HELEN THEWLIS Lawyer on the family beat Full inter view - Page 3
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JANICE HUTTON Firm in the good books Stor y - Page 5
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Getting their teeth into £8m scheme
A FAMILY-OWNED construction services firm has taken a bigger bite of business. Illingworth & Gregory, based at Milnsbridge, has completed its largest-ever contract – an £8m deal to install entirely new facilities for the dental department at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, based at Leeds University. The 72-week project was carried out in four phases and included demolishing the existing dental facilities and fitting new walls, partitions, reception counters, medical facilities and dental cubicles – including more than 90 dental chair positions. The work, which was carried out in four phases with minimum disruption to staff and students, also included full electrical and mechanical installation and providing new floor coverings, suspended ceilings, decorations, doors, blinds, curtain tracks wall and door protection throughout. The company won the contract in competition with multi-national construction companies after a lengthy tendering process, which included completing pre-qualifying questionnaires, interviews and presentations to the clients. Illingworth & Gregory was founded in 1972 by John Illingworth and David Gregory as joinery contractors involved in areas such as supplying doors and windows and fitting out shops and pubs. John Illingworth bought out David Gregory in 1993, taking the firm into the ownership of the Illingworth family. While John retains a consultancy role as chief executive – and his wife Diane also remains involved – the day-to-day running of the business is now in the hands of sons James and Jez. James, who has a degree in commercial management and quantity surveying, joined the company after working for a major multi-national contractor. Jez, a former professional footballer with Huddersfield Town, joined after gaining a degree in international management. The company, which has grown to employ 51 people, has diversified over the years and now tackles building, refurbishment, bespoke joinery, design and build projects and minor projects.
INSIDE Scope widens A TOOL supplier is taking its first steps trading outside Kirklees. Rapid Hire Centres, which has shops in Honley, Elland and at Leeds Road in Huddersfield, has teamed up with Lockwood-based internet specialists ICUK, to create a new online shop for building professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
● Full story - Page 4
■ BUILDING PLAN: Jez Illingworth (above, left) with brother James Illingworth, of Illingworth and Gregory. Dental booths (above, right) installed by the Milnsbridge-based firm at Leeds University
Major projects have included work to refurbish a street of council houses in Grimsby, building a school for the Wakefield diocese, refitting the library at Sheffield Hallam University and carrying out refurbishment and extensions at Almondbury Methodist Church. Another major scheme was to undertake refurbishment work at the Yorkshire Museum and the Castle Museum in York, which included the careful transfer of artefacts. Said James: “The company is continually diversi-
fying in terms of the work we do and the clients we do it for. “When I joined in 1993 most of the work was for pubs and nightclubs. Now we still operate in the leisure sector, but we also work for schools, hospitals, churches and local authorities.” Jez added: “We still undertake joinery manufacturing providing items like bars, doors, counters and reception areas. “Some of our joinery work ends up abroad, particularly in Singapore and the Far East. “But we are increasingly finding ourselves ranked alongside major contractors on tender lists and we can tackle any size of contract from £10,000 to several million pounds.” The directors said Illingworth & Gregory had weathered the recession thanks to its involvement with long-term projects “topped up” by smaller contracts – and its policy of re-investing in the business. However, they said the firm was braced for an expected cut in public sector spending. “A lot of out competitors have gone,” said James. “That means we have got a bigger market share. However, others are coming into our sector. “We are being approached by clients because we have experience and a track record of projects.” Illingworth & Gregory has also undergone a rebranding to refresh its logo and focus on its ethos as a family firm able to tackle large-scale projects.
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Miami, nice! AN architect hailing from Huddersfield and working in the New York has been given the task of organising a major event – the annual meeting of the Royal Institute of British Architects USA at Miami Beach, Florida.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
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BP clean-up costs at £523m and rising OIL group BP said the cost of cleaning up the massive spill in the Gulf of Mexico had hit about £523m so far. BP said it was too early to put a final figure on the clean-up bill as lawsuits continued to flood in and as cash was pumped into efforts to halt the leak and minimise the environmental toll. The cost has soared by £93m in the past week alone. So far, 23,000 claims have been filed and 9,000 have been paid, according to BP. The group has made grants to the affected states of Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi to help with their clean-up costs.
But oil is still spilling out at an estimated rate of about 5,000 barrels a day. BP has been collecting oil from a mile-long siphon tube. However, this is only capturing about 2,010 barrels a day on average. The BP-operated Deepwater Horizon rig exploded and sank on April 20, killing 11 workers and causing an environmental disaster. The group began drilling two relief wells earlier this month at about 13,000ft below the seabed in an attempt to cut off the flow of oil, but these are expected to take three months to complete. In the meantime it is looking
at plans to plug the well by injecting special fluids to stem the flow of oil, followed by cement to seal it. Work is also continuing to try to disperse the huge oil slick which has reached the surface of the sea – with more than 1,100 boats and recovery vessels being used and nearly 2.5m ft of boom. US President Barack Obama has accused BP of a “breakdown of responsibility” as he announced a six-month investigation into the disaster. BP also pledged an extra £345.2m for independent research into the impact of the Deepwater Horizon disaster on the marine environment.
