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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Allison has recipe for national finals
CAKE maker Allison Whitmarsh hopes she has the recipe for national success – after being hailed as one of the region’s top young entrepreneurs. Allison’s Marsh-based company, Proper Maid, has impressed judges in the north-east regional finals of the HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards. Now she hopes to be selected to fly the flag for the region at the national finals – and get a shot at landing the top prize of £30,000. Allison launched Proper Maid in July, 2008, after getting help from Huddersfield University’s Business Mine to conduct market research which suggested there was a gap in the market for luxury cakes “with a twist”. Her company was named New Business of the Year in the 2008 Examiner Business Awards – since when she has landed a number of accolades and has sealed a contract to supply nine Asda
stores as well as distributing her tasty concoctions to independent shops and farmers’ markets. She now employs an army of helpers to produce tasty cakes with unusual combinations of ingredients such as chocolate chilli and fudge, chocolate and beetroot and courgette and lime. A dandelion and burdock cake – created in tribute to her home town and Ben Shaws’ famous dandelion and burdock pop – won the award for best bakery product at the 2009 Deliciously Yorkshire Awards. Now Allison is planning a liquorice cake to mark the 250th birthday of Yorkshire’s favourite sweets, Pontefract Cakes. Proper Maid is expanding its premises to support the production of single portion retail packs and is developing contacts with other local suppliers to help increase sales.
Talks are under way with Morrisons, Booths, Tesco and Selfridges – while by 2011 Proper Maid plans to look into the potential of international sales. Huw Morgan, head of business banking for HSBC, said: “HSBC Start-Up Stars is about demonstrating by practical example that – with the right help and support - there are still great opportunities out there for people with the dedication and drive to succeed.” The awards, now in their 10th year, recognise the UK’s most promising young businesses less than four years old – with more than £50,000 worth of cash and prizes waiting for the winners. Proper Maid is hoping to land a place at the top table on October 18 when more than 300 business leaders come together at London’s Dorchester Hotel to hear the names of the national winners.
to keep their companies on track. Ian Steward, managing director of Close Invoice Finance in Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “Strictly speaking, the recession is over, but the reality is that its effects are still having a profound impact on the day to day running of SMEs throughout the country. “During these leaner times, those who remain in employment, along with business owners, are having to work late just to keep afloat and try and make a success of their business.
“This is eating into important downtime set aside for friends and family.” Said Mr Steward: “SME bosses have been the unsung heroes of the recession. “It’s clear that they have made enormous sacrifices and taken significant personal and financial risks to pull their businesses through the last couple of years, often to the detriment of their personal lives.” The research showed that 28% of SME owners and managers had
Tips on tendering KIRKLEES firms will learn the secrets of winning public sector business at a free event in Huddersfield. Bookings are now being taken for Winning Public Sector Business, an event jointly organised by Kirklees Council and Business Link Yorkshire. It will be held on Tuesday, September 7, at the Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top.
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■ SWEET SUCCESS: Allison Whitmarsh from Proper Maid
Long hours hit home life for Yorkshire bosses A QUARTER of bosses who own or manager small and medium-sized firms in Yorkshire have seen their work-life balance worsen in the past 12 months, a survey has revealed. Figures from Close Invoice Finance show that 26% of business owners and managers in the region said their personal lives had suffered as they battled against a tough economic climate. Some 41% said they were working longer hours – while 50% said they were having problems securing loans
INSIDE
delayed their target retirement age in light of the recession – with 15% of those surveyed expecting to continue working into their seventies. “Low interest rates on savings and poor performing pensions mean that many have no choice but to delay their retirement,” said Mr Steward. The research was conducted independently and involved interviews with more than 500 SMEs drawn from sectors including manufacturing, construction, retail, leisure, technology and finance.
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Clough’s challenge CLECKHEATON and Keighley accountancy firm Clough & Co is getting competitive. The firm has launched an online contest to give a would-be entrepreneur the chance to defy the downturn and launch their own business.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
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Aviva holds firm to general insurance AVIVA has ruled out a break-up of the business – as it told shareholders why it spurned a £5bn offer for its general insurance arm. The group said its board had been unanimous in rejecting last month’s proposal from More Than owner RSA, which wanted to buy Aviva’s home and motor insurance operations in the UK, Canada and Ireland. Aviva said there were compelling strategic and financial benefits in continuing to run the general insurance business alongside its pensions and investments division. It said this view was supported by a recent strategic review carried out in conjunction with external advisers. The statement follows criticism from shareholders that Aviva rejected the RSA proposal without consulting
them or notifying the market of the interest. Aviva is the UK’s leading general insurer with an estimated 15% market share – but about 70% of its worldwide profits come from life and pensions. The two businesses operate in different cycles, with the steady cashflows of the general insurance arm seen as helping the whole business. The company said that RSA’s proposal would have left it with the pension liabilities of the general insurance business, as well as its operations in the Netherlands, France, Italy, Poland, Turkey and Singapore. RSA tabled its proposal on July 28 and received a response from the Aviva board on August 6. It is said to have lined up three heavyweight banks in Deutsche Bank,
HSBC and BNP Paribas to work on a possible £5bn rights issue to pay for any bid. The cash call to investors would be one of the biggest in the insurance sector and exceed the company’s market capitalisation of about £4.5bn. RSA later confirmed its proposal to Aviva and said it remained open to
discussions with the company’s board. It also estimated that cost savings of £300m a year could be generated from a tie-up. RSA said it believed a tie-up between “two strongly capitalised businesses, focused on life and general insurance respectively, would be in the interests of both sets of shareholders”. In its statement, RSA noted that no other major UK insurer continued to pursue the composite model of life assurance and general insurance. It said Aviva’s return on equity had been behind those of certain other UK insurers in the last three years, adding: “During the period between 2006 and 2009, RSA’s operating profits remained stable while Aviva’s general insurance operating profits fell by 43%, as disclosed in its annual reports.”
Profits boost for Michael Page
Investors set for windfall
RECRUITMENT firm Michael Page posted a sharp rise in profits after benefiting from a strong performance in overseas markets. Michael Page, one of the UK’s largest recruitment firms, reported a 42% rise in half-year pre-tax profits to £49.6m following an 8% rise in revenues to £393.5m. Operating profits in the UK increased 58.5% to £9.6m, but the biggest gain was seen in Asia Pacific and the Americas. In Asia, operating profits went up to £9.5m from £2m the previous year, while the Americas figure came in at £3.8m, compared with a loss of £1m last year.
