Kirkless Business News 29.03.11

FTSE 100

MATT CLEVE On with the show

+3.73 5904.49

Full inter view - Page 3

JILL HAGUE Thinking bigger!

Column - Page 4

An EXAMINER publication

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees

Safety specialists in the driving seat

A COMPANY in Huddersfield is helping organisations across the world improve the safety records of their drivers.

Interactive Driving Systems is enjoying international success – while collaborating over many years with Huddersfield University.

The company has its UK office at Bradley and its US headquarters in New Jersey, where founder and chief executive Ed Dubens – a graduate in marketing engineering from the university – is now based.

The firm’s chief information officer, Mark Spittlehouse, and customer support manager, Dan Rand are also Huddersfield graduates – while research director Dr Will Murray spent more than 12 years at the university teaching and carrying out research in transport and logistics.

Those connections mean the company has close links with the university and its world-renowed department of transport and logistics.

The company also regularly recruits

work placements students from the university.

Interactive Driving Systems works with some of the biggest names in business, including telecoms giant BT, energy firm E.ON, Royal Mail, pharmaceuticals business Pfizer, food products firm Nestlé and electronics company Siemens.

Its work to make sure employees are safer when travelling on business includes driver risk assessment, monitoring and improvement.

“It is about safer drivers, safer journeys, safer management, safer routes and sustainable mobility,” said Dr Murray.

But he said it also involved suggesting alternatives to travel – such as video conferencing – which bring environmental benefits as well as cost savings and greater safety.

Dr Murray bikes to work or travels by train wherever possible, but said: “This does not mean that I advise companies to issue bikes to employees – unless that happens to be the best

■ SAFE: Dr Will Murray, research director, Interactive Driving Systems

and safest solution.

“If driving is the best option or the only viable alternative, then that is the advice which will be given. But risk assessment, monitoring and improvement leads to sustainable reductions in road collisions and their associated costs.”

Dr Murray came to the university in 1989 and taught a wide range of transport and logistics-related sub-

jects. He also completed his teaching certificate, a research certificate and a PhD, supervised by leading transport expert and Huddersfield professor, Colin Bamford.

While studying for his PhD, he began to research aspects of transport safety. This led to a two-year stint in Australia working for its Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety in Queensland.

On his return to the UK, he worked for organisations including a major insurance company until he joined the Huddersfield office of Interactive Driving Systems.

The company opened its US office in 1999 to support the growing presence of Zurich Risk Engineering in the global motor insurance marketplace.

Dr Murray said: “I fully expect that the company’s links with the university will continue to strengthen, particularly through continued recruitment of placement students and graduates.”

Healthcare firms secure £5m in funding deals A PROGRAMME to stimulate investment in healthcare technologies in Yorkshire has helped generate more than £5m of private equity deals.

The Investing in Health programme, managed by accountancy firm Grant Thornton, is marking the end of a successful two years of supporting healthcare technology companies in the region to become invest-

ment-ready – and helping safeguard jobs in the region.

The programme has engaged more than 100 companies since it was launched in February, 2009 – half of them based in West Yorkshire.

Almost 70 individuals have been supported through skills development including mentoring, peer learning and presentation techniques.

Lisa Ward, manager of the Investing in Health programme at Grant Thornton, said: “The effects of the recession have resulted in many private equity providers focusing on value creation and preservation of existing portfolio companies – with very few new investments made over the last 18 months.

“However, we are hopeful that we will see an increase in activity

in 2011. This is exemplified by the number of our programme companies who are due to close an investment round later this year.”

She added: “Healthcare technology companies face another challenging couple of years ahead and so having a strong network of contacts and support will be crucial to the growth of ■ CARE: Grant the sector in the region.”

Thornton’s Lisa Ward

INSIDE Wide awake FOUR university students hit on a new angle when they were asked to produce a launch campaign for the opening of a hotel.

Laura Johnson, Martin Tighe, Jenny Piggott and Laura Milton, of student-led agency Touch Advertising, came up with the winning concept for the launch of the Premier Inn at Aspley.

● Full story - Page 5

The most trusted news brand in the business

examiner.co.uk

29, March, 2011

Winning team AN agency in Huddersfield has won sporting success – after being appointed to design Gola’s advertising campaign for 2011.

● Full story - Page 4

Solicitors for business inYorkshire www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk Huddersfield | Wakefield | Halifax | Leeds

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

national

Page 2

Profits provide fizz for soft drinks firm

SOFT drinks firm AG Barr reported a 13% leap in annual profits after a sparkling performance in the UK. The Cumbernauld-based business, which makes Irn-Bru, St Clements, Tizer a n d Ru b i c o n f r u i t d r i n k s, s a i d like-for-like sales rose by more than 10% for the second year running.

The performance helped it to deliver pre-tax profits of £31.6m in the year to January 29.

But AG Barr said the industry faced challenges over the year ahead – with soaring input costs and consumer caution adding to tough sales comparatives.

AG Barr said it outperformed a “buoyant’’ soft drinks market by focusing on its core brands, Irn-Bru and Rubicon.

While Scotland remains the historical heartland for Irn-Bru sales, AG Barr made further progress in increasing

demand elsewhere across the UK. It said sales in the north of England rose by 10% thanks to marketing and sponsorship efforts – specifically surrounding rugby league.

Total Irn-Bru sales rose by 4%, according to the group.

An ongoing association with cricket and new launches helped Rubicon sales soar 22.5% in the year.

The group said sales of Rubicon have now nearly doubled since it bought the brand in August, 2008.

It recently launched Rubicon Light and said it had also introduced other new flavours across its portfolio, such as Barr Orangeade.

However, AG Barr said product developments were reined in as cautious consumers have tended to stick with established brands they “know and

trust”.

Roger White, chief executive of AG Barr, gave an upbeat outlook for the business in 2011and confirmed sales in the first eight weeks so far since the end of January were ahead year-on-year.

He said: “The soft drinks sector will face tough comparative trading across 2011, as well as further cost volatility and general economic uncertainty.

“However, we face these challenging conditions with good momentum.”

