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GAVIN HOWARTH Achieving his legal goals
SIMON KAYE China syndrome
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Takeover provides new opportunities TWO Kirklees manufacturing firms have linked up to create a major force in their sector. International precision engineering group VTL (Holdings) Ltd, which has its head office at St Thomas’ Road in Huddersfield, has acquired Cleckheaton-based Automatic Components (Stanningley) Ltd. The deal takes the revenue of the enlarged VTL Group to more than £55m with a workforce of 350 people worldwide. VTL’s bank, HSBC, provided funding for the transaction through its Yorkshire team. ACL is a precision manufacturer of automotive parts – particularly for diesel engine turbochargers and brake components. Its business is complementary to VTL where the main product areas are precision-forged and machined components for the automotive and truck markets, which include turbochargers and transmission systems.
With manufacturing locations in the UK, North America and India, VTL counts Cummins, BorgWarner, Renault, Nissan and Toyota among its customer base. The acquisition takes VTL closer to its goal of achieving £100m in turnover as a specialist precision engineering business operating in global markets. VTL was advised by Oliver Hoffman, of Mazars LLP, and Paul Johnson, of Irwin Mitchell. The HSBC team was led by Peter Helliwell. Bruno Jouan, managing director of VTL, said: “We are pleased to have completed the acquisition of ACL, which strengthens the group’s position as a leading precision engineering company in the automotive and industrial sectors. “The acquisition enables VTL to work alongside new customers to develop further opportunities for growth and new business worldwide. Mr Hoffman added: “It’s pleasing to work with a management team with such a clear vision for the
growth and development of their business. “We continue to work with the VTL team to help them with their growth plans. “Indeed, we are currently exploring further acquisition opportunities for VTL both in the UK and internationally and envisage further acquisitions in 2011.” Peter Helliwell, HSBC Global relationship manager, said: “We have been working with VTL both here in Yorkshire and globally since 2006 and over this time have been consistently impressed by their strategic thinking and ambition. “We are delighted to support Bruno and his team with this latest demonstration of how the company is turning its aspirations into reality. “The transaction involved a complex suite of lending which was tailored specifically to meet their needs and we look forward to working with the management team to help them reap the rewards.”
■ WORRIES: Steven Leigh based in Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield.. Steven Leigh, chamber head of
Working brief SECRET Millionaire Carl Hopkins is leading a drive to help people prepare for work. The Brighouse entrepreneur has set up Joblink Solutions to offer a mix of educational courses and training programmes to schools, colleges, public sector bodies, charities and community groups. The Community Interest Company was created to keep these organisations in touch with the ever-changing needs of employers and to help prepare job hunters for the workplace.
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■ OPPORTUNITIES: Bruno Jouan, managing director of precision engineering firm VTL (Holdings) Ltd
Confidence dented by rising cost concerns OPTIMISM has taken a dip among companies in Kirklees, according to a new survey. Figures from the Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce said member firms were less confident during the third quarter of 2010 than they were in the previous three months. Broadly, the survey showed that home orders had risen slightly, while export prospects had slipped. Firms reported mixed prospects for employment and investment, but downgraded their forecasts for turnover and profits. Cashflow remained a concern along with increases in overheads and the price of raw materials. Competition and finance were identified as the biggest external issues for member firms – who are
INSIDE
policy, said: “These results show that Mid Yorkshire chamber members are feeling less optimistic this quarter than they were in the second quarter.” But he added: “This slowdown in the recovery is in line with economic forecasts following the more robust figures reported last time. “Worries have been expressed about ongoing international economic instability, underlying weaknesses in our own economy and the possible effects of the Government’s austerity programme. “Although the deficit reduction programme is supported by ourselves and the British Chamber of Commerce, we are opposed to any significant reductions in funding which will affect infrastructure projects – particularly transport infrastructure – which we believe is both necessary
and worthwhile. “In our region, we consider that this is of particular importance to preserving our economic prosperity during a very difficult time and we continue to argue the case very strongly.” Mr Leigh said: “These uncertainties have affected business confidence and investment decisions. “Our members are expressing their growing unease about the effects on their businesses of price increases in raw materials and other overheads.” He added: “The chamber will continue to lobby the Government to embrace business at the heart of its decision-making and urge them to introduce business-friendly measures to encourage investment, create jobs, and promote a stronger economy.”
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Eton collared BATLEY-born tycoon Lawrence Tomlinson has been addressing students at the world-famous Eton College. The chairman of Leeds-based LNT Group was invited to speak about business by the famous school’s Entrepreneurship Society.
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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
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Holidaymakers lift Eurotunnel takings Across the company, like-for-like revenues in the three months to September 30 rose by 8% to £158m. Revenues from railway services were broadly flat at £60m – but Eurostar, the passenger rail service between London and Paris and Brussels, saw a 3% rise in passengers in the period to 2.6m. An increase in delays at airports and the lasting impact of the volcanic ash cloud had turned holidaymakers off air travel, claimed Eurotunnel. But the company warned that it still faced ending the year in the red as insurance payments linked to a major fire in 2008 continued to be blocked. In July, the company posted a net loss of £38m for the six months to June 30. Eurotunnel formed a consortium
HOLIDAYMAKERS accounted for a 15% rise in revenues for Eurotunnel’s shuttle service – following record demand at the height of the summer. The firm said it carried an all-time high of 14,975 cars, motorbikes and coaches through the tunnel on its shuttle services on August 14. Eurotunnel, which also generates income by charging other freight and passenger services such as Eurostar to use the tunnel, said it had benefited from a squeeze on holiday budgets in the wake of the recession. A spokesman said holidaymakers were getting better value for money as they can take a car full of passengers through the tunnel at a fixed price. Car trips rose by 15% in the quarter. Revenue from shuttle services rose by 15% to £95.2m.
