KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSThe business NEWSpaper for Kir k lees12, Januar y, 2010

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JULIE SYKES NICK GREENALLRising to the next challenge!

Fu l l i n te r v i ew - Page 3Eng ineer ing the future

Repor t - Page 4

FTSE 100+8.33

5538.07An EXAMINER publication

Ideas forbusinessGRADUATES with ideasfor new businesseshave been urged toattend a special event.Huddersfield Universityis staging an EnterpriseSkills Workshop laterthis month forgraduates interested inself-employment.Participants will drawup a draft businessplan and get clearadvice on how to taketheir ideas forward.

HealthyoutcomeRECRUITMENT agencyTravail EmploymentGroup has won a keycontract with the NHS.The company, whichhas offices inGeorgeStreet, Huddersfield,will help supply stafffor non-medical andnon-clinical roles.

Kirklees companies put economy top of listCOMPANIES in Kirklees have put animprovement in the economy at thetop of their wish list for the yearahead.

A survey by Close Invoice Finance,part of merchant banking group CloseBrothers Group plc, showed thatowner-managers across the districtwould prefer to see improved trading

conditions in 2010 above other optionssuch as improved funding, additionalstaff and a better work/life balance.

Close said the poll result reflectedgeneral concerns over the stability ofthe UK economy – with small andmedium-sized firms worried aboutmarket volatility and securing theircash flow.

Some 44% of small business ownersalso admitted to having suffered sleep-less nights worrying about the eco-nomic crisis.

David Thomson, chief executiveofficer of Close Invoice Finance, saidthe wish for a “better economy” in2010 came as no surprise – given thatthe Insolvency Service had logged

4,716 new corporate liquidationsnationwide in the third quarter of lastyear.

He said: “For their own peace ofmind throughout 2010, it is crucialthat owner managers adopt a robustattitude to risk and consider how bestto safeguard the long-term health oftheir business.”

Firm is primed forfurther expansionNURSERY products firm Mamas& Papas has secured a multi-millionpound funding package.

The Colnebridge-based companysaid the deal with HSBC heraldedthe start of a new relationship, whichwill see the company move all itsbanking to the Leeds-based HSBCCorporate team.

The funding will enable Mamas &Papas to invest in building its brandinternationally – particularlythrough its expanding operations inEurope, the Middle East, Russia andJapan.

The award-winning company,formed in 1981 by husband and wifeDavid and Luisa Scacchetti, hasgrown to become the UK’s leadingnursery brand, with global turnoverin excess of £120m.

The firm’s stylish products arefavourites with a host of celebrities,including singer Gwen Stefani, whowas recently snapped pushing herson Zuma in a Mylo pushchair nearher north London home..

She was the first person to take

delivery of the new product, which isnow in full production for customerdelivery in March.

Other stars to support the Mamas& Papas brand include fashiondesigner Stella McCartney andex-Spice Girl Emma Bunton.

Mamas & Papas has its headquar-ters, distribution centre and show-room at Colnebridge as well as 50retail outlets in the UK and Ire-land.

It supplies a further 250 retailers,including a number of major UKnational retail chains and a growingnumber of international distribut-ors, retailers and franchisees.

Mamas & Papas group financedirector Jason Greenwood said:“2009 was another strong year forMamas & Papas – driven by theopening of new stores, diversifica-tion in our award-winning productranges and the announcement offurther global expansion.

“As we enter a new decade and anew phase of growth, we need abanking partner with the unrivalled

international presence to supportour global strategy, plus the ‘on theground’ expertise to help us realiseour ambitions – wherever andwhenever we need to.

“The company aim is to becomethe world’s favourite nursery brandand this partnership is central to thegrowing momentum.”

Martin Lunt, HSBC head of cor-porate banking, Yorkshire & NorthEast said: “We are thrilled to besupporting one of Yorkshire’s – andindeed the UK’s – best known andmost exciting businesses in theirmission to become the number oneglobal nursery brand.

“We firmly believe that thestrength of the Mamas & Papasbrand, along with the superior qual-ity of its products and its franchisemodel will help to make it a successin every international market itenters.”

Eversheds acted as legal advisorsto HSBC Bank plc. Pinsent Masonsprovided legal support to Mamas &Papas.

■ LATEST HIT: Gwen Stefani takes sonZuma for a walk on Hampstead Heath inthe Mamas & Papas Mylo pushchair

Yorkshire’s Legal Peoplewww.chadwicklawrence.co.uk01484 519 999Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS national Page 2

SHARE PRICESLocal shares

FTSE closed at

5538.0Up 3.8

TOURIST RATES

Tourists going abroad can expectthe following rates for sterling:Australia...................... 1.64 dollarsBangladesh................. 105.13 takaBrazil.............................. 2.48 realsCanada....................... 1.58 dollarsChina ............................. 9.82 yuanCzech Republic ...... 26.81 korunasDenmark....................... 7.87 kroneEuro............................... 1.06 euroHong Kong................ 11.85 dollarsHungary ................... 266.19 forintsIndia.......................... 64.30 rupeesJapan........................... 141.59 yenMexico ....................... 18.08 pesosNew Zealand .............. 2.03 dollarsNorway ......................... 8.65 kronePakistan.................. 128.75 rupeesPhilippines ................. 62.79 pesosSouth Africa.................. 11.05 randSouth Korea.............. 1569.00 wonSri Lanka ................ 173.66 rupeesSweden....................... 10.83 kronaSwitzerland.................. 1.56 francsTaiwan ...................... 44.68 dollarsTurkey....................... 2.29 new liraUSA ............................ 1.54 dollars

Carclo 170 +161/2Chapelthorpe 141/4Marshalls 90 +3/4National Grid 6551/2 -3RensburgSheppards

602 +4

Weir Gp 798 -34

Stores post record salesDEPARTMENT store chain Houseof Fraser revealed record seasonaltrading as it offered more signs thatretailers enjoyed a robust Christmas.

The chain, which has a store at theKingsgate Centre in Huddersfield,followed the lead of rivals such asJohn Lewis and Next by postinglike-for-like sales growth of 7.1% forthe eight weeks to January 2.

The figures included its best everChristmas week and a Boxing Daysales jump of 27%.

It also hailed a 33% rise in sales forits “House” labels, such as Linea,Kenneth Cole, New & Lingwood,Howick and Episode.