His cautious comments come a month after rival Britvic warned that a “rapid and unprecedented” surge in raw material costs would stifle its profit growth this year.

Britvic, which includes the Pennine Spring bottled water business at Birkby, said it had been hit by the rising cost of steel, sugar and plastic.

DRUGS giant AstraZeneca said profits would be boosted this year after reaching a deal to settle a dispute over its US tax bill.

The pharmaceutical firm said it would pay £689m as part of an agreement between UK and US tax authorities – less than it had set aside to cover the matter.

Astra said its tax rate for 2011 was now expected to be about 21% against the 27% previously expected – allowing it to increase one of its core earnings targets for the year.

An additional agreement was made in relation to the integration of its US businesses in 2000 after the merger of Sweden’s Astra and UK firm Zeneca in 1999.

Rescue mission

■ SELLING WELL: Irn-Bru

Cobra deal provides some bite

Ofgem acts over billings

COBRA beer announced its first annual profit – and said it will nearly double marketing spend this year to grow sales.

The group posted pre-tax profits of £4.9m on sales of £48m last year, which comes after a deal in 2009 that left the group majority owned by Molson Coors.

Cobra underwent a “pre-pack administration” in May, 2009, in a controversial deal that saw Molson – which brews Carling, Grolsch and Worthington’s – acquire a 50.1% stake in the business for a reported £14m, while unsecured creditors lost £75m.

The business, which was founded

GAS and electricity suppliers have been ordered to give customers 30 days’ notice before bringing in price rises as part of a crackdown to force providers to “play it straight with consumers”.

Previous rules allowed energy firms to write to customers up to 65 days after increasing prices, but energy watchdog Ofgem confirmed it was bringing in new regulations next month to give households more time to switch provider before bill rises.

The changes come as Ofgem leads a widespread shake-up of the industry.

It announced a proposed overhaul last week, revealing it had gathered

by Lord Karan Bilimoria, moved production of the beer from Bangalore to Molson Coors’ factory in Burton last May as part of cost cutting measures following the deal.

Cobra has also been benefiting from Molson’s marketing expertise and buying power, according to the group.

It spent £3m last year on a marketing campaign and said it will boost this to about £5m this year.

Adrian Davey, managing director of the Cobra Beer Partnership, said: “2011 marks a new chapter and we are very excited as Cobra moves on to the next stage of its brand evolution.”

Tax row settled

evidence proving that providers were raising bills more quickly than they lowered them when wholesale costs dropped.

Under the new rules, energy suppliers will also have to give customers 30 days’ notice of any change to their contract – giving customers chance to switch supplier.

All the major energy providers have brought in price hikes in recent months, blaming the rising cost of gas and oil on the wholesale markets.

Ofgem said the changes “will again show that we are serious about making sure suppliers play it straight with consumers”.

WINE retailer Oddbins has applied to go into administration – to buy more time as it seeks to save the business.

The struggling off-licence, which has axed almost 40 stores, wants to restructure its debts through a company voluntary arrangement, but needs the backing of 75% of creditors at a meeting on March 31.

Oddbins said it had put in the administration application to protect it from creditor claims in the run up to the meeting .

SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £28.60 +0.15 Gannett 953.98 +9.20 Hess Corp £52.76 +0.12 Microsoft 1595.63 -3.12 Motors Liquidation 46.80 Wal-Mart Stores £32.70 +0.03 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 2271/2 +3 BAE Systems 3281/2 +25/8 Rolls-Royce Gp 6061/2 +11/2 AIM Brady Plc 74 Dawson Intl 13/4 Man Brnze 483/8 -25/8 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 1985/8 +5/8 BANKS Barclays 2923/8 +23/8 HSBC 6531/2 +55/8 5 Lloyds Banking Gp 60 /8 +1/2 3 Ryl Scotland 42 /8 +1/4 Stan Chart 16231/2 +91/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1165 -5 SABMiller £213/8 -1/8 CHEMICALS Croda 1624 -8 Elementis 98 1581/2 -7/8 Johnsn Mat 1864 -17 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 3403/8 -27/8 Costain 250 ELECTRICITY

Drax Gp 3971/8 +93/4 Intl Power 3141/8 +67/8 Scottish & Sthrn 1250 +19 Energy ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 1393/8 +4 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3571/4 -3/4 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 1815/8 -3/4 Cable & Wireless 467/8 -5/8 Comm Cable & Wireless 543/4 -1/8 Wwide Colt Group 148 -13/4 KCOM 61 +1/2 1 Talktalk Telecom 134 /4 +33/4 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2701/4 -31/2 Sainsbury 3421/4 -33/4 3 Tesco 388 /8 -1/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 993 -8 Nth Foods 73 +1/4 Tate Lyle 5441/2 -31/2 Unilever 1892 +6 Uniq 61/8 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 323 +11/4 National Grid 592 +21/2 Pennon Grp 626 Severn 1436 -5 United Utils 5881/2 +1 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 2983/4 +5/8

ICAP 530 -2 London StockExch 8501/2 -9 1 Man Group 244 /2 -51/2 Provident Financial 9721/2 +61/2 Schroders 1754 -9 Schroders NV 1409 +1 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 6841/2 +2 REXAM 366 -33/8 Smiths Grp 1324 +7 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 25 +1/4 Carphone Whse 372 -7 5 Dixons Retail 16 /8 -1/2 3 Home Retail 197 /8 -7/8 Inchcape 3577/8 -1/8 Kingfisher 2531/8 -33/4 1 M&S 353 /4 +21/4 Mothercare 4771/4 +31/4 Next £201/4 WH Smith 454 +31/8 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 6951/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 128 -3/8 Barrat Dev 1123/4 +1/4 5 Persimmon 465 /8 -21/8 Reckitt Benckiser £317/8 +1/4 Taylor Wimpey 417/8 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 775 +121/2 IMI 1016 -5 INDUSTRIAL METALS 3 Ferrexpo 422 /4 -57/8 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION

BBA Aviation 2057/8 Forth Ports 1641 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 4343/4 Lgl & Gen 1161/4 Old Mutual 1345/8 Prudential 7241/2 Resolution 2897/8 Standard Life 2051/2 MEDIA BSkyB 8381/2 D Mail Tst 4991/8 ITV 805/8 Johnston Press 9 Pearson 1081 Reed Elsevier 5201/2 STV Group 1531/2 Trinity Mirror 461/2 Utd Business 602 UTV 139 WPP 7601/2 Yell Group 73/4 MINING Anglo American £317/8 Antofagasta 1405 BHP Billiton £235/8 Eurasian Natural 931 Res Fresnillo 1535 Kazakhmys 1425 Lonmin 1659 Rio Tinto £423/4 VEDANTA £213/4 RESOURCES Xstrata 1434 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 602

+11/2 -6 +3/4 -1 +13/4 +5 +81/8 -3/8 +4 -37/8 +1 +7 +1/2 -1/2 +51/2 +7 +11/2 +15/8 -1/4 -12 +1/8 -31/2 -25 -22 -29 +3/8 -1/8 -11/2 -11/2

Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp

2933/4 115 592 1711

+35/8 +21/2 -16

FTSE closed at

5904.49 Up 3.73

Vodafone Group 1773/4 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1581 RSA Insurance Gp 1331/8 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 15371/2 BP 4771/8 Cairn Energy 4551/8 Royal Dutch Shell A £223/8 Royal Dutch Shell B £223/8 Total £371/2 Tullow Oil 1417 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1176 Petrofac 1427 Wood Group 6371/2

+11/4 +5 -11/4 +41/2 -61/2 +75/8 -1/4 -1/4 +2 +3 +8 -2

PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1147 +31 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £283/4 Axis-Shield 325 +1 GlaxoSmithK XD 61/2 Shire 1812 -15 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 5641/2 -4 Captl Shop Cent 3811/4 -25/8 DTZ Hldgs 27 -3/4 Hamrsn 4551/4 -53/4 Land Secs 7321/2 -1/2 SEGRO 3311/4 +1/2 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Autonomy Corp 1590 +4 -41/2 Invensys 3485/8 Logica 135 -3/8 Misys 3231/4 Sage Group 275 +3 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 4801/8 +27/8 Bunzl 7311/2 -4 1 Capita 748 /2 -91/2 De La Rue 797 +21/2 Electrocomp 271 +33/4 1 Experian 776 /2 +41/2 3 G4S 253 /8 +21/4 Hays 1175/8 +3/4 3 Homeserve 438 /8 -3/4 Menzies J 512 -41/4 Rentokil 911/2 +3/4 Smiths News 90 +41/8 7 Wolseley £20 /8 +1/8 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 5581/2 +131/2

Psion Spirent Comms

921/4 1423/8

TOURIST RATES

-3/4

TOBACCO Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco

£241/8 1880

-16

LEISURE & HOTELS Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airlines Gp Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express PartyGaming Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread

£241/2 553 3355/8 92 3333/8 1357 4551/2 1229 229

-1/4 +21/2 +111/8 -1 +1/8 +5 +15/8 -48 +1/4

1333/4 3061/2 242 1943/4 1493/4 2103/8 2271/4 1663

+35/8 -1/8 +1/8 +13/4 +33/8 +1/2 +11/4 -20

FTSE 100

INDEX 5904.49

+3.73

FTSE 250

INDEX 11637.39

+8.08

Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.48 dollars Bangladesh................. 109.65 taka Brazil.............................. 2.37 reals Canada....................... 1.50 dollars China ............................. 9.38 yuan Czech Republic ...... 25.60 korunas Denmark....................... 8.08 krone Euro............................... 1.09 euro Hong Kong................ 11.84 dollars Hungary................... 272.06 forints India.......................... 63.14 rupees Japan........................... 124.47 yen Mexico ....................... 17.07 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.98 dollars Norway ......................... 8.59 krone Pakistan.................. 128.48 rupees Philippines ................. 59.48 pesos South Africa................. 10.24 rand South Korea.............. 1552.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 166.60 rupees Sweden......................... 9.79 krona Switzerland.................. 1.41 francs Taiwan ...................... 41.19 dollars Turkey....................... 2.35 new lira USA ............................ 1.53 dollars

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS A BUSINESSMAN with a background in theatre is helping to put a Huddersfield company at the top of the bill.

Matt Cleve has taken the stage as learning development director for Juice Learning.

And the skills he honed running professional shows have provided an ideal experience for dealing with the challenges thrown up in the business world.

Says Matt: “My mother had a theatrical background.

She was a ballet dancer. My grandmother was a seamstress at Covent Garden.

“I was born in North Lincolnshire and after leaving school I went to work at Lincoln Theatre Royal on the technical side of things. I also went on tour with various shows as stage manager.

“The theatre at Lincoln was a’ ’touring house’ which meant we would have a new show every week. That meant being able to deal with problem-solving and finding solutions, thinking on your feet and working to deadlines.

“It was always fun working with talented professionals – whether that’s the performers or the specialists in different fields behind the scenes. You had to work together to get a show on. If you didn’t do your job, the performers couldn’t go on stage and do their job.”

Matt worked with stars including magician Paul Daniels and – during panto season – actors such as former Emmerdale favourite Fraser Hines and Anne Charleston, who played Madge in Neighbours.

Now Matt has put those theatrical experiences to good use in the field of training and development as a partner and director of Juice Learning.

He is joined in the venture by sales and marketing director Morgan Wilson, client services director Claire Awty and creative director Mark Knight.

The company, based in sprawling Brooke’s Mill in the centre of Armitage Bridge, use techniques including theatre, film, e-learning and live workshops to provide training to companies and other organisations in areas such as customer excellence, equality and diversity awareness, behavioural health and safety and leadership.

The team designs each programme individually to suit a client’s requirements – and give employees the skills, knowledge and the motivation to make a positive and lasting difference to the organisation.

Clients include Scottish and Southern Energy, Barclaycard, The Premier League and Football League, Broker Network, Yorkshire Housing, South Tyneside Homes, Plymouth Community Homes and various NHS Trusts.

For the football authorities, Juice Learning

profile

Matt is top of the bill! produced an NVQ Level 2 training pack for stadium stewards which is now used by 120 clubs across the country.

