Kirklees Business News, August 2009

August, 2009

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Company owners getting personal ALMOST a third of owner-managers of small and medium-sized firms in Yorkshire would take out a personal loan to fund their business, a survey has revealed.

The latest Close Small Business Finance Barometer from Close Invoice Finance found that 7% of the 500 bosses polled also admitted that in desperate times they would use a credit card to fund their business.

One in 10n of those surveyed said they would approach family and friends if bank funding dried up. Latest statistics reveal this has doubled – with 20% of businesses nationwide relying on those closest to them for financial support.

David Thomson, chief executive officer of Close Invoice Finance said: “SMEs continue to feel the effects of the lack of funding available from traditional sources.

“This has forced more and more SME owner-managers to p u r s u e r i s ky s h o r t - t e r m strategies to secure cashflow and – in the process – put themselves and those closest to them under intense pressure.”

He said: “SMEs need to consider every route available to free up capital and – at the same time – be deadly serious about tackling late payment to safeguard the long-term health of their business.”

■ FUNDING MOVE: Aidan Jewitt (left) and Marie Nicholl, of NatWest, with Brian Dixon (front) and Nick Duxbury, of Display Maintenance Ltd

Expansion plan

A COMPANY building display stands for some of the world’s best-known businesses is set to expand in the Middle East.

Bradley-based Display Maintenance Ltd has secured a £220,000 loan from NatWest through the Government’s Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme to assist with its ambitious expansion plans.

The funding package will enable DMN to develop its market in the Gulf States – including setting up a manufacturing and sales base as well as purchase machinery in the UK and ship it out to the Gulf.

DMN’s clients include companies such as aerospace and defence giant

BAE Systems and bedding firm Dunlopillo.

About four-fifth of its business is conducted in the UK with the rest taking place in the Gulf States.

DMN is one of the oldest-running exhibition contractors in the country.

It was set up in the early 1960s to build point-of-sale and merchandising stands for the carpet trade.

The firm quickly developed to provide a range of services to meet clients’ needs, including designing and building exhibition stands and specialist retail interiors. Over the years, it has invested in technology ranging from CAD packages to the latest wide-scale graphic printing.

DMN employs 28 people, including skilled electricians, joiners, interior designers and graphic designers. The company has annual sales of £3.6m and plans to increase this by 25% over the next 12 months.

DMN director Mark Lamont said: “With the business continuing to attract new contracts from the Gulf, it makes sense to grow the company to meet this increasing demand.”

Aidan Jewitt, associate director for business development with Natwest Commercial Banking in Huddersfield, said: “We are pleased to be welcome DMN to the bank and look forward to working with the company and management team.”

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

Issued by HSBC Bank plc

ACXXXXX

2

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

COMMENT

by

Henryk Zientek RAUD in Yorkshire and the FBDO north-east has rocketed.

Stoy Hayward’s Fraudtrack figures

showed that reported fraud in the region totalled £95m in the past six months compared with £5m for the same period last year.

In nearly three-quarters of cases, greed and the need for a lavish lifestyle were stated as the reasons for the fraudsters committing the crimes.

Mirroring national fraud figures, the region’s financial and insurance sector accounted for the highest proportion of all cases with eight out of a total of 26 frauds.

However, in terms of money lost, the property sector was hardest hit.

The general public were victims of fraudsters to the tune of £3.5m – with a number of people being swindled out of their life savings.

Perhaps it should come as no surprise that fraud has risen so dramatically as the economy remains in the throes of recession.

What makes matters worse is that these figures are likely to be just the tip of the iceberg. Much fraud goes unreported.

In times when companies are looking to keep costs down, vigilance against fraudsters is more vital than ever.

Simon Bevan, of BDO Stoy Hayward has sound advice, saying: “Firms should ensure that the issue of fraud is not forgotten – a large fraud can damage all the good work undertaken to survive the current economic climate.”

Read Henryk Zientek's Business reports Monday to Friday in ...

Inside Issues

● Booth is key player – page 4 ● Company keeps its cool – page 5 ● Expert advice for jobhunters – Page 6 ● Firm backs charity drive – page 8 ● Safety first at Lockwood – page 11 ● New markets beckon – page 12 ● Town join numbers game – page 15 ● Property forum meeting – page 18 ● Agency lands UN contract – page 23

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS IS MAILED FREE OF CHARGE TO NAMED INDIVIDUALS IN ALMOST EVERY BUSINESS IN KIRKLEES Editorial

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FINANCIAL REPORT

Insolvency president welcomes review plan

A GOVERNMENT review of company rescue procedures has been welcomed by an insolvency expert in Kirklees.

Peter Sargent, president of insolvency industry body R3, said: “The Government’s consultation will look at supporting ailing companies by considering giving ‘absolute priority status’ to funding lent to companies in a Company Voluntary Arrangement or administration.

“CVAs enable the directors of companies in severe financial difficulty to negotiate affordable repayments with creditors, resulting in an agreed payment plan.

“They are a ‘moral’ approach to tackling debts bwecause not only can a CVA save the company, it also avoids the business going into

administration or liquidation, which would result in a lower return for creditors.

“Rescue funding for struggling business is vital, although it has to be done very carefully because if you allow ‘leap-frogging’ over existing secured creditors there is a risk of undermining the confidence in the bank lending system.”

Huddersfield man Mr Sargent, of Begbies Traynor in Halifax, said the consultation sought to encourage the use of CVAs as there was an intention to extend the moratorium against creditor action to medium and large companies.

This would grant an instant protection against creditors and give organisations valuable time to reach an agreement with credit-

ors.

He said: “Although not suitable in every instance, CVAs can be an excellent rescue tool, helping companies which are profitable in the long-term to overcome a period of financial difficulty.

“Once the CVA has been agreed and the company's liabilities restructured, more of the money generated by the company can be used as working capital rather than paying old debt.

“They can certainly be a viable method of giving companies breathing space to survive, something which should be welcomed in these challenging times.”

Only about 500 CVAs are completed annually in the UK. Peter Sargent

Bankers serve up the chips A TEAM of West Yorkshire bankers cooked up an innovative way of understanding its chip shop customers – by securing a qualification from the National Federation of Fish Friers.

F i f t e e n m a n a g e rs f ro m Lloyds TSB Commercial completed the one-day course which gives the bankers an insight into opening and managing a fish and chip shop and covers everything from set-up costs to portion control and frying times.

The Leeds-based National Federation of Fish Friers was founded in 1913 and represents 8,500 fish and chip shop proprietors nationally.

Jeremy Meadowcroft, relationship manager at Lloyds TSB Commercial, said: “In order to offer our customers the best support possible, it’s important to understand the business thoroughly.

“Our West Yorkshire team is working with an increasing number of the region’s fish and chip shops and wanted to make sure that our lending closely matched their needs so we decided to undertake the qualification.

“As well as being interesting, the course gave us a level of awareness about our customers that you couldn’t get from behind a desk and means that we are in a unique position in terms of understanding our customers in this traditional British industry.”

Douglas Roxburgh, national treasurer of the National Federation of Fish Friers, said: “Since Harry Ramsden opened his first shop in Guisley in 1928, the region has been closely tied to the chip shops.

It’s great to see a team of bankers take our training to help understand their customers in the trade.”

■ FRYING TONIGHT: Adrian Atter (centre), of Regent Fisheries in Horsforth, Leeds, with the Lloyds TSB Commercial team of (from left) Matthew Kanning, Melanie Hughes, Jeremy Meadowcroft and Arthur Asquith

Expenses example MORE than a quarter of Yorkshire bosses have yet to cut back on their business expenses and benefits, a survey has revealed.

While workers across the country are facing deep budget cuts and job losses, research by Lloyds TSB Autolease showed that 27% of Yorkshire company directors admit to taking no action to reduce their personal business costs and benefits.

Claudia Rose, corporate sales director at Lloyds TSB Autolease, said: “In a climate of heavily scrutinised expenses, employee expenses and benefits have become a major talking point with directors, employees and businesses now needing to reduce their costs.

“But if one thing can be taken from the survey, it’s that there are potentially enormous business savings to be made on personal expenses and benefits such as business travel

and company cars. Now is the opportunity to act.”

Said Ms Rose: “Pay and rewards are under the spotlight and while many directors are reluctant to give up their favourite status symbol, company cars are one of the single largest and easily addressed business costs.”

She said boadroom favourites – such as BMW and Audi – have taken giant leaps forward on running costs with some of the most fuel and tax efficient vehicles around.

“The message is that directors don’t have to make the sacrifices they think they do. It’s just about making sensible and responsible choices.”

The Autolease survey found that just 1% of directors in Yorkshire have downgraded their business travel, while 15% have cut accommodation costs in a bid to beat the crunch.

POSITIVE THINKING

To keep your business in shape and moving in the right direction, get some independent and common-sense advice on:

➣ Raising and re-structuring finance facilities ➣ Operating with a sound business model to protect key assets ➣ Mitigating tax and VAT bills to boost profits and cash flow For a free initial discussion, please contact Am Hayer or David Butterworth on:

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3

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS ■ NEW NAME: Christopher Brown (left) and Paul Dickinson, directors of Brantwood Financial Planning have completed a re-brand of the business

Firms get chance for funding KIRKLEES firms have the chance for a share of £100m of new funding from the Yorkshire Bank.

The bank’s national invoice finance team is increasing its funding to SMEs with the new fund through its nationwide network of 77 financial solutions centres. They include a Bradford-based West Yorkshire centre, which also covers Kirklees and Calderdale.

Martin Rothera, head of Yorkshire Bank’s national invoice finance team, said: “In the current economic climate, SMEs need extra support to give them a competitive edge. By making this new invoice finance fund available, we are helping successful businesses secure their future and get one step ahead of their competition.”

Andy Davison, managing partner for the bank’s West Yorkshire FSC, said: “Tougher economic conditions traditionally lead to pressure on cashflow for small to medium sized businesses – compounded by a tendency among their customer businesses to delay payments, usually because they face similar difficulties.

“Invoice finance helps businesses to run smoothly by releasing a proportion of invoiced values immediately. We are sure that many will want to benefit from the additional funds available and that it will play an important role in helping both our existing and new business customers operate in the current climate.”

Careful planning pays off A FIRM of independent financial adviswers in Huddersfield has been admitted to an elite group.

Brantwood Financial Planning, based at Market Street in the town centre, is one of only 13 firms in Yorkshire and Humber – and the only one with a Huddersfield postcode – to achieve Corporate Chartered status with industry body the Chartered Insurance Institute.

The scheme was introduced in 2007 by the CII to provide a “gold standard” for financial planners and is only awarded

to organisations meeting rigorous criteria relating to standards, capability and conduct.

Brantwood Financial Planning is headed by Paul Dickinson, 43, and Christopher Brown, 44, who have rebranded the business, which formerly traded as Martin Smith & Co. That business was founded in 1982 by Martyn Smith, who set up as a sole trader with ofices in High Street.

He was joined by Mr Dickinson in June, 2000, and by Mr Brown in December, 2004. The firm

became incorporated in April, 2006, when the three became directors.

Mr Smith retired in October last year, since when Mr Dickinson and Mr Brown have been managing the transition of clients and working on the rebrand.

Together, Mr Dickinson and Mr Brown have more than 50 years experience in financial planning.

Mr Dickinson is a chartered financial planner while Mr Brown has advanced qualifications in the sector.

300 years service for staff STAFFat a Huddersfield foodstore have reached a landmark.

Fifteen employees at the Co-op in Marsh have notched up a combined 300 years service.

The long-servicing employees include warehouse manager Peter Wejrowski, who has

worked for 37 years with the Co-op, and administration clerk Rose Dawson, who has 30 years’ service.

Store manager Emma Smith said: “It is quite a landmark and it is unusual for a relatively small store to have so many people

Earning recognition HARD-WORKING folk in Kirklees could get some well-deserved praise.

Recognition Express, which provides name badges and promotional prducts, has launched its annual awards to recognise people who put in extra effort at work.

The competition, which seeks to reward loyalty, hard work and commitment, is open to everyone – from tea lady to finance director and charity volunteer.

Carol Caton, owner of Recognition Express West Yorkshire, which has a branch at Newsome, said: “Because of the credit crunch, big pay rises may be thin on the ground, but praising your staff is free.

“And putting them up for an award can do wonders for morale.”

Said Carol: “There’s a lot of doom and gloom out there. Many organisations are having to work harder for less reward.

“Nevertheless, there are some fantastic staff who plough on regardless and give it their all, even though they know there may be no cash bonus at the end of it.”

The Recognition Express Awards have categories for commercial and not-for-profit organisations.

They are open to organisations with fewer than 200 employees or volunteers as well as local branches of national organisations.

The competition is free to enter.

There will be four regional winners in each category, who will go on to the national finals.

G o t o t h e we b s i t e a t re c o g n ition-express. com or call 01242 245789.

The deadline for entries is August 31, 2009. Regional judging will take place in September and the national winner will be announced at the awards dinner in October.

with so many years service.”

The store, which stands on the site of a former mill between Luck Lane and Reed Street, was first opened by the Co-op under its Leo’s Supermarkets brand.

Earlier this year, the store was given a £750,000 facelift.

You are invited to the launch of the new Huddersfield Tea and Business Networking Group Where?

The Woodman Inn, Thunderbridge, Kirkburton, Huddersfield HD8 0PX

When?

Tuesday 4th August, 16.30 - 18.00

Why Visit?

• We offer a relaxed and effective meeting • You get to promote your business to everybody in the room • Emphasis is on a genuine referral • Make new contacts and increase your business • We offer exclusivity once you have joined as a member • Fortnightly meetings, 16.30 - 18.00 • Introduce a friend and receive an introduction fee

Contact?

Limited places available, call 01484 307515 now for further information and availability.

www.teaandbusiness.co.uk Tea and Business provides a relaxed, structured and effective networking opportunity served at the end of the business day.

4

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Agency funding for R&D projects

LEGAL BRIEF Peter Matthews

Watch the competition USINESS activity across the board is B affected by competition law – in particular those commercial relationships

involving suppliers and distributors.

The purpose of competition law is to ensure that market competition is sustained at a healthy level, whereby prices stay low and companies are forced to be efficient and innovative.

How might competition law affect your business? Both day-to-day business and strategic activities may be affected by competition law, which: ● prohibits a number of restrictions in agreements ● prohibits companies with a very strong market position from abusing that position ● requires certain types of business transaction to be cleared by the competition authorities before they are put into effect ● forbids the government from giving favourable economic treatment to one company or industry to the exclusion of others.

Examples of common restrictions include: ● Control Of Prices – any agreement between competitors which fixes the price at which either or both/all of them sell their goods/services is the worst type of restriction of competition (known as a “hard core” restriction). It is highly unlikely that the commission will permit such activity and usually the activity will attract the harshest penalties ● Territorial Restrictions – an agreement between competitors requiring each to stay out of the other's market and not have with each other’s customer base, is another type of hard core restriction. As with price fixing arrangements between competitors, this sort of restriction will usually attract severe penalties and will hardly ever be permissible ● Non-Compete Obligations – a “non-compete obligation” is one that requires one party not to manufacture, purchase, sell or resell goods or services which compete with the goods or services that are the subject of the agreement; or requires a buyer to purchase from the supplier more than x% of the buyer's total purchases of the relevant goods or services ● Consequences Of Breaching Competition Law – the consequences of breaching competition law can be serious and far-reaching. They may include fines of up to 10% of a business’s turnover; criminal prosecution of individuals involved in hard core breaches of competition law; disqualification of individuals from acting as a director; and third parties who have suffered loss as a result of the breach can sue for damages.

