RICHARD WINTERBOTTOM It’s always good to talk! Full inter view - Page 3
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Celebrity chef has recipe for success
CELEBRITY chef Marco Pierre White made a return to his Yorkshire roots - to help a Huddersfield-based small domestic electrical appliance and cookware distributor open its new £100,000 showroom. EPE International, based at Queen's Square, Leeds Road, has invested the six-figure sum in a showroom. Design features include the latest Lutron light scene setting system and blinds plus a cooking station to display its premium-quality ranges of items, including kettles and toasters, pots and pans, food mixers, pressure cookers, blenders and coffee-making machines. The opening follows EPE’s success in signing a contract as sole distributor for the independents with Russell Hobbs for its new range of cookware and electrical goods. The award-winning chef, who works with manufacturer Russell Hobbs, was invited to cut a ribbon to open the new showroom before mingling with guests. He signed his trademark bandanas for guests and also accepted a £750 cheque on behalf of Cancer Research. EPE is a long-standing supporter of the charity and makes a donation to
the cause on the sale of selected items in its brochure. Managing director Noel Pamment said the new showroom provided the company with another unique selling point compared to its competitors – by providing the cooking station where products can be demonstrated. The showroom, which replaces a much smaller display room at the firm’s EPE House premises, will also be used for regular events branded under The Master Cook Shop name, including open days and VIP days. He told guests: “We are very excited about the whole thing. “It was a concept that began on a piece of paper last September. We said we would have it ready for the spring and we have achieved that deadline. “We are a premium brand distributor selling at the quality end of the market. We have national coverage and we believe that we can bring something to the table to benefit our manufacturers and our customers. We are not just shifting boxes.” Tim Wright, sales and marketing director for Russell Hobbs, commended EPE for its initiative in setting up the showroom, adding: “The company is only eight years old, but has already
month against 230 for March, 2009. The latest figure represents 0.15% of the region’s total number of firms. The insolvency rate for March last year was 0.17%. Nationally, there were 2,160 insolv-
Stadium link-up A FIRM supplying blinds and curtains is putting its competitors in the shade following a link-up with Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium. Lockwood-based Swift Blinds and Curtains has signed a 10-year deal with Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd to cement their already strong relationship.
● Full story - Page 8
■ PRIME CUT: Marco Pierre White cuts the ribbon to open the showroom for EPE International watched by EPE managing director Noel Pamment (left) and Tim Wright, sales and marketing director for Russell Hobbs
shown great growth. Being here today, you can understand why.” EPE – which stands for Ella Pamment Enterprises, was named in honour of Noel's daughter Ella. It was established in 2003, but has already grown into a £5m turnover business. It supplies products made by leading names including Russell Hobbs, Tefal, Kenwood, Tower and
Philips to electrical retailers, cook shops, and department stores such as Fenwick’s and Pearson’s. It was named Supplier of the Year 2009 for small electrical and was voted best newcomer at the cook shop and house wares association in a competition voted for by member of buying groups.
Failure rate falls in March for Yorkshire firms FEWER Yorkshire firms are failing than a year ago, according to latest insolvency figures. A survey by business information group Experian showed there were 171 insolvencies in the region last
INSIDE
encies last month, representing 0.11% of the total business “population”. That compares with 2,512 a year earlier when failed firms represented 0.13% of all UK businesses. Sectors worst hit last month were
business services with 488 companies going bust – down by one on the 2009 figure –, building and construction with 377 casualties against 398 last time and 143 firms lost compared with 185 before.
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Trading place A MILNSBRIDGE firm making and supplying drain cleaning equipment has strengthened its position in the market. G K and N Services has invested in a new trade shop at its site at Colne Vale Business Park.
● Full story - Page 4
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
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Redrow ready for a return to profits HOUSEBUILDER Redrow predicted a return to profit for the first time since 2007 as the recovery in the property market picks up pace. The group, which posted losses of £8.7m in the six months to December 31, is forecasting a surge in sales which will see it move out of the red in the second half of its current financial year. Flintshire-based Redrow is set to complete more than 2,500 house sales this year – up on the 2,113 reported in its last financial year. It said average prices of private houses had increased year-on-year and against the first half, while activity in the land market had seen a “noticeable increase”. However, Redrow said the UK property market was not out of the woods yet.
Its comments come as property intelligence firm Hometrack reported a continued slowdown in momentum in the property market during April – with sellers outstripping buyers and prices ahead by just 0.2% during the month, following increases of 0.3% in each of the previous two months. Redrow said: “We have been encouraged by sales activity since the start of the calendar year with sales rates per outlet comfortably ahead of the same period last year. “Weekly visitor levels and cancellation rates have remained reasonably consistent throughout the period.” But it added: “Given the uncertainties surrounding the election, the economic environment and continued restrictions on mortgage availability, we expect the market to remain chal-
lenging throughout 2010.” Redrow is hoping the launch of its New Heritage Collection of family homes will help drive sales. The new range has seen the group place traditional family housing back at the forefront of its offer. Since the end of 2009, Redrow has secured or agreed terms on around 2,500 plots on 18 sites, largely for its New Heritage Collection. Shares in the group rose by 0.3p to 151.4p yesterday on news of the expected profits cheer, which signals the end of one of the toughest periods for the housebuilding sector. Redrow posted its worst ever annual results in the year to June 2009, when it slumped into the red by £140.8m.