INVESTORS in exploration firm Cairn Energy are toasting the prospect of a multi-billion pound windfall from the Indian oil fields it bought more than a decade ago for a fraction of the price. Edinburgh-based Cairn, led by former Scottish rugby international and founder Sir Bill Gammell, owns about 62.4% of Cairn India – which struck oil in Rajasthan in 2004. Cairn is selling most of its stake for up to £5.5bn after buying out Shell from an exploration joint venture between 1997 and 2002 – before the transformational discovery six years ago.
In total, about 70% of Michael Page’s gross profit of £209.6m was generated outside the UK. The firm said the UK business, which increased revenues by 3.6% to £142.8m, had seen “growing evidence of gradual recovery”. The group added that its headcount in the UK “remained largely flat” – standing at 1,218 at the end of June against 1,220 at the same point last year. The group warned that Chancellor George Osbor ne’s emergency budget may threaten future business, but was more optimistic about its expanding overseas presence, where competition is less fierce.
The sale of up to 51% to Indian mining company Vedanta Resources will allow Cairn to invest more resources in its Greenland drilling activities as well as making a “substantial return of cash” to investors. The firm first entered India in the early 1990s and made the discovery in the Mangala field at its 16th attempt in 2004 – propelling Cairn to become the country’s fourth largest oil and gas company. The company has interests in 11 exploration blocks in India and Sri Lanka. It believes there are 4bn barrels of oil in the region, of which about 1bn is recoverable.
Flood of applicants TELECOMS group BT may offer more apprenticeship places after an unprecedented demand for the scheme. The company had nearly 24,000 applications for the 221 apprenticeship places available this year – more than 100 applications per place. More young people applied for the positions on the programme – which offers an annual salary of £11,000 to £14,000 – than the total applications to Oxford University, which attracted 17,000 applications for its 3,000 undergraduate places. BT said it is considering taking advantage of this demand for the scheme, especially in light of its plans to introduce faster, fibre broadband across the UK. Alex Wilson, BT’s human resources director, said: “BT has had unprecedented interest in its apprenticeship scheme. “Given this interest, and BT’s plans to spend £2.5bn on rolling out fibre broadband, the company is now considering whether to expand the scheme. “We’ll need engineers to help us deliver superfast broadband and so we hope to tap into the interest that is being shown by young people across the UK.” Successful applicants go on to specialise in IT, telecoms or customer services.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £26.66 +0.05 Gannett 804.64 -2.55 Hess Corp £33.47 -0.17 Microsoft 1565.29 +9.56 Motors Liquidation 47.82 Wal-Mart Stores £32.19 +0.06 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 1121/2 +1 -43/8 BAE Systems 3043/4 Rolls-Royce Gp 5591/2 AIM Brady Plc 67 +1/2 Dawson Intl 2 Man Brnze 41 +31/2 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 1363/8 +3/4 BANKS Barclays 3181/4 +11/4 HSBC 6541/2 +15/8 3 Lloyds Banking Gp 69 /8 -7/8 7 Ryl Scotland 45 /8 -1 Stan Chart 1715 -1/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1110 +2 SABMiller 1893 -4 CHEMICALS Croda 1279 +20 +11/4 Elementis 98 891/2 Johnsn Mat 1641 +4 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2563/8 +5/8 Costain 199 +33/4 ELECTRICITY Drax Grp 3981/8 +91/4 Intl Power 3643/4 -11/4
Scottish & Sthrn 1121 -4 Energy ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Chloride 3735/8 +5/8 Laird 1251/4 -3/8 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3127/8 +1/8 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 1371/4 -11/4 Cable & Wireless 601/4 -1 Comm 3 Cable & Wireless 61 /4 -1/2 Wwide Colt Group 1201/2 +1/2 KCOM 49 1 +1/2 Talktalk Telecom 125 /2 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2743/8 +3/8 Sainsbury 348 +1/4 1 Tesco 398 /2 -21/2 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1025 +2 Nth Foods 43 Tate Lyle 418 -33/4 Unilever 1703 -2 1 +1/4 Uniq 10 /4 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3241/4 -35/8 National Grid 5311/2 -6 1 -41/2 Pennon Grp 587 /2 Severn 1324 -10 United Utils 5901/2 -21/2 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 2633/4 -11/4 ICAP 392 +2 London StockExch 652 +1 Man Group 2103/8 -3/4
Provident Financial 818 +31/2 Schroders 1371 +4 Schroders NV 1107 +2 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 442 -61/4 REXAM 3021/4 +43/4 Smiths Grp 1154 +3 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 131/4 Carphone Whse 2223/4 +3/4 DSG International 251/4 +5/8 1 Home Retail 216 /4 +1 1 Inchcape 267 /8 +13/8 Kingfisher 2047/8 +11/4 M&S 3325/8 +11/4 Mothercare 500 -5 Next 1942 +18 WH Smith 4053/4 -3/4 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 5721/2 +21/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 813/4 -11/4 Barrat Dev 94 -7/8 3 Persimmon 344 /8 -23/8 Reckitt Benckiser £315/8 +1/2 Taylor Wimpey 271/2 -1/2 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 633 -3 IMI 6991/2 +4 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 2871/2 -13/4 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 1887/8 +1 Forth Ports 1246 -24 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 3777/8 -91/2
911/4 +1/2 1213/8 +5/8 555 +21/2 246 3 210 /8 +5/8 MEDIA BSkyB 7071/2 -11/2 Chrysalis 104 -1 D Mail Tst 4543/4 -13/4 ITV 497/8 -1/8 Johnston Press 16 -1/2 Pearson 976 -7 Reed Elsevier 530 -7 STV Group 85 1 Trinity Mirror 103 /2 Utd Business 551 +2 UTV 120 +11/4 1 WPP 670 /2 -1/2 Yell Group 181/2 -1/2 MINING Anglo American £241/8 +3/8 Antofagasta 1003 +121/2 BHP Billiton 19621/2 +191/2 Eurasian Natural 931 +91/2 Res Fresnillo 1018 +14 Kazakhmys 1176 +20 Lonmin 1494 +9 Rio Tinto £331/8 +1/4 VEDANTA £211/2 +1 RESOURCES Xstrata 1014 +183/8 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 686 -21/2 Vodafone Group 1535/8 +3/8 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1466 +7 RSA Insurance Gp 1241/2 -27/8 Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life
