hard.” says Karen. “We expect a lot of out staff – they are obviously our biggest asset and we do pride ourselves on customer service and integrating as much as possible with out clients and their businesses. “Helping people is what we do best.

■ BUSY: Karen enjoys the work ethic at Revell Ward

“Motivation can be difficult, especially in the current economic climate – but that’s where the play side comes in. “We take time out as a team and in the past we have been to Scarborough, Xscape, Heritage Exchange and Direct Golf and played all sorts of silly games to have fun.” Occupying the seventh floor at the former NTL building in Market Street also helps focus staff on the important things. “We have a fantastic new office with fantastic views,” says Karen. “It makes me want to sing the old Carpenters favourite, ‘On Top of the world’. “It can’t help but keep you focused on local issues because we see them every day.” Karen says she trained as an accountant because she liked playing with numbers – and still loves her role as an auditor. But she says: “My big frustration is that anyone can claim to be an accountant and can even do it from their back bedroom or garage if they choose. “There is a huge distinction between this and a chartered accountant and there should be more regulation to setting up as an accountant. You don’t seem to have the same issues with the legal profession.” Karen is also busy away from the office – with two major building projects under way. Karen, husband John and their six-year-old son Thomas hope to move into grade 2 listed building –

currently undergoing restoration work – later this year. They are also working on a property in France to provide a holiday home. One of Karen’s passions is red wine – French for preference – and she recently spent her 40th birthday in a chateau in France, where she was able to sample some of the best. Her other love is sport. As well as being a Giants and Town season ticket holder, Karen and family are off to Australia for Christmas to watch the Ashes test matches at Melbourne and Sydney. Says Karen: “When I was younger, I used to play in a ladies’ five-a-side league –

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Role: Partner Age: The big 40 and lovin’ it! Family: Married to John with son Thomas, 6 Holidays: France (every year) and Australia (this year for the Ashes!) Car: BMW X5 First job: Working as a waitress Best thing about job: The people Worst thing about job: The people! Business tip: Believe and achieve but two knee operations later I prefer the more gentle approach to exercise. “I still go on the odd 5k run, but otherwise it’s the gym.” Sport has clearly taught her the value of team work. “The reason I do my job is because I enjoy it and I am part of a team. “I want to see a similar team spirit develop among the businesses and other organisations in the town. “That’s the way to help Huddersfield remain a vibrant and successful place.”

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Revell Ward Work: Accountancy Site: Market Street, Huddersfield Employs: 23 Phone: 01484 538351 Email:enquiries @revellward.co.uk

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KIRKLEES BUSIN

Charity becomes Carl’s new recruit A WEBSITE that raises money for charity through children’s birthday parties has named the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys as its final charity cause. PartiesAroundtheWorld.co.uk, which was launched last year by Brighouse-based businessman Carl Hopkins and Leeds-based entrepreneur Deirdre Bounds, has linked up with EST, a charity dedicated to offering riding therapy with donkeys to children with special needs and disabilities. PAW hopes to raise much-needed funds for the trust through its website, which allows guests at children’s birthday parties to make donations towards a charity or cause instead of buying material gifts. Parties Around the World aims to take the stress and hassle out of organising a child’s birthday party by offering personalised and automated invitations, RSVPs and thank-you cards in addition to the online gift-giving facility. A total of 12 “child-friendly” causes are represented on the PAW website – ranging from the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust to Born Free, the foundation that aims to protect threatened species and keep wildlife in the wild. Guests who choose the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys (EST) as their charity of choice, will help the trust provide donkey-riding therapy to more than 750 children with special needs and disabilities at purpose-built centres around the country. Deirdre, who in 2007 sold her ethical travel company i-to-i.com for millions of pounds, was inspired to launch PAW after holding a birthday party for her own young son and seeing the

■ LET’S PARTY: Deirdie Bounds and Carl Hopkins have completed their list of charities to benefit from ethical business Parties Around the World

dozens of unnecessary gifts he received that would probably never be played with. Carl Hopkins, whose business interests include business angel service Kloog and agency-

Website spotlights training opportunities in food sector EMPLOYERS in the food and drink sector have been urged to visit a new website to find out more about training opportunities. Sector skills council Improve has launched the site with Business Link and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to ensure that businesses are at

the heart of changes affecting the industry. The website at www.businesslink.gov.uk /vocationalqualifications includes information on two new qualifications – Improve Proficiency Qualifications and Improve Vocational Qualifications – which are now being developed.

bods.co.uk, has starred in Channel 4's The Secret Millionaire when he gave away £42,000 to help good causes in the once-thriving colliery town of Easington in the north-east.

