KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Movers and shakers Page 8

Sitting comfortably!

SINGERS from Moorlands PrimarySchool serenaded the crowds asKirklees Mayor Clr Eric Firth unveileda plaque to officially celebrate thearrival of furniture retailer DFS toHuddersfield.

Kev Brown, skipper ofHuddersfield Giants, was joined byteam mates David Faiumu and ScottGrix at the opening event, whichincluded bonfire treats and a hogroast.

Clr Firth said: “I am delighted tohave been asked to take part in thecelebrations. DFS was founded in

Yorkshire over 40 years ago and it isgreat that the company hasexpanded here in Huddersfield,creating 12 new jobs.”

Adam Hankinson, area salesmanager at DFS, said: “We’ve had afantastic day. We know howwelcoming the people ofHuddersfield are and we’ve beenbowled over by their response.”

DFS occupies a 15,000sq ft storeat Phoenix Retail Park, Leeds Road,where it has a wide range of sofasand accessories displayed in 72room settings.

Brewing up fora coffee break!YOU’VE heard about LadiesWho Lunch. So how aboutjoining the coffee set?

Holmfirth-based business-woman Susan Gillespie is set tolaunch a local branch ofnetworking group Ladies WhoLatte.

Susan, an independent travelagent Susan Gillespie plans tolaunch the networking groupfor the first time in the area inJanuary, 2012.

Now she is drumming upsupport for the new group,which it is hoped will meetmonthly.

Ladies Who Latte is aimed atwomen running their own busi-nesses and women in manage-ment roles within othercompanies.

The first Ladies Who Lattegroup was started just over fouryears ago by Sharon Connolly,an international image consult-ant. Mary Flavelle, who spe-cialises in women’s networkingevents, partners Sharon ingrowing the group, which hasset up networking branchesacross the UK.

Susan said: “Ladies Who

Latte is flexible networkingwith a less formal approach.

“Whether you have 15minutes to pop in or you stayfor two hours, we hope that youwill enjoy a well-earned breakto share ideas and most import-antly gain motivation fromother entrepreneurial women.

“There are no speakers and

you don’t pay to attend – justpay for your coffee andmingle!”

Said Susan: “In less than oneyear of its launch, Ladies WhoLatte grew to more than 600members.

“It now stretches across Eng-land with a membership ofmore than 3,000 women.”

Susan, who currently attendsLadies Who Latte events atTankersley, near Barnsley, isone of the latest experiencedtravel consultants to launch herown travel business with thesupport of Travel Counsellors.

She specialises in giving hercustomers the highest possiblelevels of personal service andindependent travel advice –drawing on more than fiveyears of travel experience in theindustry.

Working from home, she isable to speak to customers at atime to suit themselves, even ifit is outside working hours.

Commenting on her websiteabout the concept of LadiesWho Latte, Sharon Connollysaid: “We are women with ima-gination, drive, enthusiasm andhope and we are enjoying shar-ing out success because it’s nogood being fabulous on yourown!”

Contact Susan Gillespie on01484 680091. Alternatively,visit ladieswholatte.come oremail susan.gillespie@travelcounsellors.com

■ CUP THAT CHEERS: Kirklees Mayor Clr Eric Firth with AdamHankinson, area sales manager for DFS, at the store opening

■ NETWORK PLAN: Holmfirth-based independent travelagent Susan Gillespie wants to make a date for coffee

Danielle Booth, Jack Henley, Adam McNally,Carl Mason, Roger Speight & Eddie Sheard

KOSO KentIntrolGLOBAL control valves company KOSO KentIntrol has expanded its team with six newappointments.

Pictured are (from left) Danielle Booth, JackHenley, Adam McNally, Carl Mason, RogerSpeight and Eddie Sheard.

Mr Hanley and Mr Sheard are starting theircareers at the Brighouse-based firm as KKIgraduate engineers. Both graduated fromHuddersfield University and previously spent ayear as undergraduate placements at KKI. MrHanley gained a degree in automotive designand technology while Mr Sheard has a BEngdegree in automotive design.

Mr McNally joins as control valve designengineer. He brings over seven years’experience in engineering design within the oiland gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, subseaand mining sectors, having worked at theSmiths Group and Sabre Valves. He has adegree in computer aided design (mechanicalengineering) and an MSc in mechanicalengineering.

Mr Speight holds the role of quality controlinspector and will be mainly involved in thedimensional checking and hardness testing ofmachine components. He has a wealth ofindustry experience, including 24 years’machine shop experience and 23 years inremits covering inspection and qualityassurance.

Ms Booth is KKI’s new quality and healthand safety assistant. She has been with KKIsince 2009 and is receiving additional trainingfor the role of document controller.

Mr Mason is the new purchasing manager.Previously, he spent five years at Tyco FlowControl, developing purchasing processes andprocedures to enhance company efficiency.

David Limb, sales director, said: “I amdelighted to report on these latestappointments that further strengthen our146-strong workforce. For future businessdevelopment, it’s important to bring in newgraduate talent as well as attract experienced,well-established engineering staff.”

It’s not just lip serviceTHE guys at design and branding company TheEngine Room can usually be relied on to know a thingor two about style. But when it comes to supportingcharity, they’re ready to abandon good taste!

Gents at the agency, based at Huddersfield’sMedia Centre, are taking part in Movember byspending this month growing moustaches and raisingfunds for prostate and testicular cancer.

Creative director Darren Evans said: “We’redonating our top lips to the cause for 30 days in aneffort to help change the face of men's health. Our‘Mos’ will spark conversations, and no doubt generatesome laughs – all in the name of raising vitalawareness and funds for cancers affecting men.”

Go to http://mosista.co/engineroom

Darren Harbrecht-Parker

ChadwickLawrenceLAW firm Chadwick Lawrence hasappointed Darren Harbrecht-Parker to thenew post of marketing manager.

Mr Harbrecht-Parker, who is pictured(right) with managing partner JeremyGarside, will work closely with the firm’slong-term marketing partner FantasticMedia.

As well as liaising with the externalmarketing agency, he will collaborate onstrategies that build the company’s imageand presence both online and offline.

Mr Garside said: “The role of marketingmanager was introduced to give thecompany an internal focus and driveinitiatives through.

“As we continue to invest in strategicmarketing, it was the next natural step tocreate a marketing role within the company.”

Chadwick Lawrence had eight officesacross the north, including ones inHuddersfield, Wakefield and Halifax.

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSThe business NEWSpaper for Kir k lees15, November, 2011

INSIDE

exam

iner

.co.

uk

● Full story - Page 8

● Full story - Page 6

Themosttrustednewsbrandin thebusiness

NICK BROOK

Fu l l i n te r v i ew - Page 3An accent on stress

Co lumn - Page 4

An EXAMINER publication

Join thecoffee setA HOLMFIRTH-basedbusinesswoman is setto launch a localbranch of a networkinggroup called LadiesWho Latte. SusanGillespie, anindependent travelagent, plans to launchthe monthly networkinggroup in the area inJanuary.

Case formore landMANUFACTURERS inKirklees and Calderdaleclaim moredevelopment land isdesperately needed toenable localbusinesses to stay inthe area and expandtheir operations. Thecall comes amidcontroversy over plansto use green sites atAinley Top, CooperBridge and Chidswell,near Dewsbury.

MARK DALTONFTSE 100-26 .34

5519.04

Companies in linefor financial boostCOMPANIES with opera-tions in Huddersfield andBrighouse are competing forthousands of pounds in fund-ing as part of a scheme tosupport the UK’s most prom-ising businesses.

Longroyd Bridge-basedfireplace manufacturer FiredUp Group and Aflex Hose,which has production facilit-ies in Armytage Road at Brig-house, are among the regionalfinalists in HSBC’s BusinessThinking initiative.

Now in its second year,Business Thinking aims tohelp the UK’s up-and-comingcompanies to exchange ideas,build international networksand challenge their currentbusiness strategy.

The initiative also awardssuccessful companies with ashare of £108m worth of fund-ing and a financial award ofup to £240,000.

Ambitious firms fromacross the UK were invited tosubmit applications, beforebeing narrowed down to just54 regional finalists. Theywere given the opportunity toattend a Thought ExchangeTrip to Dubai, Hong Kong,New York, Paris or SaoPaulo.

Fired Up and Aflex Hoseboth took part in the ThoughtExchange in Hong Kong,which is often seen as a gate-way to trade in China and theFar East.

The next phase of the initi-ative will see both firms mak-

ing their case to HSBC’s panelof experts. Two winners fromeach UK region will thenreceive up to £6m in lendingplus a financial reward of upto £120,000 each.

And one of the UK’sregional winners will becrowned overall BusinessThinking winner and see theirfinancial reward doubled.

Fired Up is based at StThomas’s Road and also has afactory in Zhongshan, south-ern China. The group makesfires, fireplaces, kettles,hairdryers and other domesticappliances.

The group sells its productsin more than 50 countries withexports accounting for 20% ofits £13m turnover. Its brandsinclude Corby trouser presses,

Adam fires and fireplaces,Brevanti wine coolers, Armcofire and security systems andEndeva kettles.

The company employs 95people in Huddersfield and230 in Zhongshan, where ithas capacity to take the work-force up to 500. It expects itssales in China itself to soonaccount for 25% of turnover.

Speaking about the trip toHong Kong, Fired Up chair-man Richard Kaye said: “Wehave been in China forsix-and-a-half years and wehave barely scratched the sur-face. Connections, are veryimportant and establishingrelationships is also veryimportant.

“We identified some peoplewhen we moved to China and

said: ‘We are going to befriends with these people.’ Wemade a very deliberate ploywith some people to befriendthem.

“Managing people in Chinais also very different. You havegot to be prepared to put asidean awful lot of your timethere.

“A meeting that might take20 minutes of your time in theUK can take three times aslong in China. There is mutualprocess and there is a muchgreater need for consensusaround the table.”

Aflex Hose Ltd, whichrecent ly expanded into28,000sq ft of space atArmytage Road, employsmore than 200 staff at itsSowerby Bridge headquarters

and at the new Brighouse site.It has been manufacturinghigh quality hose for the pro-cess industries since 1973.

The company makes andsupplies hosing for global cus-tomers in sectors such aspharmaceuticals, chemicalsand the automotive industry.

General manager TonySedgewick-Logan took part ina series of round table talkswith local and internationalbusiness leaders, includingvisits to local Hong Kongcompanies.

He said: “My visit to HongKong opened my eyes. Themessage was loud and clearthat Asian countries want tobe associated with premiumbrands and success. Aflex canoffer this.

“The HSBC staff under-stood my requirements andneeds to open up new markets.They gave me concise adviceand they let me speak topeople who were experiencedin my required areas.

“All this has given me thekey to go forward with theexpansion of Aflex into theAsian markets”.

He added: “The HSBCBusiness thinking initiativehas been great for Aflex Hoseso far and we have really highhopes for the next stages.

“The backing of HSBChighlights what a fantastic jobwe have been doing and cre-ates great pride and confid-ence in the future of localmanufacturing.”

■ GOOD THINKING:Richard Kaye, above, ofFired Up Group, and TonySedgewick-Logan, farright, of Aflex Hose, inHong Kong

It’s all plain sailing!

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

Solicitors for business inYorkshire

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS national Page 2

SHARE PRICES

Local shares

FTSE closed at

5519.04down 26.34

TOURIST RATES

Tourists going abroad can expectthe following rates for sterling:Australia...................... 1.48 dollarsBangladesh................. 115.61 takaBrazil.............................. 2.50 realsCanada....................... 1.55 dollarsChina ............................. 9.10 yuanCzech Republic ...... 27.49 korunasDenmark....................... 8.26 kroneEuro................................ 1.11 euroHong Kong................ 11.84 dollarsHungary ................... 326.27 forintsIndia.......................... 70.85 rupeesJapan........................... 117.67 yenMexico ....................... 19.21 pesosNew Zealand .............. 1.90 dollarsNorway ......................... 8.62 kronePakistan.................. 130.92 rupeesPhilippines ................. 59.43 pesosSouth Africa .................. 11.81 randSouth Korea.............. 1570.00 wonSri Lanka ................ 166.79 rupeesSweden....................... 10.14 kronaSwitzerland.................. 1.37 francsTaiwan ...................... 42.25 dollarsTurkey....................... 2.67 new liraUSA ............................ 1.53 dollars

Carclo 290Marshalls 903/4 +2National Grid 6241/2 -41/2Weir Gp 1905 -55

Farm costs skim creamTHE UK’s biggest fresh milk supplierrevealed a slump in profits.

And Robert Wiseman Dairiesadmits it struggled to pass on risingcosts to its supermarket customers.

Pre-tax profits at the company,which supplies a third of the freshmilk consumed in the UK, fell 42% to£11.8 million in the six months toOctober 1.

It has put up prices to its farmersthree times since March as theystruggle with higher fuel prices, whileplastic resin used in its bottles has alsorisen.

Wiseman warned the squeeze on its

margins could intensify if costs risefurther but it hopes to make efficiencysavings to offset the pressures.

The firm said it will seek to “restoremargins to an acceptable level” asmarket conditions improve.

Glasgow-based Wiseman also saida new organic milk contract withTesco will help it boost volumes, withsupermarket outlets across the UK.

And it has unveiled a £2 milliontie-up with a New Zealand dairy thatwill allow it develop a type of milkthat can be drunk by people who areintolerant to milk but are not dia-gnosed as lactose intolerant.

Favourites give ITVboost in revenuesPOPULAR shows like The X Factor,Doc Martin and rugby’s World Cupt o u r n a m e n t h e l p e d b o o s tbroadcaster ITV’s third quarterrevenues, it revealed.

