C ARL HOPKINS Secret’s out for entrepreneur
ROSIE WINTERTON Pledge to help firms
Profile - page 3
Repor t - Page 4
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
‘Millionaires’ mark a milestone year MEMBERS of a local business network have ended the year on a £1m high-note. The members of the Huddersfield branch of Business Network International, are celebrating the £1m in new business they brought in for each other this year – despite the worst UK recession for many years. Formed seven years ago, the group is one of the most successful BNI branches in the UK – being voted as the top-performing group in 2008/09 out of the 600 BNI “chapters” in the country and consistently remaining in the top 60 over the past few years. Group director Andrew McGee said success is down to the members’ dedication and making the most out of the network’s structured referral system, which only allows up to 40 people from differing trades into each group to limit competition and increase sales leads. “We just pull together and look after each other,” he said. “Instead of working in isolation as small businesses, we have the opportunity to
network with numerous others in other professions.” Group member Andrew Toothill, who owns Enterprise Print Ltd in Huddersfield and has especially benefited from the network, is now receiving about £90,000 worth of business through BNI each year. He said the group had worked so well for small and medium-sized firms because of its word-of-mouth marketing and targeted, local presence. “It doesn’t matter how much you shout about how good you are, there’s nothing better than someone else shouting for you,” he said. “Through a recession, people are looking for a reason to use someone, so if you’re recommended, that puts you ahead. There’s a million more businesses like us in the country, so it’s the perfect place to reach our target audience by working with local businesses and people.” BNI regional director Mike Holman said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for the chapter. They’ve been in the top 10% of best performing
survive the recession. Other key economic factors which businesses say would help them survive include an increase in government grants (16.1%) and a reduction in various forms of tax (25.9%). The survey into issued affecting confidence levels among businesses in the region showed that 9.7% of firms
University challenge TWO employees at Huddersfield firms have received awards at Leeds University. Stuart Tolson, shift manufacturing supervisor at Thornton and Ross; and Mark North, of soft drinks company Britvic, have both gained postgraduate certificates Manufacturing Excellence.
● Full story - Page 8
■ WELL DONE: Members of the Huddersfield branch of Business Network celebrate after bringing each other business totalling £1m in 2009
groups in the UK and Ireland for the past few years, so it’s the recognition
they deserve for the amount of effort they put in.”
Kirklees companies seek reduction in red tape YORKSHIRE firms want to see less red tape – and not just on their Christmas gifts. A poll by Yorkshire Bank showed that more than 38% of companies in the region claimed that a reduction in bureaucracy and regulation affecting their business would make the biggest single difference to their ability to
INSIDE
wanted to see a reduction in taxes on business while 6.5% wanted the Chancellor to make the reduction in VAT to 15% permanent. Only 1.6% of those questioned said reducing the minimum wage was the single change which would help them survive recession. Andy Davison, managing partner of
Yorkshire Bank’s West Yorkshire Financial Solutions Centre covering Kirklees, said: “The Government has acted this year to make the UK as healthy an environment as possible to do business. “However, the sentiment on the ground is that those measures may not have gone far enough.”
The most trusted news brand in the business
examiner.co.uk
2 9 , D e c e m b e r, 2 0 0 9
Help for graduates GRADUATES facing uncertainty on the employment front are benefiting from a new scheme run by Huddersfield University in partnership with Yorkshire Forward and the Higher Education Funding Council for England.
● Full story - Page 5
Yorkshire’s Legal People Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
01484 519 999
www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
local
Page 2
Businesswomen take lead on manufacturing
■ TOY STORY: Jan Stringer, of Dickory Dock Designs, at Holmfirth, said many young people would love to run their own business, but did not know how to go about realising their ambitions
TWO successful female entrepreneurs from Yorkshire are backing a national drive to encourage more young women into careers in manufacturing. Jan Stringer, 56, of Holmfirth, and 19-year-old Ruth Amos, of Sheffield, both know what it is like to be a woman in a man’s world – having set-up and run successful manufacturing businesses of their own. Both are now backing a pioneering new qualification for 14 to 19-year-olds to increase awareness of manufacturing as a career option among young people and – specifically – encourage more young women into the industry. Launched in September, the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design teaches academic subjects like maths, science, engineering, computing, business and enterprise and creative design as they are applied practically in the manufacturing industry. Employers also play a key role in giving students first-hand experience of what manufacturing is and how it works. The diploma is now being taught in schools in Sheffield, York and Bradford. Jan started making children’s toys at home while bringing up her own family in Holmfirth. Her hobby soon became a full time job when she founded Dickory Dock Designs, which makes and sells educational toys and games. The former secondary school teacher and college lecturer believes one of the biggest issues affecting the recruitment of young people into manufacturing is the industry’s image. “People have an image of what manufacturing is and often that is very stereotyped,” she said. “The truth is, everything around us – everything we use as we go about our lives - has been designed and manufactured by somebody so the scope for careers in the industry is vast, whether it’s making toys and games, a sports car or the latest mobile phone. “I get a lot satisfaction from what I do and I am sure there are
■ TEEN BOSS: Ruth Amos, inventor of the Stair Steady mobility aid, began running her own business at the age of 16
many young people who would love to work in manufacturing and product design, but don’t know how to progress their ambitions. “This new diploma will teach the usual school subjects such as English, maths and science but in the context of learning about the manufacturing industry in a practical way. “Getting first-hand experience of what working for a manufacturing business is like will equip them with broader life skills in all sorts of areas like customer service, business management, teamwork and so on.” Ruth became the managing director of her own company, StairSteady Ltd, aged just 16 after she designed an award-winning home mobility aid as part of her GCSE in design and technology course. She said one of the hardest challenges she has faced is learning about the manufacturing industry from scratch – having had very little idea about how it worked and the opportunities it offered when she left school.
