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STEVE WAINWRIGHT Guarding your reputation
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An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Takeover agreed for home care firm
A HOME care services business based in Huddersfield has been bought by a bigger rival. Family-owned TLC Homecare Services (Yorkshire), based at Skelmanthorpe, has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by the Domus Healthcare Group in a move to expand its coverage across the region. T he ta ke ove r me a ns Domus increases its staff numbers from 220 to 300, who now provide 5,800 hours of care a week for people in their own homes across Yorkshire and the north-west. TLC was formed 10 years ago and for the past six years has been owned and operated by Val Middleton, one of the original founders, supported more recently by her husband, John. The couple will retire following the sale, while their daughter-in-law, Michelle Middleton, stays on to manage the business. She will oversee the day-to-day management of the 80-strong team and 1,800 care hours the business delivers each week for Kirklees Council. TLC will be
reb r a n d e d D o mu s H e a l t h c a re (Kirklees) Ltd in the new year. The acquisition follows the Domus Group’s buy-out of Hessle firm Advanced Care in summer, 2008, and Oldham-based Helpful Hands in May. Domus was formed in early 2008. Managing director Andrea Jetten said the latest acquisition forms part of the group’s growth strategy – “partnering like-minded organisations committed to delivering the highest standard of care to help people maintain independence in their own home”. She said: “Our aim is to deliver exceptional personal and domestic care in the home and we’re always keen to talk to other organisations that share our approach and values. “We’ve been working with the TLC team for several months now and have been very impressed with their business and approach. John, Valerie and their team have built up a very strong business committed to delivering high quality care, which makes it a perfect fit with Domus.”
ber intending to shed jobs. That reverses the picture of the previous quarter – and the same quarter last year – when hiring intentions were negative. Amanda White, operations manager at Manpower, said: “Despite hiring confidence in the region being flat, it is encouraging to see that it’s no longer in
Toe the party line EMPLOYERS have been urged to keep things under control at the office party – or run the risk of things going badly wrong. Neil Wilson, of law firm Chadwick Lawrence, said festive frolics that result in misconduct, assault or damage to property could make for a costly Christmas for Kirklees firms.
● Full story - Page 7
■ NEW FACES: Val and John Middleton (background) with (from left) Domus managing director Andrea Jetten: acquisitions director, Teresa Fiorentino; and Michelle Middleton, of TLC Homecare (Yorkshire), who will take over the day-to-day running of Domus Healthcare (Kirklees)
Recruitment plans ‘flat’ for Yorkshire bosses EMPLOYERS in Yorkshire are in no rush to recruit more staff during the first quarter of next year, a downbeat survey has revealed. Figures from recruitment services firm Manpower showed that recruitment intentions were “flat” – although the number of bosses planning to take on more staff outnumbered the num-
INSIDE
negative figures. Locally, we’re seeing some positive signs re-emerge within the finance and business services sector, which fits in with the sector’s return to solid positive outlook on a national level. “As a business, we’re also seeing increased demand for training staff as businesses look to increase the skills of
existing staff and as new Government initiatives continue their roll-out.” She said: “There continues to be healthy competition for jobs in the region, so those seeking work need to remain open to all opportunities. “Job seekers should not forget that temporary roles are a great way to broaden longer-term career goals,.”
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Cadbury prepares to repel Kraft bid DAIRY Milk maker Cadbury will launch its defence against Kraft’s hostile takeover bid on December 14, the confectionery giant has announced. The posting of its circular to more than 50,000 shareholders follows the publication of Kraft’s offer document last Friday. The bid from Kraft – the company behind brands including Toblerone, Dairylea and Kenco coffee – values Cadbury at about 713p a share, equivalent to £10.1bn. Cadbury’s shares closed down 5p – or nearly 1% – at 790p yesterday. The first deadline for shareholder acceptances has been set at January 5 – with the whole process subject to a 60-day timetable under Takeover Panel rules. Roger Carr, chairman of Cadbury,
has dismissed Kraft's initial bid as “derisory” and not even “remotely close” to the true value of the firm. Meanwhile, speculation is mounting that US company Hershey is in talks with Swiss food group Nestle about mounting a joint bid for Cadbury. City analysts have suggested Nestle could be interested in buying Cadbury’s gum business, but it may face anti-trust issues. Hershey and Ferrero have already announced they are considering their
options for Cadbury, but have yet to make a move. In November, it was reported that Hershey had lined up more than £4bn in financing to launch a bid. The company has loans from JP Morgan and Bank of America to fund a £10.3bn offer for Cadbury and spark a full-blown bid battle, reports said. Italian group Ferrero, which owns Ferrero Rocher, Kinder and Nutella, has also been named as a possible buyer of some Cadbury brands.
Signs of stability
Newspaper reports suggest that Cadbury will emphasise the value of its brands and its strong potential in emerging markets in its defence document. Markets such as Asia are key to Cadbury’s long-term growth and are one of the company’s attractions for Kraft. Cadbury’s sales growth in western Europe was weak in the four weeks to November 8, with sales up 0.1%, according to Bernstein Research. The chocolate firm will post a trading update with the document next Monday. Cadbury began life as a grocer’s shop in Birmingham’s fashionable Bull Street in 1824. Dairy Milk is the UK’s top-selling chocolate bar.More than 250m bars are also sold every year in 33 countries.
Tesco escalates food price war
Shanks attracts interest
TESCO has thrown down the gauntlet to upmarket rivals. The super market giant has slashed prices on its luxury Finest range in a bid to win a bigger share of the market this Christmas. Tesco is cutting prices on 200 new Finest products each week between now and Christmas – as it takes the increasingly ferocious price war into the luxury food aisles. The firm, which has several stores around Huddersfield, has launched a series of TV adverts to promote its Finest offer. Waitrose and Marks & Spencer traditionally lead the luxury food market on Britain’s high street, but
WASTE management company Shanks said it had received a takeover approach worth about £536m. The “preliminary and unsolicited” interest from an unnamed private equity group values Shanks at 135p a share. Shanks is Europe’s largest listed independent waste management company, operating in the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK and Canada. After talking with the group’s two largest shareholders, the board said that a bid of 150p a share – which would value the company at about £595m – would “deliver appropriate value to shareholders”.
Tesco’s Finest price cut campaign will see it compete head on to prevent shoppers from defecting. The promotion comes as supermarkets report growing demand for luxury items. Sainsbury’s said more shoppers were treating themselves food price inflation has eased sharply in recent months. Waitrose has also been tempting shoppers back who had been deterred by high prices a year ago. Market data from retail analysts TNS Worldpanel showed a 12.3% increase in the chain’s till roll takings against a year ago – taking its marketi share from 3.7% to 4%.
The offer is reported to be from Carlyle Group. Newspasper reports suggested the US private equity house has made three approaches in the last few months, but Shanks did not previously announce them to the London Stock Exchange, believing they were not serious enough. Carlyle is said to have won the support of institutional shareholders Legal & General and Schroders, which between them own 25% of the company. A successful takeover would make Shanks the UK’s third waste management group to fall into private equity hands in recent years.