“Our strength is our range of skills,” says Matt. “I started doing this kind of thing about 10 years ago. As a team, we have a lot of experience in designing and running training programmes for all sorts of companies in both the public and the private sectors.

“Mark’s media skills mean we can provide a ‘blended’ form of training encompassing live film and animation as well as theatre.”

Matt says business is brisk – despite the generally-held view that companies cut back on training and development during difficult times.

“We are busy,” he says.

“We haven’t had to worry where the next job is coming from. Companies that have survived the recession have come out stronger , but they face new challenges. They also know their workers have to be ready for those challenges.

■ OPPORTUNITIES: Matt Cleve, of Juice Learning Ltd

“Companies are looking for cost-effective ways to carry out training, which is where we have been successful.

Five years ago, companies would put money into conferences and big all-singing-and-dancing events.

“Now they want a solution that is sustainable over time.

They want to convey information to their workforce, customers and stakeholders.

“There are some organisations that run along traditional lines and don’t understand that things need to be run differently to the way they were 30 years ago.

“But the majority of organisations are realising what good practice in areas like customer service, employee engagement and communications can do for them.

“They want to be in a position where their employees feel they have a stake in the business and want to contribute – rather than having an ‘us and them’ situation. It is more effective to work together and get the best outcome for everyone.”

Matt says public sector organisations will also need to rebuild employee goodwill as they emerge from the “debris” of the cutbacks.

And he’s relishing the opportunities to come.

“My life has been an evolutionary process rather than a revolutionary process,” he says. “If I look back, it is hard to point to where things changed. It was a case of grabbing opportunities that came up – and taking one opportunity often leads to another.”

Matt says teaming up with Morgan, Claire and Mark “seemed the natural thing to do”. And he adds: “Eighteen months ago when we formed the business, I don’t think we could have envisaged things being any better in terms of how it has grown so far.

Page 3 Matt Cleve

“In terms of our business plan, we still have a long way to go. We have more developments in the pipeline.”

Matt says the team has learned the valuable lesson of “what not to do”.

He explains: “We know you have to keep your overheads low and keep your wage bill low. We also know not to be afraid to ask for help and advice.

“We don’t profess to know everything about running a business.

“We are continually asking our contacts what they think about what we are doing regarding our website and marketing strategy.

“I don’t think you can get too much advice as long as you can filter out what’s right for you.”

Says Matt: “We are in a

bit of a niche market and that is a good place to be.

It’s all about making sure – in that niche market – that we are the best on offer.”

However, Matt and his co-directors are also getting ready for new players to emerge from the wings.

“Now we are thinking ahead to identify the growth markets – and as they grow – working out where we can help,” he says.

“We can see a couple of sectors which look likely to be strong in the next couple of years. We are figuring out how we can get into these markets or increase our presence in these markets.”

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Role: Learning development director Age: 39 Family Married to Ella Holidays: Holidaying in Italy and visiting friends in New York and California Car: Land Rover Freelander First job: Holiday job at my dad’s butcher’s shop Best thing about job: The variety of challenges and the variety of people I get to meet Worst thing about job: Being away from home too much Business tip: Never believe you know everything about everything

Juice Learning Work: Learning, media and events company Site: Armitage Bridge Employees: Four Phone: 0844 5047575 Web: www.juice learning.com E-mail infor@juice learning.com

local

Page 4

KIRKLEES BUSIN

Agency’s a real winner SPORTS brand Gola has appointed an agency in Huddersfield to design its advertising campaign for 2011.

The SHARP Agency, which has been in business for just a year, impressed Gola executives by employing its Co-Create by SHARP method of generating good ideas.

In this case, SHARP enlisted a talented group of Huddersfield University students to help develop the new campaign (right).

The students worked with the SHARP team, led by Richard and Darlene Sharp, to develop the campaign for the Gola Classic brand.

Donna Hill, marketing manager for Gola, said: ‘We were thoroughly impressed by the level of insight that the Co-Create process provided and are confident the creative solution we arrived at will strike a natural affinity with our core audience.”

Charitable way for firms to help KIRKLEES firms seeking to do business with charities and voluntary bodies can now take advantage of a new service.

Involve Yorkshire and Humber has been launched to help businesses reach new markets in the voluntary sector – a sector contributing £2.75bn a year to the regional economy and employing 72,700 people.

It is expected that the opportunities to do business with charities and community organisations in increasing – as more seek groups become commercially active.

Services on offer from Involve Yorkshire and Humber include research, data and intelligence into the voluntary sector, analysis of social policy and its effect on business, staff training around the voluntary sector and workshops and seminars.

The team is also helping firms determine how concepts such as the Big Society will affect their business.

Judy Robinson, chief executive of Involve Yorkshire and Humber, said: “The concept of the Big Society is a real challenge to businesses, not least with the Localism Bill which changes the approach to planning decisions.

“A lot of businesses like to have their strategy set in stone, so a concept like Big Society might appear too wishy-washy to them.

“Involve Yorkshire and Humber can help businesses cut through the jargon and establish how it is likely to affect them and their customers.”

Said Ms Robinson: “The private sector needs to think of the voluntary sector as another route to market.

“Charities and community organisations are all businesses and there are contracts to be snapped up within the sector.”

Visit www.involveyorkshirehumber.org.uk

Mandi Taylor, planning partner at SHARP, said: “Co-Creating ideas with the audience also delivers the richest insight to work with.

“We are delighted to be working with Gola, one of Britain’s iconic fashion brands, creating ideas that will keep the brand relevant to all its audiences.”

This is the second big win for SHARP this year, following hot on the heels of its appointment as lead agency by Best Western Hotels.

SHARP, based at the Media Centre, Northumberland Street, is headed by Richard Sharp, Darlene Sharp, Tom Wass and Mandi Taylor.

Clients include Best Western Hotels, the National Union of Students, Chrysler, Aesica Pharmaceuticals, Duck Tape and NHS Sheffield.

Small steps for a big reward

■ FOOT NOTES: SHARP Agency’s Gola ad concept

Reviewing regulations HE Government has T announced it plans to ease the regulatory burden

on small businesses by reviewing the staggering 22,000 regulations which affect them – while also committing to remove two specific rights due to come into force imminently.

