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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Firm blazes a trail to the Middle East KIRKLEES companies are being urged to emulate a Huddersfield firm – and pursue multi-billion pound trade opportunities in Saudi Arabia. Specialist coatings company Thermilate Europe Ltd, led by managing director Ash Ashfaq, has established a strong presence in the region – with offices in Dubai serving Middle East locations including Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The company, based at the Media Centre, Northumberland Street, provides insulating paints, primers and other coatings for energy-saving and heat control in homes, industrial and commercial buildings. Clients have included Coca Cola, Honda, Vodafone and IKEA. Thermilate also has a distribution network across 20 European countries as well as exporting to countries including Australia, India, Pakistan and South Africa. Now the company is being highlighted as an example for other to
follow as the government’s export support arm drums up interest in the massive Saudi Arabian market. UK Trade & Investment said projects to build six new cities, more than 4,400 new schools, five airports and thousands of mils of rail track presented major opportunities for infrastructure firms across Yorkshire. Saudi Arabia has the largest construction market in the Middle East – and one of the fastest-growing in the world. Mark Robson, international trade director for UKTI in Yorkshire, said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia controls a quarter of the world’s oil and gas reserves and is a country that thinks big. Major projects are matched by major investment, which offers huge opportunities for UK firms. “Whether it is building infrastructure to help pilgrims in the Hajj or new cities to help diversify the economy and provide jobs for the grow-
ing population, the rate and pace of development in Saudi Arabia is astounding.” Mr Robson said Thermilate was one of several Yorkshire companies making progress in the region. Others include Elland-based security glass supplier C3S Securiglass, Leeds specialist lighting firm CCS N e o n , B r a d fo rd c o n s t r u c t i o n products firm Lindapter and Bradford-based Fox Builders. Said Mr Robson: “The UK has an excellent track record of managing major infrastructure projects and experience in designing and managing the type of logistical projects that will be integral to the future economic success of the kingdom.” A UKTI report, Building Saudi Arabia, highlighted opportunities for firms in helping to provide housing, shops and universities, schools, water and power plants, railways, airports and seaports.
30,000 customers were condensed into the 14-point charter. The progress made against each promise will be monitored by customers each year and the results made transparent in an independent audit by Deloitte and published every six months. Highlights include early morning and late night opening in 200 branches by the end of the year; serving the majority of customers queuing in
branches within five minutes; and a pledge to stay open for business if RBS/ NatWest is the last bank in town and consider a range of options to ensure a local banking service is available. The bank has also shared the charter with consumer organisations including the Citizens Advice Bureau, Consumer Focus and Money Advice Trust.
Pitch perfect BRIGHOUSE tycoon Carl Hopkins is taking part in Britain’s biggest business pitching competition. Carl, who starred in Channel Four’s Secret Millionaire, is judging the northern heat of The Pitch – a competition which offers prizes worth £50,000 to the country’s best entrepreneurial talent.
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■ SAUDI SALES: Ash Ashfaq, managing director of specialist coatings firm Thermilate Europe Ltd
Bank sets targets with new customer charter BANKING group Royal Bank of Scotland has launched a customer charter for clients of its RBS and NatWest branches. The group, which has branches under the NatWest and RBS names across Kirklees, said the charter set out “the things that really matter to customers and what they have a right to expect from the bank”. RBS said the views of more than
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Brian Hartzer, bank chief executive, said: “We had a searing experience as a business and are thankful we were rescued. We have since taken stock on how we do things. There’s a lot we do well for customers, but we can do more and we want to change. This won’t happen overnight, but the customer charter is our pledge that we are on the case and will be held to account against the progress we make.”
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BUSINESSWOMAN Jo Fairley, co-founder of chocolate brand Green & Black’s, will offer tips and advice to aspiring entrepreneurs when Business Link Yorkshire stages a series of events for Retail Week – which starts next Tuesday.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
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BP shares hit amid talks over dividend Meanwhile US president Barack Obama embarked on a two-day visit to the Gulf Coast to view the damage from the massive slick and talk to those hit by the disaster. BP came under heavy fire from the president last week for “nickel and diming” people who live near the spill while planning big dividends for investors. But he said yesterday that the company had paid 26,500 claims totalling £42.3m to local businesses. The company’s latest update said the cost of the spill had reached £1.1bn so far and its containment cap on the leaking well had collected about 127,000 barrels of oil. But the firm’s shares have now slumped by almost half since the crisis began two months ago when the Deep-
SHARES in oil giant BP took another tumble as its board considered making a dividend cut in the wake of the Gulf of Mexico spill. Shares in the embattled company were down 10% at one stage yesterday – wiping more than £7bn off the stock value of the firm – as nervous investors headed for the exit. They closed more than 9% or 36.45p down at 355.45p. The latest setback for BP came amid reports that two US senators have written to the firm demanding that it set aside £13.5bn in a special account to pay for damages and clean-up costs. BP did not comment on the letter and said it would not make a statement on dividend payments following the board meeting.
If the firm does decide to suspend the dividend it would hit UK pension funds and investors in the US, who hold about 40% of the company’s shares. Mr Obama has summoned BP’s chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg to the White House on Wednesday to explain what the company is doing to stop the flow of tens of thousands of barrels of oil and how it will compensate the thousands of people who have lost out ■ FUEL GAUGE: BP shares plunged as a result. as the company said the cost of the US Meanwhile BP chief executive Tony oil spill has reached £1.1m so far Hayward faces a grilling in Congress on Thursday. That meeting threatens to water Horizon rig exploded and sank re-ignite transatlantic tensions which with the loss of 11 lives. had eased over the weekend when Mr The latest tranche of dividend due in Obama assured Prime Minister David July is expected to be worth about Cameron that he had “no interest in £1.7bn. undermining BP’s value”.
