Kirklees Business News 240511

FTSE 100

IAN VALENTINE Concrete achievements

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NEIL WILSON Going on the offensive Full stor y - Page 4

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees

Slow recovery for debt-hit economy

BRITAIN is on the road to economic recovery, says an insolvency expert.

But the recovery rate will be painfully slow as debt-hit individuals and businesses fight to revive their fortunes.

Meltham man Peter Sargent, an insolvency practitioner and partner with Begbies Traynor, said the recent recession – billed by many insolvency experts as the worst in living memory – had failed to follow the pattern of previous downturns.

Said Mr Sargent: “As part of the usual economic cycle both corporate and personal insolvencies tend to rise as the economy comes out of recession, and unemployment statistics also follow this trend.

“This time, however, things have ■ HARD WORK: Peter Sargent, of insolvency practice Begbies Traynor been very different. It has been hard for businesses, very hard, but the including changes to legislation over the financial edge into insolvnumbers of companies entering some which reduced the period of bank- ency,” said Mr Sargent. “Some took form of formal insolvency procedures ruptcy from three years to one year, shelter in Debt Management Plans, has not hit the heights expected. On record amounts of domestic lending others opted for IVAs and bankruptcy the other hand, the number of indi- and the marketing of IVAs as a and for those with low level of debts viduals seeking an insolvency solu- domestic debt solution. and no assets or surplus income, the “As soon as the economy dipped Debt Relief Order was introduced. tion has reached record levels.”

Mr Sargent said the increase was and those debts could no longer be “In previous recessions, most perdue to a combination of factors, serviced, the individuals were pushed sonal insolvencies had been connected

with a business in one way or another.

This most recent recession was different. The statistics flipped and the vast majority of personal insolvencies are now of a domestic nature.”

Mr Sargent said the anticipated increase in corporate insolvency at the end of the last recession had not materialised.

“This is down to four factors,” he said. “Firstly, business was in better shape when the economy went into recession than in previous cycles and had more wool on its back. Secondly, the use of IT means management is better informed than ever before about how the business is performing.

Thirdly, banks have tried to support business wherever possible. And finally, HM Revenue & Customs has also supported business where it can with the widening of the time to pay initiative.”

Said Mr Sargent: “Current economic predictions talk of a long slow recovery with the debt burden taking its toll on both business and domestic spending. It is going to be hard work but the economy will recover.”

Survey says business rules ‘need simplifying’ MOST Huddersfield firms are upbeat about their prospects, it is claimed.

But a large majority expect to see no benefit to their businesses from an extra £10bn in funding which has been promised by the banks.

A survey conducted by TaxAssist Accountants in Huddersfield showed

that 56% of local firms expect to see their business grow in the next 12 months.

But 81% said they did not expect to benefit from the banks’ recent pledges to support small businesses while 74% believed employment law needed to be simplified.

Only 23% of local businesses think they will be able to recruit new staff in the coming year.

On business regulation, respondents highlighted employment law, health and safety and planning as the areas they would most like to see simplified.

The survey was part of a national poll undertaken by TaxAssist Accountants in partnership with Norwich North Conservative MP Chloe Smith. The results will be presented to the House of Commons to support calls for changes to business regulations affecting smaller firms.

INSIDE Graduate support GRADUATE Jessica Jubb has launched a business to help former public service executives re-launch their careers as consultants. She has embarked on the venture having gained management qualifications and practical experience working for local authorities and the NHS.

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WEST Yorkshire businesswomen have urged the Coalition Government to support small and new firms.

The call came at a major conference led by networking group Forward Ladies.

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

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

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Banks ‘set to miss SME loans target’ THE UK’s top banks are on course to miss Project Merlin lending targets for small businesses, according to figures revealed by the Bank of England.

Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group, HSBC and Santander UK lent £16.8bn to small and medium-sized enterprises in the first quarter of 2011, the Bank said.

The banks have agreed with the Government to increase lending to SMEs to £76bn this year, which equates to £19bn in the first quarter.

However, the figures showed the banks were on course to meet overall business lending targets of £190bn this year, equal to £47.5bn for the quarter, as they lent £47.3bn in the period.

The Project Merlin agreement, unveiled in February, followed talks between the top five banks and the

Treasury over key issues such as bonuses and lending.

The figures for SME lending are likely to provoke outrage as the banks have been accused of being unwilling to lend to credit-worthy small businesses while continuing to award high pay packages.

However, the banks have defended their position by saying they only agreed to increase “lending capacity” and there is nothing they can do in the absence of demand for new borrowing.

Lee Hopley, chief economist at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, said the disappointing figures do not yet indicate an improvement in credit conditions for small companies.

She said: “While it is early days for the Merlin agreement, we have been

New contracts boost for Stobart HAULAGE business Eddie Stobart is driving growth for its parent company – after landing a string of new contracts.

The road transport and warehousing division of Stobart Group posted a 30% rise in underlying pre-tax profits to £33.6m in the year to February 28.

Eddie Stobart, whose trucks are a common sight on Britain’s motorways, secured new chilled business with supermarket giant Tesco, as well as contracts with Irn Bru owner AG Barr and Britvic, which includes a bottled water plant at Birkby.

But group profits fell by 11% to

£29.5m following a muted showing by other divisions, including Stobart Rail and Stobart Ports.

The group said its recent three-year shake-up, which has seen the company broken up into five new operating divisions, would now start to deliver.

The group posted a 12% rise in revenues to £500.4m after the haulage business posted an 18% increase to £449.9m.

The Tesco contract came after the s u p e r m a r ke t g i a n t o p e n e d a 500,000sq ft chilled facility at Widnes, Cheshire.

■ BANK NOTES: Lending to SMEs is falling behind targets, according to figures from the Bank of England

sceptical about the degree to which this target-based approach would lead to a significant improvement in credit conditions for SMEs. “Progress on the key issue of a lack of competition among the banks, as well as insufficient transparency in

Airline to raise fare

lending decisions and the lack of understanding of banks’ customers, must now accelerate.”

Santander is the only bank to have revealed its own lending commitments under the Project Merlin agreement and is currently on track to hit its targets.

The British Bankers’ Association said the figures showed “stretched’’ lending intentions for SMEs were nearly matched, but capacity was not fully taken up due to muted demand.

