KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSThe business NEWSpaper for Kir k lees4, September, 2012

INSIDE

● Full story - Page 5

● Full story - Page 6

JOHN DEAN

Fu l l i n te r v i ew - Page 3

Ready to do batt le !Co lumn - Page 4

An EXAMINER publication

OlympicspiritA MIRFIELD firm wasamong 200 Yorkshirecompanies to strikegold in the LondonOlympics.Actaccomm, part ofconstruction sectorbusiness Actiform, wonthree contracts todeliver modularbuildings to theOlympic Park as part ofthe Yorkshire GoldBusiness Club, whichhas hailed the “greatsuccess” of efforts tobring Olympics-relatedbusiness to the region.

IndustrialstrengthTHE YorkshireIndustrial market canreflect on a positivefirst six months of2012, according to asurvey. Figures fromproperty firm CBREshowed that occupierconfidence hasimproved across theregion with an 88% risein take-up of space.Although availabilityhas now fallen to 3.97msq ft – with 2.51m sq ftnew – this still remainsthe highest proportionof available space inthe country.

AMANDA VIGAR

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iner

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uk Themosttrustednewsbrandin thebusiness

FTSE 100+46.93

5758.41

Date at the embassy for technology firmA COMPANY making scalp coolingequipment to help cancer patients combathair loss has been showcased at a prestigi-ous London event.

Fenay Bridge-based Paxman Coolerswas invited to show off its technology atthe British Business Embassy, an eventorganised by Government export supportarm UK Trade & Investment.

The company, represented by opera-tions director Richard Paxman, was one ofonly six businesses chosen from hundredsof applications to take part in the event,which was held at London’s LancasterHouse.

More than 3,000 UK and internationalbusiness leaders came together for a seriesof global, sector and country summits.

The business exhibition was part of aseries of initiatives expected to help gener-ate more than £1bn in trade and invest-ment for the UK.

Paxman is the leading global manufac-turer and supplier of scalp cooling equip-ment for the prevention of hair loss duringchemotherapy.

The award-winning scalp cooling sys-tem has been used in hundreds of hospitalsand specialist cancer treatment centresaround the world.

The system works by lowering the tem-perature of the head and scalp immediatelybefore, after and during the administrationof chemotherapy. This can prevent orminimise the damage caused to hairfollicles, meaning that hair loss is notinevitable.

Mr Paxman said: “It has been an hon-our to showcase our technology andproduct at such a prestigious event.

“It was amazing to witness the innova-tion and entrepreneurial spirit of fellowexhibitors. Events such as this one provehow exciting and creative UK businessreally is.”

■ EXPORT EFFORT:Director Richard Paxman

Tasty contract forsandwich makers

A SANDWICH supplier in Huddersfieldhas proved a cut above the competition bywinning a prestigious contract.

Aspley-based Shaw and Lisle is set toprovide 1,000 sandwiches a day to Tescostores across Yorkshire from today.

The deal struck with Tesco’s buying teamwill see Shaw and Lisle delivering the sand-wiches to distributor The Locally SourcedFood Company Ltd at Thirsk for onwarddelivery to the stores.

The sandwiches – promoted under thefirm’s Local Food Heroes range – will bestocked in 50 Tesco stores, including ones inHuddersfield, Brighouse, Halifax, Bradfordand Wakefield.

Shaw and Lisle director Simon Shaw said:“We wanted to create something using localingredients, but a bit more upmarket thanyour run-of-the-mill sandwich.”

Explaining the Local Heroes brand name,Mr Shaw said: “Local suppliers are workingreally hard to put their stamp on the mar-ket.

“We use premium ingredients from localsuppliers in the sandwiches and tradi-tional-looking packaging.”

The mouth-watering selection includesHarrogate smoked salmon with LongleyFarm cream cheese and dill.

The others are Yorkshire ham and Wens-leydale cheese with a cider apple chutney;and Wensleydale cheese with plum andginger chutney and rocket leaf.

Mr Shaw said: “It is an opportunity for asmall to medium-sized company to get intothe big retailers.

“We can easily cope with this sort ofvolume and still have capacity in the busi-ness.

“We have invested in machinery dedicatedto the production of these three sandwichproducts and we are going to put theseproducts out to some of the other multiplesto see if they want to supply them.”

The company, which employs about 100people, continues to supply existing custom-ers, including coffee shops and universitiesand colleges.

It is also venturing into the leisure andhospitality sector by working with eventscompany Leeds-based CGC Events to takeShaw and Lisle sandwiches to racecoursesand regional country shows such as theGreat Yorkshire Show.

Shaw and Lisle was formed in 1994 inHalifax by Mr Shaw and sales directorRichard Lisle.

The company moved to Shaw BusinessPark at Silver Street in early 2000 as atwo-man business. The business now makeshundreds of thousands of sandwiches a yearat the site, which houses production, ware-housing and offices.

Said Mr Lisle: “Despite the recession,there is strong demand for premiumproducts when it comes to food.

“Many people will not think twice aboutpaying £3 for a coffee and £5 for a sandwichin high street coffee shops.”

And he added: “Business is proving goodand we are still a growing company. We arevery positive about the future.”

■ LUNCH TIME: Shaw and Lisle managing director Simon Shawwith the sandwich range the company will be supplying to Tesco

Photographer in focus

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS national Page 2

SHARE PRICES

closed at

Local shares

FTSE

5758.41Up 46.93

closed at

UK manufacturingpicture brightens

TOURIST RATES

Tourists going abroad can expectthe following rates for sterling:Australia...................... 1.46 dollarsBangladesh................. 121.54 takaBrazil.............................. 2.88 realsCanada....................... 1.49 dollarsChina ............................. 8.98 yuanCzech Republic ...... 28.82 korunasDenmark....................... 8.94 kroneEuro............................... 1.20 euroHong Kong................ 11.67 dollarsHungary ................... 322.15 forintsIndia.......................... 77.52 rupeesJapan........................... 118.18 yenMexico ....................... 18.65 pesosNew Zealand .............. 1.84 dollarsNorway ......................... 8.78 kronePakistan.................. 141.24 rupeesPhilippines ................. 57.05 pesosSouth Africa ................. 12.48 randSouth Korea.............. 1562.00 wonSri Lanka ................ 197.91 rupeesSweden....................... 10.11 kronaSwitzerland.................. 1.44 francsTaiwan ...................... 41.39 dollarsTurkey....................... 2.71 new liraUSA ............................ 1.51 dollars