■ PROTEST: Members of Greenpeace hoist an “oil-stained” BP logo on the balcony at the company’s London offices
Chloride aims to power ahead
Preparing for expansion
POWER protection firm and bid target Chloride reported clear signs of a recovery in its core markets. Chloride, which has rejected a £723m unsolicited bid from US industrial giant Emerson Electric, reported a 5% drop in underlying pre-tax profits to £41.4m in the year to March 31. But the group said it had performed “resiliently” and gave a confident outlook for the year ahead after orders for the new financial year rose by 16% to £160m. Chloride, which provides blue-chip companies with systems to protect against power outages, firmly rebuffed the takeover pro-
P AW N B R O K I N G b u s i n e s s Albemarle & Bond announced a string of frontline appointments as it prepares its management team for expansion. The group has taken on five new managers to help lead a push to take advantage of a revival in demand on the back of soaring gold prices. Albemarle said the business continued to perform well in the second half of its financial year so far, with the pledge book in its core pawnbroking arm – accounting for 60% of profits – seeing about 10% growth year-on-year. It is opening a swathe of new stores
posal from long-time suitor Emerson in April. But the market is waiting for news of its bidder’s next move amid expectations of a potential higher offer. The UK company was best known for making batteries, but has been providing secure power since 2000. It employs 2,300 people in 15 countries, including 374 in the UK. Chloride revealed restructuring costs of £5.9m after tough action to cut costs during the recession – trimming head office and administration functions. With these costs and other one-offs taken into account, profits were 25% lower at £29.9m.
under its Cheque and Pawn and Herbert Brown brands to capitalise on the surge in pawnbroking trade. Fifteen stores will open in the first half of this year with another 25 during the nw financial year. Albemarle has also completed a pilot for nine temporary “pop-up” shops dedicated to purchasing gold – and said it would open a further six after the trials made “excellent returns and short paybacks”. The appointments include Mike Harrison, of the Original Factory, as head of property, and Kevin Allfrey, formerly of Lloyds Banking Group as head of e-commerce.
Red tape costs rise BRITISH businesses have faced another £11bn in red tape and new regulation costs over the past year, research suggests. The latest Burdens Barometer from the British Chambers of Commerce estimates the cumulative financial impact of rules and regulations has now hit a mammoth £88.3bn since 1998. The report, which is compiled by experts from the London and Manchester Business Schools, calculates there have been 40 new regulations imposed on the sector since 2009. Recent rules include the new light vehicle emission standards, which have a recurring cost to business of £1.48bn, according to the study. Ahead of the Queen’s Speech today, the BCC called for the government to take the opportunity to repeal regulations where the costs outweigh the benefits. David Frost, director general of the BCC, said: “The cost of dealing and complying with new laws and regulations over the last 12 years has been far too high. “During this critical time for the economy, we need businesses to be driving recovery and creating jobs. But the Government must play its part by putting the brakes on the relentless flow of red tape.”
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £27.46 -0.10 Gannett 1027.75 +18.69 Hess Corp £36.01 -0.61 Microsoft 1838.88 -18.69 Motors Liquidation 51.91 Wal-Mart Stores £35.57 +0.01 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 1101/2 +31/2 BAE Systems 3263/4 +31/8 Rolls-Royce Gp 5711/2 +71/2 VT Group 7351/2 +51/2 AIM Brady Plc 601/2 Dawson Intl 21/4 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 119 -1/4 BANKS Barclays 3007/8 +2 HSBC 6303/4 +11/2 Lloyds Banking Gp 551/2 -3/8 Ryl Scotland 453/8 +1/8 Stan Chart 1633 +20 BEVERAGES Diageo 1054 +6 SABMiller 1908 +46 CHEMICALS Croda 9201/2 -11/2 Elementis 98 661/4 +61/4 Johnsn Mat 1537 +4 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS 3 Balfour Beatty 249 /4 +11/4 Costain 1981/2 +3 ELECTRICITY Drax Grp 3297/8 +33/8 1
Scottish & Sthrn 1035 -4 Energy ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Chloride 2831/2 -3/4 Laird 1151/8 +11/2 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3161/8 -13/8 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 1251/4 +1/4 Cable & Wireless 583/4 Comm Cable & Wireless 773/4 -1/4 Wwide Colt Telecom 1253/4 +43/4 KCOM 421/4 3 Talktalk Telecom 111 /4 +1/4 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2621/4 +1/2 Sainsbury 3211/4 +45/8 Tesco 400 +21/4 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 9401/2 +81/2 Nth Foods 461/4 -3/4 1 Tate Lyle 434 /8 +71/4 Unilever 1840 -3 -1/4 Uniq 151/4 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 2727/8 +1/4 National Grid 5641/2 +1 1 Pennon Grp 489 /2 +65/8 Severn 1137 +11 +21/2 United Utils 5321/2 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 2801/2 +1 -23/8 ICAP 3663/4 London StockExch 6421/2 -1 1
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Provident Financial 819 -11/2 Schroders 1292 -19 Schroders NV 1028 -10 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 449 -1 REXAM 3003/4 -7/8 Smiths Grp 1044 -4 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 14 +1/2 Carphone Whse 187 +113/4 7 DSG International 25 /8 +3/8 Home Retail 2433/4 -21/8 Inchcape 2907/8 +53/8 Kingfisher 2123/8 -1/4 1 M&S 333 /2 +63/8 Mothercare 520 +2 Next £201/2 3 WH Smith 448 /4 +33/4 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 616 +11/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 89 -1 Barrat Dev 1101/4 +27/8 Persimmon 4111/2 -21/2 Reckitt Benckiser £321/2 +3/4 Taylor Wimpey 337/8 +11/8 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 6821/2 Delta 1843/4 IMI 609 -81/2 Man Brnze 473/4 +1/2 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 2365/8 +47/8 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 1861/4 -43/4 Forth Ports 1230 -14
3071/8 751/2 1111/4 530 62 1813/8 MEDIA BSkyB 555 Chrysalis 102 D Mail Tst 4771/4 ITV 543/4 Johnston Press 21 Pearson 937 Reed Elsevier 4745/8 STV Group 96 Trinity Mirror 1021/4 Utd Business 5031/2 UTV 142 WPP 6341/2 Yell Group 345/8 MINING Anglo American £251/4 Antofagasta 8651/2 BHP Billiton 18131/2 Eurasian Natural 975 Res Fresnillo 8411/2 Kazakhmys 1126 Lonmin 1616 Rio Tinto £295/8 VEDANTA £22 RESOURCES Xstrata 957 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 719 Vodafone Group 1305/8 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1267 Aviva Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life