A spokesman for the Merlin banks said: “These numbers demonstrate the determination of the Merlin banks to lend to viable businesses. It has been a solid start to the year.”

Banks were “devoting considerable time, effort and resource” and viable businesses had access to finance.

BUDGET airline Ryanair warned that surging oil prices will force average air fares up by 12% in the current financial year – while it will also cut winter capacity for the first time in its history.

The Irish carrier, which has a fleet of 272 planes, expects traffic to grow by 4% to 75m passengers in the year to March 2012, but all of that growth will occur in the first half of the period.

The two winter quarters will see passenger numbers fall by 2% and 5% respectively as the airline expects to ground 80 planes over the coming winter.

Ryanair lifted underlying pre-tax profits by 26% to £277m in the year to March 31, but said earnings would be flat in the current year because of the impact of high fuel costs.

Energy success for MITIE Markets ‘spooked’ OUTSOURCING firm MITIE has reported a record order book as more companies look for help to cut energy bills and meet emission targets.

Energy services now account for a third of MITIE’s revenues through opportunities such as biomass plants, wind power and solar panels.

Across the group, which offers services including property management, cleaning, security and maintenance, MITIE’s profits increased by 15% to £105.7m in the year to March 31. Revenues rose by 10% to £1.9bn.

Major contract wins over the year

included a Europe-wide deal for facilities and energy management with engines giant Rolls-Royce and a similar arrangement with mobile phone company Vodafone in the UK and Ireland.

MITIE has also increased its business in the public sector where cuts are increasing the market for outsourcing.

Recent energy project wins include a deal with supermarket Waitrose for its first biomass-powered store and a pilot project of photovoltaic panels on 200 social housing properties to provide free daytime electricity.

THE London market slipped to its lowest level since the end of March after fresh fears over the eurozone debt crisis rattled investor confidence.

The FTSE 100 Index fell by 112.6 points to 5835.9 after world markets were spooked by a credit rating downgrade for Italy and renewed speculation that Greece will have to restructure its debts.

SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £31.51 -0.28 Gannett 900.40 -11.18 Hess Corp £47.19 -1.20 Microsoft 1502.11 -18.63 Motors Liquidation 46.57 Wal-Mart Stores £34.33 -0.01 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 2951/4 -33/4 BAE Systems 3301/4 -71/4 Rolls-Royce 620 -15 AIM Brady Plc 75 Dawson Intl 2 Man Brnze 543/4 +11/4 Uniq 765/8 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 2061/4 -51/8 BANKS Barclays 2681/4 -53/8 HSBC 6263/4 -83/8 7 Lloyds Banking Gp 50 /8 -3/4 7 Ryl Scotland 40 /8 -5/8 Stan Chart 15661/2 -351/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1266 -15 SABMiller £221/8 -5/8 CHEMICALS Croda 1879 -3 Elementis 98 1557/8 -41/8 Johnsn Mat 1987 -21 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 3171/2 -83/4 Costain 232 -31/4 ELECTRICITY

Drax Gp 4495/8 -5 Intl Power 317 -73/4 Scottish & Sthrn 1327 -14 Energy ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 1355/8 -41/4 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3761/2 -41/4 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 1947/8 -31/2 Cable & Wireless 473/8 -3/4 Comm Cable & Wireless 495/8 -1 Wwide Colt Group 1461/2 -27/8 KCOM 64 +1 +33/8 Talktalk Telecom 1491/8 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2981/4 -10 Sainsbury 3371/2 -41/2 Tesco 4147/8 -45/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1078 -12 Tate Lyle 6111/2 -21/2 Unilever 1948 -20 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3151/4 -43/4 National Grid 623 -91/2 Pennon Grp 656 -151/2 Severn 1477 -25 United Utils 613 -16 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 2857/8 -51/2 ICAP 4651/8 -21/4 London StockExch 889 -8

Man Group 2381/4 -111/8 Provident Financial 9651/2 -151/2 Schroders 1609 -51 Schroders NV 1312 -41 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 658 -22 -67/8 REXAM 3771/4 Smiths Grp 1210 -22 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 19 -2 Carphone Whse 355 -143/4 7 Dixons Retail 19 /8 Home Retail 2071/4 -3 Inchcape 3797/8 -12 Kingfisher 277 -37/8 M&S 397 -13/4 Mothercare 442 -41/4 1 Next £22 /2 +1/4 WH Smith 482 -91/8 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 671 -19 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 116 -21/4 Barrat Dev 111 -53/4 Persimmon 4695/8 -153/4 Reckitt Benckiser £337/8 -5/8 5 Taylor Wimpey 36 /8 -11/2 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 7571/2 -13 IMI 993 -32 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 4257/8 -153/8 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 2171/8 -27/8 Forth Ports 1625 +1

LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 4231/4 Lgl & Gen 114 Old Mutual 1251/2 Prudential 7211/2 Resolution 3041/8 Standard Life 2085/8 MEDIA BSkyB 840 D Mail Tst 4901/2 ITV 69 Johnston Press 63/8 Pearson 1138 Reed Elsevier 550 STV Group 139 Trinity Mirror 46 Utd Business 594 UTV 128 WPP 746 Yell Group 65/8 MINING Anglo American £281/4 Antofagasta 1160 BHP Billiton £23 Eurasian Natural 8151/2 Res Fresnillo 1302 Kazakhmys 1207 Lonmin 1481 Rio Tinto £403/8 VEDANTA £201/2 RESOURCES Xstrata 13571/2 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 6031/2 Vodafone Group 1711/2 NONLIFE INSURANCE

-121/2 -21/4 -47/8 -19 -33/4 -31/2 -11/2 -101/2 -13/4 +1/8 -16 -141/2 -4 -21/2 -17 -2 -15 -1/4 -11/4 -47 -1/2 -22 -19 -42 -43 -7/8 -3/4 -371/2 -7 -23/8

Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp

282 1191/2 623 1845

+103/8 -1/2 -91/2 -37

FTSE closed at

5835.89 Down 112.60

Admiral Grp 1650 -62 RSA Insurance Gp 1353/4 -13/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 13431/2 -341/2 BP 452 -8 Cairn Energy 4191/4 -93/4 Royal Dutch Shell A £21 -1/2 Royal Dutch Shell B £21 -1/2 Total £343/8 -13/8 Tullow Oil 1296 -35 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1146 -28 Petrofac 1515 -27 Wood Group 625 -37 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1331 -20 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY

Astrazeneca £311/4 -1/2 Axis-Shield 335 -27/8 GlaxoSmithK XD 18 Shire 1882 -25 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 576 -161/2 Captl Shop Cent 3871/4 -91/2 DTZ Hldgs 45 +3/4 3 Hamrsn 468 /4 -83/4 Land Secs 779 -11 SEGRO 3131/8 -81/4 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Autonomy Corp 1788 -25 -73/8 Invensys 2951/4 Logica 1385/8 -35/8 Misys 3493/4 -101/4 Sage Group 2833/4 -43/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 4841/2 -51/4 Bunzl 742 -7 Capita 722 +11 De La Rue 830 -15 -7 Electrocomp 2877/8 Experian 767 -24 G4S 2757/8 -45/8 Hays 1111/4 -13/4 Homeserve 5111/2 -81/2 Menzies J 539 +17 1 -2 Rentokil 96 /4 Smiths News 95 -3 Wolseley 1949 -82 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 5511/2 -201/2 Psion 881/2 -11/2 Spirent Comms 150 -13/4 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £271/4 -1/4

Imperial Tobacco

£215/8

-1/4

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

137 £247/8 575 3451/8 781/4 3491/4 1440 4861/4 1252 235

-31/2 -1/2 -81/2 -175/8 -23/4 -21/4 -23 -61/2 -31 -125/8

1461/2 3151/2 2605/8 1501/4 2377/8 2293/4 1676

-23/8 -31/2 -37/8 +1/4 -31/8 -75/8 -39

FTSE 100

INDEX 5835.89

-112.60

FTSE 250

INDEX 11795.67

-196.54

TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.45 dollars Bangladesh................. 111.75 taka Brazil.............................. 2.34 reals Canada....................... 1.50 dollars China ............................. 9.39 yuan Czech Republic ...... 25.87 korunas Denmark....................... 8.18 krone Euro............................... 1.10 euro Hong Kong................ 11.93 dollars Hungary................... 279.14 forints India.......................... 64.51 rupees Japan........................... 125.69 yen Mexico ....................... 16.85 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.90 dollars Norway ......................... 8.63 krone Pakistan.................. 130.71 rupees Philippines ................. 60.08 pesos South Africa................. 10.56 rand South Korea.............. 1546.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 167.61 rupees Sweden......................... 9.83 krona Switzerland.................. 1.36 francs Taiwan ...................... 40.82 dollars Turkey....................... 2.41 new lira USA ............................ 1.54 dollars

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS RUGBY was always going to play a big part in Ian Valentine’s life.

The son of Fartown legend Dave Valentine grew up with a love of the sport which led him to play at a highly competitive level with Huddersfield Old Boys and Huddersfield YMCA. But when it came to carving out a career rather than carving through the opposition defence, a keen interest in civil engineering was the driving force.

Ian has notched up more than 30 years service with the Myers Group, joining its concrete supplier Readymix Huddersfield Ltd and builders’ merchant Naylor Myers as a sales rep and rising to become general manager of the Readymix business.

Dave Valentine moved from Scotland to play for Huddersfield RL. He became one of the club’s leading stars – winning many honours during an illustrious career, skippering the Great Britain side that won the World Cup Championship in 1954 and playing in the Fartown sides that won the championship in 1948-49 and the Challenge Cup in 1952-53.

Ian grew up in Huddersfield with the family living in Longwood, Salendine Nook and Outlane at various stages.

He attended Salendine Nook High School and played rugby with enthusiasm.

“I wasn’t pushed into it,” he says. “I just enjoyed it.”

Ian played stand-off or centre and as his talent developed rose through the ranks. “Huddersfield played some good sides – Headingley, Sale and Newcastle,” he says. “It was a good standard of rugby.”

Although his playing days are over, Ian remains a director at Huddersfield YMCA. “I go when I can,” he says. “I have a fairly busy life, particularly with the grandchildren!

“But I play golf at Crosland Heath. There was a big hole in my weekend when I stopped playing rugby, so I and a few rugby friends started playing golf at Outlane to keep out of trouble on a Saturday afternoon. It keeps you busy and there is the social side.

There’s also a competitive element, but it is a pastime rather than a sport for me.”

After leaving school, Ian got a job with R T Haley, a civil engineering contractor in Cleckheaton, as a junior civil engineer. “I realised I was not going to be a professional sportsman,” he says. “I got interested in civil engineering because I enjoyed the idea of being outdoors.

“At school, we went on trips to all sorts of work places. Traditional engineering had no appeal and I didn’t fancy working as a clerk in an office.

“I took a civil engineer technician course at Bradford College on day-release and gained my ONC and HNC qualifications. I moved from

profile

Ian’s set piece move school where all learning was theoretical to applying it in practice when I was learning in real situations.”

At R T Haley, Ian worked on major infrastructure projects, including Yorkshire Water’s Cooper Bridge sewage treatment works and water treatment works at Bingley. He was working five-and-a-half days a week and earning £20 a month.

His work also brought him into contact with Readymix.

“We bought from Readymix and knew them as a good company,” he says. “When work at R T Haley was starting to dry up, I looked elsewhere. I had been offered a job in Iran, but my wife was pregnant at the time and I thought I should look for a job closer to home.

“I rang Readymix on the off-chance and there was a position as a sales rep. With my background in the building industry, my knowledge of the Readymix business and the fact that I knew a lot of people in the industry I took the job.

“A lot of builders enjoy rugby – and being the son of Dave Valentine was a good ice breaker when I came to call.”

■ CHALLENGE: iIan Valentine, general manager of Readymix Huddersfield Ltd

Ian spent six years as a rep before taking a bigger role with the business in the run-up to the retirement of then general manager Gerald Hawthornthwaite – when his technical background and sales experience paid dividends.

“There was a transitional period when I was out on the road and then had to get behind a desk,” he says. “It presented challenges, but it was interesting – and it still is. I still enjoy dealing with customers. I will go to the counter to talk to customers.

“That has always been the way since the business was founded. Everyone is willing to do whatever is necessary to see the day through.”