How can I protect my business? Consider implementing a competition compliance programme. This allows for the company, in the case of a breach, to manage its potential exposure, including the possibility of approaching competition authorities to seek immunity or leniency from sanctions. If the programme is interpreted as company action to comply with competition law, this will aid to mitigate the consideration of penalties.

The information in this article is for general purposes and guidance only and does not purport to constitute legal or professional advice.

Peter Matthews is a member of the commercial law team at Austin Kemp Solicitors

■ KEY PLAYER: Former Huddersfield Town player, Andy Booth (left) takes the ignition keys for one of the City Car Club Ford Fiestas which has been named after him at the launch of the scheme at the George Hotel, Huddersfield. He is pictured with City Car Club manager Ray Cooper (right)

Town hero backs car rental service TOWN hero Andy Booth is backing a new car rental scheme – with the goal of saving money and cutting emissions.

The former striker was among guests at the launch of the new City Car Club operation, which will allows residents and businesses in Huddersfield to hire a car by the hour for as little as £3.96 and with 50 miles of free petrol each day.

And one of the first cars available under the new service has been named after the popular player.

City Car Club was formed in Huddersfield in 1999 and has its accounts, operations and technical teams based at the Media Centre.

The company operates car clubs in London, Edinburgh, Bristol, Bath, Brighton, Norwich and Birmingham – but had never run a scheme in Huddersfield until now.

Andy Booth was joined for the

launch at Huddersfield’s George Hotel by City Car Club chief executive James Finlayson and senior members of Kirklees Council.

The council is cutting carbon emissions and transport costs by switching over 100 of their staff from pool cars to City Car Club hourly rental cars.

The first five City Cars – all brand new five-door Ford Fiestas – are available for use around the clock and can be booked over the internet, by phone or at the vehicle itself.

They are based at specially designated parking bays in St George’s Square and the Civic Centre in High Street.

City Car Club said the cost saving for the council will be about £1,800 a year for every fleet car cut back.

Said Mr Finlayson: “The environmental savings will be significant also. Our surveys suggest that each City Car replaces 22.5

privately owned cars on average and generally our members cut down on unnecessary car journeys by 35% after they join.

“One that basis the five cars in Huddersfield will save around 280 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year, the equivalent of 100 flights to Australia.”

He said: “The time is right for Huddersfield to have a car club.

Everyone is trying to cut down the household bills at the moment because of the recession and owning a car is the biggest expenditure outside of their mortgage.

“Being a car club member is thousands of pounds cheaper than owning a car and as a result membership has shot up all over the UK since the credit crunch began last year.

“I am sure City Car Club will be a huge success in Huddersfield as residents and businesses are looking to cut their bills but still need access to a car.”

Suma scoops top prize A WORKERS’ co-operative supplying wholefoods has won a top award.

Elland-based Suma Foods took the inaugural award for Specialist Wholesaler of the Yea” at the Grocer magazines Gold Awards 2009.

The award was presented to Suma brand manager Jon Knight at a ceremony at London’s Dorchester Hotel.

Suma public relations manager Andrew Mackintosh said: “It’s a great honour to be nominated – and then to win was entirely unexpected.

“We like to think it’s a recognition of the fact that you can

run a business along ethical lines and still be innovative and progressive in what is a difficult time for us all commercially.”

Mr Knight said: “On the night, other category winners included Tesco, Cadburys and Waitrose, so we were competing with the real giants of the grocery trade. It was with great pride that we accepted the award” Suma, based at Lowfields Business Park, is owned, managed and entirely maintained by its workers. It distributes food across the world and is the largest independent wholefood wholesaler in the UK.

Judges recognised the busin e s s fo r d e v e l o p i n g n e w products such as organic canned cherry tomatoes, Italian pestos and olive oil as well as launching a range of own-brand household cleaning products under the Ecoleaf label made in the UK from natural plant and vegetable sources.

Suma supplies customers ranging from independent supermarket chain Booths and London top store Harrods to co-operative societies as far afield as Orkney and the Scilly Isles. It also exports to markets including Scandinavia and Malaysia.

A SCHEME to encourage large firms to carry out research and development projects has been launched by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.

The agency is providing £15m of funding for the IRD scheme, which was launched at a breakfast briefing session in Wakefield.

Alex McWhirter, assistant director of business at Yorkshire Forward, said: “In a climate when companies of all sizes are struggling to access finance for new developments, this financial support will help our regional businesses retain their competitive edge.

“The purpose of the IRD scheme is to provide an injection of finance for a project that will accelerate its progression to market, allowing the company to expand or access new markets, while mitigating some of the investment risk associated with new product development.”

To qualify for the scheme, companies must be based in the region – or planning to invest here – and will need to collaborate with another company or knowledge base on their project.

The proposed R&D project must have a total project value of between £650,000 and £2.5m and must last between one and two years.

Previous recipients of IRD support include healthcare specialist Tunstall, who worked with Barnsley Hospital to develop ADLife, a system of sensors that can be placed around the home and monitor daily patterns of movement, medication and nutrition. These patterns can then be used to trace any improvement or decline in a user’s condition and if an individual becomes ill, the system will raise an alarm.

To find out more about the scheme go to www.yfird.org

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August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Marketing milestone

BANKER'S BLOG Jill Hague

Embracing green issues this month’s article I thought I would IareNprovoke you all to think about what you doing to position your business to be

environmentally friendly and to share with you my thoughts.

HSBC was the first major bank to become carbon neutral in 2005 and we continue to be committed to sustainable and environmentally-friendly business practices.

An increasing number of businesses in Yorkshire are also embracing green policies, regarding it as crucial to their own long-term success.

Progressively more customers, suppliers and business partners are looking to align themselves with firms that have strong sustainability credentials.

In today’s tough economic climate, an environmentally credible reputation could work in your favour amidst the competition.

In addition to the reputational benefits, reducing your environmental impact can also have a positive effect on your bottom line.

Energy and water saving, transport, supply chain, technology, waste management and packaging are just some of the areas that can be given a green overhaul and hold the potential for long-term cost savings.

When looking to fund your green business improvements, in addition to discussing it with your bank, you might also consider specific support for environmental-related projects, such as the Carbon Trust’s energy-efficient equipment loan.

And as the Government grows ever more committed to making Britain greener, there are also possible tax benefits.

Outlay on energy-saving or water conservation plant and machinery qualifies for 100% first-year capital allowances, as does expenditure on low-emission cars.

Sustainability is of the utmost importance to HSBC and we’re delighted to be working with many environmentally-aware businesses in Yorkshire and look forward to supporting those looking to realise their green aspirations in the future.

Have you a strategy? If not should you start?

Jill Hague is Head of Commercial Banking for HSBC in Huddersfield

■ NEW RECRUIT: Derek McLuckie (right) presents the certificate to John Thompson, of Thompson Cooling Solutions, to mark the company's membership of the Heating and Ventilation Contractors Association

Company is keeping cool

A COMPANY helping customers keep their cool has joined the ranks of a national industry body.

Refrigeration and ventilation company Thompson Cooling Solutions, based at Lepton, has been admitted as a member of the Heating and Ventilation Contractors Association.

Director John Thompson was presented with the firm’s membership certificate

by Derek McLuckie, HVCA regional m a n ag e r fo r Yo r k s h i r e a n d t h e north-east.

Thompson Cooling Solutions was formed by Mr Thompson in January, 2007, after he was made redundant and the company he worked for went into receivership.

Drawing on 30 years’ experience in the industry, Mr Thompson has quickly

made his mark – with the company winning a string of national clients, providing air conditioning systems for major retail chains such as Poundworld Empire Direct.

It also won contracts to supply and install comfort cooling to Bravissimo, a ladies lingerie retail chain, working on the project with building surveyors Lucas Lee and Partners, based in Huddersfield.

Thompson Cooling has employed a new salesman and is also taking on an apprentice to work alongside time-served skilled engineers on projects covering refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation and cold store construction.

Mr Thompson said: “We are working on contracts from Aberdeen to London, mainly on office and retail premises.”

A MARKETING and research business is celebrating a hat-trick.

Ask Strategic Marketing & Research, based at the Media Centre in Huddersfield, has landed its third contract in neighbouring Calderdale.

The company has been commissioned

by Calderdale College to undertake a district-wide research project to find out the needs of college users and others – and develop the college’s facilities to meet community needs.

The project includes extensive telephone research, face-to-face interviews and focus groups.

It comes hot on the heels of a project undertaken by Ask for regeneration partnership Action Halifax to conduct research into managing training provision in the area.

Earlier this year, the company worked with the Acorn Centre in Todmorden on a project to document 1,800 individuals, organisations and businesses working in Calderdale’s creative, digital and tourism sectors.

Ask director Susan Kenyon, who founded the business 12 years ago said: “Our continuous involvement supporting consultation across Calderdale underpins our growth plans for 2009-2010.

“We recognised earlier in the year that in order to be able to survive and grow our way out of this recession, we would have to stretch our legs across the border – and across the pond to the USA, not to mention western Europe.

“Our focus remains strong – to be able to offer cost-effective meaningful research with added value, which gives our clients what they need just when they need it.”

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6

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS ■ HOPE FOR JOBHUNTERS: Victoria Dyson (left) and Sean Cashman, of New Direction recuitment agency in Huddersfield are offering some advice to people seeking employment during the recession. Help covers advice on interview technique, guidance on preparing CVs and help to track down job vacancies online

Firms agree on the key to growth

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Jobhunters get expert advice

A RECRUITMENT agency in Huddersfield is offering extra help to jobhunters struggling to stand out in the crowded jobs market.

New Direction Selection Ltd is providing pointers to jobseekers on topics such as compiling “standout” CVs, honing interview techniques and making the best use of “job boards” and recruitment agencies.

Sean Cashman, of New Direction, said: “There are people struggling to get a job who have all the right qualities, but are failing to make the most of themselves.

“We will speak to them and look at their CVs. We will be critical, if necessary, but we will also look at people’s unique selling points and highlight them.

“We will also look at the obstacles to employment – such as only being available for part-time work, which is not ideal for some employers but may be exactly what another employer needs.”

Mr Cashman said: “Twelve months ago, an applicant for a job may have been one of three or four people going for interview. Now you may be one of 12 to 20.

Under those circumstances, you have to do everything in your power to yourself notices.”

Said Mr Cashman: “It is also a question of where to look for jobs. As well as the Jobcentre, there are online ‘job boards’ where it is important to put in the right search words.

“You may want a job as a debt collector, but an employer is looking for ‘credit controllers’ – so you

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AN employee at a car dealership with operations in Huddersfield has been selected for an industry award.

Tracey Cooper, group administration and marketing manager for Colin Appleyard Ltd, which has a site at Folly Hall, was one of the winners at the 2009 Outstanding Achievers Awards held by the Institute of Motor Industry.

The award was presented by Prince Michael of Kent.

Tracey has worked her way up to her current post after joining Colin Appleyard eight years ago as a secretary.

have to get the terminology right.”

Colleague Victoria Dyson said: “People must make sure they tailor their CV to the job they are after.

Instead of having one Cv which they sent to every employer, they should make sure they change the emphasis as appropriate.”

But she stressed: “You have to be 100% straight on your CV and at your job interview. If you are giving references, provide the names, addresses and phone numbers of those references. It helps give your potential employer confidence in you.”

Said Mr Cashman: “There are jobs out there, but there are many more people looking for them. People should be realistic in their expectations because of the recession. If you earned £30,000 a year in your previous job, you may not get that kind of money this time round.

“Because there are far more people on the jobs market, more people are willing to take a salary cut to get the job. It means the job commands a different salary now.”

Said Mrs Dyson: “We go into the job interview scenario in-depth. The key is to prepare fully for your interview, show a good understanding of the company and anticipate what questions you will be asked.

“Eight out of 10 people attending a iob interviee will be ill-prepared. If you can be one of two interviewees who are well-prepared you will increase your chances.”

Said Mr Cashman: “You have to really want that job as well – not just turn up because you have to.

Employers can tell if you are unenthusiastic about the job.”

New Direction Selection, formed 10 years ago, has a nine-strong team based at Fairfield Mills, Queen Street South.

It deals with temporary and permament recruitment in areas including office-based roles such as call centre work, accountancy marketing and design as well as middle management and sales.

It also has a construction and engineering division as well as supplying recruitment consultant for the other recruitment agencies.

If you would like to make an appointment, email canwehelp@newdirection selection.co.uk or call 01484 467983 and leave your name and telephone number so they can call you back.

THE vast majority of Yorkshire companies see apprenticeships as key to long-term growth.

A survey of 100 employers in a wide range of sectors showed that 89% of firms value apprenticeships and recognised the importance of investing in skills and training to help them survive the recession.

The survey by the National Apprenticeship Service showed that 93% of firms – in sectors as diverse as media, agriculture and construction – believe that taking on an apprentice is a sound long-term business investment.

Some 69% say employing an apprentice improves overall business performance and productivity.

A further 86% state that apprenticeships play a key role in developing a skilled workforce for the future.

And 60% of companies feel there is still a need for more employers to provide opportunities to apprentices.

Nick Wilson, regional director for NAS in Yorkshire, said: “Our findings demonstrate the value that just one apprentice can bring to a company – and the long-term strategic business solution that Apprenticeships provide in the current downturn.

“It is more crucial today than ever that businesses look towards the future, and think about how best to up-skill their workforce – putting the framework in place now to achieve future success.”

Further information on apprenticeships is available by phoning 08000 150 600 or by logging on to www.apprenticeships. org.uk ends

7

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Fabrics firm is a winner

RISKY BUSINESS Mark Dalton

Keeping your cool HE Government has asked the T Health and Safety Executive to review the regulations on workplace

temperature, according to the union USDAW. It follows increasing concerns among employers that workers are unable to maintain concentration and productivity levels at work in the recently seen heatwave conditions. According to studies carried out by insurance companies, productivity has been shown to decrease at temperatures of 25deg C and above.

Regulation seven of the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992 deals with temperatures in the workplace. These regulations stipulate that workplace temperature inside buildings should be reasonable. They also mention that work areas should be at least 16deg C (except where the work involves “strenuous effort” where the figure is 13deg C).

While the HSE guidance suggests a comfortable temperature lies in the range 13deg C to 30deg C, depending upon the work being carried out, there is currently no legal maximum temperature.

Risks to workers’ health, such as heat stress, increase as conditions deteriorate from those accepted as comfortable. For such reasons, the TUC is calling for an absolute indoor maximum of 30deg C, with rules that force employers to introduce cooling measures when the temperature hits 24deg C so as not to compromise safety.

USDAW has long campaigned for a legal maximum workplace temperature and are said to be delighted that the Government has listened and is reviewing the situation.

The union is also hopeful that a maximum workplace temperature will be put in place by the end of this year so that, next summer, workers will be able to work comfortably and in the knowledge that they are protected in law.

Whether this review actually happens remains to be seen. However, employers need not be too concerned about possibly costly improvements, as some of the suggestions put forward by USDAW are already an obligation as part of the Workplace Regulations. Others are mainly relatively low-cost measures, the cost of which can be offset against the lower productivity of staff who are struggling with the temperatures.

Some of the measures that can be considered to keep staff working at maximum productivity include: hiring mobile air-conditioning units, providing fans, supplying unlimited cool drinking water, allowing staff to wear more casual clothing and a relaxation of the collar and tie rule, installing blinds or reflective film on to windows, closing blinds early in the morning before the sun becomes strong, moving desks away from windows and allowing more frequent breaks.

Firms are advised that particular care needs to be taken with pregnant workers.