“I was really lucky in that an engineering company in Sheffield got on board with me early on,” said Ruth. “They gave me lots of support by designing a prototype, helping me get my idea patented and taking it to the market. “Most young people in my position wouldn’t get that kind of chance to meet and get guidance from people in the manufacturing industry. “I have had to learn about the industry as I go along and learn quickly from my mistakes. “The great thing about a qualification like the diploma in manufacturing and product design is it will give youngsters a real insight into what it takes to design, make and sell a product well before they start their careers. “It will open doors for many more people to get the sort of help and advice from companies that helped me launch my business.” The UK manufacturing industry contributes £140bn a year to the economy, covering everything from food and drink to cosmetics, hi-tech electronic gadgets to passenger jets, clothes to computers, and everything you can imagine in between. Derek Jones, head of the York-based Manufacturing Diploma Development Partnership, said breaking down barriers and giving more young people more options to get into manufacturing and other lines of work is a key aim of the diploma. “The diploma allows all young people from the age of 14 onwards a chance to learn about the realities of manufacturing, free from the stereotypes,” he said. “What they will learn is that it is a diverse and incredibly vibrant industry. “It is full of opportunities for people with a wide range of talents, whether your dream is to run your own business or be the CEO of a major corporation, be a successful engineer to an award-winning marketer, a ground-breaking research scientist or a cutting-edge designer.”
New scheme gets the region better connected REGIONAL development agency Yorkshire Forward has awarded a contract to Connect Yorkshire to create and run a new business network for the region’s IT and telecommunications sector. Yorkshire and Humber has the fastest-growing digital sector in the UK outside of London and is recognised as a leading centre of excellence in the digital and new media industries. With IT and telecommunications set
to make a major contribution to the regional economy, the new business network – called techmesh – will provide a business network for companies, organisations and individuals working in these sectors to meet, exchange information and share best practice. As a business collaboration network, techmesh will act as an umbrella organisation, bringing together existing networks in the region and will signpost businesses
to sources of funding information, market intelligence, emerging technologies and research and development opportunities. Connect Yorkshire’s chief executive Nick Butler said: “Techmesh enables members to share knowledge, exchange ideas, meet like-minded companies and ultimately win more business. “ The aim is to help create a commercial ecosystem where innovative, ambitious companies
can thrive and give members a means of forming profitable relationships. “Our long-term aim is to create a vibrant, active, supportive and self-funding network to help further the interests of IT and telecommunications organisations and professionals in Yorkshire.” Techmesh will run a series of events over the next 12 months for members with networking events and seminars.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS BUSINESS is truly a pleasure for Carl Hopkins. The Brighouse-based star of Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire says: “I like working with enthusiastic people who are starting up or running their own business. “I enjoy talking to groups of young people about their ideas for new businesses and I enjoy helping people celebrate their successes. “Work is something you do when you would rather be doing something else. I am really fortunate because what I do doesn’t seem like work to me.” Carl is keen to help others discover the opportunities that a career in business can create. He is regularly invited to talk to classrooms of children. “When the teacher says they are going to meet a man who has been on television, that grabs their attention,” he says. “There are plenty of people better qualified to talk to them that me, but being ‘off the tele’ adds a bit of sparkle. “I talk to kids in schools in less than glamorous areas where they all want to be footballers or the next Jordan. I try to get across the fact that the ‘grey and boring’ people they see in suits and ties actually represent an interesting career option. “There are only so many people who will become footballers or models, but I believe that anyone can go into business – open a nail bar or a garage, for example – if they have the right support.” His enthusiasm for encouraging ambition among the young stems in part from his own experiences. “I wanted to be a fireman when I was small,” he says. “We had a visit to school from the fire brigade when I was five. I was quite big for my age, so I got to wear the fireman’s outfit. That was my ambition at the time – until I suddenly realised ‘I could be killed doing this job’. “When I was a bit older I wanted to be Peter Lorimer, but I didn’t have the ability. “I realised the thing I was a bit better at than some of the others was art and drawing. “Only by accident – at the age of 13 or 14 – I met a girl who said she went to Leeds College of Art. I didn’t even know such a place existed. “I went out to find it and once I was in that environment everything I wanted to talk about, everyone was talking about.” He also recalls standing in his school playground in Leeds and thinking: “I can see my house from here, I can see the high school I went to – and I can see Armley prison, where I thought I might end up!” For Carl, taking a route into business meant broadening those horizons. With a background in
profile
Carl Hopkins
Secret is out on Carl’s success commercial art, Carl began his career in earnest in 1984 when he joined Bradford-based marketing agency Judith Donovan Associates. He rose through the ranks and took over the business in 2000 as managing director following a successful management buy-out. From 2000 to 2005, Carl expanded the agency from 48 to 75 staff, taking turnover from £9.6m to more than £19m and tripling its profits. In 2003, he co-ordinated the takeover of Warrington-based advertising and PR agency Blueprint and became chairman until the sale of the business two years later. Then he took two years out of the business limelight. During that time he married his wife, Stefanie, and the couple now have a six-month-old son, Zachary. Carl also has a 14-year-old son, Adam. “I took the time to set