The Myers Group owes its origins to Jack Myers who in the late 1950s expanded the family business – founded in 1929 in the name of Isaac Timmins Ltd – from its building and civil engineering roots into a manufacturer and supplier of construction materials.

Readymix Huddersfield, which also includes Mini Mix, Conveyormix and Mobile Concrete Pump Hire, supplies concrete from premises at Red Doles Lane in Huddersfield and from depots in Penistone, Brighouse and Skipton, to various locations around Yorkshire. The business celebrated its 50th anniversary two years ago.

Builder merchant arm Naylor Myers was founded in 1973 and is now a leading independent builder’s merchants with 12 branches throughout Yorkshire. The group also includes Johnsons Wellfield Quarries at Crosland Hill, HSH Skip Hire, timber merchanting business Boards Huddersfield and newly-formed Myers Build & DIY. Readymix and Naylor Myers are perhaps the most visible – with their vehicles a familiar site on local roads.

Page 3 Ian Valentine

However, the recession has not left the companies unscathed.

“We have seen a major step change in the amount of construction work,” says Ian. “It was quite dramatic.

We had seen recessions before, three-day weeks and strikes – but nothing like the recent recession.

Work on building sites just stopped overnight.”

Ian says Readymix and its associated operations had to “re-design our business model” to meet the needs of a much-changed market.

While the company is busy, Ian recognises that the boom years for construction have gone – while the market may take years to recover to those dizzy heights.

But he says: “We have turned the corner. Builders still have to build and there

is always work to be done.

You just have to look closely at everything you do. Firms could afford to be a little lax about what they were paying for materials when things were going well. Now they have to keep a close eye on costs and operations, which is not a bad discipline.”

Ian reserves special mention for the firm’s team of drivers of the eight-wheel, 32-ton wagons which roll out of the depot to deliver their loads to building sites across the region. “Our drivers are on the frontline every day,” he says. “If they do a good job on site, they provide the best publicity we could ever hope to get.”

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Role: General manager Age: 60 Family: Married to Fran. Daughters Laura, Anna and Faye and grandchildren Rowan and Martha Holidays: Winter ski-ing in France or Italy; summers in Devon and Portugal Car: Audi A6 First job: Junior civil engineer Best thing about job: I enjoy dealing with customers and working with my colleagues Worst thing about job: A lot more paperwork seems to be generated these days Business tip: Always treat your customers with respect

Readymix Huddersfield Work: Supplying concrete to the construction industry Site: Red Doles Lane Employees: 45 Phone: 01484 535311 Web: www.myers group.co.uk E-mail: sales@ready mix-huddersfield.co.uk

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KIRKLEES BUSIN

New venture just the job for Jessica CLOUDS gathering over the public sector could have a silver lining for ambitious Huddersfield graduate Jessica Jubb.

Jessica, 31, has launched a business providing back-up to clients who include former public service executives now re-launching their careers as consultants.

She embarks on the venture armed with management qualifications and practical experience working for local authorities and the NHS. Many senior executives from local authorities and other public sector organisations are among workers being made redundant as part of government cuts.

Said Jessica: “These executives often occupied high-up positions, such as chief executive,.

“They have set up as consultants, but they are used to having support, such as personal assistants and secretaries.

“Now that they are working from home they no longer have it.”

This is where Jessica’s new business comes in.

Her company, called Jecca Ltd, provides the full range of support, from the services offered by a personal assistant – including dealing with correspondence – to help with marketing and graphic design, in which Jessica has special skills.

It means that consultants and other small companies can concentrate on developing their businesses while handing over the back-up to Jecca Ltd.

Jessica has a degree in public relations, which she followed up with a diploma in management studies at Huddersfield University’s Barnsley campus.

She worked in the public sector herself but – always determined to set up on her own business – took advantage of the help and advice available from the Business Mine service at the campus.

She also applied for and received a £2,400 Barnsley Start-Up Grant to help her acquire equipment and carry out promotional work.

In addition, Jessica is also able to use the facilities of the Digital Media Centre in Barnsley while Jecca Ltd gets underway.

■ ENTERPRISING: graduate Jessica Jubb

Socially unacceptable behaviour AVING reported last year H on the growth of social media applications and its

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impact in the workplace, there have been a number of notable cases since which highlight the issues and problems faced by such media.

Comments made on social media applications may damage the business or concern an employee’s colleague. This can open employers up to complaints of discrimination, as they can be vicariously liable for the actions of the employee in certain circumstances.

A recent case heard in the Employment Tribunal centred on an employee’s Facebook discussion thread, which consisted of offensive comments regarding customers of the pub that she worked at and where she was a shift manager. A series of expletives were contained within the thread and her employer and the customers were named.

The company had protected itself by putting in place a disciplinary procedure, stating that “acts committed outside of work that had an adverse effect on the employee’s suitability for the job or which brought the company’s name into disrepute” could amount to gross misconduct.

Furthermore, an email and internet policy was in force which gave the company the right to take disciplinary action

EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Neil Wilson

where “employees write or contribute to a blog where the content lowered the reputation of the company” or its staff or customers.

The employee was ultimately dismissed and the Tribunal found that the decision fell within the range of reasonable responses, although they did comment a final warning may have been more appropriate.

Nevertheless, the decision does confirm that using social media outside of the workplace can be a disciplinary matter where the employer is brought into disrepute.

The employer’s defence to the claim was strengthened enormously by the policies that were in force and communicated to the employee.

A separate case in the Employment Tribunal focussed on an employee who had been dismissed for sending an offensive email from his home computer to an ex-colleague’s own computer.

The email concerned racist and sexist material and the recipient of the email was working for the employer’s most significant client. The email was reported

and the employer took the decision to dismiss on the grounds that the employee had acted in a way which could damage its reputation and integrity.

The claimant in the case raised the issue of his right to privacy, arguing that the email was a piece of private correspondence.

T h i s wa s re j e c t e d by t h e Tribunal, namely because the email was headed “it is your duty to pass this on” and he could have no control over the dissemination of the email.

The Tribunal also seemed influenced by the nature of the employer’s business. They were a charity organisation providing services to minority groups and the racist and sexist connotations in the email were bound to undermine this. A finding of fair dismissal was again made, therefore.

The cases highlight the importance of putting detailed policies in place governing the use of social media – and the willingness of Tribunals to allow employers to rely on use of such media outside of the workplace to justify dismissal, predominantly where there has been damage to its reputation.

