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PAUL MULCOCK Lift-off in Slaithwaite
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GARY LUMBY Banker moves up Repor t - Page 8
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Chamber calls for halt to ‘red tape’ BUSINESS leaders in Huddersfield have called for new employment laws and extra taxes on firms to be scrapped – to allow companies to get on with creating jobs. New employment rules and extra taxes will cost British businesses £25.6bn over the next four years, according to the British Chambers of Commerce. And Yorkshire firms will have to find £1.9bn as their share of the financial burden, it is claimed. BCC said over half the national figure – £14bn – would come from increased employer National Insurance contributions, which will increase by 1% from April next year. Concern about the prospects for local firms has been heightened by evidence of a “weak” 0.1% growth rate for the UK economy in the final
quarter of 2009 – which only just took the UK out of recession. The Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce said it was continuing to lobby for the planned increase in NI to be scrapped, so that employers “can get on with creating jobs and wealth as a top priority to spearhead our economic recovery”. It also wanted to call a halt on a raft of new employment rules due to come into force over the next three years. Steven Leigh, head of policy for the Mid Yorkshire chamber, said: “The non-stop flow of additional red tape, legislation and additional taxes is strangling businesses at a time when they need to be helped and encouraged. “This year alone business will have
to comply with new legislation for the Equality Bill, Time Off to Train, Apprentices National Minimum Wage, the Agency Workers Directive, Dual Discrimination, Additional Paternity Leave and Pay and the European Works Council Directive. “A similar roll-out of employment legislation is set to take effect in the following three years. “The speed of our recovery is now being seriously threatened and – despite the poor state of our public finances – we consider it essential that in the year ahead the government should prioritise business at the heart of the economic recovery. “The increase in employer NI contributions doesn’t make any sense at a time like this and it should be scrapped.”
making less profit last year than they did in 2008. “Our research found that the downturn has hit the bottom line of 609 UK companies in the windows and doors industry, with the bill in lost profit currently standing at £268m. “However, there are 123 firms in the industry – including Safestyle UK – that managed to maintain or increase their profit margins last year. “All things considered, that’s a pretty impressive achievement. These companies should be recognised as they are proof that an efficient business selling the right product to the
right market can still succeed in industry.” Safestyle managing director Steve Birmingham said: “We continued to enjoy healthy sales despite the economic downturn. We achieved a 30% increase in sales during the first quarter of 2009 compared with the previous year and July and August were also particularly good sales months for us.” He said the sales performance was boosted by competitive offers and incentive schemes introduced to reward sales and canvassing teams for meeting their targets.
Fantastic approval A FINALIST from television’s The Apprentice has recruited Birstall-based Fantastic Media to further raise her profile. Claire Young, who featured in the 2008 series of the show starring tycoon Sir Alan Sugar, will work with Fantastic’s PR team, led by public relations director Donna Bedford.
● Full story - Page 8
■ TAX CALL: Steven Leigh, of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber
Firm opens window of opportunity in 2010 A DOORS and windows company in Huddersfield has bucked the trend to lift profits last year – while the industry took a £268m hit in lost earnings. Market analysts showed that Safestyle UK, with offices at Bradley Business Park, Bradley, was one of only 123 manufacturers and installers of energy saving windows to maintain or increase profit margins during the recession of 2009. David Pattison, senior analyst at Plimsoll and author of the survey, said: “The recession has hit the sector hard with more than half of the companies analysed in our new report
INSIDE
“The recession meant that we needed to go that extra mile to make sure we maintained our strong sales levels,” said Mr Birmingham. “Going forward, we will continue to motivate our team and boost their dedication and drive for healthy sales by offering more fun reward schemes. “We will look to further capitalise on the rising number of homeowners making home improvements to enhance their properties ready for when the housing market picks up by offering promotions that will help increase the value of their property and help reduce energy bills.”
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Tie-up for Bedfords BIRSTALL haulage business Bedfords Transport has extended its scope by teaming up with a parcels delivery firm – under a scheme which allows customers to track and trace their parcels online.
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Cadbury on brink of takeover by Kraft US GIANT Kraft’s five-month battle for control of iconic confectioner Cadbury should be sealed today when it unveils the level of support for its takeover offer. The cash-and-shares deal – recommended by the Cadbury board two weeks ago – currently values the UK firm at around £11.4bn. Shareholders have until 1pm today to accept the Oreos-to-Toblerone maker’s offer, which would end the independent heritage of Cadbury stretching back to 1824. To win control, Kraft must gain support from those holding a straightforward majority of the shares – or else it is not allowed to make another bid for the firm for a year.
If its offer is accepted by investors holding 75% or more of the stock, it can delist the company’s shares from the London Stock Exchange. Today is also the last day for another potential bidder to enter the fray – which would restart the 60-day takeover timetable – although this is extremely unlikely after US firm Hershey and Italian chocolatier Ferrero both ruled themselves out of the running. Kraft hopes that its takeover will create a “global confectionery leader” – making the combined group world number one in the chocolate and sugar confectionery market and “a strong number two” for chewing gum. Cadbury was first approached by
Kraft last August, but accused it of trying to buy the firm “on the cheap” with its lower original offer. The board relented two weeks ago when Kraft upped its bid. Cadbury employs around 45,000 people in 60 countries, with 5,600 staff at eight manufacturing sites in the UK and Ireland, including a facility in Somerdale near Bristol, which is currently scheduled to close, as well as its Bournville factory in Birmingham. But Birmingham MPs and trade unions have voiced concerns over the danger to British jobs from a takeover that could saddle the combined company with mammoth debts. Cadbury workers are lobbying the Government to secure jobs.
