COMPANIES across Huddersfield willtake time out from the serious side ofbusiness tomorrow night – to celebratesuccess.Hundreds of guests and VIPs will attendthe 2010 Examiner Business Awards atthe spectacular Galpharm Stadium torecognise the achievements of some ofthe town’s top companies andentrepreneurs.The awards attracted a high standard ofentries again this year – providing achallenge for our judges in making theirchoice of the winners.Examiner editor Roy Wright said: “Theaward nominees range from smallstart-up companies to largeorganisations with formidable nationaland international reputations.“A wide range of sectors is representedamong the nominees and categorywinners, including manufacturers, foodfirms, construction companies, trainingproviders and business consultants.“Our judging panel were highlyimpressed by the number and calibre ofentries. In choosing the winners, theyweighed up the contenders against keycriteria, including the contribution madeby our applicants to local communities,their efforts on environmentalimprovement, their financialperformance, their commitment toemployees and their track record on jobcreation and growth.”The Examiner Business Awards aresponsored by Huddersfield law firmChadwick Lawrence, which alsosponsors the most prestigious prize ofthe night – the Business Personality ofthe Year Award.The glittering awards ceremony will behosted by BBC TV Look North presenterHarry Gration.And after being prevented fromattending last year due to illness,broadcaster Declan Curry will be guestspeaker.Declan’s credits include presentingprogrammes on financial matters on TVand radio in the UK and the USA. Formany years, he broadcast live from theLondon Stock Exchange.A regular presenter of programmescovering business and financialmatters, Declan has also written for awide range of newspapers, magazinesand industry publications in the UK, theIrish Republic and the USA.Mr Wright said: “The ExaminerBusiness Awards reward theenterprises which make up the engineroom of the local economy.“Tomorrow’s award night promises tobe a sparkling celebration of thecontribution made by Huddersfieldcompanies to the town.”

20th Century FoxyCLASSY fashions from a bygone age aregetting a new lease of life.

Clare Quartermaine launched 20thCentury Foxy Ltd in December last year toshare her lifelong love of vintage clothesfrom the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.

The online business, based at theHuddersfield Media Centre inNorthumberland Street, runs alongsideClare’s well-established marketing agency,which is now 11 years old.

What started out as a hobby, has nowbecome a thriving business.

Said Clare: “There is a market forreproduction clothing. This is especially thecase since women’s shapes have changedmarkedly since the 1940s and 1950s.

“Also, in times of hardship and recession,people often look nostalgically to the past forconsolation. Vintage tea parties, burlesque,swing and jive dancing have all seen arevival, so this seemed like the perfect time– and challenge – to start a new business.”

20th Century Foxy has revived fashion’sgolden age with outfits featuring pencilskirts, polka dot circle dresses, pillbox hatsand veils

Clare added: “The unique selling point forthis business is the way the clothes arepresented and what has been sourced.

“Much of the stock comes from suppliersin the UK and the USA. However, more

recently Foxy has commissioned jewelleryand headwear from local designer-makers.This is particularly exciting and it is our hopethat we will stock more locally-sourcedproducts.”

Clare said the company was selling“glamour”. The website was used by manypeople as an inspiration and promoted afeel-good factor.

“There is a growing ‘Foxy’ community ofladies who are really buying into the conceptand labelling themselves as ‘Foxy Ladies’.We are now developing a gallery page in thewebsite and Facebook site and badges tosend out with the clothing with ‘I’m a FoxyLady’ written on it!”

Clare said: “Since it is all in thepresentation, our products are sent out inperfectly-packaged parcels. Items arewrapped in gold tissue with ribbon and oftensent out in old-style cardboard boxes andtied with string.”

The company is now developing a rangeof “plus size” 1940s and 1950s inspiredclothing, which will be called So Foxy.

Clare is also looking at setting up a highstreet shop alongside the online operation.She is in talks with a Huddersfield boutiqueto provide a concession rail for them – givingher the chance to test the water beforeinvesting in a full shop.

Five Star AutocentreA VEHICLE repair business offering afive-star service aims to drive away withthe accolades.

Five Star Autocentre at Paddock openedits doors in March to offer vehicle servicingand MOTs as well as repairs andmaintenance.

The director is Mohammed Asif Ali, wholeft his job as a master technician at theToyota dealership on Leeds Road,Huddersfield, to realise his dream of runninghis own business.

Mohammed is supported by a team of twoqualified technicians and the firm’s firstfull-time apprentice. Together, the team hasmore than 40 years experience in theindustry.

Said Mohammed: “We have been tradingfor six months and I am glad to say the futureof Five Star Autocentre is lookingincreasingly healthy and has exceeded allour expectations.

“Initially, we have focused on our MOT,repair and servicing capabilities. As the most

profitable area of the business, it has givenus a firm base on which to expand into otherareas such as air-conditioning, tyres andexhausts.”

Key to its success has been a 24-houronline booking system allowing customersvisiting the firm’s website to book in theirvehicles for an MOT at an exact time and dateto suit them.

Its policy of a fixed-priced servicingschedule – based on engine size – to includeall necessary parts, labour and VAT has alsoincreased business.

Alongside newspaper and onlineadvertising, Five Star Autocentre hasinvested in a large advertising trailer as wellas a 90-second video on YouTube.

And to counter public perception of themotor trade as one “not renowned for itsreputable image and honesty” the companyfollows the Motor Code of Practice, hasautomotive technician accreditation and is amember of the Unipart Car Care Centre andthe Good Garage Scheme.

Mohammed said Five Star Autocentre wason course to double its turnover and as anambitious company had plenty of potentialfor expansion – including moving into thefleet market.

He said: “I have stuck by my business planpretty faithfully, but a good plan should bechanging all the time as both the businessand my ideas grow.

“I intend to review my business plan everysix months to ensure that I can plan for thefuture as effectively as possible.

“Opening a new business in a recessionwas a little worrying due to the greatuncertainty in the economy.

“I realised that when times are hard,people will search for value. We arecommitted to giving the best value. We won’ttell our customers something needs doingwhen it doesn’t. That’s the principle on whichwe have become successful and we areconfident that once they try us, they will notbe disappointed. We are committed to settingthe standard and leading the way.”

Born Ready DesignENTHUSIASM and hard work are thesecrets of success for 23-year-old graduateShaun Gilbert.

Shaun set up design and marketing agencyBorn Ready Design at the beginning of 2009 –in the teeth of the recession and while he wasstill completing his final year of a multimediadesign course at Huddersfield University.

His final year project was to put together a3D children’s cartoon, called Captain Maria –The Quest, which not only earned Shaun firstclass honours, but opened the door for BornRead Design to local and national companies.

Says Shaun: “Graduating was the turningpoint for the business. This allowed me to focus100% on making the company a success.”

In June last year, Shaun won the tender forbusiness with Cactus Joe’s Mexican Restaurantin Halifax. The project included devising a fullmarketing strategy, branding, website andonline and offline material for the restaurant.

The success of the contract led to work fromthree more restaurants and a £1,000 grant fromHuddersfield University’s Business Mine to helpBorn Ready Design develop a full range ofservices for restaurant clients.

Says Shaun: “In the first six months,

business was mainly obtained through one ofthree ways. Firstly, we used out expertise inonline marketing to get strong listings onsearch engines such as Google to get onlineenquiries through our website. Secondly, wemade contact with companies where we felt wecould add value. And thirdly, we focused onemail marketing, sending out about 3,000emails to local and national companies.

“With more clients, we now get businessthrough word-of-mouth and social networksand media.”

Born Ready Design, based at the MediaCentre in Northumberland Street, has a stronglocal client list, including exotic cakes companyProperMaid and millinery and make-upbusiness Harriet Steele.

Shaun is using two freelancers to help meetdemand for its services, but Born ReadyDesign aims to employ two full-time staff in thenext two years.

To drive business further, the company haschanged its offline branding and launched anew website to help it compete for morebusiness online.

However, Shaun remains at the focal point ofthe firm, saying: “I feel it’s very important that I

front the company and give clients a first pointof call if they have any questions or issues.