Recession is to blame for hike in litigation cases A LAW firm in Huddersfield has reported a rise in litigation as a result of the long recession. Baxter Caulfield, which has offices in Station Street, said its commercial and employment litigation department had been busier than ever in the last 12 months. An analysis of the firm’s cases reveals five top reasons for disputes leading to the instruction of solicitors – disputes between owner-managers within private businesses; collection of debt; changes in terms and conditions of supply; employment issues; and breach of confidentiality. Stephen Newman, senior partner, said: “Private businesses are still finding the going really tough. They often need to make changes to reduce costs, but are hindered by issues arising from contracts that were drawn up in more certain economic times.

“When incomes and profits are reduced, business owners invariably reassess the long term viability of commercial relationships. This often creates tension in those relationships. “There is no doubt that the diminished economy has contributed to the escalation of disputes and lawyers are being instructed more often than would be the case in times of greater prosperity. Tighter money means that all avenues are being pursued to maximise income or reduce costs.” Said Mr Newman: “In the rush to law, people sometimes forget that lawyers can also be used to mediate or arbitrate on disputes. “Alternative dispute resolution can sometimes prove to be a relatively quick and less costly means of settling disagreements, and it should not be ignored.”

Forward planning A STRATEGY has been drawn up to expand Yorkshire’s manufacturing sector by 50%. Regional development agency Yorkshire Forward has compiled the action plan which outlines the steps needed to help the manufacturing sector grow and achieve wider international recognition. The Manufacturing Strategy for Yorkshire and Humber examines where the sector needs to be in five, 10 and 20 years from now. It aims to identify the steps needed to expand manufacturing by more than 50% – so that it represents 20% of the regional economy by 2030 compared to the 13% it represents now. The action plan highlights four high-tech manufacturing sectors chosen to drive growth and development – advanced engineering and Materials, digital technologies, healthcare technologies and low carbon technologies. Richard Wright, chairman of the Yorkshire and Humber Manufacturing Steering Group, said: “These sectors have been chosen because they represent enormous international market opportunities and regionally we know we are good at them – and therefore able to compete in the world market and export their products and make money – which gives us the best return on our investment. “This no way detracts from the importance of businesses in other sectors, but identifies them as drivers through which manufacturing can produce a step change in its performance and by which Yorkshire and Humber will be recognised internationally. Resources are finite, so to fully exploit commercial potential; resources have to be focused.” The strategy has been created by Yorkshire Forward’s Manufacturing Taskforce, which was chaired by Richard Wright and included industry leaders, business representatives and support bodies. The purpose of the taskforce was to work closely with manufacturing companies to review and increase awareness of business support. Simon Hill, executive director of business at Yorkshire Forward, said: “Manufacturing is important because it is a high exporter and brings real value into the region. An economically balanced region needs a strong manufacturing base. “Manufacturing is high on the national agenda and we believe Yorkshire and Humber can lead the way nationally with this focused strategy which builds on the region’s strengths.”

NESS NEWS

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Council to help firms gear up for recovery KIRKLEES Council means business when it comes to supporting the district’s economy, says leader Clr Mehboob Khan. Now the authority has pledged a further £3m to turn its “recession fund” into a “recovery fun” and continue helping local firms to keep people in jobs. Kirklees Council has helped mitigate the worst effects of the downturn and protect jobs with a three-year £3m “recession fund. Among the initiatives, the council has set up a Sell to Kirklees website for firms to register and tender for council contracts for the first time; linked up with Yorkshire Forward and Business Link to help manufacturers cut through red tape; and hosted two high-profile meetings between local business leaders and regional minister Rosie Winterton. Other initiatives include a Huddersfield Loan Fund offering low-interest finance for job creation; investment in council-owned business and enterprise centres to “incubate” new businesses; and the creation of a land and property bulletin to pinpoint development sites to would-be investors. Kirklees was also the first authority to provide a business rate relief scheme for smaller manufacturers, which is calculated to have helped secure about 200 jobs. The coun-