MANUFACTURING firms in Yorkshire have reported a slight improvement in their fortunes. A survey by manufacturing industry group the EEF and business advisory firm BDO showed that output and orders for the region’s manufacturers had stabilised but were still “disappointingly weak” during the final quarter of the year. Export prospects had improved as the weak pound and recovering world markets began to have a positive impact on overseas sales. But companies were particularly concerned about a lack of cash flow while jobs continued to be lost, although at a slower pace. Confidence across manufacturing remained fragile, the report added. The survey said: “There is little to suggest that we are in for anything other than a long, slow haul out of recovery.”
Trailing behind CARAVAN and motor home retailer Discover Leisure posted a £16.7m loss, but said the decline in sales was slowing. Revenues fell from £135.8m to £84.4m in the year to August 31. The firm recently averted administration by agreeing a Company Voluntary Agreement with its lenders.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £24.17 +0.26 Gannett 656.08 +29.82 Hess Corp £35.00 +0.25 Microsoft 1818.51 -6.09 Motors Liquidation 45.65 Wal-Mart Stores £33.30 +0.29 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE BAE Systems 3411/8 +51/8 Rolls-Royce Gp 4987/8 -11/8 Smiths Grp 991 -31/2 1 VT Group 552 /2 -21/2 AIM Brady Plc 651/2 -11/2 Dawson Intl 17/8 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 1113/8 -1 BANKS Barclays 297 -61/2 HSBC 7123/4 -103/4 Lloyds Banking Gp 533/4 -21/4 Ryl Scotland 33 -15/8 1 Stan Chart 1492 /2 -201/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1063 +8 SABMiller 1837 +7 CHEMICALS Croda 7801/2 Delta 1411/2 -1 Elementis 98 503/4 -1/4 Johnsn Mat 1516 -2 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2581/4 -13/8 Costain 261/2 -1/2 ELECTRICITY 1
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Intl Power 2843/4 -11/4 Scottish & Sthrn 1115 -10 Energy ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Chloride 170 +7/8 Invensys 2913/8 +13/8 1 Laird 117 /2 -21/2 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3131/4 +1/2 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 1421/4 -1/8 C&W 1431/8 +1/8 Colt Telecom 1247/8 -5/8 KCOM 441/2 -13/4 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 280 +1/4 Sainsbury 3245/8 +3/4 5 Tesco 435 /8 +21/4 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 813 +1 Cadbury 790 -5 Nth Foods 65 -1/4 Tate Lyle 4283/8 +1/2 Unilever 1864 +4 Uniq 281/2 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 2621/2 +11/4 National Grid 645 -3 -21/2 Pennon Grp 5181/2 Severn 1032 -1 +41/4 United Utils 4995/8 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 2771/2 +7/8 ICAP 4325/8 -37/8 London StockExch 740 -121/2 Man Group 3251/4 -33/8 1
Schroders 1177 +5 Schroders NV 990 -61/2 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Avon Rbbr 98 Cooksn Grp 4081/2 -183/4 REXAM 2881/4 -13/4 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 14 DSG International 363/4 -1/4 Home Retail 3093/4 -11/8 Inchcape 30 +1/8 Kingfisher 2371/4 -11/2 M&S 4011/8 -11/8 Mothercare 652 -5 1 Next £20 /2 WH Smith 5371/2 +71/2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 600 -2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 126 -3 Barrat Dev 1191/4 -11/2 Persimmon 445 -171/4 Reckitt Benckiser £313/4 -1/8 Taylor Wimpey 363/8 -1/2 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 7431/2 -51/2 IMI 537 +3 Man Brnze 111 +21/2 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 1947/8 -53/4 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 160 -15/8 Forth Ports 1082 -31 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 3791/4 -1/8 3
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1121/2 6391/2 82 2111/8 MEDIA BSkyB 549 Chrysalis 1091/4 D Mail Tst 4123/4 ITV 521/2 Johnston Press 261/2 Pearson 854 Reed Elsevier 4693/4 STV Group 541/2 Trinity Mirror 1501/4 Utd Business 4525/8 UTV 1091/2 WPP 5881/2 Yell Group 43 MINING Anglo American £261/4 Antofagasta 9201/2 BHP Billiton 19101/2 Eurasian Natural 9011/2 Res Fresnillo 8491/2 Kazakhmys 1279 Lonmin 1826 Rio Tinto £313/4 VEDANTA £241/8 RESOURCES Xstrata 1072 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 663 Vodafone Group 141 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1084 RSA Insurance Gp 1177/8 Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life
-5/8 -3 -2 +51/2 +2 +21/4 +1/2 -1/2 +8 +11/4 +3/4 +1/4 +3/8 +4 +21/2 +11/8 +1/8 +20 +20 -191/2 -151/2 +6 +17 +1/2 +1/8 +6 +5 -13/8 +8 -1/8
Local shares Carclo Chapelthorpe Instore Marshalls National Grid Rensburg Sheppards Weir Gp
1081/2 121/2 45/8 843/4 645 641
-51/4 -3 -1
7031/2
-61/2
-3/4
FTSE closed at
5310.6 Down 11.7 BG 11051/2 +6 +27/8 BP 5875/8 Cairn Energy £315/8 +1/4 Norsk Hdro 4613/4 +11/8 Royal Dutch Shell A 18541/2 +1 Royal Dutch Shell B 1787 +41/2 Total £387/8 Tullow Oil 1265 -2 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Petrofac 9751/2 -61/2 Wood Group 3097/8 +2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry 572 -6 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £281/4 -1/4 Axis-Shield 407 +21/2 GlaxoSmithK XD 8
REAL ESTATE Brit Land 457 +11/8 DTZ Hldgs 713/4 +11/2 Hamrsn 406 -17/8 1 Land Secs 678 /2 -61/2 SEGRO 335 -11/2 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Autonomy Corp 1456 +6 Dimension Data 751/2 +1/2 Logica 1163/4 -21/8 Misys 2135/8 +11/8 Sage Group 2325/8 +13/4 SUPPORT SERVICES AMEC 7971/2 -121/2 Bunzl 6511/2 +111/2 Capita 732 +31/2 Davis Service 4141/4 +43/8 Group 1 De La Rue 993 /2 -51/2 Electrocomp 1691/2 +11/2 Experian 599 -3 G4S 2513/4 +3/8 Hays 99 -11/2 Homeserve 1621 -10 Menzies J 325 -43/4 Rentokil 101 -3/4 Smiths News 1111/4 -31/4 Wolseley 1249 -1 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 1631/4 -7/8 Psion 831/2 -1 1 Spirent Comms 93 /4 -41/4 TOBACCO Br Am Tob 1928 -10 Imperial Tobacco 1890 +6 LEISURE & HOTELS Arriva 473 -91/2 3
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TOURIST RATES
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FTSE 100
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Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.71 dollars Bangladesh................. 107.22 taka Brazil.............................. 2.55 reals Canada....................... 1.65 dollars China ........................... 10.04 yuan Czech Republic ...... 26.10 korunas Denmark....................... 7.83 krone Euro............................... 1.06 euro Hong Kong................ 12.10 dollars Hungary................... 265.47 forints India.......................... 67.33 rupees Japan........................... 140.77 yen Mexico ....................... 18.50 pesos New Zealand .............. 2.14 dollars Norway ......................... 8.92 krone Pakistan.................. 130.34 rupees Philippines ................. 64.94 pesos South Africa.................. 11.50 rand South Korea.............. 1653.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 177.63 rupees Sweden....................... 10.98 krona Switzerland.................. 1.59 francs Taiwan ...................... 46.30 dollars Turkey....................... 2.30 new lira USA ............................ 1.57 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS A SIMPLE question set Steve Wainwright on the path to launching his latest business. Steve had risen from modest beginnings as a trainee accountant at Revell Ward in Huddersfield to become chief executive of the multi-million pound turnover Birstall-based ICM Computer Group. But when ICM was sold to its biggest competitor – despite a well-engineered management buy-out bid led by Steve – the former Huddersfield Polytechnic student was left “on a year’s gardening leave” and was seeking new challenges with other firms. He recalls: “I got involved with a couple of businesses and the chairmen and chief executives would ask: ‘What would come up if I put your name into Google?’ That was a good question, because I didn’t have a clue. “I ‘Googled’ myself and I was astonished by what I saw. Most of the references to Steve Wainwright were nothing to do with me. “It highlighted to me that the internet is a pretty blunt instrument when it comes to seeking reliable information about someone. It is essentially a collection of press clippings.” Steve put his mind to how people in business – with reputations to protect – could take more control of their online identity. “The alternative is to get your own website, but it costs quite a lot of time and money to keep it updated,” he says. “There was nothing else out there – unless I wanted to join networking organisation – that would allow me to tell my story in my own words.” That prompted Steve to launch Profiled.com – a website helping senior people in business to counter any inaccurate personal information about them that may appear on the web. His avowed aim is to make the website “the definitive online resource for factually correct information about the UK’s most senior and high profile executives”. Business leaders can present their professional CVs and achievements. The website also features