■ ON THE LINE: Chocolate bars come off a production line in Bourneville, Birmingham
Top speaker lined up for Town
Profits boost for Ryanair
TO P bu s i n e s s j o u r n a l i s t J i m Pendrill will be the key speaker at Huddersfield Town’s Business Club networking event on February 9. Pendrill, an award-winning business journalist, has been editor of Yorkshire Business Insider since 2009 and worked for the Insider group since 2000. A former Northern Business Journalist of the Year, he began his career on regional newspapers and has worked on the business desks of leading morning papers such as the Liverpool Daily Post. The Business Club is a monthly business networking event that operates from the Galpharm Sta-
BUDGET airline Ryanair raised its annual profit predictions after a sharp fall in fuel costs helped it narrow its quarterly losses. Ryanair reported a shortfall of 11m euros (£9.6m) in the three months to December 31, from 102m euros (£88.8m) in the same period a year earlier. Fuel costs were down 37% in the quarter, while average fares dropped 12%. The carrier, which said it has benefited in the recession as its competitors struggle, aims to increase passenger numbers by 10% to 73m in
dium, combining business with the enjoyment and passion of a matchday on several dates throughout the season. It provides genuine business and personal support for members on a platform to make new business contacts and appointments in an environment where members turn up because of their interest in business and in Town. Huddersfield Town Commercial Director, Sean Jarvis, said: “Jim is a terrific speaker and his wealth of business knowledge will, I am sure, prove useful for our members. “We are delighted with how the Business Club has taken off.”
2011 as it moves into routes vacated by its rivals. Ryanair, which launched a series of low promotional fares in the quarter, said passenger numbers rose 14% to 16m. The airline – led by flamboyant boss Michael O’Leary – said fares had dropped in the period due to the recession, price promotions and currency fluctuations between the pound and the euro. Ryanair now expects to make a full-year profit in the region of 275m euros (£239m).
Page 2 £5m help on offer A £5 million programme of support for co-operative businesses was launched with the aim of rebuilding public trust in the economy. The Co-operative Group said it wants to help new and existing co-operatives by pledging financial help over the next three years. Michael Fairclough, the Co-operative Group’s head of community and campaigns, said: “Co-operatives provide a fair and sustainable way to do business. “The financial crisis exposed deep flaws in economic and business practices and people have awoken to the co-operative model and its merits as a modern, effective and relevant way of doing business. “Co-operatives could go a long way to rebuilding public trust and help create a more balanced economy. “Highly successful co-operative businesses operate across every sector of our economy and in practically every country across the world and yet here, in the UK, they are still viewed as being outside of the business mainstream. “The co-operative economy is vibrant and makes an invaluable contribution to our society, environment and to the wider economy. “We, together with policy makers, have a responsibility to spread the message about co-operatives and help them realise their potential.”
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £23.85 +0.22 Gannett 933.85 -79.70 Hess Corp £36.93 +0.66 Microsoft 1771.68 +3.14 Motors Liquidation 47.07 Wal-Mart Stores £33.56 +0.03 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE BAE Systems 3513/4 -11/4 Rolls-Royce Gp 4871/4 +71/2 Smiths Grp 1015 +15 VT Group 540 +3 AIM Brady Plc 651/2 -1 Dawson Intl 21/4 +1/2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 1163/4 +11/2 BANKS Barclays 2821/4 +115/8 HSBC 687 +93/4 Lloyds Banking Gp 527/8 +13/4 Ryl Scotland 347/8 +21/2 Stan Chart 1494 +42 BEVERAGES Diageo 1055 SABMiller 1725 +14 CHEMICALS Croda 782 +31 Delta 160 +11/2 Elementis 98 52 +1 Johnsn Mat 1485 +20 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2705/8 +31/4
ELECTRICITY Drax Grp 4115/8 +3/8 Intl Power 3251/2 +33/4 Scottish & Sthrn 1187 +17 Energy ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Chloride 1843/4 +15/8 Invensys 3081/8 -1/4 1 Laird 123 /2 -3/8 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3141/8 +11/8 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 1361/2 -11/8 C&W 1431/4 +7/8 Colt Telecom 124 +1/8 KCOM 533/4 -1 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2911/4 +21/4 Sainsbury 3257/8 +2 1 Tesco 422 /4 -31/4 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 8831/2 +1/2 Cadbury 832 +41/2 3 Nth Foods 63 /4 +15/8 Tate Lyle 3963/8 +1/8 Unilever 1906 -4 Uniq 26 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 275 +51/8 National Grid 6431/2 +121/2 Pennon Grp 540 +251/2 Severn 1170 +45 1 United Utils 551 /2 +15
3i Group 271 +53/4 ICAP 3781/4 +71/8 1 London StockExch 642 /2 +1 1 Man Group 244 /4 +71/4 Provident Financial 9341/2 -21/2 Schroders 1211 -35 Schroders NV 982 -15 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Avon Rbbr 971/2 -21/2 Cooksn Grp 428 -11/8 3 REXAM 299 /4 -1/8 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 131/4 +1/4 DSG International 317/8 +3/8 1 Home Retail 261 /2 +51/2 Inchcape 27 +1/4 Kingfisher 2165/8 +41/4 M&S 352 +31/4 Mothercare 6541/2 +12 Next 1984 +18 1 +41/2 WH Smith 504 /2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 6341/2 +11/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 141 +1/4 Barrat Dev 1245/8 +47/8 Persimmon 4423/8 +91/2 Reckitt Benckiser £321/2 Taylor Wimpey 39 +1/4 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 705 +81/2 IMI 551 +3 +3/4 Man Brnze 871/4 INDUSTRIAL METALS 1