cil has spent £285,000 on rates relief. And a pledge to pay all its invoices within 10 working days is also helping the council’s suppliers with their cash flow. Clr Khan said: “We have kept the central recession fund going – which is now our recovery fund. We have budgeted for a further £3m over the next three years. We are not going to take our foot off the accelerator.” Clr Khan said the district had distinct advantages in the wake of the recession – including the resources of Huddersfield University with its 26,000 students; plans for an £85m investment in a new campus at Chapel Hill for Kirklees College; and the town’s world-renowned media centre.. And Kirklees was ideally placed to get spin-off benefits from the growth of neighbouring cities Leeds and Manchester. The district was one of the most important centres in the UK for manufacturing and for internet-based businesses, claimed Clr Khan, adding: “We have a wealth of talent in the business sector and we aim to create an environment for enterprise.” Through Leeds City Region, the council aims to improve transport links at key points, including Leeds Road, Cooper Bridge while a Huddersfield Gateways scheme aims to

improve traffic flow on the ring road. Kirklees also wants to see a high-speed rail link between Manchester, Huddersfield and Leeds. Clr Khan said the future of town centres was a major concern for councils as shopping patterns changed. “We have to make town centres much more attractive and secure places for people to visit,” he said. Clr Khan said the controversial revamp of St George’s Square had provided a “wow factor” for visitors to the town while events such as the Festival of Lights had encouraged people to visit the town centre in the evening and sample its restaurants as well as shops. Improving St Peter’s Gardens and efforts to seek a site for a “high quality” children’s play area were also on the agenda – to make the town centre a “day out” destination. Clr Khan said the council was working with representatives of organisations such as the university, Kirklees College, the Media Centre and Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd on a Huddersfield Futures group to plot the course for the town over the next 10 years. One issue was how to “brand” Huddersfield and market it as a vibrant and dynamic town with a proud history and a bright future.

■ RECOVERY: Council leader Mehboob Khan aims to maintain the momentum

Paternity leave plans RIOR to the economic crisis P taking hold in the UK, plans were put in place to extend the

paternity rights given to new fathers. These plans were put on hold during the downturn, but it has recently been announced that they are back on the table. The Government is continuing to honour its long-term policy to achieve a better work-life balance for mothers, fathers and families in general by formally announcing the new paternity leave proposals. The plans, which would come into effect in April, 2010, will see fathers given the right to take an extended period of leave, paid at the statutory rates, to care for their new baby. Currently, new fathers are entitled to take up to two weeks of paternity leave within 56 days of the birth of the child. This is in contrast to a new mother’s right to take up to 12 months of leave, nine of which is paid (again, mostly at the prescribed statutory rate). The Government now proposes that fathers can take up to six months of paternity leave if the mother does not exercise her entitlements. The justification for this is that it will hopefully allow a more flexible workforce and allow greater options for families raising young children.

EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Neil Wilson

Unsurprisingly, the response has been met with disappointment by most businesses. It is felt that the need for greater flexibility is not being weighed up evenly against a company’s need to run its business effectively. Also, and whilst this should not be the case, it is a fact that many more senior posts within businesses are filled by males, so the effect is likely to be felt more severely if fathers exercise the full extent of their new rights. A further envisaged downside to the new regulations is that the entitlements may well be difficult to administer. In almost all cases, the mother and father will be working for separate employers, and it is thought that the onus will be on the parents to simply provide a declaration as to the leave that they are taking. This leaves the system open to

abuse, but also to difficulties (which will be experienced in smaller businesses with less resources and fewer expertise) in physically administering the payments. However, the Government’s research has suggested that take-up of the new proposals will be low among fathers. There is still a cultural barrier discouraging many fathers from taking full-time responsibility for childcare; instead they are more concerned with providing financially for their families. It is suggested that less than 6% of working males in the UK would take up the right, although this remains to be seen. Further consultation is expected on the proposals, although the Government has made it quite clear that there will be no further delays on implementation.

Neil Wilson is an employment lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors

Your business success is out there. Is your bank?