Local shares Carclo Chapelthorpe Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
1511/2 251/2 861/2 5311/2 1182
-1
-6 +8
FTSE closed at
5276.1 Up 0.6 BG 1023 -2 -65/8 BP 4093/4 Cairn Energy 4931/4 +247/8 Royal Dutch Shell A 1772 -51/2 Royal Dutch Shell B 1703 -12 -1/4 Total £313/4 Tullow Oil 1262 +3 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 8791/2 +6 Petrofac 1303 +12 -7/8 Wood Group 3487/8 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry 829 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £331/8 +1/8 Axis-Shield 279 GlaxoSmithK XD 61/2
REAL ESTATE Brit Land 4513/8 Captl Shop Cent 3207/8 DTZ Hldgs 561/4 Hamrsn 3641/8 Land Secs 600 SEGRO 273 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Autonomy Corp 1563 Dimension Data 1211/2 Invensys 2431/2 Logica 1111/4 Misys 266 Sage Group 2363/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Bunzl 688 Capita 7001/2 Davis Service 3635/8 Group De La Rue 688 Electrocomp 2071/4 Experian 6191/2 G4S 2613/4 Hays 89 Homeserve 4685/8 Menzies J 410 Rentokil 981/8 Smiths News 102 Wolseley 1311 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 307 Psion 893/4 Spirent Comms 1243/4 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £225/8 Imperial Tobacco 1865 LEISURE & HOTELS Arriva 7721/2
+2 -51/4 +1 -11/4 +11/2 -1/4 -2 +11/8 +1/8 -3/8 +95/8 -23/8 -1/2 +3 -43/4 -20 -1/4 +2
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
2161/4 £213/8 5051/2 360 891/8 3501/2 1081 4011/2 1069 1323/4 2951/2 2201/8 263 1091/8 1651/8 1991/8 1371
+5/8 -1/8 +41/2 +7/8 -13/4 +13/8 -14 -83/4 -4 +11/2 -25/8 -23/8 -4 -1/2 -1/2 -21/8 -10
FTSE 100
INDEX 5276.10
+0.66
FTSE 250
INDEX 9774.23
-8.08
3
- /4 -57/8 +3 -11/8 -3/4 -18 -1 +11/2 -1/4 +1/8 +15
TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.65 dollars Bangladesh................. 102.32 taka Brazil.............................. 2.47 reals Canada....................... 1.54 dollars China ............................. 9.50 yuan Czech Republic ...... 27.91 korunas Denmark....................... 8.64 krone Euro............................... 1.16 euro Hong Kong................ 11.52 dollars Hungary................... 306.64 forints India.......................... 64.40 rupees Japan........................... 127.73 yen Mexico ....................... 17.69 pesos New Zealand .............. 2.06 dollars Norway ......................... 9.22 krone Pakistan.................. 125.90 rupees Philippines ................. 60.61 pesos South Africa................. 10.63 rand South Korea.............. 1615.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 165.54 rupees Sweden....................... 11.08 krona Switzerland.................. 1.55 francs Taiwan ...................... 43.55 dollars Turkey....................... 2.23 new lira USA ............................ 1.49 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Kevin gets to his goal!
WHEN Kevin Newson was at school he had two contrasting ambitions in life – to become either a professional footballer or a bank manager. “I did get as far as having trials with Huddersfield Town when I was about 15,” says Kevin. “I was a centre-forward, but I was never going to be the next Frank Worthington and I never progressed. “I vividly remember the old Town ground at Leeds Road though – and training sessions running up and down the steps of the old terrace in our football boots.” Kevin restricted his football career to playing at amateur level with Altofts in his home town of Normanton – but has more than achieved his alternative ambition after 31 years with Yorkshire Bank. Kevin, who now lives at Brighouse, is senior partner with the bank’s commercial and private banking operation covering Kirklees and Calderdale. He heads a 14-strong team helping client companies with annual turnovers ranging from £1m to £50m. Although his desk is at the bank’s West Yorkshire Financial Solutions Centre in Bradford, Kevin is more often out and about in Huddersfield and Halifax. “I applied to the Yorkshire Bank and was fortunate enough to get a job,” he says. “I began my mixed,” he says. “Some failing to lend to businesses, career in 1979 at the businesses are still Kevin says Yorkshire Bank Castleford branch and struggling and need a bit of has made a pledge to lend learned the ropes there support, but there are £10bn – including an initial and at Normanton, others doing quite well. A lot £2bn in Yorkshire – by 2011 Pontefract and Selby. of those businesses are to businesses across the “This was at the time of focusing on protecting what UK. the miners’ strike of the they have got rather than Kevin says that while a 1980s and I had a lot of looking to expand, but some growing number are taking involvement in helping are investing in technology advantage of this, many miners and their families and other developments so businesses are still more who had no income they are well-placed to take interested in paying off their coming in and loans to advantage of the recovery debts than borrowing more service. as it gathers pace.. money.. “In 1989, the bank was “I just wish some of the As part of the bank’s own opening new branches in businesses doing well corporate responsibility the south and I was would publicise the fact that activities, former England appointed assistant cricket captain Alec Stewart they are doing well, manager at High has been appointed as one because success breeds Wycombe. I was also of the bank’s ambassadors. success. They are still a bit seconded to the bank’s As a keen sports fan, it is cautious and when the TV treasury department in another sporting link Kevin news says that things are Cheapside, London.” is pleased to promote. not good, they feel they Kevin’s links with “We had the opportunity ought to follow that line. Kirklees and Calderdale began in the 1990s with his However, we need to talk up for Alec to spend a day in Huddersfield recently,” says the economy.” appointment as assistant Kevin. “We took him to a Kevin says: “If they can manager at Halifax. Later, business lunch attended by afford it, companies should he moved to Dewsbury as 250 people at the Galpharm put some money into branch manager before Stadium, where he was one marketing when times are