NORTH AMERICANAmerican Express £36.69Gannett 960.29Hess Corp £31.80Microsoft 1939.46Motors Liquidation 47.20Wal-Mart Stores £45.69

AEROSPACE & DEFENCEAvon Rbbr 308 +103/4BAE Systems 3243/8 +57/8Rolls-Royce 8351/2 +141/2

AIMBrady Plc 97 +1Dawson Intl 3/8Man Brnze 95/8 -5/8

AUTOMOBILES & PARTSG K N 2143/4 +11/4

BANKSBarclays 1841/4 +1HSBC 551 +37/8Lloyds Banking Gp 333/8 +1/8Ryl Scotland 2261/2 +1/4Stan Chart 1390 -11/2

BEVERAGESDiageo 1751 +26SABMiller £281/8 +3/8

CHEMICALSCroda £233/4 +1/4Elementis 98 223 +23/4Johnsn Mat £241/8 +1/8

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALSBalfour Beatty 2807/8 +1/2

Costain 243 +11/4ELECTRICITY

Drax Gp 4791/4 +131/4SSE 1377 +9

ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTLaird 2365/8 +23/8

EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTSAlliance Trust 3633/8 +3/8

FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICESBT Grp 2221/2 +47/8Cable & WirelessComm

34 +1/8

Colt Group 1173/4 +1/2KCOM 79 +1Talktalk Telecom 1943/4 +3/4

FOOD & DRUG RETAILERSMorrison W 2781/4 -13/4Sainsbury 3283/4 +11/8Tesco 3391/2 +27/8

FOOD PRODUCERSAB Food 1334 +10Tate Lyle 6611/2 +51/2Unilever £227/8 +1/4

GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIESCentrica 3287/8 +21/4National Grid 6871/2 +4Pennon Grp 736 -1/2Severn 1726 -5United Utils 711 +2

GENERAL FINANCIAL3i Group 2061/8 +3/8ICAP 3167/8 -3/4

London StockExch 9851/2 -8Man Group 731/4 +2Provident Financial 1321 +1Schroders 1432 +11Schroders NV 1160

GENERAL INDUSTRIALSCooksn Grp 602 +3REXAM 427 +31/4Smiths Grp 1048 +3

GENERAL RETAILERSAshley L 221/8 -3/8Carphone Whse 1461/2 +11/2Dixons Retail 181/8 +1/2Home Retail 97 +31/8Inchcape 3671/2 -1Kingfisher 2741/8 -11/2M & S 3571/2 -1/4Mothercare 2141/4 -4Next £361/2 +3/4WH Smith 5981/2 -2

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICESSmith Nph 6681/2 +11/2

HOUSEHOLD GOODSAga Rangemaster 61 -1Barrat Dev 1585/8 +85/8Persimmon 734 +36Reckitt Benckiser £36 +3/8Taylor Wimpey 531/4 +2

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERINGI M I 8601/2 +1/2

INDUSTRIAL METALSFerrexpo 1593/4 -2

INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION

BBA Aviation 191 +7/8LIFE INSURANCE

Aviva 3275/8 +11/2Lgl & Gen 1287/8 +7/8Old Mutual 1671/4 +7/8Prudential 786 -1Resolution 2145/8 -11/4Standard Life 2663/4 +11/2

MEDIABSkyB 7671/2 +61/2D Mail Tst 4801/2 +1HIBU 1/2 -3/4ITV 837/8 +5/8Johnston Press 55/8 +1/8Pearson 1207 +12Reed Elsevier 599 +81/2STV Group 86 +1/2Trinity Mirror 411/4 +11/2Utd Business 678 +4UTV 1321/2 -21/4WPP 822 +7

MININGAnglo American 1773 +23Antofagasta 1128 +21BHP Billiton 1855 +19Eurasian NaturalRes

3017/8

Fresnillo 1627 +66Kazakhmys 610 +17Lonmin 581 +8Rio Tinto £28 +5/8VEDANTARESOURCES

892 +241/2

Xstrata 9471/4 -5MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES

Inmarsat 577 +41/2Vodafone Group 1831/4 +13/4

NONLIFE INSURANCEAdmiral Grp 1150 -36RSA Insurance Gp 1137/8 -1/8

OIL & GAS PRODUCERSBG 12991/2 +111/2BP 4433/4 +23/8Cairn Energy 2881/2 +11/2Royal Dutch Shell A £221/4 +1/4Royal Dutch Shell B £23 +1/4Total £313/4 +1/4Tullow Oil 1389 +26

OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICESAMEC 1114 +5

Petrofac 1516 +14Wood Gp(J) 8301/2 +10

PERSONAL GOODSBurberry Gp 1355 +2

PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGYAstrazeneca £291/2 +1/8GlaxoSmithK XD 12Shire 1922 +6

REAL ESTATEBrit Land 5411/2 +2Captl Shop Cent 3383/4 +1Hamrsn 4603/8 +33/8Land Secs 7931/2 +21/2SEGRO 2341/2 +3

SOFTWARE ETC SERVICESInvensys 2411/4 -1/4Sage Group 3031/2 +71/4

SUPPORT SERVICESBerendsen 554 +11Bunzl 1129 +5Capita 7231/2 +11/2De La Rue 1046 +2Electrocomp 2265/8 +41/4Experian 1015 +11G4S 2563/4 +33/4Hays 681/4 -1/2Homeserve 2251/4 +41/4Menzies J 6131/2 -161/2Rentokil 773/4 +3/4Smiths News 117 +1Wolseley £26 +5/8

IT HARDWAREARM Hldgs 5591/2 -141/2

Psion 873/4 -1/4Spirent Comms 1601/4 +13/4

TOBACCO

Br Am Tob £333/8 +3/8Imperial Tobacco £247/8 +1/4

LEISURE & HOTELS

Bwin.Party Digital 941/2 +1/2Carnival £211/2Compass Grp 709easyJet 5331/2 +21/2Enterprise Inns 58 +1FirstGroup 2451/4 +1/4Go-Ahead Gp 1300Greene King 5631/2 +7Intercontl Htls 1616 +11Intl Cons AirlinesGp

1421/8 +1/4

Ladbrokes 1731/8 +33/8Mitchells & Butlers 272 +3Natl Express 2161/4 -11/8Rank Org 1301/4 -13/4Stagecoach Group 290 +33/8TUI Travel 2123/4 +1Whitbread £211/4

INDEXFTSE 100 5758.41 +46.93

INDEXFTSE 250 11503.13 +92.94

Carclo 485 +15Marshalls 87 +21/4National Grid 6871/2 +4Weir Gp 1639 +6

CUPID misfired its arrow as the dat-ing agency business turned offinvestors with under-pressureprofits and a slowdown in sales.