Advertising revenues rose by 1% inthe three months to September 30,defying expectations of a fall, whilethe improvement in its ITV Studiosbusiness continued after it sold newshows including Prime Suspect over-seas.

But the group remained cautiousabout its prospects in 2012 andexpects advertising revenues todecline by 10% in December as itcomes up against tough comparat-ives with the previous year.

Its on-screen performance in thefinal quarter of 2011 has been boos-

ted by I'm A Celebrity, DowntonAbbey and The Jury.

ITV’s overall share of the TVmarket for the first nine months of2011 is up 2% to 23%, driven by itsdigital channels and online, while itis on course to outperform the televi-sion advertising market as a whole in2011.

The group, which is also home toCoronation Street, is one year into afive-year transformation plan, whichhas seen it focus on “re-energising”the creative pipeline of its ITV Stu-dios business.

ITV Studios saw its external reven-ues increase 9% to £224 million in thenine months, which is ahead ofexpectations. It has invested in 89new commissions, including Titanic,

a major new drama for 2012 byJulian Fellowes which has been soldto 57 countries.

Overall revenues rose 4% to £1.5billion in the first nine months of2011 “despite difficult economic andmarket conditions”.

The group said it is on course tohave net cash at the end of the year,compared to net debt of £612 millionat the beginning of 2010.

Chief executive Adam Croziersaid: “Our relentless focus on deliv-ering the transformation plan is nowimpacting positively on our res-ults.”

He said the group was on track todeliver its plan and remains optim-istic about its prospects in themedium to long-term.

Raising a glass to profits boostWINE merchant Majestic uncorkedmore bumper results before admit-ting some of the fizz had gone out ofsales in recent weeks.

Unveiling a 20% jump in half-yearprofits for the second year in a row,Majestic said revenues rose by 8.7%to £127.8 million in the six months toSeptember 26 - 2.7% higher on alike-for-like basis.

But in the period since then,like-for-like sales were down 1.1%after two weeks of disappointingsales amid the economic turbulencein mid-October.

Majestic, which has 176 UK stores,including one in Queensgate, Hud-dersfield, insisted it was still well

placed for the Christmas season andpointed out that sales of still winepriced at £20 per bottle or moreincreased by a fifth during the halfyear.

The average spend per transac-tion at its stores also rose by £3 to£125, with the average bottle price ofstill wine now £7.13 from £6.67 lastyear.

Majestic has been one of the suc-cess stories of the high street inrecent years, leading to today’shalf-year profits haul of £8.8 mil-lion.

It opened 11 new stores in the pastsix months and has more planned.

Butchershit hardA YORKSHIREsupermarket porksupplier revealed a fall inprofits but said demandfor its products isgrowing because theyare seen as good value.

Hull-based Cranswickreported that pre-taxprofits fell 22% to £18.5million in the six monthsto September 30 despiterising sales as itstruggled to pass onhigher pig prices to itscustomers.

But it said it was“cautiously optimistic”about the future becauserecent trading hadimproved and pork isseen as good value.

Rail firm’sbig dealTRAIN-makerBombardier has beenawarded a £15mthree-year maintenancecontract from ScotRail.

The announcementwas made during a visitby Transport MinisterTheresa Villiers toDerby's Litchurch Laneplant.

A spokesperson saidthe deal, to supportScotRail’s Class 170Turbostar fleet, was"significant". But the RMTunion expressedfrustration that there wasno review of the £1.4bnThameslink contract.

It was awarded toGerman firm Siemens inJune, promptingBombardier to cut 1,400jobs.

NORTH AMERICANAmerican Express £31.35 -0.33Gannett 714.51 -13.21Hess Corp £40.10 -0.84Microsoft 1690.67 -1.89Motors Liquidation 47.17Wal-Mart Stores £36.97 -0.26

AEROSPACE & DEFENCEAvon Rbbr 310 +7BAE Systems 2853/4 +21/2Rolls-Royce 727 -11

AIMBrady Plc 781/2Dawson Intl 11/4Man Brnze 35

AUTOMOBILES & PARTSG K N 1927/8

BANKSBarclays 174 -47/8HSBC 5043/4 +13/8Lloyds Banking Gp 283/8 -1/2Ryl Scotland 22 -1/2Stan Chart 13561/2 -451/2

BEVERAGESDiageo 13201/2 -71/2SABMiller £221/8 -3/8

CHEMICALSCroda 1763 -23Elementis 98 1391/2 +11/2Johnsn Mat 1860 -25

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALSBalfour Beatty 236 -11/8Costain 2017/8 -21/8

ELECTRICITYDrax Gp 554 -171/2

Intl Power 3341/8 -43/8SSE 1317 -8

ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTLaird 1471/8 +5/8

EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTSAlliance Trust 340 +13/4

FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICESBT Grp 1917/8 +1Cable & WirelessComm

383/8 +1/8

Cable & WirelessWwide

301/4 -1/8

Colt Group 1011/8 +5/8KCOM 73 +1Talktalk Telecom 1281/2 -41/4

FOOD & DRUG RETAILERSMorrison W 3173/4 +3/8Sainsbury 304 -31/8Tesco 4023/4 -7/8

FOOD PRODUCERSAB Food 1121 -11Tate Lyle 6711/2 -6Unilever £205/8 -1/8

GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIESCentrica 3033/4 +3/8National Grid 6241/2 -41/2Pennon Grp 712 -91/2Severn 1583 -16United Utils 629 -2

GENERAL FINANCIAL3i Group 2013/4 -3ICAP 3631/8 -73/8London StockExch 8631/2 -7Man Group 1461/8 -31/8Provident Financial 1020 -16Schroders 1362 -31

Schroders NV 1140 -23

GENERAL INDUSTRIALSCooksn Grp 4735/8 +73/4REXAM 3321/4 -23/4Smiths Grp 9541/2 +71/2

GENERAL RETAILERSAshley L 205/8 -1/8Carphone Whse 3091/4 -133/4Dixons Retail 117/8 +1/8Home Retail 811/8 -31/4Inchcape 3301/8 -41/8Kingfisher 2523/4 -31/4M & S 3307/8 -1Mothercare 160 +11/2Next £28 +1/8WH Smith 5241/2 +51/2

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICESSmith Nph 5721/2 +141/2

HOUSEHOLD GOODSAga Rangemaster 741/4 -1/4Barrat Dev 923/4 +13/4Persimmon 4915/8 +51/8Reckitt Benckiser £321/4 -3/8Taylor Wimpey 383/8 +7/8

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERINGCharter 9201/2 -2I M I 793 -16

INDUSTRIAL METALSFerrexpo 3123/4 -21/2

INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATIONBBA Aviation 182 -1/2

LIFE INSURANCEAviva 315 -4Lgl & Gen 1053/4 -21/4Old Mutual 1093/4 -13/4

Prudential 624 -12Resolution 2631/4 -71/8Standard Life 2033/4 -2

MEDIABSkyB 743 -51/2D Mail Tst 431 +21/2ITV 653/4 +21/8Johnston Press 51/4 +1/4Pearson 1105 -32Reed Elsevier 5401/2 -41/2STV Group 105 -7/8Trinity Mirror 531/4 +13/4Utd Business 4951/8 -43/8UTV 1137/8 +11/8WPP 662 -71/2Yell Group 31/2 +1/8

MININGAnglo American £241/2 -1/4Antofagasta 1175 -23BHP Billiton 19701/2 -211/2Eurasian NaturalRes

6761/2 -71/2

Fresnillo 1812 -36Kazakhmys 9111/2 -20Lonmin 1073 -1Rio Tinto £341/4 -1/2VEDANTARESOURCES

1120 -42

Xstrata 1012 -18

MOBILE TELECOM SERVICESInmarsat 4613/4 -7Vodafone Group 1823/4 +25/8

NONLIFE INSURANCEAdmiral Grp 8321/2 -71/2RSA Insurance Gp 1101/8 -11/8

OIL & GAS PRODUCERSBG 13621/2 -31/2

BP 4583/4 +1/2Cairn Energy 2903/8 -5Royal Dutch Shell A £221/4 +1/8Royal Dutch Shell B £23 +1/4Total £321/4Tullow Oil 1347 -21

OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICESAMEC 924 -10Petrofac 1401 -29Wood Gp(J) 651 +41/2

PERSONAL GOODSBurberry Gp 1421 +44

PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGYAstrazeneca £29 -1/8Axis-Shield 469GlaxoSmithK XD 11/2Shire £201/8

REAL ESTATEBrit Land 5031/2 -71/2Captl Shop Cent 3121/4 -5DTZ Hldgs 3 +1/8Hamrsn 3933/4 -61/8Land Secs 6861/2 -8SEGRO 2333/8 -41/4

SOFTWARE ETC SERVICESAutonomy Corp £251/2Invensys 2131/4 -47/8Logica 783/4 -13/8Misys 2915/8 +1Sage Group 2771/8 -37/8

SUPPORT SERVICESBerendsen 4371/2 +5/8Bunzl 806 -11/2Capita 662 +1De La Rue 9061/2 -71/2Electrocomp 2077/8 -1/2Experian 8281/2 -1G4S 2481/8 -21/4Hays 751/8 -1/4Homeserve 267 -1/8Menzies J 485 +5Rentokil 67Smiths News 921/4Wolseley 1879 -4

IT HARDWAREARM Hldgs 632 -21/2Psion 531/4 +11/2Spirent Comms 1253/4 -3/8

TOBACCOBr Am Tob £287/8 -3/8Imperial Tobacco £23 -1/2

LEISURE & HOTELSBwin.Party Digital 1255/8 -1/4Carnival £217/8

Compass Grp 5601/2 -71/2easyJet 366 +105/8Enterprise Inns 30FirstGroup 3393/8 -57/8Go-Ahead Gp 1318 +4Greene King 4525/8 +1/2Intercontl Htls 1071 -17Intl Cons AirlinesGp

1475/8 -11/8

Ladbrokes 1347/8 -13/4Mitchells & Butlers 2265/8 -5/8Natl Express 224 -1/4Rank Org 1447/8 -51/8Stagecoach Group 2541/4 +23/8TUI Travel 1641/8 +1Whitbread 1628 -17

INDEXFTSE 100 5519.04 -26.34

INDEXFTSE 250 10347.76 -41.54

■ POPULAR: Caroline Catz as LouisaGlasson and Martin Clunes as Dr MartinEllingham in Doc Martin

For more information contact Alec Michaelon 07717 870 320 or email alec@michaelsteel.co.ukwww.michaelsteel.co.uk

Offices

Modern ground floor open plan officesuite with parking strategicallylocated for M1

Wakefield Road,Clayton West, Huddersfield126m2 (1,354 sq ft)

To LeT May Sell (Whole Building)

Industrial

Single storey industrial/warehouse complexwith offices immediately adjacent mainWakefield Road between M1 andTown Centre.

Franklyn Court,Off Wakefield Road, Lepton1,500 – 12,250 sq ft

To LeT Immediately available

Public House/Commercial

Highly prominent public house – withouttie – available on flexible terms including orexcluding first floor residential accommodation.Ground floor can be split to suit individualoccupiers with large rear car parking

The Rose & Crown, Northgate,Almondbury, HuddersfieldGround Floor 265 m2

(2,854 sq ft) + first floor livingaccommodation & cellar

To LeT MAy SpLIT

Offices

High quality refurbished officespace with parking within walking distanceof Huddersfield town centre.

17 Old Leeds Road,off Leeds Road,Huddersfield46 m2 - 218 m2

(503 sq ft - 2,350 sq ft)

To LeT Immediately available

property Page 6KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Changes afootfor office sectorP RO P E RT Y e x p e r t s a r epredicting a big rise in demand forrefurbishment – as technology, thedrive for sustainability andchanges in workplace practiceshorten the lifespan of officebuildings across Yorkshire.

International property consult-ants Jones Lang LaSalle has car-ried out a 2-month researchcampaign to highlight key factorsin Europe’s office market, includ-ing those in Yorkshire.

The report, Offices 2020, aimsto give Yorkshire investors,developers and occupiers greaterunderstanding of trends andchanges in the office market tosupport better decision-makingand wider recognition of businessopportunities during the nextdecade.

In the report, Jones Lang LaS-alle research chief Bill Page saidchanging workplace technology, ashift in the balance of power fromlandlords to tenants and increas-ing risk of building obsolescence

will have a marked effect on bothnational and regional office mar-kets.

“While the trend toward shorterleases will not necessarily be wel-

comed by landlords, it will have apositive knock-on effect on thenumber of deals done and increaseoverall transactional levels,” saidMr Page.

“This bodes well for an increasein medium-term deal flow asleases come to an end. The cyclewill be self-sustaining as the nextwave of lettings will also tendtoward shorter terms, pushing upoffice take-up rates.”

Jeff Pearey, director of officeagency for Jones Lang LaSalle inWest Yorkshire, said: “A lack ofGrade A office supply in York-shire – when combined with theanticipated shortage of any specu-lative developments – suggeststhat larger occupiers will struggleto find suitable space.

“Those able to move willincreasingly consider pre-letoff-plan, controlling far more ofthe development pipeline thanbefore.”

Mr Page said that new work-

place technology, such as cloudcomputing and mobile and collab-orative technology, will enablemore efficient occupancy, smallerspace requirements and a prefer-ence for more flexible product.

“Office obsolescence will be aheadache and stock across York-shire isn’t getting any younger,” hesaid. “Office buildings will beincreasingly scrutinised and legis-lation more strict – older premiseswill become harder to let or sell inthe absence of major works ofrefurbishment.