Majestic cheers 26% profits rise
United seals sell-off deal
MAJESTIC Wines toasted its new six-bottle six-bottle minimum purchase policy after a 13% rise in customer numbers boosted annual profits. The wine retailer, which has a store at Queensgate in Huddersfield, said the decision to halve the previous 12-bottle minimum last autumn had led to a “substantial” increase in customers – up 54,000 to 472,000 in the year to March 29. Majestic reported a 26% rise in underlying pre-tax profits to £16m during the year. Chief executive Steve Lewis said it would be a “tough ask” to continue customer growth at the current rate,
ENERGY giant United Utilities has offloaded more of its non-regulated interests by agreeing a £174.2m deal with Veolia Water UK. The deal by Warrington-based United, which is the UK’s argest listed water company, involves outsourcing, industrial engineering and infrastructure contracts, including a project to manage the building of a new waste water treatment works for Southern Water. United has also acquired minority stakes in three PFI contracts in the Tay, Moray and Highland wastewater treatment plants in Scotland. French-based Veolia Water said it
but said: “The trend since Christmas has been consistent.” Despite the move to a six-bottle minimum, the average spend per customer has only edged 4% lower to £129. Like-for-like sales were up by 7.3% in the 10 weeks since March 30 and the group is confident of further growth despite “uncertain” economic prospects in the UK. The retailer added that sales of wine priced at £20 or more had jumped nearly 23% in the past year. The company aims to roll out fine wine display areas across all its 153 stores over the next two years and opend 12 new stores this year.
will become the “leading player” in the non-regulated water sector in the UK following the acquisition. The company, which specialises in outsourcing services for local authorities, is paying £108.6m for the businesses and assuming debt of £65.6m. Operations in Bulgaria, Estonia and Poland are also included in the deal. United’s recent strategy of selling off non-core business has already led to the dispose of its Australian subsidiary for £136m following last November’s exit from Yorkshire gas distributor Northern Gas Networks for £86m.
Page 2 AXA bid expected THE insurance tycoon who last year bought Friends Provident is to offer £2.8bn for AXA’s UK life and pensions business, it is claimed. Clive Cowdery’s insurance ’s insurance buy-out vehicle Resolution hopes to create one of the UK’s largest protection and group pensions businesses through the Axa deal. The company confirmed last week that it was in talks with Axa, but did not provide details on the cost or funding arrangements for any deal. Newspaper reports said Resolution planned to sound out its investors about their appetite for supporting a rights issue.
Takeover for Weir ENGINEERING group Weir has announced the £138m takeover of a Malaysian firm. The Glasgow-based group, which has valve operations at Elland, has agreed to buy Linatex, a Kuala Lumpur-based company making equipment for the mining and quarrying industries. The announcement came as Weir reported a 25% rise in new orders for the 22 weeks to June 4. The group is now forecasting profits of £140m for the half-year to July 2.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £27.28 +0.12 Gannett 1098.48 +12.86 Hess Corp £36.85 +0.67 Microsoft 1746.88 +10.16 Motors Liquidation 50.76 Wal-Mart Stores £34.74 +0.32 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 1121/2 +71/2 BAE Systems 323 +13/4 Rolls-Royce Gp 601 +81/2 VT Group 7631/2 -11/2 AIM Brady Plc 59 Dawson Intl 21/8 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 1301/8 +41/8 BANKS Barclays 3013/8 +101/2 HSBC 6511/4 +41/2 7 Lloyds Banking Gp 54 /8 +5/8 1 Ryl Scotland 43 /8 +3/4 Stan Chart 16411/2 +26 BEVERAGES Diageo 1119 +15 SABMiller 1982 +52 CHEMICALS Croda 1035 Elementis 98 67 +11/2 Johnsn Mat 1541 +33 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 257 +27/8 Costain 196 -21/2 ELECTRICITY Drax Grp 3763/4 +83/4 5
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Scottish & Sthrn 1110 +4 Energy ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Chloride 346 -5/8 Laird 118 +15/8 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3193/4 +21/8 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 1383/8 +21/2 Cable & Wireless 563/4 +1/4 Comm Cable & Wireless 90 +11/8 Wwide Colt Group 1341/4 +17/8 KCOM 51 -1 Talktalk Telecom 125 +23/8 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2573/4 -4 Sainsbury 3193/4 -13/4 5 Tesco 391 /8 -21/2 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1002 +71/2 Nth Foods 463/4 +1/4 7 Tate Lyle 480 /8 +75/8 Unilever 1926 +28 Uniq 12 +1/4 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 2903/4 +4 National Grid 507 +8 Pennon Grp 550 +11 Severn 1284 +38 United Utils 565 +5 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 2921/8 +41/4 ICAP 4171/4 +6 +12 London StockExch 6301/2 7
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Provident Financial 8541/2 +41/2 Schroders 1352 +25 Schroders NV 1080 +20 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 4657/8 +261/2 REXAM 3193/4 +41/2 Smiths Grp 1105 +38 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 131/2 -1/2 Carphone Whse 1901/2 +11/2 DSG International 271/4 +1/4 Home Retail 2311/2 -21/4 5 Inchcape 271 /8 +83/8 Kingfisher 2281/4 +53/4 M&S 3441/8 +31/4 Mothercare 554 +13 3 Next £21 /8 +1/4 3 WH Smith 433 /4 -71/2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 6421/2 +31/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 811/2 -1/2 Barrat Dev 1003/8 +11/4 Persimmon 3643/8 -21/4 Reckitt Benckiser £323/4 +1/2 Taylor Wimpey 29 -1/2 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 7131/2 +251/2 IMI 699 +27 1 Man Brnze 47 /4 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 265 +121/4 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 1923/8 +31/4 Forth Ports 1155 +8
3441/4 +71/2 831/8 +21/8 112 +31/4 5471/2 +121/2 1 60 /4 1851/8 +31/4 MEDIA BSkyB 6001/2 +14 Chrysalis 99 -11/2 D Mail Tst 481 +8 3 ITV 56 /4 +3/4 3 Johnston Press 18 /4 -1/4 Pearson 946 +11 3 +21/4 Reed Elsevier 496 /4 STV Group 1021/2 +1/2 Trinity Mirror 871/4 +3/4 Utd Business 5231/2 +61/2 UTV 120 +23/4 WPP 6901/2 +10 Yell Group 287/8 +1/4 MINING Anglo American £263/4 +1 Antofagasta 878 +211/2 BHP Billiton 1921 +50 Eurasian Natural 1061 +33 Res Fresnillo 1060 +51 Kazakhmys 1183 +49 Lonmin 1618 +40 Rio Tinto £331/8 +1 VEDANTA £227/8 +3/4 RESOURCES Xstrata 1033 +33 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 821 +3 +17/8 Vodafone Group 1417/8 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1375 +3 Aviva Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life