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INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 1671/8 +2 Forth Ports 1132 +17 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 3973/8 +87/8 Lgl & Gen 783/4 +27/8 Old Mutual 1041/4 +1/8 1 Prudential 586 /2 +81/2 1 Resolution 80 /4 +1/4 Standard Life 199 +31/4 MEDIA BSkyB 539 +51/2 Chrysalis 100 -1 1 D Mail Tst 451 /2 3 ITV 56 /8 -1/8 Johnston Press 261/2 -1 -5 Pearson 8861/2 +11/2 Reed Elsevier 5011/2 3 STV Group 50 /4 +1/4 Trinity Mirror 1533/4 +21/8 1 Utd Business 426 /8 -11/4 UTV 1011/2 WPP 586 +41/2 Yell Group 353/4 -3/4 MINING Anglo American £233/4 +5/8 Antofagasta 9051/2 +261/2 BHP Billiton 1896 +30 Eurasian Natural 934 +25 Res Fresnillo 700 +281/2 Kazakhmys 1281 +62 Lonmin 1882 +75 +7/8 Rio Tinto £317/8 VEDANTA £251/2 +11/4 RESOURCES 1
Local shares Carclo Chapelthorpe Marshalls National Grid Rensburg Sheppards Weir Gp
1531/2 15 881/4 6431/2 5701/2 786
+11/2 +21/4 +121/2 -19 +10
FTSE closed at
5247.41 Up 58.89 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 6971/2 +141/2 Vodafone Group 1353/4 +11/8 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1134 +1 RSA Insurance Gp 1291/4 +1/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1162 +21/2 BP 5945/8 +73/4 Cairn Energy 3253/4 +3/4 5 Norsk Hdro 468 /8 +33/4 1 Royal Dutch Shell A 1761 /2 +19 Royal Dutch Shell B 16901/2 +171/2 Total £367/8 +1/8
OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Petrofac 984 +19 Wood Group 3433/8 +23/8 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry 625 +10 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £293/8 +1/4 Axis-Shield 4051/2 GlaxoSmithK 6 Shire 1273 +36 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 442 +37/8 DTZ Hldgs 793/4 -3/4 3 Hamrsn 381 /4 +25/8 Land Secs 645 +41/2 SEGRO 3121/2 -11/2 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Autonomy Corp 1567 +8 Dimension Data 781/8 +5/8 Logica 1185/8 +11/8 Misys 2133/4 -13/8 Sage Group 2381/8 +13/8 SUPPORT SERVICES AMEC 7511/2 -61/2 Bunzl 6221/2 -2 Capita 7221/2 -1 Davis Service 4063/4 +13/4 Group De La Rue 972 +11/2 Electrocomp 1763/4 -7/8 1 Experian 591 /2 -7 G4S 253 3 -3/8 Hays 110 /8 Homeserve 1650 +19 1
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Rentokil 116 Smiths News 118 Wolseley 1388 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 1893/4 Psion 91 Spirent Comms 1095/8 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £205/8 Imperial Tobacco £20 LEISURE & HOTELS Arriva 490 Brit Airways 213 Carnival £227/8 Compass Grp 4317/8 easyJet 3995/8 Enterprise Inns 1213/8 FirstGroup 3751/8 Go-Ahead 1378 Greene King 4383/4 Intercontl Htls 904 Ladbrokes 157 Mitchells & Butlers 2783/4 Natl Express 2101/8 PartyGaming 2815/8 Rank Org 921/2 Stagecoach Group 1751/2 TUI Travel 2633/8 Whitbread 1411 INDEX FTSE 100 5247.41 INDEX FTSE 250 9312.11
+1/4 -1/2 -1 -41/2 +21/2 -3/4
-1/4 +2 +63/4 +1/8 +35/8 +81/4 +21/2 +53/4 +27 -61/2 +31/2 -1/4 +11/4 +21/4 +3/4 +1 -1/2 +33/4 +2 +58.89 +74.81
TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.71 dollars Bangladesh................. 103.43 taka Brazil.............................. 2.66 reals Canada....................... 1.62 dollars China ............................. 9.72 yuan Czech Republic ...... 27.55 korunas Denmark....................... 8.13 krone Euro............................... 1.10 euro Hong Kong................ 11.74 dollars Hungary................... 278.76 forints India.......................... 64.96 rupees Japan........................... 136.99 yen Mexico ....................... 18.56 pesos New Zealand .............. 2.11 dollars Norway ......................... 8.97 krone Pakistan.................. 127.50 rupees Philippines ................. 63.58 pesos South Africa.................. 11.29 rand South Korea.............. 1621.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 174.29 rupees Sweden....................... 11.17 krona Switzerland.................. 1.61 francs Taiwan ...................... 44.57 dollars Turkey....................... 2.27 new lira USA ............................ 1.52 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS WHEN Paul Mulcock seeks inspiration, he needs look no further than the office wall. Paul, who runs executive search and selection company Broad Oak Solutions, is fascinated by the story of Apollo 13 – the ill-fated moon mission in which three US astronauts were marooned in space and were only brought safely back to earth by the combined efforts of the NASA team. The walls at Paul’s Slaithwaite office include a framed cover of Life magazine featuring Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell as well as the front page of a US newspaper covering the unfolding drama of their rescue and a photo of the crew on the deck of the aircraft carrier after their successful splashdown. “Apollo 13 is massively inspirational,” says Paul. “These three astronauts could have become the first men to die in space, but they responded to the calamity, chaos and peril with calm and innovative courage. “They worked every single problem through to a solution – from fabricating a breathing device to timing their own re-entry into earth’s orbit on a Rolex watch because their systems had failed. “It was a team effort between the astronauts and the guys at mission control.” Paul doesn’t suggest that surviving an abortive moon mission compares with the problems faced in business, but says there are lessons to be drawn. “I love it as a symbol of how to face a problem, how to react in the face of adversity and as clear evidence that if you work hard enough and think ‘outside the box’ you will always solve the problem.” Paul has been helping firms of all sizes solve their recruitment problems for many years – but has only been in business for himself for the past 12 months. He began by working for GKR – one of the headhunting industry’s biggest names – in London and had a second spell in the capital with another leading name, sevenhr. “I have had years of rolling into the office and spending £5 on a stale sandwich for lunch,” he says. “At one time, the company had a flat on the London Bridge Road, where I stayed. We had an office in Covent Garden and in the City. “I have dealt with Unilever, Diageo and Procter and Gamble. I have recruited in the Nigerian delta and in Moscow. But there is an impersonal nature to these business relationships. There was no soul to the work.” Running his own business means Paul can focus on building real relationships with his clients – and it means he can deal with small and big names.