“In addition, an increasingembracing of workplace techno-logy and changing working prac-tice will make more stock unfit forpurpose leading to further polar-isation in the market between thebest product – and the rest.

“However, problems will bematched by opportunities and theexpertise and experience of York-shire's property industry willbecome increasingly important.”

■ STRUGGLE: Jeff Pearey, ofagency Jones Lang LaSalle

Firms need development land

Letting for popular estateREFURBISHED units on a WestYorkshire industrial park haveattracted another tenant.

Acting on behalf of BlackrockInvestment Management (UK) Ltd,the industrial agency team at CBREin Leeds has let a unit at the city’sCross Green Industrial Estate toGeneral All Purpose Plastics GroupLtd.

GAPP has signed a 10-year leaseat an undisclosed rent at the 9,750sqft unit. The site is just two miles fromLeeds city centre and provides direct

access from the East Leeds LinkRoad to Junction 45 of the M1.

The last remaining unit is nowavailable to let in a refurbishedcondition and provides a total of9,498sq ft.

Daniel Austin, a senior surveyor atCBRE, said: “Cross Green Centraloffers superb warehousing andindustrial accommodation ataffordable rents. The layout of thebuilding and excellent locationprovided an ideal solution for GAPP.

“This latest letting demonstrates

the growing appeal of the area tooccupiers seeking well connected,quality industrial accommodation.”

Meanwhile, following the recentannouncement that Towers Watson isexpanding its offices at MEPC’sWellington Place business quarter inLeeds, the building consultancy teamat CBRE in Leeds has been retainedby the professional services firm asemployer’s agent to manage thecreation of the new offices.

Towers Watson has taken its totaloffice space to 19,750sq ft in total.

■ LAND PLEA:CalderdaleKirkleesManufacturingAlliance chairmanGary Smith

Business parkhits jobs targetAN award-winning business park hasreached its target for job creation.Developer Sterling Capitol hasannounced that more than 1,500 jobshave been created at Capital Park atTingley, near junction 28 of the M62.Capitol Park is now home to a range ofquality regional, national andinternational companies, together with aprestigious village hotel.The jobs target was reached with thenews that James Latham is moving toCapitol Park to boost its expansion in thenorth. The move will bring 50 jobs toCapitol Park. James Latham operatesthroughout the UK from 10 regional sites,distributing a range of wood panelproducts, hardwoods and specialistsoftwoods.

Betting shopbeats the oddsA BETTING shop in Dewsbury town centreattracted plenty of punters at a propertyauction.The premises on Westgate, which are letto Ladbrokes at an annual rent of £23,500,sold for £196,000 off a guide price of£175,000 plus – a return of nearly 12%.Other lots which performed well at theEddisons sale included a fully let mixedretail and residential property in Batley.The property on Saville Street significantlyexceed initial expectations, selling for£81,000 off a guide price of £28,000 plus.Meanwhile, residential stock included avacant two bedroom end of terrace houseon Haighs Square in Huddersfield, whichsold for £36,000.Eddisons reported that 106 lots at thetwo-day sale in Leeds and Manchesterwere sold, generating proceeds of £6.1m.Tony Webber, of Eddisons, said:“Residential stock performed particularlywell with tenanted properties, many ofwhich offered returns of around 10%, inhigh demand.”Mr Webber said total proceeds for thefirm’s 2011 auctions stand at just under£60m, with one sale remaining before theend of the year.“Our auctions have defied the tougheconomic conditions and with a largeDecember sale expected we are well oncourse to beat last year’s figures,” he said.“Buyers have reacted positively tosensibly-priced stock and have turned toproperty as a viable alternative totraditional investment vehicles whichcontinue to under perform.”

MANUFACTURERS inKirklees and Calderdale saymore development land isdesperately needed – to helplocal companies stay in thearea and expand theiroperations.

The call comes from theCalderdale KirkleesManufacturing Alliance ascontroversy rages overKirklees Council plans to makegreen sites at Ainley Top,Cooper Bridge and Chidswell,near Dewsbury, available fordevelopment.

It also follows the loss of bedmanufacturer Silentnight,which is set to close its Batleyfactory and switch operationsto another site in Lancashirewith the loss of about 200 jobs.

Alliance chairman Gary

Smith said: “There is a needfor land to be made availablefor local manufacturers toexpand or re locate locally – toavoid loosing good localemployers or job opportunities.Several local employers arecurrently struggling to find asite within Kirklees.

“There is also a need forlocal land so employees do nothave to travel far for work –saving a lot of time andreducing congestion on theroads and transportinfrastructure.”

Mr Smith said manufacturersalso needed sites with goodmotorway connections,explaining: “Some companies– for example thosemanufacturing large productssuch as vessels or structures –

need land close to themotorway junctions, so they donot clog up the towns roadswhile getting to the motorways.

“Supply routes needsupgrading. Most commutersfor years have – at most timesof the day – ended up queuingcoming from the M62 toHuddersfield or Mirfield due tothe poor Cooper Bridge roadlayout.”

And he added:“Manufacturers also face achallenge. They have a dutynot only to the locality to createlocal work, buy locally andkeep the wealth local, but tobuild pleasing-on-the-eye andsympathetic to the areabuildings which do not ruin thearea but enhance it.”1/21'/*$ 5040#'5'4* 3 0#'4*- 3 +24-(6*04* 3 0)&!-2/

*/0%06#0/ 5!66- 3 6'')- /20) 3 "())'/-%!'6) 3 "), .$$

Huddersfield Road, BrighouseFrom 1,117 sq ft to 2,519 sq ft.

Situated in a busy town centre with a mainroad location.

The premises are ideal for various uses(subject to planning)

Terms available on application

Contact: Paul Andrew Walker Singleton 01484 477600Christine Eccleston MB Services 01484 557102

Caldervale Works, Brighouse

Newly refurbished, modern, selfcontained industrial units availablefor immediate occupation.Large secure yard and loading area.Sizes range from 4,453 to 13,195 sq ft.

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS profile Page 3Nick Brook

TaxAssistAccountants

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Role: OwnerAge: 51Family: Married to Pat withchildren Andrew, 25, andNicola, 22Holidays: This year we havebeen to Croatia and SpainCar: Porsche BoxsterFirst job:Stacking shelves atHillards in BrighouseBest thing about job: Theindependence. Beingself-employed means youdon’t have anyone telling youwhat to doWorst thing about job:Paper. We are working veryhard to make ours a paperlessofficeBusiness tip: Know yourmarket. If you can’t find yourclient, you won’t have abusiness

Work: Accountancy and taxservices for small businessesSite: LockwoodEmployees: 5Phone: 01484 424961Email: nickbrook@taxassist.co.ukWeb: www.taxassist.co.uk/huddersfield

On thecrestof awave

KEEN sailor Nick Brook ishelping Huddersfield’ssmall firms keep afloatduring the economic crisis.

Nick, 51, who hascompeted at national levelin sailing competitions,has also steered hisbusiness through thechoppy waters of therecession to enjoy fiveyears of growth.

The Brighouse-bornbusinessman took up theTaxAssist Accountantsfranchise for Huddersfieldfive years ago after beingmade redundant.

He leased premisesprominently sited onLockwood Road andquickly built up anenviable list of clients.

“It is a good location,”he says. “Part of the ethosof TaxAssist is visibilityand accessibility.

“While some of thelarger firms of accountantshave stayed in the towncentre, we have found thissite ideal in terms ofproviding a shop windowon a busy route fromHuddersfield to the HolmeValley.”

Says Nick: “TaxAssisthas been going for about15 years.

“It started out as afranchise business forretired bankers andaccountants to run fromthe back bedroom doingtax returns.

“But the franchisorsdeveloped this ‘shopfront’idea and we took it up.Now there are 130‘shopfronts’ across the UKout of 186 TaxAssistfranchises.

“It has developed to afull service accountancyoffice, doing everythingexcept audit work.”

Nick says: “We focus onthe small business market.

“We know what we aredoing, we are good atwhat we do and we do itdifferently to otheraccountancy firms bykeeping things simple forour clients and making iteasy for them tounderstand.

“Nationally, TaxAssist isnow the most successfulfranchise in the UK. I

“It won the gold awardat last year’s BritishFranchise AssociationAwards and it has beenset up as a beacon inBritish franchising.”

The TaxAssist brandand astute marketing onthe internet is nowbringing 75,000 onlineleads a year to itsfranchisees.

Nick is also winningbusiness byword-of-mouth referralsand numbers businessconsultancies, danceschools, after-schoolclubs, vehicle mechanicsand cafe owners amonghis growing list of clients.

Nick grew up inBrighouse and attendedRastrick Grammar Schoolbefore joining the MidlandBank in his home town.“My parents wanted me tohave a job in a properbusiness,” he says. “I wasquite naive at 18 and I didnot know what I wanted todo.

“Banking didn’t reallyappeal, but it becameclear that I was more of asalesman.

“I went to work forForward Trust, a financecompany that was asubsidiary of the Midlandand sold finance to themoor trade.”

Nick later worked forSuzuki Finance andHonda Finance beforemoving to Close Brothersand his first post in seniormanagement.

Based at its Doncasterhead office, he built up itslight commercial divisionfrom £9m to £42mturnover before switchingto its leisure divisionselling finance formotorcycles, boats andcaravans.

However, eight monthslater he was out of a job.“The powers-that-bedecided they were tootop-heavy with managers,”he says.

“However, I was given agenerous severance andthat enabled me to buythe TaxAssist franchise.

“I could have sat backwith a huge lump ofmoney, but I am not the

kind of guy to do that,”says Nick. “I don’t allowthe grass to grow undermy feet.

“I researched franchisesand looked at a number ofopportunities beforedeciding that TaxAssistwas the one for me.

“I have been in theHuddersfield area all mylife and I know the town,so I was surprised – anddelighted – to discoverthat Huddersfield was a‘free’ area for TaxAssist.We started with nothingand built a business that ispretty successful – and wehave won a couple ofawards in our own right.”

Nick attends regionalmeetings and nationalconferences to meet otherTaxAssist franchisees andtakes part in training daysto stay up to date withindustry developmentsand the market.

He also works withHuddersfield University,sitting on its EmployerPartnership Board andproviding work experiencefor accountancy studentswho he finds “enthusiasticand keen to learn”.

Says Nick: “We have

some really good staffwho are very loyal. That’swhat makes a successfulbusiness.

“We also have somehigh quality clients. It’sgreat to help companieswith good ideas forbusiness develop andhave success.

“They trust us, they talkto other people and we getmore business out of it.Now 70% of our businesscomes from directreferral.”

Nick’s day revolvesaround visits to clients,assigning and overseeingwork to his team andlooking after marketing.

He is also consideringoptions for opening asecond office, saying: “It’sjust a matter of timing.”

After a week keepingthe business buoyant,weekends are often spendafloat.

Nick is currentlyCommodore ofHollingworth Lake SailingClub – a post roughlyequivalent to the golf clubcaptain – and he hascompeted in national andregional competitions.

He says: “I was aboutnine years old when myfather saw an advert in theDaily Mirror to build a boatcalled the Mirror Dinghy.He fancied it as a DIYproject more thananything.

“It was at the time in thelate 1960s and early1970s when amateurboating was popular.

“As a result, we learnedto sail and joinedHuddersfield Sailing Clubat Holmfirth.

“We were also foundermembers at Scammondenwhen that opened.”

“Sailing has everything,”says Nick. “It’s outdoors inthe fresh air andcompetitive boat-for-boatracing can be quite

exciting at times. It isphysically demanding,too.”

Nick has won regionalcompetitions in hissingle-handed 13ftNational Solo.

Last year, he got to tryout the Olympics yachtingvenue at the PortlandNational Sailing Academyat Weymouth.

But more importantly,sailing has proved a boonto family life.

“The best thing myfather ever did was tobuild that boat,” says Nick.“I brought my kids into thesport and that meant wewere still going on familyholidays even when theywere 16 and 17. We wouldgo to places all over theUK. It kept the familytogether in some ways.

“Now my son Andrew isa marine journalist and mydaughter Nicola designsinteriors for yachts thatonly multi-millionaires canafford to buy!”

Nick and his wife Patalso enjoy ballroomdancing, attending danceclasses at Shelley two orthree times a week, whichNick says is good fun.

But he says: “Sailing isthe best family sport thereis. You can join a sailingclub for less than the priceof joining a golf club or atennis club.

“With £100 for basicgear, away you go.

“I think the Olympics willgive a push to the sport atgrassroots level.

“That will be good for usbecause ours is a verykeen racing club and wewant to attract newmembers.”

■ ROAD SENSE: Nick Brook, of TaxAssistAccountants, says occupying a prominent site at busyLockwood Road has helped build up the client base

The value of your investments may go down as well as upand you might not get back the money you’ve put in.

Individuals • International • Charities • Financial AdvisersCourt of ProtectionMember firm of the London Stock Exchange. Member of NYSE Liffe.Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. InvestecWealth & Investment Limited is registered in England. Registered No.2122340. Registered Office: 2 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7QP.

Traditional valuesand modern methodsin Wealth & Investment

At Investec Wealth & Investment we offerexpertise and out of the ordinary levels ofpersonal service.

Our heritage extends as far back as 1827but our eyes are firmly fixed on your future.Located in 11 offices across the UK, we arewell placed to offer one-on-one insightand expert advice on your investments,pensions or other financial matters.