taking up the same role 12 of the speakers. bad. If they promote their months later at “I also have links with the product and brand people Huddersfield – at that time University of Huddersfield will remember their name the Yorkshire Bank’s and it will generate business and we helped some of their third-largest branch. students who were staging When the bank set up its for them.” At a time when the banks a Question of Sport event. private banking operations They had cameras following are being lambasted for two years late, Kevin established the service in Huddersfield. After 12 months in Leeds, he became area manager for private banking across West Yorkshire looking after 19 branches, including Huddersfield and Dewsbury. Five years ago, he was appointed to his current role of senior partner for Kirklees and Calderdale. After 31 years with the bank – most of the time working in Kirklees and Calderdale areas, Kevin can justly claim to have the “local knowledge” and is well-placed to comment on ■ SPORTING: Kevin Newson (second right) and Alec Stewart (seated) launch the partnership between KAL and the current climate facing West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust with (from left) Rob client firms. Wilde, David Heddon, Lauren Moore and Alisdair Brown “The economic picture is
Page 3 Kevin Newson Role: Senior partner Age: 47 Family: Married to Karen with daughters Chantelle, 20, and Rochelle, 17 Holidays: New York and Florida Car: Mercedes CLS First job: Newspaper delivery boy Best thing about job: Meeting people and building relationships with local professionals and business people Worst thing about job: There aren’t enough hours in the day Business tip: Aim to provide excellent customer service
Alec at the stadium as the show’s ‘mystery guest’.” Alec was also invited to launch a charity partnership between the West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust and Kirklees Active Leisure. Kevin is a trustee of KAL, the organisation which is responsible for 11 swimming pools and sports centres across the district. Kevin is also a board member of Huddersfield Town Centre Partnership and an active member of the Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. He says: “From the point of view of the local economy, it is imperative that our town centre is flourishing and successful.” Kevin is also proud of his bank’s Yorkshire roots. Although it is part of the National Australia Bank group, Yorkshire Bank was founded in Halifax in 1859. Kevin argues that the bank has retained its regional identity when some financial institutions have lost theirs. Among his other activities, Kevin is on the committee of the Yorkshire Awards. The bank sponsors the category for Yorkshire Woman of the Year and last year, that award went to Kimberley Walsh, of Girls Aloud. The year before, novelist Jilly Cooper was the winner. Kevin also had a brush with a footballing superstar during a recent holiday in the USA. “I saw a fellow walking around with a group of burly ‘minders’ in Discovery Cove in Florida,” he says. “I asked one of them who the celebrity was. It was Kaka, the Brazilian footballer. I hadn’t recognised him because he didn’t have his football kit on! I got a chance to meet him and get my photo with him.” Away from the glamour of the international game,
Kevin retains an affection for the club he once had hopes of joining and sees Town as a banker for promotion. “I’m optimistic about the new season,” he says. “Hopefully, they will get to the heights they deserve in the Championship next season.”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Yorkshire Bank Work: Commercial and private banking Sites: Kirklees and Calderdale Employees: 14 Phone: 07713 505774 Email: kevin.c.newson@ eu.nabgroup.com
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KIRKLEES BUSIN
YPO is a picture of near-perfection
THE largest local authority purchasing operation in Britain has revealed the secret of its £400m success – its near-perfect customer service and extensive product range. The Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation, which operates across Kirklees and the rest of the region, achieved a rating of “high” from 99% of its customers for range of products and 98% for customer service in an independent survey. YPO, which supplies almost every item and service required by local government, was surveyed by Feefo, a leading customer feedback forum for online traders. YPO combines the buying power of tens of thousands of customers to offer a range of compliant, best value products and services acting as a “one stop shop” with no hidden charges. The positive survey results follow the announcement of a
Legal appeal SOLICITORS in Kirklees have been urged to demonstrate their talents and enter the Law Society Excellence Awards. Lawyers across the district have until next Tuesday to enter for the industry’s most prestigious awards – and make a bid for national recognition for their achievements as outstanding practitioners in the legal sector. The awards will be presented at a dinner on October 21 in London. The contest, launched in 2007, recognises and rewards outstanding practitioners in the legal professions. It is open to individuals and teams across the entire legal sector. The Excellence Awards demonstrate that lawyers continue to innovate and to deliver work of the highest quality despite the challenging economic climate. Go to www.lawsociety.org. uk/excellenceawards
shake-up at the YPO and the appointment of its first board of directors. The board, which is headed by managing director Barry Crowther, which will position the organisation for continued expansion and improvement. Commenting on the survey results, Mr Crowther said: “Understanding our customer needs thoroughly and proactively responding to them is at the core of our values. “This is why it’s vital that we test our sales results against customer feedback. I firmly believe customer insight has been key in securing YPO’s position as the UK’s largest public sector buying organisation. “Although we’re extremely pleased with the results of the survey, we are committed to improving to exceed our customers’ needs, and will continue to strive for 100% customer satisfaction.”