Earnings forecast
■ ON THE UP: Redrow expects to rise out of the red in the second half of the year
Chloride shares power ahead
Wellcome out of the race
SHARES in power protection firm Chloride jumped by 43% after a US industrial giant re-ignited takeover interest in the company. The move by Emerson Electric values Chloride at £723m and comes less than two years after it failed with a previous takeover approach. Emerson, based in Missouri, sent its offer proposal to Chloride on Friday and went public with its interest after Chloride failed to respond by a Sunday deadline. Chloride, which provides blue-chip companies with systems to protect against power outages, was best known for making batteries, but has been a secure power
A CONSORTIUM led by Britain’s largest charity and private equity group Wellcome Trust has dropped out of the race to buy 318 Royal Bank o f S c o t l a n d b ra n c h e s, i t h a s emerged. Wellcome, which had teamed up with US buyout firm Blackstone, is understood to be out of the running after it failed to match rival bids. There are now thought to be four contenders left vying for the RBS branches, which are being put up for sale by the part-nationalised bank in order to meet competition concerns. Spanish banks BBVA and Santander, which bought Abbey and Alli-
solutions firm since 2000. It employs 2,300 people in 15 countries, of which 374 are located in the UK. Emerson said the offer price of 275p a share represented a premium of 34% on the price of Chloride’s shares on Thursday night. The stock soared by 88p to close at 297p yesterday as investors sought a bigger price from Emerson. Chloride said the latest offer from Emerson continued to “significantly undervalue’’ the company and its prospects. It said its trading position had improved since the last offer in 2008, when Emerson tabled 270p a share.
ance & Leicester in the UK, are reportedly front runners – with Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Money and Clydesdale and Yorkshire owner National Australia Bank also said to be bidding. UBS, the investment bank handling the auction, is expected to draw up a final shortlist by the end of the week. Wellcome did not comment. The trust, which has an endowment of about £13bn and specialises in supporting medical research, emerged as a surprise suitor in the initial round of the bidding process earlier this month.
CARPHONE Warehouse geared up for the launch of its first Best Buy megastore by raising profits guidance for the third time in six months. The group, which jointly owns its retail business with US partner Best Buy, said strong sales of smartphones and last year’s cost cuts helped increase earnings growth in Carphone Warehouse stores. It expects its share of annual retail profits to be about £47m for the year to the end of March – up on the £40m to £45m range given at its last profits upgrade in January. Carphone and Best Buy will open the first of “Big Box” consumer electronics store in Thurrock, Essex, on Friday. Carphone plans to pump another £35m to £40m into “Big Box’’ store launches this year.
Strong quarter ENGINEERING group Weir said interim profits were expected to be “substantially” up on a year earlier after a strong first quarter. The Glasgow-based group, which has operations at Elland and Bradley, is forecasting full-year pre-tax profits about £30m higher than its previous guidance after a better than expected improvement in activity and a positive outlook for orders.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £30.74 -0.32 Gannett 1207.26 +25.85 Hess Corp £42.32 -0.03 Microsoft £20.09 +0.08 Motors Liquidation 48.47 Wal-Mart Stores £35.13 -0.11 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 931/2 BAE Systems 3613/8 +31/2 Rolls-Royce Gp 5951/2 +5 1 VT Group 755 /2 -3 AIM Brady Plc 671/2 Dawson Intl 21/4 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 1525/8 +41/8 BANKS Barclays 3707/8 +85/8 HSBC 6853/4 +33/4 Lloyds Banking Gp 701/4 +13/4 Ryl Scotland 58 +21/4 Stan Chart 1772 -15 BEVERAGES Diageo 1137 -3 SABMiller £207/8 +1/4 CHEMICALS Croda 1032 +611/2 Elementis 98 67 +11/4 Johnsn Mat 1788 +25 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2901/2 -21/2 Costain 241/2 -1/4 ELECTRICITY Drax Grp 3675/8 +11/4 Intl Power 341 +51/4
Scottish & Sthrn 1124 +2 Energy ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Chloride 297 +88 +3/8 Laird 1247/8 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 350 +31/4 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 1311/2 -3/4 Cable & Wireless 621/2 +1/4 Comm Cable & Wireless 913/4 +11/4 Wwide 1 Colt Telecom 132 /8 -7/8 KCOM 45 -31/4 Talktalk Telecom 1301/2 +5 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 3025/8 +13/4 Sainsbury 3511/4 +11/2 Tesco 4543/8 +33/4 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1032 -4 +1/4 Nth Foods 571/2 Tate Lyle 4493/8 +33/4 Unilever 1976 +6 -21/4 Uniq 171/4 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3127/8 +43/4 National Grid 6461/2 -61/2 Pennon Grp 530 -6 Severn 1190 -4 1 +11/2 United Utils 552 /2 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 275 +23/4 ICAP 4005/8 +43/4 1 London StockExch 722 /2 -11/2 Man Group 264 +41/2
Provident Financial 849 -81/2 Schroders 1412 +9 Schroders NV 1127 +8 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 607 +381/2 REXAM 3251/8 +33/4 Smiths Grp 1141 +21 GENERAL RETAILERS 3 Ashley L 14 /4 Carphone Whse 1973/4 +3 DSG International 343/8 Home Retail 2951/8 +1/4 Inchcape 353/8 +13/8 Kingfisher 2481/2 +3/4 M&S 381 +51/8 1 Mothercare 600 /2 -61/2 Next £233/8 -1/8 WH Smith 5011/2 -81/2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 6821/2 +101/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 111 -1/2 Barrat Dev 1373/4 +53/4 1 Persimmon 507 /2 +91/4 Reckitt Benckiser £361/2 +7/8 1 Taylor Wimpey 43 /2 -1/2 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 8481/2 +30 Delta 1831/4 -1/4 1 IMI 734 /2 +401/2 1 Man Brnze 79 /2 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 3683/4 +61/4 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 2171/4 +51/2 Forth Ports 1315 -36 LIFE INSURANCE