profile
Time for the identity parade! a “contextual search engine” which searches the web for articles about members and notifies them of the results. That allows them to monitor and – where necessary – correct what’s being said about them as it happens. “I found a lot of people I know were having similar problems,” says Steve, “One of my contacts in marketing shares her name with a blues singer. People were often asking how her record sales were doing! “More seriously, imagine you are an accountant who shares a name with a convicted fraudster. There is a huge danger that the two individuals will get mixed up.” Says Steve: “I see Profiled.com as essentially making order out of chaos. We all use the internet to find information on new business contacts – but a lot of the information we get back via the popular search engines is either about someone else entirely or is wholly inaccurate. “I wanted a place where I could take positive control of the information about me on the internet and our market research showed that other senior businesspeople felt the same.” Steve said individuals joining Pofiled.com are encouraged to be honest about themselves and include “negative”
information. “If people misrepresent themselves they do their reputations and their occupations no good,” he says. “We make sure people are who they say they are and verify members’ identities because we want this to be the definitive site.” The site is attracting members from the business community and academics. “While it is in the early stages, the new site is taking up a lot of my time,” says Steve. “I have a team of technical people and mathematicians to help me. I class myself as a ‘user’ rather than an expert. While my background means I
■ REPUTATION: Steve Wainwright, of Profiled.com is “making order out of chaos”
can speak to the technical staff, I see things from the viewpoint of the user. “My ambition for the site is to make it the destination for business people to visit for information about other business people. It is a site with global ambitions. Once we start to get ‘critical mass’ it will appeal to more and more people.” Steve Wainwright, who lives at Holmfirth, studied accountancy at the former Huddersfield Polytechnic before training with Revell Ward and then working as an accountant with Deloitte. He moved to ICM in 1991 as finance director and was later appointed finance and commercial director. He led the group’s successful flotation on the main market of the London Stock Exchange in 1998 and was appointed chief executive in 2005. He played a pivotal role in growing ICM from a £5m turnover company to one with annual sales of £80m. His involvement with ICM ended following the sale of the business. Although building up profiled.com takes up most of his attention, Steve still has time to
Page 3 Steve Wainwright Role: Chief executive Age: 46 Family: Married with four children Holidays: Turkey and Majorca Car: Volvo XC90 First job: Shovelling in a builders’ yard Best thing about job: Creating something from scratch Worst thing about job: Not having the people around you to do things more quickly Business tip: Manage your cash flow with a passion
devote to his four children – and keeping fit by mountain biking. “I need to get some oxygen into my lungs after days in the office,” he says. “Living in the Holme Valley with its country tracks and hills is ideal territory for mountain biking.”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Profiled. com Work: Reputation management site for business people Employs: Six Sites: Holmfirth and Leeds Phone: 0845 2997910 Email: info@profiled. com
Your business success is out there. Is your bank?
Call Jill Hague on 08455 848702 Email jillhague@hsbc.com Come in to Calderdale and Kirklees Commercial Centre
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Georgie now has a European role A PHYSIOTHERAPIST based in Huddersfield has been running a course for employees of the European Commission in Italy. Chartered physiotherapist Georgie Oldfield, who is the only medical professional specialising in tension myoneural syndrome in the UK and Europe, was invited by the Institute for the Protection and Security of the Citizen at the joint research centre in Ispra, near Lake Maggiore, Italy, to provide the course for employees who were suffering from stress-related pain and ill health. Georgie is an experienced physiotherapist who runs the Pain Relief Centre at Longley. Some years ago, she began to question why accepted treatment approaches for chronic pain only seem to – at best – manage the condition and why many of her patients recovered, despite still having the physical problem they had been diagnosed with, such as RSI, arthritis and slipped discs. Her research led to her specialising in tension myoneural synd ro m e a n d h e r wo rk w i t h individuals and groups with the aim of preventing and eradicating long-term. Georgie’s work has resulted in her linking up with other specialists in
■ BACK HOME: Huddersfield chartered physiotherapist Georgie Oldfield (right) has just returned from providing a course for employees of the European Commission at Ispra, near Lake Maggiore, Italy (above)
the USA – and running the two-day course in Italy. The high priority given to methods that help reduce stress in the workplace – and the effectiveness of Georgie’s TMS recovery programme – mean proposals are now being put forward for the course to be made available to employees throughout the European Commis-
Investment firm upbeat as earnings slip INVESTMENT management group Rensburg Sheppards stressed its determination to boost the business as it announced a fall in half-year profits. The Leeds-based company posted pre-tax profits of £12.5m for the six months to September 30 against earnings of £16.4m for the same period last year. However, group funds under management rose to £12.13bn from £10.01bn last time. Shareholders will get an unchanged interim dividend of 8.5p a share. Rensburg Sheppards also announced the appointment of three executive directors from December 1, 2009, including Simon Kaye, divisional investment director heading the Leeds office. The company has a network of 11 regional offices across the UK. Chief executive Steve Elliott said: “I believe these results reflect Rensburg Sheppards’ ability to withstand difficult market conditions and to take advantage of opportunities to take the business forward. “We remain focused on maintaining our strong client relationships and on maximising net organic growth in funds under management.”
sion. Georgie said: “This has been an exciting few months for TMS Recovery in the UK and Europe – with more and more people on the programme succeeding in completely resolving their long-term pain after failing to find an answer using conventional and alternative approaches.
“Many people don't realise the diversity of our profession and that physiotherapy is not all purely hands on treatments. “The overall philosophy of physiotherapy is to help people regain movement and function and there is no doubt that this is what we are doing with the TMS recovery programme.”