Women’s fashion accessories wereup 20% and men’s wear up 12% on alike-for-like basis, it added.

Chief executive John King said theperformance reflected ongoing effortsto improve the business, such asthrough store refurbishment activityand efforts to develop the popularityof the own-brand products.

He added: “It was pleasing that wehad our biggest ever Christmas weekand Boxing Day, with some of ourstores, such as Oxford Street, experi-encing their strongest ever perform-ance.”

Online sales were up 91% in theeight-week period,.

Price cuts give Co-op a boostTHE Co-operative Group liftedlike-for-like sales by 5% following aprice-cutting salvo to compete withsupermarket rivals over Christmas.

The UK’s fifth biggest food retailer,with stores across the Huddersfieldarea and 3,000 outlets nationwide,unveiled a £200m package of pricecuts and promotions over the festiveperiod, including its first tripledividend.

The Co-op said the recent over-haul of its brand and a significantincrease in seasonal advertisinghelped it to attract more customersto both its convenience and largerstores – with champagne, meat andpoultry among the best sellers.

Like-for-like sales, including VATbut excluding fuel, rose by 4.8% inthe 12 weeks to January 2 – with thefigure 5% higher in the final threeweeks.

Total sales were up by 66% due tothe £1.6bn acquisition of rivalSomerfield.

Chief executive Peter Marks saidtrading conditions were competitive– but that the presence of Co-opstores in local communities gave thechain an edge amid rising fuel pricesand extreme weather conditions.

He said the Manchester-basedchain expected the economic pres-sures to continue until the end of2010 or the first half of 2011.

WinterwarmerOUTDOOR retailerBlacks Leisure said thatit had benefited fromBritain’s cold snap as itreported a hike in wintersales.

Blacks, which has itsown brand shops as wellas the Millets chain,reported very strongChristmas trading – withlike-for-like sales in thesix weeks to January 7up 15.2% on last year.

The chain said it had“significantly enhancedits recovery prospects”after closing 87 ofloss-making stores in thefourth quarter of 2009.

Ferrero inloan talksCHOCOLATE companyFerrero has moved astep closer to joining theCadbury bidding warafter lining up a loan thatcould be used to back anoffer, it is claimed.

Ferrero, which makesFerrero Rocher andKinder chocolate eggs,has discussed a £2.8bnloan with Italian bankMediobanca, accordingto newspaper reports.

Cadbury is the subjectof a hostile bid from USfirm Kraft andshareholders have untilFebruary 2 to accept itsoffer, which values theBritish confectioner at764p a share or £10.5bn.

Ferrero is thought tobe more likely to joinforces with anotherbidder – possibly USchocolate firm Hershey –in an effort to rival theKraft bid.

NORTH AMERICANAmerican Express £25.62 -0.36Gannett 1056.35 +18.58Hess Corp £40.32 -0.45Microsoft 1882.97 -15.48Motors Liquidation 46.44Wal-Mart Stores £33.31 +0.29

AEROSPACE & DEFENCEBAE Systems 3673/8 -11/8Rolls-Royce Gp 4985/8 -27/8Smiths Grp 1021 +10VT Group 518 -3

AIMBrady Plc 621/2Dawson Intl 13/4

AUTOMOBILES & PARTSG K N 1241/4 +3/4

BANKSBarclays 317 -31/2HSBC 730 -10Lloyds Banking Gp 561/8 -3/4Ryl Scotland 35 -1/8Stan Chart 1590 -34

BEVERAGESDiageo 1064 -3SABMiller 1801 -37

CHEMICALSCroda 8351/2 +1Delta 145Elementis 98 55 +1/4Johnsn Mat 1610 +9

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALSBalfour Beatty 2821/2 +55/8Costain 251/4

ELECTRICITYDrax Grp 4381/4 -33/8

Intl Power 3175/8 +25/8Scottish & SthrnEnergy

1175 +4

ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTChloride 190 +13/4Invensys 3211/8 -17/8Laird 137 -1

EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTSAlliance Trust 337 +33/4

FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICESBT Grp 1425/8 -3/8C & W 1483/8 +7/8Colt Telecom 1421/2 +1/4KCOM 451/2 -11/4

FOOD & DRUG RETAILERSMorrison W 2901/4 +53/8Sainsbury 328 -11/2Tesco 4177/8 +17/8

FOOD PRODUCERSAB Food 8531/2 +31/2Cadbury 781 +3Nth Foods 691/2 +11/2Tate Lyle 4123/8 +41/4Unilever 1930 -6Uniq 311/4

GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIESCentrica 2801/4 +3/4National Grid 6551/2 -3Pennon Grp 5401/2 +1/2Severn 1091 +7United Utils 4941/2 -11/2

GENERAL FINANCIAL3i Group 2897/8 +1/4ICAP 4507/8 -53/4London StockExch 713 +51/2Man Group 314 -53/4Provident Financial 9291/2 -11/2

Schroders 1319 -16Schroders NV 1053 -7

GENERAL INDUSTRIALSAvon Rbbr 99 +11/2Cooksn Grp 470 -57/8REXAM 2837/8 -3/4

GENERAL RETAILERSAshley L 13 +1/4DSG International 371/2 +3/4Home Retail 2835/8 +43/4Inchcape 291/4 +1/8Kingfisher 2303/4 +51/4M & S 375 +85/8Mothercare 684 +9Next £201/2 +1/8WH Smith 4983/4 +63/4

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICESSmith Nph 6411/2 +81/2

HOUSEHOLD GOODSAga Rangemaster 124 +4Barrat Dev 1383/4 -31/4Persimmon 4831/8 -81/4Reckitt Benckiser £321/2Taylor Wimpey 423/4 +7/8

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERINGCharter 770 -161/2I M I 563 -11/2Man Brnze 1121/2 +1

INDUSTRIAL METALSFerrexpo 2391/8 +13/4

INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATIONBBA Aviation 1811/8 +31/4Forth Ports 1170 +13

LIFE INSURANCEAviva 4043/4 -57/8Lgl & Gen 821/2 -13/4

Old Mutual 1113/4 -1Prudential 6261/2 -12Resolution 883/4 -1Standard Life 2111/8 -23/4

