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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Starring role from Proms to Presley SPONSORS and their guests have enjoyed some top-grade summer entertainment – thanks to the efforts of two Huddersfield businessmen. Andy Roebuck and Charles Webb have provided events management and corporate hospitality for a wide range of spectaculars this summer – including the BBC Proms in the Park, Formula One’s Silverstone Grand Prix and horse racing’s Cheltenham Festival. The business partners, who run separate companies, but are both based at Railway Street, have been involved with BBC Proms in the Park for the past 12 years – looking after the BBC’s own hospitality at the Hyde Park venue. This year, they rubbed shoulders with opera luminaries Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and tenor Jose Carreras as well as singer Neil Sedaka. Following the event, run in conjunction with the Promenade concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, the duo organised an Elvis Forever event at the park for BBC Radio 2, which was attended by The King’s ex-wife Priscilla Presley. “The Elvis event made use of the same marquee, but was aimed at Elvis fans and meant a change of decor to the Proms event,” said Charles. “Both events brought special challenges working in a royal park in terms of health and safety matters and construction on site.” The Hyde Park performances were among a series of summer spectaculars for Andy and Charles – who operate as AR Events Ltd and CPW Events respectively and have more than 30 years in the hospitality and events
industry. Other highlights included organising hospitality for highly-valued guests of sponsors when Formula One arrived at Silverstone. The famous race track has signed a 17-year deal to host the British Grand Prix and is re-developing the site to make it a venue that compares with the best anywhere in the world. Said Charles: “We have been involved with the Grand Prix for many years, originally providing temporary seating and marquees. We are now one of only a handful of official suppliers.” Among other events, Charles and Andy have been involved in organising authentic Oktober Fest events with oompah bands and frauleins serving steins of beer for corporate clients in Leeds and at Aintree racecourse. Charles and Andy will be also organise corporate hospitality for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards. The televised event will be held on December 19 in front of a 12,000-strong audience at the LG Arena in Birmingham. The annual awards has been going for 50 years. For the last four years, the BBC has taken it out of the studio to hold it in cities including Liverpool and Sheffield. Charles said recession had not affected their businesses too badly. “In difficult times, it is even more important to look after your clients,” he said. “If you don’t invite them to events, your competitors will. It is all about building relationships with customers outside work.”
“Cash businesses across West Yorkshire such as private taxi firms, pubs, corner shops and takeaways are particularly vulnerable and should ensure they have all their books in order and answers ready.” He said investigation insurance company CCH had seen an explosion in new cases, with new claims up 82% compared to the previous year – a figure expected to rise even further in
Breaking barriers A SOCIAL housing provider has beaten tough competition to win a top award. Edgerton-based Sadeh Lok landed a prestigious Northern Silver Screen Award, which is run by the Northern Housing Consortium. Sadeh Lok was recognised for its innovative employment programme, UP & Working, which helps residents overcome barriers to work, develop new skills and get back into employment.
● Full story - Page 6 ■ STARSTRUCK: Andy Roebuck (above left) and Charles Walls (above right) with Priscilla Presley at the Elvis Presley Forever concert held at Hyde Park in London. Below (from left) Neil Sedaka, Jose Carreras and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, who performed at the BBC Proms in the Park, where Andy and Charles were responsible for organising corporate hospitality
Tax inspectors ‘targeting smaller companies’ KIRKLEES firms are urged to get ready for a visit by the tax inspector. The call comes as HM Revenue & Customs targets business owners in a bid to close the tax gap – the difference between tax raised and what is thought to be owed – by £4bn at the end of this financial year. Nick Brook who runs small business tax and accountancy firm TaxAssist Accountants in Lockwood, said:
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the next few months. But Mr Brook added: “Business owners should not take this attack on their legitimate earnings and hard work lying down. “If they ensure they have all the right procedures, records and proof of income and expenditure in place, they can show the tax inspector the door. “They should also ask their accountant for fee protection insurance to
cover the costs which could be run up in fighting any claims from HMRC.” Mr Brook said firms should be ready to challenge any part of the tax assessment they know to be wrong – and ensure their tax adviser is experienced in negotiating with HMRC. Businesses under investigation can see any documents held on them by calling the HMRC data protection unit on 0191 2257575.
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Water winner A COMPANY has been recognised for its liquid assets. Bronte Water Coolers Ltd was named Business of the Month in the competition run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith. The award was presented at a ceremony at the law firm’s Huddersfield offices.
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