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Local shares Carclo Chapelthorpe Marshalls National Grid Rensburg Sheppards Weir Gp
1601/2 231/2 89 507 794
+3 +8 +4
1066
+1151/2
FTSE closed at
5202.1 Up 38.4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1106 +8 BP 3551/2 -361/2 Cairn Energy 4271/8 +77/8 Norsk Hdro 490 Royal Dutch Shell A 17961/2 +41/2 Royal Dutch Shell B 1721 +7 7 Total £32 /8 +3/4 Tullow Oil 1174 +12 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 8381/2 +17 Petrofac 1287 +25 5 Wood Group 321 /8 +65/8 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry 7961/2 +101/2 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £305/8 1
GlaxoSmithK XD Shire 1428 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 4591/2 Captl Shop Cent 3361/4 DTZ Hldgs 581/2 Hamrsn 363 Land Secs 617 SEGRO 275 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Autonomy Corp 1947 Dimension Data 995/8 Invensys 2811/2 Logica 1211/4 Misys 2641/4 Sage Group 2421/8 SUPPORT SERVICES Bunzl 731 Capita 800 Davis Service 3673/4 Group De La Rue 968 Electrocomp 220 Experian 6241/2 G4S 2801/4 Hays 981/2 Homeserve £203/8 Menzies J 345 Rentokil 1181/4 Smiths News 112 Wolseley 1601 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 293 Psion 801/2 Spirent Comms 1111/4 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £217/8
31/2 -2 +51/2 +43/4 -2 +33/4 +51/2 +27/8 +47 +13/8 +8 -13/4 +75/8 +1/8 +7 +51/2 -41/8 -2 +23/4 +21/2 +11/8 +21/8 -1/4 -71/2 +11/4 -1 +13 +35/8 +1/2 +2 +1/4
LEISURE & HOTELS Arriva Brit Airways Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Greene King Intercontl Htls Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express PartyGaming Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread
767 2061/8 £265/8 565 4261/8 1063/4 390 1245 3981/8 1197 1391/4 3131/8 2333/4 2623/4 119 1853/8 2283/4 1451
TOURIST RATES
+1/2 +7 +3/4 +2 +81/8 +11/4 +11/2 +25 +73/4 +42 +2 +23/4 +71/4 +53/4 +3/4 +33/8 +37/8 +50
FTSE 100
INDEX 5202.13
+38.45
FTSE 250
INDEX 9795.41
+132.82
Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.62 dollars Bangladesh................... 95.78 taka Brazil.............................. 2.37 reals Canada....................... 1.44 dollars China ............................. 8.94 yuan Czech Republic ...... 28.45 korunas Denmark....................... 8.51 krone Euro............................... 1.15 euro Hong Kong................ 10.83 dollars Hungary................... 301.71 forints India.......................... 60.11 rupees Japan........................... 127.93 yen Mexico ....................... 16.47 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.97 dollars Norway ......................... 8.97 krone Pakistan.................. 117.62 rupees Philippines ................. 58.46 pesos South Africa................. 10.46 rand South Korea.............. 1559.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 157.00 rupees Sweden....................... 10.97 krona Switzerland.................. 1.59 francs Taiwan ...................... 41.23 dollars Turkey....................... 2.19 new lira USA ............................ 1.40 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS MONEY matters to financial adviser Greg Robertson. But the co-founder of wealth management firm Robertson Baxter knows that wealth can’t be measured in pounds and pence alone. Greg began his career at the Yorkshire Bank in 1993 after passing his GCSEs at school in Shipley. “I went into banking as a simple clerk – the lowliest role in the branch,” he recalls. Four years later, he embarked on a move into personal banking and finance – gaining qualifications in financial advice, Greg stayed at the Yorkshire Bank as part of its in-house financial services until 1999 when he moved to HSBC in Huddersfield – opening the route to independent financial advice. Latterly, he was based in Leeds, but covering Huddersfield and Halifax. He set up Robertson Baxter FInancial Services Ltd three years ago in company with Stephen Baxter, who was working as an IFA in Leeds. They were backed in the venture by Michael Woodhead, co-founder of national stockbrokers BWD Securities – now Rensburg Sheppards – who chaired the new company, which specialises in wealth management for high net worth individuals. Robertson Baxter’s products and services include pension planning, investment, inheritance tax planning, life assurance, critical illness cover and mortgage protection. Says Greg: “We wanted to provide a service on a more personal basis than the proposition prescribed by the bank or larger IFA. “We wanted to do things better and offer a more bespoke service. “We started from scratch. My wife, Sadie, had just given birth to James in February that year and I resigned from the bank that same month. “Sadie had her own business, which she was unable to continue, and Steve had a six-month old child at the time as well. “Having family circumstances like that, we knew we had to succeed, if only for their sakes!” It was not an easy beginning, says Greg. “2008 was horrendous in terms of the investment environment, but we managed to insulate our clients from the falls. “During 2009, turnover grew by 40% during a recession year. “That is due to the efforts we put in during 2008. This year, we are seeing turnover of 20%. “In the first three years, we have built up the business. “We have £50m in funds under management and we have grown to 110 clients. “We had a target of £100m in funds under
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Greg finds his family fortune management by the end of our first 10 years – and we are already halfway there. So, we’ve had to raise our target! “Next year is going to be tougher for the economy, but we feel pretty confident. “There is an opportunity for people to invest in portfolios at the bottom of the market, which should see them benefit as the market gets higher.” Greg says the business has grown steadily and has been deliberately “over-managed” to ensure it does not run out of control. Greg describes the firm’s overall approach as “conservative”. Robertson Baxter has also benefited from operating in a climate that has exposed poor service and poor investment performance among some other IFAs and financial institutions. The company has been