3725/8 +33/8 891/2 +1/2 7 118 /8 +11/4 546 +5 761/4 -7/8 5 199 /8 +3/4 MEDIA BSkyB 616 -14 Chrysalis 1043/4 +1/4 1 D Mail Tst 529 /2 +2 ITV 693/8 -1/8 Johnston Press 321/2 +11/2 Pearson 1045 +4 Reed Elsevier 5351/2 -9 STV Group 961/2 +1/4 Trinity Mirror 1701/8 +71/8 Utd Business 573 +6 UTV 130 WPP 725 -141/2 Yell Group 57 -1/2 MINING Anglo American £293/8 +3/4 Antofagasta 1064 +701/2 1 BHP Billiton £21 /2 +3/8 Eurasian Natural 1257 +43 Res Fresnillo 840 +5 Kazakhmys 1480 +50 Lonmin £201/8 +1/4 Rio Tinto £38 +5/8 VEDANTA £28 +7/8 RESOURCES Xstrata 1194 +27 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 7871/2 +11/2 Vodafone Group 1481/4 -1/8 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1350 -5 RSA Insurance Gp 1231/8 +3/8 Aviva Lgl & Gen Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life
Local shares Carclo Chapelthorpe Marshalls National Grid Rensburg Sheppards Weir Gp
1491/2 21 1041/2 6461/2 860
+41/2
1017
+81
+6 -61/2 +2
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5753.8 Up 30.2 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 11131/2 -1/2 BP 6263/4 -127/8 1 Cairn Energy 413 /4 +11/2 Norsk Hdro 5083/4 Royal Dutch Shell A 19891/2 -3 Royal Dutch Shell B 1913 -4 3 Total £36 /4 Tullow Oil 1224 -2 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 869 +31/2 Petrofac 1199 +19 1 Wood Group 402 /4 +31/2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry 7091/2 +101/2 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £29 Axis-Shield 431 +6
GlaxoSmithK Shire 1468 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 485 DTZ Hldgs 771/2 Hamrsn 3911/8 Land Secs 666 SEGRO 3187/8 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Autonomy Corp 1869 Dimension Data 963/4 Invensys 340 Logica 1443/4 Misys 247 Sage Group 2561/2 SUPPORT SERVICES Bunzl 769 Capita 826 Davis Service 4303/8 Group De La Rue 9341/2 Electrocomp 2311/4 Experian 622 G4S 2723/4 Hays 1163/8 Homeserve £201/8 Menzies J 387 Rentokil 1381/2 Smiths News 119 Wolseley 1698 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 2585/8 Psion 823/4 Spirent Comms 123 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £22 Imperial Tobacco 1947 LEISURE & HOTELS
9 +36 +45/8 +1/2 +1/4 -21/2 +1/4 +11 +21/2 +14 -25/8 -5/8 +21/4 +7 +5 +13/4 -81/2 +13/4 -21/2 +3/4 -13/8 -1/4 +31/2 +1/4 -1 +40 +41/4 +11/4 +41/8 +1/8 -6
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
7661/2 2383/4 £291/4 5421/2 4913/4 1365/8 3977/8 1485 4681/4 1130 1611/8 3371/4 2511/4 322 1205/8 1981/2 291 1631
+45/8 +3/4 +71/2 -43/4 +2 +2 +3 +77/8 +8 -3/4 +13/4 -13/8 +7/8 +13/8 +11/8 +25/8 +17
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Richard finds it’s good to be talkative RICHARD Winterbottom going anywhere – and now has certainly found his was the time to leave.” calling in life. Richard took the plunge The managing director of and opened Talkative in mobile phone specialist 2000 with a shop in Talkative Ltd is helping firms Huddersfield town centre across the Kirklees area to “We had quite a lot of keep in touch with their staff business customers at the and clients. King Street store,” he says. The Hartshead-based “In those days, managing business – which celebrates directors would come in its 10th anniversary this person to buy their mobile summer – supplies mobile phones, which would scare phones to small and some sales staff. I found it medium-sized businesses easy to talk to them. ranging from a “We opened the shop self-employed electrician intending to handle needing just one handset to accessories such as phone a group needing 200 fascias, but we realised we phones for its staff and could not do the volumes sales teams. needed to make it pay and In addition, Talkative we aimed instead at mobiles supplies a wide range of for the business market. landline equipment and “After 18 month we knew telephone systems. It can we needed to be out of the also call on a national town centre and we went to installation team to cover Aspley where we stayed for car kit installations and four years. service. “But we outgrew the It’s a far cry from premises and came to Richard’s first real taste of Hartshead because it is business – helping in the central for the areas we cold store at family firm cover – Huddersfield, Speedyfro, based in Halifax, Leeds, Bradford and Paddock. “I left the company when it was sold in 1992,” says Richard. “I was basically looking for a job and just dropped lucky. The opportunity came up to go into selling mobile phones for People’s Phone, a retailer who had just started to branch out. “I opened six stores for them, including ones in Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Halifax.” After Vodafone bought People’s Phone, Richard applied for an area manager’s job without success. “They decided to take on a girl from Woolworths,” he recalls. “They decided that her retail background meant ■ PHONE LINE: Richard she was more capable of Winterbottom plans even bigger running 16 shops and I things for Talkative Ltd realised I would not be