Neil Wilson is an employment lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors

Agency pushes the Boat out A DESIGN agency kept its cool to land a new contract.

Elland-based agency The Bigger Boat helped launch a new range of natural skincare products for youngsters called Naturally Cool Kids.

The bright and colourful packaging features a character called NiCK and is designed to stand out against other natural and organic skincare ranges.

The range is a completely natural collection of summer skin protection and winter soothers designed to help make parents lives easier by being quick to apply, easy to use and mess-free.

The Bigger Boat created a look that would mirror this quick, easy and fun messaging with bright colours, skateboard-inspired typography and graphics and engaging product names.

The agency also developed the Naturally Cool Kids website www.naturallycoolkids.com and all other marketing material.

Creative director Doug Main said: “The Naturally Cool Kids brand is all about being an antidote to the 'run of the mill' range of skincare for kids.

“Instead of using clinical, green and white graphics that most parents and children don’t like, we have created an identity for Naturally Cool Kids that really will appeal to consumers.”

Deal is far from run-of-the-mill A HUDDERSFIELD ice cream producer has topped off a string of new business wins by securing a contract to supply a National Trust property.

Denby Dale-based Yummy Yorkshire has landed five contracts to provide ice cream for farm shops and garden centres in the region, including Totties Garden Centre at Holmfirth and Walkers Nurseries, near Doncaster.

It has also been appointed to supply its first National Trust attraction – Hardcastle Crags, near Hebden Bridge, which boasts a wooded valley with more than 25 miles of footpaths and a visitor centre located in Gibson Mill, a former cotton mill.

Yummy Yorkshire will supply a selection of flavours to the cafe, The Weaving Shed.

Jeremy Holmes, of Yummy Yorkshire, said: “Winning these new contracts is a real boost and we are excited about the growth this means for the business.

“We are particularly excited to be supplying Hardcastle Crags as it is our first National Trust account and we hold similar values and ethics such as using local suppliers where possible in the production of our ice cream.”

NESS NEWS

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Flexible strategy will offer best protection ESPITE the many D shocking events that have already taken place

in 2011 such as the political conflict in North Africa and the Middle East as well as the Japanese earthquake disaster, the currency markets have been strangely becalmed.

It seems that the markets are stuck switching between a ‘risk appetite on’ versus ‘risk appetite off’ frame of mind where they cannot make up their minds on a decisive currency direction.

Instead, sentiment is changing from day to day, reacting to every nuance of economic data and geopolitical news.

The recurring theme so far this year has been the inexorable rise of commodity prices, exacerbated by the recent turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa.

The continuing economic boom in China and other emerging markets has driven the price of Brent crude oil from the $95 per barrel (pb) level in January to over $120pb in mid-April. This is a level not seen since 2007 when

the oil price went on to peak at $147pb.

Even greater rises have been seen in other commodities such as cotton, copper and nickel, while gold climbed to a record high of $1,475 per ounce. Other precious metals such as silver and platinum have also seen remarkable increases in price.

Never before have we seen such large rises in the cost of raw materials so soon after a protracted recession in the Western world.

The price volatility seen in the commodities market has not been reflected to the same extent in the FX market.

One potential reason for this is that it is hard to differentiate between the world’s major currencies, namely the US dollar (USD), euro (EUR), sterling (GBP) and the Japanese yen (JPY). They all offer low rates of return and are experiencing lacklustre levels of economic growth combined with high levels of debt.

This is truly an ugly sister’s competition with none of the participants having any attractive features.

BANKER’S BLOG Jill Hague

The lack of a positive choice among the big four may explain why the market has had little option but to take a specific stance on other currencies, especially emerging markets and currencies which have a significant exposure to commodities such as the Australian dollar, the Canadian dollar and Norwegian krona.

It is here where we are seeing more dramatic moves.

The lack of differentiation between the majors, however, now appears to be changing as the market has switched its attention to the fiscal problems in the US, while the ECB has raised interest rates for the first time since 2008.

Indeed, recent downward pressure on the USD has

come at a time when the bulk of the economic news should have been USD supportive.

On 7 April, Portugal became the third eurozone country to ask for a financial bailout; meanwhile, in the UK, inflation has eased back and there are growing warnings from the retail sector about a slowdown in consumer spending.

In addition, there is now clear evidence that the US economy is recovering well from the downturn, prompting the US to consider an end to its additional Quantitative Easing (QE2).

Despite this, the USD sold off with EUR/USD breaking $1.45 on 12 April for the first time since January 2010. The Euro

looks a little prettier although doubts persist whether the Euro can maintain a level above $1.40 and shrug off recent increased market speculation of a debt restructuring in Greece, a Euro-skeptic victory in Finland and reduced demand in Spain's bond market auctions.

The ugly contest is turning uglier. The reality is, for now at least, the US dollar has lost some of its shine because of the last-minute budget deal that only narrowly averted a government shutdown.

Despite the apparent resolution of the impasse, the bitter political fight has raised questions about the ability of President Obama and a divided US Congress to deal with bigger fiscal issues looming ahead.

In addition, the US presidential process has kicked off and that should mean that no candidate will attempt to seri-

ously tackle the situation until 2013.

As far as Sterling is concerned, it has appreciated against the weak US dollar over recent weeks, consolidating above $1.60. Its overall performance, however, especially against the Euro and other emerging market and commodity currencies, has been poor.

With the world in turmoil and currencies being buffeted by so many conflicting crosswinds, it is essential that UK businesses consider a flexible strategy that allows them to both protect against adverse currency movements and take advantage of more favourable moves.

HSBC has a local team of risk management specialists to help you protect your business from volatile foreign exchange rates. Please email me jillhague@hsbc.com

Jill Hague is HSBC area commercial director for Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield

Team that really counts MEMBERS of the West Yorkshire Society of Chartered Accountants have welcomed chartered accountant and barrister Philip Pawson as their president for the coming year.

Mr Pawson took over from Tim Parr, of Baker Tilly, at the society’s annual meeting in Leeds.

Wilma Teviotdale, head of accountancy at Huddersfield University, steps up as deputy president and Charles Hartwell, financial director of Yorkshire Cricket Club, becomes vice-president.

Mr Pawson is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and a consultant in anti-money laundering and anti-bribery legislation.