myself some new goals,” he says. I had enjoyed a 23-year career in marketing and advertising, but I wanted to reinvent myself. “I wanted to invest in business, start new businesses and take up a non-executive role. I completed all that in three months. “I spent a lot of time visiting businesses and I find myself on the road a lot. My only rule is I don’t do business before 10am or after 4pm.” Now Carl runs kloog – a business “angel” service where he shares some of the experiences he has garnered during his career with other businesses – and heads web-based recruitment business agencybods.co.uk. He is also a non-executive director of regional businesswomen’s networking group Forward Ladies and has investments in other businesses, including fundraising site JumbleAid.com, Joblink
Systems, M&H Wellbeing and Parties Around the World. He takes his responsibilities equally seriously when it comes to the subject of “corporate social responsibility” – and urges other business people to commit to supporting worthy causes. As one of the subjects of Secret Millionaire, Carl spent 10 days in the once-thriving north-east colliery town of Easington – and ended up giving £42,000 of his own money to support worthwhile projects, including the colliery brass band, a city farm and the local miners’ welfare club. Carl recalls some criticism from people who viewed his appearing on the programme as an exercise in self-interest. “That programme wasn’t about me,” he says. “It was about raising the profile of causes that need support and those fantastic people who get up every day to
■ ADVICE: Carl says being able to choose is the best measure of success
Page 3
help their communities. I hope it makes people ask questions about the needs of their local community. “If I am helping Easington’s colliery band, who’s supporting Brighouse and Rastrick or Black Dyke Mills? And if organisations can use their brands to get publicity for those causes, what’s wrong with that? “I went back to Easingwold last month to volunteer to do some digging on the allotments. “There were 12 volunteers from Northumbrian Water because that company has a policy of encouraging all employees to do voluntary work.” Carl appears contented with his lot. “A third of my time is spent promoting business and enterprise at schools, colleges and universities – speaking at conferences and presenting prizes at awards nights. “A third of my time is involved in businesses that raise money for charities.
Role: Company director Age: 44 Family: Married to Stefanie with sons Zachary, six months, and Adam,14 Holidays: Italy and the South of France Car: VW Touareg First job: Working five nights a week and Saturdays in a butcher’s shop. I can still plait sausages! Best thing about job: I get to choose who I work with Worst thing about job: Travelling on the M62 Business tip: Make an appropriate offer to your audience Business interests: Kloog, agencybods, M&H Wellbeing, Joblink Systems, JumbleAid, Parties Around the World, Forward Ladies Email: ch@kloog.co.uk
“And a third of the time I spend with businesses in which I have invested, giving advice to enthusiastic, ambitious people with fantastic ideas. “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to make choices about the things I want to do. I talk to kids about what being successful. “My advice is that being able to make choices is as good a measure of success as any.”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
local
Global reach INTERNATIONAL businesses seeking suppliers in Yorkshire have been targeted for a major event. Regional development agency Yorkshire Forward is staging Going Global – Meet the Buyer on March 17 at the Great Yorkshire Show Ground in Harrogate. The agency has joined forces with government export support arm UK Trade and Investment to run the event, which will introduce local companies to potential clients based overseas. More than 900 delegates are expected to attend from key industry sectors which have strong export potential such as food and drink, advanced engineering and materials, construction, digital, environmental technologies and healthcare. International buyers signed up include companies from the USA, Canada, Brazil, China, India, Germany and France. The event will give regional businesses the opportunity either to sign up to meet potential buyers or attend a Going Global 2010 networking event running alongside the face-to-face meetings, learn new skills in special Master Classes and meet world market and international trade experts. For details on the event, visit www.yorkshire-forward.com, call the events team on 0113 3949711 or email events@ yorkshire-forward.com
Page 4
Future bright for factories MANUFACTURERS in Yorkshire can depend on government backing to boost employee skills, regional minister Rosie Winterton said. The minister was speaking at a meeting with the EEF Yorkshire and Humber regional council, which was also attended by some of the region’s largest and best known manufacturing and engineering companies. There was an opportunity for an informal and in-depth discussion on key challenges and opportunities for manufacturers in Yorkshire and The Humber. Ms Winterton covered key point about plans for a multi-million pound research centre and factory, based in South Yorkshire, to support the UK’s civil nuclear industry. And she insisted the manufacturing sector had a bright future – both in more traditional as well as in advanced engineering and manufacturing. “The discussions were very productive and informative,” she said. “I will continue to work with central government colleagues and regional partners to ensure Yorkshire and the Humber get the support and investment we need to secure our future as a world class manufacturing base. “I will be working with the EEF regional council on ways we might improve flexibility and access to government support for skills.” Also on the agenda was the state of the economy, the financial sector and the opportunities presented by cli-
ing cutters for the automotive, aeronautical and defence industries throughout the world. The company lists major names like Honda and Rolls Royce among its customers. Mr McCartney said the visit enabled Mr Hammond to learn how one of the town’s niche manufacturers had battled against the recession by p rov i d i n g h i g h q u a l i t y products. Dathan had also invested £200,000 in equipment to test the quality of its cutting tools. At Disposables UK, Mr Hammond spoke to company boss Trevor Storer about the firm’s operations supplying items such as toilet rolls, hand towels and wipes and its commitment to its staff and the local community.