Wakefield.” Talkative received signal recognition of its service levels and success in building up its client base when it was granted accreditation by mobiles giant O2. Customers include Paddock-based Continental Sports, building sector stalwart The Myers Group at Crosland Hill and Country Park Foods headquartered at Oakes. “We aim mainly at the SME market,” says Richard – who celebrates his 40th birthday shortly. “We have been in business for 10 years because of the service we offer. “Larger customers are dealt with directly by the big networks, but we look after the SMEs – and we are still barely scratching the surface. “We have come from analogue phones to palm-sized computers, but people still need basic service. “After selling phones for 18 years I can’t say I get that excited about the technology. In fact, I’d have to say I’m a bit of a technophobe myself! But I get a big kick out of dealing with people – and that’s what my business is about.” Richard detects positive signs after the “three-year stranglehold” of the downturn and the recession. Talkative was able to lift turnover by 40% last year, despite the general economic climate. “I think things are getting better,” he says. “The housing market is picking up, we are coming out of recession, but there are a lot of companies still laying people off.” Talkative is also making strides with community issues. Late last year, the company joined forces with Overgate Hospice at Elland to develop a recycling partnership for old mobile phones. Talkative is
Page 3 Richard Winterbottom
also a corporate member of the Elland-based hospice. Richard has undertaken a large recycling campaign to help the hospice improve on the few hundred pounds it previously got from donations of recycled mobile phones. The hospice, established in 1981, is the only facility of its kind in Calderdale and provides care to adults with life limiting illnesses. It has a 12-bed inpatient unit and 24-hour medical care from doctors and nurses. It also provides support for families. Talkative hopes to help the hospice meet its near £2m-a-year running costs through the recycling
initiative. Heading Talkative Ltd takes up much of Richard’s time, but when the opportunity arises he can be found just a phone call away at the family’s holiday home in Tenerife. Richard also runs the third team at Netherton FC and enjoys a round of golf at Crosland Heath. Further expansion for Talkative is high on the agenda for 2010 and beyond. Says Richard: “I still get a buzz from making a sale. The minute I don’t get that buzz from selling a contract or picking up a customer is the time that I’ll know to call it a day.”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Role: managing director Age: 39 Family: Married to Catherine with children Freya, four, and Jacob, two Holidays: Tenerife Car: Mitsubishi Shogun First job: Working in the cold store at Speedyfro, Paddock Best thing about job: I still get a buzz from making a sale. The day I don’t, it will be time to call it a day Worst thing about job: The red tape from mobile networks Business tip: Foster the attitude of being ‘small enough to care, big enough to cope’
Talkative Ltd Work: Mobile phone specialists Site: Hartshead Employees: Five Phone: 544544 Email:info@talkative ltd.co.uk
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Valley company leads the jet set A FIRM manufacturing and supplying drain cleaning equipment has strengthened its position in the market with a major investment. G K and N Services has opened a trade shop at its 8,000sq ft premises at Colne Vale Business Park, Milnsbridge, as well as producing a full-colour products catalogue. The company, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last year and has seven employees, is run by husband and wife Gary and Karen Elsy. It manufactures its own range of jetters, van packs, tankers, remote reels and drainage equipment. Other services include installing electrical equipment, fitting out vans in wood and aluminium, service and MoT work on trucks and vans as well as pre-purchase inspections of tankers and jetters. The company supplies high-pres-
sure draining cleaning equipment and vehicles to customers ranging from sole traders to major companies and local authorities across the British Isles – including Wales, Scotland, the Channel Isles and Eire. Said Karen: “We moved here from Honley two years ago to expand our manufacturing and servicing facilities. “We didn’t have the space to open a jetting accessories shop before – but with the move we decided to make that investment.” Although we have customers all over the country, we find some people want to call in. “We have had drain cleaning franchisees from York and Doncaster calling on their way to jobs for items such as drain rods, hand tools and jetting hoses.”
A five-star performance AN independent garage in Huddersfield has joined a UK-wide member scheme which aims to raise standards in the motor repairs industry. Paddock-based Five Star Autocentre Ltd has become a member of the nationally-recognised Good Garage Scheme, which has more than 2,800 independent garage members operating throughout the UK. The scheme was launched in 2006 to show that the motor trade does offer value for money and can be trusted. Members are required to adhere to a strict code of conduct and offer a 50-point Industry Standard Service. The scheme also includes a customer feedback system and a five-star rating. A spokesman for the garage said: “We are an established business and joining the Good Garage Scheme offers our existing customers and potential new ones a brand that is now easily recognised for maintaining the highest industry standards. “Customers can also book their service online and give feedback. The scheme takes away any worries that motorists might have when choosing a garage.” Anndi Sheppard, campaign manager of the Good Garage Scheme, said: “We are delighted to welcome Five Star Autocentre Ltd as a member of the Good Garage Scheme. “The scheme is going from strength to strength, with an ever increasing number of members ensuring millions of motorists receive the highest quality work from independent garages and workshops.”