The Labour Government had previously introduced a right for employees to request unpaid time off to train during their normal contractual hours. Initially, this was to apply only to those employers with over 250 members of staff. It has now been decided that the right will not be extended to smaller employers as previously planned.

There were also proposals to extend flexible working rights for all employees further with effect from April, 2011.

The current rights allow parents to make a request to work flexibly if they have a child under the age of 16 or are caring for an adult.

It was expected that the right would be extended to children up to the age of 18, but it has been confirmed that this will not be implemented.

Beyond this, the Government has committed to reviewing the overwhelming amount of regulations which affect businesses and which have a particularly burdensome impact on small employers.

In the Budget, it was announced that the Government proposes to introduce a morator-

EMPLOYER’S BRIEF

Neil Wilson

ium on new regulations for up to three years for those who employ fewer than 10 staff.

Meanwhile, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development has carried out research into the current Employment Tribunal system, asking for employer’s views. The most significant findings of the research are: ● Half of employers would support a tribunal system which awards costs against losing claimants and a similar number wish to see more effective management of tribunal cases to identify vexatious claims ● Over half of employers reported that a complaint to a tribunal had been made against them maliciously with 60% stating that their former employees, in making an unfair dismissal claim, had “tagged on” a discrimination claim simply in the hope of achieving more compensation ● Most worryingly, 69% of respondents felt they had no effective protection against employees making unjustifiable

claims to an employment tribunal.

The findings also show a significant amount of management time is being used in trying to manage and resolve workplace disputes, and the use of compromise agreements is on the increase as businesses try to fully protect themselves against claims.

A CIPD adviser commented: “This survey reflects the strength of feeling among employers about the failings of the current system for resolving workplace disputes.

“The real problem is that the employment tribunal system itself is broken and its costs and benefits are wholly out of line”.

The Government has already launched a consultation paper on reforming the tribunal system.

The closing date for comments is April 28, 2011.

The paper can be accessed via http://www.bis.gov.uk/Consultations/resolving-workplace-disputes?cat=open

Neil Wilson is an employment lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors

BUSINESSES with bright ideas could be set for a share of £450,000 in a competition run by banking giant Barclays.

The Take One Small Step competition will reward nine regional businesses or individuals from with £50,000 each for their great business ideas.

The competition is open to existing businesses as well as those who simply have a fantastic new idea and the drive to make it happen.

Amanda Shepherd (pictured), Yorkshire regional director of Barclays Business, said: “The Take One Small Step competition changes lives. It celebrates people with ambition, passion and – most importantly – a great business idea, and gives them the cash to help turn their dream into a reality.

“The brief is broad. The idea could be a lifelong ambition or a recent brainwave. It could be a personal experience or just a dream. Even a revolutionary concept that changes the world.

“This competition is a great opportunity, and I would urge anyone with a great business idea to step forward.”

The deadline for entries is April 27, 2011. To enter, go to www.takeonesmallstep.co.uk

Urgent appeal to get online KIRKLEES firms should help boost the local “e-conomy” by embracing Internet marketing strategies and getting online.

Steve Harvey-Frankin, an international speaker on Internet marketing and owner of Holmfirth-based WSI Yorkshire, said more needed to be done by local businesses to stop Yorkshire lagging behind other UK regions such as Greater London and the South East when it comes to e-commerce and digital marketing.

He is urging more small businesses to embrace the web to help buck the trends and exploit the wider UK and international markets.

Steve said: “Our ‘e-conomy’ in Yorkshire is good, but we still have a long way to go if we want to catch up with other UK regions which are excelling in this area.

“All businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, can really benefit from the internet simply by having a decent website.”

He said that smaller businesses often took longer to realise the potential of using the web because too often they view internet marketing as being expensive and unnecessary.

“Many small businesses do not capitalise on the advantages.”

NESS NEWS

local

Page 5

Student-led company lands hotel booking FOUR students at Huddersfield University were thinking inside the box – when they were asked to produce a launch campaign for the opening of a new hotel.

Laura Johnson, Martin Tighe, Jenny Piggott and Laura Milton, who run student-led agency Touch Advertising, came up with the winning concept for the launch of the new Premier Inn, which has opened alongside The Aspley restaurant in Huddersfield.

The students opted to set up their own company during an enterprise placement year instead of spending their time in industry.

“At the end of our second year of studying we all knew we wanted to do a placement year and so decided we would look into setting up our own company,” said Jenny. “I’d worked in advertising agencies before and was desperate to actually do it for myself.”

To generate interest in the new hotel among local people, the team placed a large wooden crate containing a bed in the Kingsgate Centre with the words “Just Arrived” stencilled on the outside.

The crate was put in place after all the shops were closed, so on arrival to the centre the following morning shoppers were greeted with a mysterious new arrival.

“We wanted people’s curiosity to get the better of them so they would go and have a look through the holes in the crate,” said Jenny.

“We left the box there for a week, and it was great to see so many different people wandering past and then stopping to go and have a look inside.”

The crate exterior was taken away a week later to reveal a bed, which was then set up in the style of a Premier Inn bedroom. The crate is just one of several ideas from Touch Advertising that will help to launch the hotel.

A spokesman for Premier Inn said: “Working with Touch Advertising on this project has been really exciting..

“Working with the university has benefited the students on the project by giving them some real, practical work experience and has also strengthened our ties with the student community whose family and friends may be our future guests.”

Said Jenny: “We want to keep Touch Advertising going when we return to complete our degrees in September. Hopefully, friends graduating this year or placement students stepping in will help keep it running.”

■ CRATE IDEA: Huddersfield University students (from left) Laura Johnson, Martin Tighe, Jenny Piggott and Laura Milton, who won the job of marketing the opening of the new Premier Inn at Aspley

Looking out for winners N a change to my normal artIwith icle, I thought I would share you an exciting opportunity

that I think many local businesses could be part of.

TC Bathrooms, a local Dewsbury-based business were in 2010.

Could it be you this year?