“But I am also very active in every projectthat we work on and in most cases I do all thedesign work and marketing strategy for clients.After all, this is my passion and what inspiredme to start the company in the first place.”

NEW BUSINESS of the Year

■ PASSION: Shaun Gilbert of Born ReadyDesign

■ STYLISH: Burlesque performer MissyMalone wearing a 1940s vamp dress from20th Century Foxy

Best in thebusiness

■ WELCOME: Examiner editor RoyWright sets the scene for the awards

AS Fabrications LtdA METALWORKING company has showniron determination to rise from the ashes.

Liversedge-based AS Fabrications (UK)Ltd was formed on June 1 last year – justweeks after its local managers and workerswere left high and dry when their companywent into liquidation in May last year.

Although Glentworth ArchitecturalMetalwork was trading profitably, the firmhad to close because of financial problems inits parent group – with the loss of 40 jobs.

But with financial support and advice, localmanagers were able to set up a smallcompany within weeks of Glentworth’sclosure.

Marketing manager Tony Lawrence saidmany customers and suppliers had been letdown and suffered financial losses as aresult of the liquidation.

But he said: “We were surprised anddelighted that virtually all the previouscustomers and suppliers were willing tocontinue to trade with us – as well asextending immediate lines of credit. Even theprevious company’s liquidatorscommissioned us to finish certain projects.

“Within four weeks of trading in the newbusiness, along with three directors, we wereable to re-employ 18 staff.

“This has since grown to 39 full-timeemployees.”

Within six weeks of starting the business,AS Fabrications was also able to carry outdue diligence and certification to comply withthe regulatory conditions needed to work onconstruction sites and building projects.

The company offers in-house design,manufacture and installation services and

maintains a fleet of five fully-equippedvehicles.

Its clients include some of the largestconstruction companies in the UK and whileAS Fabrications is based in Kirklees, itoperates across the UK.

Said Mr Lawrence: “We have recentlybeen awarded a contract with Keir relating tothe government-commissioned, new-style‘super prisons’ which amounts to more than£1m and will continue over the next 12months.

“This is the first project of its kind in thecountry and we are proud of the fact that asmall company such as ourselves hasmanaged to gain this level of business.

“This attests to the level of excellence wehave managed to achieve in such a shorttime.”

Stores Direct

PloughcroftA BRIGHOUSE solar androofing specialist has provideda ray of sunshine for thebuilding industry during therecession.

Ploughcroft has increasedturnover by 17% during the pasttwo years – creating 16 newjobs in the past 12 months,including a new technicaldirector who brings a wealth ofinternational solar industryexperience with him to helpfurther develop and expand thecompany.

The business wasestablished in 1997 by ChrisHopkins and his father Bill as atraditional domestic buildingand roofing company.

After Bill’s retirement in 2004,Chris took the helm and

SME of the Year sponsored by

■ LOCAL SUPPORT: Chris Hopkins, managing directorof Ploughcroft at Brighouse

■ BACK IN BUSINESS: The team atLiversedge-based AS Fabrications (UK) Ltd

BUSY Mike Birtwhistle is fired up aboutbusiness.

Mike began selling wood-burning stovesfrom the back of a Vauxhall Corsa in 2001.

Now his internet-based company StoresDirect is billed as the country’s largestsupplier of wood-burning stoves,fireplaces, flue systems and associatedheating products.

The company, based at PennineBusiness Park in Bradley, has a strategy tocontinue increasing its lead in the marketplace and to capitalise on its expertisedelivering fragile, niche products andhome furnishings.

Stores Direct has expanded into othermarkets – providing bathrooms, furnitureand soft furnishings with other products inthe pipeline.

Its rapid expansion to become one of thelargest online retailers in the countryearned it a spot in the annual SundayTimes Virgin Fast Track 100.

The company was placed 45th in thebusiness league table which ranksBritain's 100 private companies with thefastest growing sales over a three-yearperiod.

Said Mr Birtwhistle: “The businessdevelopment and strategy of the companyalways remains focused on bringing highquality products to our customers at thebest possible price, whilst focusing onhigh levels of customer service.

“The company will continue to invest inmany new products and services, furtherstrengthening the foundations of thecompany to enable it to grow.”

He said: “Using Stores Direct’swell-planned business model, the companycan continue to grow without therestrictive cash flow problems andoverheads most conventional businessesexperience.

“Stores Direct is now in a position tocontinue expanding at a healthy pacewithout any external investment, while stillmaintaining good profitability.

“With its start from humble beginnings,with zero investment and a lot ofdetermination and hard work, Stores Directhas become a multi-million pound turnovercompany that is well-respected in itsindustry with solid business relationshipsthat are key to the company’s success.”

focused efforts on developing a roofingcompany that was a little different from therest. His vision was to provide “hassle-freeroofing delivered with a smile” and help othersin the industry improve their skills.

Ploughcroft is now the only solar roofingcontractor with an NVQ solar roof trainingcentre and Construction Skills CertificationScheme centre in the UK. It is also ISO9001,18001 and 14001 accredited.

Since the introduction of the government’sfeed-in tariffs on April1, the company hasseen unprecedented demand for its services,which are delivered through three divisions –Ploughcroft Solar, Ploughcroft Building &Maintenance and Ploughcroft Training &Development. It also operates the Roofermanfranchise business.

Investment in the new solar divisionresulted in the firm becoming the first roofingcontractor in the UK to achieve theMicrogeneration Certification Schemeaccreditation. Earlier this year, it was alsonamed Best in Britain by the MCS for its workfitting photovoltaic solar panels.

Since April 1 this year, Ploughcroft hasinstalled more than 100 solar PV systems

from Newcastle to Cornwall and is now aleading UK solar installer.

Despite its national coverage, more than90% of the firm’s 30 employees live locally.The philosophy of keeping things local alsoextends to sourcing support services andmaterials.

Said Chris: “Supporting local business is avery important duty – even more so in difficulteconomic times.”

Chris is also keen to educate young peopleabout the job opportunities in the renewablessector and has spoken at a local seniorschool to stress the importance of trainingand working in a growth sector such as solarenergy.

And he is confident about Ploughcroft’sprospects, saying: “We have a fantasticproposition, with an unparalleled completeservice of designing, surveying, planning,installing, after-sales support and trainingresources.”

Ploughcroft aims to have £10m turnover inthe next two years – building on itscommitment to quality service, workmanshipand training.

■ ON TRACK: Mike Birtwhistle (right), ofStores Direct, with Virgin boss Sir RichardBranson celebrating the firm's inclusion in theSunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 Awards

Fresh HorizonsA SOCIAL enterprise is helping people insome of Huddersfield’s most deprivedareas feel proud of what they do and wherethey live.

Fresh Horizons, based at The ChestnutCentre in Deighton, is a not-for-profit socialenterprise company employing more than 40people and offering services to the public,private and voluntary sectors across Kirkleesand further afield.

It also manages five busy communityspaces – Cowlersley Community Centre,Town Community House at Bradley Mills,Fartown Village Hall, Ingfield EnterpriseCentre and New House Farm.

Fresh Horizons works in four key areas –helping people access vital support servicesfor all areas of their life, getting people intolearning and training, helping people getemployment and create sustainable jobs; andimproving community life by investing inevents, buildings and safety.

Morris Simpson, business developer forFresh Horizons, said: “We have a uniquereach into the community. We employ localpeople who live side-by-side with the peoplewho most need help. They can understandtheir needs because they have been therethemselves.”

He said: “As a social enterprise, we wincontracts to provide services rather thanrelying on grants and funding. We invest anysurplus money we make into services thatbenefit the community.

“As we grow, we create more jobs in FreshHorizons – in construction, learning anddevelopment, research and buildingsmanagement – ensuring that local peoplecontinue to deliver the services that improvetheir local community.”