■ TRADING PLACE: Sales director Karen Elsy (front) with director Gary Elsy (right) and office administrator Michelle Bickley welcome customers to the new trade shop
Strategic plans MPORTING and exporting Ibusiness can present significant opportunities –
but with customers and suppliers all over the globe, you’ll need to take a strategic approach to growing your international trade. M y c o l l e a g u e D av i d Menaghan has some best practice advice on managing long-distance relationships. Overseas customers and suppliers operate in an increasingly competitive global market and – as in any other area of business – you need to manage the relationship to make the most of the opportunities. Assuming that everyone speaks English, or that they will automatically want to do business with you, isn’t good enough. If you aren't prepared to put effort into the relationship, somebody else will be! To start with, identify the key contacts you need to build relationships with. In addition to your customers or suppliers, this may include agents, trade organisations and government departments. It is also easier to build a relationship face to face, particularly in the early stages and you may need to make several
BANKER’S BLOG Jill Hague
visits if you are hoping to win high value orders. E-mail is cost-effective and convenient – particularly if there is a long time difference between you – but lacks the immediacy and personal touch of a phone call. Visiting gives you an opportunity to get to know their business and to find out more about the country you are dealing with, but think about the most cost-effective way to visit. UK Trade & Investment's Passport to Export programme can include financial support to visit an exhibition in an overseas market. The chamber of commerce or your trade association may also lead trade missions. These can be a good way of meeting several customers in one trip. At the same time, you will need to understand the local
market and work with different customs and cultures. Establishing a personal relationship can be crucial and you may need to learn some local rituals. For example, in Japan when you are given a business card you should study it carefully, as putting it in your pocket without looking at it is considered rude. Taking a contact to a meal is often an expected part of the process of building a business relationship, but in some cultures, it is considered bad form to discuss business at social occasions. At HSBC we have a team of specialists available to advise you on developing an appropriate strategy for your business to trade internationally. E m a i l d av i d m e n a g h a n @hsbc.com
Jill Hague is HSBC area commercial director for Calderdale and Kirklees
KIRKLEES BUSIN Solicitors make a major move A LAW firm based in Liverpool has expanded into Yorkshire by opening an office in Huddersfield. EAD Solicitors has recruited eight former members of Thornleys Solicitors to the EAD team’s offices at the Media Centre, Northumberland Street. The team will continue to focus on providing services to members of the Unite trade union in the region. EAD Solicitors has a strong reputation for personal injury and employment litigation and has close links with the trade union movement across the north and beyond. Tom Doherty (pictured), a founding partner of EAD Solicitors and a specialist in high-value personal injury claims for trade union members, said: “We are proud to be one of the main legal service providers for a number of major trade unions in the UK. “Our new base in Huddersfield means that we are now able to extend our work for Unite to the east and the west of the Pennines and into Manchester. “Our new staff in Huddersfield will be a real asset to us in extending EAD’s geographical reach and we are delighted to be taking such a positive step to increase our union work.” EAD Solicitors was founded in 1974 and has the Legal Services Commission Quality Assurance Mark for dealing with medical negligence, fraud and criminal law.
Food producers meet the buyers
FOOD and drink suppliers flocked to West Yorkshire for a chance to Meet the Buyer. Marsh-based cakemaker Proper Maid was among more than 80 producers attending the seventh annual Meet the Buyer event run by The Regional Food Group for Yorkshire and Humber. The event, staged at Oulton Hall Hotel, Leeds, involved 1,020 meetings between the producers and 38 national buyers, including supermarket chains Asda, Booths, Tesco and Morrisons as well as Jet2.com, Leeds United and the National Trust. Phil Godwin, buyer at Booths said: “I have been to a number of these types of events and Regional Food Group’s events are always of particular interest. This Meet the Buyer is a brilliant use of our time and to be given the opportunity to meet 25 Yorkshire suppliers in one day is great.” RFG chief executive Jonathan Knight said: “Attendees have told us that the event saves them time and effort and can mean that a week’s worth of work is done in one day.”
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Quarry firm really rocks! STONE quarried in Huddersfield is being used to provide name signs for six villages in South Yorkshire. Johnsons Wellfield Quarries, based at Crosland Hill, provided six enormous stones – each weighing about three tons – for Barnsley Council. They will be used as “community markers” for villages in the Barnsley area. Clr Harry Spence, an independent councillor representing Darton East ward, visited the Crosland Hill quarry to see the York stone slabs before they are sandblasted and lettered. There will be two community markers at Mapplewell with one each for Woolley Colliery, Staincross, Darton and Windhill. A spokeswoman for the firm said: “We have done a number of sign stones – but not usually ones this big – because they are difficult to transport and move into position. In this case, they will be transported on our own heavy-duty loaders.” Previous contracts won by Johnsons include providing stone for pedestrian areas in Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham and London as well as projects for Huddersfield University, Harrogate’s Royal Hall and Stanbrook Abbey in North Yorkshire.
■ ROCK FACE: Clr Harry Spence, of Barnsley Council, views the six huge stones supplied by Johnsons Wellfield Quarries for the South Yorkshire villages
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Firms resilient in face of recession YORKSHIRE businesses have shown resilience in the face of the recession, a report has revealed. The 2010 Yorkshire Report by business advisers BDO showed that the region’s top 150 companies have suffered a combined 91% drop in post-tax profits to £0.3bn. Operating profits were down by 54% from £5.1bn to £2.3bn. It is the first time in five years that combined profits have fallen for the 150 firms reviewed. However, the report said that the flexibility show by Yorkshire f i r m s i n re s p o n s e t o t h e “immense challenges of economic turmoil” made them well-placed to benefit as recovery builds. Ian Beaumont, managing partner of the Leeds office of BDO, said: “2009 was a year of tremendous structural change, with significant debt being refinanced, new equity raised and balance sheets strengthened. We also saw some of the region’s big names leave the top 150. “However, on a positive note, we saw 109 of the top 150 remain profitable and 42% of those actually increased profits in the year. Some key sectors also held up well, most notably retail, where
the two biggest companies in the group increased their combined revenues by £3.2bn. The food sector, an extremely important one for the region, also saw profits rise by 8%. The construction industry suffered particularly badly – where the previous year’s £1bn profit turned into a loss of £0.6bn. The financial services sector saw profits halved while manufacturing profits were down by two-thirds. But the fourth annual Yorkshire Report once again noted that the top 150 firms demonstrated prudent management. Last year’s report noted that some £66bn of debt would need to be repaid or renewed in 2009. Despite the difficulty in accessing appropriate finance at a reasonable cost, many of the region’s businesses were able to refinance their debt facilities successfully – reflecting their inherent strength and strong balance sheets. Said Mr Beaumont: “Overall, I think the Yorkshire business community looks to the future with the same cautious optimism we have shown in the past.