He gained a degree in accountancy at Leeds Polytechnic, now Leeds Metropolitan University, and later in ■ TOP TRIO: WYSCA president Philip Pawson (right) with vice-president his career read for the Bar at New- Charles Hartwell and deputy president Wilma Teviotdale castle University.

He began working at Robson w i t h I C A E W m e m b e r s i n ation from them in ICAEW’s aims Rhodes in 1978 and qualified as an owner-managed businesses. and objectives, given they represent He said: “It is sometimes forgotten such a large proportion of the ICAEW chartered accountant in 1981. He was called to the Bar in that nearly half our members work in chartered accountants working industry rather than in practice .

1999. throughout the whole spectrum of “I feel it is important to encourage businesses across the UK.” During his year in office, Mr Pawson is keen to increase contact engagement with them and particip-

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 Issued by HSBC Bank plc. *Lines are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

AC18837

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS investor confidence edges higher in West Yorkshire INVESTOR confidence in the property market has improved slightly, according to a new poll.

The latest UK Real Estate Investor Confidence Survey

by Jones Lang LaSalle gave an index reading of 162 for the first quarter of 2011 against a reading of 152 for the final three months of last year.

London and the South East continued to dominate investor preferences, with 64% of respondents to the survey stating that these will be their main target regions this year.

However, this was a slight fall compared with the fourth quarter of 2010 – while there was a marginal increases in the proportion of investors looking to target regional centres such as Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham.

Mathew Atkinson, associate direct in Jones Lang LaSalle’s national investment team in West Yorkshire, said: “This mood of cautious optimism from our latest investor confidence survey reflects the mixed results from recent UK economic data which show that although economic pressures are not easing, the UK commercial property market remains attractive to investors.

“Whilst office investment volumes in Leeds, along with the key regional markets, were relatively weak in the first three months of the year as buyers continued to focus on Central London and the South East, we anticipate we will see rising activity in a wider range of markets this year.

“Increased competition for London assets and lack of

■ CAUTION: Jeff Pearey, of Jones Lang LaSalle supply in the capital, combined with strengthening market fundamentals for prime space, will drive investors – attracted by the diversification opportunities and total return potential – to broaden their horizons.

“This has the potential to encourage increased investor activity outside of London.

That said, caution continues to surround secondary assets and investors remain highly selective in their acquisitions.”

Jeff Pearey, head of Jones Lang LaSalle’s West Yorkshire office, said: “Occupiers remain cautious with the majority continuing to assess the impact of the current economic conditions on their business. However, the new enquiries are slowly converting into lettings and we anticipate a far stronger second quarter.”

property

Page 6

Keeping cool for HQ project A FIRM providing surface heating and cooling systems for the property sector has completed a capital project.

Huddersfield-based Velta provided its TABS cooling system for the new London headquarters of CAFOD – the Catholic Overseas Development Agency.

The system will cool the five-storey building during the summer via a ground source heat pump.

Velta worked in partnership with the mechanical and engineering contractor to ensure the system was designed to work as required for the building. Velta’s TABS system provided a bespoke solution for heating and cooling – with Velta providi n g s u p p o r t f ro m d e s i g n t o installation.

Velta’s TABS allow existing energy to be used to provide environmentally-friendly heating and cooling.

Many development schemes are using it for projects in the UK and internationally.

Skelmanthorpe-based Velta has provided solutions for more than 1,000 buildings and installed more than 3m sq metres of TABS – embedded in the concrete structure – to provide a sustainable and energy-efficient solution for the heating and cooling of modern buildings.

Managing director Gerald Kemp said that an increasing focus on “green” issues and the reduction of carbon emissions meant owners and builders of new office schemes were becoming increasingly focused on

■ COLD COMFORT: This new build project for CAFOD - the Catholic Overseas Development Agency - saw the installation of a special cooling system from Huddersfield-based Velta

constructing sustainable and energy efficient buildings.

Said Mr Kemp: “The benefit of installing this system for CAFOD’s headquarters is that it has provided them with an invisible, comfort cooling system with minimal maintenance required.

“It’s a cost effective, energy efficient

solution – an excellent choice for office buildings of the future.”

Velta, which also has operations in Midlothian, Scotland, is part of the Uponor Corporation and works with construction professionals worldwide on surface heating and cooling solutions for major construction projects.

Firms urged to avoid property pitfalls PROPERTY experts are urging companies to make sure they get it right when looking for new commercial premises.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said tough economic conditions meant it was more vital than ever for established firms and start-ups alike to avoid making costly mistakes when acquiring new sites.

The RICS said making a bad choice could lead to paying for space that is no longer needed or a building not fit for purpose – both of which will prove detrimental to the company’s cashflow and long-term survival.

It advised businesses to approach the property search in a logical and organised way to avoid overlooking any key points which may hinder it at a later stage.

RICS regional spokesman Richard Corby said: “So many businesses don’t do enough research when it comes to finding the right premises to operate from and this is one of the most common reasons they run in to

problems.

“Once a business has chosen the location it would like to operate from, seeking advice from a chartered surveyor familiar with the chosen area is the next step.

“An RICS member will be able to provide additional information and expert advice on the most suitable properties in the area.

They will also be able to challenge the company on their assumptions about the suitability of the location and any target properties which they feel may initially meet all their requirements.”

Said Mr Corby: “It is essential that existing companies and new start-ups consider their business strategy when choosing new premises – for example, the number of people they employ and the processes used in their business, as well as the property’s suitability for any plant or machinery required.

“They must also consider ongoing and future plans, such as how long they will need to operate from the property and within what

■ STRATEGY: RICS regional spokesman Richard Corby timescale additional space may be needed for expansion. The quality and size of the actual workspace environment needs to be thought about thoroughly and how this may impact on staff and their productivity.

“It’s important to check the

chosen building’s state of repair, too. The chartered surveyor plays a key role here and he or she will be able to advise on the potential repair cost and other outlays that a business occupying the property may face.

“The chosen property must have planning permission for the appropriate commercial use and it is essential to check that there are no restrictions to running the business from the building – such as a limitation on working hours or noise emissions.

“If planning permission is required, at least eight to 10 weeks should be allowed for the application to be processed.”