Please visit our website, call Simon Kayeon 0113 245 4488 or emailsimon.kaye@investecwin.co.uk

investecwin.co.uk

KIRKLEES BUSINESSlocal Page 4

RISKYBUSINESSMark Dalton

Mark Dalton is associate director at Wilby Ltd

Judge’s decisionis in the balanceA HOLME Valleyaccountancy firm hasbeen shortlisted for aprestigious nationalaward.

Balance Accountants,based in Holmfirth, iscompeting in thecategory for IndependentFirm of the Year for thenorth of England in the British AccountancyAwards. The competition is sponsored by theAssociation of Chartered CertifiedAccountants and magazine Accountancy Age.

The awards will be presented at a galadinner on November 30 in London – wheremore than 800 guests will gather to celebratethe best achievements in the accountancyprofession.

Ashley Barrowclough, pictured, of BalanceAccountants, said: “To get shortlisted for theaward is a fantastic achievement in itself. Idon’t think that anyone else in our area hasever been shortlisted before.

“Even if we don’t win, it is still greatrecognition for everything that we haveachieved here at Balance during the last 12 to18 months.

“In fact, this is the second national awardthat we have been shortlisted for in as manymonths. In October, we were shortlisted in the2020 group’s national awards in the categoryof the UK’s most innovative sole practitionerof the year.

“We were one of only three firmsshortlisted, but unfortunately on that occasionwe didn’t win. Perhaps we can go one betterin London on 30 November!”

Deadline nearsfor skills fundBUSINESSES in Kirklees have untilthe end of next week to apply forhigh level training to help managerin the coaching and mentoring oftheir staff.The Government’s SkillsEnhancement Fund offers 50%funding for such training, but theNovember 24 deadline forapplications is drawing near.Yorkshire based Azure Consulting isone of the specialist firms chosen todeliver the training, which aims toenable business leaders to buildself-reliant employees who takeresponsibility for making thingshappen and delivering results withintheir businesses.The coaching and mentoring courseis suitable for any line manager or“people professional’” who wishesto build their personal coachingskills and to engender a coachingculture within their organisation.Successful participants will receivan ILM Level 5 Certificate after aone-day induction module and fivedays intensive skills developmentfrom Azure Consulting’s executivecoaches and facilitators.Sue Alderson, partner at AzureConsulting, said: “Leadership skillsare critical for the successfuldevelopment of growing businessesin North and West Yorkshire.“Coaching and mentoring areessential leadership skills for anymanager who wants to achieve thebest results from a motivatedworkforce. Smart organisations arincreasingly using a coaching styleand approach to manage people anddevelop high potential.”She said: “The Government isgetting behind this approach byoffering considerable discounts toencourage participation. The fundingis targeted at private sectororganisations – however, it will notbe available for companies that missthe November 24 deadline.”Contact Azure Consulting on 01924385 600 or emailsue@azure-consulting.co.uk

■ TRAINING DAYS: Sue Alderson,partner at Azure Consulting

Alert over scare tacticsUNSCRUPULOUS companies aretargeting small and medium-sizedfirms in Kirklees with a scarecampaign demanding computerlicensing details – and threateninglarge fines for companies thatdon’t respond.

IT consultancy firm ITwiser, adivision of Cleckheaton-basedaccountancy firm Clough &Company, warned businesses notto divulge details of the computerlicences to which they subscribeunder any circumstances.

Martin Clark, head of ITwiser,said: “We have become aware ofthese official-looking lettersdemanding proof of computerlicences and we want to make itclear to businesses that unlessthe letter is from a hardwaremanufacturer or software housethey do not need to take anyaction.

“Of course, it’s essential thatfirms have the right computerlicences in place for the hardwareand software their employees use,but the companies issuing theseletters, are in fact, simplythird-party organisations who areusing scare tactics to gain feesfrom selling extra licences.

“The threatening letters aretypically being sent to smaller

businesses which are the mostvulnerable to such a tactic as theyare less likely to have thein-house expertise that wouldspot that it’s a potential scam.”

Mr Clark said: “The best courseof action is to ensure all the rightlicences are in place – and one ofthe best ways to do this is to usean independent firm that can helpdetermine what is and isn’t

licensed and then help sort outthe right licensing package.”

Clough & Company launchedITwiser in 2008 to provide a fullrange of independent IT servicesincluding system audits, riskassessments, supportprogrammes, network servicesand impartial advice when itcomes to buying systems andequipment.

■ SYSTEM CHECK: Martin Clark, who heads ITwiser, part ofCleckheaton-based accountancy firm Clough & Company

Spot the signs ofworkplace stressFOR the first time, stress

has topped the list of reas-ons for long-term sicknessabsence among both manualand non-manual employees,according to the latestabsence management surveyfrom the Chartered Institute ofPersonnel and Development(CIPD).

For manual workers, stress isnow level with acute medical con-ditions and has superseded muscu-loskeletal problems to become thechief cause of long-term absence.Among non-manual staff, stresshas moved ahead of acute medicalconditions.

The survey also reveals a closeconnection between job securityand mental-health problems.More than half of employers plan-ning to make redundancies in thenext six months reported anincrease in mental health problemsamong their staff. However, ofthose employers that are not plan-ning job-cuts, just under a thirdreported an increase in mentalhealth issues.

Organisations preparing tomake redundancies were also morelikely to witness a rise in presentee-ism (32% compared with 27% ofthose who had no redundanciesplanned). Those respondents thathad noted an increase in presentee-

ism were also more likely to reporta rise in stress-related absence overthe same period (49% comparedwith 33% of those who did notreport an increase in peoplecoming to work ill).

A CIPD spokesman said: “To alarge degree, managing stress isabout effective leadership andpeople management, particularlyduring periods of major changeand uncertainty.

“Line managers need to focuson regaining the trust of theiremployees and openly communic-ating throughout the change pro-cess to avoid unnecessary stressand potential absences. They alsoneed to be able to spot the earlysigns of people being under excess-ive pressure, or having difficultycoping at work, and to provideappropriate support.”

TUC general secretary BrendanBarber said too many employerstake stress lightly. “These figuresshow that the cuts, job losses,

restructurings and pay inequalitiesare having more than just an eco-nomic effect,” he explained. “Theyare having a serious impact onpeople’s health. Unfortunately,there is still a tendency amongmany employers to think of it as‘just stress’, but this is a real issue,which can devastate people’s livesand tear apart families.”

More than a quarter of organ-isations (29%) – including morethan two-fifths in the public sector– said they have increased theirfocus on employee well-being andhealth promotion as a result of theimpact of the economic turbu-lence.

Simplyhealth, which conductedthe survey with the CIPD, said:“With many organisations lookingfor ways to save money, employeehealth and well-being shouldn’t beoverlooked and should remain atthe heart of the company. Benefitsthat engage employees do not haveto be expensive.”

Can your business afford toignore Health & Safety?

With Competent Health andSafety advice from just £25a month you don’t need to

contact us today on01422 358525 or emailhealthandsafety@wilbyltd.co.uk

Wilby Risk Management offer a range ofservices including:

Competent Advice�Risk Assessments�Assistance with CHAS applications�

?3E'9$97 8&AEA>&E" :7=B"9D( C=% E799!:97&9A>&A5 &A C=%7 B%(&A9(() #9 >EA 39":2

6E"" %( A=# 8=7 E >=A(%"'E'&=A 0.+-- ,+4++4###2B95B&9(!'7ECA=72>=D,* 6"E79 1=E;) /E"&8E!) /@ -/< *!+$)!" ,#%&('#

762-2)6-4 0/1+4%3* 9-2!62! 1$%/81& , )-25( *%% - "-8 #1/"-/'.

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS local Page 5

Simon Kaye is divisional director at Investec Wealth &Investment

CITYTALKSimon Kaye

Deadline nears

e until

gers

e Consulting ishosen to

esults within

hing and mentoring courseger or

essional’” who wishes

ve

e

e

ship skills

usinesses

e the

tions arehing style

ge people and

ble discounts totion. The funding

, it will nott miss

e Consulting on 01924

Mandy’s helpingout the hospiceA NEW café barhas pledged toraise funds forthe Huddersfield-based WestYorkshire ForgetMe Not Children’sHospice.

The hospiceaims to providevital support tochildren withlife-limiting orlife-threateningconditions andtheir familiesacross Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield.The hospice at Brackenhall will providemuch-needed residential and respite care.

Mandy Naylor, pictured, managing directorof The Taste Café Bar at Northgate,Cleckheaton, said: “I have children of my ownand also run two day care nurseries inBrighouse and Hipperholme – Little Tinkers –so this is a charity that is very close to myheart.

“I always had the intention of supporting acharity through the new café bar and ForgetMe Not couldn’t be more deserving. I’m reallylooking forward to getting involved and beinga part of something so worthwhile.

“Besides having collection tins on displayand selling pin badges and othermerchandise on the charity’s behalf, we alsohave a large space upstairs which we hopecan also be used to hold some fundraisingevents – or even as a space for their staff tohold training or planning days.”

Kate Goldring, partnership developmentmanager at the hospice, said: “We are thrilledto be working in partnership with Mandy andthe team at Taste Café, it’s great to see abrand new business supporting a brand newlocal hospice.

“As we begin to deliver a full hospiceservice, we will need to raise about £2.5meach year, so corporate support is moreimportant than ever.”

Care group in funding dealA SOCIAL care specialist withoperations in Dewsbury has securednew funding to support expansionand a move to new premises.

Not-for-profit care group AvalonGroup, a registered charityestablished in 1994 and based inHarrogate, provides supported livingschemes, shared life services,supported travel and employment insmall mainstream business forpeople with learning or physicaldifficulties.

Businesses providing employmentinclude a restaurant and a vintagetea house as well as employersoffering horticultural and paintingand decorating projects.

The group operates from sitesincluding Wellington Street inDewsbury and at Harrogate,Skipton, Scarborough, Northallerton,Stockton, Penrith, and York. Itemploys more than 800 staff andprovides services to more than1,000 individuals and 30organisations nationally.

Tony Hind, group finance director,said: “We were previously leasingpremises, but in the current climateof moderate property prices and low

interest rates, we’ve been able topurchase larger premises, while atthe same time reducing ouroutgoings.

“This means not only are weoperating more effectively, but wehave also used this as anopportunity to strengthen ourbalance sheet and secure ourfuture.”

Barclays Corporate has provided acommercial mortgage of £400,000 toenable the purchase of the newpremises at £570.000.

Daniella Taylor, BarclaysCorporate relationship director, said:“It really is a pleasure to see a localsocial care organisation go fromstrength to strength and buck thecurrent market trend.

“The Avalon Group is a greatexample of a well-run businesstaking the opportunity to secure itsfuture with the current low interestrates and thrive in the currentclimate.

“ We look forward to seeing theircontinued success and supportingthem throughout their continuingexpansion plans.”

■ SUPPORT: Daniella Taylor, Barclays Corporaterelationship director, with Tony Hind, finance director ofThe Avalon Group

Top firms postrobust resultsIS it finally the season to be jolly?

Despite the uncertainty and frustrationcaused by the protracted wranglings overthe resolution of the European sovereigndebt crisis, major corporates have continuedto deliver reassuringly strong operationalperformance.

As we entered the third quarter earningsseason there were fears that Euro-zoneconcerns would curtail companies’ perform-ance and prospects, which in turn wouldfurther dent global economic growth,already suffering from fiscal consolidationin the developed world and monetary tight-ening to combat inflationary pressures inemerging markets.

In the event, the earnings season has beensurprisingly robust so far; while there havebeen a few high profile “misses”, forexample Amazon.com and 3M, the over-whelming majority of companies that havereported so far have delivered sales andearnings growth ahead of market expecta-tions.

This positive trading was helped by con-tinued resilience of emerging markets andalso the fact that the eurozone crisis reallyonly peaked in August. Ongoing economicchallenges have understandably meant anadded tone of caution in management’sassessment of the outlook.

The proposals to solve the sovereign debtcrisis that emerged from Wednesday’sEuropean heads of government summit,while being long overdue, look to be ameaningful step forward. While much of the

detail is yet to emerge, the broad outline isencouraging – a 50% haircut on the facevalue of Greek government bonds, a $106bnmandatory recapitalisation to strengthenthe European banking sector and a furtherexpansion of the European Financial Stabil-ity Facility bailout fund through leverage.

One of the disappointments of the last 12months has been that, while corporates haveenjoyed record profit margins as a result ofcost-cutting during the economic downturn,amassing substantial cash piles as a result,this strong financial position has not led tothe expansion in investment and hiring thatone would normally see at this stage of aneconomic recovery.

Concerns about the over-indebtedness ofperipheral European countries first arose inMay 2010 and the subsequent failure ofEuropean governments to devise a crediblesolution led corporate management teamsworldwide to question the sustainability ofthe recovery, and therefore to hoard theircash.

This lack of corporate expansion has

contributed to the anaemic nature of currenteconomic growth and the heightened fearsof a “double dip” recession.

While the devil remains in the detail, thereappears to be a good chance that Wednes-day’s summit has produced the workablesolution to the eurozone crisis that financialmarkets and corporate managements havelong been awaiting.

If this is the case, then we might finallystart to see corporates loosen theirpurse-strings and spend more freely oncapital investment, job creation and acquis-itions, which would provide the developedworld with additional and much neededlevers of growth, just in time to prevent alapse back into depression.

In this benign scenario, provided thatChina successfully engineers a ‘soft land-ing’, global economic growth should at lastshift up a gear, which would boost investorconfidence and mean that forthcoming cor-porate earnings seasons could beapproached with far less trepidation thanthis one.