Training troubles ITH effect from April 6, W 2010, all companies with more than 250 employees have
to allow their staff the right to take time off to undertake study or training. With effect from 6th April 2011, this will be extended to all businesses. Employees with at least 26 weeks of continuous service will be allowed to request time off for training if the purpose is improving their effectiveness at work and the performance of their employer’s business. An employee is entitled to make one application in any 12-month period. This must be in writing, stating such matters as the type of training, including where and when it would take place, who would provide the training and how the training would improve the employee’s effectiveness and the performance of the employer’s business. On receipt of a valid application, the company must hold a meeting with the employee within 28 days. The meeting would be to discuss the request and to try to agree on whether time off should be granted. If the company accepts the request, it must state the type of training that will be allowed, when it is to take place, whether any terms and conditions of employment will change,
EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Neil Wilson
how the training costs will be met and whether the employee will be paid for time spent studying or training. It is important to understand that there is no statutory right for the employee to be paid while they are attending any training outside of work. If the employer decides not to grant the request, it must do so on one of the specified grounds contained in the legislation. For example, a refusal could be on the grounds of detrimental effect on ability to meet customer need, detrimental impact on performance or inability to reorganise work among existing staff. An appeal hearing must take place if the employee exercises this right and again, refusal of any request at the appeal stage must be on one of the 10 specified grounds contained in the Employment Rights Act 1996. Employers should be aware that, while there is no right to payment for
time off, time spent carrying out training during normal working hours will count as “time work” for the purposes of the calculation of the National Minimum Wage. Therefore, when calculating whether an employee is being paid minimum wage, account must be taken of any time off that they take to attend training. If the employer fails to follow the statutory procedure outlined above or makes a decision to refuse all or part of the application without referring to one or more or the permissible grounds then an employee is entitled to bring a claim at the employment tribunal within three months of the application being refused. It should be noted that if an employer does rely on a permissible ground it must be able to justify that decision – otherwise the employee may again have a right of action in the employment tribunal.
Your business success is out there. Is your bank?
Call Jill Hague on 08455 848702 Email jillhague@hsbc.com Come in to Calderdale and Kirklees Commercial Centre
Commercial Banking hsbc.com/commercial
Neil Wilson is an employment lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors Issued by HSBC Bank plc
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Industrial
To LeT / MAy seLL
To LeT / MAy seLL
Page 6
To LeT - iMMediATLey AvAiLAbLe
REAL ESTATE Crystal Works, Union Road, Heckmondwike
Amandeep Kooner 576 m2 (6,200 sq ft)
New Highfield Mill Cleckheaton
622 bradford Road, batley
995 m2 (10,713 sq ft)
1,258m2 (13,537 sq ft)
Well located industrial/engineering premises less than mile for J26 M62 (Cleckheaton).
Highly prominent industrial premises with offices & self contained yard adjacent A652 Bradford Road.
To LeT – WiLL sPLiT
To LeT/MAy seLL
High quality modern industrial/warehouse unit only a short distance from main A62 Leeds Road.
To LeT - iMMediATeLy AvAiLAbLe Park Road Mills, Park Road, elland 11,356 - 25,600 sq ft
victoria Court, off Wakefield Road, Clayton West
38 dewsbury Road, ossett
8,000 – 16,000 sq ft
Single storey warehouse and offices with large secure yard less than two miles from junction 40 M1.
Recently re-built industrial units benefitting from large service yard and strategic location for Junctions 38 and 39 of the M1.
Single storey cost effective industrial/production space with offices and on site parking easily accessible to J24 M62.
379 m2 (4,085 sq ft)
■:
For more information contact Alec Michael on 07717 870 320 or email alec@michaelsteel.co.uk
Amandeep Kooner is a real estate partner at Austin Kemp Solicitors
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Page 7
Forum voices concern at lack of office space HUDDERSFIELD is badly-placed to meet demand for high-quality office space when the recovery takes hold, property experts in the town have warned. A meeting of the Commercial Property Forum run by law firm Baxter Caulfield heard that the town could lose out to neighbour Leeds – where rental values have been hit by a glut of office accommodation in the face of the recession. Matthew Scholey, of Eddisons, said the success of the Bradley Business Park development showed there was a need for high-quality office space which was easy to use and boasted on-site car parking. However, he said Huddersfield town centre still lacked good quality office accommodation – despite the fact that many firms would prefer to locate there because of its close links to the bus and rail stations and for the convenience of its employees. Tony Jones, manager of Handelsbanken, which opened offices at Bradley, added: “We took a leap of faith when we moved to Bradley and we haven’t regretted it. “We were the first bank to open in Huddersfield for 250 years – and we did so out-of-town.” Jason Metcalfe, of Hanson Chartered Surveyors said developments such as Bradley led to a migration of businesses out of the town
centre as well as attracting regional companies to Huddersfield. But he said high quality accommodation close to the town centre was in short supply. The much-admired Folly Hall Mills development had been quickly filled – leaving a dearth of good office space until such time as the neighbouring Waterfront Quarter was completed. “There are a number of buildings in the town centre that need refurbishing,” he said. “If they were, the market would pick up. At the moment, there is a glut of offices available in Leeds, which is driving down the rental prices there.” Mr Scholey said: “During the biggest property boom in many years, the town centre did not change very much – apart from the Kingsgate development. “When we needed some attractive and viable office space, it did not happen. Now the market ■ BUILDING WORK: Richard Gillatt (left). head of property at Baxter Caulfield and chairman is down, there is no private money to do it.” Mr Scholey said Kirklees College’s move to of its Commercial Property Forum, with forum members before its latest meeting the Waterfront site provided the prospect of Mr Jennings updated forum members on The centres provide 250 units in total and re-developing the college’s old location. The forum, held at Baxter Caulfield’s Station moves to bring together regeneration and eco- have 170 businesses renting space at sites in Street offices and chaired by Richard Gillatt, nomic development services at the council and areas such as Lockwood, Clayton West, Batley head of property at the law firm, also heard the operations of the local authority’s nine and Heckmondwike. Kirklees is also looking to set up two smaller from Greg Jennings, assistant director for business centres – which provide industrial and business “generators” in Dewsbury as well as a commercial space for small and medium-sized regeneration and economic development at third focusing on “green” businesses. firms. Kirklees Council.
