KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSThe business NEWSpaper for Kir k lees5, June, 2012

INSIDE

● Full story - Page 5

● Full story - Page 2

SIMON HOWARTH

Fu l l s to r y - Page 5This could prove cost ly !

Co lumn - Page 4

An EXAMINER publication

Buckingthe trendMANY small andmedium-sized firms inthe north have buckedthe recession tomaintain a high rate ofgrowth, according to areport.The Business GrowthFund showed thatdespite turmoil in thestock markets, theworst recession in 60years and a falteringEurozone,16% ofmid-sized SMEs in theNorth of England havedemonstrated highlevels of growth.

Tacklinglate payFIRMS in Yorkshire aretightening up their cashand credit controlprocedures in a bid toprevent late paymentsdamaging theircashflow, according toexperts at YorkshireBank.The bank’s invoicefinance team found thatduring the last 10months, the averagetime businesses took tocollect paymentsreduced from 52 to 49days on combinedsales of £6.7bn.

COLIN BARRATT

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Property rental and taxis targeted by taxmanTAXI firms and property rentalbusinesses in West Yorkshire have beentargeted for a crackdown by HMRevenue & Customs.

The move is part of HMRC’scampaign to target specific sectors andindustries regarded as a risk to the UKtax base – and collect an additional£50m of unpaid taxes. The campaignmay also lead to a number of criminalinvestigations for alleged tax evasion.

Ronnie Pannu, director in PwC’s taxdispute resolution network in West

Yorkshire, said: “Dealing with aninspection by HMRC can be time-con-suming and expensive for businesses.

“It can be difficult to manage, espe-cially given the raft of new legal powersgiven to HMRC over the last fewyears.

“This includes the power to turn upunannounced on business premisesand demand to inspect the books,records and equipment on site.

“Recent experience of similar cam-paigns suggests that HMRC is likely to

use this new power when reviewing thetax affairs of taxi firms and companiesand individuals who let property.”

Mr Pannu said: “HMRC starting aninvestigation as part of this campaignor turning up on the doorstep of abusiness can be a traumatic experi-ence.

“However, taxi firms and companiesand individuals who let property inYorkshire need to properly understandHMRC’s powers to review and inspectrecords and be adequately prepared

for the investigation process.“This has shown to significantly

mitigate the impact on the businessand ensure that the review is com-pleted efficiently and cost effectively.”

Andy Maxfield, senior manager forGrant Thornton’s Yorkshire taxinvestigations team, said: “HMRC hasbeen gathering intelligence on tax eva-sion for the last year or so using ‘webcrawler’ technology and is likely tohave already identified several tradersthey plan to investigate.”

Entrepreneur joinsbid to boost skillsKIRKLEES College is aiming to helpshape the workforce of the future.

The college has launched a newfoundation degree in business andmanagement following validationfrom Leeds Metropolitan University.

The course, which is now recruitingfor September, 2012, is designed toaddress specific skills gaps in the localeconomy. It will develop the personallearning and development skills ofnew, existing and aspiring businessmen and women in the local area.

The Kirklees Council EconomicPerformance Report suggests that40% of employers with a workforceexceeding 200, report skills shortages.

A study by the now-defunct regionaldevelopment agency, YorkshireForward, suggested these shortagesare mainly in the areas of marketing,sales, customer care, management andleadership.

Work-based learning is a majorelement of the course. Placements willgive learners first-hand experience of abusiness environment, developingtheir skills and putting what they’velearned into practice.

Enterprise is also a key focus and thecourse will help students to developtheir careers and business ideas withthe hope of giving back locally –specifically to Dewsbury where thecourse will take place.

The foundation degree can be takenas a part-time course, ideally suited tothose already in the workplace.

In these cases professional experi-ence can potentially count towards theachievement of qualification.

Richard Turner, business and man-agement award leader at the college,said: “Employers increasingly want tobe able to recruit students from collegewho have the skills and competenciesthey need. The new foundation degreeis intended to provide knowledge andskills that will enable employees to beversatile and adaptable.”

Loca l bus inessman WaseemNaeem, a member of the employerpanel that helped to develop thecourse, said: “The course is a reallygood idea. It’s been developed locallyand is exactly what Kirklees needs.The way the economy will move for-ward and recover is with entrepreneursand young business men andwomen.”

Waseem, who runs DeliciousDesserts delicatessen at Trinity Street,Huddersfield, as well as a recruitmentbusiness, said: “Because I’m young, Ifeel I can relate to young people andthe obstacles they face.

“Helping to develop this course hasallowed me to support them. If I cando it, anyone can and this course willgive them the opportunity andlearning they need.”

Akeel Javid, 20, of Dewsbury, isstudying the extended diploma inbusiness level 3 and has applied tostart the foundation degree thisSeptember.

He said: “I want to extend myknowledge of the business world withthe course. Having local employersinvolved gives us role models to help uswith our own careers.

“It’s good for the college and I’msure the community will be pleased tosee it helping Huddersfield andDewsbury to develop.”

Foundation degrees attract studentswho may not previously have con-

sidered higher education, especially ifthey have spent some years out oflearning.

A college spokeswoman said: “Thequalifications are a key part of thegovernment’s strategy to widenparticipation and the number ofhigher educat ion programmesdelivered at further education collegeshas the potential to grow significantlyin coming years.”

■ ON BOARD: Business tutor Helen Child, left, with, from left, student AkeelJavid, entrepreneur WaseemNaeem, student Mohammed Ali Ibrar andbusiness tutor Jo Holme

Talking about his generation

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS local Page 2

Glittering prizes as trainees celebrate successMORE than 350 people attended theannual prize presentation evening held byengineering training provider KITS.Award recipients, family members andfriends attended the ceremony atHuddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium.More than 100 certificates and specialawards were presented to successfulengineering and motor vehicleapprentices.The awards were presented by KarenSherry, of the regional area relationshipteam for the Skills Funding Agency.Employer representatives and prizesponsors also attended.The Apprentice of the Year Award went toPhillip Francis (pictured left), amechanical apprentice with Slaithwaitehydraulic and pneumatic cylindersmanufacturer Hystat Ltd.