with Goldman Sachs and M&G earlier this year to put in a bid for the stretch of railway linking London to the Channel Tunnel, in Folkestone, Kent. It has also been reported that German insurer Allianz was a potential bid rival for the Channel Tunnel link, which is being sold by the Government. Final bids must be submitted by all interested parties on October 29, Eurotunnel said. Chairman and chief executive Jacques Gounon said: “During the summer this year, Eurotunnel set historic records for volume and regained a large part of its share of cross-Channel traffic. “The advantages the Tunnel offers made the difference in a market which remained challenging and despite intense competition
■ RECORD BREAKER: Eurotunnel chief executive Jacques Gounon says competition remains intense
Return to profits for storage firm
Mining merger scrapped
STORAGE space firm Lok’nStore posted a return to annual profit and said business had been resilient despite a volatile property market. The group said occupancy – the amount of storage space rented out – rose by 4% in the year to July 31 and prices increase by 4.9%. The Hampshire-based firm said homeowners faced more pressure to use their property space more efficiently – generating demand across the self-storage industry. Lok’nStore, the fourth largest self-storage firm in the UK, posted annual pre-tax profits of £430,254 against a loss of £656,051 last time.
PLANS by mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton to merge their iron ore operations in western Australia have been scuppered by regulators. The pair pulled the joint venture after being told that the proposal would not be approved in its current form by the European Commission, as well as by regulators in Australia, Japan, Korea and Germany. In a statement, Rio Tinto said some regulators had indicated that they would require “substantial remedies” that would be unacceptable to both parties, including sell-offs. Others would oppose the deal outright.
About two-thirds of its business is generated from households. Simon Thomas, chairman of Lok’nStore said the company, which has 21 sites UK-wide and employs 102 staff, saw steady business since the end of the financial year and was well-positioned to grow revenues. But he added: “When we see sustained economic growth, we plan to build out our new stores and look for new opportunities.” Fellow self-storage firm Safestore has already reported an increase in occupancy and revenues due to homeowners selling up before they buy a new property.
Boost for brewery BREWER SABMiller reported a rise in sales volumes following strong gains in developing countries. Double-digit gains in lager volumes in Asia and Africa helped offset falling volumes in Europe and the Americas during the six months to September 30. Lager volumes rose by 1% and soft drink volumes gained 2%. The update marked an improvement on the first quarter of the period, when both categories declined by 1%. SABMiller, which includes Miller Genuine Draft and Grolsch among its brands, said earnings in the first half of the year benefited from the strength of key currencies against the US dollar.
Car sales hold up
The cancellation came as little surprise to markets because problems with some regulators were already well known. Shares in both companies were more than 1% lower in London yesterday during a downbeat session for the whole mining sector. BHP and Rio Tinto – two of the world’s largest iron ore miners – had hoped to save at least 10bn US dollars by combining their operations in the Pilbara, a remote region rich in iron ore and other minerals. BHP also involved in a hostile bid for the world’s biggest fertiliser maker, Potash Corp.
CAR dealership Vertu Motors said it had outperformed the market with better-than-expected new car sales in the key month of September. The Newcastle group said while new car retail volumes fell by 19% in the UK as a whole last month, the group only saw volumes fall by 2.6%. Vertu, the UK’s eighth largest dealership, said it was on course to deliver a record profit in the full financial year.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £24.61 +0.03 Gannett 789.91 -18.12 Hess Corp £40.51 +0.38 Microsoft 1621.71 +15.72 Motors Liquidation 47.16 Wal-Mart Stores £33.75 +0.20 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 169 +4 BAE Systems 3697/8 +41/8 Rolls-Royce Gp 624 -11 AIM 3 Brady Plc 63 /4 +33/4 Dawson Intl 11/2 Man Brnze 311/4 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 1743/4 -23/4 BANKS Barclays 2891/4 +41/4 HSBC 6603/8 +71/8 1 Lloyds Banking Gp 72 /4 +2 1 -1/8 Ryl Scotland 46 /4 Stan Chart 1921 +211/2 BEVERAGES Diageo 1135 +11 SABMiller £203/4 +1/8 CHEMICALS Croda 1501 +30 Elementis 98 1061/4 -3/4 Johnsn Mat 1927 +1 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2661/4 -1/8 Costain 205 +1 ELECTRICITY Drax Gp 3745/8 +7/8 3
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Scottish & Sthrn 1115 +3 Energy ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 150 -17/8 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3491/8 +17/8 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 1495/8 +21/4 Cable & Wireless 541/4 +11/8 Comm Cable & Wireless 731/4 +21/4 Wwide 1 Colt Group 120 /2 +5/8 KCOM 51 -1 1 Talktalk Telecom 133 /2 -1/4 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2971/2 +31/2 Sainsbury 3853/4 +13/4 Tesco 433 -21/8 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1047 +5 Nth Foods 473/4 +1/2 Tate Lyle 503 +33/8 Unilever 1814 -4 Uniq 73/8 +1/4 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3217/8 -23/8 National Grid 572 +21/2 Pennon Grp 5941/2 +1 Severn 1333 -1 1 United Utils 584 /2 +4 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3i Group 3021/4 +77/8 ICAP 4821/4 +53/4 1 London StockExch 698 /2 +9 +57/8 Man Group 2697/8 1