industrial site with development potential
characterful office building
OFF BRITANNIA ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD, HD7 £750,000 For Sale
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES
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
● 5,224sqm (56,235sqft) 4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL ● Former textile mill FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES
2) ● Suitable for a variety of 395m2 (4,250ft Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres) and commercial ■ Vacantindustrial possession ■ Suitable for refurbishment for purposes alternative occupational residential uses or ● possible complete Situated alongside the River redevelopment, subject to planning consent Colne
modern industrial
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL
GREENHEAD ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD, HD1 4EN To Let £19,500 p/a
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
workshop
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL
COLNE VALE BUSINESS PARK,PREMISES MILNSBRIDGE, HD3 4NY FORMER HOSTEL
LOCKWOOD ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD, FORMER HOSTEL PREMISESHD1 3TG
● 89.96m² (968ft²) ■ Vacant possession
● 61.9sqm (666sqft) ■ Vacant possession
● 193.6m² (2,084ft²) ■ Vacant possession
To Let £7,250 p/a
■ Suitable for refurbishment Popular industrial location
for ● alternative occupational residential ● Outskirts town centre uses orofpossible complete redevelopment, subject to ● Max. eaves 5.5m planning consent ● 1068sqft also available
prominent site
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL
LEEDS ROAD,HOSTEL HUDDERSFIELD, HD1 6DD FORMER PREMISES
To Let £20,000 p/a
395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)
● 632sq yds possession ■ Vacant
■ Suitable for refurbishment for ● High profile position alternative occupational residential ● Outskirts Huddersfield town centre uses orofpossible complete redevelopment, subject to ● Good access to M62 planning consent ● Close vicinity to retail park
To Let £75 p/w
395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)
■ Suitable Workshop
for refurbishment for ● alternative occupational residential ● Flexible Terms uses or possible complete ● 2redevelopment, Miles from town centresubject to planning consent ● 4,783sqft also available
restaurant premises
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL SOUTHGATE, ELLAND, HX5 0BW FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES
To Let £10,500 p/a
395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)
● 119.09sqm (1,282sqft) ■ Vacant possession
■ Suitable for refurbishment for ● Close to public car parking alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete ● Rateable value £7,900 subject to redevelopment, planning consent ● Available for other use, subject to planning
395m2 (4,250ft2) ● 0.13 On-Site car parking Site Area Hectares (0.33 Acres) ■ Vacant possession ● Excellent security system ■ Suitable for refurbishment for alternative occupational residential Perimeter of Huddersfield uses or ● possible complete redevelopment, subject to planning consent town centre
first floor office premises
COLNE ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD, HD1 3ER FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES 395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)
● 227.4sqm (2,446sqft) 4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL ● Accessible FORMER HOSTEL location PREMISES
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
retail unit
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL
first floor offices
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL HALF MOON STREET, HD1 2JF FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES
To Let £5 p/s/f
395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)
● 137.77sqm (1,483sq ft) ■ Vacant possession
Suitable for refurbishment for ● First floor office suite alternative occupational residential uses or possible complete ● Good secondary locationsubject to redevelopment, planning consent ● Disability access ■
retail unit
4 RANGE LANE Halifax, HX3 6DL
BLACKMOORFOOT ROAD, Crosland Moor, FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES
SERGEANTSON STREET, HUDDERSFIELD, FORMER HOSTEL PREMISES HD1 2JF
● 79.7 m² [858possession ft²] ■ Vacant
● 47.57sqm ■ Vacant(512sqft) possession
To Let £10,500 p/a
395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)
■ Suitable for refurbishment for ● Double fronted sales shop alternative occupational residential ● Customer park uses or car possible complete redevelopment, subject to ● Close to Co-op Supermarket planning consent ● REDUCED RENT
To Let £8,000 p/a
395m2 (4,250ft2) Site Area 0.13 Hectares (0.33 Acres)
■ Suitable for refurbishment for ● Good secondaryoccupational position alternative residential uses or possible complete ● Within landmark town centre building redevelopment, subject to planning consent ● Near Bus Station and Train Station
T. 01484 530361 www.bramleys.com
■ industrial LAND ■ offices OFFICES INDUSTRIAL ■ retail INVESTMENT ■ investment RETAIL ■ land
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Movers and shakers
Page 8
Swift shades it at the stadium Academy assured of great support HUDDERSFIELD Town has teamed up with insurance broker Wilbys Ltd. The Halifax-based company, which already sponsors the back of Town’s home shirt this season, has increased its commitment to the club by offering car and household contents insurance packages to supporters. For every policy taken out, Wilbys will make a donation to the club’s academy. Academy manager Graham Mitchell is pictured (above left) with Wilbys managing director Richard Blackburn. Graham said he was delighted by Wilby’s commitment to the club, adding: “I think it is a sign of the progress the academy is making that more companies want to be associated with us. “Town supporters will save money on their insurance deals through this new relationship while earning funds for the academy, so it’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved.” Mr Blackburn said: “We are a local company and massive supporters of the club, so to know that in some way we can contribute to produce the next Alex Smithies or Michael Collins means a lot to us. “While the donation to the club varies on the type of insurance taken out by the supporters, the investment made by us is sizeable and will play a key role in enabling the great work carried out by Graham and his team not only to continue but develop further.”