profile
Paul’s over the moon! “Companies are looking for someone to question them, to tell it to them straight,” he says. “They want to find an ambassador who can represent them in their market.” At one end of the scale are clients like Brighouse-based Ploughcroft – an award-winning £2m turnover roofing and building company, which – Paul says – values Broad Oak Solutions for its ability to deliver “consistent results”. At the other end of the scale is Tulip, a £1.4bn business and a major exporter of pork products. Broad Oak Solutions works with the company’s human resources director, its main board and its executive board. Paul had no qualms about setting up on his own during the height of a recession. “I could not have started at a better time,” he says. “Everything is more extreme in a recession. In recruitment, that means the
problems of having the wrong person in a key role is much worse in a recession. “The commercial advantage in having the right person in place is enormous. Whether it is an SME trying to win new orders and keep its head above water or a huge food manufacturer determined to equip itself with the brightest minds in the UK, recession only intensifies the need to have great people.” Paul stepped into recruitment directly after gaining a philosophy degree at Huddersfield University in 1989. His wife Maggie studied music at the university. The couple have a 12-year-old daughter, Chloé. He trained in London and Leeds, recruiting for key personnel in law, insolvency and financial service before settling into FMCG and undertaking an 18-month secondment with US investment bank Merrill Lynch. Paul put the first
■ DESK WORK: Paul Mulcock is using his experience dealing with the likes of Unilever and Diageo to help local companies
Page 3 Paul Mulcock Role: Managing director Age: 42 Family: Married to Maggie with daughter Chloé Holidays: Australia. I was born in Melbourne and spent the first 10 years of my life in the country Car: Alfa GTV V6 First job: Golf caddy for businessman Joe Hymes Best thing about job: Being valued by my clients
non-family managing director on to the board of bakery firm Warburton, which got him noticed by his last employer, sevenhr. He negotiated an exit from sevenhr, saying “We had our differences. The difference being that my ideas were too radical for them.” Away from work, Paul is president of the Huddersfield Philharmonic Society, adding: “I am in a very privileged position. I have made a degree if money in my career. Broad Oak Solutions is doing nicely and I can give something back to the community. It is quite selfish, really, if I am quite honest. “Maggie is a Royal Conservatoire-trained violinist. I am a very poor trumpeter. I would often see
her perform with the Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra when we were dating. I developed a passion for the philharmonic and classical music. “I was invited three years ago to become vice-president and that meant the orchestra could take advantage of my commercial contacts. As president, I’m the figurehead of the society, but I am also a director of the society and a member of the executive board. “It is more of a time-consuming role than I expected – but I love being involved. I love tackling problems, because every problem has a solution.” Jim Lovell would agree with that.
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Worst thing about job: It is a 24-7 job. You cannot switch off Business tip: Go the extra mile
Broad Oak Solutions Work: Recruitment consultancy Site: Slaithwaite Phone: 01484 845212 Email: paul@ broadoaksolutions. co.uk
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Attention all companies! KIRKLEES companies have been urged to consider recruiting ex-service personnel. The Institute of Directors in Yorkshire and the Humber is encouraging businesses across the region to use the recruitment services offered by the Regular Forces Employment Association. The RFEA, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, was established in 1885 to help men and women who have served in the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force to find and remain in work after leaving the services. The organisation works with the Career Transition Partnership to give service leavers the tools they need to make the transition from a military to civilian career using a variety of workshops and training courses – along with dedicated support and online job finding site RightJob – to help them find new employment. John Thompson, regional director of IoD Yorkshire, said: “The RFEA works closely with employers to provide them with access to a pool of well-trained, talented and motivated people who are an asset to any company. “I would urge any businesses in the region looking to recruit new staff to consider the organisation’s free-of-charge online vacancy database.” The RFEA delivers its job-finding services through a network of 24 employment consultants throughout the UK, who work closely with local businesses and the CTP’s regional resettlement centres. Every consultant has both military and business experience to ensure they deliver the highest quality advice and support to Service leavers and employers.
Businesses more upbeat MORE than half of businesses in Yorkshire feel positive about current trading conditions, claims a survey. Figures from Bibby Financial Services showed that 56% of firms in the region were upbeat about their current position – while 18% claimed they had actually benefited from the recession. However, one in five firms in the region admit they’ve had to make cuts or rationalise the business in order to survive – suggesting several business sectors in Yorkshire have been hit hard by the economic downturn. The Bibby Business Factors Index tracks small business turnover since July 2007. The data has also been collated with the results of a series of interviews conducted with more than 300 business owners across a range of sectors. It found that 56% of Yorkshire firms were optimistic about the future against 23% when asked for their view six months ago. Some 37% feel trading conditions are better than a year ago while 19% think the economy will have recovered by the summer. However, one in five said they had been forced to make cutbacks during the recession.