■ MONEY MAN: Greg Robertson, of Robertson Baxter, says advisers must build up a rapport with clients
feted in the FT Advisor “mystery shopping” survey and has come out well in the Financial Services Authority’s Treating Customers Fairly assessment. “When someone is talking about a financial services firm in a positive way, it stands out a mile at the moment,” says Greg. Robertson Baxter is also up to speed with the FSA’s drive to raise standards across the financial services sector. “We are well-positioned in terms of what the FSA is trying to get firms to do,” says Greg. “We employ a chartered financial planner as part of the business to handle documentation and report writing. “We exceed the minimum requirements for our industry. We try to do things well and properly.” Greg is firmly behind the FSA’s aims. “People tend not to change advisers – even when they are not getting the best advice or service. It is a big decision to move. “But as young people and a young business people look to us knowing we are going to be there to help their financial plans come to fruition.” Greg says it is vital to know your clients and understand their requirements – and to recognise their “tolerance to risk”. One of the most satisfying feelings is knowing when you are on the same wavelength as the client, he says. “It’s difficult to describe – but it’s a sort of synergy.” Adds Greg: “Now we are firmly established, we see people come to us through recommendation and through close working relationships with other
professionals, such as law firms, we can reciprocate when they recommend us to their clients.” For example, Robertson Baxter has created a joint venture with Walker and Sutcliffe to provide clients of the Huddersfield chartered accountancy firm with additional services. Greg says Robertson Baxter is growing through such joint ventures or strategic partnerships to extend its reach beyond Huddersfield to areas like Halifax, Wakefield and Barnsley. “Steve and I are trying to grow the business in such a way that we can still spend time with our families, especially while the children are still small. That is really important to us, although it becomes increasingly difficult to do. ““We start work at 7am – neither of us has to commute far to the office. “We have cut out anything that isn’t valuable in terms of time. We don’t hold meetings just for the sake of it and we have just employed a PA to take some of the routine administration off our hands. “It is a very slick operation, which has enabled us to grow the business and see as much as possible of the family as well.” Greg and Sadie now have two children – three-year-old James and Hannah, two. A third child is on the way and is due in August. There’s even less time for Greg’s other keen interest, golf. A member at
Page 3 Greg Robertson
Woodsome Hall, he plays off 8, but would like to improve on that. “Golf is a great game,” he says. “I’ve played golf for about 10 years and while it’s an advantage business-wise, it takes time out of the day,” says Greg. “There are a few corporate golf days coming up and I’m looking forward to them. It helps cement relationships with clients and business contacts. I met Michael Woodhead through golf.” Squash and tennis are other favourite sports and Greg is looking forward to a tennis tournament next week for local business professionals in Halifax. Son James already wields his plastic golf clubs in imitation of his dad. “I’d like to play tennis with the kids when they’re ready to play,” Greg adds.
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Role: Director Age: 33 Family: Married to Sadie with children James and Hannah Holidays: Spain Car: Audi A5 First job: Assistant in a toy shop at Feathers’ Bradford Best thing about job: Achieving a position of absolute trust with your client Worst thing about job: Big company politics and red tape Business tip: Create a vision and set of goals which remain at the centre of what you do every day
Robertson Baxter Work: Financial planning and wealth management Site: Shelley Employees: Seven Phone: 01484 601140 Email: greg@ robertsonbaxter. co.uk Web www. robertsonbaxter. co.uk
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Jo makes a Hong Kong connection A BATLEY-based organisation is spearheading efforts to boost trade between the UK and Hong Kong. Connect China, led by Honley woman Jo Lavan, is launching the northern chapter of the Hong Kong-UK Business Forum in a bid to help more British companies get a foothold in one of the economic powerhouses of the Far East. Said Jo: “Due to its unique position as a Chinese city with British business infrastructure, Hong Kong continues to be an important gateway to trade with China for thousands of UK companies. “We are launching the Hong Kong Business Forum here in the north of England as part of the Worldwide Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations – a unique network of 33 Hong Kong business associations in 24 countries with more than 10,000 individual members. “The forum will provide an important network for regional businesses, trade organisations and professionals to gather together and exchange news, inside knowledge and information on doing business in Hong Kong and China. “Members will be able to attend events in the UK and Hong Kong as well as benefit from being part of a global network of Hong Kong Business Associations.”
■ EXPORT LEADER: Jo Lavan, of Connect China, is turning to Hong Kong (right) as a focus for Yorkshire’s exporting firms
The forum will be launched at 10am on Tuesday, June 29, at the offices of DLA Piper in Leeds. Speakers will include Sarah Wu, director-general of the Hong Kong government’s economic and trade office.
Those attending will also learn about Leeds in Asia – A Festival of Commerce and Culture, which takes place in November and is organised by Marketing Leeds and government export support arm UK Trade and Investment. Said Jo: “The launch event is designed for anyone who has conducted business in Hong Kong, is about to undertake some work in Hong Kong or has a real business interest in
this world-famous city. “It is relevant to those considering all forms of trade and investment with Hong Kong and those interested in learning more about using Hong Kong as a gateway to China and the wider markets in Asia. “It is also of relevance to businesses involved or interested in manufacturing, sourcing, outsourcing, licensing, franchising and distribution from Asia.”