The owner of Cupid.com andBeNaughty.com said revenues fromestablished markets, such as theUK, Ireland and Australia, increasedby 6% in the six months to June 30 to£16m compared to 38% in the wholeof 2011.

While revenues from new markets,such as the US, France, Italy andSpain, increased by 122% to £22.2m,pre-tax profits fell 5% to £3.7m –triggering a fall in the share price.

However, the Edinburgh-basedfirm said it was confident it will

continue to deliver value to share-holders as it pushes further into theUS and other overseas markets.

Cupid chief executive Bill Dobbiesaid: “We remain in a very strongposition and are confident that wewill continue to deliver value forshareholders in 2012 and beyond.

“The market for our services isglobal and growing and we are wellpositioned to take advantage of thenumerous opportunities that exist.”

The group averaged 540,000monthly subscribers in the first half,which compared to 410,000 in thesame period last year.

The group intends to increaseadvertising activity.

Cupid’s arrow misses its targetTROPICAL fruit supplier Fyffeswarned of higher prices for bananasand pineapples as it grapples withrising costs.

The Dubl in-based companyblamed the relative strength of the USdollar, higher fruit costs and a further20% hike in fuel prices for the “neces-sary” increases in selling prices in itskey markets.

The warning came as Fyffesannounced a 30% jump in profits to£17.7m in the six months to June 30,driven by higher sales volumes ofpineapples and bananas.

With trading conditions in its keycontinental Europe markets holding

firm, Fyffes has increased its targetfor full-year earnings by at least£2.4m. Half-year revenues rose by afifth to £436m.

It said: “The group continues topursue necessary increases in sellingprices in all markets to offset theimpact of adverse exchange ratemovements and the higher cost of fueland fruit.”

The firm began trading in the 1880swhen the first commercial delivery ofbananas from the Canary Islandsarrived in London for E W Fyffe Son& Co. The company sources its bana-nas from countries such as CostaRica, Guatemala and Colombia.

Price hike alert by Fyffes

IcelandadditionRETAILER Iceland Foodshas appointed Paul Foleyto its operating board inthe new role ofinternational businessdirector – to identify andexploit new opportunitiesto grow the Iceland brandthroughout the world.

Mr Foley will takeresponsibility forIceland’s ITEX exportbusiness and its newretail operation in theCzech Republic. He willbe based at the ITEXoffice in Vienna andreport directly to GrangeMoor-born chiefexecutive MalcolmWalker.

Mr Foley began hisretail career in 1976 as amanagement trainee withBejam, which wasacquired by Iceland in1989. He was involved inthe integration asIceland’s regionalmanager for the SouthEast, but left thecompany in 1989 to jointhe start-up of Aldi in theUK as sales director.

He became Aldi’sgroup managing directorfor the UK in 2000 andfor the UK and Ireland in2004. He was also a keymember of Aldi’sinternational project teamresponsible forresearching andestablishing other Aldibusinesses around theworld. He played a keyrole in building Aldi in theUK and Ireland into a500-store, £2bn turnoverbusiness. He left in 2009to set up his own retailconsultancy.

Mr Foley has begunworking for Iceland, butwill also be fulfilling hisremaining consultancycommitments beforejoining Iceland full-timenext January.

THE downturn in UK manufacturingshowed signs of easing after new fig-ures revealed a rebound from July’s“disastrous” performance.

The latest Markit/CIPS purchasingmanagers’ index (PMI) produced aheadline reading of 49.5 for August –representing a four-month high andonly slightly below the 50 mark thatseparates expansion from contrac-tion.

The survey contrasts with the find-ings of the EEF manufacturing organ-isation, which said firms were facingthe toughest conditions in nearly threeyears as the sector struggles againstheadwinds from the eurozone.

CIPS chief executive David Noblesaid a repeat of the previous month’sperformance would have beenunthinkable, adding: “We can takeconsolation from August’s figures inthat they were less bad than the dis-astrous month before.

“We have witnessed a return to thestatus quo of flat growth in a fragileeconomy.”

With the figure better than Cityexpectations and other eurozone coun-tries, ING economist James Knightleysaid one-off factors such as theOlympics and the delayed effects of theDiamond Jubilee may have influencedthe result.

He said: “The report is consistentwith stagnation in the UK’s manufac-turing sector rather than the deepeningrecession hinted at by official data.”

The figure of 45.2 for July, whichfollowed readings of 48.6 and 45.9 inJune and May respectively, was blamedon a “perfect storm’’ of wet weather,weak confidence and the continuingeurozone crisis.

In August, manufacturers were ableto raise their average selling prices in abid to recover some of the margins lostearlier in the year.

However, the rate of inflation wasonly modest as strong competition andweak demand restricted the pricingpower of a number of firms.

Input costs also fell for the thirdmonth running during August, reflect-ing lower metal and plastic prices.

Labour enterprise spokesman IainWright said the EEF report was aworrying indication of the impact ofthe recession on British manufactur-ing, adding: “George Osborne’s prom-ise of a ’march of the makers’ ringshollow.

“By cutting spending and raisingtaxes too far and too fast, the Tory-ledGovernment has undermined thepotential of UK manufacturers to leadthe economy into recovery.

“We need a long-term industrialstrategy which helps British manufac-turing achieve its potential as the mostcreative and innovative sectors any-where in the world.”

■ FACTORY FEARS: Manufacturingis facing tough times, says the EEF

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS profile Page 3

ImagemakerUK Ltd

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Work: PhotographySite: Savile Street,MilnsbridgePhone: 01484651500Email: john@imagemaker.org.ukWebsite:www.imagemaker.org.uk

John DeanRole: Managing dir-ectorAge: 52Family: Married toAnne with daughterLois, 23, and sonSam, 21Holidays: Sri Lanka,where Anne and Iwere marriedCar: Mercedes AClassFirst job: Caddy atOutlane Golf ClubBest thing aboutjob: Capturing thatfleeting moment –although moving thebusiness forward isvery excitingWorst thing aboutjob: Trying to motiv-ate myself when I wasworking aloneBusiness tip: Youcannot build a busi-ness and a reputationovernight. It takespatience

Ideathatjustclicked

PHOTOGRAPHER JohnDean is developing asuccessful business.