Mark Dalton is an associate director at Wilby Ltd, based in Halifax

■ BLOOMING: David Truby, managing director of Skelmanthorpe-based Greensleeves Lawn Care

Greensleeves stays in trim A COMPANY providing lawn care services isn’t letting the grass grow under its feet during the recession.

Skelmanthorpe-based Greensleeves Lawn Care is booming – with a near-doubling of its customer base over the past 12 months strengthening the company’s position as one of the most successful lawn care services in the UK. Managing Director David Truby said: “Demand for our services has been phenomenal with the number of customers rising from 8,800 to more than 15,000.

“There is something very satisfying about having a beautiful lawn – I think it gives people a feel good factor.”

Greensleeves, which was formed in 1998, lifted turnover by more than £500,000 to £1.4m during the last financial year.

The company provides a regular weed-and-feed service to its customers – keeping their lawns green and healthy. It delivers a nationwide service through a network of franchisees and is stepping up its recruitment drive in order to meet demand from customers.

The growth in the business follows a friendly management buy-out in January, 2008, when three existing franchisees took control of the company under the leadership of Mr Truby.

He said: “The MBO has given the

company a new lease of life with a strong and experienced management team.

“There is a real commitment to provide exceptional customer service and to grow the business by attracting high calibre franchisees.

“The lawn care sector is very much in its infancy in the UK. We estimate there are 20m lawns and even all the lawn care companies together are still only scratching the surface.”

Greensleeves added seven new franchisees in 2008, bringing the current total to 28 but there are still 100 areas available across the UK. Greensleeves works with franchisees to provide systems, support and advice to help them maximise their profits – including training and help with business management and marketing.

Mr Truby said: “The potential for success is phenomenal and prospective franchisees are recognising that, as well as the financial rewards, they can also have an enjoyable lifestyle.

“Many of our franchises are run as family businesses and we have a strong percentage of women franchisees in the network.

“We have an exceptional track record of growth and this positive trend looks set to continue as more and more people recognise the benefits of a professional lawn care service.”

A TEXTILE firm making bus and train seat covers from stinging nettles has been recognised for its “green” credentials.

Camira Fabrics, which has a manufacturing base at Meltham and offices in Mirfield, received a major commendation at the 2009 Environmental Leadership Awards in London.

Ian Burn, marketing manager at Camira Fabrics, was presented with the award by Richard Lambert, director-general of the CBI. Camira, which has 300 staff at Mirfield and Meltham as well as sites in Nottingham and Lithuania, was among 12 firms recognised in the awards, which are run by Business Commitment to the Environment.

Camira, which makes fabrics used for seat covers on buses and trains across the world, was recognised for developing STING, a sustainable fabric from the common stinging nettle.

Nettles grow rapidly and easily, without the need for herbicides and pesticides, on land often unsuitable for other crops. They provide a natural habitat for rabbits, birds, butterflies, insects, frogs and toads.

Camira developed STING after four years of research into cultivating nettles, extracting and processing the plant fibre, blending, weaving and dyeing and evaluating how the finihed fabric performs.

Camira said STING provided an environmentally-friendly alternative to the dominant, man-made and oil-based fibre types such as polyester and propylene.

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Honour Guard INSURANCE broker Wilby Ltd is celebrating after signing up its 100th dealer to an award-winning scheme.

Dealer Guard, launched in 2005, is the only national business insurance scheme for caravan and motor home dealerships.

The scheme has won several awards, including a British Insurance Award for broking initiative of the year and the UK Broker Award for schemes intermediary of the year in 2007.

David Pickles, account executive for the Dealer Guard scheme, presented a bottle of champagne to Steve Sharpe, director of Lowdham Leisure World to mark his dealership becoming the 100th to join the scheme.

Said Mr Pickles: “Reaching 100 clients is a great achievement and is testament to the superior cover and bespoke service provided under the scheme.”

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8

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

TECH TALK

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Company’s present for little Edward

A FIRM bringing Christmas magic to shoppers has pledged to provide a special present to a charity for youngsters with a life-limiting condition.

Richard Kitchen-Dunn, chairman of Lockwood-based display specialist KD Decoratives, is backing charity Action D u c h e n n e a f t e r h e a r i n g ab o u t five-year-old Edward Ackroyd, who has the muscle-wasting condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The bubbly youngster was diagnosed with the DMD when he was three. Since then, parents Paul and Heidy Ackroyd and grandparents Tony and Susan Ackroyd, have been raising cash to fund research into a cure and improve the level of care for sufferers.

The degenerative condition, which affects one in 3,500 boys but rarely afflicts girls, is caused by the absence of dystrophin, a protein needed to strengthen and repair muscles. As a result, every skeletal muscle in the body deteriorates.

It means Edward tires easily and has difficulty running, jumping and playing like other little boys his age. As he gets older, his mobility will decline and by 10 or 12 will only be able to get about in a wheelchair.

In his teenage years, he will also need 24-hour care with specialist equipment.

As DMD progresses, he will have heart and breathing problems. Life expectancy is only to the late teens or early 20s.

Researchers in the USA and the UK believe they are close to finding effective treatment, but progress is slow because of the need to build up information on

genetic variations in boys with DMD and the female “carriers” to enable clinical trials to progress more quickly.

Parents of youngsters with the condition are raising funds through Action Duchenne, which has already funded several research projects.

The Ackroyds have raised more than £144,000 with events ranging from pub collections to a sponsored walk across Morecambe Bay. Richard Kitchen-Dunn heard about Edward’s story at a business conference during which Tony Ackroyd was a speaker.

Richard said: “Tony was telling the conference about this disease and 95% of the people in the room – including me – had never heard of it.

“It was quite a touching story and while our company does donate to lots of charities, we decided this cause deserved special support.”

Richard has presented the Ackroyds with a cheque for £3,300 for Action Duchenne – and has pledged to give the charity a percentage of the takings from every Christmas display contract KD Decorative undertakes this year.

Heidy said: “It seems the gene that causes DMD can skip several generations.

It is always carried by the female, but it does not always appear. We know one family with three sons who all have DMD, but in our case only Edward has it.”

Details: www.actionduchenne.org. To donate: www.justgiving.com/sayhellotoedward

Commercial posting HSBC Commercial Banking has appointed Mark Vines to a newly-created post of regional commercial director for the north-east team supporting SMEs across the region.

Mr Vines will lead the 290-strong

regional team, which includes 10 area commercial directors across 20 locations.

They include Yorkshire, Teesside, Wearside, Tyneside and North Lincolnshire.

haps– we are turning the corner on the worst of the recession, the ability to work and communicate effectively on line will be essential.

However, for many businesses and individuals, broadband speeds and service levels can leave a lot to be desired, particularly when business critical applications such as telephony, customer web sites and applications depend upon your connection.

A new service available to many SMEs may be the answer, so remember to ask your trusted IT advisers about Engineered Broadband Symmetric Assured.

Yes, I know it sounds like the words are in the wrong order, but believe it or not that is what the marketing gurus have come up with as a name for the new service.

So, whats the problem anyway? To understand this, we need to look at what comes before.

First, we had leased line or ISDN “private circuits” – these provide dedicated “bullet-proof ” connections between premises or from premises to the internet.

So, the quality and service level is excellent but the relative cost can be high to very high both initially and ongoing rental. The high cost also often means that compromise has to be made on the capacity of the connection reducing the overall benefit.

Then we have seen the emergence of the now almost ubiquitous broadband or ADSL. I say almost because as we know from the recent Digital Britain report not all are still able to get broadband at a reasonable level.

For businesses, ADSL provides much cheaper services but trades off against a significantly lower service level and variable capacity dependent on a number of technical factors.

Now with ADSL the cheaper services are very attractive and for basic applications such as Email and Web Surfing the service level is often perfectly acceptable.

Problems emerge when ADSL broadband is described or perceived to be the solution to all connectivity requirements.

Demanding applications such as VoIP Telephony and remote working need not only sufficient capacity but guaranteed quality from end-to-end between endpoint devices such as PCs and Telephone handsets and server hosts. ADSL may be able to provide the capacity (although this is variable) but there is not always sufficient quality or any guaranteed service level using ADSL. EBSA guarantees capacity end-to-end, guarantees minimum services on key technical parameters and enables essential applications such as VoIP and remote working to be prioritised.

For SMEs, EBSA is an opportunity to consolidate telephony, leased line and broadband costs and finally get the best out of VoIP and other remote working applications – without breaking the bank.

Roger Pearson is a project manager at P2 Technologies Ltd, Lockwood

9

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

MARKETING MATTERS

■ CALLING WITH THE GOOD NEWS: Talkative managing director Richard Winterbottom (left) with (from left) account manager Rik Lowthion, sales manager Charlotte Smith and accounts manager Sarah Gibson with their accreditation certificate from O2

Clare Quartermaine

Getting retrospective H

OW are designers, marketers and organisations in general are responding to the changing demands of the current market?

For this month’s column, I have put together some observations on interesting marketing trends adopted by organisations that I have noticed over the past few months. Notably, the increasing take-up of social networking/media applications to market products and services and secondly, the significant boom in heritage and legacy branding.

Ironically, the first two trends are poles apart in terms of what they represent. Social networking represents the more up-to-date forms of communication (twitter, facebook, linkedin and flickr etc) while legacy branding appeals to our feelings of nostalgia and “the good old days”.

As a creative agency, we are generally expected to concentrate on making things look appealing or gorgeous and so our focus is mainly on the packaging. (By that, I mean the outward appearance of a product or service).

The changing market and dropping budgets has altered expectations on all organisations and the creative agency is also expected to adapt. To this end, we are becoming more involved in the marketing and communications activities underpinning a design project.

Leading nicely on to technology: When budgets are getting tighter and clients are expecting budgets to be used “creatively” the accepted standard approaches to marketing are being challenged.

Having attended a very interesting talk on social media recently, I was shocked to learn that it is acknowledged among the “techie” communities that the age of the email is coming to its end and is being replaced with social media applications. This shift is changing the way that people discover, learn and share information. So I guess it’s “catch up” or “see you later”.

After all, there is huge audience just waiting to hear about you…and the potential to reach people that you would never come across in conventional ways. The online world brings enormous opportunities to build brands, research and to raise profiles. The majority of household brands now have a twitter and facebook account and it’s free – apart from the time you have to set aside in order to ensure your information is interesting and up to date.

But this is why legacy branding is so fascinating. Marks and Spencer, Persil, Sainsbury’s are just a few brands that have jumped on the heritage bandwagon recently. They are telling us unreservedly that we should buy their products because they have been around for ages, that they are part of our history and that they will make us feel safe. Is this a reaction to the uncomfortable and insecure feelings that technology advancement brings? When it’s becoming more and more difficult to keep up, isn’t it a relief to buy that jar of jam with a retro label on? It must be good if it’s 125 years old!

So – do we immerse our organisation in the latest technologies or do we appeal to our customers’ sense of history? Or maybe a bit of both…

Clare Quartermaine is founder and managing director of QT Creative

Talkative takes all the credit with giant O2 MOBILE phones specialist Talkative has achieved a new high – by becoming one of only 12 accredited dealers with industry giant O2.

Talkative, based at Hartshead, joins a select band and will now feature on O2’s website as well as being able to sell the prestigious iPhone.

Talkative managing director Richard Winterbottom said: “We were named by O2 as a select partner a few years ago, which underlined how we deal with customers and give them a good service.

“Now we can give people the added reassurance of being an accredited dealer.”

The latest success comes just months after Talkative achieved a landmark when it supplied more than 100 connections to directors and field staff at Huddersfield-based financial compliance service provider SimplyBiz. Talkative, formed in 2001, specialises in business-to-business mobile telecoms – covering areas such as bill analysis and account management, mobile devices, car kits and accessories, mobile phones hands-free installations, training and landlines.

A spokesman for O2 said: O2 is delighted to offer its premier partners access to the O2 approved programme.

With access to benefits including the iPhone, the programme will bring the key partners closer to the network.

“O2 Approved is designed to combine the exclusive benefits of the O2 network with the cream of the independent dealer channel skilled at delivering excellent local service.

“The new O2 Approved programme comprises a limited number of indirect par tners and parallels O2’s Centre Of Excellence.”

He said: “The participating dealers were selected based on their performance on customer churn, revenue and volume and is part of a careful strategy by O2 to attract the best B2B dealers in the land.

“O2 Approved will help independents create value for customers, improve retention and drive sales of high value connections.

“We see the independent partners as being key to growth in the years ahead as we move into a converged world.

“As an O2 Approved Partner,Talkative Ltd is able to sell a range of O2 products, services and solutions.

This includes iPhone, which is exclusive to O2, Mobile Broadband and BlackBerry.”

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10

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

ON THE MOVE

Numbers double for accountants JONATHAN Bradley and Martin Wakelam have been appointed directors at Huddersfield company The Fired Up Group.

Mr Bradley (left) takes up the newly-created post of operations director. He joined the firm, which has based at Longroyd Bridge, in 2006 with a background in logistics planning and has been responsible for improving operations from order processing to delivery.

Mr Wakelam (right) takes up the new post of finance director. Before joining Fired Up, he spent 11 years at an international IT group, latterly as vice-president responsible for finance, legal and human resources. In his new role he will take particular responsibility for the integration of acquisitions, cash and profit management.

Fired Up, led by chief executive Richard Kaye, produces electrical heating and cooling products, including fires and fireplaces, It has also acquired the business interests of John Corby, famous throughout the world for its trouser presses and a range of other hospitality equipment.

New role in PR CREATIVE agency Nourish has appointed Amy Greenwood as public relations manager.

Ms Greenwood (pictured) joins the Leeds-based team with award-winning copywriting skills and experience with business-to-business and business-to client – having worked with the PR and marketing for brands such as Asda, G r a m p i a n Fo o d G ro u p a n d M i c helin-starred restaurant The Box Tree.

Nourish, which was launched last year, lists clients including Virgin

Health Bank, RAM Ve h i c l e Tr a c k i n g , Albemarle & Bond, Vale Healthcare and Alpha Media Solutions. Nourish is part of print and direct mail specialist The Lick Group.

Concorde flight IAN Morley has been appointed customer service manager for Brighouse-based software supplier Concorde Informatics.

Mr Morley (right) joins the company from ICM Computer G ro u p, wh i c h h e joined in 1987 as a senior customer service engineer. He spent the past 10 years as customer service manager responsible for more than 60 customer s e r v i c e e n g i n e e r s, logistics and training.

M r M o rl e y n ow teams up with ICM

founder and former chief executive Barry Roberts, and friend Colin Meakin, who are now Concorde’s chairman and managing director.

CLECKHEATON and Keighley-based accountancy firm Clough & Company has doubled the size of its corporate insolvency team.

The additions come just 12 months after partner Chris Wood and associate director Ian Gostello established the practice, known as Clough Corporate Solutions.

Chartered accountant Andrew Waudby, 25. has been with Clough & Company for five years and joins the insolvency team as a case manager, while Katie Fairbrother, 18, who joined the firm a year ago, has taken on the role of cashier.

They will be managed by new recruit and senior manager Steve Armitage, 41, who has more than 20 years corporate and personal insolvency experience gained through working with some of the region’s most high profile firms and individuals.

The new additions compliment Mr Wood and Mr Gostello who have more than 40 years combined experience, having both worked with a number of

■ TEAM PICK: The Clough Corporate Solutions team of (from left) Ian Gostello, Katie Fairbrother, Chris Wood, Steve Armitage and Andrew Waudby

regional and national insolvency brands.