KITS chairman Alan Jagger presented theoccupational area awards, Including onesfor best engineer and moor vehicleapprentices.Awards to first-year apprentices inmechanical, electrical and fabricationwere presented by KITS chief executiveDavid Todhunter.He said: “This was another tremendousevening celebrating the recordachievement of learners and I watch withinterest their career development.”Brighouse-based KITS has deliveredengineering, electrical, fabrication andmotor vehicle training for more than 20years at its training centre in ArmytageRoad, supporting local employers withtheir apprenticeship and other trainingrequirements.

Focus ison growthWAYS to grow yourbusiness will be the focuson a seminar staged bythe Huddersfield-basedMid Yorkshire Chamberof Commerce next week.

The latest 60 UsefulMinutes event will be ledby Business Doctor NeilKendall and will helpdelegates develop a10-step growth plan fortheir firms.

The session takesplace from 8.30am to10am on June 14 at thechamber's premises atLockwood Park.

The aim is to helpfirms understand thebottom line benefits oftheir core values, thinklike a customer, “futureproof” their business,understand yoursustainable competitiveadvantage and increaseprofitability.

The free seminar willbe particularly valuableto businesses with two ormore employees who areseeking long-termbusiness growth.

Contact Tracy Smith on01484 483679 or emailtracy.smith@mycci.co.uk

Customer service pays offCHARTERED accountancy firm Clough& Company is one of three Yorkshirebusinesses to receive top awards inrecognition of customer service.

The Cleckheaton-based firm wasawarded the highest possible rating of“exceptional” in the awards, which arerun by Investor In Customers and assesscustomer experiences and satisfactionlevels across all industries.

IIC independently assesses customersatisfaction levels through anonymoussurveys undertaken with customers,employees and other businessconnections.

The criteria looks at how a companyensures its customers are the maindrivers for processes, innovation andprofitability throughout its operations.

Steven Gash, practice chairman atClough & Company, said: “We havealways treated customer service as oneof our main priorities and this awardproves that we listen to our customersand provide them with exactly what theyare looking for.

“At a time when many accountancyfirms are merging, we have alwaysprided ourselves on maintaining both ourindependent and chartered status, which

enables us to forge extremely strongrelationships with our clients and this iscertainly reflected in this award.”

Neil Craig, managing director of IIC,said: “In these austere economic times,it’s more important than ever thatbusinesses ensure they offer the highestlevels of customer service.

“Clough and Company has achievedthis by putting their customers at theheart of everything they do andthoroughly deserve this awards whichwill act as a big incentive for potentialnew customers.”

Treble topfor mutualYORKSHIRE BuildingSociety has beenrecognised for itsexcellence in mortgagesat the 2012 MoneyfactsAwards.

The society, which hasits roots in Huddersfield,was named BuildingSociety MortgageProvider of the Year for asecond consecutive year,as well as receiving anumber of otheraccolades.

The awards werepresented to companiesthat have consistentlyoffered the mostcompetitive products, thebest levels of service andshown the greatestinnovation in thepersonal finance worldduring the past 12months.

The Bradford-basedmutual also won BestShort Term Fixed RateMortgage Provider andBest Longer Term FixedRate Mortgage Provider,as well as being highlycommended orcommended in a furtherthree categories

In addition, ChelseaBuilding Society, part ofthe Yorkshire BuildingSociety group, washighly commended in theBest Longer Term FixedRate Mortgage Providercategory.

■ PRIDE: Steven Gash, ofClough and Company

Region’s firms stillbattling to get paidBUSINESSES in Yorkshire are tight-ening up their cash and credit controlprocedures in a bid to prevent latepayments damaging their cashflow,according to experts at YorkshireBank.

The bank’s invoice finance teamfound that during the last 10 months,the average time businesses took tocollect payments reduced from 52 to 49days on combined sales of £6.7bn.

Despite of more invoices gettingpaid on time, owners are stillconcerned about the damaging impactlate payments and bad debts wouldhave on their businesses.

A survey of more than 1,000UK-wide companies by YorkshireBank found that about one in 10business owners believe they would beforced to close or seriously scale backoperations if their customers tookmore than 90 days to pay invoices.

Simon Kitchingman, regionalinvoice finance partner for YorkshireBank, based at its West YorkshireFinancial Solutions Centre inBradford, believes businesses havetightened their credit control proced-ures because of the growing pressureon cash and the availability of credit.

He said: “All businesses, particularly

SMEs, depend on healthy cashflow topay staff, buy stock and keep on top oftheir own invoices and bills.

“Poor cashflow management can beone of the most critical issues whichbusinesses face, but we believe UKcompanies have listened to the adviceto tighten up their systems and con-trols.”

The Asset-Based Finance Associ-ation, which monitors invoice financeacross the UK, found that total invoicefinance lending in the UK and Irelandl a s t y e a r i n c r e a s e d b y 7 %

year-on-year.Its annual report also found that

firms using invoice financing experi-enced – on average – a 13% growth insales last year.

This is in line with Yorkshire Bank’sfindings that, since the start of 2011,13% of its invoice finance customersalso reported an increase in sales.

Mr Kitchingman said: “Late pay-ments and bad debts are a headache.They can affect the day-to-day runningof a business and the sustainablegrowth of ambitious and profitable

companies. We are seeing more busi-nesses taking out credit protectionalongside their invoice finance facilitiesto mitigate losses from bad debts.”

He said that businesses can takeother simple measures to ensure theircashflow procedures are as effective aspossible.

“Adopting simple procedures suchas agreeing payment terms and condi-tions upfront or using incentives forearly payment can have positiveeffects,” said Mr Kitchingman..

“However, if late payments are aconcern or are restricting cashflow, it isimportant to be rigorous about debtcollection – recording conversations,possibly enlisting the services of debtcollection agencies but ultimately look-ing for a swift resolution.”

Business and Enterprise MinisterMark Prisk is leading a campaign toreduce late payments which can have acritical impact on businesses, particu-larly SMEs.

The UK Government recently exten-ded its Prompt Payment Code, a codeof conduct for all businesses to adhereto when it comes to payment andtreatment of suppliers.