KIRKLEES BUSINESSlocal Page 4

RISKYBUSINESSMark Dalton

Mark Dalton is associate director at Wilby Ltd

Judge’s decisionis in the balanceA HOLME Valleyaccountancy firm hasbeen shortlisted for aprestigious nationalaward.

Balance Accountants,based in Holmfirth, iscompeting in thecategory for IndependentFirm of the Year for thenorth of England in the British AccountancyAwards. The competition is sponsored by theAssociation of Chartered CertifiedAccountants and magazine Accountancy Age.

The awards will be presented at a galadinner on November 30 in London – wheremore than 800 guests will gather to celebratethe best achievements in the accountancyprofession.

Ashley Barrowclough, pictured, of BalanceAccountants, said: “To get shortlisted for theaward is a fantastic achievement in itself. Idon’t think that anyone else in our area hasever been shortlisted before.

“Even if we don’t win, it is still greatrecognition for everything that we haveachieved here at Balance during the last 12 to18 months.

“In fact, this is the second national awardthat we have been shortlisted for in as manymonths. In October, we were shortlisted in the2020 group’s national awards in the categoryof the UK’s most innovative sole practitionerof the year.

“We were one of only three firmsshortlisted, but unfortunately on that occasionwe didn’t win. Perhaps we can go one betterin London on 30 November!”

Deadline nearsfor skills fundBUSINESSES in Kirklees have untilthe end of next week to apply forhigh level training to help managerin the coaching and mentoring oftheir staff.The Government’s SkillsEnhancement Fund offers 50%funding for such training, but theNovember 24 deadline forapplications is drawing near.Yorkshire based Azure Consulting isone of the specialist firms chosen todeliver the training, which aims toenable business leaders to buildself-reliant employees who takeresponsibility for making thingshappen and delivering results withintheir businesses.The coaching and mentoring courseis suitable for any line manager or“people professional’” who wishesto build their personal coachingskills and to engender a coachingculture within their organisation.Successful participants will receivan ILM Level 5 Certificate after aone-day induction module and fivedays intensive skills developmentfrom Azure Consulting’s executivecoaches and facilitators.Sue Alderson, partner at AzureConsulting, said: “Leadership skillsare critical for the successfuldevelopment of growing businessesin North and West Yorkshire.“Coaching and mentoring areessential leadership skills for anymanager who wants to achieve thebest results from a motivatedworkforce. Smart organisations arincreasingly using a coaching styleand approach to manage people anddevelop high potential.”She said: “The Government isgetting behind this approach byoffering considerable discounts toencourage participation. The fundingis targeted at private sectororganisations – however, it will notbe available for companies that missthe November 24 deadline.”Contact Azure Consulting on 01924385 600 or emailsue@azure-consulting.co.uk

■ TRAINING DAYS: Sue Alderson,partner at Azure Consulting

Alert over scare tacticsUNSCRUPULOUS companies aretargeting small and medium-sizedfirms in Kirklees with a scarecampaign demanding computerlicensing details – and threateninglarge fines for companies thatdon’t respond.

IT consultancy firm ITwiser, adivision of Cleckheaton-basedaccountancy firm Clough &Company, warned businesses notto divulge details of the computerlicences to which they subscribeunder any circumstances.

Martin Clark, head of ITwiser,said: “We have become aware ofthese official-looking lettersdemanding proof of computerlicences and we want to make itclear to businesses that unlessthe letter is from a hardwaremanufacturer or software housethey do not need to take anyaction.

“Of course, it’s essential thatfirms have the right computerlicences in place for the hardwareand software their employees use,but the companies issuing theseletters, are in fact, simplythird-party organisations who areusing scare tactics to gain feesfrom selling extra licences.

“The threatening letters aretypically being sent to smaller

businesses which are the mostvulnerable to such a tactic as theyare less likely to have thein-house expertise that wouldspot that it’s a potential scam.”

Mr Clark said: “The best courseof action is to ensure all the rightlicences are in place – and one ofthe best ways to do this is to usean independent firm that can helpdetermine what is and isn’t

licensed and then help sort outthe right licensing package.”

Clough & Company launchedITwiser in 2008 to provide a fullrange of independent IT servicesincluding system audits, riskassessments, supportprogrammes, network servicesand impartial advice when itcomes to buying systems andequipment.

■ SYSTEM CHECK: Martin Clark, who heads ITwiser, part ofCleckheaton-based accountancy firm Clough & Company

Spot the signs ofworkplace stressFOR the first time, stress

has topped the list of reas-ons for long-term sicknessabsence among both manualand non-manual employees,according to the latestabsence management surveyfrom the Chartered Institute ofPersonnel and Development(CIPD).

For manual workers, stress isnow level with acute medical con-ditions and has superseded muscu-loskeletal problems to become thechief cause of long-term absence.Among non-manual staff, stresshas moved ahead of acute medicalconditions.

The survey also reveals a closeconnection between job securityand mental-health problems.More than half of employers plan-ning to make redundancies in thenext six months reported anincrease in mental health problemsamong their staff. However, ofthose employers that are not plan-ning job-cuts, just under a thirdreported an increase in mentalhealth issues.

Organisations preparing tomake redundancies were also morelikely to witness a rise in presentee-ism (32% compared with 27% ofthose who had no redundanciesplanned). Those respondents thathad noted an increase in presentee-

ism were also more likely to reporta rise in stress-related absence overthe same period (49% comparedwith 33% of those who did notreport an increase in peoplecoming to work ill).

A CIPD spokesman said: “To alarge degree, managing stress isabout effective leadership andpeople management, particularlyduring periods of major changeand uncertainty.

“Line managers need to focuson regaining the trust of theiremployees and openly communic-ating throughout the change pro-cess to avoid unnecessary stressand potential absences. They alsoneed to be able to spot the earlysigns of people being under excess-ive pressure, or having difficultycoping at work, and to provideappropriate support.”

TUC general secretary BrendanBarber said too many employerstake stress lightly. “These figuresshow that the cuts, job losses,

restructurings and pay inequalitiesare having more than just an eco-nomic effect,” he explained. “Theyare having a serious impact onpeople’s health. Unfortunately,there is still a tendency amongmany employers to think of it as‘just stress’, but this is a real issue,which can devastate people’s livesand tear apart families.”

More than a quarter of organ-isations (29%) – including morethan two-fifths in the public sector– said they have increased theirfocus on employee well-being andhealth promotion as a result of theimpact of the economic turbu-lence.

Simplyhealth, which conductedthe survey with the CIPD, said:“With many organisations lookingfor ways to save money, employeehealth and well-being shouldn’t beoverlooked and should remain atthe heart of the company. Benefitsthat engage employees do not haveto be expensive.”

Can your business afford toignore Health & Safety?

With Competent Health andSafety advice from just £25a month you don’t need to

contact us today on01422 358525 or emailhealthandsafety@wilbyltd.co.uk

Wilby Risk Management offer a range ofservices including:

Competent Advice�Risk Assessments�Assistance with CHAS applications�

?3E'9$97 8&AEA>&E" :7=B"9D( C=% E799!:97&9A>&A5 &A C=%7 B%(&A9(() #9 >EA 39":2

6E"" %( A=# 8=7 E >=A(%"'E'&=A 0.+-- ,+4++4###2B95B&9(!'7ECA=72>=D,* 6"E79 1=E;) /E"&8E!) /@ -/< *!+$)!" ,#%&('#

762-2)6-4 0/1+4%3* 9-2!62! 1$%/81& , )-25( *%% - "-8 #1/"-/'.

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS local Page 5

Simon Kaye is divisional director at Investec Wealth &Investment

CITYTALKSimon Kaye

Deadline nears

e until

gers

e Consulting ishosen to

esults within

hing and mentoring courseger or

essional’” who wishes

ve

e

e

ship skills

usinesses

e the

tions arehing style

ge people and

ble discounts totion. The funding

, it will nott miss

e Consulting on 01924

Mandy’s helpingout the hospiceA NEW café barhas pledged toraise funds forthe Huddersfield-based WestYorkshire ForgetMe Not Children’sHospice.

The hospiceaims to providevital support tochildren withlife-limiting orlife-threateningconditions andtheir familiesacross Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield.The hospice at Brackenhall will providemuch-needed residential and respite care.

Mandy Naylor, pictured, managing directorof The Taste Café Bar at Northgate,Cleckheaton, said: “I have children of my ownand also run two day care nurseries inBrighouse and Hipperholme – Little Tinkers –so this is a charity that is very close to myheart.

“I always had the intention of supporting acharity through the new café bar and ForgetMe Not couldn’t be more deserving. I’m reallylooking forward to getting involved and beinga part of something so worthwhile.

“Besides having collection tins on displayand selling pin badges and othermerchandise on the charity’s behalf, we alsohave a large space upstairs which we hopecan also be used to hold some fundraisingevents – or even as a space for their staff tohold training or planning days.”

Kate Goldring, partnership developmentmanager at the hospice, said: “We are thrilledto be working in partnership with Mandy andthe team at Taste Café, it’s great to see abrand new business supporting a brand newlocal hospice.

“As we begin to deliver a full hospiceservice, we will need to raise about £2.5meach year, so corporate support is moreimportant than ever.”

Care group in funding dealA SOCIAL care specialist withoperations in Dewsbury has securednew funding to support expansionand a move to new premises.

Not-for-profit care group AvalonGroup, a registered charityestablished in 1994 and based inHarrogate, provides supported livingschemes, shared life services,supported travel and employment insmall mainstream business forpeople with learning or physicaldifficulties.

Businesses providing employmentinclude a restaurant and a vintagetea house as well as employersoffering horticultural and paintingand decorating projects.

The group operates from sitesincluding Wellington Street inDewsbury and at Harrogate,Skipton, Scarborough, Northallerton,Stockton, Penrith, and York. Itemploys more than 800 staff andprovides services to more than1,000 individuals and 30organisations nationally.

Tony Hind, group finance director,said: “We were previously leasingpremises, but in the current climateof moderate property prices and low

interest rates, we’ve been able topurchase larger premises, while atthe same time reducing ouroutgoings.

“This means not only are weoperating more effectively, but wehave also used this as anopportunity to strengthen ourbalance sheet and secure ourfuture.”

Barclays Corporate has provided acommercial mortgage of £400,000 toenable the purchase of the newpremises at £570.000.

Daniella Taylor, BarclaysCorporate relationship director, said:“It really is a pleasure to see a localsocial care organisation go fromstrength to strength and buck thecurrent market trend.

“The Avalon Group is a greatexample of a well-run businesstaking the opportunity to secure itsfuture with the current low interestrates and thrive in the currentclimate.

“ We look forward to seeing theircontinued success and supportingthem throughout their continuingexpansion plans.”

■ SUPPORT: Daniella Taylor, Barclays Corporaterelationship director, with Tony Hind, finance director ofThe Avalon Group

Top firms postrobust resultsIS it finally the season to be jolly?

Despite the uncertainty and frustrationcaused by the protracted wranglings overthe resolution of the European sovereigndebt crisis, major corporates have continuedto deliver reassuringly strong operationalperformance.

As we entered the third quarter earningsseason there were fears that Euro-zoneconcerns would curtail companies’ perform-ance and prospects, which in turn wouldfurther dent global economic growth,already suffering from fiscal consolidationin the developed world and monetary tight-ening to combat inflationary pressures inemerging markets.

In the event, the earnings season has beensurprisingly robust so far; while there havebeen a few high profile “misses”, forexample Amazon.com and 3M, the over-whelming majority of companies that havereported so far have delivered sales andearnings growth ahead of market expecta-tions.

This positive trading was helped by con-tinued resilience of emerging markets andalso the fact that the eurozone crisis reallyonly peaked in August. Ongoing economicchallenges have understandably meant anadded tone of caution in management’sassessment of the outlook.

The proposals to solve the sovereign debtcrisis that emerged from Wednesday’sEuropean heads of government summit,while being long overdue, look to be ameaningful step forward. While much of the

detail is yet to emerge, the broad outline isencouraging – a 50% haircut on the facevalue of Greek government bonds, a $106bnmandatory recapitalisation to strengthenthe European banking sector and a furtherexpansion of the European Financial Stabil-ity Facility bailout fund through leverage.

One of the disappointments of the last 12months has been that, while corporates haveenjoyed record profit margins as a result ofcost-cutting during the economic downturn,amassing substantial cash piles as a result,this strong financial position has not led tothe expansion in investment and hiring thatone would normally see at this stage of aneconomic recovery.

Concerns about the over-indebtedness ofperipheral European countries first arose inMay 2010 and the subsequent failure ofEuropean governments to devise a crediblesolution led corporate management teamsworldwide to question the sustainability ofthe recovery, and therefore to hoard theircash.

This lack of corporate expansion has

contributed to the anaemic nature of currenteconomic growth and the heightened fearsof a “double dip” recession.

While the devil remains in the detail, thereappears to be a good chance that Wednes-day’s summit has produced the workablesolution to the eurozone crisis that financialmarkets and corporate managements havelong been awaiting.

If this is the case, then we might finallystart to see corporates loosen theirpurse-strings and spend more freely oncapital investment, job creation and acquis-itions, which would provide the developedworld with additional and much neededlevers of growth, just in time to prevent alapse back into depression.

In this benign scenario, provided thatChina successfully engineers a ‘soft land-ing’, global economic growth should at lastshift up a gear, which would boost investorconfidence and mean that forthcoming cor-porate earnings seasons could beapproached with far less trepidation thanthis one.

property Page 6KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Changes afootfor office sectorP RO P E RT Y e x p e r t s a r epredicting a big rise in demand forrefurbishment – as technology, thedrive for sustainability andchanges in workplace practiceshorten the lifespan of officebuildings across Yorkshire.