Working up to a World Cup fever ITH World Cup fever W spreading across the country – and football fans all
over the world planning their weeks ahead around the matches involving their teams – the World Cup has the potential to be nothing but a headache for employers. The draw has not only been kind to the English team, it has also been kind to England PLC this year in that of the three group games, only one is to be played on a week day. The game in question is against Slovenia at 3pm tomorrow. With many fans planning to take holiday or at least a half day to watch the match, how should employers handle this if there are too many requests for holiday on that day or people taking unauthorised absence to watch the match? Firstly employers need to give priority to their business – and staff must understand this. Staff should be reminded of the employer’s holiday policy – if this contains notice guidelines for the booking of holi-
EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Neil Wilson
days, and staff apply for leave ignoring the notice provisions, the holiday requests can be denied. Staff should also be warned that any unauthorised absence will be dealt with under the employer’s disciplinary policy, particularly if they are planning to “coincidentally” have a cold on the day of the match and a holiday request for that day has been turned down! A further problem facing employers is the chaos that could be caused on a matchday with people watching the match streamed live in the workplace. In a recent survey of workers, a staggering 48% said they would be watching the game live at work on their computer. Even more surprisingly, 37% of workers said that
watching the match would not affect their productivity. If employers have an internet usage policy, staff should be reminded of this before and during the World Cup and reminded that watching the match in working time would constitute misconduct (or even gross misconduct dependent on the wording of the policy) and again will be dealt with under the employer’s disciplinary policy. With both these problems in mind, employers should look at ways to compromise and allow fans to get their regular fix of football,
whilst ensuring the needs of the business are not affected. Some suggestions are: ● If the employer has a television at work and somewhere large enough to accommodate staff, consider putting the match on to avoid staff pulling a “sickie”. This also saves staff leaving work even earlier to travel home (or to the pub) to watch the match ● Allow staff to go early on days England play on the proviso they make the time up at a later date, and agree this date in advance if possible ● Allow staff to swap shifts (if applicable) to accommodate their wishes. Hopefully the above suggestions should go some way to placating staff while allowing their employers to continue to operate throughout the “greatest show on Earth”.
Neil Wilson is an employment lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors
Grocery chain bidding to trim its energy bills
AN energy consultancy has been asked to check-out gas and electricity supplies for retail chain Costcutter. Brighouse-based Orchard Energy, which is one of only 28 brokers accredited by trade body the Utilities Intermediaries Association, has been appointed to source all gas and electricity supplies for all Costcutter stores. The deal is a significant boost for the company, headed by managing director Gareth Henderson (pictured), which expects to see turnover hit £1.6m this year as it prepares to expand its UK operation and open four new regional offices. Tom Young, Costcutter’s property and estate manager, said the fact that Orchard was UIA accredited had played a major part in the decision to appoint the firm. “They were able to offer us a comprehensive, professional and friendly service and we knew they would be dealing direct with the energy suppliers on our behalf to secure the best deal specifically tailored to our needs,” he said. Mr Henderson said Costcutter was one of a growing number of new clients specifically looking for consultants accredited by the UIA, the body responsible for upholding standards in the industry. “Any business wanting to cut energy costs has a formidable task ahead of them when selecting a consultant,” said Mr Henderson. “It’s important to find a broker who not only deals direct with the energy suppliers but has a sound understanding of the energy business and how contract dates and fluctuations in the market can impact on overall costs.” Mr Henderson said he was securing favourable prices for clients as far ahead as 2011 and 2012. “A good independent energy broker will have the experience, expertise and infrastructure required to transparently advise on the best approach and manage the whole contract and buying process,” he said. Mr Henderson said UIA-accredited firms were able to secure significant savings for clients and advise on the latest industry legislation. He said: “Companies will soon be forced to comply with stringent, far-reaching national targets on carbon emissions. “Dealing with a broker who is familiar with the latest developments in commercial energy supply will enable them to ensure they are complying with the latest regulations.”
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Carl pitches in to help out BUSINESSMAN Carl Hopkins is set to take part in Britain’s biggest and most competitive business pitching competition. Carl Hopkins, who starred in Channel Four’s Secret Millionaire, is judging the northern heat of The Pitch – a competition which offers prizes worth £50,000 to the country’s best entrepreneurial talent. The Pitch, now in its third year, will be visiting five UK cities, where entrants will face panels of high-profile business experts over the next six months – culminating in one of them being crowned Britain’s Best New Business. Carl will judge the northern heat, which takes place on Thursday, July 6, in Liverpool. Together with a team of investors and other successful entrepreneurs, he will scrutinise business concepts and presentation skills, searching for the best of the best from hundreds of hopeful entrants. Carl said he was looking forward to supporting the entrepreneurs he meets through the competition: He said: “I’ll be looking for a belief in themselves and their ideas – also for an understanding of how to bring that idea to life, an understanding of the market they are entering, the needs of their prospective customers and the possible pitfalls that lie
■ JUDGE’S RULING: Brighouse businessman Carl Hopkins is helping to unearth Britain’s unsung entrepreneurial talent
ahead as well as the possible up sides.” The competition, organised by BusinessZone.co.uk and supported by directories business Yell, provides a package of business support services worth £50,000 to the winner. Last year’s competition was won by Anthony Lau, founder of London-based bicycle security device firm Cyclehoop, who had the chance to pitch his business to a panel including former TV “dragon” Doug
Richard. Doug, who is involved in The Pitch again this year, said: “I love working with entrepreneurs. “They are visionary, hard-working, insightful, innovative, hopeful and imaginative. “They create wealth for themselves, employment for their associates, solutions for their customers. The Pitch lets me meet hundreds of them. What's not to love about that?”