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-1 +1/2 +3/8 +13 -1/4 -1/4 -3 +2 +45/8 +5/8 -1/4 +11/2 +21/4 -21/2 -81/4 +51/4 +33/4 +6 -5/8 +1/2 +7 -4 +3 -81/2 +13 -21 +1/2 +7 +1/2 +5/8 +6 3
Local shares Carclo Chapelthorpe Marshalls National Grid Rensburg Sheppards Weir Gp
143 203/4 951/2 5641/2 780 894
+13/4 +1 +321/2 -71/2
FTSE closed at
5069.6 Up 6.6 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1004 BP 493 -133/4 Cairn Energy 3767/8 -9 1 Norsk Hdro 494 /2 1 Royal Dutch Shell A 1788 /2 -27 Royal Dutch Shell B 17131/2 -31 Total £321/4 Tullow Oil 1038 -13 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 8041/2 Petrofac 1037 -6 Wood Group 3381/4 -1/2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry 6291/2 -71/2 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £283/4 +3/8
GlaxoSmithK XD Shire 1349 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 438 Captl Shop Cent 3151/4 DTZ Hldgs 701/2 Hamrsn 351 Land Secs 5951/2 SEGRO 2733/4 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Autonomy Corp 1680 Dimension Data 973/4 Invensys 2797/8 Logica 1237/8 Misys 2203/8 Sage Group 2321/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Bunzl 7121/2 Capita 780 Davis Service 382 Group De La Rue 891 Electrocomp 213 Experian 5991/2 G4S 2625/8 Hays 1001/4 Homeserve 1910 Menzies J 3571/4 Rentokil 1163/4 Smiths News 1183/4 Wolseley 1551 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 2421/4 Psion 79 Spirent Comms 1041/4 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £201/8
3 +7 +1/4 +33/4 +1/4 -11/4 -1 -2 -7 +13/4 -63/8 +5/8 +1/8 +1/4 -11/2 -19 +1/8 -61/2 +17/8 +71/2 +13/4 -13/8 +18 +41/4 +1 +11/2 -6 +5 +1/2 +13/8 +1/8
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
762 1901/4 £253/4 523 3841/2 1157/8 3691/4 1284 3983/8 1083 1391/4 3191/4 229 2781/4 1171/4 1823/4 2305/8 1311
TOURIST RATES
-1 +13/4 -5 -11/2 +3/8 -3/4 -9 +3/4 +7 +3/4 +53/4 -13/8 +11/8 -13/4 +1/8 +15/8 -1
FTSE 100
INDEX 5069.61
+6.68
FTSE 250
INDEX 9477.57
+30.63
Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.65 dollars Bangladesh................... 94.68 taka Brazil.............................. 2.40 reals Canada....................... 1.46 dollars China ............................. 8.83 yuan Czech Republic ...... 27.30 korunas Denmark....................... 8.21 krone Euro............................... 1.10 euro Hong Kong................ 10.72 dollars Hungary................... 288.57 forints India.......................... 59.54 rupees Japan........................... 124.37 yen Mexico ....................... 16.74 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.99 dollars Norway ......................... 8.96 krone Pakistan.................. 114.92 rupees Philippines ................. 57.73 pesos South Africa................. 10.57 rand South Korea.............. 1531.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 155.52 rupees Sweden....................... 10.83 krona Switzerland.................. 1.59 francs Taiwan ...................... 40.56 dollars Turkey....................... 2.15 new lira USA ............................ 1.38 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Family comes first for Helen WHEN Helen Thewlis first contemplated a career in the law, she didn’t reckon on being a solicitor. “I always wanted to join the police,” she says. “But I couldn’t pass the eye test. I cried for a day when I found out. “I was already at law school by that stage, having thought that would get me through the police ranks more quickly. I was thinking more of ‘law and order’ than just the law.” Helen grew up in Brockholes and was educated at Honley High School and Huddersfield Technical College, where she gained a BTec in business and finance. She went on to Leeds University, having decided to study law because she had enjoyed the topic at college. She later attended the College of Law in York. Helen trained with her father’s practice of Kidd Miller & Co in Holmfirth before its merger with Ramsdens in 1999. She did “the usual mixed bag” of law, such as conveyancing, wills and probate. “It gave me a good grounding, “ she says. “When you work for a small team, you have to do everything.” Since then, she has seen a series of mergers which has transformed Ramsdens into one of the biggest law firms in Kirklees and Calderdale with offices in Huddersfield town centre, Edgerton, Elland, Holmfirth, Slaithwaite and Halifax. The firm now has about 130 staff in total and 14 partners. The firm covers areas including commercial property and litigation,
employment law and sports law as well as personal injury, residential property, wills, probate and inheritance tax planning. Its commercial team is based at Oakley House, Edgerton, “We are a proactive firm and we are always looking to expand,” says Helen, who is partner and head of the family law department. “Over the past 10 years, we have grown substantially. “As recently as 2002, the family department consisted of just me! Now we have a department of six fee earners and their support staff. “Family law has always been my specialism.” Helen is a “collaboratively trained lawyer”. Collaborative law is a relatively new process whereby couples separating try to resolve their
■ RESOLVE: Helen Thewlis is a firm believer in the merits of collaborative law
difficulties as a team rather than as adversaries. Helen, who is based at the firm’s six-storey office block in Ramsden Street, is also a member of Resolution, a group which trains and commits lawyers to deal with matters in a non-controversial way. Says Helen: “Mediation was introduced as the way to tackle disputes and on the back of that came the idea of collaborative law. “Regrettably, it does not work for every person and there are still some very bitter, contested divorces, but you deal with each clients the way that best suits their needs. What is right for one person will not be the best for someone else. “Here, in Huddersfield, we have quite a few trained collaborative lawyers. “That makes it easier to deal with cases in a town like Huddersfield than it would be in a city like Leeds where there are a lot more lawyers and a lot more competition. “Here, we want to try to resolve matters as amicably and reasonably as possible.” Says Helen: “Huddersfield has a good, tight-knit business community. There is human contact. “I was never tempted to go to a city firm. I experienced city life when I was at university and at law school. “I don’t want to be stuck on the M62 commuting to Leeds. We go to Leeds quite often enough as it is!” Helen says: “I have been very fortunate in my career at Ramsdens. People know each other. You are a name rather than a number. “As a firm, that is something we like to ensure that our staff know all the partners and that as partners we are very approachable.”