Services provided by Clough Corporate Solutions include formal insolvency appointments such as administration, liquidation and voluntary arrangements for limited companies, as well as

dealing with bankruptcy or individual voluntary arrangements.

Mr Wood said: “We’ve expanded our corporate insolvency team to assist with the growing d e m a n d fo r o u r e ff e c t ive strategies and solutions to rescue businesses and individuals.

Becky joins Approach AWARD-WINNING public relations consultancy Approach has appointed Becky Armstrong as a work placement student to complement and develop her PR degree at Leeds Metropolitan University.

Ms Armstrong, 20, who has experience in journalism, copywriting and media relations, is providing junior account executive support for clients including Dale Carnegie Training, the Yorkshire Biz Awards and Kingston Communications as well as fulfilling an administrative role.

Approach PR was founded by Gomersal woman Suzanne Johns in 2001. Launching from shared offices in Balme Road, Cleckheaton, Suzanne

moved the business to Heckmondwike and ultimately to Bradford in 2006 to cope with a growing client base.

The agency, specialising in media relations, event and campaign management and internal communications, now combines more than 30 years industry experience.

Said Ms Johns: “As we grow, we feel it’s important to share our experience with the next generation of PR practitioners.

“Becky is our second student placement in two years and we are delighted to provide her with a solid career grounding while investing in and securing the future of the region’s PR expertBecky Armstrong ise.”

IoD names regional chairman WEST Yorkshire businesswoman Margaret Wood has been appointed regional chairman of the Institute of Directors in Yorkshire.

Ms Wood, who succeeds outgoing chairman Nimble Thompson, founded specialist engineering and manufacturing firm ICW Modular Glazing in 1991 following the death of her husband Tony.

She built up the Wakefield-based business from a small niche firm to an industry leader with a worldwide customer base ranging from Formula 1 teams to Kew Gardens.

Ms Wood has won several awards, including a Women Inventors in Industry award and an IoD Director of the Year accolade.

She chairs Wakefield First and is a board member of networking group Forward Ladies.

Ms Wood said one of her aims in office was to ensure Yorkshire builds on its young talent.

■ DIRECTORS: Margaret Wood, new regional chairman of the IoD in Yorkshire and Humber, with predecessor Nimble Thompson

Simon Stevens has been appointed managing director of Huddersfield-based roadside rescue business Britannia Rescue.

Mr Stevens (above) will be responsible for day-to-day operations at the company, which has offices in the railway building at St George’s Square. He will report into Peter Horton, operations director for parent Liverpool Victoria.

Mr Stevens has held senior roles with a number of companies, including HBOS and Churchill. Before joining Britannia Rescue, he was managing director of Uinsure, an internet insurance intermediary for mortgage brokers and IFAs. Britannia Rescue is the UK’s fourth largest road rescue provider and has been part of Liverpool Victoria since May, 2007.

The company employs 80 staff in Huddersfield and operates an independent network of more than 500 garages.

Regional role with retailer

SUPERMARKET company Sainsbury’s has appointed Paul Smith as regional acquisition manager with its convenience property team in Yorkshire and the north-west.

His appointment forms p a r t o f S a i n s bu r y ’s strategy to open 150 new Local stores by March, 2011, and create more than 6,000 new jobs.

Mr Smith, who has 15 years experience in the sector, will be responsible for acquiring new sites in the region’s high streets, mixed-use schemes, local centres and prominent suburban locations.

His appointment follows the recent acquisition of 24 sites from the Co-operative Group, with five earmarked to b e c o m e S a i n s b u r y ’s Local stores in the next three months.

11

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

TAX TALK

Bosses fear skills mismatch SMALL business bosses are crying out for new recruits with work-related skills, a report claimed.

Research by independent education foundation Edge found that 75% of people running small and medium enterprises feel there is a mismatch between young people’s skills and the requirements of their organisation.

Almost as many – 71% – believe the job market contains too few people with vocational qualifications and practical skills while two-thirds believe every young person should study at least one vocational qualification at school.

SMEs say that new employees with vocational qualifications are better developed than recruits with academic qualifications in the vital areas of team working, business and customer awareness, attitude, enthusiasm and self-management.

Andy Powell, chief executive of Edge, said: “Employers recognise that vocational qualifications equip young people with the skills and experience they need to help make their businesses successful.”

Edge found that in the last year, 58% of SMEs funded or arranged training and development for their staff. Training in job specific skills is the most in demand followed by communication skills, team working skills and customer care skills.

Colin Barratt

Timely tips on tipping OLLOWING a Court of Appeal case F involving tips and service charges paid to bar and restaurant workers –

■ SAFE HOUSE: Owner of the Industrial Superstore Lee Parsons (left) and store manager Mark Chapman at the new Lockwood outlet

Trans-Pennine expansion plan A SAFETY equipment retailer has opened a store in Huddersfield – as the first step in a trans-Pennine expansion plan.

The Industrial Superstore, which is based in Dukinfield, Cheshire, and also has a store at Atherton, Manchester, has acquired the stock of the Safety Equipment Centre at Lockwood, which went into liquidation after almost 30 years in business.

The newcomer firm is operating from the Safety Equipment Centre’s former premises at Bridge Street after renegotiating the lease on the building.

Now it is establishing relationships with former clients of the Safety Equipment Centre and seeking out new customers.

Lee Parsons, of The Industrial Superstore, said: “We have some big plans. We would like to open more stores along the M62 corridor. Our plan is to have 12 outlets over the next few years.”

Mr Parsons said the company’s three stores were on course to achieve turnover of £1m this year.

The Industrial Superstore is the trade name of AB Outsourcing, which was founded 10 years ago

by Mr Parsons and his father Gary.

The new Huddersfield store is led by manager Mark Chapman, who has moved from the Dukinfield head office to oversee the new outlet and introduce new ranges.

As well as supplying a wide range of safety equipment, The Industrial Superstore specialises in providing print and embriodered garments and is expanding into schoolwear and corporate clothing alongside its existing ranges of workwear and personal protection equipment.

It is also building its online presence and has produced an 80-pge catalogue.

Customers dealt with from the Lockwood store include Kirklees Council, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust and chemical company CiBA i9n Bradford.

The Industrial Superstore has clients ranging from one-man businesses to national names such as Mitsubishi and Brother.

Top-selling items at present include first aid kits and fire exteinguishers for caravans.

But Mr Parsons said: “Everyone is a potential customer – from the local takeaway owner wanting to kit out staff in polo shirts with his logo to major companies needing a hundred pairs of safety boots.

“The move to Huddersfield is a logical one for us.

The Safety Equipment Centre was well-known and well-established. We are putting out own range together and we are putting out own stamp on the store and the early signs are very positive.”

Joe’s voluntary service CRAFTSMAN Joseph Hemingway is helping youngsters carve out a business career.

Mr Hemingway (right), who battled back after his Armitage Bridge workshop was destroyed by fire two-and-a-half years ago, has been presented with a certificate for his work as a volunteer business adviser.

The skilled wood carver provided advice for pupils at North Halifax Grammar School to set up and run a business under the Young Enterprise scheme supported by HSBC and the Small Business Service.

The scheme encourages youngsters nearing school leaving age to think about starting their own business.

Participating schools are given £1,000 in capital to get their business up and running and must make decisions about

how to spend the funds on things like marketing and advertising or raw materials.

Mr Hemingway provided advice to help them come up with good busines ideas, drawing on his experiences running Thomas Chippendale Ltd and social enterprise Taylor and Hobson.

Mr Hemingway has also launched the first overseas chapter of the Society of American Period Furniture Makers – at the invitation of the US group.

Mr Hemingway was invited to join the society in 2007 after impressing with pictures of a mahogany ribbonback chair which Mr Hemingway painstakingly carved to a 1754 design by Thomas Chippendale.

Membership of the society allows Mr Hemingway to display work on the society website – opening the way to poten-

tial customers – and network with the foremost professional and amateur carvers in the USA. Now he is “recruiting” amateur and professional woodcarvers to join the society’s UK chapter.

which was won by HM Revenue & Customs – I thought I would take a look at how such payments are treated for tax, national insurance and national minimum wage purposes.

Tips and discretionary service charges are payments freely given by the customers normally in return for services and their treatment for tax and NIC purposes depends on the arrangements involved in who they are given to and who decides how they are shared out.

Where cash tips are paid to the employee directly from a customer without involving the employer, the employee will be liable to tax on the tips received, but not NIC. The employee will need to inform the Revenue of the amount of tips received so that their PAYE Code can be adjusted accordingly. Tips paid in this manner do not count towards the national minimum wage.

If tips are added onto a bill by a customer which is then paid by cheque, credit or debit card and these are paid directly to employer with the employer deciding how they are to be shared out, then the employer is responsible for deduction PAYE and NIC from the tips.

The amounts paid will count towards the employees pay for national minimum wage purposes.

Where customer tips are passed on by the employer to a person known as a “Troncmaster” and they decide how the tips are to be allocated between the staff, with the employer having no direct or indirect influence as to the means of distributions and to who receives them, then the tips, while still being subject to PAYE operated by the Troncmaster’s payroll scheme, will not attract any liability to employees’ or employers’ NIC. In the recent Court of Appeal case, it was upheld that tips distributed in this fashion also do not count towards the employers’ obligation to pay their staff the national minimum wage.

From October 1, 2009, the practice of “topping up” staff pay with tips paid out via a “Troncmaster” will be outlawed.

HMRC is responsible for enforcing the national minimum wage legislation and under the new penalty regime, from April 6, 2009, if an employer has underpaid national minimum wage, they will be issued with a notice of underpayment.

This will show the arrears that must be paid to its workers.

A penalty will also be levied which amounts to 50% of the total underpayment with a maximum penalty of £5,000 applying.

If the arrears are paid within 14 days of the notice of underpayment, the penalty will be halved.

Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth, chartered accountants, Huddersfield

12

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Dewsbury firm is generating new orders A DEWSBURY company is generating new sales.

Progress Group, based at Thornhill Lees, has landed a contract from Swiss company Von Roll Inova to install two power generating sets for the UK’s largest energy-from-waste plant in London.

When it is fully commissioned, the plant will process 585,000 tonnes of municipal and commercial waste a year to generate 72mega-watts of electricity.

Progress Group fought off major competition from the UK and overseas to secure the order to supply, install and maintain the two generators. Installation will start in October with commissioning in January and February next year.

Progress Group managing director Adrian Kemp said: “We are delighted to be awarded this technically challenging project and look forward to being involved in

■ WASTE LINE: Dewsbury-based Progress Group has won a contract to install power generation equipment at a new energy-from-waset plant in London

other Von Roll Inova projects in the future.

“Our technical team has worked closelt with the Von Roll Inova team at its head office in Zurich. Our appointment shows the confidence that they have in our ability and service, which will ensure a bright future for the group.”

Progress Group was established in Dewsbury in 1956 and is the largest stockist of FG WIlson generators in Europe. The company has offices in Dewsbury, London, Falkirk, Middlesbrough and Bedfordshire.

The company has provided power generation equipment for everything ranging from data centres in the East Midlands and south-east England to a college in the north-east and a fleet of ice cream vans in Scotland.

Mamas and Papas to open up new markets with distribution deal

NURSERY products company Mamas & Papas is set to further expand its overseas empire.

The Colnebridge-based firm has signed a distribution agreement with Japanese nursery goods brand the Pigeon Corporation.

The deal will open up another territory in addition to the the Middle East, where Mamas & Papas already operates 15 stores through a franchise deal with the Al Tayer Group, and in Russia, where the brand is launching stores with franchise partner FD Lab. The distribution deal with the Pigeon Corporation will give Mamas & Papas access to a Japanese market with almost one million births a year – providing a “significant trading opportunity” for the firm’s “designer” brands.

Richard Faulkner, deputy chief executive at Mamas & Papas, said: ““Pigeon, like Mamas & Papas, are a well established market leader in their domestic market and are rapidly increasing their international portfolio.

“The coming together of two highly regarded global brands

will add strength to both organisations.

“This deal heralds the start of what will be a long and successful relationship which we hope will develop and advance towards greater business opportunities within the Japanese market.”

Akio Okoshi, president and chief operating officer at the Pigeon Corporation, said: “We are very pleased with this business opportunity to enter into the exclusive distribution agreement with Mamas & Papas who are highly valued and respected in the U.K. “We believe that the fashionable and well-designed products

by Mamas & Papas would be readily accepted by Japanese consumers and I expect that this partnership between Mamas & Papas and Pigeon will produce new growth for both companies.”

Mamas & Papas, founded in 1981 by David and Luisa Scacchetti, is renowned for its celebrity following. The company has established a global reputation for sophisticated Anglo-Italian styling and has won numerous awards for its

■ MARKET FORCE: Richard Faulkner, deputy chief executive of Mamas & Papas

business success and product design.

Mr Faulkner said Mamas & Papas was enjoying buoyant sales in the UK despite the economic downturn – expanding its stores to 36 with a further four stores planned to opened before

the end of 2009.

The company’s target is to continue expansion to reach 50 stores in the UK in the next 18 months. Recent openings in Belfast, Cardiff, Medina and Riyadh bring the Mamas & Papas retail estate to 51 stores worldwide.

Mamas & Papas is also expanding its internet and home shopping sales. It also continued to supply more than 2,500 independent retailers and UK brand giants, including Argos and Littlewoods.

Mamas & Papas is in final stage negotiations with potential franchise operators in Greece, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco and Poland and has opened talks with potential partners in the USA and India.

The company has also been named International Franchise Operator of the Year by global trade magazine Retail & Leisure International and has been recognised as one of the top 10 private companies to watch in The Sunday Times PricewaterhouseCoopers Profit Track 100 awards.

Business in Brief

Racing team make pit stop in Birstall DRIVERS from a top racing team sped into Birstall to meet one of their main sponsors.

The drivers and cars from Motorbase Performance descended on the head office of paints brand Leyland Trade.

Leyland is one of the team’s primary sponsors for the Airwaves BMW British Touring Car Championship and Porsche Carrera Cup GB teams for the 2009 season.

The deal sees Leyland’s branding on all the cas, transporters, rivers’ protetcivfe clothing and team clothing as well as throughout the team’s position in the pit lane.

The visit to the premises of PPG Architectural Coatings UK Ltd also included a raffle to raise cash for the Help the Heroes charity – while model tina, who acts as an official “grid girl” for the team during BTCC races, was on hand to add a touch of glamour.

Launched in 1922, Leyland is established as the “professional’s paint” and supplies emulsions, primers, floor paints and trim products as well as the Trugard exterior and Contract range for new build work.

Treble top for Link COMMUNICATIONS group Link Telecom has completed three contracts with companies in East Yorkshire.

Saltaire-based Link has provided communications solutions to agricultural equipment supplier Wilfred Scruton Ltd, property developer and manufacturer WE Naylor & Son and flour milling, corn and seed merchants E B Bradshaw & Sons.

The contracts are valued at more than £30,000.

13

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2009 CONGRATULATIONS! WINNER

h t 4 1 ar e y

HYSTAT SYSTEMS LTD

Established in Huddersfield in 1976, Hystat Systems has grown into one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading specialists in the design, manufacture and repair of heavy-duty hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders.

From its Slaithwaite base it has delivered and serviced a range of equipment, nationally and internationally, establishing an unrivalled reputation in the process.

1ST RUNNER UP TC BATHROOMS

2ND RUNNER UP CALDER VALLEY MARINE LTD

From small beginnings in 1998, this Dewsbury company has expanded and diversified to become one the major employers in Kirklees, and is now a key player in the design and supply of bathroom fixtures and fittings throughout the UK.