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS profile Page 3

Makin DixonSolicitors

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Work: Family law firmSite: HuddersfieldPhone: 01484 515993Email: natalie.gibson@makin dixon.co.uk andjennifer.stroud@makindixon.co.ukWeb: www.makindixon.co.uk

Football,F1 andfashion!

■ HOME GROUND: Natalie Gibson(left) and Jennifer Stroud, of MakinDixon Solicitors, at the firm’s newoffices in Huddersfield

LEGAL eagles Natalie Gibson andJennifer Stroud are flying high inHuddersfield.

The two solicitors have beenappointed to head the new QueenStreet offices of well-establishedfamily law specialist Makin Dixon.

While Jennifer has transferred fromthe firm’s Todmorden office and isnew to the town, Natalie has joinedMakin Dixon from Holroyd & Co inMilnsbridge. Both are now makingcontacts in the local businesscommunity.

Natalie, 29, who was brought up inEdgerton and now lives at SalendineNook, is a member of HuddersfieldIncorporated Law Society and serveson its committee. She is also amember of regional businesswomen’snetworking group Forward Ladies.

She went to Greenhead Collegebefore gaining a law degree atHuddersfield University. She joinedHolroyd & Co and worked as apara-legal before qualifying as asolicitor in 2007.

Jennifer, 27, who grew up in Wykeand now lives at Rastrick, attendedWhitcliffe Mount in Cleckheaton.

Like Natalie, she took law atHuddersfield University before joiningMakin Dixon in 2007 and qualifying in2010. She worked at the firm’sKeighley office before qualifying andswitching to the Todmorden site.

Says Natalie: “I always knew froman early age that I wanted to do law.My careers adviser had highexpectations for me – saying I was agood listener and meticulous aboutpaying attention to detail.”

Jennifer says: “My family alwayssaid I was going to be a solicitor.When I went to sixth form college,they didn’t have an A-level lawcourse. But they allowed a few of usto do A-level law via distancelearning, which was excellent.”

Natalie has retained her links withthe university by mentoring lawstudents. “I help them apply for jobsand put together their CVs,” she says.“I have also had studentswork-shadowing me. It’s good to putsomething back.”

At Makin Dixon, Natalie andJennifer handle general family lawmatters – principally Legal Aid work –with particular emphasis onemergency protection work,representing victims of domesticviolence.

Both Natalie and Jennifer aremembers of Resolution, a body oflawyers committed to resolvingdisputes amicably. Natalie is also acollaborative lawyer, where partiescommit to resolving their disputeswithout going to court.

Natalie and Jennifer recognise that“people” skills are vital in their work.Says Jennifer: “People come to us forhelp when they are often at theirlowest ebb. Helping to get themthrough the ordeal is the most

rewarding thing about this job. Whenthe ordeal is concluded, they are sograteful for what we’ve done.”

Natalie adds: “The satisfactioncomes from helping people when theyneed help most of all.”

Makin Dixon, led by partnersCaroline Makin and Jane Campbell,has undergone an expansion phasein recent years. Jennifer says: “Therewere only two offices – Bradford andKeighley – when I joined in 2007.Now, there are seven.”

While the firm has been activestrengthening its position in theregion, Natalie and Jennifer havebeen putting the word out themselves.

“In the short time we have beenhere, we’ve become responsible forMakin Dixon’s Twitter account,@makindixon” says Natalie. “Andwe’ve just counted our 100th follower!Twitter is great for keeping peopleinformed. We provide links to familylaw-related updates. There’s a lot atpresent about the changes to LegalAid, for example.” The firm also has aFacebook page.

However, the two solicitors areconvinced that technology can onlydo so much to build a business andsecure its reputation and providing a“Rolls Royce, personal service intoday’s consumer society helps toensure quality to clients”.

Natalie recalls her first experienceof the world of work. “I worked at theMerrie England restaurant in Oakes,”she says. “I used to make a goodbeef sandwich”

Jennifer’s first job was working forHSBC at the Euroway Trading Estate,but while at university she didvoluntary work at the Citizens’ AdviceBureau.

That ethos still holds good at MakinDixon. Natalie says: “We do a lot withdomestic violence charities. Forinstance, we provide a hamper everyyear for the Pennine DomesticViolence Group’s Christmas party.”

Away from work, Natalie andJennifer share a love of good localrestaurants, Formula One and football

– although they are rivals when itcomes to who they support. WhileNatalie is a Manchester United fan,Jennifer cheers on Arsenal. It makesfor some friendly banter in the office,says Jennifer.

Natalie says: “I do enjoy reading,although I don’t read as much as Iused to. I love fashion, health andbeauty and keeping up to date withthe latest trends. I also love the Southof France and I have been to Monaco– although, unfortunately, not for theGrand Prix.”

Jennifer, who lists Egypt, Tunisia,Greece and Spain among her holidaydestinations, adds: “Music was mymain hobby. I started with therecorder when I was about five andmoved on to the flute, clarinet andsaxophone when I was at highschool. My claim to fame is onceperforming with John Briggs at StPaul’s Hall in Huddersfield. I was alsoa member of the Kirklees Chorale.

“I enjoyed playing, but I was nevergoing to make it ‘big time’ as aperformer and I was never going toteach music. I loved playing, but Ididn’t like the theory.”

Both Natalie and Jennifer are morethan happy in their new roles inHuddersfield, however, “One of thebest things about the job for me is thevariety, says Natalie. “You don’t knowwho is going to walk through the doornext.”

Your first-hand experience of being in business could benefitsomeone who is about to set-up on their own.All we need is one hour every fortnight. It’s not a lot butyou could make a huge difference to someone else’s life.MYMentor is a network of people from all backgroundssupporting jobseekers in Kirklees who want to beself-employed.

www.mycci.co.ukConnecting & Supporting Business

KIRKLEES BUSINESSlocal Page 4

TAXTALKColin Barratt

Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworthchartered accountants, Huddersfield

Law firms doing betterYORKSHIRE law firms areshowing signs of growth,according to new research.