Page 5
Town wraps up a new partnership deal with TOG24 TOWN players are all set for the great outdoors – following the football club’s latest link-up. National clothing brand TOG24 has become the official outdoor clothing partner of Huddersfield Town. Founded in 1958, TOG24 is a nationally-recognised brand and an industry leader in the performance winter, ski and outdoor clothing sector. The company has more than 60 stores and stockists across the UK – with its main factory store in Heckmondwike and a store at the Kingsgate centre in Huddersfield. As part of the deal, TOG24 will have a dedicated section on the club’s new retail website www.htafcmegastore.com Town commercial director Sean Jarvis said the partnership was a development of the excellent relationship the two organisations enjoyed over the course of last season. TOG24 provided clothing for all 23 cyclists in the Pedal for Pounds charity bike ride to Southend last August. Said Mr Jarvis: “This deal will give TOG24 access to our marketplace and – in turn – their backing adds a lot to the
club financially and in terms of having another national brand on board.” TOG24 marketing director Chris Ward said: “Many of our directors and members of staff are keen supporters of Huddersfield Town. “This is a fantastic opportunity to support the club and to highlight to fans that we have stores locally.” Added Mr Ward; “When fans are after something to keep them warm on match days, we would be delighted if they had a look in our stores as the Club’s official outdoor clothing partner.”
Merger brings major new force TWO companies have merged to create a new name in training. Brookhouse Training & Assessment Centre and Building Trades Training have joined forces to form Brookhouse Training Centre. The new company continues to provide training and skills development to the gas and utilities industry. Director David Dumaresq-Lucas said the Cleckheaton-based business would build on 15 years experience of training and assessment delivery to develop programmes to meet the needs of individuals and employers. It will also focus on skills for new careers such as renewable energies. He said: "Key to the success of BTC is its firm belief in delivering measurable, qualitative and fit for purpose training, designed to enhance competitiveness and increased efficiency, regardless of the size of the organisation. "Partnership is foremost among our priorities to ensure that exact requirements are met and the correct path is chosen for the learner jour-
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■ GET TOGETHER: Brookhouse Training Centre directors (from left) Mark Collin, James McConnell and David Dumaresq-Lucas
ney. Also, a fundamental to this ongoing partnership is follow-up and measurement of the learning experience, in order to understand the impact on businesses." The company launch was attended by guests from organisations includ-
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Page 6
Developer seals £7m sales for key scheme A HUDDERSFIELD developer has defied market conditions to secure £7m of housing sales at one of its residential schemes. Brockholes-based Towngate Homes Ltd is enjoying success at its luxury Broomfield Avenue residential scheme in Savile Park, Halifax. Fourteen of the 16 natural stone detached homes and town houses have either been sold or reserved with all interest secured prior to development. The first four homes which were sold off-plan in the first phase of the scheme are now complete. And in response to demand, Towngate Homes is progressing with the remainder of the scheme, with the next phase due for completion in November this year.
The two-acre site which Broomfield Avenue occupies is located in a conservation area overlooking Savile Park on the outskirts of Halifax town centre. Towngate said the early keen interest was testament to its reputation for delivering high quality, craftsman-built homes designed with lifestyle in mind. Chief executive Richard Conroy said: “There has been much speculation in the housing industry as to the viability of luxury developments such as Broomfield Avenue in the current economic climate. “Securing sales and reservations on almost 90% of the development before any building work had begun – and without the availability of a show home – demonstrates that there will always be a mar-
ket for top quality homes in the best location. “Savile Park is a much sought-after area and by placing high emphasis on the design and aesthetics of the homes, we have strived to deliver a lifestyle offering to reflect the overall attractiveness of the area. “Due to the incredible response we have already had to the scheme, such is our confidence that we are intending to develop the remaining homes speculatively.” Broomfield Avenue is the latest in a host of successful residential schemes in West Yorkshire undertaken by the award-winning Towngate Homes and sister company Conroy Brook. Prices at Broomfield Avenue range from £310,000 to £595,000.
■ IN DEMAND: The development by Brockholes-based Towngate Developments Ltd
Eddisons finds buyer for former CragRats buildings To leT/For Sale Pennine Business Park
Bradley, Huddersfield 1 High specification offices 1 372 & 557m2 (4,000 & 6,000 sq ft) 1 Ease of access to J25 of the M62
rental/Price: on application. Joint agents: eddisons
For Sale
Industrial Unit
Marshall Hall Mills, elland lane, elland
1 Single storey industrial unit 1 Established industrial location, excellent road links 1 GIA 869.53m2 (9,360 sq ft) 1 0.293 Hectare (0.72 Acre) site offers in the region of £450,000
To leT
Newly Constructed Retail/Office Units 29 – 33 Greens end road, Meltham
retail 1 Lock-up retail unit 20.91m2 (225 sq ft) rental: £75 p/w exc. offices 1 High-grade office development, on-site car parking 1 44.46 – 142.32m2 (479 – 1,532 sq ft) rental: on application
For Sale
Red Doles Road
Huddersfield
1 Large secure surfaced yard area 1 Approx. 0.24 Hectares (0.60 Acres) 1 Redevelopment potential 1 All mains services available to site Price: on application
BU I L D I N G S f o r m e r l y owned by theatre and training company CragRats have been sold. The Mill at Dunford Road, Holmfirth, which contains offices, a cafe bar and theatre block, has been sold off an asking price of £500,000 by the Huddersfield office of chartered surveyors Eddisons. M e a n wh i l e, a fo r m e r school building on Whams Road, Penistone, was also sold by Eddisons off an asking price of £375,000. The property comprises dormitory bedrooms and rooms for storage, rehearsals and set building on a site which extends to more than two-and-a-half acres. No details regarding the buyers of either property or their future plans have been released. CragRats owned both buildings before going into administration in June last year. John Padgett, of Eddisons, concluded the sale on behalf of CragRats (in administration) c/o Ernst & Young LLP. He said: “These deals have been completed – despite some very tough economic conditions – and our client is pleased with the prices we