MEDIABSkyB 566 +4Chrysalis 1113/4 -1/4D Mail Tst 4313/4 +3/8ITV 57 -1/8Johnston Press 253/4 -1/4Pearson 8721/2 +91/2Reed Elsevier 504 -2STV Group 543/4 -3/4Trinity Mirror 1711/2 +25/8Utd Business 4623/8 -3/4UTV 911/2 -21/4WPP 616 -10Yell Group 38 +3/8

MININGAnglo American £281/2 -1/2Antofagasta 1020 -4BHP Billiton £21 -1/8Eurasian NaturalRes

1010 -24

Fresnillo 852 -14Kazakhmys 1492 -7Lonmin £215/8 +1/4Rio Tinto £361/4 -1/8VEDANTARESOURCES

£283/8 -1/2

Xstrata 12241/2 -22

MOBILE TELECOM SERVICESInmarsat 684 +2Vodafone Group 1377/8 +7/8

NONLIFE INSURANCEAdmiral Grp 1134 -15RSA Insurance Gp 1243/4 -13/4

OIL & GAS PRODUCERS

BG 1223 +29BP 6351/2 +133/4Cairn Energy 3701/4 +83/8Norsk Hdro 5543/4 +67/8Royal Dutch Shell A 1927 +17Royal Dutch Shell B 1853 +18Total £415/8 +1/4Tullow Oil 1330 +10

OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICESPetrofac 995 +11Wood Group 3497/8 +2

PERSONAL GOODSBurberry 6001/2 +2

PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGYAstrazeneca £291/2 +1/2Axis-Shield 4013/4 +23/4

GlaxoSmithK XD 7Shire 1244 +21

REAL ESTATEBrit Land 4733/8 +12DTZ Hldgs 74 +3Hamrsn 400 +1Land Secs 683 +19SEGRO 3503/4 +63/4

SOFTWARE ETC SERVICESAutonomy Corp 1564 +4Dimension Data 791/4 -1/2Logica 1231/2 +1/4Misys 2231/8 +3/4Sage Group 230 +1/8

SUPPORT SERVICESAMEC 8071/2 +11/2Bunzl 674 +101/2Capita 7381/2 +12Davis ServiceGroup

419 +123/4

De La Rue 1001 +41/2Electrocomp 1733/4 +55/8Experian 6001/2 +11/2G4S 2661/2 +15/8Hays 1093/8 +11/2Homeserve 1748 +19Menzies J 330 +3Rentokil 1171/4 +21/4Smiths News 109 +4Wolseley 1426 -12

IT HARDWAREARM Hldgs 195 +1/4Psion 981/4 +3/4Spirent Comms 108 +1/4

TOBACCOBr Am Tob £201/4 -1/8Imperial Tobacco 1938 -12

LEISURE & HOTELS

Arriva 503Brit Airways 198 -11/4Carnival £221/4 +1/8Compass Grp 4653/8 +51/4easyJet 3493/4 -41/2Enterprise Inns 99 -1FirstGroup 4223/8 +113/4Go-Ahead 1373 +25Greene King 4331/4 -11/2Intercontl Htls 9261/2 +5Ladbrokes 145 +1/4Mitchells & Butlers 2773/4 +4Natl Express 202 +21/8PartyGaming 2791/4 -1/8Rank Org 887/8 -11/8Stagecoach Group 175 -21/4TUI Travel 271 +71/8Whitbread 1403 -8

INDEXFTSE 100 5538.07 +3.83

INDEXFTSE 250 9726.44 +37.39

Recovery is fragilesays chamber pollKIRKLEES firms remain cautious aboutprospects for their businesses and theeconomy, it was claimed today.

Now business leaders want busi-ness-friendly policies after the generalelection to hasten the recovery.

The latest quarterly survey of memberfirms by the Lockwood-based Mid York-shire Chamber of Commerce presented amixed picture – with a sustained rise indomestic sales and orders and improve-ment for exporters and manufacturers.

But firms across Kirklees, Calderdaleand Wakefield remained doubtful aboutemployment growth and had down-graded their expectations for turnoverand profits.

Steven Leigh, chamber head of policyand representation, said: “A number ofkey balances have continued to improvesince our last survey for the third quarter.

“These improvements – particularly inhome and export sales and order intake –are most welcome.

“However, the fourth quarter surveyhas also given rise to some unexpectedresults which may be regarded as timelyreminders of the fragility of the businesssector and recovery out of recession.”

Mr Leigh said manufacturers andexporters saw “some light at the end of thetunnel” after more than a year ofextremely difficult trading conditions.

But he said: “Uncertainties about pro-spects for the year ahead together withdowngraded estimates of turnover andprofit expectations are matters of seriousconcern. Raw material and other over-head costs remain a worry to our membersand serious misgivings are now beingexpressed about inflation and exchangerates.

“This dip in confidence backs up anec-dotal evidence from our members suggest-ing that the recovery is likely to be slowand far from smooth.”

Mr Leigh said uncertainty was likely toremain until after the general election,adding: “Despite the poor state of ourpublic finances, we consider it essentialthat in the year ahead the Governmentshould prioritise business at the heart ofthe economic recovery.

“We need to ensure that this priority issupported by policies that stimulate enter-prise. Any additional taxes on businesswill be bound to prolong the period ofrecovery.”

Mr Leigh said the chamber would con-tinue to lobby “vigorously” for a “genu-inely business-friendly agenda” whichwould encourage investment, createemployment and reward enterprise.

■ CALL: Chamber policychief Steven Leigh

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS profile Page 3

Julie Sykes

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Role: HR consultantAge: 52Family: Two childen– Jessica and AdamHolidays: Californiaand ski-ing in LesGets, FranceCar: Ford CMaxFirst job: Saturdaygirl at a hair salonBest thing aboutjob: Solving prob-lems for peopleWorst thingabout job: Some-times having to worka ful day on my ownBusiness tip:Recognise thatemploying people isone of the biggestinvestments you willmake

JCS HumanResourcesWork: HR supportand adviceSites: ShepleyPhone: 01484602708Email: julie@jcs-hr.co.uk

■ ADVICE: HR expert Julie Sykes

BUSINESSWOMAN JulieSykes is always happy totake on a new challenge.

As owner of JCS HumanResources Consultancy, sherelishes the chance to helpsmall and medium-sizedfirms deal with a wide rangeof personnel issues.

Away from work, Julie hasrun the London Marathonfour times – raising manythousands of pounds for theAnthony Nolan Trust

She has also completed a500km cycle ride throughPoland as well as competingin several half-marathons.