The RICS said the proposed terms of the lease should be checked by a chartered surveyor before a company instructs its solicitor to agree the formal documentation – paying particular attention to the clauses relating to service charges, rent reviews, break options, sub-letting and assignment, repairing and decorating obligations and personal guarantees.

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Sector survey stays gloomy THE construction market petition for jobs, which is has continued to slow across driving down the cost of Yorkshire – as government labour. spending cuts and a lack of H o w e v e r, 2 3 % m o r e commercial finance take respondents expect employtheir toll on the industry, ment levels to fall rather than according to a survey. rise in the region over the next The latest Construction 12 months.

Market Survey from the Surveyors were similarly Ro y a l I n s t i t u t i o n o f pessimistic with their predicChartered Surveyors, said tions for future workloads in workloads across almost all Yorkshire – at a net balance sectors in the region fell at minus 11. aw a y d u r i n g t h e l a s t Estimated profit margins quarter. also remain firmly negative, There was a similarly negwith 64% more expecting ative picture in other areas of profits to fall rather than rise the North of England as well over the coming year. This as Scotland and Northern reading has now remained in Ireland. negative territory since the That was in contrast to fourth quarter of 2007.

London and the South East RICS regional spokesman w h e r e w o r k l o a d a n d ■ POSITIVES: Colin Harrop, Chris Harrop said: “The figemployment expectations RICS regional spokesman ures make undeniably joyless are positive. reading for those in the YorkSome 11% more surveyors reported that shire and Humber construction market. activity in Yorkshire decreased rather than “The numbers do, however, underline the increased – with overall workloads in negative fact that there have been few better times for territory since the end of 2007. The private the seemingly rare breed of people that are industrial and public non-housing sectors engaging construction professionals and prosuffered the most, recording net balances of curing work. minus 18 and minus 17 respectively.

“We hope that we will see optimism in the Material costs continued to rise in the region grow as it has in other UK regions and region, with 62% more surveyors reporting a that regional workloads will at least stabilhike in prices – up from 56% during the ise. previous three months.

“There are positive notes in the national However, surveyors in the region report that workload outlook. Let's hope this points the the cost of hiring tradespeople and professionals continues to fall, reflecting increased com- way to regional recovery.”

Auction proceeds top £7m A PROPERTY auction staged by a West Yorkshire agency has realised proceeds of more than £7m.

Some 88 lots, representing 75% of the total of 118 lots, came under the hammer in the two-day sale staged by Eddisons in Leeds and Manchester.

Among the lots sold, a parcel of grassed land in Ravensthorpe sold for £74,000 off a guide price of £20,000-plus.

The site, which extends to about 512sq metres, fronts onto Huddersfield Road on the main A644 and is about one-and-a-half miles south-west of Dewsbury town centre.

Among other lots, the site of the former Hubberton service reservoir on Long Low

Edge Road, near Sowerby Bridge, sold for £12,000.

The lot had been offered on the instructions of Yorkshire Water at a declared nil reserve.

Tony Webber, of Eddisons, said: ‘Cash buyers looking for value for money reacted positively to the realistic guide prices.

“Many lots attracted competitive bidding which contributed to a strong all round performance.”

The next auction takes place on June 16 at Leeds United Football Club, Elland Road, Leeds and on June 21 at the Premier Inn, Trafford Park, Manchester. Both sales start at 12.30pm.

Agency ahieves hat-trick of successes PROPERTY agency CB Richard Ellis has secured a hat-trick of instructions in West Yorkshire.

The team will be handling interest in a 10,989sq ft newly refurbished, unit at Millshaw Park in Leeds, a 4,711sq ft unit on Butterley Street ,also in Leeds and an 9,863sq ft unit at Green Lane Industrial Estate at Featherstone, Wakefield.

successful year for CBRE’s industrial agency team.

Senior surveyor Daniel Austin said: “All three units present excellent opportunities for occupiers to secure quality premises in well-connected locations at competitive rental rates.

“We have already received a significant amount of enquiries regarding each available

TO LET

Modern Workshop

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

1 Modern workshop unit with vehicle inspection pit 1 Self contained secure yard area 1 Located off busy A62 Leeds Huddersfield Trunk Road 1 Close to J25 of M62 motorway Rent: £8,000 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 Hudds Town Centre and J24 of M62 £10 per sq ft per annum exclusive

TO LET

Industrial Premises

Pine Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1SS

1 Workshop/storage unit 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 exclusive

TO LET

First Floor Offices

Spen Valley House, Bradford Road, Cleckheaton, BD19 5LT

1 Prominent first floor offices 1 Ease of access to J26 of M62 1 41.7 – 83.40m2 (449 – 898 sq ft) Rent: £11 per sq ft per annum exclusive

TO LET

Prestigious High Spec Office Suite

Unit 1 Cartwright Court, Bradley Business Park, Huddersfield, HD2 1GN

1 Office units available from 1 Units from 1,009 sq ft 1 Established business park location 1 Ease of access to J24 & J25 of M62 Rent: £15 per sq ft per annum exclusive

TO LET

Modern Workshop Unit

Unit B, Brockholes Business Park, Rock Mill Road, Huddersfield, HD9 7BN 1 307m2 (3,308 sq ft) 1 Prominent location 1 Frontage to the A616 New Mill Road Rent: £5.25 per sq ft per annum exclusive

TO LET

Workshop/Showroom/Office

262 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, HD9 3JQ

1 Available as a whole or in part 1 Units from 400 – 14,000 sq ft 1 Prominent roadside frontage 1 Extensive car parking Rent: On Application

TO LET

Character Town Centre Offices

10 New North Parade, Huddersfield, HD1 5JP

1 Attractive character town centre offices 1 66.1m2 (712 sq ft) 1 Newly refurbished Rent: On Application

TO LET

Prominent Town Centre Office 8 Victoria Road, Elland

1 102.49m2 (1,103 sq ft) 1 100% Business Rates Relief current year 1 Private Car Parking Rental: £6,000 pax

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS James England

Carter Jonas

PROPERTY agency Carter Jonas has promoted James England, head of its residential team in Huddersfield, to senior associate.

Mr England (pictured) joined Carter Jonas in 2007 from the Leeds office of a national firm. He is based at the agency’s Slaithwaite office.

Said Mr England: “I am delighted to have been promoted to senior associate at Carter Jonas. I’ve really enjoyed working in the Huddersfield area for the last few years and I’m looking forward to taking on this new challenge and building on our recent successes.”