Page 3 Helen Thewlis Role: Partner Age: 38 Family: Married with children Victoria and William Holidays:Sardinia Car: Audui Q5 First job: Waitress and bar assistant at Poppa Piccolino’s in Holmfirth Best thing about job: Every day is different – and anything can happen Worst thing about job: Constant telephone calls Business tip: Good time management
Helen is an active member of the Kirklees and Calderdale Collaborative Law Group and also assists the Law Society with family law training. She also plays a part in Ramsdens’ mentoring arrangements at Huddersfield University. Helen and her children – seven-year-old Victoria and two-year-old William – are keen fans of Huddersfield Giants and are regulars at the club’s Galpharm Stadium games. “It is a good, family-orientated environment in which to take the children,” she says. “We are season ticket
holders and have been following them for the past five years or so. “I follow Huddersfield Town’s fortunes although I don’t attend the matches. “Town’s result is always the first one I look for. “And, of course, I was rooting for them in the play-offs.” Helen no longer dwells on her thwarted ambitions to join the police. “I love my job,” she says. “Even though I seem to spend more time at work than I do at home. I sometimes call my office my bedroom!”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Ramsdens Solicitors Work: Legal services Sites: Huddersfield, Edgerton, Elland, Slaithwaite, Holmfirth and Halifax Employees: 130 Phone: 01484 821500 Email: helen.thewlis @ramsdens.co.uk Websitewww. ramsdens.co.uk
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KIRKLEES BUSIN
Firm has tools for online expansion A TOOL supplier is taking its first steps trading outside Kirklees. Rapid Hire Centres, which has shops in Honley, Elland and at Leeds Road in Huddersfield, has teamed up with Lockwood-based internet specialists ICUK, to create Rapid Tools Direct – a new online shop for construction professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. The new site supplies hand tools, power tools, building, hardware, DIY and safety equipment delivered safely and securely to customers’ premises without them having to leave their homes or businesses. Rapid Hire Centres was formed in 1996 by Kirk Stansfield and Andrew Jones. Mr Stansfield said: “People’s shopping habits – even in the construction industry and DIY sectors – are changing. “We developed Rapid Tools Direct because we felt that the size of the market for our core business in Kirklees had limitations, particularly during a recession. “We needed to look beyond our traditional market place in order to continue
Higher up the table A FIRM of highways, traffic and water consultancy engineers is climbing the rankings. Grange Moor-based Sanderson Associates has been ranked 23rd in the UK in the section for top companies in planning in the latest Transportation Consultants Directory. That’s an increase of four places on last year’s ratings when the company came 27th. Managing director Alison France said: “It’s a pleasure to see that our efforts in what has been such a difficult climate have been recognised. This result is a credit to our team of dedicated, professional and committed staff.” Alison said all the firms ranked above Sanderson Associates in the 2010 directory were either plcs or other multi-disciplinary companies owned by more than one shareholder.
growing and developing the business. Historically, we have been better known for our ‘hire’ business in West Yorkshire, but we have always maintained a good level of sales alongside this. “As such, we identified a lot of niche products within our trade and put them alongside some of the more traditional products that people would expect to buy from us in order to create Rapid Tools Direct.” Howard Crosland, who has a wealth of experience in marketing for companies such as Scottish & Newcastle Retail and Compass Group, has been brought in to assist the existing team. Said Mr Jones: “We are working closely with the high quality manufacturers to ensure that our customers only get the best, longer lasting products available – and at the right price. “In partnership with ICUK, our online store has been developed over 12 months and now contains thousands of products to meet the needs of both professionals, DIY enthusiasts and occasional handymen.”