And the 52-year-olddirector of Milnsbridge-basedImagemaker UK Ltd isenjoying every minute of it!

After several yearsoperating as a one-man bandphotographing family groups,weddings and companyproducts for brochures, henow leads a seven-strongteam making use of the latestin imaging technology. And heis still amazed at how rapidlythe business has grown.

“I started getting intophotography when I wasabout 12,” says John. “Andthat interest has stayed withme for 40 years. I attendedclasses in Holmfirth and wecreated a dark room in theattic of the family home atBroad Lane, Dalton.

“I would take landscapephotos. It was the creativity ofit that fascinated me – gettinga good picture, developing itand watching the imageappear on the paper in thetray.”

John admits: “If you get areally good landscape pictureit’s more good luck thanjudgement! It’s all about thelight.

“You can get a wonderfulpicture and go back to thesame place every day for thenext 10 years and never getthat image again. It’s theunpredictability of it thatexcites.”

Portrait photography canbe just the same. “It’s aboutgetting that glance or a child’scheeky smile that makesmum and dad say ‘that’s justhim!’ Capturing the moment –that’s what interests me.”

John joined HuddersfieldPhotographic Society andwas its president for anumber of years. He enteredphotography competitionsand won praise for his work.“Getting favourablecomments from ‘my peers’gave me more confidenceand it was that which pushedme to take up photographyprofessionally,” he says.

Until then, photography hadbeen a hobby. John hadworked as a surveyor forMarshalls Construction inElland – casting an eye overindustrial landscapes – andrunning his own painting anddecorating business.

John has now run hisphotography business for 10years. He worked from smallpremises above a shop inSlaithwaite until moving to thefirm’s current premises fouryears ago.

The three storey millbuilding at Savile Street,Milnsbridge, boasts a groundfloor gallery, a spaciousstudio on the first floor and asecond floor given over tooffices and production. Itretains plenty of character –including original flooring,stone walls and pulley systemon the top floor.

Freelance photographerHolly Andrews had beenhelping with the workload, butearlier this year the millbuilding has become evenbusier with the recruitment ofScott Harvey and Holly’sfiance Paul Quinn. Sincethen, the business has alsobeen joined by John’s sonSam and talented traineesJen Fellows and Alex Young,

who are studying at BarnsleyCollege.

Says John: “I was here fouryears on my own – but it hadgot to the point where Icouldn’t do any more than Iwas doing.

“We have assembled theteam over the summer toprovide a range of skillscovering portrait and familyphotography, weddings,commercial photography andimagery for websites. We aremoving to providing abespoke, individual servicethat the big companiescannot offer.”

John says that having ayoung team around him hasbeen a tremendousadvantage. “I have to admitthat I don’t understandFacebook or Twitter,” he says.“But it’s second nature toyoung people. When Iinterviewed our trainees, Iasked if they knew how to goonto Facebook. They lookedat me as if I was daft!

“I have seen photography

progress from smellychemicals to Photoshop andyou have to keep up with thetechnology. You can’t carryon doing things the wayyou’ve always done them.You won’t get anywhere.

“I believe in giving youngpeople a chance. Ourapprentices are bringing newideas into the business andproviding us with newcapabilities. We aredeveloping a team with all theskills to cover all aspects ofthe work. For instance, Hollyand Jen are doing a lot ofphotography with localnurseries and Scott is intosports photography.”

John says the recessionhas actually helped thebusiness – as commercialclients look to make a betterimpression with theircustomers.

“We are expanding in adouble-dip recession,” hesays. “Companies are tryingto raise awareness and theyare investing in their online

presence. They want photosof their staff on their websiteswhile retailers are puttingtheir products online. Thebusiness is out there if youare prepared to work hardenough to get it.”

John, who lives atLongwood, says he has “losthis hobby” since becoming aprofessional photographer.But he finds plenty of otherthings to fill his spare time. “Iplay golf with Sam at WillowValley, which is great fun,” hesays. “We also have twolurchers and take them forwalks.”

But the modernphotographer still needs anexpert eye, John insists. “A lotof people think you can use acamera phone and get ahalf-decent picture that will

be alright,” he says. “But youcan have the best camera inthe world, but if you cannottake ‘that’ picture it will be nouse.”

One lesson has alwaysstuck with John. “I was on alandscape photographycourse in Tuscany and wewere all standing in a linelooking ahead of us. Thetutor told us to turn 180degrees to see what wasbehind us. The view wasbreathtaking and made amuch better picture than theone we were going to take.So, the lesson is to lookaround you before you takethe picture to see what elseis out there.”

■ GROUP PHOTO: John Dean (front), managing director of ,Image Maker UK, with colleagues (from left) Jen Fellowes,Alex Young, Sam Dean and Paul Quinn

On the board with

01484 538 351theboard@revellward.co.ukTwitter@RevellWard

www.revellward.co.uk

Lesley SuttonTax Director

Rules to cap incometax relief put on holdLast year HMRC announced that a capon certain income tax reliefs would beintroduced in an attempt to curb taxavoidance by the highest earners.

If introduced the cap could catch some ofthe tax reliefs not usually associated with

tax avoidance.HMRC have now announced that this willbe put on hold whilst they monitor howother policy initiatives are tackling tax

avoidance.

Revell Ward Tip:This gives a perfect opportunity to assesshow your income is taxed and to see

what reliefs can be maximised before anyrestrictions are introduced!

KIRKLEES BUSINESSlocal Page 4

Amanda Vigar is managing partner at Holmfirth-based accountants V&A Bell Brown LLP

THEBUSINESSBATTLEAXEAmanda Vigar

Ashley joins the judgesCORPORATE law firm Walker Morris recruitedHolmfirth artist Ashley Jackson to help find theregion’s most talented young artists in the firm’s2012 charity calendar competition.

Children aged five to 11 were asked to paintpictures that depicted their favourite month of theyear. Winning entries will be used to produce acharity calendar sold in aid of theWetherby-based Martin House Children'sHospice.

Earlier this year, the competition was awardeda Managing Partners' Forum Award for BestCommunity Engagement in recognition of its 17years’ investment in arts and support in schools.

The 18th annual award was judged by Ashley,Walker Morris partner David Smedley and DeanPoole, of West Yorkshire Printing.

Thirteen winners – to be announced inSeptember – will each receive a hamper of artmaterials and a cheque for their schools.Twenty-six runners-up will also each receive aprize. The awards will be presented at the Leedsoffices of Walker Morris in November.