A member of the DenbyDale Travellers running club,Julie, who lives at Shepley, isnow gearing up to join agroup of fellow club membersfor a UK coast-to-coast bikeride this summer.

She is also planning toclimb Kilimanjaro later thisyear.

“I try to go running two orthree times a week,” shesays.

“But what I love is the factthat the club is reallysociable.

“We are all members of arunning club, but that’s justthe hub of a whole number ofactivities.”

One of Julie’s biggestchallenges during the past 12months has been to helpclient companies handle theirstaffing issues in the face of adeep and damagingrecession.

And the experience hasbeen surprisingly positive.

Despite the temptation toaxe jobs as a quick way tocut costs, many companieshave been doing everythingpossible to avoid losing staff– opting instead forshort-time working,temporary lay-offs, flexibleworking and changes to shiftpatterns.

“People have been quiteimaginative in finding ways tohang on to their staff,” saysJulie.

“They want to hold on totheir skilled workforcebecause they know that is thebest way of being able torespond quickly when therecovery comes.

“While engineering andconstruction have been quitebadly hit, the service sectorseems to be doing not toobadly.”

Looking ahead, Julie candetect a turnaround infortunes.

“As the private sector seesactivity levels improve, publicsector jobs will come underpressure as the Governmentseeks to tackle this great bigdeficit in its finances.”

Julie set up JCS HumanResources Consultancy morethan seven years ago –having worked in HR forDeighton-based chemicalcompany Syngenta and itsforerunner businesses ICIand Zeneca for 15 years.

“When Syngenta wasformed, it changed to being aSwiss-based company and itwasn’t my cup of tea,” saysJulie.

“A few colleagues had leftor taken early retirement andI spoke to them about thepluses and minuses ofstepping out on your own anddecided, why not?

“I had always enjoyed HR,

but I felt it was time for achange.

“I started getting ready forit six months before leavingSyngenta, having talked topeople and got their advice.

“It was the time of theCommonwealth Games inManchester.

“I left Syngenta on a Fridayand from the followingMonday I spent four weeksworking as a volunteer at thegames. It was a sort ofsabbatical.”

Said Julie: “I had got myhead around the fact thatthings would be a bit quiet forthe first few months ofrunning my own business, soI spent my time marketingand getting my name outthere.

“If I hadn’t done theresearch and spoken topeople for advice, I wouldhave found that quite scary.”

But Julie says: “It was oneof the best decisions I evermade.

“The bulk of my time isspent working with small andmedium-sized companies.

“I only have to work withpeople I want to work with –people with the same outlookand standards.

“There is also a lot offlexibility in terms ofachieving a good work-lifebalance.”

Julie hails from the otherside of the Pennines.

She says: “I am a proudLancastrian, although I havebeen made very welcome inHuddersfield – and I have

been living here longer than Ihave in Lancashire!”

Julie took a businessstudies degree atManchester Polytechnic afterleaving school, but recalls: “Iwanted to get a degree, but Ididn’t know what I wanted todo.”

During her studies, shespent 18 months working inseveral departments atNorweb Electrical inManchester.

When she joined thepersonnel department, sherealised that was what shewanted to do.

“I worked for Norweb as anadministrative assistant inpersonnel,” she says.

“Later, I went to London towork for the ElectricityCouncil and the CEGB, but Ididn’t really take to Londonand after about two years Ireturned to Manchester towork for a small privatesector company.”

Her experiences workingwith a small company – aswell as the much biggerSyngenta operation – meanJulie believes she iswell-placed to advise herclients

Much of her work involves“routine” issues such asrecruitment, retirements andredundancies.

But she also stresses tosmall company clients how itpays to look after theiremployees.

“Recruiting an employee isone of the biggestinvestments you make in

business,” she says.“If a company invests in

new machinery, it makes theeffort to get that investmentright.

“The same thinking shouldapply to recruitment.”

“Happily, employers arebecoming more ‘savvy’ whenit comes to taking care oftheir staff.

“Employees will talk abouttheir work at the pub, so ifthey have a bad experienceat work they will tell people

about it,” says Julie.“When the recovery comes,

they will go to worksomewhere else.

“More companies aregetting involved in things likestaff appraisals, performancemanagement, training anddevelopment.

“The idea is to get the mostout of that big investment.”

Julie setfor hernext bigchallenge

KIRKLEES BUSINESSlocal Page 4

FashionstatementFEMALEentrepreneursare opting tosplash theircash on“classic”business wear,it is claimed.BusinessWardrobe, theonline boutique set up by threeHuddersfield entrepreneurs, hasnoticed rising sales of itemssuch as white shirts, grey suitsand black dresses over the pastfew months – suggesting thatcustomers are choosingcarefully how to spend theirmoney during the recession.Director Jane Dawson (pictured)said: “Spending hard-earnedmoney on a wardrobe item thatcan be worn year round andnever dates is preferable to atrend piece that will last for oneseason.“Instead, business women areopting for staple pieces andthen using shoes, bags orjewellery to make the outfit theirown, accessorising according tothe season’s latest trends.”Said Jane: “It has beeninteresting to see how theeconomic climate has changedshopping habits.“Investing in classic pieces suchas a beautifully tailored suit thatwill last for years has becomethe priority for businesswomen.”

Academy plan tolift manufacturingA FIRM making kitchens is goingall-out to “sell” manufacturing as acareer choice to young people.

Dewsbury-based Rixonway islaunching its Engineers of the FutureAcademy – inviting schools and col-leges across Yorkshire to visit itsfactory and see its production equip-ment in action.

The scheme aims to promote thecareer opportunities in manufactur-ing and forge relationships withpotential engineers and designers ofthe future.

The first visitors to the site, onShaw Cross Business Park, were 14A-level design technology studentsfrom Hornsea School in Hull. Theysaw the production process from thearrival of raw materials to the ship-ping out of finished products.

Rixonway’s manufacturing facilityand warehousing space has morethan doubled in size during the past10 years.

Teacher Jim Calloway said: “Thefact that Rixonway is launching thisacademy and providing hands-on

guidance for students about toembark on their careers is incrediblyimportant for the manufacturingindustry. Other organisations shouldtake note.”

He said the company’s carbonreduction processes and other envir-onmental initiatives were particu-larly interesting to the visitingstudents.