KIRKLEES BUSIN
Haulage firm is connected
■ CONTACT: Roy Redihough, business development manager for Bedfords Transport
HAULAGE firm Bedfords Transport has embarked on a new partnership to extend its range of services. The Birstall-based company has set up a parcel delivery service with Ex-Trak Intelligent Parcel Solutions – with help from Bedfords’ website. Under the agreement, a Bedfords vehicle will make daily parcel collections with customers able to track and trace their parcels online. The parcel will then be processed and passed on to Ex-Trak’s delivery network. A fully comprehensive customer support service will be available. The delivery network already comprises major next-day parcel delivery organisations including DHL, UK Mail, City Link and UPS, who will also supply a comprehensive international service. Ex-Trak is a web-based service that operates through associates’
own sites. The service manages the sending of every consignment including online label creation, real-time tracking, margin analysis and billing information. Roy Redihough, business development manager for Bedfords, said the company provided the strength of its national network to Ex-Trak along with its outstanding record for reliability. Mr Redihough will take the role of dedicated account manager for the service, giving customers one point of contact. He said: “The parcel service is new to Bedfords and will be an extra string to the company’s bow. “It is an ideal use of our extensive network and a service that can add value for both existing and new customers, especially those looking for a cost effective yet reliable carrier.”
Agency lands big deal with Sanyo A MARKETING and branding agency in Huddersfield has landed a contract with electronics giant Sanyo. Manifest Communications, based at New North Road, has been recruited to promote Sanyo’s new range of Xacti Dual Cameras in the UK media and online. The account will be managed from Manifest’s recently opened London office. Dominic Jones, UK marketing manager at Sanyo, said: “The new Sanyo Xacti range brings with it a number of world firsts for the digital imaging market ■ APPROACH: Manifest joint and we wanted to ensure we real- managing director Nev Ridley ised its media potential. “We looked at working with a number of agencies and Mani- Las Vegas during January. The products include the fest’s bold and innovative ideas world’s smallest, thinnest and stood out from the crowd. “They not only understand lightest full HD camcorder. Alex Myers, director at Maniconsumer technology, they also boast genuine experience and fest London, said: “It’s fantastic expertise across the entire media to be working with a prestigious spectrum – from broadsheets to brand like Sanyo, especially when it involves the launch of a genubloggers.” The first of the new Xacti cam- inely ground-breaking range of eras which Manifest will promote products like this.” Manifest opened the London were unveiled at the international Consumer Electronics Show in office last September – and it has
quickly established a fast-growing stable of clients ranging from photography brand Ilford Photo to the first-ever World Innovation Summit for Education held in Qatar last November, where Manifest’s digital newsroom platform was used to spread news to online audiences. Said Mr Jones: “Manifest clearly demonstrated their ability to seamlessly combine media savvy, commercial awareness and pioneering online innovation in equal measure. “We are already seeing the benefits of their creativity in our press materials and the digital newsroom they have built for us has enhanced our online communications dramatically.” Manifest joint managing director Nev Ridley said: “We are delighted with the Sanyo win and – even more importantly – the speed at which the London office has developed. “ T h i s c l e a rly s h ow s t h e approach we take in the north is perfect for our London-based clients and we expect further growth throughout 2010.”
FOUR students (pictured) at Huddersfield chartered accountancy firm Revell Ward have been successful in recent exams. Nicola Lightowler, who lives in Elland, where she attended Brooksbank School, has gained her Association of Taxation Technicians qualification. Siraj Dabhad (back,right) , of Batley, has passed exams with the Chartered Institute of Tax. A former student of Batley Grammar School and Greenhead College, he also attended Manchester University. Craig Peace (front, left) has passed the ACA qualification. He lives in Huddersfield and attended Newsome High School and Greenhead College before studying at Leeds University. Matthew Bestwick (from, right), of Halifax, passed the ACA qualification. He studies at Tupton Hall School in Chesterfield and went to York University. A spokeswoman for Revell Ward, which has its offices at Market Street, said :“Our congratulations go to them all. “Our staff are enthusiastic individuals and their success is the result of their effort and commitment.”
Customer service prize REGIONAL development agency Yorkshire Forward has won accreditation to a national customer service standard. Yorkshire Forward has gained accreditation to Putting The Customer First, a quality standard awarded by York-based Customer First UK. The agency, which last year helped more than 100,000 Yorkshire businesses get extra support during the recession, has gained accreditation after awarding Customer First UK £108,500 funding two years ago to help business support organisations achieve the fast-growing customer service standard.
NESS NEWS
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Late payers hit more firms
■ DEVASTATING: Ian Steward says late payment jeopardises otherwise viable businesses
MORE than a third of Yorkshire firms are falling victim to late payment, it has emerged. A survey by Figures from Close Invoice Finance showed that 36.1% of more than 500 owner-managed businesses in the region considered late payment by customers to be a major issue for their organisation in 2010. That compares with just 17% polled a year ago. And the poll by Close suggested that late payment was overshadowing an otherwise strong business performance. The survey showed that 25% of small and medium-sized firms in the region typically have to wait for payment 31 days over agreed terms – considerably increasing business exposure to the risk of bad debt. Big corporates were singled out as the worst culprits for paying up late by 39% of SMEs questioned.
Some 23% found “micro businesses” unreliable payers and 22% thought public sector organisations settled their accounts late. Ian Steward, northern region managing director at Close Invoice Finance, said: “At a time when the economy seems to be improving, it’s sad that issues like late payment are still holding SMEs back from taking proper advantage of the potential upswing. “Failure to settle up accounts on time can have a devastating effect on an otherwise viable business. “So it’s vital to take get your risk management strategy in working order to avoid being left vulnerable to bad debt or cash flow issues in the longer term. For peace of mind, SMEs should consider investing in cash flow management tools which provide protection against the impact of these issues.”