Across the UK, 18 businesses will each benefit from up to £6m of lending and a financial reward of up to £120,000 as well as the opportunity to network and gain valuable business insight into an overseas market through the campaign’s Thought Exchanges.

This initiative to find the UK’s best business thinker culminates in the prestigious International Insights finale, attended by business leaders from around the world. Along the way businesses, gain exposure in national and regional press and online.

We want to hear from you if your business is: ● based in the UK ● has been operating for two years or longer ● has an annual turnover of £2m or more, ● can provide profit & loss and balance sheet information for a minimum trading period of 12 months

BANKER’S BLOG Jill Hague

● can provide projected financials for a minimum of two years ● can demonstrate how your forward-thinking translates into business action and could benefit from HSBC lending to further develop your business.

HSBC’s Business Thinking will help even more ambitious businesses to exchange ideas, build networks and challenge their business thinking.

The regional winners of Business Thinking will benefit by receiving up to £6m of lending, a financial reward of 2% of lending (up to £120,000), national and regional press and media coverage, a place on a Thought Exchange held in one of five dynamic economies around the world and more opportunities to network with like minded businesses.

One overall winner will follow in

the footsteps of Richard North and his company Wow! Stuff – and will be named as our next UK winner, doubling their financial reward.

Entry to Business Thinking is open to all UK businesses who meet the eligibility criteria.

Here’s how the process will work.

From each of the UK’s nine regions, six businesses will be named regional finalists and will attend one of five Thought Exchange trips. On their return, all the regional finalists will present their business thinking to judging panels, who will identify two Regional Winners per region.

Regional winners will take part in the final International Insights event, where HSBC will give reveal the winner of Business Thinking.

Can your business rise to the challenge?

G o t o w w w. b u s i n e s s t h i n king.hsbc.co.uk

Rocked in Hollywood.

Made in Borehamwood.

It may sound like a quiet little town but Borehamwood is home to Orange Amps, which has been supplying the world’s music industry for the past 40 years.

At HSBC we believe that a local business doesn’t have to stay local.

By thinking about your business from a global perspective, we can help you thrive both locally and internationally.

Speak to Jill Hague, Area Commercial Director, on 07786 524353*, or email jillhague@hsbc.com

Business

Jill Hague is HSBC area commercial director for Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield Issued by HSBC Bank plc. *Lines are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

AC18837

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS TO LET – RENT REDUCED

New Build Industrial Workshop

Calder Trading Estate, Lower Quarry Road, Huddersfield, HD5 0RR

1 149.96m2 (1,614 sq ft) 1 Leeds Road Corridor location 1 Generous yard and car parking Rent reduced to £3 per sq ft per annum exclusive

TO LET

Attractive Office Suites

Buckden Mount, 8 Thornhill Road, Huddersfield, HD3 3AU

1 Recently refurbished 1 Ample on-site car parking 1 162 & 383m2 (1,742 & 4,126 sq ft) 1 Ease of access to Huddersfield Town Centre and J24 of M62 £10 per sq ft per annum exclusive.

FOR SALE

Workshop Premises

Calder Road, Mirfield, WF14 8NR

1 Single storey workshop 1 123.77m2 (1,332 sq ft) 1 Rare, small commercial freehold opportunity Guide Price: £50,000

TO LET

Industrial Premises

Pine Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1SS

1 Workshop/Warehouse 1 473.64m2 (5,098 sq ft) 1 Edge of town centre location 1 Ease of access to A62 Leeds Road Corridor Rent: £15,000 per annum

TO LET

Prestigious High Spec Office Suite

Unit 1 Cartwright Court, Bradley Business Park, Huddersfield, HD2 1GN 1 Office units available from 1 199m2 (2,140 sq ft) 1 Established business park location 1 Ease of access to J24 & J25 of M62 motorway Rent: £15 per sq ft per annum exclusive.

FOR SALE – NEW INSTRUCTION

Prominent Retail & Residential Premises 464 Bradford Road, Batley, WF17 5LW

1 124.84m2 (1,343 sq ft) 1 Potential redevelopment opportunity 1 Opposite 90,000 sq ft Tesco Extra (24Hr), Iceland, Netto & Batley Bus Station Offers are invited in excess of £130,000

TO LET

Industrial Premises

Caldervale Works, River Street, Brighouse, HD6 1NL 1 Various workshop units 1 265 – 2,748m2 (2,857 – 29,581 sq ft) 1 Ample secure yard/parking provision Rent: On Application

TO LET/MAY SELL Industrial Premises

Vulcan & Victoria Works, Calder Street, Brighouse, HD6 1NB

1 Predominantly single-storey factory premises 1 3,941m2 (42,416 sq ft) Rent: From Only £2 per sq ft

TO LET – NEW INSTRUCTION

Commercial Unit

12 Old Leeds Road, Huddersfield, HD1 1SP 1 Prominent commercial unit 1 274.84m2 (2,958 sq ft) 1 Generous parking provision 1 Edge of town centre location Rent: On Application

property

Page 6

Bank lending remains tight BANK lending to the property sector is still limited, says a report.

The latest Lenders’ Expectations report by property agency Jones Lang LaSalle, showed that more respondents this year said they were willing to lend between £50m and £100m – but that fewer than 40% thought they would be lending amounts above £100m by the end of 2011.

That compares with about 50% thinking they would do so in last year’s survey.

Peter Hague, head of Jones Lang LaSalle’s valuation advisory team in West Yorkshire, said: “The rollercoaster of financial crisis and sovereign debt continues and it s e e m s c e r t a i n t h at t h e European banking crisis is going to have profound and long-lasting implications for the commercial property sector.

“Capital value growth has slowed again, with total returns remaining well below their peak levels. Bank of England lending figures released in February show lending to real estate over the fourth quarter of 2010 fell by £16bn to £221bn – the largest drop since the series began in 1987.

“The number of active banks in the property market has also fallen and this will have an impact on the ability to bridge the debt funding gap and consequently put downward pressure on values of secondary assets.”

■ HIGH HOPES: Fewer lenders are willing to fund large-scale property schemes, such as this, according to the latest report by Jones Lang LaSalle

In the UK, during 2010, domestic players accounted for almost 50% of the market.