■ AT THE MILL: The premises formerly occupied by CragRats at Dunford Road, Holmfirth, have been sold to an unnamed buyer off an asking price of £500,000
have achieved. “Our plant and machinery department also assisted in the sales process by conducting a comprehensive asset valuation.” Eddisons has also announced the sale of The Other Rooms on Queensgate,
Huddersfield. The prominent bar and restaurant premises, which stands opposite Huddersfield University and next to the Kingsgate shopping centre, has been bought by a local businessman off an asking price of £395,000.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Firm takes space at Midpoint A COMPANY helping people make claims for being mis-sold financial agreements has completed a deal to take space at an out-of-town office development. Acting on behalf of Keyland Developments Ltd, DTZ and joint agent Carter Towler have completed a lease on Unit 3 at The Courtyard, Midpoint, Leeds to Redress Claims. Redress Claims are the first occupier in The Courtyard development and have taken a new lease on 2,800 sq. ft on confidential terms. Phillip Dawson, associate director at DTZ, said “It is encouraging to see another out-of-town office letting complete in what has been a tough period in this challenging market. “The Courtyard comprises five separate units. With Redress Claims’ occupation together with another building currently under offer, we will soon see 35% of the space occupied.” James Smithies, development director at Keyland Developments Ltd, said: “The recent activity at Midpoint together with the opening of the Aagrah banqueting centre sees completion of the Midpoint scheme. “Despite the difficult economic climate, it is encouraging to see that occupiers are returning to the market. This is just one example of how we are seeing a shift in the market.” Naman Hussain, operations director at Redress Claims, said: “Our expanding business has outgrown its previous accommodation. The Courtyard provides us with our own self contained modern premises with plenty of local amenities for our employees.”
Agency in name change PROPERTY agency Colliers CRE plc has changed its company name to Colliers International UK plc. The move to a single global brand strengthens the group’s position as the third largest property advisory organisation in the world, with revenues of £1.2bn. Andrew Watt, head of the Leeds office of Colliers International UK, said: “In the UK, we are the same team with the same enterprising personality, committed to delivering client solutions of the highest calibre. “We are, however, recruiting some impressive new talent and have recently appointed six new directors in key positions throughout the UK business. “Being an integral part of the newly-aligned Colliers International gives our clients access to a team of 15,000 professionals and through them, a myriad of important, often longstanding relationships as well as comprehensive knowledge and intelligent insight across international markets.”
property
Page 7
Visitors focus on housing matters DELEGATES from a housing association in Northern Ireland visited a Huddersfield company to share ideas for best practice in tenant involvement. Sadeh Lok Housing Group, based at Edgerton, played host to the delegates from Oaklee Housing Association based in Belfast. Staff and tenants also visited Wakefield and District Housing, Chevin Housing Group in Wakefield and Northwards Housing in Manchester during a three-day trip. Tenants from Oaklee were focusing on resident involvement and best practice in the social housing sector so they could gather information on participation, decision-making and interaction. The information will be reported back from Oaklee’s resident panel and shared with participating organisations. The visit was organised by Sadeh Lok chief executive Ken Elliott and Oaklee chief executive Ian Elliott as a follow-on from a fact-finding trip to Belfast last year by the Sadeh Lok Group board. Both organisations are part of
■ HOUSE CALL: Members of Oaklee Housing Association at the headquarters of Edgerton-based Sadeh Lok Group
the CECODHAS network, a European network of 45 regional and national housing federations
and voluntary and cooperative social housing enterprises in 19 countries.
The network acts as a working group for organisations to share information and address social housing issues. Said Mr Elliott: “This particular study tour – while providing an opportunity for tenants from Oaklee to develop their interaction practices – has also provided a tremendous learning opportunity for myself and senior staff. “The biggest problem that we and many registered providers experience is generating engagement among our customers when maintaining their homes and developing their communities. “Several exciting opportunities have arisen from the visit, which I will be addressing with my board over the coming weeks.” Sadeh Lok Group was established in 1988 to respond to disadvantage, discrimination and exclusion by opening up opportunity for all. The organisation provides several services to young people, fami l i e s a n d c o m mu n i t i e s a n d employment support for the long-term unemployed.
New director joins DTZ GLOBAL property adviser DTZ has appointed John Keyes as director in the firm’s corporate real estate consulting business. Mr Keyes (pictured right) will be based in DTZ’s Manchester office, but will also provide strategic real estate advice to clients across Yorkshire and the UK. Mr Keyes joins DTZ from GVA Grimley where he was a director in the occupier consultancy business unit. During this time, he oversaw the rapid growth of the strategic consultancy team and advised on
more than £500m of capital investments for the further education sector. Major projects included York College, where Mr Keyes acted as a lead adviser in developing a property strategy and overseeing £60m in capital investment. Prior to GVA Grimley, John worked at KPMG, Manchester City Council and Stoke on Trent City Council. Mike Mitchell, managing director UK regions at DTZ, said: “We are dedicated to providing the best real estate advice for our
clients and John’s expertise in corporate real estate consulting will play an important part in driving this forward.” Mr Keyes will report directly to James Grierson, head of corporate real estate consulting, who said: “John’s appointment strengthens the team in the north-west. I am confident he will be a valuable asset to the organisation.”