Keeping a record OR many employers, the F issue of setting up and maintaining personnel files
presents yet another administrative challenge which can become easily overlooked. The importance of keeping up-to-date records cannot be over-estimated, particularly in the context of Employment Tribunal proceedings. It goes without saying that any records kept must adhere to the provisions of the Data Protection Act. Should you be unlucky enough to face a claim from a former, or indeed a current employee, the first thing your advisor will ask for is the personnel file. The file should include all relevant documents gathered throughout the employee’s time with the company and this will form the basis of a robust defence to any claim. So what should be included in the personnel file? At the very start of the employment relationship, the individual should be given a contract of employment to sign or, at the very least, a statement of initial employment particulars, detailing such matters as pay, holiday and sickness entitlement, working hours etc. If such a document cannot be produced, and the employee succeeds with a claim, he is also entitled to an additional award of up to four week’s pay as a result of your failure. It is also imperative to keep sick-
Page 5
Failure rate up by 25% during 2009 THE number of Yorkshire companies going bust rose by more than a quarter last year, a survey has revealed. F i g u r e s f ro m b u s i n e s s information group Equifax showed there were 3,424 business failures across the region during 2009 – up by 25.1% on the 2,736 reported for 2008. However, Equifax said the region may have “turned the corner” as the region saw a 2.8% fall in the number of business failures during the final quarter of last year – 801 compared with 824 during the same quarter of 2008. Nationally, the number of business failures totalled 32,988 for 2009 – some 18% higher than the 27,958 logged the previous year. The fourth quarter figure was 7.7% down at 7,756 from 8,401 for the same period of 2008. All major sector reported an increase in business failures during 2009 – with construction seeing a 30.8% increase, manufacturing reporting a rise of 23.1% and wholesale facing a 20.1% increase. Fo u r t h q u a r t e r f i g u r e s showed a decline in all major areas – notably by 20.9% for
retail and 17.5% for transport and communications. Neil Munroe, external affairs director for Equifax, said: “Clearly, the UK economy is not out of the woods. “Businesses that have survived so far must continue to be very careful about how they manage their customer and supplier relationships to ensure they get paid on time and don’t get caught out by bad debt or failure. “They also need to make sure they are well prepared for external factors that they can’t change. It’s unclear yet how the VAT change back to 17.5% is going to affect business. “But we think our latest figures should give encouragement to those organisations that have come through the last 12 months relatively unscathed.” S e p a rat e f i g u re s f ro m information group Experian showed there were 160 business insolvencies in December 2009. It said that figure was down by 31.6% on December 2008. Nationally, 2,090 insolvencies were logged last month – 11.7% down on the December 2008, total.
EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Neil Wilson
ness and disciplinary records for each employee. Companies which pro-actively monitor sickness absence levels within the business will refer to the employee file frequently and any dismissal on the basis of an employee’s absence from work may be justified if the right information about their absence has been gathered and can be presented. With regard to disciplinary matters, any conduct dismissal will be supported with evidence showing what action has been taken in the past and what evidence has been gathered in each case. If an employer can point to a number of correctly administered warnings which were issued prior to any dismissal and has good evidence to support all the action it has taken, it will go some way to supporting the overall decision to dismiss. If a company is required to defend a discrimination claim, often it can strengthen its position by showing evidence of the steps it has taken to
prevent workplace discrimination. For example, if all employees have signed documents certifying their attendance at “diversity at work” training and if all employees have signed to confirm they have read and understood the company’s equal opportunities policy, the tribunal will acknowledge the steps the company has taken to educate its employees and try to prevent discriminatory acts from taking place. And finally, a word of warning for those who may be tempted to prepare their own personnel records after the event. A managing director in Scotland has been jailed for four months after forging his ex-employees signatures on various documents and presenting them as evidence at the Employment Tribunal. The judge stated that the efforts were a “pre-meditated forgery” and t h e e m p l o y e e w a l k e d aw a y £29,500.00.
Your business success is out there. Is your bank?
Call Jill Hague on 08455 848702 Email jillhague@hsbc.com Come in to Calderdale and Kirklees Commercial Centre
Commercial Banking hsbc.com/commercial
Neil Wilson is an employment lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors Issued by HSBC Bank plc
ACXXXXX
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Page 6
Lovell engineers a career change
Brighter view from tradesmen THE building trade in Yorkshire has kicked off the new year in positive mood. A survey by tool supplier Screwfix showed that almost half of the region’s plumbers, electricians and plasterers have been busier than expected over the past few weeks. Tradesmen in the region reported that homeowners seem to be more willing to spend in the run-up to the traditional home improvement season – and are frequently calling someone in to assist on bigger projects. Screwfix’s Trade Pulse Index, which measures activity levels and confidence, showed that tradesmen in Yorkshire are much more confident about the economy than they were 12 months ago. The index rose from minus 55 points in December 2008, to plus 13 points in December 2009. This is matched by confidence in activity levels, which has risen by 65 points to plus 37. Tradesmen ended the year on a high – working right up to Christmas Eve to finish jobs as activity levels outstripped expectation. The index shows many tradesmen are pleased to see the back of 2009 – with one in four admitting they were short of work throughout the challenging year. And while overall confidence has increased, tradesmen have reported increased competition when quoting.