The Law Society’s LawManagement Section annualprofitability survey, sponsored byLloyds TSB Commercial, suggestthat practice fee income for legalfirms has increased by 1% in2011 – as law practices continueto recover from the impact of therecession.

In 2010, firms in the region sawa marginal increase in practice feeincome of 0.2% after a 6.5% in2009.

The survey of LMS memberfirms also revealed that averagenet profit per equity partnerincreased from £112,549 to£114,853 – a rise of 2%.

Law Society President JohnWotton said: “Now in its 12th year,the survey is widely regarded asthe annual financial health check,particularly for the smaller end ofthe legal profession.”

Craig Bennett, senior manager

covering specialist markets forLloyds TSB Commercial inYorkshire said: “This year’s surveyshows admirable resilience on thepart of solicitors.

“Fee income rose slightlyagainst difficult economicconditions, while median net profitincreased by 2% – a modest rise,but nevertheless building on lastyear’s improvement.

“Last year’s respondentspredicted that income growthmight be around 1% and theywere spot on. This year, they areforecasting 3% growth, sohopefully there are better timesahead. Respondents againcommented positively on thesupport provided by their bankand this is pleasing.

“This is a key focus for LloydsTSB Commercial and latestfigures show that we haveachieved a growth in lending tothe sector of 5% in the past year.”

The survey also showed a slightdecline in the number of support

staff per fee earner from 0.65 to0.61, an average saving per feeearner of £821.

The survey’s 181 participantsreported total recruitment costs of£2.77m paid to recruit 1,050people.

This is about 11% of thereported workforce and runsahead of the £2.1m and 8% in the2010 survey.

The median spend onnon-salary overheads per feeearner was £38,142 comparedwith £37,163 in 2010, an increaseof 2.6%.

The survey helps firms plan forfuture financial objectives; bigprofit increases require detailedunderstanding of financialperformance.

Benchmarking against otherfirms helps firms face up to thechallenges of the new legalservices environment, andconsider the benefits of externalinvestment.

All eyes on anational prizeBUSINESSES in Kirklees havebeen urged to compete for anational prize.Companies with no more that£25m turnover in their lastfinancial year have been invitedto enter the National BusinessAwards’ Small to Medium-sizedBusiness of the Year Award,sponsored by SantanderCorporate Banking.The award recognisescompanies that have maintainedconsistent growth and strongfinancial performance. Entrantswill be asked to demonstrate aclear understanding of theircustomers, full buy-in from staffand how they have delivered oncore strategic objectives.The National Business Awardsrecognise the best-performingorganisations in the public,private and third sectors – fromthriving SMEs, dynamicentrepreneurs and enterprisingcharities to FTSE 100businesses.Visit www.nationalbusinessawards.co.ukFinalists will be announced onAugust 2 and the awards will bepresented at a gala dinner anddinner and awards ceremony onTuesday, November 13, atLondon’s Grosvenor HouseHotel.

Tory peer to opennonwovens eventCONSERVATIVEpolitician BaronessWarsi (pictured) willbe the keynotespeaker at a majortextiles seminar inWest Yorkshire.The UK NonwovensNetwork’s 15thsummer seminar, entitled The Dynamicsof Progress, will be held on Thursday,July 12, at the Cedar Court Hotel inBradford.The event will bring together a group ofprofessionals to discuss issues affectingthe future of the nonwovens sector –which provides products ranging fromnappies and face wipes to specialistmaterials for the construction, filtration,engineering and automotive industries.“We are delighted to announce thatBaroness Warsi has accepted ourinvitation to open the 15th anniversaryseminar of the Nonwovens Network,”said network secretary Chris Wilkinson.“The network has grown progressivelyover the past 15 years, but it does needcontinued support to ensure its future.”Other speakers will include PierreConrath, a director of the Europe-basednonwovens industry association EDANA;Alan Cottenden, of University CollegeLondon; and Andrew Day, professor ofquality engineering at Ford Motors,based at Bradford University.

Award datefor lawyersLAWYERS across Kirklees havebeen urged to enter a regionalcompetition.Nominations are now open forthe 2012 Yorkshire LawyerAwards, which will culminatewith a ceremony and dinner onOctober 3 at Saviles Hall inLeeds.The awards, supported by theYorkshire Union of LawSocieties, will recognise theachievements of people across17 categories.Last year, DLA Piper walkedaway with a hat-trick of awards– corporate and commercial,corporate recovery andcommercial.Peter McCormick, jointpresident of the YorkshireLawyer Awards, said: “Last yearsaw record nominations from aneven wider variety of firms, butwe are keen to invite more firmsand individuals from all cornersof the region to becomeinvolved.”To view the full award criteriaand make a nomination visitwww.yorkshirelawyerawards.co.uk. The deadline forentries is July 9, 2012.As well as honouring excellencein the Yorkshire legalprofession, the awards will alsoraise money for YorkshireCancer Research.

Mistakes canprove costlyOVER the next few weeks,

businesses will be busyreporting to HM Revenue &Customs expenses paymentsmade and benefit in kindprovided to their employeeson forms P11D for the yearended April 5, 2012, in readi-ness for the filing deadline ofJuly 6.

The completion of forms P11Dcan be a laborious task as well as apotentially costly one if they arenot correctly completed as theRevenue can impose penalties upto 100% of the tax and nationalinsurance contributions (NIC)unpaid, together with interestcharges.