■ HIGHLY RATED: Barry Crowther, managing director of public sector buying organisation YPO, which has achieved near-perfect marks in a poll
Media and the message T is estimated that the majority Inow of individuals in the UK are members of some sort of
social media application – be it a networking site such as Facebook, or a micro-blogging site such as Twitter. Employers have become increasingly wary of such applications, and even the TUC has commented that Facebook users are “HR accidents waiting to happen”. So what are the risks and how can businesses protect against them? Comments made on social media applications may be damaging and may concern an employee’s colleague, or even the business itself. This can open employers up to complaints of discrimination, as they can be vicariously liable for the actions of the employee in certain circumstances. Such behaviour will also inevitably cause difficulties in working relationships, which may result in reduced productivity and problems with workplace morale. Comments may also bring the company into disrepute, particularly where it is easy to associate the employee with the business and its activities. Because of the constant changes and updates on such applications, many employees will use these during working hours, which can have a detrimental impact on quality and productivity. In addition, businesses
EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Neil Wilson
may be vulnerable to the possibility of employees disclosing confidential information on social media applications. Employers should consider putting in place a social media policy (coupled with a well-drafted disciplinary procedure which would clearly set out the repercussions of such disclosure). This would set out clear parameters about per mitted use, without infringing the employee’s general right to privacy and to enjoy his private life. Guidance on such a policy would include stating: ● Whether or not an employee is permitted to use certain sites for professional networking, such as LinkedIn. The rise in social media applications can bring some commercial advantages if managed properly ● Whether use is permitted during working hours, during lunch breaks, or not at all during the working day ● That internet use will be monitored to ensure use is not excessive or unauthorised
● That it should be read in conjunction with related policies and procedures, such as an equal opportunities policy and disciplinary procedure ● That all information contained on social media applications must not be capable in any way of associating the individual with the company ● That confidential information must not be disclosed ● That no discriminatory or derogatory remarks may be made, particularly concerning the company, colleagues, clients and contacts, whether inside or outside of work ● That employees must not use any logos, images or trademarks relating to the company on any social media applications ● That any personal blogs contain clear disclaimers stating that the views expressed by the employee is his alone and does not represent the views of the company ● That disciplinary action may be taken in the event of any breach of the policy
Neil Wilson is an employment lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors
Workshop has a tender touch KIRKLEES companies are set to learn the secrets of winning public sector business. Firms interested in securing public sector contracts have been invited to attend a free event in Huddersfield. Bookings are now being taken for Winning Public Sector Business, an event jointly organised by Kirklees Council and Business Link Yorkshire. It will be held on Tuesday, September 7, at the Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top. Delegates will learn more about opportunities for supplying goods and services to local authorities and other public sector buyers, such as the NHS, West Yorkshire Police and Huddersfield University. Putting together tenders for public sector work can sometimes seem daunting and complicated – as companies have to meet a range of standards before they can apply. The workshop aims to help them meet those standards and become “tender ready”. The event will be divided into two – with a beginners’ session taking place from 9.30am to noon for those new to the tender process. The advanced session from 1.30pm to 3.30pm will benefit those with some experience of tendering and bidding for contracts. Clr Christine Stanfield, Kirklees Council’s lead cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Kirklees Council is very supportive of our local businesses and this is a brilliant way to inform them of the process they need to go through to secure council contracts. “There are some excellent businesses in the district and we look forward to working with more of them.” To register, call 08456 048048 or visit www.yhevents.com
Get set, go! KIRKLEES women seeking careers in science, engineering and technology (SET) can now get subsidised professional coaching to help them further their ambitions. Bradford-based UKRC – the government’s lead organisation for the provision of advice, services and policy consultation regarding the under-representation of women in the sector – has recruited several new Yorkshire-based coaching professionals for its GetSET Women Coaching initiative. They will enable women working in SET to access up to six hours of subsidised coaching to further their careers. For more information go to www.getsetwomen.org
NESS NEWS
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Past perfect? It’s time to look to the future S business leaders across A Britain who weathered the economic storm prepare for
the soap-making enterprise that became Unilever. More recently, James Dyson reinvented the vacuum cleaner and breathed new the upturn, many will recall life into a technologically stale marsome of the strategies that made their company a success ket, making millions along the way. in the first place. Each shows that innovation can But will that be enough? Markets change over time but there is still occur in any part of a business plenty to be learnt from the success- operation and each has had more ful growth of great British busi- than their fair share of copyists. It’s n e s s e s o f t h e p a s t f e w no good seeing what a competitor does and then just try to do it better. hundred years. Innovation is the key to a success- British businesses must go back to ful company – and if British busi- doing things differently. British business needs to look nesses can't compete on the mass market, they have to compete where abroad. It is important that Britain innovation is key and simply come creates a network of international trading routes (not least through up with something different. Finding something “different” is operations like the British East as relevant today as it has ever been India Company). Today, British because – with the growing commer- businesses must once again identify cial force of nations like China and opportunities abroad, particularly India – competition on a global in the many emerging markets scale has never been so fierce. around the globe. Markets to conBack in the 19th century, William sider aside from the obvious – H e s k e t h L e v e r d i s c o v e r e d Brazil, Russia, India and China – something different – the power of are Indonesia, Vietnam or Turkey. branding and advertising – to build Labour costs in this country are
BANKER’S BLOG Jill Hague
considerably higher than that of the developing world, so inevitably we need to send a lot of manufacturing to the developing world. There are considerable advantages there for British businesses. Also relevant in today’s climate, and something that Britain should build on from the past, is grit and determination. While timing is important when it comes to business decisions, there is simply nothing that can beat willpower and a willingness to learn from mistakes. It’s a cliché but there is no substitute for hard work. One lesson that British business leaders should learn from the past is perseverance, and if
you encounter an obstacle, don't give up. Global trade has changed The Great British Business Alliance is keen to point out that the business world is ever-changing, and while there is value in understanding what made British businesses great in the past, the reality is that worldwide markets have not always existed in the same way they do today. But this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. If you go back 100 years, businesses in Britain didn’t need to contend with companies from the likes of China and Russia or any other emerging countries. Consumers
Jill Hague is HSBC area commercial director for Calderdale and Kirklees
nowadays can look for things all over the world – it's not just a case of going to the local shop. Recognising the opportunities offered by new technologies can also reap rewards for business leaders. In the early years of the 20th century, Henry Royce, co-founder of Rolls-Royce, abandoned steam for the internal combustion engine. Later on, he recognised the value of expanding into the aircraft market, with great success. Great Britain has a proud commercial past and although the specific challenges that business leaders face today are different from those in years gone by, the qualities that successful business people have always shown will still contribute to success. Crucial ingredients like hard work, innovative thinking and taking advantage of opportunities presented by new markets and new technology can all help to make British business great For more information go to www.business.hsbc.co.uk and click on the International Business tab.
Fund managers line up A NEW £90m fund to boost growing businesses in Yorkshire has now signed contracts with the fund managers responsible for investing the money. Finance Yorkshire is the new venture and capital loan fund provided by Yorkshire Forward to invest in businesses across the region. It begins investing this month and is set to complete its investment phase by December, 2013. A consortium made up of NorthStar Equity Investors, NEL, EV and FSY will manage the £90m fund, which is available to help small and medium businesses meet the gaps in funding they need for growth and development. The £90m fund is split into three sections – targeting loan and equity investments into start-ups, technology based companies and growing SMEs. The Seedcorn Fund, managed by EV, will invest up to £780,000 in pre-revenue, high risk, early stage innovative technology and knowledge-based businesses. The Seedcorn Fund has a total of £15m to invest in companies that have the potential of high returns. The Small Loan Fund will be managed by FSY and will be providing gap loan finance for capital expenditure and working capital to
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■ FUNDING BODY: Members of the Finance Yorkshire team (from left) Karl Hodson, Michael Bakewell, Ashwin Kumaraswamy, Ian Howson, Ed French (seated) Barrie Hensby and Tony Goulbourn.
assist with the growth and development of businesses. The loans will typically be unsecured and will range from £15,000 to £150,000. The Small Loan Fund has a total of £27m to invest. Northstar Equity Investors and NEL will be responsible for managing the Equity Fund, with a total of £48m available to support larger expansion plans. The Fund will make equity based investments,
including mezzanine finance from £100,000 to £2m and will support a range of activities including growth, capital expenditure and some larger start-up ventures. James Newman, chairman of Finance Yorkshire, said: “The fund managers we have chosen are some of the best in the country in delivering this kind of finance to businesses.”