Page 4 Return to trust status YORKSHIRE companies are regaining confidence in their bank managers, says a survey. Research by Close Invoice Finance, showed that bosses of small and medium-sized firms in the region said trust levels had risen during the course of 2009. Its Small Business Finance Barometer found that 41% of SMEs consider their bank manager as the most trusted person to go to for business advice, That compares with just 14% in 2009 as the recession and the credit crunch eroded confidence in the banking system. However, accountants remain the first choice for SMEs – with 46% of respondents believing they provide best advice in the current climate. Fellow business owners and mutual support networks also play an increasingly important role in guiding business owners through the recession, the survey suggests. Just one in four businesses employing up to 50 people looked for guidance from the banks in comparison to more than 42% of SMEs employing 101 to 250 employees.. Smaller SMEs were also more likely than larger business organisations to turn to fellow business owners. David Thomson, chief executive of Close Invoice Finance, said: “As SMEs across Yorkshire continue to feel the effects of the recession, obtaining solid advice is critical. “Our research reveals some interesting positive changes as bank managers strive to rebuild business confidence and now it seems that business owners are turning in increasing numbers to their bank manager for counsel.”
New products provide big boost for Birkby’s A COMPANY supplying parts for the biggest names in car making is confident of weathering the recession – despite the impact of the consumer slowdown on its customer base. Liversedge-based Birkby’s Plastics makes injection-moulded plastic trim components for customers including Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover. When the economy went into decline car manufacturers were hit particularly hard – creating a knock-on effect for Birkby’s. Following a management buy-out in January, 2008, Birkby’s sought additional stability by developing another branch to its business. The company won a five-year production contract with firm that specialises in turning recycled polymer products into sidings that carry track-side cables for the railway industry. Late last year, the product was granted approval by a national rail network provider after a 12-month field trial. This led to the development of a second product that provides the same service, but also incorporates a safe walkway for railway workers.
Both products required equipment beyond Birkby’s existing capability – meaning new investment was needed at the height of the banking crisis. Birkby’s Plastics approached regional development agency Yorkshire Forward to seek funding towards the purchase of a new press and associated robotics to secure this supply contract, create new jobs and grow the business. Yorkshire Forward contributed more than £400,000 towards the purchase of a new press and associated costs. The new Presma press cell – enabling Birkby’s to manufacture round the clock at a rate of more than 10 units per hour – was commissioned in September and is now fully operational. Birkby’s chief executive Ian Parker said: “Over the course of the recession, car manufacturers and their suppliers were among the hardest hit, so it was vital for
Birkby’s that we developed a business leg outside the automotive sector to ensure our future. “We have been collaborating for over 12 months to bring these two exciting products into production and Yorkshire Forward’s grant award enabled us to make the investments we needed when all other finance options were essentially closed. “The confidence Yorkshire Forward has shown in our strategy and plans enabled to us secure the rest of the funding for the project. The additional revenue stream generated by the new press has also allowed the company to keep its core projects, design and technical team intact.” Yorkshire Forward chairman Terry Hodgkinson said: “It is vital that we support the manufacturing industry because we know that a strong manufacturing sector is the foundation of a sound economy. “For a company like Birkby’s to buck the trend by taking on a new and successful project like this demonstrates to businesses how important diversity and innovation is in riding out the down-
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
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Innovative firm a worthy winner
■ WINNERS: Malcolm Tracey (centre), of Eaton Smith, presents the award to Chris Hopkins (third left), Helen Hopkins (second left) and Neil Holdsworth (left), of Ploughcroft, with (from left) Kathryn Shuttleworth, of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; Jonathan Kidd, of Holroyds Property; and Paul Dickinson, of Brantwood Financial Planning
A FAMILY-RUN building firm raising the standard of the roofing industry has won an award. Brighouse-based Ploughcroft Ltd, formed in 1997, was recognised for its achievements by being named Business of the Month in the awards run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith and the Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. Ploughcroft Ltd has been providing roofing and building contract services to a wide range of clients for many years. But in the face of the recession, the company has shown the determination and inspiration not to be beaten – and by being innovative has managed to keep most of its staff, improve and increase the services it offers and provide a lifeline to redundant construction workers. The company has enhanced its training and development centre, which now offers a service to other construction companies and local people affected by the recession. Ploughcroft has also set up an environmental division to focus on solar and green roofing as well as a franchise called Rooferman, which has given redundant building workers the opportunity to acquire a ready-made roofing business. Director Chris Hopkins, accepted the award on behalf of the firm.
Perfect fit for store A MENSWEAR store in Huddersfield has re-opened following a £200,000 revamp by its new owners. Greenwoods at King Street was opened by Kirklees Council cabinet member Clr Ken Smith after a four-week refit to install new ceilings, lighting, fixtures and fittings. The store has been re-branded under the name of new owner Bosideng, but retains the Greenwoods name on its display windows. It now sells Bosideng-branded casualwear alongside the existing Greenwood label jackets, suits and ties and the 1860 formal wear hire business. Parent company Bosideng, based in China, is a long-standing supplier of Greenwoods. It is one of the largest clothing producers in the Far East and already has more than 4,000 shops in China, including 800 menswear outlets. Neil Roberts, who is joint managing director alongside Paul Smith, said: “Bosideng has aspirations to international expansion. The company has invested heavily in the UK and has committed to opening and refitting a number of stores in the next five years. “The Huddersfield store is the third Bosideng branded store in the UK – with the others in Bury St Edmunds and Lincoln – but Bosideng regards this as the flagship store. “Huddersfield has a forward-look-
■ WELL-SUITED: Store manager Andrew Varley (left) toasts the opening of the new outlet with joint managing directors Paul Smith (second left) and Neil Roberts (right) and commercial manager Phil WIlliams
ing council which wants to keep a vibrant retail town centre. The store is in a superb location, so Bosideng decided to invest heavily here.” He added: “Bosideng brings a broader offer to our casual range, but they are leaving us to run the business and advise them accordingly.”
Store manager Andrew Varley added: “This is a very exciting opportunity for me to run such as well set out, modern store. The products are well-tailored to suit the local customer and I am encouraged by the level of interest so far.”
Gary’s quick on the draw BOSSES at a Huddersfield company spread some seasonal cheer with a competition for one lucky customer to win a new iPod Nano. Printing.com staged a free draw for customers during October – and the winner was GCHQ Hair Salon in Brockholes. Gary Cook, of GCHQ (left), was presented with his prize by Steve Green (right), director of printing.com. Said Gary: “We use printing.com to order many products throughout the year such as flyers and appointment cards. Winning the iPod was an unexpected surprise.” Printing.com is an international company offering a broad product range including business cards, letterheads, leaflets, booklets, postcards, promotional cards and invitations to small to medium sized businesses.
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Systems upgrade pays off for firm A HEALTH and safety consultancy based in Huddersfield has upgraded its data management system. Bradley-based Safety Management & Monitoring Services has launched the third generation of its innovative PropertyPlus system. PropertyPlus is a health and safety compliance data management system developed in consultation with some of the UK’s largest property companies over the past 10 years to revolutionise the way compliance reports and actions are managed. The new third generation version of the firm’s online system has been enhanced with new features for strategic management reporting as well as a new “dashboard” to make the
software easier to navigate. The upgraded system can now manage thousands of actions generated from health and safety, fire safety and water risk assessments and quickly allocate those actions to the relevant person at a touch of a button. The actions identified from the risk assessments can then be “closed” and signed off with progress notes added – or even allocated to an approved contractor – through a unique link to SM&MS’s ContractorPlus online contractor management system. Susan Morris, director of health and safety services at SM&MS, said: “We are continually striving to
improve the services and products we offer our clients, which has resulted in us developing new, improved features to our popular PropertyPlus system. “This makes it even quicker to manage actions arising from the various risk assessments and in turn reduces a company’s exposure to prosecution and civil claims by demonstrating due diligence and providing an audit trail of health and safety management.” SM&MS, based at Bradley Business Park, was founded in 1994 and provides health and safety services to help firms meet legislative demands and achieve best health and safety practice.