Said Ashley: “I am always honoured to assist injudging the Walker Morris Calendar Competition.

“Each year I look forward to seeing the talentand creativity of our young children and this yearhas been no exception. Alongside the pride I feelfor fantastic artwork produced is a slight sadnessthat there can only be a limited number ofwinners. Those who have not won this yearshould take heart that they are like a piece in ajigsaw which without them the competition andthe assistance provided to Martin HouseChildren's Hospice through the production of thecalendar would not exist."

■ COLOUR CHART: Ashley Jackson (centre) withfellow judges David Smedley (left) and Dean Poole

‘Tackle unfairtax demands’SMALL firms in Kirklees shouldensure they can fight unfair taxdemands in the courts, says aHuddersfield-based tax specialist.Nick Brook, who runs TaxAssistAccountants at Lockwood, saidthe latest ruling from a VATtribunal – which saved a bed &breakfast owner from a potentiallycrippling decision and set the ballrolling for similar cases – provedthe value of having an HMRCfighting fund.“Costs cannot be recovered fromHMRC, even after an appeal hasbeen won, so fee protectioninsurance is vital,” said Mr Brook.“Without it, it’s unlikely that thislatest case would have beendefended. With it, businesses canfight their corner, knowing that allthe legal costs are met.“HMRC continues to target smallstand-alone businesses, withspecial task forces targeting cashbusinesses across Huddersfield,including private taxi firms, pubscorner shops, takeaways andmarket traders for example.“Huddersfield small businessowners need to protect theirlegitimate and hard-earnedincome and make sure theiraccountants provide feeprotection.”In the latest VAT case, HMRC haddemanded that under its ruraldiversification project, a smallB&B run from a family farmhousewhich was well below theVAT-registration threshold, shouldbe aggregated with the farm itselfwhich was a separate,VAT-registered business.The tribunal found that the twobusinesses were separate,ensuring the B&B did not have topay 20% of its income in VAT,increase its prices and becomeuncompetitive.

Co-op makescool decisionICE cream maker YummyYorkshire has landed contracts tosupply three Holme Valley Co-opstores.The Denby Dale-based businesswill provide take-away tubs ofchocolate, caramel fudge andstrawberry and vanilla ice creamto the Wooldale Co-operativeSociety, which includes stores inWooldale, Thongsbridge and NewMill.Yummy Yorkshire alreadysupplies restaurants, gastropubs, visitor attractions and farmshops across the region –including a number in the HolmeValley.The Wooldale co-op isindependent and owned bymembers living in the local areaand run by a voluntary board ofdirectors. It employs 35 localpeople, many of whom are schoolleavers entering the world ofwork for the first time.

Put people backinto the business

THE demise of the smallindependent business

against the larger nationalchain has been a hot topic forsome time.

However, with the current tougheconomic conditions, we are find-ing that larger national companiesare far from flourishing.

In recent times, JJB Sports,Clintons Cards and Julian Graveshave fallen into administration,while electrical retail conglomer-ate DSG, the owner of Currys andPC World, plunged £30m into thered.

The issue is that people want todeal with people they know andtrust. This is where the smallerbusinesses and independenttraders can, and often do, comeinto their own.

Ask yourselves – do you want to

deal with someone who you have apersonal and engaging relation-ship with, or do you want to dealwith representatives of a largernational, often faceless, organisa-tion? Do you want to shop locallyfrom retail outlets that have beenfixtures on your high street foryears? Do you want to have abus iness re lat ionship withsomeone who prides themselveson personal recommendations?And do you want to deal withsomeone you might actually havethe chance of meeting in person?

I suspect that most people,whether they’re looking at makinga high street purchase or wantprofessional advice on anythingfrom finance to marketing wouldprefer to deal with someone theyknow and trust.

In my accountancy practice, we

like to put the people into busi-ness. In practice this means that wework with numerous people in allsorts of trades and occupations;we have built strong relationshipsbased on trust with our clients;clients know they can meet withthe same person every time and arenot simply assigned to whoever isavailable; and we value each andevery client, no matter how big orsmall.

We are also more than happy toprovide testimonials from clientswho are more than happy to saywhen they think we’ve done agood job. I for one firmly believethat putting the people back intobusiness should be the way for-ward for our high streets; it maywell also have the knock-on effectof re-invigorating our towncentres.

Awards schemegoes to the heartINDEPENDENT businesses across thecountry are winning hearts and minds –thanks to an awards schemespearheaded by a Huddersfieldbusinesswoman.The Customer at the Hearts Awards –the brainchild of retail expert KateHardcastle, co-founder ofGreetland-based businesstransformation company Insight withPassion – celebrates small businessesthat put the interests of the customerfirst.On October 1, the organisers will beunveiling the place in the UK boastingthe best customer service – as theChampion of Champions.Voting is open now atwww.customerattheheart.co.uk or byemailing nominate@customerattheheart.co.ukSo far, Hebden Bridge has more votesthan any other town with six winners –the latest being The Willow Garden,Heart Gallery and artist Heather Wilson.Said Heather: “Hebden Bridge has somany independent shops. Howmarvellous to go to a town where thereisn't a Dorothy Perkins, Accessorize orWH Smith!“We pride ourselves – particularly sincethe dreadful floods – in stickingtogether and supporting each other inour small businesses.”Latest winners include Hinchliffe’s FarmShop at Netherton. The firm has wonnumerous awards for its home-cookedpies, pasties and sausages.

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Frank talk at eventTHEY’RE getting creative inCalderdale.

Member of the CreativeCalderdale group will hear atalk by Frank Boyd(pictured) on The Impact ofConvergence on the DigitalEconomy at a meeting onThursday, October 4, at theElsie Whiteley InnovationCentre in Halifax.,

Mr Boyd, one of the UKpioneers of digital media formore than 20 years, iscurrently director of CI KTN,the Creative IndustriesKnowledge TransferNetwork.

His talk will discuss theimpact of convergence onthe digital economy,detailing the opportunitiesand challenges for creativebusinesses. He will also beannouncing a new,government-funded £1.8mcompetition.

Mr Boyd has been

bringing together leadingexperts from across the film,TV and interactive mediasectors, to explore newways to produce compelling,convergent and trans-mediacontent.

He has worked in both thepublic and private sectorand has acted as producer,

funder and trainer on aseries of innovative, creativeand economic programmesacross the arts, broadcastand education in the UK,Europe, the USA andAustralia.

He now supports the UKcreative industries,particularly in the area ofemerging technologies,through his leadership of CIKTN, which is funded by theTechnology Strategy Board.