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Schroders 1491 +11 Schroders NV 1195 +13 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 5771/2 +8 REXAM 3231/8 +3/4 Smiths Grp 1251 -10 GENERAL RETAILERS 1 Ashley L 17 /2 -3/4 Carphone Whse 2931/2 +63/4 Dixons Retail 271/8 -1/4 Home Retail 220 -11/4 Inchcape 342 +51/4 Kingfisher 2411/8 +11/2 M&S 4133/4 +11/4 Mothercare 497 -25/8 1 Next £22 /2 WH Smith 4821/8 +31/8 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 554 +111/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 931/4 -21/4 Barrat Dev 893/4 +23/4 1 Persimmon 386 /4 +73/4 Reckitt Benckiser £341/2 -1/8 Taylor Wimpey 261/8 +1/2 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 782 -11/2 IMI 8241/2 -4 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 3397/8 -83/4 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 1973/8 +1 Forth Ports 1330 +4 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 3973/4 +17/8 3
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1381/2 6231/2 258 2321/4 MEDIA BSkyB 706 Chrysalis 1061/2 D Mail Tst 5181/2 ITV 651/2 Johnston Press 131/4 Pearson 9861/2 Reed Elsevier 557 STV Group 117 Trinity Mirror 106 Utd Business 6321/2 UTV 1463/4 WPP 732 Yell Group 15 MINING Anglo American £281/2 Antofagasta 1288 BHP Billiton £217/8 Eurasian Natural 930 Res Fresnillo 1291 Kazakhmys 1359 Lonmin 1808 Rio Tinto £403/4 VEDANTA £221/2 RESOURCES Xstrata 13051/2 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 6161/2 Vodafone Group 1683/8 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1618 RSA Insurance Gp 1327/8
Old Mutual Prudential Resolution Standard Life
+1/4 +11 +41/4 +51/4 -1 +11/2 -11/2 -11/4 -1/4 -61/2 +21/2 -1/2 -13/4 -11/2 +13/4 +11 -3/8 -1/4 -19 -1/8 -121/2 -8 -25 -23 -5/8 -3/8 -6 -31/2 +13/8 +2 +11/8
Local shares Carclo Chapelthorpe Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
1821/2 231/2 1051/2 572 1589
-2 -1/2 +21/2 +6
FTSE closed at
5742.52 Up 39.15 BG 11941/2 +27 +63/4 BP 4321/8 Cairn Energy 4313/8 +23/8 Royal Dutch Shell A £20 +1/4 Royal Dutch Shell B 19541/2 +28 +1/4 Total £343/4 Tullow Oil 1264 +9 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 1056 +18 Petrofac 1469 +14 Wood Group 4361/2 +1/4 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 9711/2 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £335/8 +3/8 Axis-Shield 295 -9 GlaxoSmithK 16
REAL ESTATE Brit Land 5011/2 -3 -21/2 Captl Shop Cent 3855/8 DTZ Hldgs 461/2 +1/2 Hamrsn 4151/4 -33/4 Land Secs 673 -61/2 SEGRO 2975/8 +11/8 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Autonomy Corp 1419 +71 Dimension Data 1201/2 +1/2 Invensys 3123/4 +73/4 Logica 1333/8 +13/8 Misys 2885/8 +1/2 Sage Group 273 +23/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Bunzl 772 +4 Capita 7921/2 -2 3 -15/8 Davis Service 421 /8 Group De La Rue 670 +1/2 Electrocomp 2413/4 +11/4 Experian 709 +11/2 G4S 267 +3/8 5 Hays 118 /8 -41/8 Homeserve 480 -13/4 Menzies J 474 3 Rentokil 101 /8 +15/8 Smiths News 114 +1/4 Wolseley 1647 +24 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 3991/8 +111/8 Psion 921/2 +11/2 Spirent Comms 1441/2 +7/8 TOBACCO Br Am Tob £241/2 +1/4 Imperial Tobacco 1934 +29 LEISURE & HOTELS 1
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Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express PartyGaming Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread
£257/8 5271/2 4537/8 1133/4 3753/4 1118 415 1189 1341/8 309 2375/8 2711/4 1295/8 1871/8 2261/8 1693
+1/8 +7 +1/8 -3/8 +11/4 +14 +17 +21/8 +33/8 -35/8 -51/4 +21/8 +17/8 +6
FTSE 100
INDEX 5742.52
+39.15
FTSE 250
INDEX 10875.09
+41.58
TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.53 dollars Bangladesh................. 105.10 taka Brazil.............................. 2.36 reals Canada....................... 1.54 dollars China ............................. 9.44 yuan Czech Republic ...... 25.80 korunas Denmark....................... 8.12 krone Euro............................... 1.09 euro Hong Kong................ 11.70 dollars Hungary................... 281.75 forints India.......................... 61.94 rupees Japan........................... 122.84 yen Mexico ....................... 17.67 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.96 dollars Norway ......................... 8.86 krone Pakistan.................. 128.91 rupees Philippines ................. 58.83 pesos South Africa................. 10.19 rand South Korea.............. 1549.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 167.70 rupees Sweden....................... 10.14 krona Switzerland.................. 1.45 francs Taiwan ...................... 42.80 dollars Turkey....................... 2.13 new lira USA ............................ 1.52 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Gavin Howarth
Gavin and his family at law GAVIN Howarth always fancied a career in the law. His earliest ambitions were to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the police to tackle crime. Now he is helping clients wrestle with the intricacies of employment legislation as a partner at Cleckheaton-based Howarth Partnership – where he joins his father Andy, who is managing director, his mother Helen, who is finance director, and business development director Tracey Hopkins at the growing firm. Says Gavin: “Aside from wanting to play football for England, the first – realistic – job I wanted to do when I was at school was to follow in my father’s footsteps and be a policeman. “I liked the idea of high speed car chases, arresting criminals and working undercover to bring down international drug barons! “After being informed that the police isn’t necessarily what I thought it was, I decided that I would do the next best thing and study law. “I studied four A-levels at Heckmondwike Grammar School and then went on to study my law degree at the University of Leeds. “During the second year of my degree, I began applying for training contracts with the ‘big six’ law firms in Leeds. “After doing a two week vacation scheme, I was lucky enough to be offered a training contract with Hammonds LLP, an international, commercial law firm. “I can still to this day remember the phone call I received from the HR department at Hammonds informing me that I was successful in the application process.