Engineering ways to boost food industry FOOD manufacturers in Kirklees are being invited to join a top-level working group aiming to find ways of boosting engineering skills in the industry. The National Skills Academy for Food and Drink Manufacturing, part of Yorkshire-based food and drink sector skills council Improve, wants to bring together employers and leading specialists in engineering training to look at how the development of engineering skills in the industry can evolve to drive up productivity and profits. Justine Fosh, director of skills solutions at Improve and the National Skills Academy, said that developing world-class, multi-skilled engineers in the food industry would be vital to its future prosperity. “As more and more technology is introduced into food processing and manufacturing, the importance of engineering is going to increase,” she said. “We need a new breed of
■ SCREEN TEST: Kirk Stansfield and Andrew Jones, founders of Rapid Hire Centres, are extending the firm’s horizons with a new online trading site
Coalition pledges change HE new coalition govT ernment has issued “our programme for gov-
ernment” which gives some detail of what employment law changes would be considered in the future. The overall aim of the gove r n m e n t ’s e m p l oy m e n t policy will be to “review employment and workplace laws, for employers and employees, to ensure they maximise flexibility for both parties while protecting fairness and providing the competitive environment for enterprise to thrive”. What this will result in is still unclear, but some of the changes that may take place are outlined below. Under the previous government, there was a sust a i n e d d eve l o p m e n t i n “family friendly” rights, extending the scope of maternity and flexible working protection in particular. It is likely that this trend will continue, with the following pre-election ideas possible: ●Allowing parents to share leave following the birth of their child. The Liberal Democrats had pushed for a total of 18 months of
EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Neil Wilson
leave “where resources and economic circumstances allow”, although this seems unlikely in the current climate ● The right to request flexible working to be extended to all employees. This has been a consistent aim of the Conservatives so the question here is likely to be “when”, rather than “if ”. If such a proposal is implemented, it is likely to be on a phased basis ● With regard to minimum wage, part of the Liberal Democrat manifesto was to introduce a single minimum wage, except where the worker is an apprentice. Whilst support for the minimum wage will be maintained, a single rate is unlikely to be introduced. The Equality Bill passed through the legislative stages during 2009/10, and it remains to be seen whether or not parts of it will be
amended prior to implementation. There is a proposal to introduce “name blind” application forms at some point to reduce the risk of employers discriminating against prospective employees, but whether there will be any further amendments remains to be seen. Other changes which could come into effect include: ● Phasing out the default retirement age of 65 which was introduced in October, 2006. The previous government considered increasing the retirement age, but under coalition plans it would be scrapped altogether ● Amending or even revoking the draft Agency Worker Regulations, which provide equal treatment for
agency workers compared to employees after a 12-week qualifying period, after facing criticism from the new government ● Alterations to the employment tribunal system, such as increasing deposit limits and costs awards to discourage weak or vexatious c l a i m s, r e v i e w i n g t h e Tribunal rules of procedure and requiring mediation in certain types of claims. We should get a clearer picture of the specific changes that will be proposed in the coming months, along with a timetable for implementation. Many employers will be concerned about the continued commitment to family friendly rights, but should appreciate that the aim of the new coalition government is to try to remove a lot of the unnecessary burdens on businesses – primarily by revoking some of the draft legislation prepared by the previous government, and modernising the tribunal system.
Neil Wilson is an employment lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors
■ APPEAL: Justine Fosh, director of skills solutions at Improve and the National Skills Academy multi-skilled engineers – possibly trained to a higher level than has been in the norm in the past – to make sure the industry can keep pace with the rapid pace of change in that technology. She said the new group would be asked to look at where engineering skills are most needed in the food industry now and in the future, identify any issues with current provision of training and work with training providers to develop training that could be applied to suit individual businesses across different sectors. Said Justine: “I would encourage any employers to get in touch as their contribution will provide a vital insight into how engineering skills can best be utilised in food and drink businesses.” Contact Jonathan Cooper on 0845 6440558 or e-mail j.cooper@foodand drink.nsacademy.co.uk
NESS NEWS
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Directors gain a top accolade
A KIRKLEES funeral firm has been named one of the best in the UK. Birkenshaw-based Gateway Funeral Services, which is owned and managed by Shepley woman Janice Hutton and Richard Arnold, of Birkenshaw, has been listed in the Good Funeral Guide, The directors are described in the guide as “genuinely forward-looking, caring and very nice people with a good website”. Guide author Charles Cowling said: “To almost anyone charged with the task of arranging a funeral, choosing a funeral director can be very difficult because they all look pretty much the same. But they are not. “Some, a precious few, are truly outstanding and Janice and Richard are two of them.” Gateway Funeral Services was chosen for its high professional standards, outstanding personal service and value for money. Said Richard: “We have worked very hard since we opened eight months ago to provide our families with a service that we hope has not only satisfied, but far exceeded their expectations. “We are delighted and very proud that we have been recognised by the Good Funeral Guide.” Gateway Funeral Services held an official opening at the new funeral home at Southfield Terrace, ■ CARING: Richard Arnold and Janice Hutton, of Gateway Funeral Services, which was praised as “truly outstanding” by the Good Funeral Guide Birkenshaw, last January.
Service firms get advice on trade in Europe KIRKLEES-based service firms interested in expanding into Europe can glean some advice at an event in West Yorkshire tomorrow. The event, How to Export Your Expertise into Europe, takes place from 8am at the Best Western Hotel St Pierre in Newmillerdam, near Wakefield. It will provide delegates with practical guidance and advice on how to go about entering international markets. The breakfast briefing will include presentations on carrying out effective market research and the language and cultural barriers to consider when selling a service abroad. There will also be hints and tips from a local service-based business which has achieved success in Europe. Details are available at www.ee-yorkshire.com or from Enterprise Europe Yorkshire on 0800 0528156. The event is part of European SME Week – a campaign to promote enterprise across Europe and to inform entrepreneurs about support available for them at European, national and local level. It allows SMEs to discover an array of information, advice, support and ideas to help them develop their activities. Enterprise Europe Yorkshire is part of Europe’s largest business support network with a presence in 46 countries and 280 cities. Its team of advisers work with businesses, universities and research bodies.