Among its activities. Fresh Horizonsorganised events including the Deighton

Carnival, the HD5 music event andcommunity centre workshops in areas suchas dance, music and the performing arts. HD5offers workshops in rap-poetry, Africandrumming, DJ workshops, jazz, brass, musictechnology and spray can art.

It works with local government and housingagencies to renovate and re-use emptyhouses as well as helping young peopleinterested in working in the constructionindustry – providing work experience,interview preparation and access to coursesto increase their skill levels.

Said Morris: “Through the empty housesscheme, we are planning to put 30 run-downproperties in the area back into use. It willhave a major impact on the community.

“Our vision is to grow our local enterpriseinto a nationally renowned organisationhelping people to be proud of what they doand where they live. Everything we do is tobenefit the community because ourcommunity is our future.”

The Cuckoo’s Nest

Project Sport

COMMUNITY AWARD

Huddersfield TownBUILDING community links is one ofthe major goals of Huddersfield Town.

And the club has been flying highwith its Keep It Up campaign to supportthe work of the Yorkshire AirAmbulance.

Town commercial director SeanJarvis said: “The club wanted to dosomething innovative with the front ofits shirt – a first for Huddersfield Town.Consequently, the club dedicated anddonated space to the charity for the2009-2010 season. However, thepartnership was agreed to run for threeyears.”

For every £1 raised through the KeepIt Up campaign, 50p goes to theYorkshire Air Ambulance and 50p toTown’s academy. The first year offundraising achieved £120,000 througha number of events and pledges fromfans.

The campaign now aims to raisemore than £120,000 during the 2010-11season and a similar amount for thefollowing season.

Key activities for the current seasoninclude a Knights of Yorkshire initiativeto encourage 100 fans to pledge toraise £1,000 each during the season; aPedal for Pounds sponsored cycle ridefrom Huddersfield to Brighton; aChristmas carol concert involvingschools and to be held at WakefieldCathedral; sponsored walks aroundHuddersfield and two quiz nights heldby Town ambassador Andy Booth.

The activities also include a textilesrecycling initiative involving localschools to raise about £5,000 and theproduction of a charity calendar toraise another £7,000.

The club has set up a dedicated

website to provide updates on thecampaign.

Last season, events included amobile phone recycling scheme with10,000 leaflets distributed throughYorkshire Card factory shops and Townplaying in a one-off yellow and redYorkshire Air Ambulance kit – with alimited edition of 500 kits available inthe club shop.

The club also organised a 30-dayauction website featuring itemsdonated by celebrities while theSupporters Association staged anabseil from one of the stands at thestadium.

Club staff and supporters organiseda Dive for Dosh tandem jump to raisemore than £2,500, while £6,500 wasraised with the sale of a cheekycalendar featuring Town players.

■ SUPPORT: Volunteers from TheCuckoo’s Nest shop present cheques torepresentatives of Holme ValleyMountain Rescue, Kirkwood Hospiceand the RNIB

■ HOME HELP: Fresh Horizons spearheadeda scheme to get empty flats back into use withyoung people trained to carry out the work

sponsored by

A COMMUNITY charity shop is making avital contribution to village life in the ColneValley.

The Cuckoo’s Nest opened in PeelStreet, Marsden, in 2001 to help fundnot-for-profit groups benefiting localpeople.

Twice a year, members of its grantscommittee meet to consider applicationsfrom groups for grants to fund theirprojects.

In addition, The Cuckoo’s Nestfrequently donates a week’s takings fromthe shop in response to national orinternational disaster appeals as well asdonating a week’s takings at Christmas toanother charity, such as Water Aid orSmile Train. It also donates twice-yearly tofour charities selected by volunteers.

In 2007, the shop expanded next door toprovide additional floorspace to sell booksand other media, household linens andelectrical goods.

Cath Elliott, who chairs the charity’scommittee, said income from TheCuckoo’s Nest had risen year-on-yearsince its opening in 2001.

She said: “Our financial success isexplained by two factors. Firstly, the loyaltyand generosity of the people of Marsdenwho donate such quantities of high qualitygoods for sale in our shops. Marsdencustomers know that their purchases go tohelp their community, while the quality,prices and friendly atmosphere in theshops also attract many shoppers,including tourists from other areas.

“Secondly, the low running costs. Thesehave, of course, increased in line with risesin service costs and rents, but are kept low

by the fact that we employ no paidworkers.”

Causes supported by The Cuckoo’sNest include Marsden Jazz Festival,Marsden Scout Group, Colne Valley Lions,Marsden Cricket Club, Marsden Playgroup,Friends of Marsden Park, Marsden BritishLegion and the Imbolc fire festival.

Said Cath: “The Cuckoo’s Nest is proudof its contribution to the community, both inMarsden and more widely. We feel we areplaying an important part in maintaining acohesive, warm and lively community andin supporting those who have particularneeds. In the current economic climate,our contribution will be increasinglyneeded.”

PROMOTING sport is the goal of a communitygroup based in the Holme Valley.

Project Sport was set up in May last year by23-year-olds Antony Leech and AndrewGledhill with the clear aim to “project sport intothe community”.

The mission is to provide a fun learningenvironment that helps children become moreconfident and become fitter and healthier whilesucceeding in a range of sports and physicalactivities.

Said Antony: “We provide high quality sportscoaching and physical education together withmulti-skills, health and fitness sessions inschools and community settings.

“Not only do we focus on popular sports likefootball and cricket, we also strive to givechildren the opportunities to try out new andadventurous sports such as handball andorienteering.”

In September last year, Antony and Andyboth gave up their jobs to work full-time onProject Sport.

Since then, the organisation has taken onvarious projects and contracts withorganisations as varied as the School SportPartnership, Yorkshire Cricket Board,Sainsbury’s, The Youth Sport Trust andseveral local sports clubs.

Working with the School Sport Partnership,Project Sport has provided breakfast,lunchtime and after-school sport and danceclubs during the school year as well as sportscoaching for children with disabilities.

This year, Project Sport has managed theYouth Sport Trust’s School Sports CoachingProgramme.

The programme is aimed at gifted andtalented pupils who receive high quality sportcoaching with the aim of taking them “to thenext level” in their chosen sport.

Project Sport also manages YorkshireCricket Board’s Street Chance scheme in

Dewsbury and Batley to provide 24 hours aweek of cricket coaching in schools and in thecommunity.

It has also provided cricket coaching in theHolme and Colne valleys for youngsters takingpart in an inter-schools cricket tournament.

As well as providing coaches for cricketclubs at Holmfirth, Honley and Paddock, thegroup has worked with Tesco and The Co-opto stage Car Park Cricket for local youngsters.

It also runs community sport activity campsduring school holidays at locations in theHolme and Colne valleys and at Kirkburton.This year, more than 700 children took part.

Said Antony: “We believe that giving childrensomething and enjoyable to do can help toreduce anti-social behaviour.

“It is hoped that some children may reachhigh standards in their chosen field by gainingrepresentative honours and continuing toparticipate in their adult lives – even at aprofessional level.

■ INNOVATIVE: Sean Jarvis, Town’scommercial director

■ SPORTING LIFE: Antony Leech (centre,back) with youngsters at a multi-sports campheld by Project Sport last month

AS Fabrications

Sanderson Associates

Suma WholefoodsWHOLEFOOD wholesaler Sumatakes pride in its billing as “one ofthe two most radical employers inEurope”.

That was the description appliedto the Elland-based co-operative byRainer Schluter, director ofCo-operatives Europe when headdressed an international audiencein Brussels earlier this year.

Suma, based at LowfieldsBusiness Park, has 150 employees,pays 66% above market rate wagesand usually gives its workers anextra month’s pay as a Christmasbonus.

It also has no executivemanagement, no chief executiveand no managing director – noteven a permanent chairman. Everyworker gets the same net wage andcan work in every area of thebusiness.

Brand co-ordinator NicolaRoebuck said: “Suma takes‘diamonds in the rough’ – ablepeople who have missed out in the

education lottery – and propelsthem into creative and high powerpositions within months ofrecruitment.

“It also enables professionals tomix manual work into their mentalwork.”