“My face lit up and I almost smashed the receiver when I dropped it onto one of my mum’s favourite sideboards! I thought if I worked hard and always did my best, that was me sorted for life!” After university, Gavin went on to complete his Legal Practice Course at BPP Law School in Leeds, followed by a two-year training contract at Hammonds. He says: “The training I received at Hammonds was fantastic and as far as I was concerned at the time, was the start of a successful partnership. “I spent time in commercial property, tax, litigation, corporate finance and the most important one for me, employment law. “Not even one week into my employment law seat and I knew this was for me. “The work was varied and interesting, I loved the fact that one day I could be representing a client at Tribunal and - as sad as it sounds – I knew it was right when I began working
■ LAW MAN: Ambitions of joining the police gave way to a more “realistic” career choice for Gavin Howarth
through my lunches to work on complex cases!” While Gavin was working for a corporate law firm in Leeds – doing the long hours and living the city life – his father, Andy, with help and support from mother, Helen, were quietly building a successful employment law business. Says Gavin: “From its humble beginnings in the front room of our family home, the business was growing year on year. “By the time I was completing my training contract, it employed 10 people and had a client base of over 200, including the likes of Mode in Pelle, the Galpharm Stadium and Brewfitt Ltd.” The success of the family-run business prompted a change of direction for Gavin. He recalls: “Suddenly, my life as a corporate lawyer working for a city firm was thrown into doubt! “The more I looked at the family business, the more of a no-brainer my decision became. “The idea of practising in an area of law I loved, helping real people with real issues and assisting in providing ideas to grow a business that my parents had started from scratch, was hugely exciting to me.” Away from work, Gavin’s spare time is dominated by football. While he may not have realised those early ambitions to play for England, Gavin still gets his footballing kicks turning out on Saturdays for Hunsworth FC in the West Riding County Amateur League. He also plays five-a-side at South Leeds Stadium and at The Zone in Huddersfield. “Aside from football, I try to get to the gym three times a
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Role: Legal director Age: 24 Holidays: The last trip I did was inter-railing around Eastern Europe for three weeks Car: Seat Ibiza First job: Sales assistant at Next Best thing about job: Not knowing what is coming day-to-day Worst thing about job: The dreaded Blackberry! Business tip: Have no fear, be confident and believe in yourself
week,” he says. “I have also just started a Spanish course as I was ashamed that I couldn’t speak another language during my travels around Europe – when all the European people I met can speak at least two!” Gavin has also started taking an interest in the history of Leeds. “I realised when I was away that it is important to know and understand the history of where you live,” he says. Reflecting on his working life now, Gavin says: “I’m now four weeks into my new role and I haven’t looked back. “Everyday is varied and challenging and you feel a real sense of purpose working for the future success of the family
business. “As cheesy as it sounds, we are a real team and all support each other in every aspect of the business. “Eight years on from when the business started in my parent’s small front room, we now have the solid foundations upon which to grow the business even further. “We have just moved into new premises on Law Street, we have the right balance of staff that are all willing to support each other and we have so much ambition and drive that the only way is up! “I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Howarth Partnership Ltd Work: Specialist in HR and employment lawI Site: Cleckheaton Employees: 10 Phone: 01274 864999 Email: gavin@ howarthpartner ship.co.uk Website: www. howarth partnership. co.uk
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KIRKLEES BUSIN
Recognition for a caring company
A SPECIALIST company which grew from a two-member team to employing more than 100 workers across the north-east has won a business award. AJ Group was named Business of the Month in the competition run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith with the Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Business Link Yorkshire. The group was founded in 2004 by Jo Guy and Andrew Brindley and began by providing temporary support workers to the private and voluntary social care sector, specialising in supporting people with physical and learning disabilities. I n 2 0 0 5 , A J s u c c e s s f u l ly registered as a domiciliary care agency and began providing services including home-based break and supported living, which expanded its client group allowing it to
work with everyone from elderly people to children and families. Last winter, AJ’s support workers were among the country’s “snow heroes” – ensuring that vulnerable people received their calls. AJ has received several accolades – including being a finalist award in the Great British Care Awards; a three-star Excellent CQC rating and Temp of the Year for one of its temporary support workers. Rachel Bryan, executive assistant at AJ Group said: “We are extremely pleased and proud to have won this award. We work 24/7, 365 days a year and will continue to do this to the highest possible standard.” The Business of the Month Award is open to firms in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. Contact Ian Greenwood on 01484 821389.
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■ CARING: Deborah Mellusih (centre), of Eaton Smith, presents the award to AJ Social Care’s Andrew Brindley (third right), Jo Guy (second right) and Rachel Bryan (right) with (from left) Antonia Alcock, of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; Peter Cass, of Baker Tilly; Jenny Grainger, of Huddersfield University; and Alan Lascelles, of Business Link
Deal with the dragon C
HINA’S strength in the world is evident to everyone. It has just surpassed Japan as the second largest economy, after the USA, in current dollar terms. Her remarkable transformation into a dynamic thriving economy is due to the decision by her post-Mao leaders to embrace the wider world economy after a quarter century of actively rejecting it. This embrace has, however, been selective. Traded goods (by and large) flow freely both into and out of China. Investment, on the other hand, flows freely into the Middle Kingdom but, as the huge – 2.5trillion dollars – pile of foreign reserves attests, the buck stops there. The Chinese authorities argue that this is purely a function of prudent Chinese consumer appetites, which have lagged behind the surge in employment that has mopped up the tide of workers migrating from the hinterlands to the wealthier coastal cities. Ultimately, they say, as they become wealthier, consumption will outpace investment and foreign producers will share in this bounty. This is true to a degree, but increasingly a more hostile interpretation is gaining ground. Many American politicians accuse China of being part of the cause of the credit crunch. Their
CITY TALK Simon Kaye
argument is that the recycling of ever larger amounts of Chinese savings into US Treasury bonds artificially held down interest rates, encouraging house prices to rise and American consumers, befuddled by a bubble of illusory wealth, to over-consume. The fact that the American financial authorities encouraged this trend by lax oversight of the mortgage market doesn’t completely nullify the thrust of the grievance, which is that the fixing of the exchange rate has locked American manufacturers into an uncompetitive position whilst also restricting the growth of Chinese consumer demand. Trends that were acceptable whilst the American credit bubble was inflating are no longer so easy to digest. With almost 10% unemployment in the US, the perception has increased that China is growing at America’s expense. The exchange rate has therefore become a serious issue for the Obama administration.