REDUNDANCY has led to a change of direction for a former civil engineer from Huddersfield. Matthew Anderton, 36, of Highburton, has been taken on as a trainee site engineer by Yorkshire-based housing and regeneration specialist Lovell. Now Matthew is successfully rebuilding his career after being made redundant from his previous job as a civil engineer with another company in early 2009. “When I was made redundant, I was in the middle of studying for a National Certificate in Civil Engineering to prepare myself for a managerial role,” explains Matthew. “Getting the chance to join Lovell has enabled me to continue to train for a senior position and I’m really enjoying the challenge.” Matthew is developing his skills working on a £5.6m project to build 61 affordable homes across three sites in Leeds. He is also studying for an NVQ Level 5 qualification in construc-
tion site management. On site, Matthew is responsible for a variety of tasks including carrying out site inspections and health and safety inductions for sub-contractors. “It’s been fantastic to come straight to a live construction site and learn about the different aspects of the housebuilding industry,” he said. “I’m relishing the level of responsibility I’ve been given as it’s allowed me to gain managerial experience, which I will need if I’m to achieve my goal of becoming a site manager.” Lovell training adviser Sharon Tyler said: “Matthew’s passion for construction really shone through when we interviewed him and we knew that he would be a fabulous asset to our business. “He has all of the attributes needed to become an outstanding construction manager.” Lovell, which has 13 offices in the UK, is part of construction and regeneration group Morgan Sindall plc.
■ SITE PLAN: Matthew Anderton, who has been appointed trainee civil engineer at housebuilder Lovell
commercial properties
14 st georges square, huddersfield hd1 1jf telephone 01484 558231/530361 - jonathan.wilson@bramleys1.co.uk
www.bramleys.com
offices PENISTONE ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD
industrial ROYD STREET, HUDDERSFIELD
£200 PER WEEK
£12,000 P/A
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Single storey workshop 501.48m² (5,398ft²) B1 Planning Consent
Rateable value £6,400 ● Car parking for up to 12 vehicles ● 3 Months rent free available
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Single storey
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3 Phase electricity
industrial units
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3 Miles from
210.62m²
Huddersfield town
(2,267ft²)
centre
COLNESIDE BUSINESS PARK, MILNSBRIDGE
RENT ON APPLICATION
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Office Premises 541.62m² (5,830ft²) Good car parking Potential Call Centre
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Open plan Showroom FLEXIBLE TERMS Industrial Unit 9,151 sqft also available
offices
GLEDHOLT BUSINESS PARK, HUDDERSFIELD
LOCKWOOD ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD
£175 PER WEEK
Modern Industrial Unit ● 154.44sqm (1662sq ft) ● Popular Business Park ●
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Good Car Parking
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Secure Site
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£25,000 PA
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1st Floor Office
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Accommodation
Fully Inclusive Rent
Rateable Value
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193.6m² (2,084ft²)
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Computer Cabling
£6,200
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Self Contained
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Car Parking
commercial WAKEFIELD ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD
STANDARD HOUSE, HUDDERSFIELD
£150,000
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Commercial property Potential Investment Vacant possession available
Outskirts of Town centre ● Prominent main road position ● Excellent car parking
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OLD WAKEFIELD ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD
£8,000 PA
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Retail unit
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44.77sqm (482sqft)
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Return frontage
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with ancillary accommodation
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Rateable value £6,400
£11,500 PCM P/A
£6,250 PA
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Ground Floor Retail Shop 50.16sqm (540sq ft) Prominent Main Road Position
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Double Fronted Rateable Value
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£4,850
7 ST GEORGES SQUARE, HUDDERSFIELD
WESTGATE, HUDDERSFIELD
Town Centre Retail Shop 52.76smq (568sqft) Ancillary Accommodation
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Prominent position within parade of shops Commercial centre of Huddersfield
RENTS ON APPLICATION
Office Accommodation 67.07m² 275.17m² (722ft² 2,962ft²) ● Attractive Grade II Listed Building
Prominent location Opposite Railway Station ● Close to bus station and multistorey car park
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Commercial/Offices
Industrial/Warehouse TO LET
TO LET
FOR SALE
Colne Road, Huddersfield 90 m2 (970 sq ft) Modern trade warehouse/starter unit on outer ring road adjacent Just Tyres and Plumb Centre just off Chapel Hill.
Middleton Business Park, Bradford Road, Cleckheaton
Joint Agent
tel: 01484 530361 www.bramleys.com
TO LET - immediately available
704m2 (7,574 sq ft)
Knowler Hill, Liversedge
High quality modern trade warehouse/industrial unit adjacent main A638 Bradford Road with parking
720m2 (7,750 sq ft)
Joint Agent
Single storey former engineering works with internal offices & small yard
TO LET - from only £2.25 per sq ft
tel: 01484 530361 www.bramleys.com
Commercial/Offices TO LET
Hopton Mills, Wheatley Park, Mirfield 5,856 – 36,485 sq ft Cost effective industrial & storage units immediately available on flexible terms
Joint Agent
Northgate, Almondbury 39 m2 (420 sq ft) Ground floor commercial/retail space in busy parade in centre of Almondbury with parking
For more information contact Alec Michael on 07717 870 320 or email alec@michaelsteel.co.uk
Former MY Nursery premises 162 – 164 Westgate, Wakefield 396m2 (4,265 sq ft) Former ground floor nursery with upper floor offices and rear parking suitable for a variety of commercial uses(STP). The Grade II Listed premises are well located on main road leading to city centre which is within walking distance.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Gary Lumby
Yorkshire Bank YORKSHIRE and Clydesdale banks have appointed Gary Lumby as director of small business banking. Mr Lumby (pictured) takes on the newly-created role after working as head of retail for Yorkshire Bank, where he has built-up strong relationships in the business community. Steve Fletcher, head of sales development, succeeds Mr Lumby as head of retail. Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks operate small business banking through branches across England and Scotland. In his new role, Mr Lumby will take the lead in shaping this area of the business and driving it forward. He has also appointed Claire Shields as head of small business banking – moving up from her role as head of direct banking. Mr Lumby, 51, joined Yorkshire bank in 1998 and has worked in the banking industry for more than 30 years. As an active member of the Yorkshire business community, he has been president of Leeds Chamber of Commerce and a non-executive director of Business Link Yorkshire. He was awarded the MBE for services to the finance industry in the 2008 New Years Honours List.