Said Nicola: “It should be happyhippy chaos, shouldn’t it? But thislast year of recession, we haverecruited, grown into new markets,developed ‘world first’ new products,

increased our training investment,bought expensive new technology,increased our wages by 5% andpaid a thumping good bonus.”

Like John Lewis, Suma is 100%employee-owned. However, Sumagoes one stage further because itsshopfloor workers run the businessand decide how customers will beserviced.

“We take the big strategicdecisions in members’ meetings,”said Nicola. “We elect non-executivedirectors from among us to watchover our team co-ordinators andprofessional adviser and make surethe big plans get carried out.

“But largely, we rely on everySuma member being self-managingand working as a member of aco-operative team whatever job theyare doing that day. At a stroke, ourexecutive and supervisorymanagement costs fall to a fractionof our competitors. Those savingsmake up the premium we payourselves.”

EMPLOYER of the Year

■ TRAINING PLEDGE: AlisonFrance, managing director ofSanderson Associates

■ BACK TO WORK: The team at Liversdge-based AS Fabrications(UK) Ltd following the launch of the business

sponsored by

BOSSES at a metalworking companyhave their employees’ interests atheart.

Forty jobs were lost whenGlentworth Architectural Metalwork fellvictim to financial problems afflictingits parent company.

But local bosses at the Liversedgefirm were not daunted – and justweeks later formed AS Fabrications tooffer employees a route back to work.It now has a workforce of 39.

Customers and suppliers who hadbeen let down by Glentworth’s demiseshowed their support for the newventure, continuing to trade with thenew business and extendingimmediate lines of credit.

Within six weeks of starting thebusiness, AS Fabrications was alsoable to carry out due diligence and

certification to comply with theregulatory conditions needed to workon construction sites and buildingprojects.

The company offers in-housedesign, manufacture and installationservices and maintains a fleet of fivefully-equipped vehicles. Clients includesome of the largest constructioncompanies in the UK and while ASFabrications is based in Kirklees, itoperates across the UK.

Directors have ensured they lookafter the well-being of their workers.

Marketing manager Tony Lawrencesaid: “We conduct ongoingemployment law, health and safetyaudits and skills training to ensure ouremployees exceed the generallyrequired standards.

“We employ external consultants to

monitor and advise on ourperformance.”

The company has been recognisedby a string of awards, including theYorkshire Enterprise and DiversityAwards, when it was named Best NewBusiness.

Managing director Mick Fortunesaid: “As managers of the previousbusiness, we picked up the pieces andestablished the new business under anew structure.

“We found financial support and wehave based the business on a fewfundamental values which shouldapply to every business – strictfinancial control, monthly managementaccounting, looking after our team andproviding high quality customerservice.”

HIGHWAYS consulting engineersSanderson Associates is drivingup standards for the industry –especially when it comes toemployee development.

The Grange Moor-basedcompany employs 31 technicaland support staff as well as 12part-time workers – some ofthem retired professionals – whocarry out traffic counts andsurveys.

Three staff are on day-releasecourses studying HND civilengineering and part-timedegrees with two members ofstaff starting day-releasecourses this year.

Managing director AlisonFrance said: “The companyactively promotes training of itsstaff and has employed manylocal school leavers, supportingthem through bespoke trainingin highways engineering –gaining academic and furtherprofessional qualifications.Some of these staff are nowengineers and project managersand have become members of

professional bodies.”Alison said technical staff

were encouraged to joinprofessional bodies, such as theInstitute of HighwayIncorporated Engineers, theInstitute of Civil Engineers andthe Chartered Institute ofHighways and Transportation.

There is also support fortechnical staff to gainincorporated or chartered statusand paid leave for studies andexams.

“We give all staff theopportunity to apply for moresenior positions and readilypromote based on skills andexperience,” said Alison.

“Our recruitment package andcompany policies have beenimproved and introduced tomake the company moreattractive and to provide morebenefits for existing staff byretaining flexi-time,service-related holidays andcontributory pension scheme.”

She added: “Very fewcompanies in our sector are

currently investing in people bytraining and developing staff, soSanderson is seen as a goodvehicle to progress theiracademic and professionalqualifications.

“We have the benefit of seniorstaff passing on their experienceto junior members. Ongoing

training and developmentprovides Sanderson Associateswith technicians and engineerswho have the necessary toolsto produce excellent results.

“This in turn benefits theindustry by building confidencein the profession.”

■ CO-OPERATIVE: Suma hasbeen described as one of Europe’smost radical employers

The University of HuddersfieldHUDDERSFIELD University is taking alead in delivering lessons on theenvironment.

As one of the town’s largest employers,the university said it was in a strongposition to influence others in the drive tobecome greener.

Geoff Cocker, assistant director ofestates and facilities, said: “We haverecognised the unique opportunities thatour size and complexity brings –harnessing our strengths, our broad reachto diverse groups, our internationaloutlook, our capacity to change mindsthrough education, our purchasing powerand out resources – to take the lead onpositively impacting our environment bothlocally and globally.”

Mr Cocker said the university hadbecome a recognised sector leader inenvironmental management and bestpractice, putting it among the top 10greenest UK universities and achieving afirst class award for three years running inthe Universities Green League.

The university is working to ensure that“thinking and acting green” becomes part

of campus life for students – withsustainability “embedded” in thecurriculum and schools developing waysto ensure the integration of green issuesin relevant courses.

The university has also invested in newbuildings that make the grade in terms ofsustainability – with a wealth of provenand experimental energy and water savingfeatures – and has made use ofbrownfield sites as well as undertakingrestoration projects to protect naturalspace and cultural heritage.

Mr Cocker said the university wasconsistently in the 10 best-performing ofall 133 UK universities for carbonemissions – with a dedicated teamtargeting aspects of the university’scarbon footprint in accordance with itscarbon management plan and buildingmanagement systems pinpointing andtackling waste.

The university is the first large businessin Huddersfield to establish a foodprocurement policy – so thatlocally-sourced food now accounts fortwo-thirds of all food and drink sold at its

nine catering outlets.It is also one of the first businesses in

the town to adopt a sustainable travelplan, with an eco-car hire policy bringing“green” vehicles onto campus for staffbusiness use.

Green purchasing also extends to itemssuch as eco-labelled hand soapthroughout 270 washrooms as well asenergy-saving computers and 100%recycled hand towels.

The university has a 75% collectiverecycling rate for waste generated oncampus – with re-use schemes for itemslike chairs and take-back schemes forprinter cartridges, computer packagingand pallets.

Mr Cocker added: “Our achievement ofFairtrade University status in 2009 wasdescribed as ‘trailblazing for Huddersfield’by the Fairtrade Foundation.

“sharing our knowledge, we are nowcentral to a ‘Fairtrade Town’ campaign forHuddersfield, instigating the initiative andacting as the senior partner to KirkleesCouncil to deliver a community-focusedcampaign.”

Green Building StoreA COMPANY providing “green”building materials continues todemonstrate a pioneeringapproach to sustainability.

Green Building Store, basedat Bolster Moor, manufacturesand supplies innovations forsustainable buildings,including water-savingproducts, natural buildingmaterials and Passivhausproducts.

The company – andconstruction division GreenBuilding Company – are whollyowned and run byEnvironmental ConstructionProducts Ltd, a companywhich has specialised insustainable building productssince 1995.

Its recent achievementsinclude the completion of alow-energyPassivhaus-designed home atDenby Dale. Thethree-bedroom detached

house boasts minimal heating– using 90% less energy forspace heating than the UKaverage – with anticipatedheating costs of less than £75a year.

Chayley Collis, marketingmanager at Green BuildingStore, said: “Instead ofcomplicated design andexpensive bolt-on renewables,Passivhaus design relies on asimple ‘tea cosy’ effectmaximising the use of superinsulation and stringentairtightness.

“By combining this withpassive solar gain andmechanical ventilation andheat recovery systems,Passivhaus designs can createhealthy and comfortablebuildings that require minimalheating.”