Both the President and the Treasury Secretary have recently publicly characterised the Yuan as undervalued, signalling American impatience at the limited movement that has occurred in the Yuan/Dollar exchange rate after a policy of greater exchange rate flexibility was announced at the end of June. Displeasure has culminated in legislation now making its way through Congress. Although the “Schumer” bill may not pass the Senate, the proposal for America to adopt powers to put punitive tariffs on goods produced by “currency manipulating” nations carries worrying echoes of the Thirties. Ultimately we think this is a banana skin that will be side-stepped, since greater Yuan flexibility should benefit both China (through lower inflation) and her trading partners. However the mood would undoubtedly be a good deal more relaxed for equity investors if only China could spare a “Jiao” (10 Chinese cents).
Simon Kaye is divisional director at Rensburg Sheppards Investment Management
Agency goes commercial EMPLOYMENT agency Stafflex has added commercial recruitment to its range of activities. The agency, which has offices at Aspley in Huddersfield and at Wakefield, is already expanding in the education, engineering and industrial sectors. Now it has appointed Angela Moore (pictured), who has a background in customer service and recruitment, to spearhead the latest development and put a local stamp on temporary and permanent commercial recruitment in Huddersfield. Managing director Brian Stahelin said Stafflex had always provided administrative and clerical staff to existing clients when asked, but said the new department under Ms Moore would develop this service to new and existing clients.
Delegates get five-star service A COFFEE distributor in Huddersfield has won a contract to supply a new venture creating high quality delicatessens in city centre office buildings. Bradley-based Cooper’s Coffee has been appointed by Peel’s Delis to supply espresso machines and grinders as well as espresso coffee, Fairtrade hot chocolate, tea, sugar and further ancillary products. Peel’s is working in partnership with QA, a leading IT training company and Europe’s largest provider of Microsoft training. Previously QA provided office staff and delegates attending training courses with specially delivered buffets for lunch. However, the company wanted to improve the food offering and decided to build a dedicated deli bar in two of its city centre offices to offer great food abd great coffee directly on site. The man behind the idea, Phil Peel, has opened two delis so far – one in Leeds city centre and one in Manchester. If the concept proves successful, QA hopes to roll out the delis into all of its larger, city centre based offices, including London, Cheltenham and Edinburgh. Said Phil: “Quality was paramount and I wanted to use the best bakers, local butchers and other local suppliers who could meet our expectations. “This is why we got involved with Cooper’s, who were ideally placed along the M62 corridor right between our two sites.”
NESS NEWS
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Report puts a timely focus on H&S issues HE long-awaited report by Lord T Young to the Prime Minister was published on October 15.
The report entitled Common Sense, Common Safety was commissioned by David Cameron while still leader of the opposition, and is a Whitehall-wide review of the operation of health and safety laws and the growth of the compensation culture in the UK. While Mr Cameron states health and safety is important, he felt legislation had been misinterpreted leading to much derision in the press and, therefore, leaving health and safety with a poor standing with the general public. He asked Lord Young to review the situation and report back to him. Since becoming Prime Minister, Mr Cameron asked Lord Young to continue with the review. Lord Young’s report mentions the apparent “compensation culture” where claims are made for the most trivial reasons and reported accordingly in the press are commonplace. Wh i l e m a ny o f t h e s e c l a i m s a re undoubtedly sensationalised by the press, the underlying perception these stories give can lead to fears – and costly burdens by employers up and down the country. Lord Young also mentions the rise of the
RISKY BUSINESS Mark Dalton
“No Win, No Fee” solicitors and their sometimes aggressive marketing campaigns, where the “victim” of an injury is entitled to claim vast sums and encouraged to claim, regardless of any personal responsibility. The report also takes to task health and safety consultants, particularly those who operate without any professional qualifications, who give over-zealous advice due to their lack of knowledge and expertise in relation to regulations and the particular situation. Insurance companies are also taken to task in the report for their over-interpretation of the regulations. Some of the main points of Lord Young’s proposals include: ● Simplifying the claims procedure in court, with a fixed costs system ● Restrictions on the operations of referral agencies and personal injury lawyers, with controls on their advertising ● Simplifying the risk assessment proced-
ure for low hazard workplaces (such as shops and offices) with the HSE to create simple documents and checklists to download from its website ● Introducing a standard qualification standard for H&S consultants, and a consultant’s register with a with a web-based directory ● Insurance companies to develop a Code of Practice on health and safety for businesses – with legislation considered if this is not forthcoming – to prevent the unnecessary curtailment of work activities ● Introduce a single consent form covering all school activities a child may undertake ● Local authorities banning events on “health and safety grounds” should put the reasons in writing ● People will be able to challenge the decisions made by local authorities, with the authority having to conduct in internal review and the right to appeal to the
New business is forging links A NEW business supporting organisations that prep a r e p e o p l e fo r t h e wo r k p l a c e h a s b e e n launched by a Brighouse entrepreneur. Fo r m e r C h a n n e l 4 Secret Millionaire Carl Hopkins has launched Joblink Solutions to offer a mix of educational courses and training programmes to schools, colleges, public sector bodies, charities and community groups. The business – a Community Interest Company – was created to keep these organisations in touch with the ever-changing needs of employers and to help prepare jobhunters for the workplace. Carl said Joblink could help fill the gap that will be created with the abolition of regional development agencies such as Yorkshire Forward. Educational training and workshop sessions are aimed at both young
people – teaching them life skills – and adults who want to return to the workplace or start their own business. C o u r s e s fo r yo u n g people range from revision techniques to health awareness and confidence-building while the courses aimed at adults cover topics such as interview skills or branding and marketing. Carl has also enlisted his contacts on the speakers circuit to offer inspirational sessions to the company’s clients. T h e y i n c l u d e best-selling author Richard McCann, BBC Apprentice star Claire Young, serial entrepreneur D e i rd re B o u n d s a n d Super Mum Tracey Barraclough. Said Carl: “The formation of this business is a natural development of the work I have done over the last two years in the enterprise and education