The Engineers of the FutureAcademy is an apprenticeshipscheme that will see outstandingschool or college leavers start a train-ing programme every year. It willoffer relevant skills to equip them fora long-term future at one of the mostwell-established manufacturingorganisations.

Nick Greenall, at Rixonway Kit-chens, said: “Our academy willprovide candidates with practicaleducation and experience in a selec-tion of manufacturing fields, thuspresent ing them with careeroptions.

“With our training and develop-ment programmes, we will remain at

the leading edge of technologies. It isa genuine opportunity for people togo as far and as fast as their abilitiesand ambitions allow.”

He said the development of Rixon-way’s academy was in line with thecompany’s philosophy that its 450staff are its most important asset anda resource which must be continuallyinvested in and cultivated for bestperformance.

Said Mr Greenall: “Employeedevelopment and job-satisfaction arekey elements of life at Rixonway andit is common for staff to stay for longperiods.”

The company was recently com-mended by The Department of Workand Pensions for its industry-leadingapproach to disability and employ-ability.

Rixonway was formed in 1978 andis the only UK kitchen manufacturerworking solely in affordable andsocial housing.

It manufactures 12,000 units aweek and employs more than 400people.

■ SCHOOL DAYS: Nick Greenall,of Dewsbury’s Rixonway Kitchens

ProductplacementA COLNE Valley pharmaceuticalcompany has added to itsgrowing collection of brands.Linthwaite-based Thornton &Ross Ltd has purchased nappyrash treatment Metanium fromWilliam Ransom & Son plc.The product is an establishedUK brand operating in both theprescription and over thecounter sectors. The purchaseincludes all intellectual property,trade marks, and stocks relatingto the brand.Thornton & Ross takes over thesales, distribution and marketingof the brand with immediateeffect. Ransom will beforwarding details of alloutstanding orders to Thornton& Ross for delivery andinvoicing.Jonathan Thornton, chairman ofThornton & Ross, said that thepurchase would furtherstrengthen the company’s rangeof paediatric medicines, whichincludes head louse treatmentHedrin and Virasoothe, aninnovative product for relief ofthe symptoms of chickenpox.Mr Thornton said: “Metaniumwill benefit from the company’sconsiderable strength andexperience in the manufacture ofpharmaceutical quality creamand ointment products.”

First Aid adviceNEW changes to the first

aid training regime wereintroduced from October 1,2009.

Also at this time, new guidancewas produced to assist employersdecide on the numbers and qual-ifications for first aid trainedstaff appropriate to their work-place.

This new guidance, entitledFirst Aid at work – Your Ques-tions Answered – recommendsthat employees consider a num-ber of issues when determiningfirst aid staffing levels.

The issues cover:● Workplace hazards● The number of employees

on site and any staff with disabil-ities or specific health problems

● The history of accidents andillnesses

● Working arrangements –travelling workers, lone workers,shift patterns

● Remoteness from the emer-gency services

● Cover for holiday and sick-ness absences

● Members of the public onsite

These issues may lead to arequirement for additional num-bers above those suggested num-bers of first aid personnel to suitparticular circumstances.

In places such as offices and

shops, where there is a low safetyhazard and fewer than 25 peopleare employed, the guidancerecommends providing at leastone appointed person.

Where there are 25 to 50employees, it recommends atleast one first aider trained inEmergency First Aid at Work(EFAW).

Where there are more than 50staff, the guidance suggests atleast one first aider trained inFirst Aid at Work (FAW) forevery 100 people employed orpart thereof.

In the case of higher hazards –such as light engineering, ware-housing, work with dangerousmachinery and construction, theguidance calls for at least oneappointed person where thereare fewer than five employees.

Where there are five to 50employees, it suggests at least

one first aider trained in EFAWor FAW depending on the type ofinjuries that may occur.

In companies with more than50 employees, it suggests at leastone first aider trained in FAW forat least every 50 people employedor part thereof.

The guidance explains: “TheHealth and Safety (First-Aid)Regulations 1981 require you toprovide adequate and appropri-ate first-aid equipment, facilitiesand people so your employeescan be given immediate help ifthey are injured or taken ill atwork.”

As a minimum, firms shouldhave a suitably stocked first-aidbox, an appointed person to takecharge of first-aid arrangements(see Q5) and information foremployees about f irst-aidarrangements.

RISKYBUSINESSMark Dalton

Mark Dalton is associate director at Wilby Ltd

Let Wilby be yourHealth & SafetyManager from only£150 a month

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS local Page 5

A year of contrastsLAST year was a year of

bewildering – but ultimately– welcome contrasts.

The year began amidst fears thatan unmanageable hole existed in thefinancial system and ended with thespectre of a self-reinforcing cycle ofdepression having receded.

However, the tide of recession hasleft behind a complicated tangle ofbudgetary problems, with nationaldebt levels rising at a pace normallyassociated with major wars.

There is growing interest in how(and when) central banks will be ableto restore normal money marketconditions and interest rates andwhen governments will bring deficitsunder control.

The authorities are treading a del-icate path between reassuring mar-kets about their eventual intentionto restore normal policy settingswhile keeping the oxygen flowing toa still somewhat breathless eco-nomy.

Markets have recently focused onthe dollar as a potential economicweak spot. There is a prevailingassumption that US policy willremain looser than elsewhere, soinvestors are worried the dollar willcontinue to lose value. Currencymarkets are notoriously difficult toforecast, with currencies only linkedto economic fundamentals via longand stretchy elastic.

However, the anti-dollar bias ishard to square with the forecast thatthe US will grow faster than otherdeveloped economies in 2010.

This year is now very likely to seepositive growth rates worldwide,after the sharp recession that bot-tomed in summer 2009.

The consensus expects developedeconomies to have lame recoveries,with debt reduction and fiscal policyacting as headwinds.

On this view, investors should bemore selective in cyclical invest-ments, as 2010 shapes to be a yearwhen companies will have to deliveron investors’ hopes.

Aside from the risk of a patchyrecovery, the main risk is the uncer-tainty over how quickly centralbanks and governments will reversetheir exceptional policy boost.Policy makers have no road map fornavigating out of the current posi-tion. There is likely to be a degree oftrial and error, with a risk of policybeing either too loose or too tight.Good economic news may no longerbe unambiguous good news for fin-ancial markets, owing to the risk oftighter liquidity. Ultimately, a sus-tained economic upswing would bebetter for equities than a market

recovery driven by limitless liquiditybut the transition to an earn-ings-driven market may not besmooth.