Moira Robertson
Unicom A YORKSHIRE telecoms business has announced a major appointment. Business-to-business telecoms firm Unicom has recruited Moira Robertson as head of regulatory affairs. She joins the company with a brief to ensure the company remains compliant with all the industry regulatory requirements. Her appointment will also see Unicom working more closely with Ofcom to help shape how the B2B telecoms industry is regulated in the future. Ms Robertson, who previously held compliance roles with T-Mobile, Caudwell Communications and BT, said: “My key responsibility will be to ensure all our customers are sold to in a fair and compliant manner and that compliance is at the heart of how we operate. Additionally, Unicom can lead the way in developing industry regulation alongside our industry colleagues.” Unicom operations director Chris Earle said: “It is a real coup for Unicom to have someone with Moira’s calibre and experience joining the management team.” Ms Robertson will have compliance responsibility for the company’s 10 regional offices, which include ones in Leeds, Birmingham, Ipswich, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield.
Tony Parton
PwC TONY Parton has joined the forensic services team at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Yorkshire. Mr Parton, who is also the firm’s UK corporate investigations leader, is a qualified chartered accountant with more than 25 years forensic experience at PwC. He has extensive experience in fraud investigations and in providing expert accounting testimony in civil and criminal cases. He lived and worked in Hong Kong for four years, where he led the firm’s forensic business in the Asia-Pacific market and opened forensic offices in Shanghai and Beijing.
Movers and shakers
Page 8
Claire’s verdict: You’re hired!
A FINALIST from television’s The Apprentice has been doing the hiring for a change. Claire Young, who featured in the 2008 series of the show with tycoon Sir Alan Sugar, has recruited Birstall-based Fantastic Media to further raise her profile with a structured public relations programme. Since her appearance on The Apprentice, Claire has launched Elegant Venues, a venue management company specialising in weddings. She has also made frequent appearances on TV and in print and has been working with various charities and youth enterprise initiatives, including The Princes’ Trust, UK Youth, Enterprise Village,
National Apprenticeships and the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurs. Now Fantastic will implement a strategic plan – focusing on the different areas in which Claire works – to help Claire get more coverage UK-wide. Said Claire: “After returning to Wakefield from London, I was looking for a local agency that I could trust. It was clear from the outset that we have a great working synergy and a like-minded approach towards achieving results. “I look forward to working with the team at Fantastic. We’ve got lots of things in the pipeline and an exciting 2010 to look forward to.”
■ NO SUGAR: Fantastic Media PR director Donna Bedford (left) with Claire Young (centre) and Fantastic’s PR account executive Charley Morello
Lawrence is first on the grid
■ MODEL MAKER: Lawrence Tomlinson, chairman of Yorkshire car manufacturer Ginetta unveils the Ginetta G40 before an audience at the prestigious Autosport International exhibition at Birmingham’s NEC BATLEY-born businessman Lawrence Tomlinson was in glamorous company for the launch of his car company’s latest model. The Ginetta 40 – billed as the UK’s first “multi-platform” road and race car – was unveiled by Mr Tomlinson and a bevy of beauties at the Autosport International exhibition at Birmingham’s NEC. The car is set to make its debut on the BTCC-supporting 2010 Ginetta Junior Championship. Mr Tomlinson, whose Ginetta factory is based in Garforth, Leeds, was joined on stage by current Ginetta Junior Champion, 16-year-old York school girl Sarah Moore, and karting supremo Seb Morris, who recently purchased the first ever production G40. Said Mr Tomlinson: “I am absolutely thrilled to see a Yorkshire-made car
unveiled at the world famous Autosport International. “We debuted both the G50 and the G50Z at the exhibition and I'm delighted that Autosport visitors have had the first ever glimpse of Ginetta’s stunning new car. The G40 is the most versatile road and race car on the market today – and was made and designed from our Leeds factory. “We have been completely overwhelmed by demand for the G40 and I just can’t wait to see it out on the grid in its first Ginetta Junior race in April. “It will kick off the season in style and will be THE car to watch in 2010!” Following the highly successful launch of the Ginetta G50 two years ago, Ginetta is producing an initial batch of 26 G40s – with pricing set at £24,950.
Bookings for a theatrical performance A COMPANY in Huddersfield was chosen to lead a national seminar. Business transformation company Insight with Passion was chosen to host a motivational seminar for the furniture and furnishings trade at Interiors 2010. The seminar, focusing on the quest for better retail displays, was led by Insight founders Kate Hardcastle (pictured) and Richard Gomersall. It showed how “retail theatre” has been used successfully by major names such as Nike, National Geographic and Land Rover. Said Kate: “The seminar provided clear and refreshing advice on how to create ‘retail theatre’ in-store to improve the shopping time and average spend of customers. “It focused on how – by transforming the look, feel, sounds, scents and the service delivered in-store – retail businesses can transform their sales floor and increase footfall and profit.” Richard said: “Retail theatre is about bringing the brand to life and using each sense to engage customers in-store. Visual stimulation can have impact, but add in smell, taste, touch and sound and you can create a really powerful selling atmosphere.” Insight with Passion, founded a year ago and based at Holywell Green, is working with clients across sectors as diverse as interiors, finance, fashion and online services. The company, which specialises in strategy, commercial improvement and branding, was voted winner of the category for National Best Business Support at last year’s Interiors Awards. Interiors 2010 took place at the NEC in Birmingham.