■ JUST THE JOB: Carl Hopkins delivering a Joblink workshop
sector. “Joblink Solutions CIC allows me to introduce experts in inspirational and educational techniques to these organisations and their candidates – all in preparation for their job, career or entrepreneurial journey.” “I believe that I have created a not-for-profit vehicle which can link social enterprise initiatives that have relevant content to organisations that need new skills – all delivered on behalf of private or public stakeholders.” Joblink CIC has already
delivered sessions in schools on behalf of Calderdale and has presented at an educational national conference in Birmingham. Workshops and presentations are lined up for business network groups, teachers and university students. Said Mr Hopkins: “I have been delighted with the response to Joblink Solutions CIC, especially in the educational sector. It demonstrates a need for individuals with real world experiences to engage with young people.”
Ombudsman in the case of unfair decisions ● The HSE should produce clearer guidance to small and medium businesses in low hazard activities ● The HSE should consolidate the current regulations into a single set of accessible regulations ● The RIDDOR regulations on reporting of accidents to be examined and amended where necessary to clarify and simplify the reporting process Lord Young is to continue his work as adviser to the Prime Minister to ensure these proposals are put in to practice. The general comments made by Lord Young do appear to make sense. The misinterpretation of health and safety laws and their subsequent derision by the press leads to low standing of health and safety. If these recommendations are properly worked through, the perceived (and sometimes real) burdens of excessive paperwork on small businesses will be reduced, health and safety will be interpreted and delivered by competent professionals.
Mark Dalton is associate director at Wilby Ltd
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Agency appointments PROPERTY group Colliers International has unveiled a string of new appointments as part of efforts to strengthen its presence in Yorkshire and the north. The organisation has promoted Richard Moss to director with overall responsibility for driving national strategy for the parks division. Mr Moss, who joined after Colliers’ acquisition of specialist agency Paul & Co four years ago, will also handle high value caravan park sales across the north of England and Scotland. The Leeds parks division is now integrated with the hotels operation. Despite the current climate, the team has sold 10 parks this year alone, including Hawthorn Park in Bridlington and Swaleside Holiday Park near Thirsk for guide prices of £3.3m and £2m respectively. Jonathan McGrael, Matthew Gillson, Heather Blenkinship and Olivia Hughes have all been appointed to strengthen the agency while Richard Allison has been promoted to senior support in research. Jon Brier has joined Colliers’
■ STRATEGY: Richard Moss has been promoted to director level at Colliers International planning department. Andrew Watt, head of the Leeds office of Colliers International UK, said the aim was to give clients access to an unrivalled team of experts able to advise on all aspects of real estate. Colliers International is the third largest property advisory organisation in the world, with revenues of £1.2bn. The Leeds team is advising clients in the leisure, retail, office, industrial and investment markets.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AGENTS CONSULTANT ADVISOR •
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TRAFALGAR MILLS LEEDS ROAD HUDDERSFIELD HD2 1YY •
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Modern Industrial Units To Let Fieldhouse Park, Leeds Road, Huddersfield Units 9 and 10 Secure site which benefits from CCTV monitoring. Ideally situated for M62, on a main road location. Terms available on application.
Paul Andrew Walker Singleton 01484 477600
Christine Eccleston MB Services 01484 557102
TO LET 1a Lord Street, Huddersfield 166.30 m² (1,790 ft²) Town centre offices Available on flexible terms
FOR SALE St John's House, Nettleton Road, Dalton 102.47 m² (1,103 ft²) Detached office building with garage and large car park Full details on property website http://saleszone.net Contact Jonathan O’Connor on 01484 533151
eddisons.com
Page 6
Co-operation provides key ALMOST half of local government organisations are missing out on millions of pounds in potential savings by failing to use assets efficiently, it is claimed. Property adviser DTZ, which advises one in three local authorities and more than 30 central government departments on their property strategy, polled more than 100 key decision makers across a range of local government bodies to assess the progress of collaboration across the public sector. The findings show that 42% of the public sector organisations surveyed have yet to formally introduce a collaboration programme – and are failing to achieve considerable property cost savings that could help protect delivery of frontline services. Andrew Smith, director in the public sector team at DTZ in Yorkshire, said: “There is a dominant view among senior local government officers that co-location – for instance – is financially advantageous and would unlock service delivery benefits as well as improve customer service. “With 71% believing that collaboration can occur without intervention from Whitehall, our study reveals a real willingness to re-examine the fundamentals of how the public sec-
■ COST CONSCIOUS: Andrew Smith, director in the DTZ public sector team covering Yorkshire
tor should operate. “However, if public sector entities do not collaborate to reduce property costs, which represent one of their most identifiable and manageable overheads, this raises serious concerns about their ability to adapt to
life after the Spending Review.” DTZ research also shows that 65% of local government bodies believe that shared asset utilisation and co-location with a public sector partner is the only way that true collaboration can work. James Grierson, head of public sector at DTZ, said: “The vast majority of proposed public sector collabo r at i o n i n i t i at i v e s fo c u s o n co-location. “However, most public bodies could cut their overheads far more considerably by pooling and collectively outsourcing a wider array of functions, from payroll to facilities and estates management.” Potential property savings alone could amount to millions of pounds, it was claimed. Said Mr Smith: “While some progress has been made, our research shows that the public sector still has a long way to go if it is to harness the full benefits of collaboration. “It will not only need to ensure that it has the managerial expertise in place to successfully implement these initiatives, but will also need to address culture and attitudes among staff to ensure that all public bodies are equally committed to working together to drive down costs.”