The authorities have a more com-plicated task in the coming year.2010 will require them to avoid bothinflationary and deflationary risksand decide how much austerityrecovering economies will be able tobear, as a down-payment on return-ing the public finances to a sustain-able footing.

Strategically, the years ahead looklikely to deliver better returns from“real” assets (such as property andequities) than cash or governmentbonds. In a low growth world, thereis likely to be a premium on theregions and companies that are thesource of the best and most reliablegrowth.

In 2010 what you buy (stock pick-ing) may count for more thanchanges in index levels. Companiesthat deliver should count for morethan those that have risen purely onhopes of a cyclical recovery (whichmay disappoint in its pace).

Simon Kaye is divisional director at Rensburg SheppardsInvestment Management

CITYTALKSimon Kaye

Agency is ingood healthA RECRUITMENT agency in Huddersfieldhas landed a contract to provide staff to theNHS.

Travail Employment Group, which hasoffices in George Street, has been awarded aplace on the Framework Agreement to sup-ply staff non-medical and non-clinical staff tothe NHS.

As part of the award process, Travail had toundergo a competitive tendering process anda rigorous evaluation procedure to satisfyBuying Solutions, the executive agency of theOffice of Government Commerce in theTreasury, which is managing the agreementon behalf of the NHS and other public sectorbodies.

Travail, which has been trading in Hud-dersfield for the past 15 years, provides a widerange of recruitment services, ranging fromtemporary, contract and permanent recruit-ment across all market sectors.

The team in Huddersfield is led by regionaldirectors David Barwick, Karen Barwick andCarol Mosby.

■ OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: Travail Employment Groupregional director David Barwick (left) with (from left) colleaguesKaren Barwick, Sarah France, Isabell Dawson and CatherineClarke

Printing sector isfocus for supportEFFORTS are under way to pro-mote Yorkshire’s importantprinting and packaging sector.

Leeds-based public relationsagency Ptarmigan Bell Pottingerhas joined forces with PrintYorkshire to provide strategicadvice for an initiative to supportmore than 1,000 businesses in theregion, including many inKirklees.

Robert McClements, PrintYorkshire chief executive, saidthe skill and expertise available inthe region was highlighted at therecent Print Week Awards.

Print Yorkshire supportstraining and development,enhances network opportunitiesfor firms in the region, sharesbest practice and promotes excel-lence.

The industry in Yorkshiremakes a £1.7bn contribution tothe region’s economy andprovides employment for nearly18,000 people in 1,130 firms.

Ptarmigan Bell Pottinger is anaward winning communicationscompany providing consumerand business-to-business PR andsports marketing services.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Open days being held this month at local schoolsIF you’re looking for top class education, thentake a look at the excellent schools in Hudders-field and surrounding areas.

With the cost of living rising, parents need to besure that their money is being well spent. Which iswhy now, more so than ever, Batley GrammarSchool is committed to offering great Yorkshirevalue.

From affordable uniforms, to manageableschool fees, we offer quality without compromise,combining 400 years of educational wisdom with21st century facilities and technology.

We still believe small is beautiful, so ourcomparatively high ratio of teachers to pupilsresults in a personalised nurturing environment.This means our pupils – aged three to 18 – aregiven the individual care and attention they needto thrive.

In addition to academic achievement, BatleyGrammar School offers a wide range of enrich-ment activities, from involvement with theschools’ acclaimed music and drama productions,to the opportunity to fly, climb and canoe with the

Combined Cadet Force (CCF) – one of the largestof its kind in Yorkshire.

What better investment is there in the currentclimate? Education – a gift for life.

Rastrick Independent School offers opportunit-ies to the wider community by offering scholar-ships, awards and bursaries.

Rastrick is a co-educational day school frombirth to 16 years offering extended facilities all theyear round from 7.30 a.m. until 6.30 p.m., espe-cially considering the needs of working parents.Caring and educating the individual, Rastrick is afamily school and boasts excellent relationshipswith parents.

Rastrick is a centre of excellence for children ofall abilities; 100% pass rate five or more GCSEA*-C grades including Mathematics and English.Voted one of the Top Preparatory Schools in theCountry two previous years running, In 2008,‘The Times’ placed us 68th Nationally. We offer afull National Curriculum with excellent SATsresults.

We have a 15 year 100% pass rate to Grammar

Schools and excellent Ofsted and ISA Inspectionreports. Annually our children excel in competi-tions and challenges: Speech and Drama, Dance,Singing, Music, Sports, The Mathematical Chal-lenge and The World Class Tests are to name buta few. Examinations are taken in most extra-cur-ricular activities, and the school does recogniseand rejoice in those activities which children enjoyat home.

Entrance Examination for 11+ onwards, Fri-day January 15, 2010.

Applications for Scholarships for five – 14 yearo l d s a r e w e l c o m e d . V i s i twww.rastrickschool.co.uk Please contact theheadmistress for a personal visit. Telephone01484 400344.

Huddersfield Grammar School - the 2009 GCSEresults for the 39 Year 11 Huddersfield GrammarSchool pupils were outstanding with a 97% passrate for grades A* to C. Individual successesincluded Rachel Lunn who gained 10 A*s,Anumm Javed and Sam Mitchell who each gainedsix A*s and four A grades, and James Richardswho gained seven A*s and two A grades.

“These excellent achievements reflect an exem-plary year’s work by the pupils and a dedicatedteam of staff. We are all very proud of the hardwork and commitment of our young people whichhave led to their suc-c e s s e s , ” s a i dheadteacher Mrs JanetStraughan.

The security andsense of belongingwhich HuddersfieldGrammar School canoffer through an excel-

lent pupil:teacher ratio and small teachinggroups for children aged three to 16 years areamongst the most important factors in promot-ing the happiness and success of pupils throughindependent education.

However, as we all know, school is not justabout classroom activities and parents tell usthat it is the ethos of the school that attractsthem.

Huddersfield Grammar School offers aca-demic, sport and music scholarships into Year 7,as well as various scholarships into Years 9 and10, the Scholarship Entrance Examination willbe held on January 30,2010. Full details of allscholarships are available from the registrar.