■ SYSTEM: Susan Morris, director of health and safety services at Bradley-based SM&MS
Recovery plan BANKER’S BLOG Jill Hague
HE past two years have offered a T great many challenges for businesses of all sizes, but for many the
■ CARING: Award winner Vicki Hayley with White Rose House Care Centre manager Christine Evans
Award for merit THE head of a care centre in Holmfirth has won a quar terly award for employees. Vicki Hayley, who works at the White Rose House Care Centre, scooped the Employee Merit Award. The scheme runs throughout Meridian H e a l t h c a r e ’s 2 7 c a r e centres and provides colleagues, residents, their families and visitors with the chance to nominate members of staff in recognition of outstanding service and performance.
Each quarter the nominations from all the homes are counted and prizes are awarded to the individual and the care centre team with the most nominations. Vicki received a £100 gift voucher and a certificate to acknowledge her excellent work. She said: “White Rose is a nice place to work. “There is a great team here and a good manager who really motivates the staff.”
biggest battle – and greatest opportunities – could be yet to come. Ensuring that you are able to thrive in a recovery is as important as surviving in a downturn. The plans and the processes adopted in the past need to be re-evaluated, reworked and rethought if businesses in the UK are to make the most of the “better” times. As history tells us more businesses will fail in recovery than they do in a downturn. This will be the true test. Nearly one in four businesses in the UK chooses HSBC. We therefore have an obligation to help our customers understand the present and prepare them for the future. Companies are set to come out of the recession leaner and fitter after restricting cash flow, reducing costs, drawing on their own resources and restructuring. We have undertaken a business recovery report in conjunction with Rebecca Harding, of Delta Economics, to get an even better understanding of the kind of businesses sectors and industries that are beginning to display signs of recovery. The research questioned 2,100 small businesses and 30 business and economic experts. The report warns that if firms continue to tighten their grasp of the purse strings at the expense of investment they could hamper their recovery and miss out on the opportunities to grow and prosper.
Some findings from the report are: ● 21% of SME expect to be employing more people in the next 12 months ● 85% said that they still expect to be in business in 12 months time ● Only 15% of companies are looking for finance at the moment ● Of the companies looking for finance 80% are looking for growth finance Other things the report suggests that businesses consider are: ● Make sure your business model is correct for the market you operate in – if finance is needed then for a viable business it is available – approach your bank early with a well thought through business plan ● Take advantage of new markets on the back of sound business planning and advice ● Take a long term view and work in partnership with your advisors who will provide you with access to networks and support services ● Face troubles “head on” and speak regularly to your bank rather than letting challenges fester In summary we are asking businesses to take a longer term approach, acting now to secure external funding to weather the recovery. For further information on the Business o f Re c ove r y Re p o r t p l e a s e v i s i t www.hsbc.co.uk/business
Jill Hague is HSBC area commercial director for Calderdale and Kirklees
KIRKLEES BUSIN Digital upgrade for Yorkshire A NEW project to boost collaboration and innovation for the region’s digital and creative industries has been unveiled by Yorkshire Forward. The Northern Way, which brings together ■ PRAISE: MP regional Rosie Winterton development agencies covering Yorkshire, the north-east and the north-west, has invested £9.4m in the NorthernNet project. The project links premises across the north via a high-speed telecommunication network – for the first time providing the north with a single high-speed, secure, digital network that connects the region’s creative and digital sector and customers. NorthernNet members will enable businesses in the sector to share information and work together quickly and efficiently. The network allows enormous files to be sent between premises at incredible speeds and it is available to businesses as a direct connection and as pay-as-you-go via NorthernNet Media Access Bureaus based across the north. A further £3.4m of Northern Way funding has been secured for the NorthernNet Innovation and Collaboration Programme, which aims to encourage and develop a robust, competitive supply chain to elevate the north to be a leading force in the European media industry. The project is managed and coordinated by Northwest Vision & Media in Manchester working with delivery partners including Screen Yorkshire. Rosie Winterton, regional minister for Yorkshire and Humber, said: “This innovative project will help put businesses across the north of England at the forefront of the digital revolution.Technologies of the future will be key to the success of our regional economies.”
Town talk MORE than 100 delegates attended the Yorkshire Business Forum at the Galpharm Stadium. The event, sponsored by law firm Chadwick Lawrence, was held before Town’s League One game against Tranmere Rovers. Town commercial director Sean Jarvis introduced speakers Neil Wilson, of Chadwick Lawrence; Town first team squad members Robbie Simpson and Tom Clarke; and Barrie McDermott, Sky TV pundit and head of the Leeds Rhinos Academy.
NESS NEWS
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Lisa and Jim get in the swim
A BUSINESSWOMAN who grew up in Huddersfield is in the swim after winning a national award for innovation. Lisa Irlam, chief executive of electronic training products firms Swimovate Ltd, was named Enterprising Women Innovator of the Year 2009. Lisa, who grew up in Lepton and Shelley and attended King James’s School at Almondbury, launched Swimovate Ltd with her husband Jim two years ago. The award recognised Lisa’s success in developing the Pool-Mate – a wrist watch for swimmers of all abilities that automatically counts a swimmer’s laps and strokes. The watch includes motion detection technology so swimmers don’t need to do anything more than just press the “start” button and swim. The new device is being snapped up by swimmers and triathletes all over the world. Said Lisa: “We have been amazed by the interest so far and have shipped thousands of Pool-Mates to over 40 countries around the world already in just the first two months of sales. “We have already signed up distributors in many countries including France, Spain and Germany and are in some huge shops in the USA. Swimmers really seem to have been waiting for this, which is incredible.” Lisa and Jim have spent the past two years developing the watch and testing it every
■ WELL-TIMED: Lisa Irlam, chief executive of Swimovate Ltd, was among the winners of Enterprising Women Innovator of the Year 2009
week with their local triathlon club. Having experience developing consumer electronics, they wanted to set up in a business that tied-in with their hobbies of swim-
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ming and triathlon – and saw a gap in the market for electronics training aids for swimmers. With their past experience in electronic design and manufacture they knew they had the potential and decided to invest their savings and give it a go. Lisa was delighted to win the Enterprising Women award – and is now encouraging people to give themselves a chance of success. She said: “Believe in yourself. There are no right or wrong ways in business, but you need to have confidence from the outset.” As well as counting laps and strokes, the Pool-Mate gives the swimmer details of their speed, distance, calories and swimming efficiency to make it a very sophisticated training tool. It works with all the major swim strokes and is suitable for everyone – from serious athletes to Sunday lap swimmers. Swimovate Ltd is a UK company run by swimmers and triathletes developing innovative, affordable electronic training products for sports. They are dedicated to finding workable solutions to training issues athletes of all abilities. The Swimovate team have extensive experience in electronic and software design, development and manufacture worldwide.