Common P11D mistakes foundby the Revenue when they reviewemployer business records are:

● Interest-free or subsidisedloan benefits – No taxable benefitwill arise if the total amount ofloan does not exceed £5,000 at anytime in the tax year. Often, loansexceeding this figure do arise, butare also repaid before the end ofthe year but a benefit in kind willstill arise and this needs reportingon form P11D

● Cars provided to employeesfor their private use – The benefitin kind charge is determined by acombination of the car’s list price,optional extras and vehicle’s CO2emission. Sometimes, businessesdo not use the correct list price orforget to include optional extras

when preparing forms P11D lead-ing to additional tax/NIC liabilit-ies

● Employer-owned cars andvans only used for business pur-poses – There are strict conditionsfor tax exemption to be given forany incidental private use byemployees of such “pool” vehiclesand frequently the Revenue obtainadditional tax and NIC due to thelack of records kept by businessesto support pool status or becausean employee has used the car onmore than “incidental” occasions

● Assets owned by a businessand transferred to employees – Abenefit in kind arises if the pricepaid for the asset is less than itsmarket value. Additional liabilitiesarise as the Revenue do not alwaysaccept the value paid by employeesfor such assets. It is advisable toobtain a third party valuationwhere the asset is of substantialvalue such as a car or house etc inorder to counter Revenue attemptsto imply that a benefit in kind

arises● Business Mileage Allowances

– No records being kept to supportthe payment at tax-free rates of45p for the first 10,000 miles and25p thereafter in employees’ ownvehicles

● Home telephones – A benefitin kind arises if the business paysthe employee’s private phone bill.Often the bill is in the employee’sname and the more expensivepayroll NIC will be due instead ofthe usual Class 1A NIC associatedwith P11Ds.

The Revenue can go back anumber of tax years when lookingat business records and mistakes asmentioned above can result inunexpected and expensive taxbills.

Forms P11D submitted after theJuly 6 deadline will also attract apenalty of £100 per month or partmonth of lateness, for every 50 orpart-batch of 50 employeesprovided with benefits.

Independent financialplanning services for

companies and individualsEastwood & PartnersEastwood & Partners

(Financial Services) Ltd(Financial Services) LtdPennine House, Lowfields Close, Lowfields

Business Park, Elland HX5 9DA01422 377737

www.eastwoodfinancial.co.ukAuthorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A BUSINESS?Use our knowledge and experienceto guide you through the process:

➢ Valuation advice

➢ Negotiating the deal

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To discuss your plans in confidence pleaseconatct David Butterworth

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W: www.wheawills.co.uk

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS local Page 5

Northern firms buck trendto maintain high growthMANY small andmedium-sized companiesin the north have buckedthe recession to maintain ahigh rate of growth,according to a report.Data commissioned fromExperian by the BusinessGrowth Fund showed thatdespite continued turmoilin the stock markets, theworst recession in 60 yearsand a falteringEurozone,16% of mid-sizedSMEs in the North ofEngland havedemonstrated high levelsof growth.These “high growth”companies – all withturnovers of between£2.5m and £100m – have

each expanded by at least33% in the last three years.Of the 635 high growthcompanies identified in theNorth, 231 are in Yorkshire,316 are located in theNorth West and 88 in theNorth East.The BGF GrowthCompanies Barometeridentifies 25,533 UKcompanies with turnoversof £2.5m to £100m. Ofthose, 4,013 are based inthe North of England.Some 1,517 are based inYorkshire with 1,956 in theNorth West and 540 basedin the North East.The Barometer tracks theperformance of theseSMEs over a 10-year

period. Although the sizeof this population hasremained consistent since2000, the proportion ofhigh growth companies inthe North of England hasdeclined by 9% in the lastthree years.Andy Gregory, BGFregional director for Northof England, said: “Thisdata highlights that despitechallenging marketconditions, there is asteady base of UK SMEsthat continue to thriveacross the UK.“It demonstrates theresilience of the group andthe underlying quality ofUK entrepreneurship. “

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It’s a newgenerationA HUDDERSFIELD business has reacheda milestone – with the fourth generation ofits founding family taking the helm.

Simon Howarth, deputy managing dir-ector of catering wholesaler TotalFoodservice, is taking up the reins of thebusiness with the retirement of current man-aging director David Pratt after 40 years inthe food service industry.

George Henry Howarth, Simon’sgreat-grandfather, set up the business almosta century ago as a fruit preserver distribut-ing to shops in the Huddersfield area.

The business now employs 110 people andhas an annual turnover of £15m,.

Simon said: “The heritage of our businessis a source of great pride. To become thefourth member of my family to lead thebusiness has been a lifelong goal and I’mlooking forward to the challenges this willbring to ensure profitable business for ourcustomers and ourselves for many years tocome.

“I’d like to thank David for the excep-tional drive he has shown in leading thebusiness over the past 16 years. He will besorely missed.”

In 1990, David joined HowarthFoodservice – as the business was thenknown – after 25 years working for variouswholesalers in South Wales.

He was elected to the board as commer-cial director in 1992 and became managingdirector in 1996.

“My time at Total Foodservice has beenthe most exciting, challenging and enjoyableyears of my career,” said David.

“I can leave the firm in the secure know-ledge it is at its most successful to date andwill continue to grow under the leadership ofSimon and the whole board.

“I’d like to thank all of the colleagues,suppliers and customers I have worked with,past and present, for their friendship andsupport and I wish Simon and the team allthe success they deserve.”

Total Foodservice, which has a depot atDalton, recently opened a 36,000sq ft flag-ship depot distribution base in Clitheroe,Lancashire.

The firm serves the North of Englandwith frozen, chilled and ambient foods aswell as non-food and cleaning products.

■ WINNING RECIPE: David Pratt (left), retiring managing director of Total Foodservice,with his successor Simon Howarth

Society branches outYORKSHIRE Building Society,which has its roots inHuddersfield, is bucking thetrend of bank branch closuresby opening three new sitesover the next few weeks.

The openings mark the firststeps in the Yorkshire’s plansto expand its retail network byopening 12 new branches overthe next two years and follow

the opening of 16 newagencies over the last year.

Pudsey branch has alreadyopened its doors while theIlkley branch will open on June6 and Bingley’s new branch willopen on June 11. Theopenings will take theBradford-based society’s totalnumber of high street branchesto 227 and will create 14 jobs.

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS property Page 6

Architect isflying the flagHUDDERSFIELD-born architectJonathan Wimpenny has been flying theflag for British construction and designin the USA.Mr Wimpenny, who has his practice inNew York, welcomed Angela Brady,president of the Royal Institute of BritishArchitects, to a special reception held atthe British ambassador’s residence inWashington.Mr Wimpenny, a member of thewell-known Wimpenny family of buildersin Huddersfield, is a member of RIBAand president of RIBA-USA, whichrepresents British architects working inthe States. RIBA-USA has chapters inNew York, Los Angeles, Boston,Chicago, Phoenix, San Francisco andBoston.Earlier the same day, Mr Wimpenny wasmoderator for a series of talks given byprominent RIBA-USA members at theAmerican Institute of ArchitectsConvention in Washington. It is the firsttime that RIBA-USA has been includedin the convention.