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Deals at the double PROPERTY agency Michael Steel & Co has completed two deals in West Yorkshire. Acting on behalf of DL Partnership, the liquidators of Barlow Refractory Products Ltd, Michael Steel & Co completed the sale of units 14 and 15 at Ashfield Way, Whitehall Industrial Estate in Leeds. The single storey factory and offices provide 18,500sq ft of accommodation and were available at a guide price of £450,000. The property has been bought
by furniture retailer CTH UK Ltd for use as a central distribution base and head office. In the second deal, Michael Steel & Co acted on behalf of Normhurst to sell freehold premises at Newton House, Grey Street, Wakefield. The property, formerly occupied by Wakefield Office Supplies and extending to 7,000sq ft has been sold to Calder Catering, represented by Holroyd Miller, after a guide price in the region of £250,000.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Adele Cartledge
Thorite PNEUMATIC products and process systems supplier Thorite has appointed Adele Cartledge as key accounts manager. Ms Cartledge (pictured) moves from her previous position as supervisor at the firm’s Huddersfield sales and service centre at Barge Street, off St Thomas’ Road, to take up her new post at Thorite’s Bradford head office. Thorite has a network of eight centres in Yorkshire, Lancashire and the north-east. Ms Cartledge, who lives in Bradford, will now be responsible for managing and increasing major manufacturing and processing industry accounts in parts of Bradford, Leeds and Halifax.
Amy Gregory
Manifest Communications MANIFEST Communications has appointed Amy Gregory as a public relations account executive. Ms Gregory (pictured) joins the Huddersfield-based agency from Chocolate PR and has experience working with both consumer and business-to-business clients. In her new role, she will work across a number of PR accounts. Manifest has offices in New North Road and at Grays Inn Road in London. Joint managing director Nev Ridley said: “ We are really pleased to have Amy on board. She has a real passion for PR and – with her previous experience and knowledge – I am confident she will be a real asset to the Manifest team.”
Thea Stein
Movers and shakers
Page 8
Firms with lots to smile about NETWORKING events really work – just ask these two firms. A chance meeting at a networking event has improved business for Golcar-based business-class text messaging provider SMileS and corporate software organisation PPD Computing, of Halifax. Andy Earnshaw, business development manager at SMileS, said: “We work with quite detailed databases and required a customer relationship management system that is sophisticated enough to segment our lists using different criteria. “PPD Computing’s CLIM8 product allows us to do all this and more. “During telesales campaigns, we can add notes, log call-backs and reschedule calls. “In other words, become more disciplined and effective in our approach to our customer relationships, which should lead to a better experience for our customers.” Meanwhile, PPD Computing
has incorporated the SMileS text-messaging system into CLIM8. The system allows marketing or information-based text messages to be sent quickly and easily to an individual or targeted group. It means that PPD Computing clients can communicate effectively with their customers by text as well as enjoying the CRM benefits offered by the sophisticated CLIM8 software. Stuart Amery, marketing co-ordinator PPD Computing, said: “There’s a growing demand for business texting in the marketplace and the SMileS text system is definitely giving us a competitive edge. “It’s given us the opportunity to respond to our customers’ needs by integrating a sophisticated text messaging service with our intuitive software. “We’ve received some excellent feedback from our clients already.”
■ NET GAIN: Andy Earnshaw (left) and Sara Evans, of SMileS, with Peter Walters (second right) and Stuart Amery, of PPD Computing
All part of the service!
Yorkshire Forward YORKSHIRE Forward has appointed Thea Stein as its new chief executive. Ms Stein will take up the role on July 1 for an initial 12-month period. She is currently the regional development agency’s executive director of economic inclusion. Ms Stein joined Yorkshire Forward in 2006 having worked across a wide variety of roles in the public sector. She also has extensive management experience – including managing organisational change and tackling finances. She succeeds Tom Riordan, who is leaving Yorkshire Forward in the summer to become chief executive of Leeds City Council.
Geraldine Wilson-Foat
BTAL Ltd A HUDDERSFIELD woman has been appointed to a dual role with Bradford Training Association Limited. Geraldine Wilson-Foat, who lives at Lindley, joins the Bradford-based training services company to work with senior and middle management in firms throughout Yorkshire and the UK to promote teamwork and help with their training and development. She will also provide human resources services support to SMEs needing help in this area in order to free up management time. Ms Wilson-Foat graduated from Huddersfield University and worked as HR services manager at South Wales-based Total Human Solutions.
■ DRIVING AMBITION: Hepworth Honda service manager Paul Walsh (left) and team leaders Tracey Swallow (second left) and Emma Whittaker receive the Service Excellence Award from Matt Gibson, of Honda UK A CAR dealership in Huddersfield has driven off with a national award. The after-sales team at Hepworth Honda was second overall in the competition– and the highest placed urban dealership – in the Service Excellence Awards made by Honda UK. The team at Hepworth Honda were competing against 189 Honda sites across the country in the annual awards, which surveys large samples of customers to ask their
opinions of service levels. The award was presented at a gala dinner in the New Forest. Matt Gibson, head of customer at Honda UK later visited Hepworth’s Leeds Road dealership to hand the award to service manager Paul Walsh and team leaders Tracey Swallow and Emma Whittaker, who are responsible for the technicians, drivers and other staff whose efforts secured the accolade.
Chocs away for retailers THE co-founder of a world-leading chocolate brand will advise on retail success at a week of events in West Yorkshire. Jo Fairley, co-founder of Green & Black’s, is among the inspiring entrepreneurs to take part in Business Link Yorkshire’s Retail Week, which opens its doors next Tuesday. Jo (pictured) will tell delegates at the Wood Hall Hotel, Wetherby, about how she developed the brand, which is renowned for its quality and ethical credentials. Green & Black’s has now been sold to Cadbury’s, but Jo retains an ambassadorial role, travelling the world to promote its international growth in countries such as Australia and the USA. Other speakers at events during the week will include Jamie Murray Wells, founder and executive chairman of Glasses Direct. He’s the guest speaker on Tuesday, June 29, at Dean Clough in Halifax. He set up his online spectacles business while still at university. Glasses Direct is now the world’s largest online retailer of prescription glasses. Other events during Retail Week include ones on topics such as visual merchandising and profitability at venues in Leeds, Halifax and Bradford. For details of the free events, visit www.yhevents.com or call 08456 048048.