Perils of the office ‘do’
HRISTMAS is almost upon us – and C this means the “works Christmas do” will probably be taking place in
your company. For many employers this is a time to fear – misconduct ranging from general banter gone wrong to allegations of serious sexual assault and rape have been experienced in the past, so it is important that the employer takes a firm line and prepares fully in advance of these events. With employees in high spirits at such events, it is not uncommon for there to be allegations of banter taking place which has been misconstrued, arguments or indeed physical violence and fighting. This is a rather common occurrence on which we are often asked to advise. This year, there is an added risk as a result of the rise of social networking websites. The latest warning is for businesses to be aware of the risks of allowing employees to take photographs at these events. A “merry” employee with a mobile phone may now, in many cases, quickly upload a photograph they have taken onto the internet, for potentially millions of people to see. Often, if an employee has consumed alcohol, their judgement will be somewhat impaired and they will not think about the consequences of putting the photos in the public domain. This can have serious consequences on a
EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Neil Wilson
number of fronts, depending on the nature of the images that are taken. Fellow employees may well object to them, which could lead to allegations of a breach of privacy or even defamation. Much ill-feeling within the business generally may also be one ramification of such actions. Employers therefore need to take care when providing festive celebrations for their staff and think particularly carefully about free bar facilities, which are often the trigger for many of the problems. All manner of other issues can result from the Christmas party celebrations. Often at such events, equal opportunities policies are breached or things go on which lead to the breach of those types of policies and harassment of staff in the future. Here are a few rules that should be followed to hopefully prevent such misbehaviour:
● Prepare a policy on the intranet or notice boards to make employees aware of the standards of behaviour expected of them and the fact that disciplinary action may be taken if the rules are breached ● Consider providing alternative transport for attendees, especially for those who are intending on making the most of the bar facility! ● Consider whether you will be providing a free bar. If employees have to pay, they may well limit the amount they consume ● Consider the age of your employees – do not allow the 16-year-old trainee to kick back tequila slammers all night ● Consider the menu that you will offer – religious beliefs impact on the choice of drinks available ● If you are holding a party in the office, DO NOT make the photocopier accessible!
Neil Wilson is an employment lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors
Millers Oils outpaces racing rivals A BRIGHOUSE firm supplying lubricants and fuel additives has beaten off competition from some of the biggest names in motor sport to win a national award. Millers Oils overtook rivals at McLaren and Williams to scoop the trophy for most innovative new product in the 2009 World Motorsport Symposium. The awards are held each year to celebrate the most innovative designers, engineers and technological advances that shape the motor sport world. Millers Oils triumphed with its Nano Technology range, which was chosen by judged ahead of components and systems from motor sport specialists such as Williams, McLaren, Car Tech and Oxeon, for its ability to radically improve the performance of transmission oil. The range was launched by Millers in January, 2009, and has been used during 2009 by several teams in the British Touring Car Championship as well as many successful rally drivers such as British junior champion Martin McCormack and Scottish rally champion David Bogie. In extreme racing conditions, the lubricant range pioneered by Millers Oils has shown in testing to considerably improve performance over oils that utilise
more ‘conventional’ solid lubricants. Reductions in friction of up 25% have been recorded in oils using Nano Technology. The science behind the innovation is based on the chemical behaviour of extremely minute particles. Millers Oils is one of the first oil and lubricants companies to successfully explore the use of this new family of additives – known as Inorganic Fullerines – which are made up of structures the size of 100 nanometers or less. This technology reinforces the oil molecules, which has the key advantage of reducing friction, heat and wear in transmission components. Nevil Hall, joint managing director at Millers Oils, said: “This is a fantastic award for the Millers Oils team and is thoroughly deserved for our really excellent and passionate technical team. “A lot of thought went into the design and development of the Nano Technology range and we were delighted with the feedback from so many high profile racing teams once they began using the oil. “For Millers Oils to be held in such high regard alongside other winners on the night such as the Brawn F1 team and Peugeot Sport is a huge compliment and real recognition for our products, and our approach to developing some of the most respected products currently used in motorsport.”
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
RICS aims to lift standards A NEW route to becoming a chartered surveyor will help improve the standards and reputation of people and companies working in the residential property market, it is claimed. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said the new entry level qualification, AssocRICS, was aimed at non-graduates who can use it to start climbing the ladder towards full qualification through further experience and academic study. Jennifer Welch, operations director for the RICS in Yorkshire, said: “The RICS has been advising the Government for many years that the estate agency industry needs to be appropriately regulated with licensed agents. “The new associate qualification fits in with this perfectly and will help to raise standards in the residential sector. “While there are many negative urban myths about home sales, the facts show that 95% of the public use estate agents and with this new competence-based qualification the standards and reputation of the industry can only improve. “Buying and selling property often represents the most important financial transactions that consumers undertake. “As a result, consumers want to deal with professionals who will act professionally and ethically.” Said Ms Welch: “The RICS is committed to providing continual support to agencies in this vital part of the UK economy that impinges so significantly on all of our lives. “This new entry level qualification will ensure a better industry for us all.”
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New contracts for architects
ARCHITECTURE practice Above & Beyond has reported a “definite upturn” in business. The company, based at Folly Hall Mills in Huddersfield, said it had enjoyed its best week ever in terms of new business wins. The firm has secured five contracts and has noticed a move towards long-term partnerships as businesses look to secure their future after a difficult 18 months for the industry. The initial contracts won by Above and Beyond are worth more than £400,000 to the company. However, managing director Andrew Stoddart said the partnerships which the practice has built and developed in order to secure the work was invaluable. “It’s common knowledge that the construction industry was one of those hardest hit by the recession,” said Mr Stoddart. “Although we’ve been hearing talk of green shoots for some time now we preferred to wait for evidence. “We’ve worked hard throughout the downturn to nurture relationships with key
■ BRIEFING: Managing director Andrew Stoddart (left) and members of the team at Above & Beyond discuss latest projects
partners, giving us an extremely strong position now that the economy seems to be picking up. We’re delighted with the suc-
cesses of last week but we’re aware that this is simply the first step to getting the industry back on track.”
Builders’ network To LeT – LAST ReMAINING oFFICe SUITe Pennine House
Bradley Business Park, Huddersfield 1117.05m2 (1,260 sq ft) 1Good quality accommodation 1Centrally heated offices 1Designated on site car parking 1Rental: £15,500 pax
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A NEW network has been launched to aid construction companies in Yorkshire. Regional development agency Yorkshire Forward has commissioned Leeds Metropolitan University to set up and operate the new Construction Sector Network for Yorkshire and Humber. T h e n e t wo rk a i m s t o improve the overall performance of firms in the sector. Yorkshire Forward said it had consulted small and medium-sized companies, major contractors and clients to ensure the CSN addresses the needs of the industry. The CSN will be directed by a business-led management board comprising key industry representatives from across the region and managed by a small delivery team. It will act as a single voice for the sector to lobby policy makers and work with sup-
■ FOCUS: Yorkshire Forward chairman Terry Hodgkinson
port agencies. The umbrella organisation will point building sector firms to sources of funding, regional market intelligence and emerging construction techniques and technologies
a s we l l a s p rov i d i n g a “one-stop shop” for information and advice on key sector issues . Yorkshire Forward chairman Terry Hodgkinson, who has firsthand experience of the sector, said: “The CSN will be an industry led strategic organisation that will glue together all the fragmented strands of the construction industry in our region and provide focus, leadership and direction. “This initiative will offer all aspects of the construction sector an opportunity to work together on key sector issues over the next three years and beyond. The CSN will be officially launched in the New Year, but enquiries can be directed to interim project manager Jeff Hobday on 0113 8129106 or 07782 169980. Email J.M.Hobday@leedsmet.ac.uk
Banks keep faith with property sector LENDING by banks to the commercial property sector fell for the first time on record this year, a survey has revealed. A study by De Montfort University showed that lending to the sector totalled £224.1bn in mid-2009 – some 0.6%
down on the £225.5bn total for the end of 2008. However, loans in breach of financial agreements doubled in the first half of 2009 to about £30bn – with £18.6bn reported in breach of covenants and £11.8bn in default. The report said banks had
retained their faith in property. Fears of large fire sales of assets as banks called in their loans have not been realised, despite plunging property values. The study added that the occupier market was still expected to struggle through 2010.