However, the nature and source of capital is evolving and with investors looking to property as a hedge against inflation. Jones Lang LaSalle said it expected this trend to continue.

The survey said the market was likely to become increasingly reliant on new types of funding – pension funds, insurance companies, overseas banks and even equity-rich investors – to provide debt. These new entrants may ultimately act as props to the liquidity issues.

Mathew Atkinson, associate director in Jones Lang

LaSalle’s national investment team in Leeds, said: “The lending markets are quick to change and fluctuate and it has become clear throughout our interviews that credit conditions are shifting.

“A year ago, we were predicting greater liquidity than we are now experiencing and the outlook is similarly challenged.

“There is without a doubt a polarising of debt provision – borrowers with strong existing relationships are well-placed to access the lending markets, whilst although not impossible for new entrants, the challenges are still there.”

Property rents edge up amid resurgent demand ALMOST a third of landlords have increased rents during the first quarter of the year, according to research from buy-to-let mortgage specialist Paragon.

The survey showed that 32% of landlords have raised rents across their portfolios during the period.

One in 10 landlords said that rental income across their portfolio rose by up to 2% during the period, with a further 10% stating that it rose by between 2% and 4%. However, nearly 5% of respondents said that rental income had risen by more than 8%.

Nigel Terrington, Paragon Group chief executive, said: “Supply and demand dictates rental pricing and landlords are experiencing significant tenant demand for their properties at present.

“Obviously, landlords do not want to make rented accommodation unaffordable, but a considerable proportion of them have been able to make small increases to their

overall rental income during the first quarter.”

He said: “Government figures show that nearly 300,000 extra households moved into privately rented accommodation in England alone last year and that is placing increasing strain on stock in the sector.

“It is encouraging that buy-to-let lending increased by 22% during 2010, but more needs to be done to ensure that the private rented sector can expand to sufficiently meet tenant demand.”

Government figures published last month show that the number of households renting privately has risen from 2.4m in 2006 to 3.4m now.

The sector now accounts for 15.6% of all households in England, up from 14.2% in 2008-09 and 11.7% in 2005-06. This equates to nearly one in every six households.

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

property

Page 7

Kirklees set to benefit from City Region plan ■ UPBEAT: Kevin Bramley, of CB Richard Ellis

KIRKLEES is well-placed to benefit from any upturn in the economy – as part of the Leeds City Region, it is claimed.

The region, which encompasses Kirklees, Calderdale, Leeds and eight other local authority districts is set to benefit from major improvements to the rail network and signs of an upturn in the property sector.

Kevin Bramley, senior director of development and head of the northern development consultancy at property agency CB Richard Ellis, was speaking in the run-up to a major property convention to be held on Thursday in Leeds.

The event will provide a showcase exhibiting current and future locations for investment and highlight the region’s advantages – including its population of 3m, its 1.4m-strong workforce, its 100,000-plus businesses and its economy worth £46bn a year.

Mr Bramley said forthcoming improvements to the rail networks – notably Network Rail’s plans to enhance trans-Pennine services – and excellent road links stood the region in good stead to capitalise on a returning market.

He said: “Undoubtedly, the whole region has felt the impact of the challenging economic climate and looking at the development arena.

“There has been limited activity and take-up levels of existing accommodation have not been favourable.

“However, the movement that occurred last year at the smaller end of the market, with 83% of all office deals sub-5,000sq ft, will impact upwards and as stock levels reduce and incentives tighten headline rents will become more robust.

“There are also a number of more sizeable office requirements circulating the market.”

Mr Bramley said factors which could put the

region in the spotlight for investors included improvements to Leeds railway station and the expected contribution of recent development schemes in Halifax and Wakefield.

And he added: “If Leeds United were to secure a position in the Premiership – and maybe even Huddersfield Town into the Championship – this would give the whole region a great boost with benefits filtering into a whole range of sectors.

“In summary, the Leeds City Region has a lot of offer with a robust economy, ingenuity for developing flagship buildings, a good offering of commercial stock and viable plans for improving infrastructure – all of which place it in a strong position for future prosperity.”

Leeds City Region covers Kirklees, Calderdale, Barnsley, Bradford, Craven, Harrogate, Leeds, Selby, Wakefield, York and North Yorkshire County Council.

Hike in house registrations HOUSEBUILDERS across the UK have reported a rise in the number of homes being registered.

Figures from the National House-Building Council show that 8,917 new homes were registered in the UK during February against to 7,788 in January. Of those, 3,289 were registered in the public sector, compared with 2,304 in January – the highest since May, 2010, when 3,795 new homes were registered.

The number of private sector registrations during February rose to 5,628 from 5,484, but was lower overall than the same month last year when there were 6,736 registrations.

The February figures provided a much-needed

boost – although figures for the three months from December, 2010 were less impressive.

Nationally, the number of registrations between December, 2010, and last month stood at 24,090 – only slightly below the figure of 24,105 for the period of December, 2009, to February, 2010.

The quarterly total for Yorkshire stood at 966 against 1,465 before.

NHBC chief executive Imtiaz Farookhi said it was hoped that caution among housebuilders would ease following Budget measures providing incentives to both builders and first-time buyers.”

High praise for association ■ MEETING THE NATIVES: Jennifer Welch, operations director for the RICS in the noth, who is taking part in a charity trek in Peru

Surveyors in Peru trek for charity CHARTERED surveyors with a head for heights are hoping to raise thousands for charity by going on a challenging trek to Peru’s city in the sky, Machu Picchu.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ Yorkshire regional team comprises Jennifer Welch, operations director for RICS North; Catherine Hible, business development manager for RICS North; local RICS members Kevin Wood and Philip Wilbourn, who are both chartered surveyors, and Jim McGuinness.

They have joined a 15-strong RICS worldwide team for the 10-day trip.

Said Jennifer: “I’m delighted to be taking part in the trek, following the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, raising money for such worthy causes.

“The trip is most definitely not for the faint-hearted.

“The trail climbs to 4,400m in diverse mountainous conditions, with much of it at altitude which can be extremely dangerous.