International property consult-ants Jones Lang LaSalle has car-ried out a 2-month researchcampaign to highlight key factorsin Europe’s office market, includ-ing those in Yorkshire.

The report, Offices 2020, aimsto give Yorkshire investors,developers and occupiers greaterunderstanding of trends andchanges in the office market tosupport better decision-makingand wider recognition of businessopportunities during the nextdecade.

In the report, Jones Lang LaS-alle research chief Bill Page saidchanging workplace technology, ashift in the balance of power fromlandlords to tenants and increas-ing risk of building obsolescence

will have a marked effect on bothnational and regional office mar-kets.

“While the trend toward shorterleases will not necessarily be wel-

comed by landlords, it will have apositive knock-on effect on thenumber of deals done and increaseoverall transactional levels,” saidMr Page.

“This bodes well for an increasein medium-term deal flow asleases come to an end. The cyclewill be self-sustaining as the nextwave of lettings will also tendtoward shorter terms, pushing upoffice take-up rates.”

Jeff Pearey, director of officeagency for Jones Lang LaSalle inWest Yorkshire, said: “A lack ofGrade A office supply in York-shire – when combined with theanticipated shortage of any specu-lative developments – suggeststhat larger occupiers will struggleto find suitable space.

“Those able to move willincreasingly consider pre-letoff-plan, controlling far more ofthe development pipeline thanbefore.”

Mr Page said that new work-

place technology, such as cloudcomputing and mobile and collab-orative technology, will enablemore efficient occupancy, smallerspace requirements and a prefer-ence for more flexible product.

“Office obsolescence will be aheadache and stock across York-shire isn’t getting any younger,” hesaid. “Office buildings will beincreasingly scrutinised and legis-lation more strict – older premiseswill become harder to let or sell inthe absence of major works ofrefurbishment.

“In addition, an increasingembracing of workplace techno-logy and changing working prac-tice will make more stock unfit forpurpose leading to further polar-isation in the market between thebest product – and the rest.

“However, problems will bematched by opportunities and theexpertise and experience of York-shire's property industry willbecome increasingly important.”

■ STRUGGLE: Jeff Pearey, ofagency Jones Lang LaSalle

Firms need development land

Letting for popular estateREFURBISHED units on a WestYorkshire industrial park haveattracted another tenant.

Acting on behalf of BlackrockInvestment Management (UK) Ltd,the industrial agency team at CBREin Leeds has let a unit at the city’sCross Green Industrial Estate toGeneral All Purpose Plastics GroupLtd.

GAPP has signed a 10-year leaseat an undisclosed rent at the 9,750sqft unit. The site is just two miles fromLeeds city centre and provides direct

access from the East Leeds LinkRoad to Junction 45 of the M1.

The last remaining unit is nowavailable to let in a refurbishedcondition and provides a total of9,498sq ft.

Daniel Austin, a senior surveyor atCBRE, said: “Cross Green Centraloffers superb warehousing andindustrial accommodation ataffordable rents. The layout of thebuilding and excellent locationprovided an ideal solution for GAPP.

“This latest letting demonstrates

the growing appeal of the area tooccupiers seeking well connected,quality industrial accommodation.”

Meanwhile, following the recentannouncement that Towers Watson isexpanding its offices at MEPC’sWellington Place business quarter inLeeds, the building consultancy teamat CBRE in Leeds has been retainedby the professional services firm asemployer’s agent to manage thecreation of the new offices.

Towers Watson has taken its totaloffice space to 19,750sq ft in total.

■ LAND PLEA:CalderdaleKirkleesManufacturingAlliance chairmanGary Smith

Business parkhits jobs targetAN award-winning business park hasreached its target for job creation.Developer Sterling Capitol hasannounced that more than 1,500 jobshave been created at Capital Park atTingley, near junction 28 of the M62.Capitol Park is now home to a range ofquality regional, national andinternational companies, together with aprestigious village hotel.The jobs target was reached with thenews that James Latham is moving toCapitol Park to boost its expansion in thenorth. The move will bring 50 jobs toCapitol Park. James Latham operatesthroughout the UK from 10 regional sites,distributing a range of wood panelproducts, hardwoods and specialistsoftwoods.

Betting shopbeats the oddsA BETTING shop in Dewsbury town centreattracted plenty of punters at a propertyauction.The premises on Westgate, which are letto Ladbrokes at an annual rent of £23,500,sold for £196,000 off a guide price of£175,000 plus – a return of nearly 12%.Other lots which performed well at theEddisons sale included a fully let mixedretail and residential property in Batley.The property on Saville Street significantlyexceed initial expectations, selling for£81,000 off a guide price of £28,000 plus.Meanwhile, residential stock included avacant two bedroom end of terrace houseon Haighs Square in Huddersfield, whichsold for £36,000.Eddisons reported that 106 lots at thetwo-day sale in Leeds and Manchesterwere sold, generating proceeds of £6.1m.Tony Webber, of Eddisons, said:“Residential stock performed particularlywell with tenanted properties, many ofwhich offered returns of around 10%, inhigh demand.”Mr Webber said total proceeds for thefirm’s 2011 auctions stand at just under£60m, with one sale remaining before theend of the year.“Our auctions have defied the tougheconomic conditions and with a largeDecember sale expected we are well oncourse to beat last year’s figures,” he said.“Buyers have reacted positively tosensibly-priced stock and have turned toproperty as a viable alternative totraditional investment vehicles whichcontinue to under perform.”

MANUFACTURERS inKirklees and Calderdale saymore development land isdesperately needed – to helplocal companies stay in thearea and expand theiroperations.

The call comes from theCalderdale KirkleesManufacturing Alliance ascontroversy rages overKirklees Council plans to makegreen sites at Ainley Top,Cooper Bridge and Chidswell,near Dewsbury, available fordevelopment.

It also follows the loss of bedmanufacturer Silentnight,which is set to close its Batleyfactory and switch operationsto another site in Lancashirewith the loss of about 200 jobs.

Alliance chairman Gary

Smith said: “There is a needfor land to be made availablefor local manufacturers toexpand or re locate locally – toavoid loosing good localemployers or job opportunities.Several local employers arecurrently struggling to find asite within Kirklees.

“There is also a need forlocal land so employees do nothave to travel far for work –saving a lot of time andreducing congestion on theroads and transportinfrastructure.”

Mr Smith said manufacturersalso needed sites with goodmotorway connections,explaining: “Some companies– for example thosemanufacturing large productssuch as vessels or structures –

need land close to themotorway junctions, so they donot clog up the towns roadswhile getting to the motorways.

“Supply routes needsupgrading. Most commutersfor years have – at most timesof the day – ended up queuingcoming from the M62 toHuddersfield or Mirfield due tothe poor Cooper Bridge roadlayout.”

And he added:“Manufacturers also face achallenge. They have a dutynot only to the locality to createlocal work, buy locally andkeep the wealth local, but tobuild pleasing-on-the-eye andsympathetic to the areabuildings which do not ruin thearea but enhance it.”1/21'/*$ 5040#'5'4* 3 0#'4*- 3 +24-(6*04* 3 0)&!-2/

*/0%06#0/ 5!66- 3 6'')- /20) 3 "())'/-%!'6) 3 "), .$$

Huddersfield Road, BrighouseFrom 1,117 sq ft to 2,519 sq ft.

Situated in a busy town centre with a mainroad location.

The premises are ideal for various uses(subject to planning)

Terms available on application

Contact: Paul Andrew Walker Singleton 01484 477600Christine Eccleston MB Services 01484 557102

Caldervale Works, Brighouse

Newly refurbished, modern, selfcontained industrial units availablefor immediate occupation.Large secure yard and loading area.Sizes range from 4,453 to 13,195 sq ft.

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS profile Page 3Nick Brook

TaxAssistAccountants

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Role: OwnerAge: 51Family: Married to Pat withchildren Andrew, 25, andNicola, 22Holidays: This year we havebeen to Croatia and SpainCar: Porsche BoxsterFirst job:Stacking shelves atHillards in BrighouseBest thing about job: Theindependence. Beingself-employed means youdon’t have anyone telling youwhat to doWorst thing about job:Paper. We are working veryhard to make ours a paperlessofficeBusiness tip: Know yourmarket. If you can’t find yourclient, you won’t have abusiness

Work: Accountancy and taxservices for small businessesSite: LockwoodEmployees: 5Phone: 01484 424961Email: nickbrook@taxassist.co.ukWeb: www.taxassist.co.uk/huddersfield

On thecrestof awave

KEEN sailor Nick Brook ishelping Huddersfield’ssmall firms keep afloatduring the economic crisis.

Nick, 51, who hascompeted at national levelin sailing competitions,has also steered hisbusiness through thechoppy waters of therecession to enjoy fiveyears of growth.

The Brighouse-bornbusinessman took up theTaxAssist Accountantsfranchise for Huddersfieldfive years ago after beingmade redundant.

He leased premisesprominently sited onLockwood Road andquickly built up anenviable list of clients.

“It is a good location,”he says. “Part of the ethosof TaxAssist is visibilityand accessibility.

“While some of thelarger firms of accountantshave stayed in the towncentre, we have found thissite ideal in terms ofproviding a shop windowon a busy route fromHuddersfield to the HolmeValley.”

Says Nick: “TaxAssisthas been going for about15 years.

“It started out as afranchise business forretired bankers andaccountants to run fromthe back bedroom doingtax returns.

“But the franchisorsdeveloped this ‘shopfront’idea and we took it up.Now there are 130‘shopfronts’ across the UKout of 186 TaxAssistfranchises.

“It has developed to afull service accountancyoffice, doing everythingexcept audit work.”

Nick says: “We focus onthe small business market.

“We know what we aredoing, we are good atwhat we do and we do itdifferently to otheraccountancy firms bykeeping things simple forour clients and making iteasy for them tounderstand.

“Nationally, TaxAssist isnow the most successfulfranchise in the UK. I

“It won the gold awardat last year’s BritishFranchise AssociationAwards and it has beenset up as a beacon inBritish franchising.”

The TaxAssist brandand astute marketing onthe internet is nowbringing 75,000 onlineleads a year to itsfranchisees.

Nick is also winningbusiness byword-of-mouth referralsand numbers businessconsultancies, danceschools, after-schoolclubs, vehicle mechanicsand cafe owners amonghis growing list of clients.

Nick grew up inBrighouse and attendedRastrick Grammar Schoolbefore joining the MidlandBank in his home town.“My parents wanted me tohave a job in a properbusiness,” he says. “I wasquite naive at 18 and I didnot know what I wanted todo.

“Banking didn’t reallyappeal, but it becameclear that I was more of asalesman.

“I went to work forForward Trust, a financecompany that was asubsidiary of the Midlandand sold finance to themoor trade.”

Nick later worked forSuzuki Finance andHonda Finance beforemoving to Close Brothersand his first post in seniormanagement.

Based at its Doncasterhead office, he built up itslight commercial divisionfrom £9m to £42mturnover before switchingto its leisure divisionselling finance formotorcycles, boats andcaravans.

However, eight monthslater he was out of a job.“The powers-that-bedecided they were tootop-heavy with managers,”he says.

“However, I was given agenerous severance andthat enabled me to buythe TaxAssist franchise.

“I could have sat backwith a huge lump ofmoney, but I am not the

kind of guy to do that,”says Nick. “I don’t allowthe grass to grow undermy feet.

“I researched franchisesand looked at a number ofopportunities beforedeciding that TaxAssistwas the one for me.

“I have been in theHuddersfield area all mylife and I know the town,so I was surprised – anddelighted – to discoverthat Huddersfield was a‘free’ area for TaxAssist.We started with nothingand built a business that ispretty successful – and wehave won a couple ofawards in our own right.”

Nick attends regionalmeetings and nationalconferences to meet otherTaxAssist franchisees andtakes part in training daysto stay up to date withindustry developmentsand the market.

He also works withHuddersfield University,sitting on its EmployerPartnership Board andproviding work experiencefor accountancy studentswho he finds “enthusiasticand keen to learn”.

Says Nick: “We have

some really good staffwho are very loyal. That’swhat makes a successfulbusiness.

“We also have somehigh quality clients. It’sgreat to help companieswith good ideas forbusiness develop andhave success.

“They trust us, they talkto other people and we getmore business out of it.Now 70% of our businesscomes from directreferral.”

Nick’s day revolvesaround visits to clients,assigning and overseeingwork to his team andlooking after marketing.

He is also consideringoptions for opening asecond office, saying: “It’sjust a matter of timing.”

After a week keepingthe business buoyant,weekends are often spendafloat.

Nick is currentlyCommodore ofHollingworth Lake SailingClub – a post roughlyequivalent to the golf clubcaptain – and he hascompeted in national andregional competitions.

He says: “I was aboutnine years old when myfather saw an advert in theDaily Mirror to build a boatcalled the Mirror Dinghy.He fancied it as a DIYproject more thananything.

“It was at the time in thelate 1960s and early1970s when amateurboating was popular.

“As a result, we learnedto sail and joinedHuddersfield Sailing Clubat Holmfirth.

“We were also foundermembers at Scammondenwhen that opened.”

“Sailing has everything,”says Nick. “It’s outdoors inthe fresh air andcompetitive boat-for-boatracing can be quite

exciting at times. It isphysically demanding,too.”

Nick has won regionalcompetitions in hissingle-handed 13ftNational Solo.