01484 4 32 043
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01484 432043
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Fitzwilliam House Fitzwilliam Street Huddersfield
Storage Land Ellis Hill, Leeds Road Huddersfield
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HD1 5NE
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS A YORKSHIRE building firm is among Europe’s top 11 construction sector companies, a survey has revealed. Figures on the financial performance of Europe’s biggest building firms show York-based housebuilder Persimmon in 33rd place. in the European Powers of Construction 2009 report by business advisory firm Deloitte. Other firms with sites in Yorkshire listed in the top 100 include Carillion, Laing O’Rourke, Barratt Developments, Taylor Wimpey and Kier Group.
A QUARRY company is stepping up its links with Huddersfield University. Johnsons Wellfield Quarries, of Crosland Hill, has provided stone for the university’s new Business School, which is taking shape on the Queensgate campus. The firm also produced the foundation stone, which was officially unveiled by the Duke of Gloucester at a special ceremony this autumn. “This is not the first time that Johnsons Wellfield Quarries have been involved in helping to make the university’s campus one of the most impressive in the country,” said Colin Blair, director of estates and facilities at the university. “They also supplied the stone and foundation stone for our creative arts building, which was unveiled by the Queen in 2007. “We’re extremely pleased to be working with Johnsons Wellfield again – not only due to the excellent quality and service they provide, but also because they’re a local firm, meaning the stone doesn’t have very far to travel, ensuring that as little damage is done to the environment as possible during the construction of this building.” Michael Gorman, technical sales manager at Johnsons Wellfield, said: “We are keen to strengthen our ties with local business and commerce.
Rosemount House Rosemount Estate Elland
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Ground floor newly refurbished open plan offices Ample on site car parking Within 1 mile of junction 24 M62 Contact Jason Metcalfe
Contact Richard Smith
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Firm resumes university links
Regional ratings
TO LET 2,659 sq ft
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014 8 4 4 32 0 4 3 www.hanson-cs.co.uk
■ ROCK SOLID: Michael Gorman (left), technical sales manager for Johnsons Wellfield Quarries, with Huddersfield University’s director of estates and facilities Colin Blair
“Supplying materials to the university’s new Business School provides a lasting legacy of the use of locally-sourced traditional building stone in modern architecture.” The partnership also marks the continuing commitment by the university to support
local businesses during the recession. The £16m Business School is on course for completion in September, 2010. It is the latest phase of the university’s ambitious £150m new build programme, which has already seen £80m invested over the past 10 years.
commercial properties
14 st georges square, huddersfield hd1 1jf telephone 01484 558231/530361 - jonathan.wilson@bramleys1.co.uk
www.bramleys.com
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COLNESIDE BUSINESS PARK, MILNSBRIDGE
£30,000 PA
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Open plan Showroom FLEXIBLE TERMS Industrial Unit 9,151 sqft also available
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door ●
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£7,250 PA
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Retail units 20.72sqm (223sqft) and 155.33sqm (1,672sqft) Popular shopping centre
OLD WAKEFIELD ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD
£7,000 P/A
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retail
SALENDINE NOOK SHOPPING CENTRE, HUDDERSFIELD
2ND FLOOR, CLOTH HALL CHAMBERS, HUDDERSFIELD
£8,500 PA
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ST GEORGES SQUARE, HUDDERSFIELD
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setting
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
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Structherm aiming to reach greater heights
■ NEW LOOK: Properties in Liverpool (above) given a facelift by Meltham firm Structherm’s real brick slip cladding system, while the firm’s new Fastbrick product has been used on this 1960s high-rise in Clydebank, Scotland (right)
A FIRM specialising in refurbishing old properties is in the spotlight. Meltham-based Structherm has been shortlisted in a national awards for its part in regenerating a Merseyside housing estate. And it is winning new business with an innovative insulated real brick slip cladding system for use on buildings in need of a facelift. Structherm’s nomination in the Sustain Magazine Awards 2010 comes for its part in the regeneration of the Daneville Estate in Liverpool. The company has reached the finals for its work with Liverpool Mutual Homes to help refurbish 600 properties on the estate – 63 of which were void at the start of the project. The properties were in varying states of disrepair. Structherm’s structural cladding system not only addressed the structural problems that the properties faced, but also improved their appearance and thermal efficiency – improving the look of the estate, reducing fuel costs for tenants and making the estate a desirable place to live. Structherm is nominated in the Award for Refurbishment category for the project. The winner will be revealed at an awards ceremony in March during Eco-
build, the annual design and construction exhibition. Structherm won several award nominations during 2009 for its work in new-build and refurbishment . It reached the finals of the 2009 Sustainable Housing Awards for its work on the Daneville Estate and was shortlisted for two classes in the Off Site Construction Awards for new-build project in Stratford upon Avon Meanwhile, Structherm is winning work with its insulated real brick slip cladding system, which combines the advantages of modern construction techniques with the appeal of traditional brickwork. The system is targeted at the social housing sector for external refurbishment work – particularly ground floors of high rise properties. Fa s t b r i c k w i l l c o m p l i m e n t Structherm’s existing range of refurbishment systems that include external wall insulation and cladding products. The company said: “Fastbrick is faster and easier installation than traditional masonry, boasts high insulation values and is aesthetically pleasing.” The system has already been used for a 1960s high-rise block of flats in Clydebank, Scotland, to remedy structural defects, condensation and mould and to improve energy efficiency.
Surveyors forecasting rise in residential rents SURVEYORS in Yorkshire are increasingly optimistic that residential rents will start to rise in the New Year– as the number of rental properties coming onto the market has fallen. A survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said the pick-up in the housing market had led to a fall in the number of rental properties – particularly houses – being made available. As a result, surveyor optimism in the North has increased – with 31% of surveyors expecting rents to rise in the next three months, That’s 4% up on the previous quarter. The region’s surveyors are also reporting price rises over the past three months – with 13% of respondents claiming an increase in rents, up from 9%. The drop off in supply is the main reason for the increased optimism. The number of surveyors reporting new instructions to rent has fallen in the region from a balance of minus 11% to a figure of minus 21%. That is in stark contrast to late last year when the housing market
■ INTEREST: RICS spokesman Jonathan Charters-Reid was still suffering from falling prices and many would-be sellers were turning to the lettings market when their houses failed to sell. Demand for rental property is also rising – up from 10% to 15%. R I C S r e g i o n a l s p o ke s m a n
Jonathan Charters-Reid said: “The rental market in Yorkshire is now vastly more exciting than we’ve experienced it to be in previous months. “An increase in interest from investors and purchasers and vendors who have adapted to the market’s needs has significantly increased the opportunity in the region. “We echo the survey figures and are generally finding that the decent properties coming on to the market are renting readily and quickly, as are the properties which have been empty on the market previously. “In turn, this means that we are seeing some rents increasing. The demand for good, solid houses has increased leading to rises in rents fairly broadly across the region. “There is no longer an over supply in the Yorkshire market and demand is improving with more people looking to rent, whereas a year ago those who couldn’t sell their property were becoming accidental landlords.”