Now the company hopes theDenby Dale scheme will serveas a template for more

Passivhaus developments.Among the company’s other

initiatives, Green BuildingStore has helped Metro mademajor water and cost savingswith the installation ofwater-saving WCs and urinalsat three bus stations, includingHuddersfield. The Huddersfieldsite has saved £7,500 in thefirst year since installation –£6,500 through reduced waterbills and £1,000 in washroommaintenance savings – as wellas seeing a 38% cut in waterconsumption.

The improvements atHuddersfield followed on froma successful pilot scheme atDewsbury bus station, whichresulted in water bills savingsof 40%. The products havealso been used at Halifax busstation and are now beingrolled out to other busstations, including Leeds andKeighley.

Suma WholefoodsA WORKERS’ co-operative providingemployment for more than 150 people andturning over £25m a year has built up its successon green credentials.

Elland-based Suma Wholefoods distributesthousands of vegetarian, vegan, organic,fairtrade, cruelty-free and ethical products toindependent retailers, caterers, institutions andfood groups throughout the UK and overseas.

It provides an initial start-up market for manysmall suppliers and new ethical products such asrecycled paper, eco-gadgets, fairtrade chocolateand organic foods.

Nicola Roebuck, brand co-ordinator, said: “TheSuma co-operative is a multi-skilling environmentin which all workers can contribute to all aspectsof the work involved, performing a variety of jobseach week.

“The driver that delivers an order on Fridaymay have taken that order in the sales team onMonday, cooked lunch for everyone on Tuesday,worked in the quality control team on Wednesdayand then picked the order in the warehouse onThursday.

“This is facilitated by a sophisticated work rota

that accommodates the personal and domesticneeds of the members arising from childcare, carsharing or ill-health, for example.”

Suma’s commitment to being green extendsfrom ensuring that the price list and othermaterials are printed on recycled paper usingonly vegetable inks and potato starch wrappersto drivers switching off their engines duringdeliveries.

Suma uses 100% renewable electricity whiletrucks are run efficiently – achieved by planningrounds carefully to ensure the maximum numberof deliveries covering the minimum number ofmiles. Trucks do not run back empty to Suma,but pick up stock en route.

The co-operative is part of the Co2mitmentscheme organised by Treesponsibility. Since2004, Suma has planted some 500 native treesin the Calder Valley each year to offset itsemissions and help reduce flood risk and soilerosion in the area.

As much waste as possible is re-used whilewaste beyond re-use is recycled. Suma evenbales its own waste paper, card, plastic andtransit wrap and also repairs its own pallets.

GREEN AWARD

■ ENERGY KEY: Clr Julie Stewart-Turner (right) hands over the keys for theenergy-efficient Passivhaus in Denby Dale to residents Geoff and Kate Tunstallwatched by Bill Butcher (left) and Chris Herring (second left)

■ GREEN WHEELS: Prof Bob Cryan (left),vice-chancellor of Huddersfield University, with head ofestates Colin Blair (centre) and Arrow managing directorChris Taylor at the launch of the eco car hire scheme

sponsored by

■ WORKOUT: Taking part in a Suma fundraising bike ride are (front, from left) MarkCrowther, Karen Holmes and Simon Greenwood with (back, from left) Steve Hook,Tim Smith, Craig Milner and Ross Greenwood

Equi-Trek Ltd

Severn UnivalAN ENGINEERING company in theheart of Huddersfield is forgingahead in overseas markets.

Severn Unival, which has its mainmanufacturing facilities and headoffice at Milford Street, hasovercome the impact of the globalrecession to achieve export sales of£12.1m in 2009 – an increase of£2.2m on the previous year.

The company, part of the SevernGlocon Group, has expanded intonew markets and invested in itspeople and business operations todrive growth. The drive resulted inthe group being ranked as the 61stfastest-growing for internationalsales in the Sunday Times FastTrack.

Natalie Clarke, group marketingassistant, said: “Severn Univalprovides technical leadership invalve performance for all industrialvalve operations. The business is aglobal authority in the repair andfailure analysis of control valves,delivering performance excellencefor our clients in the refining, power

and oil and gas markets of theworld.

“Our Huddersfield hub alsoprovides a custom design andmanufacturing facility along with aninventory management service.”

The group now draws 65% of itsrevenue from outside the UK,mainly in the Middle East andNorway.

Said Ms Clarke: “The knowledgeand skills of our team inHuddersfield ensures a constantlyimproving standard of operationsand has further underpinned ourinternational business growth inthe past year.”

During the past 12 months, thegroup has opened a dedicatedoffice in Rio, created a new salesmanager position in China andlaunched a subsidiary company inCanada.

It has also set up QuantapointEurope, a joint venture withAmerican company Quantapoint touse 3D laser scanning to helpengineers and operators modify

existing plant or build new plantwithout the need for repeated sitevisits.

As a result of a five-year projectled by Severn Unival, the group haswon a major valve order from SaudiAramco, the state-owned nationaloil company of Saudi Arabia andthe largest oil corporation in theworld.

In the first quarter of 2010, it haswon orders from Oman, Qatar,Saudi Arabia and Norway.

Ms Clarke said unstable globalmarkets would provide challengesfor Severn Unival in the comingmonths, but added: “We believethat continued investment inoverseas markets underpinned bystringent financial control from ourHuddersfield hub will enable us tocontinue the growth trajectory ofthe last 12 months.

“With this in mind, our continuedcommitment to Huddersfield willsee significant investment in newfacilities in early 2011.”

Newsholme Food GroupA COMPANY in Huddersfield issupplying quality meat products tocustomers in the UK and beyond.

Newsholme Food Group, based atNew Hey Road, Oakes, has grownfrom a small, family-owned businessto a company employing more than200 people and achieving salesexceeding £25m.

Spokesman Jeremy Thwaite said:“We are one of the UK’s foremostsuppliers of quality meat-basedproducts, delivering to customersnationally and exporting to Europeand beyond. We pride ourselves ondelivering a flexible, efficientcustomer service that’s second tonone.

“We believe our success is downto our heritage and culture. Westarted out as a small family-ownedbusiness in 1950, making qualityproducts and treating customers theway we liked to be treated ourselves.

“More than half a century later andour high quality standards haven’tchanged a bit.”

The company has invested £3.7min a new 50,000sq ft purpose-builtfactory extension which has given

the firm one of the most modernmanufacturing facilities in Europeand created extra jobs.

“Our investment has brought us ahigh-capacity, state-of-the-artproduction facility so we can workaround the clock to ensure ordersare completed promptly.

“We are growing – against theodds – in challenging times. We

believe that our business sends outpositive signals to the localcommunity – that growth is possibleand ambitious plans can become areality.

“Over the past 12 months, we havecontinued to grow and to make useof our extra capacity which hasresulted in an increase in both oursales and our workforce.”

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS of Year

■ ENGINEER: Colin Findlay, director of Severn Unival, Milford Street

sponsored by

A FAMILY business making horse trailersand transporters is galloping ahead inthe export stakes.

Meltham-based Equi-Trek Ltd hasrevolutionised the design of horse trailersto provide the “sophistication, safety andaccommodation” required by equestriancompetitors.

The company designed a uniqueside-loading trailer to make loading andunloading less stressful for the horse andprovide better accommodation for itshuman companions.

The design was granted a patent and aprototype was built. Following a successfulpilot scheme, Equi-Trek bought its firstsmall manufacturing unit in 2004 andbegan production.

In 2007, the company moved to largerpremises and appointed its first Europeandistributor.

The company went on to introduce itsfirst motorised horsebox which was aninstant hit – leading to the opening of

another factory to meet demand.The range was further extended with

the firm’s Endeavour 7.5-tonne horseboxcapable of transporting three animals withfull living accommodation and room for allthe equipment required. The vehicleproved a success at home and abroad.

Equi-Trek exhibited at the Equitanaexhibition in Essen, Germany, whichresulted in an expansion in the number ofEuropean distributors – and export saleshitting the £500,000 mark.