Mr Boyd will be offering£1.8m to developers in aseries of competitions andfeasibility projects and histalk will include moreinformation about this andoffer guidance on how toaccess these funds.

This event will run from6pm to 9pm, includingnetworking. It is free tocreative, digital and culturalindustry professionals.

Need for speedat IoD ceremonyBATLEY-born businessman and racingdriver Lawrence Tomlinson willintroduce former land speed worldrecord holder Richard Noble to thepodium at tonight’s Yorkshire IoDDirector of the Year Awards.Fresh from winning the Britcar MSAEndurance Championship at Snetterton,Mr Tomlinson, chairman of the LNTGroup, will also promote the brandwhich has just wowed Chinese buyerswho’ve signed up for 50 cars a year overthree years.He raced to victory in the three hourendurance race leaving Porsche andFerrari in his tracks.Mr Tomlinson, who employs 1,700people, mainly in Yorkshire, is takingthe G60 and G40R Ginetta cars to theYork National Railway Museum, wherethe Institute of Directors will stage thisyear’s awards.He said: “Yorkshire IoD wanted toshowcase Yorkshire talent at the awardsdinner and invited us to take thenewly-launched road cars.“Diners won’t be able to take a spin butthey can have a good look before theattention switches to the businesswinners.”Last Year, Mr Lawrence was namedYorkshire Entrepreneur of the Year andYorkshire Director of the Year and thisyear has been shortlisted for thenational IoD Director of the Year awardsto be announced.

Firms win goldat the Olympics

■ GOLDEN GIRL: Dame Kelly Holmes at one of the many Yorkshire Gold events leadingup to the London Olympics

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A MIRFIELD company is among firmsacross Yorkshire to strike gold with theLondon Olympics.

Actaccomm, part of construction sectorbusiness Actiform, won three contracts todeliver modular office and welfare accom-modation buildings to the Olympic Park.

They were among 200 Yorkshire busi-nesses to be awarded contracts related to theGames, according to officials at the York-shire Gold Business Club, which is reflectingon the “great success” of its efforts to bringOlympics-related business to the region.

YGBC was launched in 2009 with its mainobjective to help Yorkshire and Humbercompanies compete for contracts linked tothe London 2012 Games.

However, the remit was expanded andYGBC started to work on other majorpublic and private sector buying organisa-tions projects, such as Crossrail and theMetropolitan Police.

During its three-year duration, YGBCreceived funding from regional developmentagency Yorkshire Forward and engagedwith more than 2,000 businesses anddelivered over 50 events. The project’s cur-rent funding ceases on the September 28.

A highlight of the project was a trip to theOlympic Park in 2009 where Yorkshirebusinesses were given a tour and had thechance to meet key buyers, including Caril-lion and Balfour Beatty.

YGBC events provided a platform toengage with businesses across the region –offering information on the procurementprocess and how companies could getinvolved. Key events included speakers suchas Lord Sebastian Coe and Dame KellyHolmes.

YGBC also engaged with top athletesincluding US Olympic divers and the

Olympic Brazilian judo team.Yorkshire’s gold medal winning boxer

Nicola Adams presented at a YGBC eventlast year – one of many which built on therelationship between sport and business inthe lead up to the Games.

Lauren Pigg, project manager for YGBC,said the legacy of the Games had givenrenewed hope for the future – and UKcompanies could use the contracts securedas a platform for winning national andinternational projects for years, to come.

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS property Page 6

INFORMEDDEVELOPMENTMartin Thompson

Martin Thompson is a partner in commercial property at Armitage Sykes in Huddersfield

Better news for planners

Demand forindustry sites

■ OPPORTUNITY: Toby Vernon, ofCBRE in Yorkshire

WHILE July 3, 2012, wasanother rainy day in this

prolonged monsoon season thatis replacing summer it did offer anotable ray of hope fordevelopers.

The Communities and Local Gov-ernment Department issued its con-sultation on “New Opportunities forSustainable Development andGrowth” the aim of which is to make iteasier to reuse existing empty andredundant buildings without the needfor an application for planning per-mission.

The consultation outlines four keyareas:

● Agricultural buildings. Currentlysuch buildings require planning per-mission for any change of use. Thepaper outlines changes that wouldpermit relatively low impact businessuses such as workshops, offices, food

processing and cafes, although thereare provisions to prevent buildingsbeing developed to be subsequentlyconverted

● Commercial and general industrybuildings, has deregulation proposals,including permitted development toincrease from 253sq metres to 470sqmetres

● Temporary use of buildingswould allow new business and enter-prise not to have to seek full planningpermission for two-year temporaryuse for certain types of existing build-ings.

This would allow redundant build-ings to be brought back into use,although a local authority notificationwill be a requirement and check ontemporary uses

● Hotels to houses would allow forsuitable conversion to residentialaccommodation from a number of

categories e.g. hospitals, nursinghomes, military barracks as well hashotels and guest houses.

Decentralisation Minister GregClark told the Commons that if agreedthe proposals “would provide newopportunities for development andsustainable economic growth throughthe re-use of existing buildings,without the need to apply formally forplanning permission.

The consultation period ends onSeptember 11 and is asking for viewsfrom developers and farmers.

The consultation can be found atderegulate.planning@communities.gsi.gov.uk should you wish torespond.

The Government also announced aflat rate increase in all planning fees of15% to come into effect in the autumn.Giving with one and taking away...

THE Yorkshire Industrial market canreflect on a positive six months of2012, according to a survey.

Figures from property firm CBREshowed that occupier confidence hasimproved across the region with1.25m sq ft of space taken up in thefirst half of 2012 – up by 88% on thesame period last year.

Although availability has nowfallen to 3.97m sq ft – with 2.51m sq ftnew – this still remains the highestproportion of available space in thecountry.

However, the report said that York-shire is now one of the few parts of theUK with a sufficient choice of goodquality buildings – offering the bestchoice for occupiers who may befinding it hard to find space in neigh-bouring regions.

Toby Vernon, senior director ofindustrial agency at CBRE’s York-shire offices, said; “Occupier confid-ence is improving and take-up for thefirst half of 2012 is already way aheadof the 2011 year total.

“The take-up figures do include the856,000 sq ft commitment by Aldi ona new site in the Dearne Valley andalthough the imminent start on sitefor this project shows confidence, gen-erally the underlying demand picturefor the region remains subdued.