■ STATESIDE: Jonathan Wimpwenny,president of RIBA- USA, with Angela Brady,president of the President Royal Institute ofBritish Architects, at the British Embassy inWashington

Call to back work experience schemeCONSTRUCTION employers inKirklees are being urged by theindustry’s sector skills council toget involved in a two-week workexperience programme to giveyoungsters the chance to find outwhat working in the industry islike.

CITB-ConstructionSkills, theSector Skills Council and IndustryTraining Board for the

construction industry, is calling onlocal employers to sign up for thesecond year of its workexperience programmeExperience Construction,

The scheme offers youngpeople the chance to work withlocal companies and get a tasteof life in the industry as well aspick up important trade skills.

Participating companies will

receive personal support from aCITB-ConstructionSkillsapprenticeship officer and asimple and cost-effective way offinding and recruiting the bestyoung candidates.

Mick Hamill, regional deliverymanager forCITB-ConstructionSkills inYorkshire, said: “This is a greatopportunity for construction

companies to put themselvesforward and contribute to thefuture of their industry.

"The industry is facing apotential skills gap and so thisscheme aims to inspire the nextgeneration of constructionworkers, bringing new blood intothe industry.”

Visit www.cskills.org for furtherdetails.

Renewable energy champ up for prizeA BRIGHOUSE businessman hasbeen shortlisted for a top regionalaward.

Chris Hopkins (pictured right),managing director of renewableenergy specialist Ploughcroft, is inthe running for the NorthEntrepreneur of the Year Award.

He was selected as a finalist fromhundreds of entrants across theNorth of England for the annualawards, which recognise excellencein business success.

The regional winner in thecompetition run by professionalservices firm Ernst & Young will beannounced on June 26 at aceremony in Manchester.

The winner from each of four UKregions will go through to thenational final to compete for the titleof UK Entrepreneur Of The Year.The UK winner will then be enteredinto the firm’s international awards.

Mr Hopkins said: "It is reallyexciting to be shortlisted for this

award. I hope that my story will helpto inspire other entrepreneurs toovercome their challenges and growtheir businesses significantly, evenin difficult economic times.”

Mr Hopkins was recognised bythe judges for his entrepreneurialspirit, innovation and the ability tolead and build teams.

He has already gained nationalrecognition by securing investmentfrom Deborah Meaden and TheoPaphitis on BBC's Dragons Den.

Tenant demand feeds rent hikesRENTS across Yorkshire rosesignificantly in the three monthsto April – as fresh tenant demandcontinued to exceed newinstructions, a survey hasrevealed.

The latest RICS ResidentialLettings Survey showed that 11%more chartered surveyors in theregion reported rents rising ratherthan falling in the three months toApril. This growth was largelydriven by consistently highdemand as a net balance of 20%more respondents reported risesin prospective tenants.

Rental values across the UKhave now grown consistentlysince 2009 as the problem of

unaffordable mortgage financeand large deposits required bylenders remain a barrier to homeownership, with many potentialbuyers forced to turn to the rentalmarket.

Significantly, supply of propertyto the Yorkshire market continuesto rise, albeit at a slower pace,with 8% more surveyors reportingincreases rather than decreasesin landlords looking to let theirproperties, compared to plus 21%in the previous period.

Landlords’ gross yields alsocontinued to rise during the earlypart of the year, although thepace of growth has begun to slow.This was the case in every part of

the UK except London wheretenant demand also saw a slightdownturn.

Surveyors in Yorkshire arepositive that the market willremain buoyant over the nextthree months, with 8% morepredicting rents will rise ratherthan fall.

Across the UK, all areas expectrents to continue to increase withthe exception of Scotland whereexpectations entered negative

territory for the first time sinceOctober, 2009.

RICS regional spokesmanBruce Collinson said: “The rentalmarket will continue to be buoyantas long as the challenges facingthe sales market exist, especiallythe lack of available mortgagefinance.

“As long as tenant demandcontinues to outpace supply, we’llcontinue to see rents increase,adding to the pressure on manyhouseholds who are alreadystruggling financially in thecurrent climate, where the cost ofmost things, including food,utilities and petrol has risensignificantly.”

Court ruling raisesclause for concernBUSINESS tenants acrossKirklees have been urged to checkand double check the small printon their lease break clauses follow-ing a landmark court case whichleft a firm up to £300,000 out ofpocket.

The business affected fell victimto a High Court judge ruling infavour of a landlord who hadchallenged the business’s right tobreak its lease.

The case highlights the pitfallsinvolved in operating breaknotices and the conditions thatmust be met.

Simon Armitage, of the corpor-ate solutions division at property

firm Colliers in West Yorkshire,said: “The fact that the case hungon an outstanding sum of less than£200 has serious implications,proving again the importance ofproper consideration of whatmight be termed the small print incommercial leases.

"The landlord contested theattempted operation of the breakas invalid.

“The judge ruled in favour andheld that the tenant could notoperate the break because a smallsum remained unpaid – despite itnot being invoiced.

“The amount involved wasinterest on late payment of rent at

some point during the lease term.“Only after the attempted break

operation had the landlordclaimed the interest. However, thejudge ruled that the tenant shouldhave known this sum was due.

“The tenant continues to beliable for rent and other costs forthe next five years – potentially inexcess of £300,000.”

Mr Armitage said: “Whilst thejudgement may seem harsh, ithighlighted the need for carefulanalysis of lease terms and condi-tions to ensure compliance.

“This includes payment of rentand numerous other requirementssuch as repair and decoration.

“Tenants cannot assume thatthey can just walk away on a breakdate.

“People may act independentlyand not take specialist advice dueto initial costs, but this casestresses the importance of obtain-ing valuable advice and how it caneventually save significant costs.