Betting on a good sale
From 10,322 to 13,706sq ft
Contact:
property
Eddisons
A COMMERCIAL property in Dewsbury town centre looks a good bet for investors when it comes up for auction with estate agent Eddisons this month. The property on Westgate, in the heart of the town’s retail centre, is let to bookmaking firm Ladbrokes and generates annual rental income of £23,500. It is being offered on the instructions of the LPA receivers at a guide price of £250,000 to £260,000, giving the successful buyer a potential return of more than 9%. Meanwhile, a vacant two-storey former office premises on Church Street, Dewsbury, is also being offered for sale on the instructions of the LPA receivers. Market House has an overall floor area of more than 1,000sq ft and is being offered at a guide price of £90,000 to 100,000. In Cleckheaton, Barratt Developments is looking to dispose of a plot of development land. The site off Bridon Way, off Manor Farm Road has planning consent for the erection of 11 dwellings and carries a guide price of only £50,000-plus. In total, 121 lots including land, ground rents and a range of commercial and residential properties are
■ GOOD BET: These commercial premises let to Ladbrokes and occupying a central site in Dewsbury come under the hammer at the latest Eddisons property auction
scheduled to come under the hammer at the Eddisons two-day sale, which takes place on October 25 at The Fairways Lodge and Leisure Club, Prestwich, Manchester and on October 28 at Leeds United Football Club, Elland Road, Leeds. Tony Webber of Eddisons said: “This catalogue typifies the diversity
of investment opportunities which our auctions offer. With the majority of guide prices set at realistic levels I anticipate a busy sale room.” Eddisons also report that proceeds from its last two auctions, in July and September, have topped the £10m mark, with 155 lots having been sold.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS To leT
Industrial Unit
armytage road, Brighouse
1 Modern workshop unit 1 Ease of access to Junction 25 of M62 motorway 1 511m2 (5,500 sq ft) rent: on application
For Sale
Birkhouse Lane
Huddersfield, HD1 4SF
1 Workshop premises 1 283m2 (3,046 sq ft) 1 Large secure yard area
Price: £165,000
■ BEDDING DOWN: An image of the scheme with the hotel picked out in brown. Below, Simon Croft, of Eddisons
Hotel scheme wins approval
For Sale
PLANS for a 78-bedroom hotel in West Yorkshire have been given the go-ahead. Proposals for the five-storey building at Holbeck Urban Village in Leeds are being progressed by chartered surveyors Eddisons, after owners Holbeck Estates Ltd went into liquidation. Simon Croft, of the Leeds office of Eddisons, who will be responsible for the marketing of the scheme, said: “For a major city, high quality hotel accommodation is at a premium. We are confident that we will attract interest from a number of suitable developers who can bring this part of the scheme to fruition.” Meanwhile, Eddisons are optimistic that two further applications on adjacent development sites will be approved shortly. These include outline consent for a significant mixed use scheme comprising 263 residential units and more than 86,000sq ft of retail and leisure space. The final detailed application awaiting approval is for a commercial scheme to provide more than 100,000sq ft of office space and more than 8,000sq ft of retail and leisure space. Said Mr Croft: “If approved, these additional applications – added to the hotel
Old Fieldhouse Lane
Snelsins road, Cleckheaton
1 Substantial detached period office buildings 1 276.67m2 & 399.4m2 (2,978 sq ft & 4,299 sq ft) 1 Potential redevelopment opportunity on site of 0.7 Acres Guide Price: on application
For Sale/To leT off leeds road, Huddersfield, HD2 1aG
1 Modern single-storey industrial unit 1 Up to 1,464m2 (15,760 sq ft) 1 Plus two-storey offices totalling 1,100m2 (11,840 sq ft) 1 Total GIA: 2,564m2 27,600 sq ft (For Sale) 1 Generous sized 1.15 acre secure yard
Further Details: 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
scheme – will form a major development project in a key regeneration area. It would be the biggest scheme of its kind to come to market in Leeds for a number of years.” T h e f u l l s i t e e x t e n d s t o ab o u t five-and-a-half acres, most of which is being used for car parking. The remainder of the site includes a tenanted industrial building of about 45,000sq ft.
Store makes a clean start DRY cleaning company Johnson Cleaners is investing £6m in a national programme to introduce “green” systems to its branches. The company’s outlet at Morley is the latest to become a “GreenEarth” store. The Mayor of Morley, Paul Cook will officially re-launch the store within Asda on Howley Park Road as a ‘GreenEarth’ store on Friday. The launch is part of the national programme by Johnson Cleaners to convert its entire estate to eco-friendly GreenEarth technology by 2012. The technology uses a liquid silicone cleaning solvent derived from natural sand – the same ingredient used in many everyday shampoos, conditioners and
Braemar & Northfield House
lotions. Proven to be kinder to skin and clothes, the solvent breaks down easily into natural elements if released into the environment. Johnson Cleaners has invested £8,000 to re-launch the Howley Park Road store – the only dry cleaning company. Branch manager Dawn Holmes said: “The branch will be using the latest eco-friendly equipment and the shop front and interior has been transformed.” Paul Ogle, managing director of Johnson Cleaners, said: “Our customers are demanding more environmentally-friendly products and services and, as the market leader, we take our responsibilities seriously.”