Lawyers take a regional role LAW firm Chadwick Lawrence has taken a regional role as the West Yorkshire hub for the Connect2Law network. The scheme, started by Manchester law firm Pannone, is a free, mutually beneficial referrals and support network for law firms across the UK. Smaller firms are encouraged to introduce work which is outside their specialist areas to a larger firm, known as a hub, in return for a host of benefits including a fee share and a written non-poaching agreement. Member firms also have access to a bulk purchasing group know as CostController which can reduce core overheads by about 20%. Allowing the smaller introducer firms to retain their clients by providing access to specialist lawyers, Connect2Law has proved a great success in the north-west with parent firm Pannone reporting almost 700 member firms in the scheme. The decision was taken to extend the model nationwide – with 18 hubs now operating across the UK.
■ MINISTER’S VISIT: Alan Hall (left), regional director of the EEF, with (from left) Rosie Winterton, regional minister for Yorkshire; Tim Parkinson, vice-chairman of the regional EEF; and chairman Richard Morley
mate change. Richard Morley, chairman of the EEF in Yorkshire and Humber, said: “It was good to have the opportunity to have an exchange of views and ideas with our own regional minister. “We were able to explain how manufacturing has a very bright future, particularly as the UK seeks
to create a more balanced economy in the years ahead. Alan Hall, regional director of EEF in Yorkshire, said: “More than 20 leaders from some of our member companies were able to join in the discussion. “They have been encouraged by the support the Minister is giving to manufacturing businesses here in the region·”
Focus on niche company A SENIOR Tory politician toured companies in the Holmfirth and Meltham to find out how they have coped with the recession – and to lay out his Party’s plans for the future. Philip Hammond, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, was accompanied by Jason McCartney, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Colne Valley, on the visit to three of the constituency’s strongest-performing businesses. They visited the Brockholes headquarters of property development company Conroy Brook Developments Ltd, Dathan Gear Cutting Tools, at Meltham Mills, and paper products manufacturer Disposables UK, at Meltham. Dathan specialises in mak-
KIRKLEES BUSIN
■ CUTTING GEAR: Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Philip Hammond MP (second left) watches one of the engineering processes at Meltham-based Dathan Gear Cutting Tools with Colne Valley candidate Jason McCartney (second right); retired director Alan Moorhouse (left) and current production director Simon Moorhouse
Chadwick Lawrence, which has offices at Railway Street in Huddersfield, will act as the hub for most of West Yorkshire and parts of North Yorkshire – covering postcode areas BD, HX, LS, HG, WF and HD. The firm will provide Connect2Law members with access to specialist lawyers and provide free CPD training for smaller member firms. The Connect2Law team at Chadwick Lawrence consists of Champion Jeremy Garside, business development manager Sarah Haller (above) and administrator Janet Thewlis. The team will co-ordinate all enquiries and hand them over to the relevant expert. Said Sarah: “The success of the Connect2Law network is proven and we’re looking forward to rolling it out across West and North Yorkshire. “We were chosen as the hub for the area because of our expertise across such a wide range of disciplines. It is highly unlikely that an introducer firm would refer a case to us which we could not handle. “The benefits to all members can make a substantial difference to their business and we’re expecting take up around the region to be high.”