Our next Open Day is on Saturday January16,2010, when visitors are welcome to come andsee the School and meet the pupils and teachers.Personal visits can also be arranged at othertimes.

Please visit www.huddersfield-gram-marschool.co.uk for further details.

It is not surprising that academic achievementis consistently high at Silcoates School.Theschool provides the highest standards of learn-ing and commitment to personally discover withan expectation of excellence from all.

In addition to meeting the educational needsof pupils in the 21st Century, Silcoates has anoutstanding reputation for developing thewhole child.

By helping them grown into ambitious, ener-getic and confident young adults, Silcoatesequips them for life beyond school and teachesthem the skills required to make a positivecontribution to society.

An idyllic setting and 55 acres of picturesquegrounds provides a safe, secure and inspiringplace to learn.

There are a wide range of sports teams, clubsand activities to choose from and students workhard to achieve their goals, as much outisde theclassroom as in.

Entrance Examinations - 29th & 30th January 2010

Sixth Form Information Evening - 11th February 2010

WrenthorpeWakefieldWF2 0PD

Tel: 01924291614

www.silcoates.org.uk

An all-round educationwith an academic edge

Huddersfield Grammar Schoolthe co-educational school for girls & boys age 3 to 16

Scholarship Opportunities

At Huddersfield Grammar School we are proud of our GCSE successes.In 2009 our pupils achieved 97% pass rate A*-C with 51% of grades at A* and A.

In recognition of the value that parents place on excellent GCSE preparation, we arepleased to introduce a number of Scholarship opportunities in a range of subjects, for pupils

preparing to commence GCSE study. Applications are invited from students presently inYears 8 and 9 for entry into Years 9 and 10 commencing September 2010. Scholarships are

also available for students presently in Year 6 for entry into Year 7 in September 2010.

You are invited to our Open MorningSaturday, 16th January 2010, 9.30am - noon

This is an ideal opportunity to visit the school, meet pupils and teachers.Tours of our facilities and full details of entry procedure will be available.

Visit our website for more information:www.huddersfield-grammarschool.co.uk

Huddersfield Grammar School | Royds Mount, Luck Lane, Marsh, HuddersfieldWest Yorkshire HD1 4QX | Tel: 01484 424549 | Fax: 01484 531835

For further details and an Application Form, please contact the Registrar on -admin@huddersfield-grammarschool.co.uk or call 01484 424549

Senior School Scholarship & Entrance ExaminationSaturday, 30th January 2010

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS property Page 7

Sector takes apositive viewEXPERTS have detected grounds for optimismin the Yorkshire commercial property market.

Guy Cooke, partner at Knight Frank, said:“The recession, which gripped us all last year,created an unprecedented climate of uncer-tainty and 2009 was a very challenging marketin the office sector.

“The trend was one of consolidation withfewer companies relocating. The vacancy ratealso increased as surplus space came to market,putting more downward pressure on rents.

“However, the year-end take-up was encour-agingly better than most had expected and thenumber of transactions – albeit mostly small tomedium sized lettings – was a positive sign.”

Looking ahead, there were some significantenquiries to be satisfied in 2010.”

Mr Cooke said businesses in a financialposition to move had an “excellent opportun-ity” to secure great value on existing sites.

In some cases, rents on “peripheral” loca-tions had fallen to levels last seen inthe 1990s.

Said Mr Cooke: “We believe the market willremain challenging in the short term. Whilesentiment is certainly improving along withenquiry levels, the capital cost of moving is stilla major burden and those landlords able toassist tenants in this regard will succeed.”

He added: “We expect landlords will be moreoptimistic about the market in the latter half ofthe year.”

■ OPPORTUNITIES: Guy Cooke, partnerwith property consultancy Knight Frank

Health andsafety callHOUSEBUILDERS in West Yorkshirehave been urged to make health andsafety improvements their resolution forthe new year.

Companies have until Friday to enterthe National House Building Council’shealth and safety awards – and winrecognition for good practice on thebuilding site.

The NHBC said past experiencesuggested that emergence from arecession was often coupled with a risein the number of accidents on site.

“While recent economic difficultiesmay not have completely subsided,reputation will always drive businesssuccess,” said Simon Mantle, NHBC’smanager of health and safety. “Becomingan award-winner sets a standard andincreases employee morale.

“ “We are keen to celebrate andreward the vast amount of good healthand safety practice that is beingimplemented across the industry, whichis why we’re making sure everyone hasthe chance to enter our scheme.

“We want builders to view the newyear as a fresh opportunity for increasedsuccess by building their reputation andreceiving appreciation of their work.”

Categories will cover small, mediumand large building firms along withspecial awards for excellence andinnovation in taking health and safety outto staff on-site and into the community.

The awards also offer builders thechance to gain independent verificationof the effectiveness of their health andsafety systems by NHBC.

Health and Safety Executive figuresshow there were 316 major accidents inthe construction sector in Yorkshire lastyear and 3,286 such incidents across thecountry.

Company flaggingup drive for salesA COMPANY supplying flagstones is tar-geting a 30% rise in turnover for the newyear.

Classical Flagstones, which is owned byBirkby-based stone paving supplier Mar-shalls plc, said it was gearing up to takeadvantage of signs of recovery in the resid-ential and commercial property markets.

Managing director Julian Palmer said theupmarket internal hard flooring companyhad restructured its operations “to take fulladvantage of increasing levels of demand”for its range of stone flooring and walltiles.

He said the company, set up 20 years ago,was extending its distribution networkacross the UK in response to demand fromretailers.

Its distribution network in northern Eng-land includes outlets at Halifax and Guise-ley, Leeds.

Said Mr Palmer: “The continued successof our business and the increased demandfor quality hard flooring for both commer-cial and residential use is most definitely onthe increase.

“We are delighted with the roll out of theClassical Flagstones brand which is a namesynonymous with quality stone flooring.

“We will be extending the range in 2010and the team are currently sourcing someunique and exclusive products.”

■ RECOVERY: Julian Palmer, managingdirector of Classical Flagstones

Rok on track forsolid progressA PROPERTY repair and maintenance spe-cialist with contracts in Kirklees said it was ontrack to meet trading expectations for 2009.

Rok plc, which will unveil full year results for2009 in March, said its response maintenanceoperations had continued to perform well,adding: “The market for response services islargely unaffected by the current economicclimate and we are continuing to gain newcustomers and take an increased share ofexisting customers’ spend.”