Positive view for traders K businesses trading interU nationally are increasingly upbeat about future prospects
for their business, according to the latest HSBC Commercial Banking Trade Confidence Index. The survey shows that trade confidence during the first quarter of 2010 has increased by a third from the fourth quarter of 2009. UK importers and exporters are increasingly confident about the global economy with 63% predicting it will grow in the next six months – increasing their opportunities to trade with businesses across the world. Some 92% of UK traders expect their trade volumes to stay the same or increase over the next six months. Across the globe, trade outlooks are 15% more positive in emerging markets than developed markets For UK businesses, the most popular international trading partners are Western Europe, Central Europe, Germany, the USA and Canada and Greater China. Over the next six months, prospects for trade with China are set to increase. A third of businesses in the UK see Asia as the most promising region for trade. Trade is playing a key role in the global economic recovery and the increasing confidence of the UK’s importers and exporters about their
BANKER’S BLOG Jill Hague
trade prospects. We believe that trading internationally will help UK businesses beat the recession – and with HSBC present in 75% of markets where international trade takes place, we are uniquely placed to help. We believe opportunities in Asia will continue in the coming years as the emerging markets move from being seen as manufacturers to being consumers in their own right. Unease over suppliers not honouring trade agreements has reduced over the last quarter due to stricter supervision of business (27%), the stabilisation of the global economy (14%) and the improving financial health of suppliers (9%). Barriers to trade still exist with UK businesses highlighting fluctuating exchange rates, lack of product demand and insufficient margins as their main concerns for the next six months. As emerging markets build their trade role around the world, it’s
important that UK businesses capitalise on the trading opportunities they provide and use it to further develop their businesses and grow. Businesses looking to start trading across the world or expand their trading operations need to conduct an assessment of the risks associated with its trading partners including foreign exchange risks. Global trade is what HSBC was founded on and our global network of 8,000 relationship managers enables us to help businesses make the most of international opportunities available to them. Meanwhile, as a part of Business Thinking 2010 – HSBC’s new initiative to help support and fund the UK’s most innovative and forward thinking companies – HSBC will be taking participating companies on an overseas Thought Exchange trip. Go to www.hsbc.co.uk/businessthinking
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Eddisons in double success PROPERTY agency Eddisons has completed two key deals from its Huddersfield offices. The firm said that Brindley House on Lowfields Business Park, Elland, which is owned by the National Trust for Scotland, was now fully let. The latest tenant to sign up is Leco Computer Supplies Ltd, which has agreed terms on 2,135sq ft of first floor Grade A office space. The deal was completed off an asking rent of £29,900 a year. Parent company Advent Data Ltd, a specialist trade-only distributor of printer supplies and data storage media, already occupies the adjacent property. Meanwhile, Kingsmill Carpets Ltd has agreed terms on a 6,036sq ft industrial and trade counter unit at Hoyer Industrial Park, Leeds Road, Huddersfield. Eddisons has concluded the deal on behalf of its client, Hoyer UK Ltd, at an annual rent of £20,000. Jonathan O’Connor, of Eddisons, said: “We are delighted to have concluded these deals quickly and achieved excellent rental income for our clients.”
property
New contracts to provide the spark A HOLMFIRTH man has embarked on an energetic new business – and is winning contracts to provide renewable energy systems for private and public sector clients. Dean Staveley walked out of his job four years ago to become his own boss – armed with 15 years experience in the electrical contracting and lighting industry. He set up a company specialising in providing wind turbines and solar panels for farms, schools, businesses and council properties – having gained international standard ISO 9001 and accreditation to organisations including the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme. Dean said: “I found it a bit of a struggle to begin with and spent about two years ‘on the bread line’. The bank would not back me because
they did not see a future in renewable energy. “Now I am getting some good orders and things are coming to fruition.” Dean’s company, Newgen Design Ltd, based at Bridge Mills, Holmfirth, operates under the Newgen banner. It is one of only a handful of companies UK-wide to be a member of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme – an independent body that certifies microgeneration products such as turbines and solar panels and their installers in accordance with consistent standards. N ewge n wo rk s wit h E l l a n d - b a s e d Wa x m a n Energy, a firm specialising in the design and distribution of solar photovoltaic systems, and Brighouse firm Evoco Energy Ltd, which supplies wind turbines. Newgen is also a member of the Renewable Energy Association.