Last year, he got to tryout the Olympics yachtingvenue at the PortlandNational Sailing Academyat Weymouth.

But more importantly,sailing has proved a boonto family life.

“The best thing myfather ever did was tobuild that boat,” says Nick.“I brought my kids into thesport and that meant wewere still going on familyholidays even when theywere 16 and 17. We wouldgo to places all over theUK. It kept the familytogether in some ways.

“Now my son Andrew isa marine journalist and mydaughter Nicola designsinteriors for yachts thatonly multi-millionaires canafford to buy!”

Nick and his wife Patalso enjoy ballroomdancing, attending danceclasses at Shelley two orthree times a week, whichNick says is good fun.

But he says: “Sailing isthe best family sport thereis. You can join a sailingclub for less than the priceof joining a golf club or atennis club.

“With £100 for basicgear, away you go.

“I think the Olympics willgive a push to the sport atgrassroots level.

“That will be good for usbecause ours is a verykeen racing club and wewant to attract newmembers.”

■ ROAD SENSE: Nick Brook, of TaxAssistAccountants, says occupying a prominent site at busyLockwood Road has helped build up the client base

The value of your investments may go down as well as upand you might not get back the money you’ve put in.

Individuals • International • Charities • Financial AdvisersCourt of ProtectionMember firm of the London Stock Exchange. Member of NYSE Liffe.Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. InvestecWealth & Investment Limited is registered in England. Registered No.2122340. Registered Office: 2 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7QP.

Traditional valuesand modern methodsin Wealth & Investment

At Investec Wealth & Investment we offerexpertise and out of the ordinary levels ofpersonal service.

Our heritage extends as far back as 1827but our eyes are firmly fixed on your future.Located in 11 offices across the UK, we arewell placed to offer one-on-one insightand expert advice on your investments,pensions or other financial matters.

Please visit our website, call Simon Kayeon 0113 245 4488 or emailsimon.kaye@investecwin.co.uk

investecwin.co.uk

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS national Page 2

SHARE PRICES

Local shares

FTSE closed at

5519.04down 26.34

TOURIST RATES

Tourists going abroad can expectthe following rates for sterling:Australia...................... 1.48 dollarsBangladesh................. 115.61 takaBrazil.............................. 2.50 realsCanada....................... 1.55 dollarsChina ............................. 9.10 yuanCzech Republic ...... 27.49 korunasDenmark....................... 8.26 kroneEuro................................ 1.11 euroHong Kong................ 11.84 dollarsHungary ................... 326.27 forintsIndia.......................... 70.85 rupeesJapan........................... 117.67 yenMexico ....................... 19.21 pesosNew Zealand .............. 1.90 dollarsNorway ......................... 8.62 kronePakistan.................. 130.92 rupeesPhilippines ................. 59.43 pesosSouth Africa .................. 11.81 randSouth Korea.............. 1570.00 wonSri Lanka ................ 166.79 rupeesSweden....................... 10.14 kronaSwitzerland.................. 1.37 francsTaiwan ...................... 42.25 dollarsTurkey....................... 2.67 new liraUSA ............................ 1.53 dollars

Carclo 290Marshalls 903/4 +2National Grid 6241/2 -41/2Weir Gp 1905 -55

Farm costs skim creamTHE UK’s biggest fresh milk supplierrevealed a slump in profits.

And Robert Wiseman Dairiesadmits it struggled to pass on risingcosts to its supermarket customers.

Pre-tax profits at the company,which supplies a third of the freshmilk consumed in the UK, fell 42% to£11.8 million in the six months toOctober 1.

It has put up prices to its farmersthree times since March as theystruggle with higher fuel prices, whileplastic resin used in its bottles has alsorisen.

Wiseman warned the squeeze on its

margins could intensify if costs risefurther but it hopes to make efficiencysavings to offset the pressures.

The firm said it will seek to “restoremargins to an acceptable level” asmarket conditions improve.

Glasgow-based Wiseman also saida new organic milk contract withTesco will help it boost volumes, withsupermarket outlets across the UK.

And it has unveiled a £2 milliontie-up with a New Zealand dairy thatwill allow it develop a type of milkthat can be drunk by people who areintolerant to milk but are not dia-gnosed as lactose intolerant.

Favourites give ITVboost in revenuesPOPULAR shows like The X Factor,Doc Martin and rugby’s World Cupt o u r n a m e n t h e l p e d b o o s tbroadcaster ITV’s third quarterrevenues, it revealed.

Advertising revenues rose by 1% inthe three months to September 30,defying expectations of a fall, whilethe improvement in its ITV Studiosbusiness continued after it sold newshows including Prime Suspect over-seas.

But the group remained cautiousabout its prospects in 2012 andexpects advertising revenues todecline by 10% in December as itcomes up against tough comparat-ives with the previous year.

Its on-screen performance in thefinal quarter of 2011 has been boos-

ted by I'm A Celebrity, DowntonAbbey and The Jury.

ITV’s overall share of the TVmarket for the first nine months of2011 is up 2% to 23%, driven by itsdigital channels and online, while itis on course to outperform the televi-sion advertising market as a whole in2011.

The group, which is also home toCoronation Street, is one year into afive-year transformation plan, whichhas seen it focus on “re-energising”the creative pipeline of its ITV Stu-dios business.

ITV Studios saw its external reven-ues increase 9% to £224 million in thenine months, which is ahead ofexpectations. It has invested in 89new commissions, including Titanic,

a major new drama for 2012 byJulian Fellowes which has been soldto 57 countries.

Overall revenues rose 4% to £1.5billion in the first nine months of2011 “despite difficult economic andmarket conditions”.

The group said it is on course tohave net cash at the end of the year,compared to net debt of £612 millionat the beginning of 2010.

Chief executive Adam Croziersaid: “Our relentless focus on deliv-ering the transformation plan is nowimpacting positively on our res-ults.”

He said the group was on track todeliver its plan and remains optim-istic about its prospects in themedium to long-term.

Raising a glass to profits boostWINE merchant Majestic uncorkedmore bumper results before admit-ting some of the fizz had gone out ofsales in recent weeks.

Unveiling a 20% jump in half-yearprofits for the second year in a row,Majestic said revenues rose by 8.7%to £127.8 million in the six months toSeptember 26 - 2.7% higher on alike-for-like basis.

But in the period since then,like-for-like sales were down 1.1%after two weeks of disappointingsales amid the economic turbulencein mid-October.

Majestic, which has 176 UK stores,including one in Queensgate, Hud-dersfield, insisted it was still well

placed for the Christmas season andpointed out that sales of still winepriced at £20 per bottle or moreincreased by a fifth during the halfyear.

The average spend per transac-tion at its stores also rose by £3 to£125, with the average bottle price ofstill wine now £7.13 from £6.67 lastyear.

Majestic has been one of the suc-cess stories of the high street inrecent years, leading to today’shalf-year profits haul of £8.8 mil-lion.

It opened 11 new stores in the pastsix months and has more planned.

Butchershit hardA YORKSHIREsupermarket porksupplier revealed a fall inprofits but said demandfor its products isgrowing because theyare seen as good value.

Hull-based Cranswickreported that pre-taxprofits fell 22% to £18.5million in the six monthsto September 30 despiterising sales as itstruggled to pass onhigher pig prices to itscustomers.

But it said it was“cautiously optimistic”about the future becauserecent trading hadimproved and pork isseen as good value.

Rail firm’sbig dealTRAIN-makerBombardier has beenawarded a £15mthree-year maintenancecontract from ScotRail.

The announcementwas made during a visitby Transport MinisterTheresa Villiers toDerby's Litchurch Laneplant.

A spokesperson saidthe deal, to supportScotRail’s Class 170Turbostar fleet, was"significant". But the RMTunion expressedfrustration that there wasno review of the £1.4bnThameslink contract.

It was awarded toGerman firm Siemens inJune, promptingBombardier to cut 1,400jobs.

NORTH AMERICANAmerican Express £31.35 -0.33Gannett 714.51 -13.21Hess Corp £40.10 -0.84Microsoft 1690.67 -1.89Motors Liquidation 47.17Wal-Mart Stores £36.97 -0.26

AEROSPACE & DEFENCEAvon Rbbr 310 +7BAE Systems 2853/4 +21/2Rolls-Royce 727 -11

AIMBrady Plc 781/2Dawson Intl 11/4Man Brnze 35

AUTOMOBILES & PARTSG K N 1927/8

BANKSBarclays 174 -47/8HSBC 5043/4 +13/8Lloyds Banking Gp 283/8 -1/2Ryl Scotland 22 -1/2Stan Chart 13561/2 -451/2

BEVERAGESDiageo 13201/2 -71/2SABMiller £221/8 -3/8

CHEMICALSCroda 1763 -23Elementis 98 1391/2 +11/2Johnsn Mat 1860 -25

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALSBalfour Beatty 236 -11/8Costain 2017/8 -21/8

ELECTRICITYDrax Gp 554 -171/2

Intl Power 3341/8 -43/8SSE 1317 -8

ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTLaird 1471/8 +5/8

EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTSAlliance Trust 340 +13/4

FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICESBT Grp 1917/8 +1Cable & WirelessComm

383/8 +1/8

Cable & WirelessWwide

301/4 -1/8

Colt Group 1011/8 +5/8KCOM 73 +1Talktalk Telecom 1281/2 -41/4

FOOD & DRUG RETAILERSMorrison W 3173/4 +3/8Sainsbury 304 -31/8Tesco 4023/4 -7/8

FOOD PRODUCERSAB Food 1121 -11Tate Lyle 6711/2 -6Unilever £205/8 -1/8

GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIESCentrica 3033/4 +3/8National Grid 6241/2 -41/2Pennon Grp 712 -91/2Severn 1583 -16United Utils 629 -2

GENERAL FINANCIAL3i Group 2013/4 -3ICAP 3631/8 -73/8London StockExch 8631/2 -7Man Group 1461/8 -31/8Provident Financial 1020 -16Schroders 1362 -31

Schroders NV 1140 -23

GENERAL INDUSTRIALSCooksn Grp 4735/8 +73/4REXAM 3321/4 -23/4Smiths Grp 9541/2 +71/2

GENERAL RETAILERSAshley L 205/8 -1/8Carphone Whse 3091/4 -133/4Dixons Retail 117/8 +1/8Home Retail 811/8 -31/4Inchcape 3301/8 -41/8Kingfisher 2523/4 -31/4M & S 3307/8 -1Mothercare 160 +11/2Next £28 +1/8WH Smith 5241/2 +51/2

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICESSmith Nph 5721/2 +141/2

HOUSEHOLD GOODSAga Rangemaster 741/4 -1/4Barrat Dev 923/4 +13/4Persimmon 4915/8 +51/8Reckitt Benckiser £321/4 -3/8Taylor Wimpey 383/8 +7/8

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERINGCharter 9201/2 -2I M I 793 -16

INDUSTRIAL METALSFerrexpo 3123/4 -21/2

INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATIONBBA Aviation 182 -1/2

LIFE INSURANCEAviva 315 -4Lgl & Gen 1053/4 -21/4Old Mutual 1093/4 -13/4

Prudential 624 -12Resolution 2631/4 -71/8Standard Life 2033/4 -2

MEDIABSkyB 743 -51/2D Mail Tst 431 +21/2ITV 653/4 +21/8Johnston Press 51/4 +1/4Pearson 1105 -32Reed Elsevier 5401/2 -41/2STV Group 105 -7/8Trinity Mirror 531/4 +13/4Utd Business 4951/8 -43/8UTV 1137/8 +11/8WPP 662 -71/2Yell Group 31/2 +1/8

MININGAnglo American £241/2 -1/4Antofagasta 1175 -23BHP Billiton 19701/2 -211/2Eurasian NaturalRes

6761/2 -71/2

Fresnillo 1812 -36Kazakhmys 9111/2 -20Lonmin 1073 -1Rio Tinto £341/4 -1/2VEDANTARESOURCES

1120 -42

Xstrata 1012 -18

MOBILE TELECOM SERVICESInmarsat 4613/4 -7Vodafone Group 1823/4 +25/8

NONLIFE INSURANCEAdmiral Grp 8321/2 -71/2RSA Insurance Gp 1101/8 -11/8

OIL & GAS PRODUCERSBG 13621/2 -31/2

BP 4583/4 +1/2Cairn Energy 2903/8 -5Royal Dutch Shell A £221/4 +1/8Royal Dutch Shell B £23 +1/4Total £321/4Tullow Oil 1347 -21

OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICESAMEC 924 -10Petrofac 1401 -29Wood Gp(J) 651 +41/2

PERSONAL GOODSBurberry Gp 1421 +44

PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGYAstrazeneca £29 -1/8Axis-Shield 469GlaxoSmithK XD 11/2Shire £201/8

REAL ESTATEBrit Land 5031/2 -71/2Captl Shop Cent 3121/4 -5DTZ Hldgs 3 +1/8Hamrsn 3933/4 -61/8Land Secs 6861/2 -8SEGRO 2333/8 -41/4

SOFTWARE ETC SERVICESAutonomy Corp £251/2Invensys 2131/4 -47/8Logica 783/4 -13/8Misys 2915/8 +1Sage Group 2771/8 -37/8

SUPPORT SERVICESBerendsen 4371/2 +5/8Bunzl 806 -11/2Capita 662 +1De La Rue 9061/2 -71/2Electrocomp 2077/8 -1/2Experian 8281/2 -1G4S 2481/8 -21/4Hays 751/8 -1/4Homeserve 267 -1/8Menzies J 485 +5Rentokil 67Smiths News 921/4Wolseley 1879 -4

IT HARDWAREARM Hldgs 632 -21/2Psion 531/4 +11/2Spirent Comms 1253/4 -3/8

TOBACCOBr Am Tob £287/8 -3/8Imperial Tobacco £23 -1/2

LEISURE & HOTELSBwin.Party Digital 1255/8 -1/4Carnival £217/8

Compass Grp 5601/2 -71/2easyJet 366 +105/8Enterprise Inns 30FirstGroup 3393/8 -57/8Go-Ahead Gp 1318 +4Greene King 4525/8 +1/2Intercontl Htls 1071 -17Intl Cons AirlinesGp

1475/8 -11/8

Ladbrokes 1347/8 -13/4Mitchells & Butlers 2265/8 -5/8Natl Express 224 -1/4Rank Org 1447/8 -51/8Stagecoach Group 2541/4 +23/8TUI Travel 1641/8 +1Whitbread 1628 -17

INDEXFTSE 100 5519.04 -26.34

INDEXFTSE 250 10347.76 -41.54

■ POPULAR: Caroline Catz as LouisaGlasson and Martin Clunes as Dr MartinEllingham in Doc Martin

For more information contact Alec Michaelon 07717 870 320 or email alec@michaelsteel.co.ukwww.michaelsteel.co.uk

Offices

Modern ground floor open plan officesuite with parking strategicallylocated for M1

Wakefield Road,Clayton West, Huddersfield126m2 (1,354 sq ft)

To LeT May Sell (Whole Building)

Industrial

Single storey industrial/warehouse complexwith offices immediately adjacent mainWakefield Road between M1 andTown Centre.