“There were some encouragingsigns of a resurgence in occupierinterest at the start of the year, withrequirements from some large retail

names.“However, as economic uncertain-

ties grew and concerns about thestrength of the eurozone returned,occupiers once again retreated.

“Interest has emerged from highstreet and online retailers, particularlydiscounters who continue to expand.

“Nevertheless the region, particu-larly South and West Yorkshire, hasthe potential to benefit once confid-ence returns and since the start of thesummer there has been an upturn ofinterest.”

Mr Vernon said: “The availability

of stock within this region has createdan opportunity for occupiers and thelarger schemes in particular are nowunique across the UK.

“Yorkshire has three schemes thatcould accommodate a requirement ofover 400,000 sq ft – SIRFT Sheffield,Logistics Property Partnership Shef-field and Sherburn 550 near Leeds.”

Mr Vernon said the statistics showthat investment volumes have reboun-ded with the year to date total signific-antly boosted by the sale of B&Q’s800,000 sq ft logistics facility at Red-house Interchange in Doncaster for£36.2m, an initial yield of 9.5%.

In addition, also at Redhouse Inter-change, a new 264,000 sq ft warehouserecently let to Next was purchased byNFU for £16.8m, a yield of 6.65%.Both deals were typical of the currenttrend among investors in commercialproperty to seek safe havens for theirmoney.

Robin Bullas, associate director atCBRE in West Yorkshire, said: “Thefundamentals we saw in 2011 havecontinued into 2012, with primelogistics units highly sought after anda number of wealthy individuals con-tinuing to seek opportunities wherepricing has moved sufficiently.

“Investors are either looking forsecure single let income of 15 yearsand beyond, with guaranteed uplift ormulti-let short term asset manage-ment opportunities.”

Mill conversion workset to start next yearWORK will begin next year totransform a disused mill sitein the Holme Valley into aretirement complex.Kirklees councillors haveapproved the plan to turn thebrownfield Prickleden Mill sitein Holmfirth into a46-apartment complex for theover 55s – complete withcommunity facilities, gardensand restored mill dam.The scheme byBrockholes-based developerConroy Brook will be set in acourtyard style – with theapartments centred on alandscaped garden andoverlooking the restoredlandscaped mill dam.In addition there will be aresidents’ pavilion, housemanager, guest bedrooms,and an area set aside for theresidents to do their owngardening, such as herbs,flowers or even vegetables!Richard Conroy, chiefexecutive of Conroy Brook,

said: “We have an ageingpopulation with the number ofretired persons set to morethan double within 25 years –and this trend is reflected inKirklees.“Many people have talked tome of the difficulty of findingsuitable retirement homes inthe Holme Valley, which is whywe are delighted to receiveplanning approval, to allow usto bring this scheme forward.”Said Mr Conroy: “We have atrack record of award winningretirement developments andbelieve the Prickleden Mill sitewill make a positivecontribution to the community– including an estimated 350construction jobs – anddeliver much-needed, modernretirement units.“We have also already had anastounding level of interest,with over 80 peopleregistering to receive moreinformation.”

Grade II building on marketA FORMER mill site in WestYorkshire is on the market.Eddisons, which has an officein Huddersfield, has beeninstructed to dispose of theEbor Mills site on Ebor Lane,Mytholmes, Haworth.The property occupies an areaof almost three acres and

contains three Grade II listedbuildings, including officesand a boiler house.Offers for the site are beinginvited from developersinterested in working up a newplanning consent, includingconversion of the three listedbuildings.

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS property Page 7

Fast route to tacklehousing shortageA CONSTRUCTION and develop-ment business is challenging the wayhomes are built by launching a newtrial programme to reduce buildtimes by 40%.

Southdale, which has worked withKirklees Council on several regener-ation schemes, is planning the first ofthree schemes under its Fastbuildprogramme – aiming to build homesin 12 weeks on sites in Yorkshire, theNorth East and North West.

If the scheme is successful, South-dale believes it will develop bestpractice and highlight how theindustry is in a strong position toincrease the number of homes it candeliver – at a time when housingdemand is outstripping the numbersof homes being built.

The trial will also help to identifyhow construction costs can bereduced and efficiencies improved –in line with Government targets.

Southdale managing director PaulMoore said: “The average time takento build a home is 20 weeks, but bychallenging that norm and thinking

differently we have been able todevelop this new trial programmewith the potential of bringing thatdown to 12 weeks.

“It is simply a matter of organisa-

tion and scheduling as well as con-sidering off-site works can bebrought in to reduce such issues aswaste.

“The concept has been very well

embraced by everyone at Southdale– especially with three projects all setto begin around the same time – aswell as by clients.

“The teams have been lookingforward to the challenge throughoutthe summer and it will be seen as ahuge opportunity to learn new meth-ods and to show that such a times-cale can be successful in the deliveryof high quality homes for our cli-ents.”

Mr Moore said: “I believe theseprojects have the potential todevelop best practice and show thatthere is capacity to increase theindustry’s ability to meet the UK’shousing demand, without comprom-ising on quality.

“This can mean that, if the rightconditions are in place, such as moreland being made available andgreater support for the industry, theindustry can create a huge boost tothe economy, not only meetingdemand, but also creating employ-ment and boosting supply chainfirms.”

■ FAST TRACK: Paul Moore, managing director of Southdale

Trades getrecognitionKIRKLEES tradesmen andwomen have been challenged toprove they’re the best.Screwfix, which has a store atLeeds Road, Huddersfield, haslaunched its annual search tofind Britain’s Top Tradesman –recognising the brilliant builders,helpful handymen, exceptionalelectricians and perfectplumbers that keep the UK’shomes and businesses in topcondition.The winner may have retrainedthis year to gain a newqualification, invested in newtechnology to kick-start theirbusiness, nurtured an apprenticeinto their trade, or carried out anunusual job.Tradesmen from across theregion are invited to enter theaward – with finalists fromaround the country going headto head to be named the best inBritain.This year’s winner will get thekeys to a Renault van worth up to£27,000 on the road and will benamed Britain’s number onetradesmen.Entries are open until October 5,2012. The national final will be inNovember, with the overallwinner being named Britain’s TopTradesman 2012.Enter in-store or go towww.screwfix.com/btt

www.michaelsteel.co.uk

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Movers and shakers Page 8

IoD breakfast briefing for businessKIRKLEES company bosses willget the inside facts on businessbanking at the first in a newseries of Breakfast Briefings bythe Institute of Directors in WestYorkshire.Peter Sumners, of theCo-operative Bank, will revealthe issues facing banks and whytheir hands are often tied when itcomes to lending to businesses.He will also offer practicalguidance so businesses canaccess funding to boost theirchances of success.The event takes place on