“In the present tough economicclimate, landlords will scrutinisethe validity of any break notice sothere is a clear and present needfor careful planning and specialistadvice prior to the service of abreak notice to ensure compli-ance.”

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Former pub hasnew lease of lifeTHE former Three Horse-shoes at Skelmanthorpe isdoing great business in its newguise as the home of Bath-rooms by Design – following amajor refurbishment of theCommercial Road property.

T h e m o v e w a s t h ebrainchild of self-employedplumber, heating and tilingspecialist Andrew Locke, whohas transformed the formerbar area and vaulted cellar toprovide 40 well-lit bays dis-playing a wide range of bath-room suites, showers andaccessories such as under-floor heating, heated towelrails, mirrors, furniture, walkin showers and many workingbays.

The pub car park means theshowroom also has free park-ing for customers.

Stephen Frakes, who haseight years’ experience in theindustry, has been appointedmanager at Bathrooms byDesign, which also has thee x p e r t i s e o f A n d r e w ’s26-year-old plumbing busi-ness behind it.

Said Mr Frakes: “It was abit of a gamble to open a newshowroom during the eco-nomic downturn, but Andrewhas an excellent reputationand it is proving a success.

“The showroom occupies aprominent site on a road usedby people to get to Hudders-field, Wakefield and SouthYorkshire.

“We offer a design andinstallation service.

“We offer a free survey tohelp people make sure theyget the right products and wecan call on plumbers, tilers,electricians, plaster’s and join-ers if people want us to fittheir bathrooms as well. Weoffer the full package.”

Mr Locke said the show-room has been carefully laidout to provide plenty of spacefor customers to see the bath-room settings.

“We wanted to make cus-tomers feel welcome. We havea well-lit showroom and awarm and friendly atmo-sphere” he said.

“To take the stress out of

buying a bathroom, we have aDVD player, books, toys andeven a bath with goldfish in tokeep children occupied.

Bathrooms by Design alsouses new technology to gainan edge.

As well as offering 3Ddesign it is on Facebook,Twitter and YouTube can bev i e w e d o n i t s w e b s i t ew w w . b a t h r o o m s b ydesignhuddersfield.co.uk

“Changing your bathroomcan involve a lot of expenseand we make it as easy aspossible,” said Mr Locke..

“In the current economicclimate, people are choosingto stay in their own housesand improve their propertiesrather than moving.

“They are investing inimproving their own proper-ties.

Said Mr Frakes: “We are alocal company working withother local businesses and weare keen to support the localcommunity.”

Highlights of safety trainingA COMPANY providingsafety training for peopleworking at height hasjoined a campaign to raiseawareness of the mobileaccess tower industry.Astra Access SafetyTraining is working with thePrefabricated AccessSuppliers andManufactures Association,the lead body of the mobiletower industry.PASMA has launchedYorkshire Tower Week atthe Royal Armouries in

Leeds – and Astra isfollowing the event with aweek of free events,including tower builddemonstrations, mobiletower equipmentinspections and half-pricetraining courses.More than 50,000 peoplesuccessfully undertakePASMA training each yearand at least 1,000 of thoseare expected to obtain theirtraining with Astra during2012.

The open days come asmore companies and healthand safety practitionersseek objective proof thatstaff are competent in theassembly, use, inspectionand dismantling of towers.The campaign has alsobeen welcomed by theHealth and SafetyExecutive, local authoritiesand major contractors.Contact 0800 121 4951 orvisitwww.astratraining.co.uk

■ SUITE SUCCESS: Stephen Frakes (left) and Andrew Locke at Bathrooms By Design

ANNOUNCEMENT – AUCTIONTHURSDAY 19 JULY 2012 7pmAt The Cedar Court Hotel, Lindley Moor Road,Huddersfield, HD3 3RH

Former Honley Council OfficesEastgate, Honley HD6 6PAProminent landmark building with waterside frontage. Situated closeto village centre, offering extensive accommodation on three levels.Planning application submitted for residential conversion.Guide Price: £125,000+

25 – 29 Market StreetHuddersfield, HD1 2HLSubstantial town centre commercial property/site oppositeSainsbury’s. Exciting development/conversion opportunity.Guide Price: £95,000+

MoorlandsMoorlands Road, Marsh, Huddersfield HD3 3UHModern detached three bedroom house in pleasant residentiallocation with good sized gardens, in need of some refurbishment.Guide Price: £100,000+

58 Market StreetMilnsbridge, Huddersfield HD3 4HTProminent commercial property in centre of Milnsbridge. Suitablefor a variety of uses subject to planning permission. Refurbishment/conversion opportunity with good investment potential.Guide Price: £35,000+

42 Manchester RoadSlaithwaite, Huddersfield HD7 5JADetached character dwelling in need of modernisation.Semi rural location with excellent views. Suitable for owneroccupation/rental purposes.Guide Price: £95,000+

76 Ashbrow RoadSheepridge, Huddersfield HD2 1DFStone built cottage requiring full modernisation in popular residentiallocation. Elevated position with superb views. Gardens to front andrear.Guide Price: £35,000+

31 Market StreetHeckmondwike, WF16 0EUSubstantial town centre retail/office building with secure yard.Upper parts suitable for residential subject to planning permission.Guide Price: £45,000+

Dean Bottom WorksStorthes Hall, Huddersfield, HD8 0PP0.34 Hectares (0.84 Acres) industrial land and buildings.Potential for other uses subject to planning permission.Guide Price: On Application

Town Hall Hotel52 Huddersfield Road, Elland HX5 9AHFormer public house 213m2 (2293 sq ft) located close to Co-opsupermarket, Berties Banqueting Rooms and La Cachette. Planningconsent for extension and change of use to C1 hotel and B1 office.Guide Price: £105,000 – £115,000

28 Waterhouse StreetHalifax, HX1 1UQTown Centre Shop requiring full renovation with residential potentialon upper floors. Close to Yorkshire Bank and Broad Street Plaza.Guide Price: £50,000

Clough Ing BarnLumb Lane, Almondbury, Huddersfield, HD4 6SZLofty barn (150m2) with stable block, ripe for residential conversion.Stunning rural location with panoramic views.Guide Price: £175,000 – £225,000

JANUARY 2012 AUCTION 90% SUCCESS RATE

OCTOBER 2012 AUCTION ENTRIES NOW INVITED

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Movers and shakers Page 8

Hat-trick success for training company and TownA TRAINING company hasextended its official partnershipwith Huddersfield Town into a thirdseason.