Franklyn Court,Off Wakefield Road, Lepton1,500 – 12,250 sq ft

To LeT Immediately available

Public House/Commercial

Highly prominent public house – withouttie – available on flexible terms including orexcluding first floor residential accommodation.Ground floor can be split to suit individualoccupiers with large rear car parking

The Rose & Crown, Northgate,Almondbury, HuddersfieldGround Floor 265 m2

(2,854 sq ft) + first floor livingaccommodation & cellar

To LeT MAy SpLIT

Offices

High quality refurbished officespace with parking within walking distanceof Huddersfield town centre.

17 Old Leeds Road,off Leeds Road,Huddersfield46 m2 - 218 m2

(503 sq ft - 2,350 sq ft)

To LeT Immediately available

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Movers and shakers Page 8

Sitting comfortably!

SINGERS from Moorlands PrimarySchool serenaded the crowds asKirklees Mayor Clr Eric Firth unveileda plaque to officially celebrate thearrival of furniture retailer DFS toHuddersfield.

Kev Brown, skipper ofHuddersfield Giants, was joined byteam mates David Faiumu and ScottGrix at the opening event, whichincluded bonfire treats and a hogroast.

Clr Firth said: “I am delighted tohave been asked to take part in thecelebrations. DFS was founded in

Yorkshire over 40 years ago and it isgreat that the company hasexpanded here in Huddersfield,creating 12 new jobs.”

Adam Hankinson, area salesmanager at DFS, said: “We’ve had afantastic day. We know howwelcoming the people ofHuddersfield are and we’ve beenbowled over by their response.”

DFS occupies a 15,000sq ft storeat Phoenix Retail Park, Leeds Road,where it has a wide range of sofasand accessories displayed in 72room settings.

Brewing up fora coffee break!YOU’VE heard about LadiesWho Lunch. So how aboutjoining the coffee set?

Holmfirth-based business-woman Susan Gillespie is set tolaunch a local branch ofnetworking group Ladies WhoLatte.

Susan, an independent travelagent Susan Gillespie plans tolaunch the networking groupfor the first time in the area inJanuary, 2012.

Now she is drumming upsupport for the new group,which it is hoped will meetmonthly.

Ladies Who Latte is aimed atwomen running their own busi-nesses and women in manage-ment roles within othercompanies.

The first Ladies Who Lattegroup was started just over fouryears ago by Sharon Connolly,an international image consult-ant. Mary Flavelle, who spe-cialises in women’s networkingevents, partners Sharon ingrowing the group, which hasset up networking branchesacross the UK.

Susan said: “Ladies Who

Latte is flexible networkingwith a less formal approach.

“Whether you have 15minutes to pop in or you stayfor two hours, we hope that youwill enjoy a well-earned breakto share ideas and most import-antly gain motivation fromother entrepreneurial women.

“There are no speakers and

you don’t pay to attend – justpay for your coffee andmingle!”

Said Susan: “In less than oneyear of its launch, Ladies WhoLatte grew to more than 600members.

“It now stretches across Eng-land with a membership ofmore than 3,000 women.”

Susan, who currently attendsLadies Who Latte events atTankersley, near Barnsley, isone of the latest experiencedtravel consultants to launch herown travel business with thesupport of Travel Counsellors.

She specialises in giving hercustomers the highest possiblelevels of personal service andindependent travel advice –drawing on more than fiveyears of travel experience in theindustry.

Working from home, she isable to speak to customers at atime to suit themselves, even ifit is outside working hours.

Commenting on her websiteabout the concept of LadiesWho Latte, Sharon Connollysaid: “We are women with ima-gination, drive, enthusiasm andhope and we are enjoying shar-ing out success because it’s nogood being fabulous on yourown!”

Contact Susan Gillespie on01484 680091. Alternatively,visit ladieswholatte.come oremail susan.gillespie@travelcounsellors.com

■ CUP THAT CHEERS: Kirklees Mayor Clr Eric Firth with AdamHankinson, area sales manager for DFS, at the store opening

■ NETWORK PLAN: Holmfirth-based independent travelagent Susan Gillespie wants to make a date for coffee

Danielle Booth, Jack Henley, Adam McNally,Carl Mason, Roger Speight & Eddie Sheard

KOSO KentIntrolGLOBAL control valves company KOSO KentIntrol has expanded its team with six newappointments.

Pictured are (from left) Danielle Booth, JackHenley, Adam McNally, Carl Mason, RogerSpeight and Eddie Sheard.

Mr Hanley and Mr Sheard are starting theircareers at the Brighouse-based firm as KKIgraduate engineers. Both graduated fromHuddersfield University and previously spent ayear as undergraduate placements at KKI. MrHanley gained a degree in automotive designand technology while Mr Sheard has a BEngdegree in automotive design.

Mr McNally joins as control valve designengineer. He brings over seven years’experience in engineering design within the oiland gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, subseaand mining sectors, having worked at theSmiths Group and Sabre Valves. He has adegree in computer aided design (mechanicalengineering) and an MSc in mechanicalengineering.

Mr Speight holds the role of quality controlinspector and will be mainly involved in thedimensional checking and hardness testing ofmachine components. He has a wealth ofindustry experience, including 24 years’machine shop experience and 23 years inremits covering inspection and qualityassurance.

Ms Booth is KKI’s new quality and healthand safety assistant. She has been with KKIsince 2009 and is receiving additional trainingfor the role of document controller.

Mr Mason is the new purchasing manager.Previously, he spent five years at Tyco FlowControl, developing purchasing processes andprocedures to enhance company efficiency.

David Limb, sales director, said: “I amdelighted to report on these latestappointments that further strengthen our146-strong workforce. For future businessdevelopment, it’s important to bring in newgraduate talent as well as attract experienced,well-established engineering staff.”

It’s not just lip serviceTHE guys at design and branding company TheEngine Room can usually be relied on to know a thingor two about style. But when it comes to supportingcharity, they’re ready to abandon good taste!

Gents at the agency, based at Huddersfield’sMedia Centre, are taking part in Movember byspending this month growing moustaches and raisingfunds for prostate and testicular cancer.

Creative director Darren Evans said: “We’redonating our top lips to the cause for 30 days in aneffort to help change the face of men's health. Our‘Mos’ will spark conversations, and no doubt generatesome laughs – all in the name of raising vitalawareness and funds for cancers affecting men.”

Go to http://mosista.co/engineroom

Darren Harbrecht-Parker

ChadwickLawrenceLAW firm Chadwick Lawrence hasappointed Darren Harbrecht-Parker to thenew post of marketing manager.

Mr Harbrecht-Parker, who is pictured(right) with managing partner JeremyGarside, will work closely with the firm’slong-term marketing partner FantasticMedia.

As well as liaising with the externalmarketing agency, he will collaborate onstrategies that build the company’s imageand presence both online and offline.

Mr Garside said: “The role of marketingmanager was introduced to give thecompany an internal focus and driveinitiatives through.

“As we continue to invest in strategicmarketing, it was the next natural step tocreate a marketing role within the company.”

Chadwick Lawrence had eight officesacross the north, including ones inHuddersfield, Wakefield and Halifax.

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSThe business NEWSpaper for Kir k lees15, November, 2011

INSIDE

exam

iner

.co.

uk

● Full story - Page 8

● Full story - Page 6

Themosttrustednewsbrandin thebusiness

NICK BROOK

Fu l l i n te r v i ew - Page 3An accent on stress

Co lumn - Page 4

An EXAMINER publication

Join thecoffee setA HOLMFIRTH-basedbusinesswoman is setto launch a localbranch of a networkinggroup called LadiesWho Latte. SusanGillespie, anindependent travelagent, plans to launchthe monthly networkinggroup in the area inJanuary.

Case formore landMANUFACTURERS inKirklees and Calderdaleclaim moredevelopment land isdesperately needed toenable localbusinesses to stay inthe area and expandtheir operations. Thecall comes amidcontroversy over plansto use green sites atAinley Top, CooperBridge and Chidswell,near Dewsbury.

MARK DALTONFTSE 100-26 .34

5519.04

Companies in linefor financial boostCOMPANIES with opera-tions in Huddersfield andBrighouse are competing forthousands of pounds in fund-ing as part of a scheme tosupport the UK’s most prom-ising businesses.

Longroyd Bridge-basedfireplace manufacturer FiredUp Group and Aflex Hose,which has production facilit-ies in Armytage Road at Brig-house, are among the regionalfinalists in HSBC’s BusinessThinking initiative.

Now in its second year,Business Thinking aims tohelp the UK’s up-and-comingcompanies to exchange ideas,build international networksand challenge their currentbusiness strategy.

The initiative also awardssuccessful companies with ashare of £108m worth of fund-ing and a financial award ofup to £240,000.

Ambitious firms fromacross the UK were invited tosubmit applications, beforebeing narrowed down to just54 regional finalists. Theywere given the opportunity toattend a Thought ExchangeTrip to Dubai, Hong Kong,New York, Paris or SaoPaulo.

Fired Up and Aflex Hoseboth took part in the ThoughtExchange in Hong Kong,which is often seen as a gate-way to trade in China and theFar East.

The next phase of the initi-ative will see both firms mak-

ing their case to HSBC’s panelof experts. Two winners fromeach UK region will thenreceive up to £6m in lendingplus a financial reward of upto £120,000 each.

And one of the UK’sregional winners will becrowned overall BusinessThinking winner and see theirfinancial reward doubled.

Fired Up is based at StThomas’s Road and also has afactory in Zhongshan, south-ern China. The group makesfires, fireplaces, kettles,hairdryers and other domesticappliances.

The group sells its productsin more than 50 countries withexports accounting for 20% ofits £13m turnover. Its brandsinclude Corby trouser presses,

Adam fires and fireplaces,Brevanti wine coolers, Armcofire and security systems andEndeva kettles.

The company employs 95people in Huddersfield and230 in Zhongshan, where ithas capacity to take the work-force up to 500. It expects itssales in China itself to soonaccount for 25% of turnover.

Speaking about the trip toHong Kong, Fired Up chair-man Richard Kaye said: “Wehave been in China forsix-and-a-half years and wehave barely scratched the sur-face. Connections, are veryimportant and establishingrelationships is also veryimportant.

“We identified some peoplewhen we moved to China and

said: ‘We are going to befriends with these people.’ Wemade a very deliberate ploywith some people to befriendthem.

“Managing people in Chinais also very different. You havegot to be prepared to put asidean awful lot of your timethere.

“A meeting that might take20 minutes of your time in theUK can take three times aslong in China. There is mutualprocess and there is a muchgreater need for consensusaround the table.”

Aflex Hose Ltd, whichrecent ly expanded into28,000sq ft of space atArmytage Road, employsmore than 200 staff at itsSowerby Bridge headquarters

and at the new Brighouse site.It has been manufacturinghigh quality hose for the pro-cess industries since 1973.

The company makes andsupplies hosing for global cus-tomers in sectors such aspharmaceuticals, chemicalsand the automotive industry.

General manager TonySedgewick-Logan took part ina series of round table talkswith local and internationalbusiness leaders, includingvisits to local Hong Kongcompanies.

He said: “My visit to HongKong opened my eyes. Themessage was loud and clearthat Asian countries want tobe associated with premiumbrands and success. Aflex canoffer this.

“The HSBC staff under-stood my requirements andneeds to open up new markets.They gave me concise adviceand they let me speak topeople who were experiencedin my required areas.

“All this has given me thekey to go forward with theexpansion of Aflex into theAsian markets”.

He added: “The HSBCBusiness thinking initiativehas been great for Aflex Hoseso far and we have really highhopes for the next stages.

“The backing of HSBChighlights what a fantastic jobwe have been doing and cre-ates great pride and confid-ence in the future of localmanufacturing.”

■ GOOD THINKING:Richard Kaye, above, ofFired Up Group, and TonySedgewick-Logan, farright, of Aflex Hose, inHong Kong

It’s all plain sailing!

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

Solicitors for business inYorkshire