Having evolved from a traditional boat engineering background to now offering a complete waterway facility at a number of marinas across the region, the future looks good for this fine local business.

Enter our Business of the Month Award Established by Eaton Smith in 1995, the award has been won by a diverse range of businesses over that time. No matter how large or small your business or workforce, all applications are treated equally.

Monthly winners are automatically entered into our Business of the Year Awards, held every July, when the preceding twelve monthly winners and members of the business community attend the annual breakfast awards ceremony.

So if you are proud of what your company has achieved and it is based in Kirklees, Calderdale or Wakefield why not tell us about your success story.

If you would like more information on how to enter, please contact: Deborah Melluish, Eaton Smith LLP Tel: 01484 821300 Email: deborahmelluish@eatonsmith.co.uk or visit our website www.eatonsmith.co.uk and follow the link to Business of the Month.

Eaton Smith is proud to help businesses across the region achieve their objectives by providing support on local, national and international legal matters and transactions.

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH AWARDS - REWARDING SUCCESS SINCE 1995

14

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Hospice hopes for Christmas present

■ PICK OF THE CROP: Deborah Melluish (left), of Eaton Smith with Kirklees Mayor Clr Julie Stewart-Turner and (from left) Ray Wadsworth, of Hystat Systems Ltd; Andrew Choi, of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; Andrew Sugden, of Eaton Smith; Dave Robins and Chris Watson, of Hystat; and accountant Ashley Barrowclough

Emotional day as companies mark success

PIEMAKER Andrew Jones recalled how triumph turned to tragedy when he spoke at a business awards breakfast in Huddersfield.

Twelve months ago, Mr Jones was lauded as winner of the Business of the Year Award run by law firm Eaton Smith and the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

On Good Friday this year, his business, Andrew Jones Pies, was rocked to the core by an explosion at its premises in Old Leeds Road, in which employee David Cole was killed.

Mr Jones was warmly applauded by an audience of 250 business people when he spoke at the 2009 awards, which were held at the Cedar Court, Ainley Top. “It was a total shock to win last year,” he said. “We were very proud and honoured to win the award.

“Following on from the tragic events on Good Friday, I had a lot of kind messages from people – many of whom are in this room today.

“This morning gives me a chance to thank you for your support. It is gratefully received.

It is nice to know we have the support of the business community in Huddersfield.

“Winning the award was down to a big team effort. It is that team effort that has got the business where it is after the past 12 weeks – back in production making pies. We are getting back to where we want to be.”

Mr Jones also thanked customers including supermarket chains Asda and Morrisons for standing by the firm after the explosion disrupted production and said the company hoped to be back at full production by Christmas.

A company designing, making and repairing heavy-duty hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders was named Business of the Year 2009 at the event.

Ray Wadsworth, managing director of Slaithwaite-based Hystat Systems Ltd, was joined by colleagues Dave Robins and Chris Watson on stage to receive the award from Kirklees Mayor Clr Julie Stewart-Turner.

Hystat has grown from a two-man business formed in 1976 to employ 100 people and

COMPANIES have been urged to help a worthy cause when they send their Christmas greetings to suppliers and customers.

Kirkwood Hospice at Dalton is urging firms across Kirklees to send its corporate Christmas cards to their business contacts – a move which raised almost £20,000 for the hospice last year.

Local artist Richard Gawthorpe has provided two paintings which will be reproduced on the cards – Castle Hill and a Snowy Surprise.

Once again, Barclays Private Members Club has sponsored the cards, ensuring that all the money from the sale of these cards goes directly to patient care at the Hospice.

All cards can be personalised with a company’s logo, address and their own seasonal message.

“The cards provide local businesses with the opportunity to send seasonal greetings to

their customers while showing their support for Kirkwood Hospice” said Jane Dutton.

“Many local companies have employees or clients whose families have had first hand experience of our services. By choosing our Christmas cards, they can help to support the vital work of the Hospice.”

Kirkwood Hospice provides specialist care for people facing life-threatening illness. All of its services are free of charge and designed to care for the patients, their families and friends. This year Kirkwood’s annual running costs are in excess of £3.9mmillion. Only 20% of this will be funded by the local Primary Care Trusts and central government. The support of local companies will help the Hospice to raise the other £3.2m.

To order cards, complete the leaflet in this issue of Kirklees Business News or contact Marie Peacock on 01484 557911 or by e-mail at mariep@kirkwoodhospice.co.uk

■ TRAINING FILM: Dale Carnegie International’s chief operating officer David Fagiano (left) awards the Excellence Award for Training to Roger Harris, chief operating officer for ODEON and UCI Cinemas

■ SPEAKER: Pieman Andrew Jones

supply hydraulic systems ranging from canal lift bridges to Royal Navy aircraft carrier platforms.

Mr Wadsworth, who began the business working on a drawing board in his back bedroom, said: “It is quite a surprise to win because our accountant, Ashley Barrowclough, entered us into the awards only a few months ago.

“We work on jobs for national and international customers and have probably neglected our image in Huddersfield – but we do need a local profile because we want people to come and work for us.”

Runners-up in the 14th annual awards were Calder Valley Marine, which provides boat-building services from sites at Savile Town Wharf in Dewsbury and at Bradford and Shipley, and TC Bathrooms, which has completed a major move from Grange Moor to new premises in Dewsbury Earlier, Eaton Smith senior partner Andrew Sugden praised the “talent, enterprise and innovation” among the 12 finalists in the Business of the Year Awards – all companies based in Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield.

Inspiring the workforce EMPLOYERS must do more to inspire their workers, a training expert told business leaders.

David Fagiano, chief operating officer of international organisation Dale Carnegie Training, said that “disengagement” of employees could seriously affect businesses, warning: “Those who don’t care about the job to minimum work and have a negative impact on colleagues.”

Referring to the recession, he said: “It is at these times that we need to motivate and inspire with recognition and reward – and it doesn’t have to be financial.

“If the work environment is a place of joy and humour and creates engagement, it will help you fight the negative effects of the recession.”

Mr Fagiano was speaking at an event hosted by Mirfield-based training expert Juliette Dennett and staged at The Printworks in Manchester.

More than 50 people attended the event, which focused on the importance of inspiring and motivating staff.

During the event, Mr Fagiano presented

an excellence award for training to Roger Harris, chief operating officer of Odeon and UCI Cinemas, in recognition of the firm’s commitment to staff development after it completed a six-year bespoke training programme.

Dale Carnegie Training has more than 2,700 instructors in more than 65 countries.

The organisation’s northern England franchise, of which Ms Dennett is managing director, generates turnover exceeding £1m a year and provides performance improvement programmes to businesses across Yorkshire, the north-east and the north-west.

Said Ms Dennett: ““David has more than 30 years expertise in management training and we are delighted that he has brought his unique perspective on managing businesses through the recession and particularly on how we must throw down a challenge and inspire our work forces to pull together instead of waiting for the recession to ride out.”

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Principle spreads its wings overseas A COMPANY helping other firms project their brands is taking a global view.

Huddersfield-based brands specialst Principle Group has launched a workwide affiliate network scheme to help a growing list of organisations expand into new markets.

The scheme, called Principle 360, has been launched to formalise the relationship that Principle Group has with a number of brand implementation companies across the world – and enable other branding businesses which can meet its exacting criteria to join the network.

Paul Shilling, group marketing and sales director at Principle Group, said: “We are the market leaders in delivering large scale national and international brandimplentation projects and Principle 360 will help augment this position.

“We are seeing a trend of organisations from emerging countries such as Brazil, India and China expand their operations into more established markets such as the US and Western Europe.

“Principle 360 will enable us to meet the requirements of these rapidly expanding organisations – as well as continue to provide a first class service to our more established FTSE 250 and Fortune 500 customer base.”

Principle 360 has already been used to deliver two major projects – one to re-brand 550 sites for a leading pharmaceutical company and the second to support an international bank’s fit-out of 80 branches in Africa and the Middle East.

Mr Shilling said: “In our experience, organisations face the challenge of ensuring the consistency of their brand across the globe.

“Not only does Principle 360 ensure global brand consistency, it also enables Principle Group to offer

Company gets new view of success

■ TEAMING UP: Karen Borowski, partner at Revell Ward, with Graham Mitchell (left) and Sean Jarvis, of Huddersfield Town

Accountants backing Town ACCOUNTANCY firm Revell Ward has signed a new sponsorship deal with Huddersfield Town’s football academy.

Revell Ward, based at Market Street in Huddersfield, is a long-standing supporter of the football club. Now the firm’s distinctive brand will appear on the back of the home and away shirts of all academy age groups during the 2009/10 campaign.

Revell Ward is more usually seen adding to business through services such as audit and assurance, help on tax, accounting support, managed payroll and corporate finance advice.

The sponsorship is a new one for the Academy which, for the first time, will have different shirt sponsors to that of the first

team.

Town commercial director Sean Jarvis said the partnership would benefit both parties.

He said: “Revell Ward are very proud of the role they play in Huddersfiel. By supporting the academy, they are helping us cement our own heritage in producing talented young players from the local area.”

Karen Borowski, partner at Revell Ward said: “Revell Ward have supported the club for many years both on and off the field and we are delighted to contribute to the future of the club in this way.

“Both the club and ourselves are committed to developing our own local talent as we build our teams for the future.”

Paxman Coolers among winners ■ HOME BASE: Principle Group’s headquarters at Tandem Industrial Estate, Waterloo

the most cost-effective solution to its customers through using high quality local suppliers to source and implement branding projects.”

Principle Group’s network of partners spans more than 50 countries in six continents – in areas such as consultancy, signage, maintenance, graphics and security.

Its work ranges from designing signs for factories and offices and producing high quality vinyl graphics for vehicle liveries to setting up exhibition stands and designing office interiors.

Principle Group, which was winner of the category for creative business in the 2008 Examiner Business Awards, has offices at Tandem Industrial Estate, Waterloo, and Knoxsville, Tennessee in the USA. It was formed in the UK in 1987 – starting out from a rented office in a former textile mill in Scissett – to employ more than 100 people and operate across 50 countries for clients including Barclays, HSBC, Xerox and steel giant Arcelor Mittal.

15

A COMPANY providing equipment to reduce hair loss for cancer patients has won a health industry award.

Paxman Coolers, based at Penistone Road, Fenay Bridge, was a category winner at the Medilink Yorkshire and Humber Innovation Day and Healthcare Business Awards.

The company was recognised by judges for achieving “consistent, sustainable and profitable growth” since being launched 10 years ago.

The firm has developed the Paxman Scalp Cooler, which underwent trials at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary before being sold to hospitals such as Christies in Manchester, St Mary's Hospital in Portsmouth, Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire and the Derri-

ford Hospital in Plymouth.

The scalp cooling system received a Millennium Product Award for Innovation and has been adopted by many hospitals and specialist cancer treatment centres in the UK, Europe and other parts of the world.

The cooler consists of a cap made from silicone which provides a snug fit to the patient’s head.

Coolant passes through the cap, extracting heat from the patient's scalp while temperature sensors ensure the cap maintains the scalp at a constant temperature.

Paxman Coolers, headed by managing director Glenn Paxman, reported a 41% rise in sales last year and is forecasting a 30% increase for 2009.

As part of efforts to build up

its export business, the company will exhibit at a major medical conference in September at Berlin.

Paxman Coolers is also a partner of charitable grop Walk the Walk to help fund products for cancer units and train staff to use the coolers. To date, Walk the Walk have funded the provision of 81 coolers in 27 hospitals across the UK. The Yorkshire and Humber Healthcare Business Awards were staged at the Royal Armouries in Leeds with backing from organisations including Business Link Yorkshire and membership-based medical professionals association Medilink.

Companies providing a range of medical devices and hospital equipment were recognised at the awards.

A COMPANY producing 3D images is celebrating after clinching a regional award – just four months after being launched.

Viewpoint Digital, based at Hudersfield’s Media Centre, overcame tough competition to win the Enterprise Through Innovation category at the Yorkshire Biz Awards, which were held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds.

The company was founded only in April this year by experienced 3D artists and designers Jaime Herke and Wez Guy to provide 3D digital media and graphics services.

Said Wez: “Because we only set up in business in April we really didn’t think we were established enough to win this year’s Biz Awards.

However, knowing we had a strong and innovative business proposition, we wanted to give it a go because we knew the profile we’d gain from even a shortlisting would be a huge boost to the business.

“Although we’re a small team, we have a huge vision – not only for our business but also for our clients who we work alongside to plan, structure and create their development projects from conception to completion.

“Winning ‘the award against such fierce competition is an incredible platform from which to continue to develop Viewpoint – and will certainly fuel us to drive the business to even greater heights.”

Viewpoint Digital has completed commissions for customers wanting images ranging from a barn conversion at Ilkley and classroom interiors to a pavilion at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate and a cocktail bar in the United Arab Emirates.

The Yorkshire Biz Awards were established in 2007 by Stephen Waud, of the Bradford Enterprise Fund. About 400 guests attended the 2009 event.

Said Stephen: “The response to this year’s event has been overwhelming.”

16

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Sickness a major concern

EMPLOYERS' BRIEFING Neil Wilson

Time to look at training NEW piece of legislation is being A debated in the House of Lords, having been passed through the House of Com-

mons which, if given Royal Assent, contains a new right for employees to request time off to undertake training.

The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill allows for a qualifying employee to make an application to their employer for the purpose of taking time off to complete study and/or training. The government’s intention is that the qualification period for employees will be 26 weeks service with their employer and that they must not be in one of the excluded categories. The excluded categories include workers of compulsory school age who already have statutory rights in relation to time off for study and agency workers among others.

The good news for employers is that the training has to be related to the employee’s job. The study or training must be considered to improve the employee’s effectiveness in the employer’s business in addition to improving the performance of the employer’s business. This two-fold requirement does appear to mean that employee’s whose jobs are peripheral to the business and that improvement to their own performance will not yield an improved business performance, will not benefit from the proposed right.

The training itself is not limited by the legislation; it can be on the job training or separate from the job and does not have to be undertaken at the employee’s workplace. The training does not need to lead to a formal qualification.

To make an application it is proposed that the employee follow a strict procedure setting out in writing the training they wish to undertake, the subject matter of the course and what, if any, qualification it would lead to at the end of the training. The application must also set out how the employee feels the training would improve his or her effectiveness and how the performance of the business will be increased.

An employer would only be able to refuse an application for the following reasons: ● the proposed training or study would not improve the employee’s effectiveness and/or the performance of the employer’s business ● the burden of additional costs ● detrimental effect on ability to meet customer demand ● inability to reorganise work amongst existing staff ● inability to recruit additional staff ● detrimental impact on quality ● detrimental effect on performance ● insufficiency of work during the periods the employee proposes to work ● planned structural changes Although the proposed Bill does offer employee’s more rights, and appears to add further burden in terms of costs and time off work for staff to businesses, there are defined requirements that must be met in order for a request for time off to train to be met. It should be noted that the Bill does not propose that employers are required to pay any staff during time spent training, merely allow them the time off. The Bill also gives businesses plenty of scope to refuse such a request if the request will not aid the performance of the business or the impact of accepting such a request would have detrimental effect on the conduct of the business.

Neil Wilson is an Employment Lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors

■ TANK FORCE: Pictured with the first tank to be loaded are (from left) Richard Alan Engineering operations director Edward Jennings and the fabrication team of Simon Robshaw, Keith Thompson and Stephen Easton

Storage tanks contract for Richard Alan A DEWSBURY engineering company has completed a massive contract.