Last year, the firm introduced its Envoy12-tonne horsebox and the opening ofanother site to cope with productiondemands. The company promoted thenewcomer at exhibitions in Belgium,France, Italy, Germany and Sweden,resulting in another rise in export sales.

This year, the firm has introduced newvehicles at both ends of the scale – withthe entry-level Trail-Trek trailer and an18-tonne luxury Voyager horseboxcapable of carrying up to nine horses. It

has also achieved quality assurancestandard ISO9001.

Managing director Raymond Janionsaid: “Equi-Trek horseboxes are becomingthe preferred choice of many internationalchampions, such as John Whitaker, OliverTownend, Robert Smith and Para-Olympicchampion Lee Pearson.

“We were honoured go supply WindsorCastle with a trailer and also a horseboxto the Parachute Regiment for theirmascot ponies.

“Our success is due to being at theforefront of design and a desire forexcellence – driven by an outstandingteam of dedicated employees who arealways prepared to go the extra mile.”

Mr Janion added: “Our plans for 2011include opening an apprentice trainingscheme to give young people theopportunity for training and provide askilled workforce for the future.”

■ WINNERS: Representatives of Newsholme Food Group with theBusiness of the Year trophy they won last year

■ HORSEPOWER: Meltham-based Equi-Trek Ltd is makingan international name for itself with a growing range of luxuryhorseboxes which it has exhibited at major trade shows inEurope

AWARD WINNING FOOD SINCE 1950

60 Years of Fine Food

• Now one of the UK’sforemost suppliers of qualitymeat-based products.

• Delivering nationally,and exporting to Europeand beyond.

• Flexible, efficient customerservice – direct and on time.

In 1950, when the first shop was openedby Trevor Newsholme in Huddersfield,who could have guessed that almost 60years later, the company would still beplaying such a big part in the local area?

Since those early days, they’ve remainedan independent family-owned business,proud of their association withHuddersfield, and proud of the passionand dedication of everyone that makesNewsholme Food Group what it is today.

To find out more about us...

Call 01484 642126Visit www.newsholmefoodgroup.co.uk

Distinctive Chesterfields

20th Century FoxyA COMPANY providing vintage andretro women’s fashions is making afashion statement online.

The business – called20thcenturyfoxy.com – was set upby Clare Quartermaine as a sidelineto her well-established marketingbusiness.

The web-based venture was bornof Clare’s own taste for stylishfashion from the 1930s, 1940s and1950s and the lack of choice when itcame to finding original orreproduction outfits from thoseeras.

Clare wanted to try out hermarketing theories for herself anduse the software she had developed.The business model was based on acustomer model and built up fromthere.

Said Clare: “The unique sellingpoint of this business is the way theclothes are presented and what hasbeen sourced. Much of the stock

comes from suppliers in the UK andthe USA.

“However, more recently, Foxy hascommissioned jewellery andheadwear from localdesigner-makers.

“This is particularly exciting andthe site has attracted more interestfrom the Huddersfield creativenetwork. It is hoped that we willstock many locally-sourcedproducts.”

Clare said: “We also sell‘glamour’. We know that the site isused by many as inspiration andpromotes a feelgood factor.

“The brand is strong and thename memorable.

“There is a growing ‘Foxy’community of ladies who are reallybuying into the concept andlabelling themselves as ‘FoxyLadies’.

“We are now developing a gallerypage in the website and Facebook

site and badges to send out withclothing with ‘I’m a Foxy Lady’written on it.”

Clare said 20thcenturyfoxy.comhad plenty of ideas in store,including developing a range of“plus size” 1940s and 1950sinspired clothing to be called SoFoxy.

Said Clare: “It is my dream tocreate a full range for the sitemanufactured in the UK and open itup for wholesale across the world.

“There is definitely a market andthere is plenty of room for growth.”

The website benefits from Clare’sexperience in search engineoptimisation, which has helped drivevisitor numbers from around theworld.

Clare also uses social media suchas Twitter and Facebook tocommunicate – creating a realcommunity feel to the brand.

Buy It Direct

A CANNY combination of online andoffline sales has helped Buy It Directachieve phenomenal growth.

The business – which last yearfeatured on the Sunday Times FastTrack 11 for the third year in a row –supplies discount electricals andappliances, specialising in laptops andPCs, servers, televisions, kitchenappliances, CCTV and portable airconditioning.

It sells to individuals, re-sellers,schools and colleges, universities andsmall to medium-sized businesses viathe website, phone and showrooms.

Owner Nick Glynne took over thebusiness in 2000 and decided to focuson selling laptops online. It is now a£100m-plus turnover business with morethan 100 employees.

The company ships out thousands ofitems every month from its head officeand warehouse at Trident BusinessPark, Leeds Road, Deighton.

Nick got into business in a roundaboutway. He studied social anthropology atEdinburgh University and then went toSheffield to do an MA in documentaryfilm making, which he funded by workingin his father’s clothes factory.

Nick went on to make documentariesfor Panorama and Channel 4 before atotal change of direction in 2000 –buying a small IT retail business inHuddersfield for £3,000.

He quickly expanded his customerbase by offering any IT service theywanted – repairing and selling ITequipment and PCs, creating networksand designing websites.

To control his growing business better,in 2001 Nick decided to narrow thefocus to manufacturing mail-order PCsand providing business-to-businessservices.

The venture evolved firstly into EasyComputers and later into Laptops Directbefore the Buy It Direct brand wasintroduced. Now it operates a range ofwebsites selling a wider variety ofproducts.

As well as the thriving onlineoperations, it also has a big showroomin Huddersfield where customers cansee the goods they are buying.

“We are predominantly selling online,but being a ‘bricks and mortar” companyas well enables us to beat ourcompetitors hands down,” he said.

E-Commerce Award

■ CANNY: Nick Glynne, owner of Buy It Direct

■ RETRO FUTURE: Clare Quartermaine, of QT Creative, isusing internet technology to sell the fashions of yesteryear

■ COMFORT ZONE: Distinctive Chesterfield's timeless Kendal sofa in deluxe Saddle is one ofa winning range of products finding favour with internet shoppers

A HOLME Valley company is using the latestin e-commerce technology to supply the bestin traditional leather furniture.

Honley-based Distinctive Chesterfields issitting pretty after building up its business overthe past two years.

The business was launched by 28-year-oldSteven Laidlaw, who decided to step out onhis own after working for a company inHampshire selling furniture for use inrestaurants, pubs, clubs and airports.

Steven, who displayed a talent for selling,found it very frustrating that a larger and largerpercentage of the furniture being sold in theUK was imported from Eastern Europe orChina.

One exception to the trend was Chesterfieldsofas, which Steven identified as a product hecould develop into his own business.

After carrying out in-depth research into thecommercial and domestic markets – andclocking up many miles visiting manufacturersof Chesterfield sofas, he decided to take theplunge.

Steven rented a small part of a biggerbuilding in Honley and consulted a web

company to develop a Distinctive Chesterfieldswebsite.

Said Steve “It took long days and nights tojust get to the stage where we could go livewith the website.

“There were product ranges and derivativesto decide on, logistics to work out whichinvolved talking to many different transportcompanies because if a customer ordered asofa we had to deliver it, be it in England,Europe, America or Asia.

“What seemed like a reasonablystraight-forward project quickly became quitecomplex, but in a relatively short space of timeDistinctive Chesterfields has already suppliedmany prestigious customers, including theMinistry of Defence, last year’s G20 summit,Hugo Boss, Maninello Hotels in Italy andseveral French interior designers.”

Distinctive Chesterfields’ sofas now graceNew York loft apartments, Japanese offices,Canadian log cabins and countless homesand offices worldwide.

The company, which has grown to employ13 people, sells entirely via the web and morethan 60% of its sales are export.

The firm’s website is now being translatedinto Japanese to help its development in thismarket in conjunction with an established

Japanese furniture firm retailer, who will act asDistinctive Chesterfields’ sole agent in thecountry.

Tim BiltonTIM Bilton is an award-winningchef who relishes a challenge.