NESS NEWS
local
Firms provide a degree of help
GRADUATES facing uncertainty on the employment front are benefiting from a new scheme at Huddersfield University. Staff at the Queensgate campus have joined forces with regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and the Higher Education Funding Council for England to give the region’s graduates better job prospects. The university’s Careers and Employability Service is taking part in a new initiative to find challenging and useful internship opportunities for graduates from any university in the region. With funding from Yorkshire Forward and HEFCE, the university is able to contribute two-thirds of the salary cost of a graduate internship. That means graduates can spend a fixed amount of time working on a specific project and gain invaluable experience, equipping them for the wider world of work. “Internships are a great way for recent graduates to gain real experience, develop their skills and prove their potential,” said Andrew Stainton, of the university’s Careers and Employability Service. “But they’re also a fantastic opportunity for employers to utilise the skills, knowledge, enthusiasm and ideas of a recent university graduate at a minimal cost.” The new scheme offers 12-week internships in various areas such as marketing, engineering, design and IT as well as posts in general project management roles. Graduates work 37-hour weeks and are paid £300 a week – with the university
■ ADVANTAGE: Huddersfield University graduate Lauren Collins has benefited from taking part in its intern scheme
contributing £200 and the host employer £100. Said Mr Stainton: “Although this is a new scheme, we’ve already seen quite a bit of interest. “So far, we’ve offered internships in human resources, marketing, IT, public relations and
Page 5
graphic design. “It’s a competitive world out there for graduates, so by showing you’re proactive in expanding your CV, making new contacts and proving yourself as a capable intern, you are ensuring you give yourself the best chance to get the career you want.” Huddersfield graduate Lauren Collins is working as part of the internship scheme at the Community Foundation for Calderdale – using the skills she has learned on her public relations degree in real situations and real projects. She said: The Community Foundation has been excellent. I’ve been given loads of responsibility and a chance to prove my capability and it’s been fantastic to work for an organisation I feel passionately about – one which makes a real difference to the community. “Not only is the internship great for your CV, it’s a real opportunity to put your skills into practice and try different things. I would recommend it to any graduate.” Internships are open to graduates in the region who have completed their studies at a UK university in the last 18 months. The university said it takes an active role in the recruitment and selection process to ensure that the very best graduate for the role is chosen. Employers and graduates interested in joining the scheme can contact Andrew Stainton on 01484 472732 or online at internship@hud.ac.uk
Dealers earn plaudits CAR dealers in Huddersfield have been presented with awards. Perry Jaguar, Perry Mazda and Perry Vauxhall have been given awards for excellent customer services as members of the West Yorkshire Trading Standards’ Motor Trade Partnership. Graham Hebblethwaite, chief officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service, said: “In the current economic climate, where there is so much uncertainty, people need to feel reassured that they are dealing with a reputable trader when making such a significant purchase and parting with their hard-earned cash. “The excellent customer services offered by exemplary members such as Perry Jaguar, Perry Mazda and Perry Vauxhall, should encourage consumers to shop with confidence.” Clr Mohan Sokhal, of the trading standards committee, said: ‘So many consumers are overly suspicious when it comes to making purchases within the motor trade industry, with the work of rogue traders being detrimental to the reputation of legitimate business. “The Motor Trade Partnership provides consumers with the capacity to identify garages that comply with the law and provide high levels of customer services if problems arise.” The partnership was set up to give customers assurance in an industry where suspicion was particularly high and consumer expectations were low.
■ MOTORING ON: Richard Guthrie (second left), of West Yorkshire Trading Standards, presents awards to (from left) Steve Garth, of Perry Jaguar; Stuart Thompson, of Perry Vauxhall; and Peter Woodley, of Perry Mazda
Employers urged to compete KIRKLEES firms offering work placements for students have been urged to enter a national award. The National Council for Work Experience 2009/10 Awards is open to organisations providing undergraduate work experience. Companies in the region have until January 8 to enter the awards, which are open to organisations of all sizes and industries, including charitable and the public sector. Employers, students and careers advisers can nominate the organisations they feel epitomise best practice in work experience at www.work-experience.org/awards. Heather Collier, NCWE director commented: “With more employers offering work placements due to the recession, we’re expecting a record number of entries this year. “We recognise the best of the experienced providers as well as newcomers and hope the extended deadline will give those unsure whether to enter that extra bit of encouragement.” Entries will be assessed solely by online application and a maximum of six companies will be short-listed in each category. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony that will take place in London on March 23, 2010. This year’s sponsors include Changeboard, AGR, GlaxoSmithKline and Centrica.
Launch for digital arm A DESIGN company in Huddersfield has launched a digital operation following a strong of client wins. Design Junkie, based at Fenay Bridge, has set up a new media arm. It comes after a string of successes to create new web initiatives for national clients including Continental Tyres, Gala Bingo, TomTom and Hobgoblin Beer. Creative director Jason Haigh said: “We live in a digital world where brand relationships are formed in increasingly diverse online communities. “Our clients are embracing digital marketing strategies to make some noise and engage with their consumers and audiences in a more meaningful way.” Steven Kennell, Digital Junkie’s online director, said: “We have found an even greater demand for digital services in the current climate. “Today, clients want more cost-effective, high-impact campaigns and that means offering a combination of traditional and new media.” Digital Junkie offers a number of services including social marketing, web design and e-commerce.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
property
Page 6
‘Region can help meet demand for data sites’