Richard Alan Engineering is delivering three large stainless steel storage tanks to Wakefield-based Brotherton Specialty Products as part of a £4m plant expansion at the customer’s Calder Vale Road site.

The vertical cylindrical tanks – measuring almost five metres in diamater and 10 metres tall – are the largest diameter workshop-built tanks Richard Alan Engineering has manufactured at its Shaw Cross facility.

The vessels were designed, manufactured and tested in-house. A special gantry required during the fabrication process was supplied by Scaffolding Access Solutions, another Richard Alan Group company.

The new plant expansion in Wakefield, due for completion in late summer, 2010, will use the design expertise from Brotherton’s Italian parent company, Esseco. The “front line” design and supervisory contract has been awarded to CO-VER Industrial, also based in Italy.

Edward Jennings, operations director for Richard Alan Engineering, visited both Italian

companies.

He said that while the design and project management will come from Italy, the outsourcing of site work and materials will come from local companies wherever possible.

Richard Alan Group had already benefited from fabrication and civil works for the new facility in Wakefield.

Said Mr Jennings: “We have a long standing working relationship with Brotherton and it is great news, especially in the present climate, to be involved with such an exciting new local development.”

Brotherton managing director Roger Perry said: “The new state-of-the-art plant will confirm the company’s position as the UK’s leading producer of sulphates, which are used in industries such as agriculture, food and oil exploration.

“Its marvellous news for us and Wakefield in general.”

The three tanks supplied by Richard Alan Engineering will be used to store finished products such as Safegrip, Brotherton’s renowned airport runway de-icer.

Confidence improving BUSINESS confidence has strengthened among companies in Kirklees, says a new survey.

But the Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce said the overall picture for member firms remained “weak” by historical standards.

The quarterly survey of member firms across Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield showed an increase in home and export sales and orders during the second quarter of 2009.

There was also a rise in the number of

companies predicting higher turnover and profit as well as “encouraging” increases in employment growth.

Inflation and competition had replaced pricing issues as the main concern among the region’s employers.

Steven Leigh, senior policy adviser for the chamber said: “While a number of key balances have improved, many are still in negative territory and by historical standards remain weak. However, the pleasing improvement in business confidence indicators gives cause for some optimism.”

LONG-term sickness absence is still a major concern for firms, says a survey by manufacturing organisation the EEF and group risk provider Unum.

The survey showed that despite overall sickness absence decreasing, 36% of employers report an increase in long-term absence from 2007 to 2008.

Long-term sickness absence – where an employee has been off work for more than a month – has a substantial effect on UK industry as companies face the extra expense of replacement staff, agency fees and other indirect costs.

The survey results identified “surgery or medical investigation or tests” as the cause of almost 60% of all long-term absences, ahead of back problems (34%), cancer (26%) and stress (25%). And this category continues to worsen, with the number of employers citing the cause increasing by 6% over the last 12 months and 14% since 2005.

In addition, of those employers who have seen an increase, 28% report that “waiting for appointment or diagnosis of illness” is a barrier to returning to work while 25% cite “waiting for treatments or operations”.

Prof Sayeed Khan, EEF chief medical adviser, said: “The overall fall in sickness absence figures conceals a worrying trend – an ongoing issue with long-term absence.

“Employers can do a lot to address this through better management, but employers would benefit from faster access to NHS treatments and secondary care in order to have a chance of significantly improving absence levels.

“Furthermore, similar training to that being provided to GPs in health and work also needs to be given for health professionals who work in hospitals.”

The research shows that 45% of companies say that they are dissatisfied with the current sick note system, with only 28% satisfied.

The figures showed that overall sickness absence in the industry now stands at 6.2 days per employee each year, down from 6.8 days per employee in 2007.

17

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

PROPERTY FOCUS

Shortlist for new building

Expansion in the pipeline

ONE of Huddersfield’s newest buildings has been shortlisted for an architecture award.

The creative arts building at Huddersfield University’s Queensgate campus is one of the contenders in the White Rose Awards 2009 run by the Royal Institute of British Architects.

The annual awards recognise Yorkshire’s outstanding design and building projects.

Last year’s winners included a £27,500 garage built in stone for Newsome man Mark Lee. The scheme by Huddersfield architects One 17 AD, received the bronze award in the category for small projects.

The £11m creative arts building, which opened its doors last September, is regarded as one of the most exciting and inspirational teaching and research facilities for music and creative arts courses in the university sector.

It includes rehearsal space, lecture theatres, a 120-seat concert hall, a recording studio, practice rooms, exhibition space and a ‘cube-shaped’ electro-acoustic research studio.

It also boasts a rain harvesting system to collect rainwater and use it to flush toilets in the building after it has been filtered. The system includes a huge 45,000-litre capacity water storage tank,

■ HIGH HOPES: the creative arts building at Huddersfield University

which has been installed into an underground pit next to the new building.

Sixteen schemes have been shortlisted in the RIBA White Rose Awards.

They include the Shibden Park interpretation centre at Halifax; a new £10.5m venue for Hull Truck Theatre Company; the £17.5m One Brewery Wharf retail and residential scheme in Leeds; and a £16m retail and car parking development in Sheffield.

Geoff Ward, chiarman of RIBA in Yorkshire, said this year’s competition had attracted record entries – with the 16 finalists chosen from 76 entries that ranged from schools, offices and shopping centres to car parks and footbridges.

“The shortlist shows there are plenty

of outstanding achievements to celebrate at the end of a tough year for the sector,” said Mr Ward.

“The judges were looking for exceptional quality in the shortlisted schemes, for great buildings that work within their setting and to see how architects have responded to the constraints they face.”

RIBA regional director Emma England said: “There is a discernible high quality among all the entries and very varied project types. The shortlisted projects for the 2009 awards clearly demonstrate the way that good architecture can improve our everyday lives across the Yorkshire region.”

The winners will be announced on October 30 at Leeds Town Hall by RICA president Sunand Prasad.

A PLUMBERS’ merchant business with operations in Huddersfield has embarked on a £3m investment programme.

James Hargreaves (Plumbers Merchants) Ltd, which has a branch at Colne Road and 23 more across Yorkshire and Lancashire, said the investment would safeguard the long-term future of the business.

The major changes include a major re-branding initiative to split the company split into three clearly defined areas – James Hargreaves Bathrooms, James Hargreaves Plumbing, and James Hargreaves Renewables.

Part of the cash has also been designated for improvements to branches in Sheffield and Stockton-on-Tees, a new warehouse and administration facility at its headquarters in Burnley and and a new state-of-the-art computer and telephone system.

Managing director Gordon Rothwell said: “With the economy in tatters, we have developed a strategy to see us through the worst trading conditions in recent memory.

“Our competitors are all in a state of meltdown, rushing to decrease stocks, lay off staff and generally reduce costs no matter what, with little thought for the future.

“We have decided that the best form of defence is attack. Due to the financial strength of the business, we are able to re-invest approximately £3m of the retained company profits in six key areas of the business.”

Said Mr Rothwell: “The next 12 months will, without a doubt, see a short-term deterioration in the profitability of the business. The investments we are making now will give us a payback over the next 10 to 20 years and position us to be quickest out of the blocks come the end of the recession.”

commercial properties

14 st georges square, huddersfield hd1 1jf telephone 01484 558231/530361 - jonathan.wilson@bramleys1.co.uk

www.bramleys.com

offices

retail COMMERCIAL STREET, BRIGHOUSE

PEEL STREET, MARSDEN

£100,000 OIRO

FOR SALE / MAY LET

Retail property with ancillary accommodation ● 165.55sqm (1,782sqft) ● Rateable value £12,500 ●

Main shopping area in town centre location ● 3 Storey ● Vacant possession ●

22 CROSS CHURCH STREET, HUDDERSFIELD

Shop with living accommodation 136sqm (1464sqft) ● Freehold ● 2 Bedroomed accommodation ● ●

Village Centre Main shopping parade ● Reburbishment opportunity ● Double fronted ● ●

STABLE COURT, HOLMFIRTH

£22,000 P/A

Retail shop with upper floors 116.87m² (1,258ft²) plus attic ● Town centre position ● ●

Close to Kingsgate Centre ● Secondary retail location ● Rateable value £10,750 ●

Prominent Lock Up Shop 83.61sqm (900sqft) ● Modern Ground Floor Shop ● Rateable Value £10,000 ● ●

Frontage of Huddersfield Road ● Frontage to Stable Court ● Will split ●

2ND FLOOR, CLOTH HALL CHAMBERS, HUDDERSFIELD

£17,500 P/A

Self contained offices 310.20m² (3,339ft²) ● Rateable value £13,500 ● 6/8 car parking spaces ● ●

Accessible position ● Central heating throughout ● Recently refurbished ●

UPPERHEAD ROW, HUDDERSFIELD

£7,000 P/A

Refurbished Building High Quality Offices ● 79.15 sqmt [852 sqft] ● Town Centre Location ●

●

Courtyard Setting

●

●

Cat II Lighting

●

Self Contained

£110 P/W

●

£110 P/W

●

Shop/Clinic

●

35.86m² (386ft²)

●

uPVC shop front

Central heating New lease Main road location ● Various uses subject to planning consent ● ● ●

industrial

offices WHITELEY STREET, MILNSBRIDGE

WESTGATE, CLECKHEATON

RENT ON APPLICATION

PENISTONE ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD

£6,000 P/A

Refurbished Second Floor Office Suite ● 88.25m² (950ft²) ● Open plan accommodation ●

Opposite bus station ● Rateable Value £4,550 ● Close to MultiStorey car park ●

UNIT 4 STATION YARD, OFF HALIFAX ROAD

£17,500 P/A

Single storey workshop 501.48m² (5,398ft²) ● B1 Planning Consent ● Rateable value £7,300 ● ●

Part of industrial mill complex ● Brick built single storey workshop ● Car parking for up to 12 vehicles ●

£3,700 P/A

Single Storey Industrial Unit 53.04m² (571ft²) ● 3 Phase Electricity ● Electric Roller Shutter Door ● ●

Gas Supply Rateable Value £2,475 ● Small Industrial Estate ● Self Contained ● ●

18

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

PROPERTY

Property forum members seek ‘coherent strategy’ for future of town centre

FOCUS

Redrow on the recruitment trail

■ SITE VISIT: Commercial property forum chairman Richard Gillatt (front) with fellow forum members before their meeting at the offices of Huddersfield law firm Baxter Caulfieldr

Action needed to ‘kick-start’ property scene

GROUP of property experts A in Huddersfield are urging action to kick-start the commer-

cial property market – and boost the local economy.

A raft of measures to help buyers and sellers was drawn up at the first meeting of the newly-formed Huddersfield Region Commercial Property Forum.

The forum, hosted by town centre law firm Baxter Caulfield, also voiced concerns about the future of Huddersfield town centre in the wake of high-profile retail collapses.

The new forum brings together property professionals, bankers and others with interests in commercial, industrial and retail property.

In a wide-ranging debate, forum members highlighted key issues affecting the local commercial property scene and the economy.

The forum, chaired by Baxter Caulfield partner Richard Gillatt, will meet regularly to review progress on the issues raised and hear from invited speakers on property-related matters.

The forum highlighted the imposition of business rates on empty properties, stamp duty levels and the banks’ strict lending criteria as issues putting a brake on commercial development.

It also called for a “coherent strategy” by Kirklees Council for developing Huddersfield town centre in the light of rival schemes and plans for new supermarkets as well as a parking strategy to make the town centre more accessible to care users.

And it urged the council to improve road links to the M62 – claiming that the town had failed to take the advantage of opening up land alongside the motorway to commercial development.

Mike Sellers, of Boultons Estate Agents, said: “At the motorway was being built, New Hey Road was widened. Today, the council has reduced it to one lane each way.

“The approach to taking traffic to and from the motorway is a joke.”

Peter Butler, consultant with Bramleys, said: “The highways infrastructure limits potential development.

“The council has been very slow to provide decent access to the M62 and open up land at places like Cooper Bridge, for instance.”

Mr Butler also asked how Huddersfield town centre would look in 20 years’ time – given the increasing number of empty properties in New Street, the Packhorse Centre and Market Avenue.

Town centre manager Cathy Burger said Huddersfield had been hit by the collapse of several national chains as well as landlords demanding high rents on some properties.

Many retailers looking to open stores also required bigger floorspace that the town centre could offer.

She said Huddersfield “did better” than all its surrounding towns, including Halifax and Wakefield, but added: “Huddersfield needs to improve on its shopping offer. Kingsgate provided a boost, but other towns and develop-

ing to compete and if we are not careful we could slip back.”

Mark Hanson, of Hanson Chartered Surveyors said: “The ring road is a collar that is restricting the town. The whole issue should be about breaking that collar to enable development to spill out down Chapel Hill and towards the stadium.”

Mr Hanson said the commercial property market was also being held back by caution among lenders and advisers.

“There are plenty of people wanting to buy, but getting the deal over the line is proving an absolute toil.

“Some would-be buyers are being advised to hold off because there will be a better deal ‘round the corner’ while banks see the market as still falling.”

Mr Butler said: “We suspect we are nearing the bottom of the market in terms of value. Our advice is that if a building is suitable for purpose, buy it now because in 12 months tiome it could be more expensive.”

Forum members criticised the Government policy of levying business rates on empty property as encouraging landlords to demolish old buildings and reducing the stock of commercial property still further.

Mr Sellers said the Government should introduce a stamp duty holiday – or raise the level substantially.

And he also called for the Government to scrap its Energy Performance Certificates, claiming the cost deterred owners from putting surplus property on the market.

HOUSEBUILDER Redrow said it planned to recruit at lesast 10 new apprentices this autumn.

The award-winning company is new apprentices across England and Wales, primarily to learn bricklaying and carpentry skills. They will be recruited from individuals registered with ConstructionSkills, the UK’s sector skills council and industry training board.

The move comes at a time when many companies have cut back on apprentices. ConstructionSkills was recently forced to announce a package of measures to help up to 2,000 ‘at risk’ trainees across the UK, whose positions had been affected by the economic downturn.

Richard Beadsmoore, group apprenticeship manager for

Redrow, said: “We have always recognised that apprentices are the future lifeblood of our industry and – even in more challenging times – have continued to recruit and train young people in a number of key disciplines.

“Our apprentices undergo a combination of on-the-job and college-based training to NVQ Level 2 or 3 to equip them with the knowledge, skills and experience they need to fulfil a career in the housebuilding and construction industry.

“It is a job with good prospects, whether as self-employed tradesmen running their own business or progressing within the sector to eventually become a site manager and beyond.”

■ GROUP PICTURE: The Dove Haigh Phillips team of (from left) Mike Haigh, Peter Roe, Mark Nicholson, Jonathan Phillips, Yvonne Stringer, Julie Gordon and Mike Dove

Team expands A PROPERTY practice has strengthened its team in West Yorkshire.

Leeds-based chartered surveyors and property consultants Dove Haigh Phillips have appointed consultant Peter Roe and promoted Mark Nicholson.

Peter Roe, who was previously with Knight Frank in Leeds, will look after building surveying at Dove Haigh Phillips, while Mark Nicholson, a specialist in industrial and commercial agency, becomes an associate.

Mike Dove, partner of Dove Haigh Phillips, said: “These appointments underline the strength of our firm in a challenging property market.

“Both Peter and Mark are highly-motivated and talented individuals who add to value and exper tise within our focused, seven-strong team.”

Dove Haigh Phillips was founded three years ago by Mr

Dove, Mike Haigh and Jonathan Phillips, all previously partners at Knight Frank in Leeds.