To leT (May Sell)
Predominantly Single Storey Factory Premises
Vulcan & Victoria Works, Brighouse
1 3,941m2 (42,416 sq ft) 1 Subdivision Possible 1 Close to JCN 25, M62 Motorway rental from £2 per sq ft pa
To leT
Modern Workshop Unit
Unit B, Brockholes Business Park, Huddersfield
1 307m2 (3,308 sq ft) 1 Prominent location along the A616 New Mill Road 1 Ample Car Parking and yard rental upon application
To leT
Attractive Recently Refurbished Office Suites
Buckden Mount, Huddersfield
1 162 & 383m2 (1,742 & 4,126 sq ft) 1 Ample on site car parking 1 Ease of access to Town Centre & JCN 24, M62
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Movers and shakers
Page 8
Batley tycoon’s Eton education Steve Watson & Matthew Sheard
Wakefield Acoustics Ltd A COMPANY making noise control equipment has lots to shout about with two new appointments as it celebrates 30 years in business. Wakefield Acoustics Ltd, based at Cleckheaton has appointed Steve Watson as technical director and Matthew Sheard as trainee project engineer. Mr Watson (left) has been with the company for more than 14 years and has worked in the industrial noise control industry for more than 32 years. In his new role, he takes responsibility for spearheading technical innovation. Mr Sheard (right) is a graduate from Huddersfield University and worked with Wakefield Acoustics during his sandwich year. He will now assist with the company’s sales growth. Their appointments come as the firm also presented long service awards to a number of employees in a ceremony at Ripon racecourse, which was attended by the firm’s founder, John Pickard. Long service awards went to senior contracts engineer Ian Fisher, who has 25 years with the company; sheet metal worker Ian Hargreaves (20 years); contracts engineering manager Robert Furniss (20 years); and Mr Watson. Wakefield Acoustics was formed in 1980 by Mr Pickard and takes its name from its original location. It was acquired by current managing director Jane Dawson in 2005 and has continued to grow through investment in new manufacturing equipment and IT systems.
■ SCHOOL DAY: Lawrence Tomlinson was a big hit at Eton
STUDENTS at a world-famous school have been given an insight into the life of one of the UK’s top entrepreneurs. Batley-born businessman Lawrence Tomlinson took the floor at Eton College, Windsor, as guest speaker at the school’s Entrepreneurship Society. Eton, which has produced 20 UK prime ministers and educated royalty, has been an educational centre of excellence for more than six centuries. The Entrepreneurship Society was established by students earlier this year for 14 to 18-year-olds who are keen to promote an interest in business and entrepreneurship throughout the school. Mr Tomlinson, whose LNT Group includes motor sports business Ginetta Cars, Ideal Care Homes and LNT Construction, attended his local grammar school before studying engineering at Huddersfield Technical College and Bradford University. He is now valued at £400m in the 2010 Sunday Times Rich List while the Leeds-based LNT Group is a
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Mohamed-Ashraf Patel & Lucy Foxhall
Clough & Co GRADUATES Mohamed-Ashraf Patel and Lucy Foxhall (both pictured) are benefiting from the support of accountancy firm Clough & Company – having been employed by the firm while they complete their training. Mr Patel has joined the Cleckheaton practice for a year as a trainee accountant. He is studying accounting and finance BSC at the University of Bradford. Ms Foxhall, who is from Menston, has joined Clough & Company as a graduate trainee and has been given full funding by the practice during her next three years of ACA Training. She will train at Kaplan College in Leeds while working in a number of departments at Clough & Company.
major employer – providing jobs for up to 1,000 workers across the North and Midlands. Alex Richardson, of Eton College’s Entrepreneurship Society, said: “Mr Tomlinson’s passion for business and for the people he works with was evidence throughout his totally ab s o r b i n g , e n t e r t a i n i n g a n d well-paced presentation. “There were some extremely knowledgeable motor sport fans in the audience and it was a pleasure to spend a few hours in the company of an entrepreneur whose philanthropic principles shone through! He’s left us with a lot to think about.” Mr Tomlinson, 46, said: “I was thrilled to get the invitation from Eton – and more than a little surprised. I couldn’t have been more impressed with the school, its facilities and its pupils who were incredibly hospitable – even taking me out for a curry! “It’s always a delight to talk to young people who want to push the boundaries of business. “I hope by sharing my experiences I can inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
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■ CUP WINNERS: Daniel Glucksman, of Yorkshire Bank, serves tea to customer Sophie Rothera FANCY a cuppa? Yorkshire Bank has created a bespoke blend of tea specially designed to promote neighbourly relations and encourage conversation. The unique “communi-tea” blend is a classic English breakfast tea infused with herbal ingredients including Ginkgo leaves and Ginseng root, which are said to be memory-enhancing. It also contains Gotu Kola, a herb that can help drinkers become more confident and talkative. The brew is combined with high quality tea leaves from India and Sri Lanka. It’s the first time that these ingredients have been brought
together in a beverage and the blend is now available in selected Yorkshire Bank branches. Alex Probyn, tea blender at Blends for Friends, who created the tea, said: “Tea fuels our social interactions in Britain. “It’s the first thing we offer to someone when we meet and our favourite antidote when we’re down.” The community blend has been created to celebrate Yorkshire Banks’ Spirit of Community Awards, recognising individuals who carry out exceptional acts in their communities. As well as a cash prize, winners can also nominate a charity or community project for a donation.
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