LACK of suitable sites could prevent Yorkshire from wrestling major data centre developments from the south-east, a report has warned. The analysis by property agency DTZ says demand is rising for sites to provide secure data storage – and that there is scope for the region to benefit if the right locations and development finance can be secured. The comments come as developers press ahead with plans for a £200m data centre campus on 46 acres of land at Lindley Moor, Huddersfield. Stirling Scotfield, the company behind the scheme, said the proposal was the “most effective and environmentally friendly scheme available” for the land, which is earmarked for employment use by Kirklees Council. They say the 340,000sq ft development of 12 units with 102 parking spaces would create about 150 jobs directly – with about 2,000 employed during construction. The data centre campus would provide a secure site for organisations such as banks and internet-based businesses to house their computer servers. Stirling Scotfield said organisations were increasingly looking to base their computer servers away from their existing offices for security reasons. Christopher Murfitt, valuation director at DTZ in Yorkshire, said: “Most people are completely unaware of the colossal amount of digital data being generated by business and personal users across every industrial sector, both private and public. And it all has to be stored somewhere. “The recent Government report, Digital Britain, stressed the point that the demand for data storage is set to grow exponentially as we increase our use of electronic channels for communication and commerce. “Legislation relating to business continuity and emergency planning – combined with statutory requirements for public
■ CENTRE POINTS: Mike Baugh (top) and Christopher Murfitt, both of DTZ
sector data storage – are also adding to the commercial impetus.” Some larger companies have traditionally operated their own data storage facilities, but as the global downturn continues to bear down on costs, many businesses are now outsourcing this vital function – again driving the market. Mr Murfitt said: “Storing essential data onsite in what are often central business locations is an expensive, inflexible and potentially vulnerable option -–hence the growing trend to locate data centres in bespoke
facilities offsite. “Care must also be taken to avoid areas that may be prone to flooding or are too close to flight paths.” Mike Baugh, industrial director at DTZ in Yorkshire, said the region was well-placed to capitalise on its geographical position and the availability of power supply. He said: “Yorkshire benefits from having a cohort of data centre specialists based here – from property specialists and third-party providers to legal advisers. “But we are now in a position where there is not enough new property coming through the pipeline to satisfy anticipated future demand. “However, because income does not come on stream until the completion of the fit-out and installation of all computer equipment, the current limitation on funding is creating difficulties in bringing forward new developments. “We are currently advising UK Coal in respect of a number of their sites – which given their previous use – already benefit from significant power availability and are generally secure and secluded offering many of the factors attractive to data centre users. “There have been a number of significant data centre projects in the region recently, most notably two locations for HSBC at Wakefield and York, where the bank is currently developing two 30-acre sites.” Mr Baugh added: “Continued growth in the use of electronic systems and devices that create data which needs saving guarantees that demand for premises to house this electronic storage equipment will continue. “Coupled with the need for high volumes of uninterruptable power, huge opportunities exist for centrally-located land to attract such uses. The Yorkshire and Humberside region should not lose sight of this important growth sector.”
■ CAMPUS PLAN: Land at Lindley Moor, Huddersfield, is being proposed for the site of an innovative data centre campus – enabling organisations to store vital computer information remote from their offices. Property experts at DTZ argue that the region needs to raise its game to provide more sites for similar centres and loosen the hold on the market currently enjoyed by London and the south-east
Hotel extension under way
Construction student wins bursary
A MAJOR extension is being built at one of Yorkshire’s most prestigious hotels. DLG Architects has announced the start of work at Rudding Park Hotel in Harrogate following planning approval for the scheme. The work undertaken by Yorkshire-based RN Wooler & Co Ltd will extend the award-winning hotel by a further 34 bedrooms and providing additional leisure facilities. The building programme is scheduled for completion by November next year. Julian Monaghan, partner at Leeds-based DLG Architects, said: “We are delighted that
A BURSARY for the most outstanding student in the field of construction has been announced to a West Yorkshire college. Regeneration specialist Waystone Ltd awarded its annual bursary to Richard Dunkley, a student at Wakefield College’s Skills Xchange at Classhoughton. The landmark building was opened in April this year and was designed and build by Waystone as part of its £200m regeneration of the Glasshoughton site. The bursary is awarded annually in memory of Gideon Schreier, the son of Sir
work has started to extend the facilities at Rudding Park. This represents a strong commitment by the owners of Rudding Park to continue to improve the fantastic facilities that the hotel has to offer. “Developing the detailed design of the new extension to be in keeping with the original Grade II listed hotel was the original challenge. “We are now turning our efforts towards making sure that the new buildings are constructed while respecting the requirements of guests and the operational needs of the hotel.”
Bernard Schreier and a director of Waystone parent C P Holdings Ltd. Sue Griffiths, principal at Wakefield Stuart McLoughlin, managing director at Waystone, said it was an honour to present the award, adding: “The directors at Waystone have pledged their continued support for the future of the construction industry.” The Glasshoughton development – a winner in the 2008 Yorkshire Property Awards – is home to the Xscape leisure complex as well as shops and businesses employing more than 3,500 people.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Landlords stick with the old system DESPITE the impact of the recession, only a small minority of landlords are allowing retailers to switch to paying rents monthly rather than insisting on the “archaic” practice of quarterly payment up front, it is claimed. A survey by the British Retail Consortium showed that just 12% of retail property leases are now on monthly rental terms – and nearly 90% of respondents who had been allowed to move to monthly terms said they had been or would be penalised with higher charges. Two-fifths said if they had been allowed to move to monthly rents it was just on a temporary basis – typically a year. The survey has been published in the run-up to the next “quarter day” in England and Wales on Christmas Day, when the quarterly rental payments are due. The BRC said that thanks to its campaign over the past three years, monthly rents are much more common on new leases. The survey found that since January, 2008, two-thirds of new leases have included monthly payment terms. But commercial landlords have a long way to go on showing this degree of flexibility on existing leases. The BRC’s campaign predates the recession – with the retailers’ organisation arguing that quarterly rental terms are wrong in principle. Said director-general Stephen Robertson: “It is an unjustifiable practice from an era when horseback was the fastest means of communication and has no place in the modern age. “But this year, the impact of the recession has given the campaign a new urgency as the extra costs and cash flow effects of paying rents three months up front have become more significant. “It’s been a tough year with many thousands of shops falling vacant. Helping out before that happens is in the interests of both landlords and retailers.”