Newgen has undertaken project to provide turbines for customers at Shepley and Upper Cumberworth and has carried out work to increase the efficiency of power supplies used for lighting stairwells and running tumble driers at Kirklees Council-owned flats in Berry Brow. A four-day installation programme to reduce voltage from 250 to 220 volts has cut energy usage at the flats by 8%. Dean said: “I am also pricing for work at schools in Calderdale and Kirklees and I am getting new enquiries every week.” Other potential contracts include work for a housing association with 6,000 properties. And the company will be exhibiting on June 12 at Honley Show – with the Evoco 10kw wind turbine ■ HIGH HOPES: Dean Staveley (right), of Newgen, with and solar panels on display. customer Malcolm Marshall and one of the turbines
refurbished offices
mill complex
HALF MOON STREET, HD1 2JF To Let £5 p/s/f
● 137.77sqm (1,483sq 4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES
ft)
office suite
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL
yard 2space 395m2 (4,250ft ) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ● Suitable for a variety of ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for industrial and commercial alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete purposes redevelopment, subject to planning ● consent Redevelopment potential
395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to planning consent
office suites
industrial trade counter
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL
Britannia Road, HUDDS, HD7 For Sale £750,000
● 5,224sqm (56,235sqft) 4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL ● Former textile mill with good FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES
● First 2floor office suite 395m2 (4,250ft ) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for ● Good secondary location alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to planning ● consent Disability access
395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to planning consent
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL
workshop/storage premises
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL
LOCKWOOD HUDDERSFIELD, FORMERROAD, HOSTEL PREMISESHD1 3TG
CLOTH HALL STREET, HUDDERSFIELD, FORMER HOSTEL PREMISESHD1 2EG
COLNE ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD, HD1 3ER FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES
LEYMOOR ROAD,HOSTEL GOLCAR, HUDDERSFIELD, FORMER PREMISES HD7 4QF
● 193.6m² (2,084ft²) ■ Vacant possession
● 98.62 - 198.53sqm (1,061 - 2,037sqft) ■ Vacant possession
● 95.44m² (1,027ft²) ■ Vacant possession
● 579.60m² (6,233ft²) ■ Vacant possession
●
●
●
To Let £25,000 p/a
395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)
● ● ●
■ Suitable Self Contained
for refurbishment for alternative occupational residential Fully Inclusive Rent uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to Computer Cabling planning consent Car Parking
office suites
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL
7 ST GEORGES SQUARE, HUDDERSFIELD, FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES HD1 1LA
Rents on Application
395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)
● 67.07m² - 275.17m² (722ft² - 2,962ft²) ■ Vacant possession
■ Suitable for refurbishment for ● Attractive Grade occupational II Listed Building residential alternative uses or possible complete ● Prominent location redevelopment, subject to planning consent ● Opposite Railway Station
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To Let From £9,000 p/a
395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)
● ● ●
■ Suitable for refurbishment Recently refurbished
for alternative occupational residential Good usesQuality or possible complete redevelopment, subject to Open Plan planning consent Self contained
private office suites
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL
Royd Street, HOSTEL HUDDERSFIELD, HD3 4QY FORMER PREMISES
FROM £350 pcm
395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)
● Fully inclusive rents ■ Vacant possession
■ month Suitable for refurbishment for ● 12 agreement alternative occupational residential ● Good usescar orparking possible complete redevelopment, ● Double glazed windows subject to planning consent ● Category II lighting
£8,000 pcm P/A
395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)
■ Suitable for refurbishment for Includes 2 Mezzanine Levels 46.64m² (502ft²)
alternative occupational residential ● Trade usesCounter or possible complete redevelopment, subject to ● Secure Site planning consent ● Prominent location
retail property
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL
To Let £11,500 p/a
395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)
for alternative occupational residential ● Competitive Rent uses or possible complete redevelopment, subject to ● Rent Free period available planning consent ● Flexible terms available
●
■ Suitable foraccess refurbishment Roller shutter door
retail property
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL
MOORSIDE DRIGHLINGTON, FORMERAPPROACH, HOSTEL PREMISES
WAKEFIELD ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD, FORMER HOSTEL PREMISESHD5 9AB
● 49.7sqm (535sqft) ■ Vacant possession
● 103m (1,110ft) ■ Vacant possession
To Let £5,000 p/a
395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)
■ Suitable for refurbishment for ● Village location occupational residential alternative uses or possible complete ● Security Alarm System subject to redevelopment, planning consent ● Will Sell - £50,000
To Let £12,500 p/a
395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)
■ Suitable for refurbishment for ● Main road location alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete ● Outskirts of town centre subject to redevelopment, planning consent ● On Street car parking
T. 01484 530361 www.bramleys.com
■ industrial LAND ■ offices OFFICES INDUSTRIAL ■ retail INVESTMENT ■ investment RETAIL ■ land
Industrial
Offices Barncliffe Business Park Shelly, Huddersfield
Thirstin House, Thirstin Road, Honley, Huddersfield
Unit 4 - 426 m² (6,738 sq ft) Unit 6 - 234 - 486 m² (2,519 - 5,038 sq ft)
1,013 sq ft – 2,883 sq ft High quality refurbished offices with parking easily accessible to the Holme Valley.
Good quality single storey industrial/storage accommodation immediately available for occupation.
only two units remain available
To LeT Flexible Terms
To LeT/MAy seLL
Industrial
Development/Commercial Red Doles Lane, off A62 Leeds Road, Huddersfield
2 Brewery Lane, Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury
2,891 – 11,811 sq ft
Approximately 75 m2 (800 sq ft)
Good quality single storey workshop/storage with yard/ parking and just off main A62 Leeds Road.
To LeT Flexible Terms www.michaelsteel.co.uk
Will subdivide to suit requirements
Two storey part residential/part former commercial premises requiring refurbishment. Suitable for a variety of residential and/ or commercial uses (subject to planning).