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

property

Page 6

Marshalls paves way for a Big Conversation BUILDING products group Marshalls is making work experience more inspiring for young people. Graham Holden, chief executive of the Birkby-based paving supplier, was among 50 Yorkshire business leaders to take part in the Big Conversation – an event staged at Leeds Metropolitan University. One-to-one conversations between business leaders and young people took place as part of a national Work Inspiration campaign, which encourages firms across all sectors to review or improve the work experience they offer – to make it more relevant and inspiring. The campaign is led by Business in the Community, education foundation Edge a n d t h e Ta l e n t a n d E n t e r p r i s e Taskforce. Yorkshire is the first region to take the initiative forward – thanks to support from regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, Young People’s Enterprise Forum and the regional education and business partnerships. The campaign, which is led by Sir Stuart Rose, executive chairman of Marks & Spencer and chairman of BiTC, has also launched a website for businesses

to sign up to the campaign, find out more information and to download the employer toolkit. About 265 organisations – including Marshalls, Yorkshire Bank and Northern Foods – have agreed to support the campaign. At the Big Conservation, employers were taken through three easy steps to help them improve their own work experience activities – a one-to-one conversation between the young person and a senior manager; looking behind the scenes of a business so a young person can see how their abilities and skills relate to different jobs in a workplace; and letting them meet a range of work colleagues to learn of their varying career paths within a particular organisation. Suzy Alderson, executive director of YPEF, said: “Businesses that succeed in giving young people a broader understanding of the different roles within an organisation are helping to create a more confident and ‘job ready’ generation which can only be a good thing for business.” Businesses can find out more and sign up to the campaign www.workinspiration.com

■ TALKING POINT: Marshalls chief executive Graham Holden chats with Agsa Bashir, of Bradford, at the Big Conversation

PROMINENT TOWN CENTRE BUILDING

OFFICES

NORTHUMBERLAND ST, HUDDERSFIELD, HD1 1PL For Sale £600,000

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to planning consent

4 RANGE LANE ● 1,729.28sqm (18,614sqft) Halifax, HX3 6DL ● Former music school FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES 395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to planning consent

● Suitable for a variety of office, commercial, community uses, subject to planning

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL

CLOTH HALL STREET, HUDDERSFIELD, FORMER HOSTEL PREMISESHD1 2EG

● 103.68sqm (1,116sq ft) ■ Vacant possession

● 98.62 - 198.53sqm ■ Vacant possession(1,061 - 2,037sqft)

● Close to railway station alternative occupational residential

● Recently refurbished alternative occupational residential

●

To Let £8,500 pa

395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■

● 2 Storey Offices ● Popular Industrial Location ● Flexible Terms

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL

Corridor location ● Close to M62 Motorway ● Good loading

Suitable for refurbishment for

● Self contained

RETAIL

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL

22 CROSS CHURCH STREET, HUDDERSFIELD, FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES HD1 2PT

● Potential Investment ■ Vacant possession

● 116.87m² (1,258ft²) plus attic ■ Vacant possession

●

For Sale £150,000

395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)

●

Suitable for refurbishment for Vacant possession available residential alternative occupational uses or possible complete Prominent main roadsubject positionto redevelopment, planning consent ■

● Excellent car parking

To Let £18,000 pa

395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)

●

Suitable for refurbishment for Town centre position alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete Close to Kingsgate Centre redevelopment, subject to planning consent ■

● Rateable value £10,750

RESTAURANT PREMISES

4 RANGE LANE ● 199.36m² (2,146ft²) Halifax, HX3 6DL ● Popular Road FORMER HOSTEL Leeds PREMISES 395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to planning consent

■

uses or possible complete Open Plan redevelopment, subject to planning consent

WAKEFIELD ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD, FORMER HOSTEL PREMISESHD5 9AB

WHITACRE STREET, HUDDERSFIELD, HD2 1LY To Let £10,000 P/A

To Let From £9,000 pa

395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)

POTENTIAL INVESTMENT

SINGLE STOREY INDUSTRIAL UNIT

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

Suitable for refurbishment for

uses or possible complete Quality offices redevelopment, subject to planning consent

● Lift access

GEORGE STREET, MILNSBRIDGE, HD3 4JD To Let

4 RANGE LANE 18,054 & ● 5830, Halifax, HX3 6DL 37889 FORMER HOSTELsqft PREMISES

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL

STFORMER GEORGES SQUARE, HUDDERSFIELD, HOSTEL PREMISES HD1 1JF

INDUSTRIAL UNITS

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

OFFICES

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL SOUTHGATE, ELLAND, HX5 0BW FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

To Let £10,500 pa

395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)

RETAIL

4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL

TRINITY STREET, HUDDERSFIELD, HD1 4DA FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES

To Let £15,600 pa

395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)

● 119.09sqm (1,282sqft) ■ Vacant possession

● 55.97sqm (602sqft) ■ Vacant possession

● Close to public car parking residential alternative occupational

● Double fronted alternative occupational residential

●

■

Suitable for refurbishment for

uses or possible complete Rateable value £7,900 redevelopment, subject to planning consent

● Available for other use, subject to planning

■

Suitable for refurbishment for

uses or possible complete Prominent position subject to redevelopment, planning consent

● Rateable Value £6,300

T. 01484 530361 www.bramleys.com

■ industrial LAND ■ offices OFFICES INDUSTRIAL ■ retail INVESTMENT ■ investment RETAIL ■ land

Industrial

Offices

To LeT / MAy SeLL

To LeT - immediatley available

To LeT - FroM Spring

Crystal Works, Union road, Heckmondwike

on the instructions of gW Body Shop Ltd

nile Street, off St Thomas’ road, Huddersﬁeld

576 m2 (6,200 sq ft) High quality modern industrial/warehouse unit only a short distance from main A62 Leeds Road.

3,664 m2 (39,442 sq ft) Principally single storey workshop premises currently being used as a body repair garage close to town centre just off Chapel Hill with offices and secure yard.

Beckside Court, Bradford road, Batley 2,000 m2 (6,058 sq ft)

Joint Agent

High quality refurbished offices with parking capable of being sub divided.

Showroom/Retail

To LeT - immediatley available

ALL enQUirieS

To LeT - immediatley available Huddersﬁeld road, Mirﬁeld 669 m2 (7,200 sq ft)

Unit 17, Flush Mills, Heckmondwike

new Highﬁeld Mill Cleckheaton

4,329 m2 (46,600 sq ft)

995 m2 (10,713 sq ft)

High quality recently refurbished lofty warehouse/industrial unit benefitting from excellent on site loading and only a short distance from A62 Leeds Road.

Well located industrial/engineering premises less than mile for J26 M62 (Cleckheaton).

For more information contact Alec Michael on 07717 870 320 or email alec@michaelsteel.co.uk

Large open plan showroom/retail space adjacent The Bathroom Shop, Speight’s Lighting & Oxfam with large car park.

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Martin Dixon

Blacksmith Design MARTIN Dixon has been appointed to head a new business strategy at Lepton-based Blacksmith Design Consultancy. Mr Dixon (pictured) has a design background and joins the six-strong agency from specialist design recruitment company MacPeople. In his new role, he will focus on developing links with Huddersfield-based businesses. Following a recent move to Lepton, Blacksmith has engaged with Business Link and the Design Council to work on the Designing Demand initiative to provide strategic and brand-led services to businesses across West Yorkshire. Recent projects include ones for Earnshaws Fencing Centres and specialist IT recruitment and business change consultancy Elementall.

Chris Adams

Techmesh THE new business network for Yorkshire’s fast-growing IT and telecoms sector has announced a new appointment. Techmesh has recruited Leeds Metropolitan University graduate Chris Adams as marketing assistant. Mr Adams (pictured) joins the organisation from Kirklees Council where he has been working in the communications team. He will help promote techmesh events and work with its members to support the network across the Yorkshire and Humber region. Techmesh programme manager Gary Rowbotham, said: “Having Chris join the team will ensure we can continue to expand our membership and help us develop the network of companies keen to benefit from techmesh. “The IT and telecoms industry in Yorkshire and the Humber is second only to London in the UK and our aim is to promote the excellent work being done and assist in the vital growth of this industry.” Said Mr Adams: “The work being done by techmesh is already making a real difference to the industry and I’m delighted to be part of the organisation.”

Movers and shakers

Joe joining the landed gentry! CRAFTSMAN Joseph Hemingway is set to showcase his skills at one of Britain’s most outstanding stately homes. Mr Hemingway, who is re-building his wood carving career after fire destroyed his Armitage Bridge workshop three years ago, has been invited to demonstrate his craft at historic Castle Howard in North Yorkshire. He is set to join other craftsmen and women, contemporary artists and ceramicists taking part in the venue’s Sunday arts market, which is held in the stable courtyard. The first market planned for 2010 is likely to take place in late March. The offer comes as Mr Hemingway continues with his latest project to build a set of six ribbon-backed chairs to a design by the renowned Thomas Chippendale. Nottingham-based textile specialist Beryl Connor is providing the intricately-embroidered seat covers for the chairs.. Mr Hemingway has already set up Taylor & Hobson as a Community Interest Community and runs Thomas Chippendale Ltd. He has also worked as a volunteer