“It is, however, a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime experience and will

capitalise on the collective fundraising efforts of our members to reach the £150,000 target.”

The trek is a key milestone in RICS’s plans to continue its exceptional fund raising campaign, which is looking to raise £150,000 a year for charity right through to 2018 when the RICS celebrates the 150th anniversary of its Royal Charter.

Proceeds of the trek will go to the RICS benevolent fund, LionHeart, as well as locally charities including Martin House Hospice.

A HOUSING association with operations in Elland has been praised in an independent report.

Jephson Housing Association Group is “well organised”, financially “strong” and “able to adapt to meet the challenges of continuing to provide new housing supply”, according to the report by industry regulator the Tenant Services Authority.

The TSA has praised Jephson, which owns homes across the north, for engaging with tenants over decision-making.

It also highlights that tenant satisfaction with repairs is rising across the group, thanks to improved

contractor performance.

Jephson was also commended for “responding quickly and decisively to the credit crunch” and for “good evidence of continuous improvement via the service improvement groups.”

Bob Strachan, Jephson group chief executive, said: “I welcome this report, which recognises the success of our efforts to work closely with our tenants to provide the best possible service.

“However, we will not rest on our laurels and will stay focused on meeting the challenges of reviewing our development plans and further developing effective tenant scrutiny of our operations.”

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Movers and shakers

Page 8

Good heavens, we’re winners!

Elizabeth Ridler

Knight Frank PROPERTY consultancy Knight Frank has appointed Elizabeth Ridler as a partner in its Yorkshire office agency team.

Ms Ridler, pictured (above) with Alex Munro, head of commercial agency development, joins the Leeds office after a two-year break from commercial property. She was previously with King Sturge in Leeds for 14 years.

She graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 1994 with a degree in urban land economics and joined King Sturge in 1994.

Mr Munro said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome someone of Lizzie’s experience, expertise and excellent reputation to our Leeds office.”

Tracey Kaye, Marcus Costello & Andy Marshall

Wright Angle Marketing THREE new appointments have been made by an award-winning creative marketing agency.

Greetland-based Wright Angle Marketing (WAM) said the newcomers would bring great knowledge and talent to the business, which is headed by managing director Judith Wright.

Tracey Kaye has joined the team as a personal assistant and events co-ordinator while Marcus Costello has been appointed marketing executive. Andy Marshall joins on a graduate placement from Huddersfield University.

WAM has a wide range of clients, including shopping centres, schools and toy companies.

The agency provides marketing, public relations and training.

Said Ms Wright: “I am so excited about the further progression of the company. Over the past 10 years, we have developed into a fantastic marketing agency with incredible results that clients love. There is an amazing buzz about the new team which will carry the business to new heights.”

Helen James

Sheards SHEARDS Financial Services Ltd has expanded its team with the recruitment of Helen James as a paraplanner.

Ms James (pictured) has 25 years experience in the financial services industry. She holds the Certificate in Financial Planning and is working towards her Diploma in Financial Planning.

Her duties will be to carry out product and provider research and write client financial reports, while working closely in the advice process with the firms financial advisors.

Sheards Financial Services is the sister company to Sheards Accountants, based at New North Road, Huddersfield.

A SPA described as a “slice of heaven” has been named Business of the Month in a competition run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith Solicitors.

Alexandra House is a holistic health and well-being spa offering individual treatments and longer pampering sessions in a grand Victorian villa at Edgerton.

Dr Maxine Stead set up the spa in 2007 when she decided on a career change after 14 years working in cancer research for the NHS. She said: “I decided to establish my own business – helping people with busy jobs and lifestyles like my own – to take time out and to develop a different approach to life.”

The spa has been awarded several prestigious titles, including a top rating in the Good Spa Guide that described it as “a slice of heaven off the M62”. It has also featured in the Observer Magazine’s top 10 most affordable spas in Britain and in the 30 most inspiring spas for 2011 in the magazine Professional Beauty.

Maxine started in rented premises with two full-time therapists, but the spa has grown year-on-year and is expected to continue growing.

Now in its fourth year, it has seven employed staff and has had student placements from the White Rose Beauty College in Huddersfield.

Said Maxine: “We’re delighted to have been given this award and to be recognised for the team’s hard work. We’re now look-

■ WINNING WORK: Steven Pollitt (third right) presents the award to Maxinde Stead (second right) and Amanda Evans (right), of Alexandra House, watched by (from left) Richard Blackburn, of Wilby Ltd; Paul Carson, of Simpson Wood; and Howard Lockwood, of Business Link Yorkshire

ing forward to the annual awards ceremony in July.”

The award, run in association with the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and

Driving up standards TWO Huddersfield car dealerships are the latest to join an elite band of motor traders to be recognised for outstanding customer care.

Perrys Citroen and Perrys Mazda at Northgate have received Excellent Customer Service Awards from West Yorkshire Trading Standards.

The presentations were made to Perry Citroen general manager Ian Saunders (top left) and Perrys Mazda general manager Steve Garth (bottom right) by Richard Guthrie (also pictured), of West Yorkshire Trading Standards.

The award is available to members of trading standards’ West Yorkshire Motor Trade Partnership who are assessed annually on their approach to customer care.

Business Link Yorkshire, is open to all firms in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. Go to www.eatonsmith.co.uk, or contact Ian Greenwood on 01484 821389.

Gary Colcough

Fusion IT A COMPANY providing IT support and advice has announced a new appointment.

Gary Colcough (pictured) has joined Edgerton-based Fusion IT to manage IT systems development. He was previously with Harrowells Solicitors in York.

Jamie Watson, Fusion IT managing director, said: “Gary brings some exciting ideas and valuable experience to our business. His specialist knowledge is particularly useful and he joins us at a time when there are some large and interesting new opportunities ahead.”

John Sullivan

Ploughcroft SOLAR installation specialist and training provider Ploughcroft has appointed John Sullivan as sales manager for its solar division.

Mr Sullivan joins the Brighouse-based business having worked in the home improvement industry for more than 25 years and holding sales roles up to director level. In his new role at Ploughcroft, he will lead sales training and development as well as steering the sales team to hit new levels.