Make your premises safe and secure this Christmas KIRKLEES companies are being urged to take steps to keep their premises secure over Christmas. The National Security Inspectorate warned that some organisations could leave themselves open to the risk of burglary, arson or criminal damage if they fail to safeguard their property over the Christmas shutdown. Spokesman Julian Stanton said: “Criminals will be aware that many businesses will be left unattended for up to 10 days. “This could include whole areas – such as industrial estates – where few company employees will venture during the holiday period. “This provides the perfect opportunity for criminals to target quieter than normal business areas in particular. And there is also the increased risk of vandalism and arson.” Mr Stanton said businesses
should check that intruder alarms, CCTV and fire alarm systems are in working order and that systems are locked, set and working as necessary before the last employee leaves. Businesses in doubt about the security of their premises should contact local police for crime prevention advice or speak to their installer if their concerns relate to security systems. Said Mr Stanton: “Making sure that appropriate security and fire prevention measures are in place when a business closes for the festivities should ensure a positive start to the New Year. “Effective electronic security and fire protection systems that work when you need them are essential. You should therefore ensure that your security and fire systems contractor is approved by a recognised approvals body.”
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Heidi Mottram & Sharon Allen
Yorkshire Forward TWO appointments have been made to the board of regional development agency Yorkshire Forward. Heidi Mottram (top, fight) and Sharon Allen (also pictured) take up their three-year appointments with the agency. Their appointments were confirmed by Business Minister Pat McFadden, who said: “They bring a real wealth of experience and leadership to the role. “The contribution they can make will be extremely valuable to the agency’s work supporting growth in the region as the UK moves towards economic recovery.” Heidi Mottram has worked in the rail industry since the mid-1980s and has been managing director of Northern Rail since it started in December, 2004. Sharon Allen has been chief executive of St Anne’s Community Services for more than six years. She is also a board member of Homeless Link, the Yorkshire & Humber Regional Forum, St Anne’s Shelter & Housing Action Trading Ltd, Affinity Trust, and Volition.
Movers and shakers
More bookings at the stadium BOSSES at the Galpharm Stadium have booked in a new supporter! The Holiday Inn at Brighouse becomes the stadium’s official hotel partner and will provide rooms at preferential rates for all stadium partners. The arrangement also extends to “sister” hotels the Crown Plaza, Leeds, and the Holiday Inn, Wakefield. Ralph Rimmer, stadium managing director, said: “This is a very important and long overdue addition to the family. “We receive regular visitors from all over the country and further abroad – and to be able to offer these bedroom rates to compliment our conference and
banqueting and other activities is a real bonus. “It is crucial that we can meet all our clients’ requirements and giving them quality local facilities such as this works well for us. The venue is top class. People we have worked alongside have also proved to be of the same calibre and also sports daft! That is a winning combination and I am confident we have a strong future together.” Louise Dodd, general manager of the Holiday Inn, Brighouse, said “We are delighted that Ralph has given us the opportunity to join the KSDL partnership.”
He’s leading a winning team!
Dan Suggitt
PwC
■ ROOM WITH A VIEW: Ralph Rimmer, stadium managing director, with (from left) Patricia Lawton and Louise Dodd, representing the Holiday Inn at Brighouse; and Jaine Binns, of Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd
Trainees pass exams FOUR employees at a Huddersfield insurance brokers have achieved success in training. Eastwood and Partners runs the insurance apprenticeship programme at its Northumberland Street offices. Now the first four certificates have been awarded to Gareth Crowther, Nick Etell, Lydia May and Sarah Sugden. The programme has been completed in conjunction with Babington Business College and consists of an NVQ plus a technical Insurance examination. Human resources manager Lucy Hodgson said: “The apprenticeship programme offers a structured approach to learning. “Through day-to-day work, goals can be achieved and a professional qualification can be earned. “Our four successful candidates are now progressing to the advanced apprenticeship.” Eastwood and Partners has more than 80 staff based in Huddersfield, Halifax and Sheffield providing insurance broking, risk management and financial services.
DAN Suggitt has been appointed a senior manager by PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr Suggitt, a chartered surveyor with 15 years experience in the regional property market, has joined the firm’s business recovery services real estate team in Leeds. He has spent the past nine years working with a local property investment and development company – and was responsible for all aspects of the development process from site identification through to completion.
Mike Richardson
FMG Support FLEET performance improvement company FMG Support has appointed Mike Richardson as group finance director. Mr Richardson joins the board from his previous role as chief financial officer at freight management business Geodis Wilson. He has also worked for drinks giant Diageo, where he was involved in the financial management of several business units, and TNT, where he led the group’s communications with global financial markets. In his new role, Mr Richardson will be responsible for managing and developing relationships with the investment community and seeking strategic opportunities for FMG Support – including acquisitions – as well as enhancing shareholder value in the business. FMG Support has demonstrated consistent year-on-year growth over the past five years in terms of turnover and operating profit. The company, based at St Andrew’s Road, Bradley Mills, is on target to achieve growth during the current financial year despite the global downturn. Said Mr Richardson: “I’m looking forward to bringing my past experience to FMG Support and working with a fast-paced, growing entrepreneurial business with huge potential.”
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■ WINNING TEAM: Palvinder Singh (centre, back) with colleagues (back, from left) Sukhjeet Rai and James McCracken and (front, from left) Don Scaife, Julie Stamper, Niina Marttila and Elizabeth Franks A HUDDERSFIELD man has helped colleagues at a college marketing department win a stack of awards. Palvinder Singh has headed the marketing and communications department at Stockport College for the past two years. And under his leadership, the department has swept the board – winning awards at the CIPR PRide Awards in Manchester and the FE First Awards in Coventry. The department beat hundreds of top agencies in the PR and marketing sector – and was judged as having some of the best marketing and communications campaigns and collateral in the UK Further Education sector.
Stockport was the only college in the north-west to be shortlisted at the prestigious, regional Chartered Institute of Public Relations PRide Awards CIPR awards – winning gold in the category for best newsletter. The college also won gold in the same category ay the national FE First Awards where it was also highly commended in two other categories. Mr SIngh joined Stockport College from his role as marketing manager at Joseph Priestley College in Leeds. He said: “We have spent a lot of time on research and development to get where we are now and the sheer rise in applications and enrolment figures is a testament to Stockport College’s success.”
In pleasant company A MARKETING firm in Huddersfield has gained Company Partner status with the Market Research Society. The award to Ask Marketing, based at the Media Centre, follows a gruelling application process to meet a strict selection criteria. Director Susan Kenyon said: “To be accepted by the Market Research Society as a Company Partner is a great step forward for us and shows our continued commitment to quality. “We’re proud to represent the leading light for our industry and look forward to a continued association with the society.” Agencies awarded Company Partner status undertake a commitment to up hold market research industry standards – including agreeing to comply with the MRS code of conduct, exhibiting research excellence and supporting its values of professionalism.