Increase in registrations THE number of registrations to build new homes has risen, latest figures reveal. Research by the National House Building Council showed there were 27,124 applications to build new homes in the UK during the three months from September to November, 2009. That is an increase of 45% on the 18,675 applications lodged for the same period in 2008. Registrations for the month of November alone stood at 9,766 compared with 9,163 the previous month – the highest monthly figure for more than 18 months. NHBC chief executive Imtiaz Farookhi said: “Our figures continue to show a steady rise in applications – and it is good to be entering 2010 on a positive note. “However, the first quarter of 2010 will be a key time for the house building industry and it is vital that it is high on the agendas of all parties in the run-up to – and after – the election.” NHBC rolling quarter statistics show that all regions are reporting higher levels of registrations for the quarter under review – with Yorkshire logging a 42% rise to 1,264 from 889 for the same period last year.
property
Page 7
House prices set to increase CHARTERED surveyors in Yorkshire are forecasting an improvement in the housing market during 2010. The latest survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said the supply of homes for sale will continue to increase in the early part of the year, but will struggle to keep pace with demand from hopeful buyers. This will provide a platform for further house price rises – but this is only likely to be 1% to 2% higher than at the end of 2009. The survey said the inventory of stocks on surveyors’ books still remains close to historical lows and the narrowing gap between supply and demand will gradually begin to exert a greater influence on the market. The continued caution of lenders, an uncertain economic climate and a flat labour market are all also likely to present challenges. However, with more property coming onto the market it is likely the number of completed sales will increase. The RICS estimates that the average volume of UK transactions will rise from between 55,000 and 60,000 to 70,000 by the end of the year. Jim Spencer, RICS spokesman for Yorkshire, said “From a regional prospective, we have seen a gradual reduction in available stock levels through the latter part of 2009, but we have continued to enjoy good sales levels right up to Christmas. “This will lead us to enter the New Year with the lowest stock level since spring – and the lack of supply could well result in rising prices in early 2010. “As highlighted in the RICS national
■ HOME WORK: RICS residential spokesman Jim Spencer (right) says house prices in Yorkshire are set to rise
forecast, there is slightly more activity within the lower price ranges as mortgages become more easily obtainable. “However, there is still a significant shortage of finance, particularly for developers entering new projects, and the building industry is now behind the levels stated by the Government as being necessary to meet housing demand. “Clearly if these improvements are to be felt further in the New Year, the Government needs to provide sufficient finance.”
Property market is attracting investors PROPERTY experts estimate that £36bn of capital will be available for investment in the sector in the UK during 2010. DTZ Research, part of global real estate adviser DTZ, said that was double the £18bn of capital transacted in the last 12 months. Tim Cameron-Jones, investment director and head of DTZ in West Yorkshire, said: “This weight of money has become very apparent in the Yorkshire investment market place over recent months. “It is predominantly from UK institutions with some interest from overseas buyers as well. “UK Fund managers are re-balancing their portfolios following a rise in value of their equity assets. A number look under-represented in real estate and have allocated many millions of pounds to UK property. “ Investors and savers are also pouring cash into property funds at a rapid rate.” He said: “Investment volumes are set to rise in 2010, but the limiting factor will be availab-
ility of suitable stock.” Of the £36bn of capital targeting the UK in 2010, DTZ Research estimates that £20bn or 55% is from UK-based funds with about £10bn or 27% from the US-based funds and almost £2bn or 6% from German open ended funds, special funds and closed funds. The remainder is predominantly from the rest of Europe. Nigel Almond, associate director of Real Estate Strategy at DTZ Research, said: “We expect to see a high proportion of UK capital staying in the UK in 2010. “While market uncertainty persists, investors are keen to use their home advantage to maximum effect and minimise risk. “This contrasts to US investors who are more likely to invest overseas, witnessed by the return of US private equity. “We are also expecting to see a marked increase in the activity of German funds, following their re-emergence in the third quarter of 2009.”
■ VOLUMES: Tim Cameron-Jones, investment director and head of DTZ
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS John Beardall
Piazza Centre THE manager of a Huddersfield shopping centre is to retire in the new year after almost 18 years at the helm. John Beardall (pictured) shopping centre manager at The Piazza, was first employed by CIN Properties on behalf of the Coal Pension Fund until the centre was sold to Zurich Assurance Ltd in 2004. During his time at Huddersfield, he has been actively involved in town centre activities, including the successful Piazza summer festivals and Christmas lights switch-ons. He has also worked with several charity fundraising organisations. Said John: “It has been a real pleasure to work in Huddersfield and I am really grateful for all the support that I have received over the years, particularly from the town centre management.” John is a member of the British Council of Shopping Centres and has regularly attended meetings throughout the country, representing the Piazza. Managing agents CB Richard Ellis has appointed Vernon O’Reilly as John’s successor as centre manager. He will join the centre on January 4.