ACCOUNTANCY firm Revell Ward has signed up as patrons of high-flying Huddersfield Giants. The company, with offices at Market Street in Huddersfield, already has a long-standing relationship with the Super League club. Partner Karen Borowski, who is pictured (above) with players Leroy Cudjoe (left) and Michael Lawrence, said: “We are proud to support such a fantastic team. At Revell Ward, we work hard and play hard and mixing business with pleasure makes it so easy.” Giants managing director Richard Thewlis said: “We are delighted to welcome Revell Ward as the Giants official patrons. “Our partnership continues to go from strength to strength and is a great example of how two professional organisations can work alongside each other with mutual benefits.”
A COMPANY supplying blinds and curtains is putting its competitors in the shade following a link-up with Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium. L o c k wo o d - b a s e d S w i f t Blinds and Curtains has signed a 10-year deal with Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd to cement their already strong relationship. As part of the deal, new blinds supplied by Swift now adorn the Fantastic Media Suite – depicting the club badges of Huddersfield Town and Huddersfield Giants as well as Town and Giants legends Andy Booth and Eorl Crabtree. The hope is that companies and individuals will be impressed with the images and will want to see their own designs feature on the blinds in
their corporate areas. Stadium managing director Ralph Rimmer said: ‘We are always looking to improve the facility and I am really pleased with what this company has produced for one of our most prestigious lounges. “The graphics are high quality and not only will our box holders have the opportunity to install their bespoke designs in their suites, but Swift can do the s a m e fo r a ny c o m p a ny headquarters or even domestically.” David Roebuck, sales director at Swift Blinds and Curtains, said ‘ We installed blinds when the lounge first opened and every time I have seen the large blank white expanse behind the goals I have kicked myself for the missed opportunity. “That has now been rectified
■ WINDOW SEATS: Ralph Rimmer (left), managing director of the Galpharm Stadium, with David Roebuck. of Swift Blinds and Curtains, which has provided blinds with graphics for the venue
and as a local company we are very pleased to be associated
It’s the Fantastic five!
■ HIGH FIVE: - Fantastic Media personnel (from left) Gary Pattison, senior account manager; Mark Cullen, web developer; Matthew Hall, creative designer, Donna Bedford, PR director; with Rebecca Stead, who is on work experience at the company from Heckmondwike Grammar School MARKETING agent Fantastic Media has made its most successful start to a year ever – by securing five new accounts in the first quarter of 2010. The Birstall-based agency’s successes include working with entrepreneur and Apprentice finalist, Claire Young, Northern Commercials, Liquid Accounts, Alpha Media Solutions and Banana Moon. The account wins underline the agency’s commercial experience across a wide range of industry sectors – from law firms and haulage companies to cosmetics brands and sports clubs.
Fantastic managing director Andrew Hobson said: “As the region talks about coming out of recession, more and more companies are realising the importance of investing in marketing, PR, web and digital services as a cost-effective means of building their business. “We are delighted with our continued growth so far this year/ The year 2010 has started very strongly for us and we’re working hard with all of our clients to achieve their business objectives and drive the region’s business growth forwards.”
with the stadium and the sports clubs.”
Cooper’s new deal INDEPENDENT coffee distributor Cooper’s Coffee has secured a contract with award-winning tourist attraction Cannon Hall Farm at Cawthorne. The deal will see Bradley-based Cooper’s supply the working farm with £20,000 worth of espresso machine equipment from premium Italian brand Dalla Corte as well as more than £15,000 of its own award winning coffee for the farm’s 250-seater restaurant. Cannon Hall Farm welcomes more than 250,000 paying visitors each year and is also used by neighbouring local authorities for educational coach trips as part of the curriculum for primary schools. Attractions includes a children's play area, picnic area, shops, butchery, ice cream parlour, delicatessen and farm shop which is widely acknowledged as one of the biggest and best in the region serving the finest home produced beef, pork and lamb. As part of the contract, Cooper’s has delivered intensive barista training to staff at the farm. The new equipment was installed in time for the Easter weekend – one of the busiest times of the year for Cannon Hall Farm, which welcomed more than 40,000 visitors. Cooper’s won the contract after Cannon Hall Farm owner Robert Nicholson met the coffee firm’s managing director, David Cooper ,at a “Dragon’s Den” event at Silcoates School in Wakefield. The event saw students presenting an array of innovative products to a panel of dragons which included Mr Cooper. Mr Nicholson’s daughter – a pupil at the school – was among the students pitching their ideas.