For sALe For more information contact Alec Michael on 07717 870 320 or email alec@michaelsteel.co.uk
On behalf of fully retained client
oFFICe reQUIreMeNT HUDDersFIeLD • Existing building or development land capable of accommodating 20,000 to 30,000 sq ft of offices. • Either within Huddersfield town centre or adjacent ring road. • Car parking essential. • Freehold only. Please send information for any suitable opportunities – available either on market or off market and will be treat in the strictest of confidence – to alec@michaelsteel.co.uk
www.michaelsteel.co.uk
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Philip Brunt, Andrew Kaye & Daniel Petty
Klinger UK
INDUSTRIAL gasket manufacturer Klinger UK has expanded its team of specialist engineers with three appointments. The firm, which designs, makes and distributes sealing products for the energy and aerospace industries, has appointed Philip Brunt as project engineer, Andrew Kaye as production and design analyst and Daniel Petty as a sales executive (pictured above). All three bring sales and technical knowledge to Klinger to support an expanding client base across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, the Far East and Australasia. Huddersfield-based Mr Kaye joined Klinger’s graduate training scheme after completing an engineering degree at Huddersfield University and will use his skills in computer-aided engineering to specialise in design analysis, project quality and production. Mr Brunt gained a degree in engineering at Manchester University and will further develop his specialist knowledge of the dynamic aerospace and defence industries. Mr Petty, who lives in Brighouse, previously worked as a sales and logistics co-ordinator in the industrial gaskets industry and as a customer service specialist in the motor vehicle industry. Bradford-based Klinger has more than 130 staff and distribution partnerships across the UK and in more than eight countries.
Tom Evans
Barclays Corporate
Movers and shakers
Gold standard for work safety
DEWSBURY kitchen manufacturer Rixonway has double cause for celebration. The company has won two top industry awards recognising its strong commitment to employee health and safety. The first was a gold award presented by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents at its Occupational Health and Safety Awards ceremony in Birmingham. The award rewards firms for reducing workplace accidents and ill-health at work and putting in place robust health and safety management systems. Rixonway also received the British Safety Council’s International Safety Award after providing evidence that it has comprehensive health and safety polices in place – showing a clear commitment from the boardroom to the shop floor and consistently promoting a positive safety culture throughout the business. David Rawlins, RoSPA’s awards manager, said: “Rixonway has shown a commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its employees and others. “Organisations which do this deserve to have such dedication recognised and that’s where the RoSPA Awards come in. “As well as there being clear ethical reasons and legal requirements for good health and safety management, there is also a strong business case. RoSPA is delighted
■ SAFETY FIRST: Ben Wanyonyi, quality improvement manager at Rixonway Kitchens, receives the firm's RoSPA award from Mary O'Mahoney
to publicity honour organisations which have demonstrated their work to improve performance in this sphere.” Nick Greenall, operations director at Rixonway Kitchens, said: “Rixonway takes its health and safety responsibilities very seriously. Mini health and safety audits are regularly carried out within departments where employees can raise any issues and feedback on the organisation of the work
Meet the presidential party
BARCLAYS Corporate has strengthened its West Yorkshire team by appointing Tom Evans as relationship director for West Yorkshire, covering Huddersfield. Mr Evans (pictured), who lives in Tingley, joins from NatWest where he undertook a variety of roles in the West Yorkshire area, most recently as a commercial manager. He said: “I am relishing the challenge of driving forward the larger business profile of Barclays in West Yorkshire and looking after both new and existing customers.”
Asam Shah
Liquid Accounts ACCOUNTANCY software specialist Liquid Accounts has appointed Asam Shah as account manager for direct sales. Mr Shah joins the Longwood-based company after working for major investment companies in asset management based in London and Leeds. In his new role, he will work closely with Darren Garland and Richard Holmes in the sales department, where his key responsibility will be to attract small business owners and end users to Liquid’s accounting software.
Page 8
■ REGIONAL ROLE: West Yorkshire Society of Chartered Accountants president Tim Parr (left), vice-president Wilma Teviotdale and deputy president Philip Pawson WILMA Teviotdale, head of accountancy at Huddersfield University, has been elected vice-president of the West Yorkshire Society of Chartered Accountants. Ms Teviotdale joins the presidential team, alongside new president Tim Parr and deputy president Philip Pawson. The trio were elected at the society’s annual meeting in Leeds. Mr Parr studied law at Bristol University and worked for a number of accountancy firms as a trainee chartered accountant before
qualifying in 1985. He later moved to Arthur Andersen and then Coopers and Lybrand, specialising in tax. He qualified as an associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation in 1987 and was promoted to tax manager at Coopers and Lybrand before joining Keighley accountancy firm Horwath Clark Whitehil in 1990 to head its tax department. Mr Parr became partner in 1991 and in 2004 was elected senior partner. In early 2008, he led talks that led to its merger with Baker Tilly.
flow or departmental structures.” Rixonway’s strict health and safety processes have reduced absentee rates for hourly paid shop floor staff from 10% to 2% and effectively halved its reportable accident rate between 2006 and 2009. The latest awards follow Rixonway’s success in receiving the Two Ticks Award for its continued commitment to employing disabled people.
Jonathan’s on a mission AN architect hailing from Huddersfield is making a big impression in the USA. Jonathan Wimpenny has a successful practice in the heart of New York city – making him the envy of many in his profession. Now he is organising the annual meeting of the Royal Institute of British Architects USA at beautiful Miami Beach, Florida. Mr Wimpenny (pictured), who is president of the RIBA USA board of trustees and chairman of the New York chapter of the RIBA USA, is linking up with the British Consulate to stage the event at Miami’s Wolfsonian Museum. Jonathan, a member of Huddersfield’s well-known Wimpenny family of builders, will welcome Ruth Reed, president of the RIBA to the event. She will award prizes to students who have been taking part in a RIBA USA competition on Transforming Our Neighbourhoods. The two-day event – which takes place on June 11 and 12 – will also include a dinner to benefit children in earthquake-hit Haiti. Following official business, delegates will visit Miami’s Viscaya Museum British architects from RIBA’s US chapters working in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco will attend the meeting.