business adviser under the Young Enterprise scheme supported by HSBC and the Small Business Service. The scheme encourages youngsters nearing school leaving age to think about starting their own business. Mr Hemingway started his carving career as an apprentice with Huddersfield joinery firm of Taylor & Hobson, but set up his own cabinet-making business in 1968. He developed an interest in the work of Chippendale and in the 1980s began work on his own intricate carved versions of Chippendale chairs. The chairs were known as “impossible chairs” because they were thought too complicated to carve. Castle Howard, an 18th century palace designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, is recognised as the finest private residence in Yorkshire. The house was begun in 1699 for the third Earl of Carlisle, Charles Howard, and features a 192ft gallery and a chapel with a magnificent 19th century stained glass window. The house is a treasure trove of paintings, antique furniture and sculpture while the grounds include lakes, fountains and extensive gardens.

Dealership gets a sporty look!

Sarah Gwynne

Yorkshire Bank YORKSHIRE Bank has appointed Sarah Gwynne (pictured) as business partner in the Kirklees and Calderdale team at the bank’s West Yorkshire Financial Solutions Centre. Ms Gwynne, who has been with the bank for 11 years, previously worked in asset finance at the Bradford-based West Yorkshire FSC with a special focus on Calderdale and Kirklees. She lives in Holmfirth. Yorkshire Bank’s West Yorkshire FSC has 45 staff in areas encompassing corporate banking, private wealth management, treasury services and credit and operates a traditional method of banking with funding from deposits used to support investments in the local community.

Page 8

■ CAR CRAFT: Netherton artist Paul Wilson pictured with his mural of a Ferrari 308GTB at Crowtrees Car Centre, Brighouse ARTIST Paul Wilson has given a sporty look to a local car dealership. Paul, 53, of Netherton, has completed a mural depicting a Ferrari 308GTB at Crowtrees Car Centre in Brighouse. The full-size mural, which adorns one of the showroom walls, was painted in acrylics and shows the classic car parked in a garage. Paul was asked by garage bosses to carry out the commission because the dealership wanted to brighten up the showroom interior. He said: “It was a challenge for me because I had never attempted anything on this size. I have been

painting since the early 1980s, but I normally work in pencil and ink on A3 drawing paper.” The mural took Paul 50 hours to complete as part of the wall had to be treated before he could paint on it. Paul, who worked at Turnbridge engineering form Holset – now Cummins Turbo Technologies – until being made redundant, said the garage bosses were pleased by the results of his work. Although he has sold some of his work, Paul doesn’t expect to get a Ferrari 308GTB for real – and is making do with his trusty Skoda Octavia!

■ COVER STORY: Wood carver Joseph Hemingway with one of the embroidered seat covers for his intricate ribbon-backed chairs

A confusion of Coopers! DAVID Cooper? Meet David Cooper... Two businessmen who share the same name hope to share the benefits after signing a supply agreement. Bradley-based Cooper’s Coffee, led by managing director David Cooper, has been appointed to supply its products to Liverpool coffee shop Coopers of Freshfields, which is owned by another David Cooper. The coffee shop owner came across Cooper’s Coffee when he was conducting some online research for his logo. “Cooper's appeared in Google and as I was looking to attract the discerning customer, their brand and approach to coffee was a perfect match,” he said. “Once I'd spoken to their new business manager, I was convinced Cooper's had the right attitude as well as the right products. All the staff I have spoken to have been a pleasure to deal with. And you can imagine the fun I have when I ring up and say ‘Hi, it's David Cooper’!” Coopers of Freshfields has signed up to an array of Fair Trade teas, coffees, hot chocolate, wafers and syrups from Cooper’s Coffee. A new espresso machine from premium Italian brand Dalla Corte and a grinder will also be installed. Speaking about signing up his namesake, David Cooper, of Cooper’s Coffee said: “I’ve never met anyone with my name before and it’s even more of an amazing coincidence that we both work in the coffee sector. “I don’t blame David for taking advantage of the Cooper’s name. It’s great that we fit with his needs for quality and service and he gets to use the connectivity of our branding. It’s a win-win situation.”