Clients include Thornhill Estates, one of Yorkshire oldest and largest landowners; major occupiers including Findel PLC, Yule Catto PLC, FMG Support, and the HI Group. I nternational clients include Dresser Inc and Hallmark Cards of the USA, Teva Pharmaceutical Group, Swiss-based Syngenta and Wavin from Holland.

Development clients include ProLogis, Strategic Sites, Keyland, Barwood, GMI, Shepherd Developments and Elland Developments.

The firm has advised clients from Liverpool to Hull and from Teesside to Devon.

Current strategic land commissions range from two acres to 2,000 acres.

19

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

014 8 4 4 3 2 0 4 3 Industrial Bankfield Business Park Huddersfield Road Mirfield

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Newly refurbished industrial complex phase 2 now available A variety of industrial/warehouse units available on flexible terms Good access throughout Kirklees and to junction 25 M62

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20

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

PROPERTY FOCUS

REAL ESTATE

Green line to success

Amandeep Kooner

Tenancy matters ORECASTS for the UK commercial F property market are increasingly unwelcoming.

Rents are declining, as is tenant demand for space and vacancy rates are rising.

Landlords, keen to protect cash flow and avoid the hardship of empty rates, are offering enhanced terms to new tenants, including longer rent-free periods and even monthly rent payments, rather than the market-standard quarterly rent in advance.

A tenant with the benefit of an upcoming break right may be in an advantageous position to negotiate a better deal with the landlord. Tenants need to consider certain pitfalls in adopting such a strategy.

A break right is an option and the courts will enforce an option strictly against the person seeking to exercise it (ie the tenant).

Deadlines must be adhered to if a deadline for service of a break notice is missed, even by a day, the break right is lost. If a form of notice is specified, it must be strictly followed, a tenant may be forgiven minor defects, but this should not be taken as guaranteed.

A tenant’s right to exercise a break is often conditional. A landlord may be able to frustrate its operation by insisting upon strict compliance with such conditions.

The consequence of validly serving a break notice is to bring the lease to an end on the break date. A break notice may not be unilaterally revoked. Should the tenant change its mind, it cannot revoke the notice without the landlord’s consent. If a tenant serves a break notice, it must have alternative accommodation ready if the notice is accepted by the landlord. Even if the landlord agrees to revocation of the notice, the parties cannot prevent the lease from terminating. The lease is treated as terminated and a new lease granted on the break date.

Ordinarily, a new lease would be subject to stamp duty land tax (SDLT) but HM Revenue and Customs has issued guidance that if a break notice is withdrawn by agreement between the parties before it takes effect the lease will be treated as continuing for SDLT purposes. However, if the “new” lease contains an increase in the rent, or a change to the duration of the lease or the area of the property, additional SDLT may be payable.

Unless the break clause expressly states otherwise, any rent paid in advance for the period following the break date will not be refunded to the tenant. When a break clause is exercised by a tenant, any sub-leases will also come to an end on the break date (provided all sub-tenants actually vacate), so a tenant may lose its sub-tenant.

If a tenant wishes to use a break clause to renegotiate the terms of its lease, the tenant may wish to consider approaching the landlord well in advance of the key dates and using the threat of the break clause as a negotiating tool, rather than actually exercising the break.

The information in this article is for general purposes and guidance only and does not purport to constitute legal or professional advice.

Amandeep Kooner is a real estate partner at Austin Kemp Solicitors

■ GREEN TEAM: Mark Hanson (left), of Hanson Chartered Surveyors, with Jeremy (centre) and Julian Mackrill, of Mackrill Financial Services, in the firm's new premises at Ripponden Business Park

Tenants take up a ‘green’ option A NEW business park boasting strong “green” credentials has welcomed its first occupiers.

Financial advisers Julian and Jeremy Mackill picked up the keys to their new premises at Ripponden Business Park from Mark Hanson, of Huddersfield-based Hanson Chartered Surveyors.

The move comes afterMackrill Financial Services scoured the region for office accommodation.

Said Julian: “The fact that we could buy rather than lease offices is something which appeals to many SMEs like ours.

“The location gives us excellent access across Lancashire and Yorkshire without the kind of traffic congestion we might experience in a more central city location. We were looking for the very highest quality offices, ones that clients would be happy to visit and found them in Ripponden. ” A spokesman for the developer said: “Ripponden Business Park is now completed and landscaped – it’s open and doing good business.

“The positive support the development enjoys from councillors and planners is with good reason.

The whole community benefits from a living, thriving centre bringing jobs and attracting other occupiers to choose Ripponden as the ideal location for their business.”

Mackrill Financial Services bought a 1,500sq ft office on the riverside development in the thriving

village of Ripponden.

The developer said: “After what seems a long winter of poor economic news, we know making that buying decision can be tough.

“So the purchase by Mackrill Financial Services, really endorses our belief in getting that work/life balance right at Ripponden Business Park – providing great value for money, eco-friendly, top-spec accommodation in a superb location without the traffic typical of a city centre commute.”

A range of units from 730 sq ft to 1500 sq ft are available with freehold and leasehold options.

The new development boasts renewable technology with a heating system that uses ambient low temperature heat upgraded to useful high temperature via air-sourced heat pumps.

Jason Tinsley, product and technical manager for Mitsubishi Electric’s Heating Systems Department, said: “It achieves a significant reduction in CO2 emissions through heat pump technology, which extracts free energy from the surrounding air. This energy that surrounds us is a key sustainable resource.

“These heat pumps harvest free energy from the surrounding air and are three times more efficient than gas boilers at heating buildings while emitting up to 40% less CO2.”

Buyer found for waterworks A FORMER waste water treatment works in West Yorkshire has been sold.

The sale was completed by property agency DTZ on behalf of Keyland Developments. The former Horsforth waste water treatment works, which covers more than seven-and-a-half acres, has been bought by Delap Developments.

The prominent site stands adjacent to The Forge, a major mixed use development by Commercial Estates Group.

The site acquired by Delap was abandoned in 1991 following the completion of a new sewage works and transferred to Keyland Developments, a sister company of Yorkshire Water Services in the Kelda Group.

Philip Roebuck, director at DTZ, said most of the former buildings and structures have been demolished and the site offered potential long-term opportunities for mixed use development.

He added: “The long-term opportunities that it presents attracted interest from a wide range of parties.”

STONE paving suppler Marshalls plc has gained an award for its “green” credentials.

The Birkby-based firm, which also has a site at Elland, received a major commendation at this year’s Environmental Leadership Awards run by Business Commitment to the Environment and held in London.

The awards celebrated the achievements of companies that have built in a sustainable approach to their business by achieving commercial success and working to minimize environmental impact.

Last year, Marshalls completed the carbon footprinting of products in its domestic range and worked with the Carbon Trust to officially label a total of 503 products – the highest number of carbon-labelled products in the world by one company.

By committing to a sustainable approach throughout the busin e s s, M a r s h a l l s i s demonstra ting tha t environmental management can be achieved and is vital to business success and consumer awareness.

Chris Harrop, group marketing director at Marshalls, said: “Every year, the BCE Environmental Leadership Awards showcase the very best in reducing business impact on the environment.

“Marshalls has placed sustainability at the heart of its activities and we’re extremely proud to have received a major commendation from BCE in recognition for our environmental commitment.

This means a great deal to us.”

Last year, Marshalls completed the carbon footprinting of products in its domestic range and worked with the Carbon Trust to officially label a total of 503 products – the highest number of carbon labelled products in the world by one company.

Marshalls adds this year’s BCE Environmental Leadership major commendation to recent accolades including a Business in the Community Awards Big Tick.

21

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Agency opens latest branch ESTATE agency Ryder & Dutton has opened a residential sales and rentals office in Holmfirth.

The office occupies a prominent position on Huddersfield Road, next to the traffic lights.

The branch is complemented by offices in Huddersfield, Halifax, and neighbouring counties.

Ryder & Dutton will connect home sellers with local buyers and those from Saddleworth and Glossop in the Peak District.

James White, director, said: “We are excited to bring our strong brand image, and reputation for customer service to Holmfirth.

“We are uniquely placed to offer the house sellers of Holmfirth access to buyers from over the Pennines in Lancashire and Derbyshire.

“With offices in North East Manchester, Saddleworth and further south in Glossop, we are able to market local properties to a new audi-

Restaurant and flats for auction

■ VALLEY VIEW: Ryder Dutton's new office occupies a prominent location in the heart of Holmfirth and complements the agency’s existing branches

ence, thus increasing the prospect of a sale.

“I am delighted to have the branch headed up by Matthew Miles, who has been with the company for some time, and experienced senior negotiator, Nichola Calverley, who has many years service with the company, and experience of Holmfirth and surrounding areas.

“Together they will bring a fresh approach to the local market, backed by our experience and strong regional brand” Said Mr Miles: “We have been look-

ing to open in Holmfirth for a number of years, but finding the right, high profile premises has taken time.

“The local agency scene has remained largely unchanged for many years, and we hope to challenge the standards set by existing agencies, and build a reputation for delivering what the customer is genuinely looking for.’’

The office will also deal with all aspects of agency work from professional surveys and valuations to commercial sales and lettings.

A TENANTED Indian restaurant in Meltham and six luxury apartments in Edgerton are among the lots coming under the hammer at a property auction this month.

The Meltham Balti on Huddersfield Road, which generates a passing rent of £14,150 a year, is being offered at a guide price of £115,000.

Meanwhile. the development of six nearly-completed luxury apartments with additional potential development land is being offered at a guide price of £575,000 plus.

A total of 136 lots are set for auction – which include tenanted shops and houses, ground

rents, houses in need of renovation and plots of lands.

The two-day sale takes place at noon on July 23 at Leeds United FC and a t 2.30pm on July 30 in Manchester.

Tony Webber, of Eddisons, who is conducting the auction said: ‘Certain auction catalogues stand out as being extra special and this is definitely one.

“Apart from the volume of lots, there is plenty of variety at various prices which should attract the seasoned investor as well as those new to buying at auction.”

Jowett in property deal A NEW estate agency has been commissioned by multi-award winning local property developer Conroy Brook to help sell homes at some of its prestigious West Yorkshire developments.

The team at Jowett Chartered Surveyors (experthomesales) will be working with Conroy Brook and its sister company Towngate Homes to promote Somersbury Court and Woodsome Avenue.

Jowett managing director Chris Jowett said: “Conroy Brook is a highly respected developer who produce homes of the highest quality, so to be commissioned by them within a month of opening our doors for business is fantastic!”

Somersby Cour t, based at

Almondbury, is a complex of 30 two-bedroom apartments offering the height of luxury with curved glass balconies, circular feature windows, high quality fixtures and fittings. It also boasts the latest “green” eco-friendly, energy-efficient heating system.

Woodsome Avenue, a private cul-de-sac in Mirfield, offers four-bedroom family homes built in natural stone with quality fixtures and fittings throughout.

R i ch a rd C o n ro y o f B ro c kholes-based Conroy Brook, said: “Chris’ knowledge and experience of the property market and the local area is extensive, so our decision to appoint his company to be our agent was easy. ”

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AGENTS CONSULTANT ADVISOR •

Huddersfield and Brighouse and just three miles from junctions 24 and 25 of the M62.”

Eddisons, in conjunction with joint agent Walker Singleton, is marketing two further units on the business park on behalf of the developer Marshall CDP. Unit 15, which extends to 4,000sq ft has already attracted interest from a number of parties and unit 3, extending to 6,000sq ft, has only recently come to market.

Since its completion, the 15-unit site has consistently attracted tenants – including Yorkshire Water Services,

•

TRAFALGAR MILLS • LEEDS ROAD • HUDDERSFIELD • HD2 1YY

Chris Jowett,

New tenant takes up Bradley offices

A COMPANY providing vehicle livery washing and steam cleaning is the latest tenant to be attracted to the Pennine Business Park in Bradley.

The LPW Group has taken a 2,500sq ft unit off an asking rent of £15 per sq ft in a deal arranged on behalf of a local charity by the Huddersfield office of chartered surveyors Eddisons.

Philip Deakin, of Eddisons, said: ‘We are delighted to have concluded this deal and achieved excellent rental income for our client.

“The new tenant appreciated the excellent location which is close to

•

Local Care Direct and Interactive Driving Systems.

Chris Marshall, of developers Marshall CDP, said: ‘If residential property is about location, location, location then the same is certainly true about the Pennine Business Park.

“The proximity to the motorway network has massive benefits and was one of the main features which attracted us to the site in the first place.

“I am confident that all units will be fully occupied very soon and encourage anybody looking for sensibly priced commercial space in a great location to move quickly.”

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New Mill Road, Brockholes 41/2 miles from town centre, easy access to motorway network Unit to let in attractive business park Unit 3.......985 square feet Unit 25 ....1170 square feet Contact: Philip Deakin Eddisons 01484 533151

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22

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

CITY TALK Simon Kaye

InDusTrIal InDusTrIal

TO LET – NEw INSTRUcTION

Detached Modern Workshop & Offices 3 westbury Street, Elland

1 229m2 (2,466 sq ft) 1 Private yard and parking 1 Excellent main road access and M62 (J24) Rental: On application

Interesting summer TO LET

Wellington Business Park

Quebec Street, Elland 1 520m2 (5,600 sq ft) 1 Excellent modern single storey factory 1 large shared yard and car parking provision 1 Offices plus mezzanine storage Rental: £28,000 pax

TO LET

Modern Single Storey Factory/ Warehouse

Unit B5, Lowfields Business Park, Elland 1 1029.4m2 (11,076 sq ft) 1 Detached unit with secure private yard 1 Two storey offices 1 Excellent location with motorway access Further details on application

TO LET

Heathfield House Heathfield Street, Elland

1 642m2 (6,912 ft) 1 Detached two storey office and works 1 Ease of access to Junc 24 M62 1 Good drive in access Rental: £22,500 pax

lanD

TO LET

FOR SALE

Estate, Bradley, Huddersfield

within Fields, Marsh Lane, Southowram

Affordable Works/ NEw INSTRUcTION Premises with Yard Residential Development Site 22B calder Trading 1 929m (10,000 sq ft) 1 2x full height shutter door access 1 5m minimum eaves Rental: On application 2

FOR SALE NEw INSTRUcTION

High Bay Engineering Factory Premises Bay 33, Longfield works, Halifax

1 3,883m2 (41,799 sq ft) 1 site area: 0.53 Ha (1.3 acres) 1 10 & 15 Tonne Gantry Cranes 1 9.3m (30ft) Eaves Height Price: On application

TO LET

Grove Mills

Elland Lane, Elland 1 5170m2 (55,650 sq ft) 1 substantial single storey warehouse/distribution unit 1 Canopied loading bay 1 Excellent main road communications Rental: On application

OFFICE

TO LET

TO LET

Sedburgh Mills Sedburgh Road, Halifax

TO LET

1 Factory and Office complex with parking 1 2,439 m2 (26,264 sq ft) on a site area 1.2 acres Rental: Only £30,000 pax

Prospect Mills, Elland

TO LET

Prominently Located Multi Storey Mill Complex

1 approx 7,432m2 (80,000 sq ft) 1 To let as whole or on floor by floor basis 1 Good road links close to J24 M62 1 all mains services including 3 Phase electricity 1 Goods lift servicing all floor levels Further details: On application

Shaw Lodge

Halifax

1 Good quality period offices on listed Holdsworths Mill site 1 suites from 100 sq ft to 5,500 sq ft 1 low cost storage/ industrial space 1 From 5,000 sq ft to 100,000 sq ft Rental: On application

FOR SALE/TO LET TO LET – MAy SELL

Clifby Works Pellon, Halifax

1 Workshop and office units 1 1,000 sq ft to 20,290 sq ft 1 redevelopment potential Rental/Price: On application

Modern Trade Industrial Units

Victoria Park, Lightowler Rd, Halifax

1 1,530 – 4740 sq ft 1 secure yard with parking 1 rent from £1 per sq ft year one Rental/Price: On application

1 0.14 Ha (0.35 acres) 1 Outline planning permission for 4 x detached dwellings Guide Price: On application

Modern Offices in Two Unique Refurbished Canal Side Buildings canal Basin, Sowerby Bridge

1 146.12m2 – 180.23m2 (1,573 – 1,940 sq ft) 1 Open plan offices 1 Cat II lighting and floor boxes throughout 1 lift access 1 Communal WCs and Kitchenettes Rental: On application

FOR SALE/TO LET NEw INSTRUcTION

Prominent Character Office Building Elphin House, New Road, Mytholmroyd

1 245.67m2 (2,644 sq ft) 1 suitable for mixed commercial and residential use 1 alternative leisure uses available sTPP Guide Price: OIRO £185,000 Rental: £12,500 pax

TO LET

The Estate Office

wellington Mills, Quebec Street, Elland 1 98m2 (1,050 ft ) 1 First floor offices 1 allocated car parking provision 1 Finished to a good standard throughout Rental: £6,300 pax

TO LET

High spec office suites Elland

1 Excellent self contained office buildings 1 279m2 – 465m2 (3,000 sq ft – 5,000 sq ft) 1 Private parking Rental: On application

TO LET

Britannia Buildings

Briggate, Elland

1 Ground Floor Office suite 750 sq ft 1 High spec internal finish 1 Private Meeting room 1 W/C & Kitchenette facilities 1 Intercom door entry system 1 Cat 5E network Points Rental: On application

■ PLASTIC FANTASTIC: Chem Resist is finding ways to recycle plastic storage tanks to provide materials for new products

Plastic’s proving fantastic A COMPANY is turning black chemical storage tanks into “green” products.