Dale Carnegie, founded in1912, has a worldwide reputationas a leading training provider forbusinesses of all sizes, supportingorganisations to develop theirtalent.

The company has beenassociated with the Terriers since

2006 before becoming an officialpartner in the run-up to the2010/11 season.

Juliette Dennett, Mirfield-basedmanaging director of DaleCarnegie Training, said: “We’redelighted to continue ourrelationship with HuddersfieldTown.

“The club is continuing to makewaves both on the pitch and onthe business side.”

Town commercial director SeanJarvis said: “In the first year, welaunched the ExecutiveProgramme – a training course forcompany executives and directorsa joint venture that has proved agreat success.

“This year, we looked at how wecould not only improve theperformance of our own staff, butalso how our relationship canreward businesses in the region.”

Jenna Hardy

Approach PRHUDDERSFIELD Universitygraduate Jenna Hardy hasjoined Bradford-based publicrelations consultancyApproach PR as junioraccount executive.

Ms Hardy (pictured), 23,who graduated last year infashion media and promotionfrom the university’s school ofart, design and architecture,will support the Approach team with a numberof clients, including kitchen manufacturerIn-toto.

She has already gained industry experiencein the fashion, music and lifestyle sectors,having worked for three successful PRconsultancies in Leeds, Manchester andLondon during her university sandwich year.

During this time, she had the opportunity towork alongside big brands such as professionalhair care experts BaByliss PRO and high streetfashion label Hobbs London Ltd.

Allan Layfield

Parker BirdGardnerA LAW firm in Huddersfieldhas made a key appointment.

Parker Bird GardnerSolicitors, which has officesat Queen Street, hasappointed Allan Layfield as adirector.

During the past 10 years,Mr Layfield (pictured) hasspecialised in all aspects offamily law, including divorce,separation, domestic abuse and mattersinvolving children, including those relating toparents whose children have been removedfrom their care by the local authority.

He has particular experience and specialismin the distribution of assets followingrelationship breakdowns.

He is an accredited member of theResolution Advanced Family Law Panel, atrained collaborative lawyer and is a member ofthe Kirklees Collaborative Family Law Group.

Flooring the opposition

A FLOORING installer in Huddersfieldhas it covered.

Nigel Bawn, of Bawn Flooring &Aspley Carpets, is one of the firstflooring installers in the UK to achievethe prestigious title of Quick-StepMaster Installer after completing arigorous training and assessmentprogramme at the Quick-StepAcademy for Excellence in Flooring.

Said Nigel: “To be among the first

Quick-Step Master Installers inEngland is a great achievement.

“Having my skills andprofessionalism accredited by thelargest wood and laminatemanufacturer in the world in thesedifficult times is amazing and allowsme to offer a two-year installationwarranty on Quick- Step to mycustomers. No one else can do that.”

■ COVERED: Darren Robinson (left), Quick-Step Flooring Academy managerpresents the award to Nigel Bawn, of Bawn Flooring & Aspley Carpets

Richard Gage

OrchardEnergyENERGY advice businessOrchard Energy has promotedRichard Gage to the new postof regional manager for theNorth of England.

Mr Gage (pictured) will takecontrol of a region coveringYorkshire and the North Westas far as the Scottish border.

Gareth Henderson,managing director of the Elland-basedbusiness, said: “Richard is a highly motivatedand knowledgeable member of our energyteam and the additional management role willenable us to win new business and maintainhigh levels of client service as our businessgrows.

“Recent recruitment has also boosted salesand support at head office in Yorkshire and wewill be expanding each of our regional teams inthe North East, Midlands, South West, SouthEast, Scotland and Wales during 2012.”

Chris Ross

ChadwickLawrenceLAW firmChadwickLawrence,which hasoffices inHuddersfield,has appointedChris Ross aspartner in thecommercialpropertydepartment atLeeds.

Mr Ross, pictured (centre) withmanaging partner Jeremy Garside (left)and employment law partner Neil Wilson,has worked as a solicitor in Leeds foralmost 40 years, initially starting at DLAafter qualifying and moving to Yorkshirefrom London.

He worked as a group solicitor forASDA before joining Booth & Co, nowAddleshaw Goddard, as partner. Afterthree years, he moved to McGuinnessFinch, a firm which focused solely oncommercial property, before joining ReadHind Stuart in 1995, which then mergedwith Cobbetts in 2002.

Mr Garside said: “Attracting people ofChris’s calibre further strengthens ourposition as an operator in the Leedsmarket and also enhances our overalloffering in the wider Yorkshire area.”

Making a standto help stadiumEMPLOYMENT law specialist Howarthsis in the box seat after signing a furtherextension to a sporting sponsorship deal.

Cleckheaton-based Howarths will againsponsor the north stand lower tier at Hud-dersfield’s Galpharm Stadium in a dealwith Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd.

Howarths already works with the sta-dium, providing specialist human resourcesand employment law services.

The company has grown considerablyover the last couple of years, including amove to much larger premises to accom-modate its growing business needs.

Stadium managing director Gareth Dav-ies said: “I am delighted to be continuingour partnership with Andy Howarth andhis team and look forward to developing

this further, working with them going for-ward.”

Andy Howarth, managing director ofHowarths, said: “Howarths has a fabulousrelationship with the team at the Galpharmand we have worked closely with them forthe last six years providing support in theform of our employment law service whilstGareth and his team continually promotesand supports our growing business.

“To be associated with the GalpharmStadium has helped our business to expandand in becoming a recognised brand namein Kirklees and beyond and the decision toextend this relationship for a further threeyears was an easy and obvious commercialdecision.”

■ HOT SEAT: Gareth Davies (secondleft), of Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd,with Andy Howarth, managing director ofHowarths and his colleagues TraceyHopkins (left) and Justine Egan