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Seminar aims to tempt tycoons to try Tasmania YORKSHIRE entrepreneurs are wanted Down Under. The Tasmanian state government is looking for business people to emigrate and set up companies on the island. Now the government is working with migration specialists The Emigration Group and the National Bank of Australia – parent of Yorkshire Bank – to hold a free seminar in Leeds offering advice to potential business migrants. Paul Arthur, director of The Emigration Group, said: “Tasmania offers lots of opportunities for business people. “The economy is thriving and with the state government actively encouraging eligible migrants to come over and set up companies, it makes a great choice for entrepreneurs with sound business experience.” Tasmania is less than one hour’s flying time from Melbourne and under two hours from Sydney. Mr Arthur said the island offered a range of business and employment opportunities for skilled and business migrants – with thriving manufacturing, farming and wine growing industries. Tasmania also had the lowest labour costs and labour turnover in Australia as well as the cheapest land and accommodation prices and one of the best rates of state taxes for businesses. Said Mr Arthur: “Tasmania is a sought after area with lots of people looking to migrate there. “The island has the laid back and low stress lifestyle of Australia, but isn’t so vast and spread out. “Everything is in driving distance and the island does offer something for most tastes, from lively cities like Hobart to stunning mountains, pristine lakes and beaches.” The free seminar will be held on Thursday, September 9, at Yorkshire Bank’s offices in Merrion Way, Leeds. To book one of the 25 places available call 0845 230 2526 or visit www.emigrationgroup.co.uk
local
Failure rate falls for companies
FEWER companies are falling into insolvency – but the number of personal insolvencies remains high, latest figures have revealed. Statistics from the government’s Insolvency Service showed that 777 companies were placed into administration in England and Wales during the second quarter of 2010 – 24.3% down on the same period last year. The number of personal insolvencies rose by 5% in the second quarter of 2010 against the same period last year to stand at 34,743. Joe McLean, partner and head of Grant Thornton’s recovery and reorganisation division in Yorkshire, said: “Administrations have now fallen for five quarters in a row since they ■ WARNINGS: Joe McLean and Anne peaked in the first quarter of 2009, which saw Morrison, of Grant Thornton in Yorkshire, report conflicting trends for insolvencies 1,311 companies fall into administration. “This is a welcome trend in the number of business failures, but the UK economy is not ery of the UK economy will suffer some out of the woods yet. The recent lacklustre setbacks, which is why the Bank of England performance of the important services sector is kept interest rates on hold at 0.5%. The a real cause of concern, coming before the full purchasing managers’ index indicates that full impact of the reductions in government spend- year growth may well fall short of the 1.1% rise ing and the impending VAT rise. We expect to in GDP reported in the second quarter of see an increase in business failures in out- 2010.” Anne Morrison, head of private client sersourcing, as well as the hotel and leisure vices at Grant Thornton in Yorkshire, said services sectors. "There is widespread concern that the recov- personal insolvencies had remained at a very
high continuing level over the past 12 months – and the trend was set to continue. “The outlook for the next few years is pretty grim as it is now clear that large numbers of public sector jobs will go as the Government acts to reduce the deficit,” she said. "The effect of that may not be felt immediately as there is usually a lag between rises in unemployment and the insolvency figures but, with work hard to come by in the private sector too, it is inevitable that some of these people will fall into the personal insolvency trap adding to those who are already in trouble. With the drop in house prices and consumer credit harder to come by, many have lost the ability to manoeuvre.” The personal insolvency figures show a 17.9% drop in bankruptcy orders compared to the previous quarter and a 20.6% decrease against the same period last year. However this reflects the introduction of Debt Relief Orders, which rose by 11.5% on the previous quarter to 6,295 and a 14.3% jump in the number of IVAs on the previous quarter to 13,466, which is 10.2% higher than the corresponding quarter of the previous year and the highest number ever.
Breakfast will go with a bang!
Trio gain rating in guide for lawyers THREE lawyers at a Huddersfield law firm have received awards in the Good Lawyer Guide. Jeff Woodward, Viv Lewis and Ruth Millar, of Edgerton-based Armitage Sykes, have gained “Outstanding Legal Practise Awards in the independent guide, which rates more than 50,000 solicitors in England and Wales. Said Mr Woodward: “These awards are not easy to gain as they are presented by the guide based on performance and feedback from clients rather than our firm applying for the ranking. “Family law is a sensitive area to practise at any time – and for three of us to receive these based on our client’s views is especially meaningful.” The family practise has been a key part of the firm for many years. Mr Woodward and Mr Lewis are founder members of the Law Society’s specialist family panel and children’s panel.
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■ PIZZA THE ACTION: Business celebrity Brad Burton has been lined up as a key speaker at the Kirklees Business Conference 2010
THE sparks are set to fly at a major business event in Huddersfield. Straight-talking business celebrity Brad Burton is among the speakers lined-up for the Kirklees Business Conference 2010 – and he has a reputation as a motivational speaker who packs a real punch on the podium. Conference organiser Danny Matharu said: “He delivers hard hitting messages in a way that has audiences laughing as well as questioning the way they currently do things in equal measure It’s powerful stuff if you want a fresh take on business, networking and motivation. “As a real small business owner and having suffered all of the worries, challenges and indignities of launching a business – in massive personal debt and having to deliver pizzas in the early days – Brad knows what it’s like and tells it how it is.” Manchester-born Brad was told his idea for a business would never work – but he proved his critics wrong to
spearhead the fastest-growing business breakfast network in the world with more than 200 groups across the UK. Brad has also engaged in social media in a big way and has more than 25,000 4Networking members and thousands of Twitter followers who relish his challenging and controversial opinions on business issues. The Kirklees Business Conference takes place on Thursday, September 30, at the Galpharm Stadium. The event kicks-off with a 4Networking breakfast meeting. It also includes an exhibition showcasing more than 50 companies as well as a full programme of seminars, a business clinic and a chill out room where massages and healthy food are available. All delegate places are FREE and can be booked at www.kirkleesbusiness conference.co.uk
Branch staff help society score hat-trick WORKERS at a building society in Huddersfield have helped their employer complete a hat-trick of awards. Leeds Building Society, which has a branch in Market Street, was named Best Regional Branch Network in the Your Money Direct Awards 2010. The award recognises the society’s staff for outstanding customer service. The society has already won accolades in
the 2010 Moneyfacts Awards for Best Notice Account Provider and Best No Notice Account Provider. The society won its latest award after being shortlisted and then subjected to a mystery shopper visit. Entrants were scored on criteria including product knowledge, ability to complete the sales process and time taken to fulfil the quote with product literature.