Ravensthorpe-based Chem Resist designs, makes and installs heat-resistant plastic storage tanks and vessels for the chemical industry.

It also helps decontaminate old tanks and removed them once they have reached the end of their useful life. After that, the plastic can be shredded to a granular form which can be used to create new plastic products.

Chem Resist managing director Simon Hewitt said: “Protection of the environment is rightly assuming greater importance across the business spectrum – and we are ensuring customers and consumers alike are aware of the company’s efforts in this direction.”

He explained: “People often assume that if a storage tank – possibly full of aggressive acids – has been sitting on an industrial complex for 20 years or more and requires replacing, it is somehow quietly disposed of in a landfill.

“In fact, all our tanks, together with construction off-cuts are fully recyclable and we have a long partnership with local company, Land Polymers Ltd, to facilitate that process.”

Chem Resist has achieved the rigorous ISO 14001:2004 environmental management certificate – but even before that helped with decontamination of tanks ready to be replaced and provided a safe “take-away” service for customers or other companies.

Tim Lamb, of Lamb Polymers, said: “Thermoplastic lends itself to the extrusion process particularly well.

Following granulation and compounding, a Chem Resist tank is more than likely to find itself underground as a gas pipe rather than in a landfill site.

“It’s good, versatile and recyclable plastic,” said Mr Lamb. “After we’ve shredded and granulated it, the material goes off to compounders who melt it into pellets – which also cleanses the material – before it is recycled into another useful domestic or industrial product.”

ARLIER this year, the Bank of EngE land adopted a policy known as Quantitative Easing in an effort to pre-

vent the credit drought from causing a prolonged slump in economic activity.

Normally, in times of recession central banks cut the price of money (i.e. interest rates) to reduce the burden of debts and to encourage savers to spend. This normally achieves the desired effect of making money flow more quickly around the economy, leading to a pick up in demand.

The circumstances of this credit crunch are different. The damage caused to banks’ balance sheets by poor lending policies means that they are using all means to rebuild their financial strength, raising capital (where possible) and cutting back on loans across the board – with negative consequences for investment, consumption, housing and trade.

Many borrowers have realised they were over-extended, leading interest savings to be diverted to reduce borrowings, instead of being spent. For savers, falls in financial markets have led to a lower than normal willingness to spend, despite record low interest rates. This has caused an abrupt collapse in demand, leading to idle factories, rising unemployment, increased loan defaults and falling prices.

The consequence of last winter’s “air pocket” for the economy is that more companies have run into financial problems at a time when the banking system was ill-equipped to help. So, the BoE decided in March to boost the quantity of money directly, by purchasing assets (mainly gilts) from the private sector and creating new money to pay for them. It expects to have injected £125bn in this way by the end of July.

There are some misconceptions about what this QE is designed to achieve. Contrary to much commentary, the main purpose does not seem to be to pull down gilt yields. Gilt yields under 4% look low enough to facilitate recovery if confidence were stronger.

The real purpose is to boost the supply of money in the hope that the banks will use the additional funds to boost lending to creditworthy customers presently being denied funds. Failing that the funds would be recycled into financial markets where companies can refinance themselves by issuing new equity and bonds.

Recent months have seen record levels of such capital raising by UK firms, suggesting that QE is succeeding in one of its objectives.

However, much of the finance has simply filled holes left by past losses (e.g. the banks) or replaced the withdrawal of bank finance. So, it seems to have been a necessary factor in avoiding financial collapse rather than a sufficient boost to generate economic recovery.

The BoE is due to reassess its quantitative easing policy in August. It seems probable it will keep policy loose to combat recession and the associated deflationary risks. The issue of what happens when the QE-swollen money supply starts to circulate more rapidly as the economy recovers presents longer-term inflationary risks, however. In that environment, “real” assets (such as property and equities) should prove better preservers of wealth than government bonds yielding below 4%. It will be an interesting summer.

Simon Kaye is Divisional Director at Rensburg Sheppards Investment Management

August, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

TOWN TALK

Firms in 10-year link-up

Sean Jarvis

Welcome for new fans HIS summer has been one of the T busiest commercially ever for the club!

What has been great is not only the interest from our current sponsors and advertisers but also a new wave of supporters that are backing the Terriers!

To give you a flavour: there’s a 45% increase on our White Rose Club (formerly the 1908 club); 39 out of the 42 boxes we have available at the ground are now sold; and overall commercial income is up by 37% in comparison the same period last year.

On top of this, the shirt sales for the club are performing well in comparison to last year’s design. In fact, the “'YAA shirt” is selling like hot cakes and the “Radian B” has taken us by surprise as it is nearly out selling at a ratio of 2 to 1 compared to last year’s kit.

I mentioned that a new number of firms are coming on board, so I feel it only right to let you know who they are. Firstly, new to the club is the Heritage Group. As lifestyle partners to Town, their logo will be emblazoned on the home and away shirts for our academy. Effectively, they will become our title sponsors for the academy. Joining them as a sponsor of the academy will be Revell Ward. The accountancy practice has been a long standing fan off the club, but this season has decided to up its profile and support the club by also having their logo put on the academy kit.

New to the fold are a couple of other businesses. Firstly, there’s Leeds-based Grant Thornton, who have become a business partner of the club due to the new Yorkshire feel we are trying to position our proposition. Also becoming a partner is Bradford-based Gordon’s, who like what we are achieving in terms of the Yorkshire theme.

More local to Town, Chadwick Lawrence have renewed their sponsorship and are a big driving force behind our every growing Yorkshire Business Forum. It is excellent to have them backing the club once again.

Having Thornton and Ross on board this season is a major boost to the club At this point, I should also mention two more new companies that are getting involved. Firstly Sanderson Associates. They are a terrific company, based in Huddersfield but a big national and international presence. Having met them for the first time this close season, it's clear they are a very dynamic company that are proud of their Huddersfield and Yorkshire Roots. There's also Wilby Ltd, who are helping us expand to the four corners of West Yorkshire as they are based in Halifax.

Speaking of Halifax, it would be remiss of me to not mention our front of home shirt partners, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance who are based in Dean Clough. Their logo features on every home shirt this season and the reaction we have had from supporters has been phenomenal.

I am currently building my resistance to a bicycle saddle! I have managed to do some training and have had some great advice from Olympic gold medallist and new Town fan, Ed Clancy, so I am very determined to succeed in the 232- mile trip to Southend for our first away game of the season. So if you fancy sponsoring myself, Dean Hoyle, Andy Booth or our matchday announcer Paul Ramsden, phone me at the s t a d i u m o r v i s i t h t t p : / / w w w. j u s t g i ving.com/pedalforpoundshtafc.

Sean Jarvis is director of business development at Huddersfield Town

23

■ GLASS ACT: Clayton Creative's team of (from left) John Clayton, Claire Clayton and Jane Lavender, who won a contract to design papers to support a major United Nations report on water

Agency provides the write stuff for the UN A CREATIVE agency in Huddersfield has completed a contract for the United Nations.

Graphic design and marketing specialist Clayton Creative was approached by the UN in Paris to design a series of 10 “White Papers” to complement the third UN World Water Development Report, which was recently presented at the fifth World Water Forum, in Istanbul, Turkey.

The papers were each directed towards specific audiences such as cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, civic mayors, business leaders, non-governmental organisations and religious leaders to give advice on how each sector might better deal with the specific water

issues that face them.

Accompanying, complimentary folders were also required at e x t r e m e ly s h o r t n o t i c e.

Shepley-based Clayton Creative provided the designs and artwork for these in addition to the white papers.

This was also Clayton Creative’s first ever experience of a “virtual' client”.

Initial contact by the UN was made via the Clayton Creative website and all subsequent communications were by email.

Marketing director Claire Clayton said: “This is the first time we have ever been contacted by email and then gone on to undertake and complete work

over a period of months without coming face to face with our client.

“The whole project went remarkably smoothly from receiving the initial brief to uploading files to a server in Istanbul so that the papers could be printed just prior to the World Water Forum.

“The client was delighted with the process.

“Not only that, but the entire project was an incredibly humbling experience as it really made us think just how lucky we are to be able to simply turn on a tap and have a constant supply of fresh, safe drinking water at our fingertips.”

TWO Kirklees-based companies are celebrating 10 years of a fruitful partnership.

Software specialist Caltech IT, based in Batley, is marking a decade of working with Betech 100pt, the Heckmondwike supplier of industrial drives, motion controls and power transmission products.

Caltech managing director Phil Callaghan said: “It’s important that we are promoting buying locally for all small firms – and not simply retail. We have enjoyed a successful business relationship with Betech over the last 10 years and look forward to many more.”

Christopher Benson, managing director of Betech. said: “Having a local supplier has many benefits especially for IT software and it has been a pleasure to work with Caltech.

“The systems they have installed and integrated for us have really helped to shape our fast, friendly and efficient business performance.”

Caltech works with many Yorkshire businesses and supplies customer relationship management software.

Racing to offer help for charity A TEAM from accountancy firm Revell Ward were out in force to take part in the Race for Life.

Five ladies from Revell Ward persuaded other professionals in Huddersfield to put on their running shoes and join in the fun for a great cause.

Race for Life takes place across the country to raise cash for research and development into cancer treatments.

The team, which raced at Leeds Road playing fields, has raised more than £400 so far.

Karen Borowski, partner at Revell Ward, said “We take every opportunity to give as much as we physically can.”

■ RACE DAY: Accountancy firm Revell Ward's team in the Race for Life at Leeds Royal playing fields in Huddersfield (from left) Sarah McMahon, Christine McMahon, Karen Borowski, Emma Pearmaine, Gillian Alden, Krishna Patel, Patricia Laalej, Nicola Lightowlers and Leanne Leyland-Smith

WE BRING BUSINESS FACE TO FACE WITH BUSINESS

High five for agency BIRSTALL-based marketing agency Fantastic Media has reported a 24% increase in fee-based earnings for the first half of 2009.

The agency, formed just three years ago, has landed five high-profile strategic marketing account since the start of the year – securing work through to 2011.

New accounts wins – including Card Factory, Bonmarche, BAE, UK Sports coach and ABT Germany – mean the agency is on course for best-ever results in 2009.

It has also recruited office manager Victoria Elston and public relations executive Charley Morello to its growing team.

Managing director Andy Hobson said: “We’ve built a successful business model which continues attracting new business in what are very tough times.

“By working to achieve our clients’ business objectives and delivering clear results month on month, they can see the value that an integrated, properly executed marketing campaign provides.”

Opportunity knocks for top finalists

■ STEPPING UP: Fantastic Media's latest recruits PR executive Charley Morello (second left) and office manager Victoria Elston (second right) with (from left) colleagues Romi Yarwood, Becky Tipton and Donna Bedford

TWO businesswomen with strong Huddersfield links have been shortlisted for a top business award.

Purnima Tannuka, chief executive of the Bradley-based National Day Nurseries Association, and Denby Dale woman Jo Haigh are among 22 business leaders to compete for the 2009 Yorkshire Director of the Year Awards run by the Institute of Directors.

The NDNA is a national charity representing children’s day nurseries across the UK. It provides member nurseries with training and support to help them give the best possible care to young children.

Purnima represents members with Government, MPs and local authorities, as well as sharing the views of nurseries in the media.

She was instrumental in d e v e l o p i n g t h e N D N A’s National Early Years Enterprise Centre and has extensive experience of working at senior executive level working with public, private and charitable organisations.

Jo Haigh is head of corporate finance at accountancy firm Martin Greene Ravden with offices in Sheffield and London.

She has written several books on business issues and has won several awards, including being named 2005 Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year and the IoD’s Business Adviser of the Year Award in 2006.

Last year, the Yorkshire Director of the Year award was won

by Michael Purtill, co-founder and managing director of Leeds-based Q Hotels.

A special award went to Sir Ken Morrison to mark his 55-year association with Morrisons Supermarkets.

Award categories include ones for business adviser of the year, non-executive director, young director, entrepreneur of the year and director of not-for-profit and voluntary sector organisations.

The winners will be revealed on September 10 at a black tie ceremony at the Queens Hotel in Leeds.

New group aims to beat the fraudsters

Redundancy Advice Services.

Call Neil Wilson on 01484 519 999

www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk

Huddersfield | Leeds | Wakefield | Halifax | Dewsbury

A NEW forum allowing Yorkshire firms to share information on how to tackle fraud has been launched.

PricewaterhouseCoopers has set up the PwC Fraud Academy to help companies prevent, detect and investigate fraud, bribery and other economic crime.

The group will provide technical updates on fraud prevention and detection issues. It will also offer individuals the opportunity to meet periodically with other members to exchange knowledge, ideas and experiences.

Fran Marwood, who leads the northern fraud and investigations team at PwC in Leeds, said: “We wanted to provide a forum for local business to share knowledge on the fraud topic, given the increased risk of fraud posed by the current economic downturn.

“The downturn is affecting local companies of all sizes in all sectors. For some, banking covenants are close to being breached, costs are being cut, reputations and businesses are on the line.

“The pressure to ‘cross the line’ or to turn a blind eye while others do so has not been higher for a long time. My advice is that businesses urgently need to look to at the measures they have in place to address this pressure.”

Said Fran: “The rapid take-up of digital technology by businesses has ultimately changed the game with regard to fraud, bribery, and corruption, and the evidence for many frauds is now entirely digital respond to the threat of fraud.”

Got to www.pwcfraudacademy.com

Published by Trinity Mirror Huddersfield Ltd, PO Box A26, Queen Street South, Huddersfield HD1 2TD. Printed by Trinity Mirror Printing Oldham Ltd, Hollinwood Avenue, Oldham. OL9 8EP. Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office.