But even friends and familiesthought he had bit off more thanhe could chew when he decidedto open a rundown pub in thedepths of a recession.

Tim had always dreamed ofrunning his own business. On acold day in February, 2008, hewalked into the Butcher’s Arms atHepworth and suddenly had aclear vision of how it could betransformed into a vibrant andsuccessful country inn.

Against all the odds, Tim tookover the business and in just overa year turned it into one of theregion’s most successful eateries,winning Yorkshire Life’s DiningPub of the Year Award in 2009 forits classic British food with amodern twist.

Said Tim: “Friends and familysaid I was mad to open TheButcher’s Arms during arecession, but I love a challenge!

With an appetite for hard workand a vision of success, a lot canbe achieved. And now business isreally booming.”

The pub has also become afocal point for village life. Earlierthis year, Tim revived the traditionof roasting a hog for the annualHepworth Feast, during which healso sponsored and took part in afive-mile run for men’s cancercharity Orchid.

Tim has also formed apartnership with top chef ChrisKelly to take over The Kaye Armsat Grange Moor – introducing thesame winning food philosophywith the same amazing results.

Tim began his career as akitchen porter in the peeling shed,washing and cleaning sacks ofcarrots and potatoes. He went onto spend two years training underRaymond Blanc at Le Manoir auQuat’Saisons in Oxfordshirebefore working in France for 18months.

Returning to Yorkshire for alecturing job, he was headhuntedto be head chef at Bibi’s Italianrestaurant in Leeds, running ateam of 28 chefs and delivering amenu with more than 100 dishesto 1,000 customers a week – achallenging role he revelled in forthree years.

Tim has appeared on BBC TV’sGreat British Menu, raising hisprofile still further and allowinghim to champion a wide range ofYorkshire ingredients, includingvenison from Fountain’s Abbeyand Wakefield rhubarb.

Said Tim: “A restaurant is abusiness just like any other, sorunning one needs to beapproached in exactly the sameway.

“The skills I’ve learned in pastjobs, such as managing budgets,resources and teams of people,are just as important as knowingabout good food.”

Mark Knight

Martin Page

YOUNG BUSINESS PERSONof the Year

■ WINNING RECIPE: Chef Tim Bilton, of the Butcher’s Arms at Hepworth

sponsored by

BUSINESSMAN Mark Knight is helping toput training on the agenda for majororganisations across the country.

Mark is creative director atHolmfirth-based Juice Learning, whichincludes BMW, Unilever, Barclaycard, TheFootball League and the Premier Leagueamong its high-powered clients.

The entrepreneur is joined in theventure by co-directors Claire Awty,Morgan Wilson and Matt Cleve, whodecided to set up the business followingthe demise of CragRats Ltd, where theywere all senior managers.

Said Mark: “When CragRats went intoadministration in June, 2009, it seemedthat the recession had delivered aknockout blow to one of the UK’slongest-established trainingorganisations.”

But he said: “Since then, we’vemanaged to buck the recession and growat an astonishing rate by providing

unique and pioneering training solutionsto some of the UK’s best-knownorganisations as well as manyprogressive smaller companies keen toimprove the way they work in challengingtimes.

“We’re also very proud of the fact thatwe have been able to provide work forprevious colleagues who also lost theirlivelihoods last year.”

Mark has more than 10 years’ mediaindustry experience across commercialproduction, advertising, televisionbroadcast and post production.

In the past 12 months, his work hasbeen nominated in the InternationalVideo and Communication Awards andthe National Training Awards by clientsincluding Scottish and Southern Energy,Barclaycard and Nottingham City Homes.

Away from work, he enjoys playingsquash, cooking, reading and watchingfilms.

Mark said Juice Learning had delivereda range of training to provide long-lastingbusiness improvement to organisationsfacing the challenge of continuing tomaintain high standards on anever-decreasing budget.

He said: “Whether it’s ensuring thatNHS staff continue to focus on deliveringthe highest standard of patient care orstewards working for Football Leagueclubs receiving world class training,we’ve met the challenges and flourishedwhere others have failed.”

During the past 12 months, theaward-winning team has produced filmsand animation for use as trainingresources; used theatre as a powerfuland innovative learning tool; deliveredexciting and memorable staffconferences; used group discussion,role-play, team exercises, games, quizzesand outdoor activities to aid training.

A TALENT for technology andmanagement has proved morethan useful for businessmanMartin Page.

The 31-year-old is a founderand director of IT services andsupport company P2Technologies, based atLockwood Park.

Although Mark’s backgroundis in IT engineering, he wasgiven responsibility for keyaccount management at legal ITsystems vendor Videss.

After four years developingand refining IT services tocustomers, he became servicemanager and then director ofmanaged services at thenewly-consolidated ComputerSoftware Group – all this at theage of only 27.

Mark was responsible for 21staff in the helpdesk, workshop,sales and engineering functionsand oversaw a successful period

of growth in the managed ITservices division.

Martin founded P2 in 2007alongside former colleaguesRoger Parson and GrahamMoore.

Since then, Martin has workedtirelessly to build the businessand has successfully increasedthe number of support contractsheld by the firm.

He has also worked toachieve Microsoft Gold Partnerstatus for the company.

Martin has played a key rolein providing IT support andsystems that have enabledcustomers report a significantincrease in service with P2compared to their old ITprovision.

He has introduced anappraisal model for staffdevelopment, working with themto ensure that levels of serviceare consistent.

He has also driven technicalstaff to achieve the highestpossible Microsoft accreditationfor specific job roles.

Martin’s management skillsare also vital to the business ashe maintains strong financialcontrol.

He has also increased thetechnical expertise of thebusiness and the commercialawareness of the team – givingthem the ability to identifyproblems and opportunities,ultimately increasing sales.

Most recently, Mark hasidentified the need to pushforward with a strong marketingcampaign to drive sales further.

Looking forward, he aims toincrease awareness of P2 asthe “default” choice for ITproducts and software solutionsamong professional serviceproviders and nationally in the ITsector. ■ CONNECTIONS: Martin Page, director of P2 Technologies

■ IN THE FRAME: Mark Knight, of Juice Learning,is playing a leading part as the company’s creativedirector – providing award-nominated work forleading clients such as Barclaycard

sponsored by

Britannia RescueTHE UK’s fourth largest breakdownrecovery organisation is driving ahead inHuddersfield.

Britannia Rescue was formed in 1983by the Civil Service Motoring Association,but has grown under its modern name torival the AA, the RAC and Green Flag inthe business of roadside recovery.

Based at offices in Folly Hall Mills, thecompany employs more than 100 peopleand is dedicated to providing breakdownrecovery via a network of about 130independent garages across the UK aswell as providing similar services inmainland Europe and Eire by linking upwith other breakdown organisations.

In May, 2007, the business wasacquired by Liverpool Victoria, the UK’slargest friendly society, in line with its ownambitions to become a top five player formotor insurance.

By mid-2008, the senior managementat LV= decided to overhaul the BritanniaRescue business – to provide a clearbusiness strategy, boost customernumbers, raise awareness and lift staffmorale.

The strategy adopted aimed to turnBritannia Rescue into a “niche” recoveryfirm operating as a business-to-businesssupplier to corporate organisations andinsurance brokers. The move followed the

firm’s success in winning the tender forbreakdown recovery for ASDA.

A plan to increase customer numberswas also adopted. That includedproducing the first-ever corporatebrochure, which made its debut at theBritish Insurance Broker Associationconference in London this summer.

To raise awareness and demonstratethat Britannia Rescue was a seriouscompetitor in the market, the companyagreed a five-year deal to sponsor a standat the Galpharm Stadium and sealed adeal to sponsor the UK BobsleighAssociation in the run-up to the WinterOlympics in Canada.

As part of efforts to boost staff morale,Britannia Rescue moved from its existingoffices at Huddersfield railway station tothe newly-restored Folly Hall Mills – whichprovided a better working environmentand space to expand to 175 people.