Tony Wright, partner and head of residential in Yorkshire, said: “It’s a testament to the talent and dedication of our team in Yorkshire that we can continue to increase our offering to clients. I know that James will take on his new position with enthusiasm.”

Among other promotions at Carter Jonas, Edward Stoyle, head of the residential team in York, has been promoted to partner, while Tom Whitehead, Mark Ludiman and Dan Taylor become senior associates in the firm’s Yorkshire-based rural division.

Robin Ashton

Movers and shakers

Business issues top the agenda WEST Yorkshire businesswomen have delivered a strong message to the Coalition Government – with calls for increased and continued financial support for small and new businesses.

The message came from a consultation event run by Forward Ladies, the organisation which supports professional women in business and which numbers scores of Kirklees businesswomen among its members.

The 50-strong audience, comprising a cross-section of professional women, gave their opinions on a number of key business topics.

Sarah Morgan, deputy head of gender equality policy and inclusion at the government’s Equality Office, set the scene – saying that women made up 51% of the population and 46% of the workforce, yet only accounted for one in 12 directly elected mayors and just 2% of those

chairing FTSE 100 companies.

Delegates to the meeting in Leeds voted on aspects of the economy – ranging from easier access to finance to how deep the public spending cuts have impacted on small businesses.

Other areas of concern included the numbers of women on the boards of companies, tax incentives for SMEs, banking sector support for firms, red tape, business mentoring and the importance of links between business and education.

Guest speaker Sarah Dickens, director for people operations and policy at Asda, explained how the company listened to its employees to get the best business solutions.

Leeds-based Asda has 180,000 employees, 60% of them women.

Females also make up 80% of its customers.

Ms Dickens said the recent acquisition of 147 Netto stores was creating new opportunities in the

company for female managers, but added: “Many women need to be tapped on the shoulder and encouraged to grow their careers and told ‘you can do it!’”

Etta Cohen, of Forward Ladies, said: “It is important to get the views of professional women in Yorkshire and to be able to feed them back to the relevant organisations so that we can instigate and lobby for change, if it’s needed, to improve the profitability and competitiveness of our region and women’s contribution to it.

“It was the first time we have held such a comprehensive and important consultation with our members and we are extremely pleased that we were able to facilitate such an intelligent and meaningful discussion with topics relevant to professional women.”

Company makes connections

Leeds BS A CHARTERED accountant with experience in retail financial services in the UK and overseas has been appointed as a non-executive director of Leeds Building Society.

Robin Ashton (pictured), joins the board of the UK’s fifth-largest building society. The board now consists of four executive directors and nine non-executive directors under the leadership of chairman Robin Smith.

Mr Ashton qualified as a chartered accountant with Coopers & Lybrand.

His 25 years in the retail financial services sector includes roles as treasurer, finance director and chief executive at Provident Financial plc.

He is also non-executive chairman of the parent company of Link Loans.

Roger Marsh

PwC ACCOUNTANCY firm PricewaterhouseCoopers has appointed Roger Marsh as office senior partner in West Yorkshire.

He succeeds Paul Nixon, who has been appointed PwC’s national leader for mid-cap companies – those listed outside the FTSE 100 and on AIM. Mr Marsh joined PwC in Leeds as a graduate in 1976 and became a partner in 1988. His experience ranges from audit to business recovery and insolvency, He has worked in the UK and abroad.

Page 8

THE future looks bright for an IT reselling company as winner of a local business award.

Paddock-based Brighter Connections was named Business of the Month in the competition run by Huddersfield’s Eaton Smith Solicitors, the Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Business Link.

Steven Pollitt (centre), of Eaton Smith, presented the award to Claire Phillips and Paul Wike (right), of Brighter Connections Ltd, with judges Chris Brown (left), of Brantwood Financial Planning, and Alan Lascelles, of Business Link.

Brighter Connections began re-selling branded IT equipment in 2003, since when the company has gone from strength to strength.

In the past seven years, the firm has increased staffing numbers to 12. It also doubled its turnover in the financial year 2009-2010.

Managing director,Darren Stringer said the company’s success was down

to delivering what’s right for the customer at a time that’s right for them at a great price. Its commitment to delivering a great service led Brighter Connections to add a technical services division in October last year.

Brighter Connection also works with a strategically and carefully selected portfolio of key partners to offer cutting-edge technologies and IT solutions. The firm has ISO 9001 accreditation for its quality system and ISO 27001 accreditation for its information security systems.

Said Mr Stringer: “We are delighted to have been awarded Business of the Month, which will raise our profile even further in the local area. The team can be justifiably proud that our hard work and achievements to date have been recognised.”

The award is open to companies in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. For details, go to www.eatonsmith.co.uk or contact Ian Greenwood on 01484 821389.

■ FEEDBACK: Etta Cohen, of networking group Forward Ladies, is championing the views of businesswomen

Why not join the trade talks tonight?

KIRKLEES companies will be out in force tonight for a mini trade show in Huddersfield.

The event has been organised by the Kirklees branch of the Federation of Small Businesses and will run from 7pm to 9pm at the Galpharm Stadium’s English Partnership Suite.

The aim is to spotlight the diversity of small businesses in the area and encourage people to buy locally wherever possible. The show is open to the public and to private and public sector organisations.

The trade show follows a similar event last year when 40 local companies exhibited. Each firm gets a small space or table to offer information about their products or services.

Businesses exhibiting range from accountancy and complementary healthcare to funeral services and computers.

Other attractions at the event will include a Support for Wellbeing area. Free preventative health checks – including diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol – will be offered by nurses as part of the NHS cardiovascular health checks programme.

FSB committee member Marsha Allen Dawson said: “This is a good one to attend.

“In just two hours, you can collect 50 special offers, have a free health check, make contact with many useful local suppliers – and enjoy a drink at the bar!”

That Friday feeling!

MEMBERS of Huddersfield’s town centre business community are invited to wind-down for the weekend by attending an informal networking event.

The First Friday Club will meet for an hour from 12.30pm on Friday, June 3, at The Vox Bar, Wood Street.

The aim is for friends to enjoy a drink together without the pressures associated with formal networking events.

Contact Krishna Patel, of accountancy firm Revell Ward, on 01484 550018.