The award was presented at a ceremony held in the City of London. Ann Bailey, Huddersfield branch manager, said: “I am absolutely delighted Leeds Building Society has won the award. “To come out on top in this award is a testament to the quality of service our staff provide to people in Huddersfield and throughout the country and the competitive products that we have brought to the market.”
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Improvement for Yorkshire CHEAPER rents have helped increase the take-up of industrial space in Yorkshire, a survey has revealed. The latest DTZ Research UK Property Times Industrial market report showed a marked take-up across the region during the second quarter of the year. By contrast, the UK overall volume of available space in units exceeding 50,000sq ft fell during the quarter due to sustained high levels of grade A take-up and a reduced rate of return of grade B and C stock. Total take-up fell by 15%, although the proportion of grade A space remained elevated at 48% of the total – with the outlook for prime headline rents set to remain stable. The report said the availability of large volumes of grade B space meant the market would prove to be a battleground for landlords during 2010, with many looking to customise stock to attract smaller local occupiers.
A slowdown in the return of secondhand units over 50,000sq ft back to the market means DTZ anticipates that availability will peak in 2010. Annual take-up in 2010 is set to increase by a third on 2009 volumes, driven mainly by tenants taking grade A or good quality grade B space. The surveys aid take-up in Yorkshire and Humberside increased markedly and was solely driven by grade A space. The offer of cheaper rents and a shortage of grade A space in the more traditional distribution centres meant Yorkshire had started to attract inward movers. Mike Baugh, industrial director at DTZ in West Yorkshire, said: “The Yorkshire market is experiencing an increase in take-up activity in 2010, driven by the lack of speculative built accommodation in the rest of the UK and the region’s good transport infrastructure.”
■ UPBEAT: Mike Baugh, industrial director for DTZ in West Yorkshire
Auction stations COMMERCIAL property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton is making an entrance into the auction market. The auction team joins from Colliers International and consists of auctioneer Simon Riggall and colleagues Richard Argles and Graham Johnston. Its client base draws largely from the public sector, private and institutional investors and the insolvency sector. LSH chief executive officer Ezra Nahome said: “To bring in an experienced and reputable auction team is a great opportunity for us. It is a natural fit with our national platform and provides our clients with another important route to market.” The auction team has a strong presence in the public sector, having sold for more than 150 local authorities and more than 60 government bodies. Sales over the past six years have raised more than £930m. Mr Nahome said: “The public sector is highly active at present and – given that 25% of our revenue is derived from this sector – the auction team will provide an important service to our clients. In addition, the recovery sector has not as yet seen material sales of smaller lot properties, ideal for the auction market. We expect this to change over the next twelve months.”
Shortage of stock drives up prices A SHORTAGE of properties to let drove up the average price for renting a house for the fifth month running during July, according to a new report. The increase logged by letting agent network LSL Property Service supports the latest quarterly survey from the Association of Registered Letting Agents. The survey revealed that 70% of agents have more potential tenants than properties available to let. ARLA operations manager Ian Potter described the prospect of a severe rental housing shortage as “ever more likely” while landlord portal LettingZone has estimated that the shortage will continue for four to five years. Amy Wray, managing director of Holmfirth-based Applegate Lettings, said: “We are hoping that this high demand will encourage developers and investors to
Clayware firm on form CLAYWARE manufacturer Naylor Industries plc has been re-accredited as an Investor in People – for the fourth time. The Cawthorne-based company, which draws many of its employees from the Kirklees area, was assessed once again on its systems for staff induction, training, appraisal and communication and passed with flying colours.
The assessor’s visit was co-ordinated by Helen Jowitt, who has also been awarded NVQ level 4 in business administration. Chief executive Edward Naylor said: “We were one of the first companies to achieve Investors in People status and we are obviously pleased to again receive external recognition of our development of our people.”
enter the lettings market. “Landlords currently have the opportunity to secure good rents and good tenants, with small vacancy periods and relative security for the next few years at least.” Applegate Lettings covers West and South Yorkshire and is one of the very few local agents to be ARLA qualified and a member of the Ombudsman for Letting Agents. Said Ms Wray: “We’re one of the only agents offering a specialised, dedicated service, with no sales to take priority over lettings. “We’re efficient, we have really good communication with our customers and we make sure they always feel looked after, so we’re hoping that we will be hearing from more landlords who can help meet this continued level of demand.”
Success for small screen A HOUSEBUILDER is in the picture – after its online television channel was shortlisted for a national award. Redrow.TV was launched less than six months ago to promote its homes and developments around the UK. It is now one of four projects competing for the title of Best Marketing Initiative in the 2010 Housebuilder Awards for innovation and excellence. Kim Peters, Redrow’group sales and marketing director, said: “The Housebuilder Awards are a highlight of the housebuilding calendar, celebrating the very best of the industry and recognising the achievements of those leading the way in innovation.
■ CREDITED: Helen Jowitt, who co-ordinated the assessor’s visit for Naylor Industries' Investors in People re-assessment, and who has recently gained NQV Level 4 in business administration
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“Two years ago we won the overall Housebuilding Innovator of the Year title for a combination of our regeneration work, community involvement, marketing and training initiatives. We’re delighted to be leading the way once again in a new and different area.” The awards are organised by Housebuilder Media, a leading information provider for the housebuilding industry and publisher of Housebuilder magazine. They feature categories for innovative design, product development, sustainability, marketing and regeneration and community involvement. Winners will be announced on October 28 in London.