Tuesday, September 13, at theoffices of Lee & Priestley in EastParade, Leeds.Mr Sumners will be joined byPhil Revill, of insolvencypractitioner the P&A Partnership,who will outline how directorscan avoid personal liability in theevent of corporate failure.Jonathan Oxley (pictured),chairman of West Yorkshire IoD,said: “Pete can give a very frankinsight into what is and isn’tachievable for businesseslooking to raise money while Philwill offer practical guidance to

directors under constantscrutiny.“This is the first in a series ofevents for IoD members andguests looking at issues of realrelevance to directors ofcompanies in the currentchallenging business climate.Today’s business leaders arestruggling to run theirorganisations.“They turn to us for support,advice and information that willbenefit them.”Email beverley.whyte@leepriestley.com

Get set for a Bollywood party!BOLLYWOOD comes to Cleckheaton thismonth – when local businesses gettogether to raise cash for charity.

Employment law specialist Howarthshas joined forces with Halifax-based PregoEvents Ltd and HSBC to stage a night ofBollywood at Europe’s largest Asianrestaurant, the Aakash in Cleckheaton.

The event on Monday, September 24,will include Indian cuisine, Bollywooddancers, dhol drums, a raffle and anauction to raise funds for theBradley-based Forget Me Not Children’sHospice.

The hospice is now over a year intodelivering a Hospice at Home service,working with more than 50 families and is

close to realising the dream of opening thechildren’s hospice.

Peter Branson, hospice chief executive,said: “It’s been a long journey and the hardwork really begins now, both in terms ofdelivering care for some very specialfamilies and also looking at the sustainedfundraising challenge that lies ahead.”

The Forget Me Not Childrens Hospicehas been chosen as the local charitysupported by HSBC Bank plc in theBradford area for 2012.

Howarths has supported the hospicesince its inception. Now they are urgingother businesses to back the charity bysupporting the evening.

Tracey Craven, of Howarths, said: “This

promises to be a superb event, quitedifferent from the usual black tie fundraiserand for a brilliant cause.

“The hospice needs to raise a significantamount of money each year so they cancontinue to provide such an extraordinaryservice and they need more sponsors.

“So why not do your bit for charity with afun night of a Bollywood experience. Ourteam at Howarths are entering fully intothe spirit of the evening by wearingtraditional Asian dress!”

Contact Lindsey at Howarths on 01274864 999 or call at the firm’s offices atNewbury Court, St John’s Place, BrookeStreet, Cleckheaton.

Luke Howell & Lia Stothart

fds cfsTWO apprentices have been engaged asfull-time employees by a company headed by aDenby Dale-based businesswoman.

Jo Haigh, partner in Wakefield-basedcorporate finance house fds cfs, said theappointment of Luke Howell and Lia Stotharttook the number of employees in the businessto seven.

Mr Howell and Ms Stothart joined thebusiness in December last year and January,2012, respectively as office assistants ontemporary contracts as part of agovernment-funded apprentice scheme. Theyjoined the business to complete their NVQqualifications in business and administration viaon-the-job training.

Tycoon makesthe call with O2BATLEY-born tycoon Lawrence Tomlin-son has been ringing the changes.

The chairman of construction-to carehome business LNT Group has signed theUK’s biggest i-phone deal with O2 – andbought every member of staff a new AppleiPhone handset.

The Leeds-based company has bought1,700 phones – in what has been called oneof the most innovative and exciting deals inmobile networks – to improve internalcommunications and boost business.

Mr Tomlinson drove the deal through –seeing it as a chance to future-proof com-munications around the group. He said themove had been driven by his passion toharness technology yet retain a family busi-ness feel in touch with everyone.

To make the iPhones relevant and effect-ive, the group has developed its own iLNTApp to send messages to every member ofthe team or specific groups within busi-nesses.

Staff will be able to use them to checktheir hours and holidays as well as getimportant corporate communications.

Announcing the three-year tie up withO2, Mr Tomlinson said he felt certain theinvestment would reap dividends.

“Some of the team don’t have internet ormobile phone access,” he said. “Digitalcommunication is faster and more efficient.It’s a fast, efficient and a user-friendly wayof communicating with so many people. Wecan send out one message, such as thecompany newsletter, to everyone or target

specific groups.“That will be particularly useful when we

need to communicate with team membersin sensitive areas of the business such ascare homes where it can be critical we getmessages out promptly,” he said. “This dealis all about commitment; to our staff, whowill get free texts and calls as part of thedeal, to O2 and to Apple. It empowers our

team to have access to a lot of informationand do a lot of things with the iPhones.”

Ben Kitto, business development man-ager for O2 at the White Rose BusinessCentre in Leeds, said the deal marked a newera for all corporate mobile phones deals.

“LNT were determined to use the tech-nology to benefit the business not just keepin touch with staff,” he said.

■ SIGNALS: Ben Kitto (left) and Lawrence Tomlinson at O2’s headquarters

Zola Ezzati & Steve Garbus

CommsproviderA HUDDERSFIELD woman is among six newrecruits to a communications company basedin Halifax.

Zola Ezzati, a graduate with a Masters in EBusiness, has been appointed marketingco-ordinator at Mytholmroyd-basedCommsprovider.

The team also includes Steve Garbus, ofKeighley, who heads up the mobile phonedivision. Zola and Steve are pictured above

Zola is one of six new appointments,including three apprentices, at the company,based at Moderna Business Park. Thecompany also offers a 200-seat disasterrecovery centre and hires out conference,training and meeting suites to businesses inthe region.

Chairman Mike Bower said: “We aredelighted to create these new jobs andanticipate at least six further appointmentsbefore the end of the year.”

Commsprovider, which is a SamsungPlatinum Service Partner for Yorkshire andHumber, maintains more than £2m of businesstelephone systems.

Thomas Downes

ITWiserIT consultancy firmITWiser has appointedThomas Downes as an ITapprentice.

ITWiser, which is adivision ofCleckheaton-basedaccountancy firm Clough& Company, provides ITservices including cloudcomputing, system audits, risk assessments,support programmes, network services,testing and security services.

Mr Downes (pictured), 23, of Leeds, willsupport the team in helping clients to solvetechnical-related problems that come throughthe firm’s helpdesk. He will also spend one daya week at Shipley College completing an ITadministrator course.