Rok’s planned maintenance services armhad performed in line with our expectationswith margins remaining healthy.

Chief executive Garvis Snook reported a“significant” order book for repair and main-tenance work in the social housing sector,where Rok is working on 38 major schemesacross the UK.

He said Rok – which has carried out work onlocal schools and public buildings –had suc-cessfully integrated the plumbing, heating andelectrical (PHE) businesses with furtheropportunities expected in 2010 for the PHEarm.

But Mr Snook added: “The new buildregional contracting market remains challen-ging and the expected cut backs in publicsector capital spend will, we believe, serve toexacerbate this in 2010.

“Our decision to scale back these activitiesin 2009 is enabling us to be more selective in theprojects we undertake and – as a result –margins have held up relatively well.”

Rok said social housing new build activity,where the firm is active on 35 schemes,

recovered well after a slow start to the yearassisted by the activities of the Homes andCommunities Agency.

Said Mr Snook: “We continue to secure anumber of long term frameworks for new buildsocial housing.

“We continue to focus on reducing net debt

levels, which have improved significantly sincethe half year despite the change in businessmix.”

He said the company would also makefurther cuts in 2010, saying: “The new finan-cial year will continue to be challenging fornew build capital projects.”

■ UPDATE: Rok chief executive Garvis Snook said cost control would remain a priority

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Movers and shakers Page 8

Ridley & HallSue Cash & Jill Waddington

TWO solicitors at aHuddersfield law firmhave been accepted asmembers of thenational associationSolicitors for the Elderly.

Sue Cash (above,right), head of theprivate client team atRidley & Hall, and JillWaddington (alsopictured, solicitor in thefirm’s private clientteam, have joined SFE,which is an associationof lawyers specialisingin legal services forolder people and theircarers.

Members of SFEhave a wealth ofexperience within thislegal area and they arerequired to have spenta substantial amount of time working forelderly clients.

The aim of this national association isto improve the knowledge and serviceprovided on legal issues including taxplanning, wills, powers of attorney,long-term social and health care andother retirement issues.

Ridley & Hall is the only practice inHuddersfield with two SFE members.

Said Sue: “I have been specialising inlegal services for the elderly for 15 years,and I am looking forward to continuing mydevelopment in this area so that I amable to give my clients and colleaguesfirst class legal advice in a field of lawwhich is constantly evolving, as therequirements of the elderly populationchange.”

Instructor who passed the test

A DRIVING instructor has won a newcar in a competition run by aHuddersfield motor dealership.

Halifax man Andy Clayton, owner ofthe Clayton School of Motoring, won anew Renault Twingo worth £7,495 inthe contest run by Arnold ClarkHuddersfield, which has itsshowrooms at Leeds Road.

The car was won during a tenseand glittering grand final at theRenault and Peugeot dealership –

where competition co-sponsor PulseRadio provided entertainment for 100contestants and their invited guests.

The promotion follows the openingof Arnold Clark’s Deighton dealershiplate last year.

The company has created about 80jobs by establishing the new Renaultand Peugeot dealership.

The showroom and three-acre siteis stocked with about 300 new andused cars.

■ SIGNAL: Driving instructor Andy Clayton at the wheel of the car he won ina contest run by motor dealer Arnold Clark in Huddersfield

Good ideasfor business?GRADUATES with ideasfor new businesseshave been urged toattend a special event.

HuddersfieldUniversity is staging anEnterprise SkillsWorkshop on January21 and 22 aimed atgraduates who want topursue the route toself-employment.

The course is free tounemployed graduatesliving in Kirklees and isfunded by regionaldevelopment agencyYorkshire Forward through the Kirklees SkillsInvestment Plan.

Jacquie Asquith (pictured), the university’sgraduate start-up co-ordinator, said the workshopwas aimed at graduates with a business orfreelance idea that could be transformed into aviable business.

By the end of the workshop, participants will havea draft business plan, a clear way forward for theiridea and information about the next stage supportavailable through Business Link and otherorganisations.

Said Jacquie: “This is an opportunity to developyour idea and vision, but also to test your skills andfind out if you are really cut out for this career path.

“It will provide an introduction to self-employment,business planning and a chance to work on yourbusiness plan or take part in a one-to-one sessionswith the university’s business advisers.”

The event also builds on the success of theuniversity’s Business Mine, which helps studentsand former students realise their efforts to createthriving enterprises.

The second day provides an introduction tofinding out about potential customers, how to reachthem and how to control your finances.

For information contact Georgia Bright on 01484472671 or email g.bright@hud.ac.uk

Not everythingstops for tea!A GRAPHIC design agency inthe Holme Valley has opened anew office in China – with a littlehelp from a local tea shop.

Worthington Brown, whichhas been based in Holmfirthsince 1990, opened its first Chinaoffice in Hangzhou four yearsago to provide graphic design,advertising and web design ser-vices for both western andChinese businesses across Asia,America and Europe.

Founder and managing dir-ector Neil Worthington said:“With our rapid growth in Chinaover the past four years, we soonout grew our existing offices.

“Our new purpose-built studiois in the heart of the world fam-ous Hangzhou green tea region200 miles south of Shanghai.

“We thought, what’s more fit-ting to celebrate our opening

with a real proper cuppa andYorkshire tradition - tea.

“We approached Smythes TeaRoom in Holmfirth as they arewell known for their famousbrew.

“ We p a c k e d b o x e s o fHolmfirth Tea – complete withteapot and tea cosy – into oursuit cases along with a few tins ofFox’s biscuits and sent it 7,500miles to China .

“We invited more than 50guests – consisting of clients andstaff in China– to the openingand conducted a blind tea tast-ing.

“The c l ear winner wasHolmfirth tea by a unanimousdecision.”

Worthington Brown was alsosupported by the Lord Mayor ofLeeds, Clr Judith Elliott, whotook time out of a busy schedule

visiting Leeds’ twin city of Hang-zhou to attend the opening and

declared: “It was the best cuppaI’ve had in ages!”

■ BUSINESS BREW: Neil Worthington (centre), of graphic designagency Worthington Brown, talks with the Lord Mayor of Leeds ClrJudith Elliott and deputy lord mayor Clr Andrew Barker over a cup ofHolmfirth Tea

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