Appointment PROPERTY consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton has appointed Marie Webster as facilities manager with its Yorkshire property management team. Ms Webster, who will be working from the firm’s Leeds and Sheffield offices, previously worked at Ashtenne and Highcross. She will be responsible for
contractor management, reactive and planned maintenance, health and safety compliance . She will also be in charge of delivering best practice across LSH’s rapidly-expanding portfolio of managed properties throughout Yorkshire. LSH’s property management team has more than 6m sq ft of property under management across Yorkshire.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Emily Smith & James Scarr
Fantastic Media MARKETING agency Fantastic Media has appointed Emily Smith and James Scarr (above) to its account management team. Ms Smith joins as account executive to support the team across the agency’s broad range of clients, including Paxman Coolers, Card Factory, Chadwick Lawrence and Northern Commercials. Ms Smith joins the agency after graduating from Huddersfield University with a degree in advertising, media and design management . Mr Scarr becomes as account manager. Before joining Fantastic Media he worked for a number of full service and digital agencies in Yorkshire across a range of industry sectors, from retail and automotive to sports and leisure. Andy Hobson, managing director at Fantastic, said: “The agency keeps growing and gaining more clients so it was essential for us to recruit more members to the account management team.”
Movers and shakers
Sponsor steps up for student
A CONSULTANCY helping strengthen supply chain links has pledged to support Huddersfield students entering the logistics industry. Samuel Fagan, a second-year student at Huddersfield University’s department of logistics, transport and tourism, has been named student of the year and was presented with an award sponsored by SCALA at an official presentation evening. The award marks the most recent collaboration between the firm and the university. SCALA, based at the Media Centre, Northumberland Street, has worked with the department on numerous projects, including introducing world-class professional training technology – virtual supply-chain management simulation tool
Fresh Connection – into a suite of degree programmes in the first academic application of the innovative software in the UK. John Perry, managing director at SCALA, said: “SCALA is committed to helping organisations refine their supply chain and logistics performance and key to this is developing new talent in the next generation of logistics personnel. “Supporting young people in the industry is an important part of our company values and we are delighted to present Samuel Fagan with this award as recognition of his achievements to date.” Prof Colin Bamford, associate dean at Huddersfield University, said: “Samuel has performed exceptionally well among his peers.”
Going beyond the Fringe
John Higgs & Andy Pearson
Technal ARCHITECTURAL aluminium supplier Technal has made two appointments to its business development team. The Wakefield-based company has named John Higgs (right, above) as regional sales manager while Andy Pearson (below) takes up the post of business development manager dealing with main contractors. Mr Higgs takes responsibility for managing a team of territory managers spanning the Midlands to the south coast and London. Mr Pearson has worked in the window and façade systems sector for 20 years, including 18 years as business development manager for a leading fabricator of Technal products. In his new role, he will work with main contractors across the UK.
Jonathan Boulton, Adam Semple, Lesley Mitchell, Debra Halcrow, Luke Hanson & Sam Smith
PwC SIX senior appointments have been made by PricewaterhouseCoopers in Yorkshire. PwC has promoted Jonathan Boulton to partner and Adam Semple, Lesley Mitchell, Debra Halcrow, Luke Hanson and Sam Smith to director. Mr Boulton leads the north's IT and project assurance team. Mr Semple is a director in the firm's northern assurance team while Ms Halcrow leads the firm's transaction and shareholder disputes team in the north. In her new role, she will work with companies in the area to help protect value in future transactions. Ms Mitchell is a director in the firm’s assurance team while Mr Hanson is a director in the northern financial services team. Mr Smith is a director in the firm’s human resource services team.
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■ BOOKING: Andy Green will be presenting his ‘One Man Pecha Kucha’ and also offering a creativity doctor service to workplaces during the Edinburgh International Marketing Festival A WEST Yorkshire creativity expert is set to test the pulse of the marketing industry. Andy Green, of Wakefield-based GREEN Communications and a visiting research fellow at Huddersfield University, is bringing a creative twist to the first-ever Edinburgh International Marketing Festival. Andy will be presenting his “One Man Pecha Kucha” and also offering a creativity doctor service to workplaces during the festival. which runs from August 23 to 25. He will be condensing the knowledge from his five books, 30 years experience, 20 award wins – and an ear and eye for the funny, unusual and inspirational – in the one man presentation. Pecha Kucha, which is Japanese for “chit chat” consists of a series of presentations using 20 Powerpoint slides, each showing for just 20 seconds. It normally features seven different speakers. Andy is planning to travel around Edinburgh in his “world’s smallest
conference centre” where he will also be offering the equivalent of a creativity doctor service – providing free one-to-one consultations to help solve problems, spot new opportunities and pass on tips and advice to improve creative and flexible thinking skills. Topics covered in his seven minute presentations include: Even Less is More – how to achieve more in life, be a green shoot in the Upturn when you have less resources; Stupid Aid – is the world getting more stupid and how creative thinking is the nemesis of stupidity; and even How to Love The New Tramway System in Edinburgh. Andy is an author and expert on creativity and brand communications whose work has been translated into eight languages. The festival features speakers from leading agencies and brands, debates on hot marketing topics and work by award-winning creatives. Said Andy: “The Festival is about celebrating creativity, so we are bringing the festival to different workplaces around Edinburgh.”
■ SUPPLY LINE: John Perry (left), of SCALA, with student Samuel Fagan (centre) and Colin Bamford, associate dean at Huddersfield University
Time to get competitive A YORKSHIRE accountancy firm has launched an online competition to give a would-be entrepreneur the opportunity to defy the economic downturn and launch their own business. The winner of the competition run by Cleckheaton and Keighley firm Clough & Co will receive 12 months of business mentoring as well as all the start-up advice and accountancy services they need to put their business on the road to success. The entrants will be judged by the firm’s team of partners. The winner will be the person who the judges decide can make the biggest impact within the industry they choose. Steven Gash (pictured), practice chairman of Clough & Co, said: “Everyone has had a business idea at some point in their lives and this competition is open to anyone who would like to explore the possibility of turning theirs into a reality. “There's no doubt that the economic downturn has deterred many people from starting businesses, but hopefully this competition can offer the winner the best possible chance of making a success of it. “We offer a full range of accountancy disciplines across all industries so we're well placed to guide a would-be entrepreneur through the pitfalls of running and building a successful business.” Said Steven: “Anyone considering starting a business has to think about their priorities and consider both the ups and downs of running a business. “We also understand that it is a completely life changing decision for most people so even if someone enters the competition and then has second thoughts they can withdraw at any point.” To enter, submit details at www.clough.co.uk before the closing date of August 31.