And the strategy has paid off. BritanniaRescue has reported a 7% rise in thecustomer base and a 53% increase innew business. The company launchedfour new insurance broker schemes thisyear and has expanded its relationshipwith ASDA.

And it was also a winner with a 2010Best Buy award in Which?

Equi-Trek LtdA COMPANY manufacturing horsetransporters is hoping for a clearround in the Examiner BusinessAwards.

Equi-Trek Ltd, based at Meltham,has found a ready market for itshigh-quality products, which rangefrom horse trailers to large luxurymotorised transporters.

The firm opened its first smallmanufacturing premises in 2004 andbegan production of a uniqueside-loading trailer which providedaccommodation for horse andowner.

Three years later, Equi-Trek Ltdmoved to larger premises andappointed its first Europeandistributor.

In 2008, the company introducedits first motorised horsebox, basedon a Peugeot chassis. The modelproved an instant success andEqui-Trek had to open anotherfactory to cater for demand.

The firm further extended its rangeto produce a three-horse box withfull living accommodation – whichwas exhibited very successfully at

the Equitana exhibition in Essen,Germany.

Another new product, a five-horsebox was launched last year – callingfor another factory to be opened –while this year has seen theintroduction of a new Trail-Trekatrailer at one end of the scale and anine horsebox at the other.

Managing director RaymondJanion said: “Plans for 2011 includeopening an apprentice trainingscheme to give young people thechance to train and provide a skilledworkforce for the future.

“Our success is due to being atthe forefront of design and a desirefor excellence – driven by anoutstanding team of dedicatedemployees who are always preparedto go the extra mile.”

He added: “We were proud toreceive the SME of the Year Award atthe 2009 Examiner Business Awardsand our continued growth hashelped the local economy. We nowoccupy over 150,000sq ft of factoryspace and employ in excess of 100people.”

Simply Biz Services plc

BUSINESS of the Year

■ OPENING: Mike Rogers, chief executive of the Liverpool Victoria Group, cuts the ribbon to openBritannia Rescue’s Folly Hall Mills premises with Simon Stevens, general manager of BritanniaRescue, and British bobsleigh team members Nicola Minichiello (left) and Fiona Hardcastle

■ PAST WINNER: Tom Janion (right), of Equi-Trek Ltd, collects the SME of the Year Award from JohnWIlson, of Revell Ward, at the 2009 Examiner Business Awards

■ ADVICE: Ken Davy, chairmanof SimplyBiz Services plc

A COMPANY providing support to independentfinancial advisers has more than made its markin Huddersfield.

SimplyBiz Services plc was launched in 2002by chairman Ken Davy and has grown to employ150 staff and provide services to a membershipof more than 2,000 independent financial adviserfirms – together accounting for more than 5,000registered individuals.

The services include discounted deals on backoffice and book-keeping software, experttechnical guidance and file reviews, themedcompliance visits, access to preferential deals

and rates from market leading providers as wellas a free website to each member.

The group, based at the Galpharm Stadium,also offers more than 200 events a year coveringbusiness development, investment, mortgages,pensions and compliance.

The organisation now encompassesScottish-based compliance support providerCompliance First; Capital Reward Plus, whichprovides advice to transferred clients; investmentprocess and fund provider Verbatim AssetManagement; and not-for-profit training anddevelopment division New Model Business

Academy.SimplyBiz has been recognised with a string of

awards for its technical support, the quality of itsprofessional advice and its rate of growth.

Mr Davy, who is well-known as chairman ofHuddersfield Giants, said: “SimplyBiz never losessight of the fact that its member firms areindividuals with individual business needs andendeavours to provide services which areinnovative, relevant and – most importantly –valuable to advisers who want to keep their firmsoperating in a compliant, successful andprofitable manner.”

Awards always spring a surprise – or three!

Broadcasters bring good newson a night of real celebration!

HERE is the news!Broadcaster Declan Curry will be the guest speaker at

tomorrow’s eagerly-awaited Examiner BusinessAwards.

The well-known presenter, who covers business newsand financial matters on television and radio, was due toattend the annual awards evening last year, but had toback out after being stricken with flu.

Declan was for many years the face of business onBBC’s Breakfast – bringing the latest on company newsfrom the London Stock Exchange and providing regularupdates on BBC News 24.

Now he presents the news channel’s business debateprogramme Show Me The Money as well as BBC Radio5 Live’s personal finance programme, It’s YourMoney.

He joined BBC News 24 when it launched in 1997 andhas also broadcast for the corporation’s internationalnews channel BBC World as well as being a dailybusiness commentator for ABC News in the USA.

Declan has presented BBC Radio 5 Live’s On TheMoney.

He has produced and reported for a range of pro-grammes, including Radio 4’s personal finance flagship

Moneybox, Radio 5 Live’s Financial World Tonight andWorld Service Radio’s World Business Report.

He also returned to his Northern Ireland roots in theprogramme Reversing the Brain Drain to meet a SiliconValley entrepreneur who is investing time and money inthe next generation of local business leaders.

Declan’s grasp of his subject has won him the respectof the business community.

He was voted Proshare Financial Personality of theYear two years running and is in much demand forappearances at high-profile conferences and awardsceremonies for organisations including the CBI and theInstitute of Directors.

Hosting the Examiner Business Awards at the Gal-pharm Stadium will be BBC Look North presenterHarry Gration – who is continuing his long associationwith the event.

Harry, a familiar face to many tea-time televisionviewers, has been the popular host of the awards sincethey were launched in 2006.

More than 300 people will attend the awards cere-mony when nominees and winners will rub shoulderswith leading figures from the local business communityfor a celebration of the town’s entrepreneurial success.

■ HAPPY TO BE BACK: HarryGration continues his association withthe awards as host tomorrow night

■ MONEY MAN: BBC presenterDeclan Curry will be the guestspeaker at the awards night

■ RECOGNITION: David and Louisa Scacchetti, founders of Huddersfield based Mamas and Papas, werenamed Business Personalities of the Year in 2008 and are pictured receiving their trophy from JeremyGarside (right) of Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors

■ PAST MASTERS: Recipients of the coveted Business Personality ofthe Year Award have included (from left) Prof Bob Cryan, Ken Davyand David Armitage

IT wouldn’t be the ExaminerBusiness Awards without a fewsurprise winners.

This year, the award judgeshave three special prizes topresent – in addition to the ninecategory winners who willreceive their trophies andcertificates tomorrow night atthe Galpharm Stadium.

The special prizes will go tothe winners of the HuddersfieldUniversity Innovation withTechnology Award, theChadwick Lawrence BusinessPerson of the Year Award and aone-off Judge’s Award.

The HuddersfieldUniversity-sponsored award willrecognise an organisationwhich has taken research anddevelopment in its specialistfield to a stage wherecommercial benefits will soonbe realised.

The Business Person of theYear Award, sponsored by lawfirm Chadwick Lawence – whichis sponsoring the ExaminerBusiness Awards for the fifthyear running – aims to honoursomeone who has made anoutstanding contribution to thelocal business community andenhanced Huddersfield’sreputation on a national andinternational stage.

The winner will be in exaltedcompany – joining previouswinners Ken Davy, DavidArmitage, David and LuisaScachetti and Prof Bob Cryanon the roll of honour.

Mr Davy, chairman of financialadviser support networkSimplyBiz Services plc andHuddersfield GIants, wasrecognised for his sporting andbusiness connections.

Mr Armitage, chairman of

Sellers Engineering, wasrewarded for his efforts tochampion manufacturing andregeneration.

David and Lusia Scachetti,were honoured for their workcreating jobs, promoting

innovative design and investingin the town as founders ofnursery products firm Mamas &Papas.

Prof Cryan received the awardlast year for his contribution tothe growth and development of

the university, his workstrengthening links between thetown’s leading academicinstitution and local businessesand his commitment tofurthering the cause andprosperity of Huddersfield.

Yorkshire’sLegalPeople.

Sponsors of theHuddersfield ExaminerBusiness Awards 2010

www.chadwicklawrence.co.ukHuddersfield | Wakefield | Halifax | Leeds