Colin Mortimer & Adrian Ilingworth
Thorite
COMPRESSED air products firm Thorite has announced two appointments. The Bradford-based company, which has a branch at Barge Street, off St Thomas’ Road in Huddersfield, has appointed Colin Mortimer, 44, as purchasing assistant with responsibility for ordering from Thorite’s many famous-name pneumatic product suppliers. Taking over from him as warehouse assistant is Adrian Illingworth, 49, who will be responsible for deliveries to customers and stock levels at the firm’s nine regional sales and service centres. Colin (pictured top) is a keen golf, snooker, football and motor racing fan while Adrian (below) enjoys sport and making the most of time spent with his family.
Movers and shakers
Manufacturers meet challenge EMPLOYEES from firms in Kirklees have received awards at a university ceremony. Stuart Tolson, shift manufacturing supervisor with Linthwaite-based pharmaceutical firm Thornton Ross; and M a rk N o r t h , c o n t i nu o u s improvement co-ordinator for soft drinks company Britvic with operations at Birkby, were among those honoured. In total 12 employees from Yorkshire area firms were awarded postgraduate certificates in Manufacturing Excellence at a celebration held at Leeds University. The employees were recognised by their employers as potential future leaders who have the ability to make changes
to improve efficiency within their companies. The postgraduate certificate – which offers a nationally recognised qualification for managers of manufacturing businesses – is part of the Manufacturing Masters Programme, which was jointly developed by the university’s business school and the Manufacturing Advisory Service. It is designed for managers of manufacturing businesses with a specific focus on a range of manufacturing subjects and gives a solid foundation in the essentials of manufacturing management. The certificates were awarded by Prof Peter Moizer, of Leeds University.
■ PRIZEGIVING: Employees from manufacturing companies around Yorkshire were awarded postgraduate certificates in manufacturing excellence at a celebration held at the University of Leeds
Cheesemakers are on a roll
Kate Jef reys & Nicholas Emmerson
DMB Group DIRECT marketing specialist DMB Group has appointed two new members of staff following a year of significant growth despite the economic downturn. Kate Jeffreys has joined the company as account executive while Nicholas Emmerson has been appointed marketing analyst. Ms Jeffreys, who joins DMB Group from onthebeach.com in Manchester, will work on existing accounts and develop new business opportunities through a range of new products and services. Mr Emmerson, a mathematics graduate, will provide insight into trends and patterns in customer data behaviour in order to provide a more tailored service and identify new opportunities for growth. DMB Group specialise in managing customer communication programmes on behalf of clients using a range of direct channels. Current clients include B&Q, McDonald’s and Meadowhall.
Page 8
■ CRACKER OF A BUSINESS: Richard (left) and Stuart Holmes, of Cryer & Stott cheesemongers, are now supplying their products to Huddersfield Town MORE cheese, please. A company supplying cheeses to a host of sporting clients has added Huddersfield Town to its list. Yorkshire-based Cryer & Stott has been contracted to provide cheeses for the corporate catering operation at Town’s home games. In addition, the company has won a £120,000 contract to supply its artisan cheeses to football clubs Doncaster Rovers, Bradford City, Halifax Town, Burnley, Barnsley and Hull City as well as Hull KR Rugby Club and the Doncaster and York racecourses. Cryer & Stott director Richard Holmes said his historic local cheeses will be a strong addition to his clients’ corporate catering offering. “We have designed luxury branded
cheese boxes for our clients, containing cheese boards full of mouth-watering local cheeses such as Richard III Wensleydale as well as “away team” selections such as Smoked Caerphilly for Swansea. “We will also be training front-of-house personnel so that they have the knowledge to recommend the most suitable chutneys and wines to accompany each cheese”. Cryer & Stott have seen their wholesale business rise dramatically in the past 12 months – despite the loss of 15% of its business last January as a direct result of the recession. Richard said: “As well as our thriving delicatessens in Castleford, Pontefract and Wakefield, we have seen significant growth in our wholesale business.”
Speeding into 2010 RACING driver Sarah Moore – and Batley-born businessman Lawrence Tomlinson – will look back on 2009 as a truly astonishing year. Not only did Sarah make history by winning the Ginetta Junior Championship, she went on to be shortlisted for BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year. And the 16-year-old (pictured) also scooped the top industry award – the hotly-contested Club Driver of the Year Trophy at the Autosport Awards in London, sharing the stage with motor racing icons Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Damon Hill. Sarah’s success has also pleased Mr Tomlinson, who chairs motor racing car manufacturer Ginetta. “Seeing Sarah go on stage at the awards in front of 1,400 industry heads has been one of the proudest moments in Ginetta’s history,” he said. “Sarah demonstrates a maturity way beyond her years and this coupled with her raw driving talent means I have no doubt she will be a household racing name in the very near future. “I look forward to seeing what she can do next season in the Ginetta Junior Championship 2010 in her new G40.” . Sarah, who lives at Tockwith, North Yorkshire, fought off tough competition to accept her trophy from eight-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen and triple world touring car champion Andy Priaulx. Sarah proved her mettle on the mixed-sex Ginetta Junior Championship grid this year, scoring five wins in 20 races and winning the title with 448 points in only her second year of racing. She will defend her title next year with the Your Racing Car team.